I'm scouring the Netflix top 10 every weekend, so I can say more confidently than most that a lot of crap movies make the ranking. When you’re hunting for something to watch, sometimes the most buzzworthy movies are the ones that disappoint most.

Some of the best movies hiding in the streamer’s library are the ones flying under the radar, and I’ve got three thrillers worth your time that deserve a lot more attention than they’re getting right now. Whether you’re in the mood for a chilling game of cat and mouse with a serial killer a la "Red Dragon," Jake Gyllenhaal acting his ass off and spiraling out of control in "Nightcrawler," or an unhinged creature feature that's better than it has any right to be (more on that hear-me-out below), these movies deliver.

These three very different kinds of thrillers are well worth your time, and none of them needs a spot in Netflix’s top 10 to earn a place on your watchlist tonight.

'Red Dragon' (2002)

Anytime I get a chance to plug the Hannibal series for work, you can bet your ass I'm taking it. Sure, it's no "The Silence of the Lambs," but "Red Dragon" doesn't get enough flowers for Anthony Hopkins and Edward Norton's killer chemistry and performances. Based on Harris’ novel of the same name, this prequel steps back to the infamous cannibal's first years in jail after FBI profiler Will Graham (Edward Norton) brought him to justice.

Putting Hannibal behind bars nearly cost him his life, and his peaceful retirement is broken when a new serial killer called the Tooth Fairy starts running amok. When the trail goes cold, Will turns to the good ol' doctor for help, which naturally comes at a price. Quid pro quo and whatnot. If you liked this one, please know that the phenomenal "Hannibal" TV show with Mads Mikkelsen is also on Netflix, and it treads a lot of the same territory with some gorgeously gorey shots I still talk about now, a decade after it wrapped.

Watch "Red Dragon" on Netflix now

'Nightcrawler' (2014)

One of Jake Gyllenhaal's most criminally underrated films, "Nightcrawler" is a neo-noir thriller that's surprisingly thought-provoking and positively oozing with style. Gyllenhaal stars as Lou, a down-on-his-luck amateur cameraman who rises to the top filming violent accidents before anyone else can. The more grisly the footage, the more news stations will pay for it.

Lou quickly finds his footing, prowling the streets of Los Angeles after dark to suss out increasingly violent and disturbing stories. Simply put, this is Gyllenhaal’s finest performance, and the fact that the Academy overlooked him for an Oscar nomination remains a crime in itself. At least writer-director Dan Gilroy earned a nod for his razor-sharp screenplay. Lou is a deeply flawed character, and his spiral out of control will stick with you long after the credits roll. Netflix says the last day to watch it is Halloween, so hit play before "Nightcrawler" hops to another streamer!

Watch "Nightcrawler" on Netflix now

'Cocaine Bear' (2023)

What is Cocaine Bear about? Dude, it's exactly what it says on the tin. A bear tweaked out of its gourd tears through anything and everything after getting into a drug dealer's stash in the woods. It's inspired by a stranger-than-fiction news story from the '80s, and honestly is better than it has any right to be.

An entertaining hodgepodge of over-the-top violence and dark humor, it doesn't ever taking itself too seriously, and I think that's why it works. In our review, we said: "The best compliment I can give Cocaine Bear is that it feels imbued with some of the Wet Hot American Summer energy, which makes sense when Elizabeth Banks directed it." For a solid B-movie that's great to laugh at, you can't do much better than Cocaine Bear.

Watch "Cocaine Bear" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• Netflix top 10 movies — here’s the 3 worth watching right now (October 17-18)
• This Netflix quiz is brutally hard: Can you name these hit shows from cropped screenshots?
• 3 cult classic horror movies just landed on Netflix — including a gothic romance starring Jessica Chastain and Tom Hiddleston

Halloween is almost upon us (I know, I can hardly believe it either), and the best streaming services already have plenty of treats in the form of great new movies to curl up on the couch with. But when you're spoiled for choice, narrowing down what to watch next can become a headache.

The Netflix Top 10 can help you cut through the noise quickly, but not everything that makes the cut is worth you're time. Case in point, "Twilight" and "Ice Age" are in the ranking this Saturday. To help you skip the scrolling and get to streaming, I'm here every weekend highlighting which movies in the Netflix top 10 actually live up to the hype.

This weekend, that includes Tyler Perry's latest drama that'll leave you reaching for the tissues, a new crime thriller from Ben Affleck, and a dark comedy thriller starring Chris Evans as a washed-up actor and Anya Taylor-Joy as a Doomsday cult leader.

None of these picks fit the vibe? No worries: Our guide to everything new on Netflix this month has plenty more recommendations on what to watch. So without further ado, here are the three must-watch movies in Netflix’s top 10 this weekend. Enjoy!

This article is based on Netflix's top 10 movies list in the U.S. as of 10:30 a.m. ET on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Best movies in the Netflix top 10

'Tyler Perry's Doing Life' (2026)

Netflix subscribers have a well-established appetite for anything Tyler Perry put out, so it’s hardly surprising that his latest, "Doing Life," is sticking around in the top 10 for a third weekend. Naomi Baker stars as Anika, a single mom and correctional officer trying to get her life back on track when she reconnects with Carousel (Jay Reeves), a reformed ex-con who once saved her during a prison riot.

Of course, sparks fly, things get messy, and the trademark Tyler Perry melodrama kicks into high gear. "Doing Life" might not be winning over critics, but Perry's track record on Netflix speaks for itself. If you're in the mood for an emotional crowd-pleaser to curl up with on the couch this weekend, this tearjerker should fit the bill.

Watch "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" on Netflix now

'Animals' (2026)

Crime thrillers are another one of Netflix's bread and butter, though it's rare to see one hold the #1 spot for two weeks straight. Ben Affleck directs and stars in "Animals," a riveting kidnapping thriller about a Los Angeles mayoral candidate whose polls numbers and marriage are flagging hard. When their son is abducted, he and his wife (Kerry Washington) race to find a way to pay the ransom to get him home safely.

With time running out, the couple run headfirst into one impossible situation after another as things spirals out of control. Steven Yeun co-stars as a campaign manager, while Gillian Anderson ("The X-Files," "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma") plays Dayle, a mysterious fixer enlisted to help the family get their son back. Washington and Anderson add some serious star power to the mix, making this a solid choice when you’re in the mood for an easy, popcorn-fueled watch on a lazy afternoon.

Watch "Animals" on Netflix now

‘Sacrifice' (2026)

With a stacked cast that includes Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek, "Sacrifice" is a dark comedy thriller that takes aim at celebrity culture. Evans stars as movie star Mike Tyler, who's trying to rebuild his reputation after a very public meltdown the previous year. Hoping to score some positive press, he attends a climate charity event, only to find himself in way over his head when a group of Doomsday cult wackos led by Joan (Taylor-Joy) takes the attendees hostage.

Things get even messier when Mike realizes Joan is just his type, even after she orders him to throw himself into an active volcano to save the world. The film's eat the rich commentary can feel a little half-baked, but there are enough genuinely funny moments to keep things interesting. Malkovich is another highlight as Joan's father, though he goes underutilized in my opinion.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix now

Netflix top 10 movies right now

1. "Animals" (2026)
2. "Preach, Pray, Love" (2025)
3. "Sacrifice" (2026)
4. "Ice Age" (2002)
5. "Tyler Perry's Doing Life" (2026)
6. "Twilight" (2008)
7. "The Breadwinner" (2026)
8. "Ice Age" (2002)
9. "Norm: The Tale of Norm MacDonald" (2026)
10. "Cocaine Bear" (2023)

More from Tom's Guide

• 'Seemingly Perfect Family' hits No. 1 on Netflix, but viewers hate it — here are 3 better thrillers to watch instead
• 7 best new movies to stream this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+, and more (October 10-11)
• How to get Netflix for free

For as long as I can remember, I treated the standard dual-layer kitchen sponge like a one-size-fits-all scrubbing block.

My routine was simple: squirt soap onto the soft side, give it a quick squeeze to foam up, and then use whichever side felt right for the job. If a dish had stuck-on food, I flipped straight to the abrasive scouring side and scrubbed.

It wasn't until I noticed the dark coating flaking off my favorite frying pan that I looked into how these everyday sponges are actually constructed. It turns out that two-tone design isn't just cosmetic, and mixing up the sides is a fast track to ruining your kitchenware.

What the two layers are actually made of

While the classic yellow-and-green sponge is the most common, dual-layer sponges come in various color combinations. That two-tone construction consists of two completely different cleaning tools bonded together, each engineered for specific materials and tasks.

The soft base layer, typically made from synthetic polyurethane foam or natural cellulose wood pulp, is a porous material designed for maximum absorption and foam creation. It holds soap and water efficiently while remaining soft, flexible, and completely non-abrasive against delicate surfaces.

Bonded to it is the abrasive top layer, or scouring pad. Made from dense synthetic fibers, such as nylon or polyester, often infused with abrasive mineral particles, this side is engineered strictly for heavy-duty scraping to break down stubborn, burnt-on food residue.

The mistake everyone makes

I've always relied on the rough scouring side as my shortcut for stubborn grease, using it on almost every dish in the sink. It wasn't until I noticed the flaking coating on my non-stick pans that I realized the synthetic fibers in heavy-duty scouring pads act like micro-sandpaper, slicing through Teflon and ceramic coatings until food begins sticking permanently.

That abrasive friction does subtle damage elsewhere, too. On stainless steel, plastic containers, and glassware, it leaves fine scratch patterns that dull the finish and create micro-grooves where bacteria can hide.

Plus, scrubbing directly with the scouring side is a huge waste of money. Because those dense fibers can't trap air or hold water like the porous cellulose base, soap drains right through without lathering, forcing you to use twice as much dish soap for every load.

How to use each side correctly

To protect my kitchenware and make my sponges last twice as long, I started following a strict rule of surface matching.

Now, I reserve the soft layer exclusively for items that scratch easily — including non-stick and ceramic-coated pans, glassware, plastic Tupperware, seasoned cast iron skillets, and wiping down smooth countertops or stainless appliances.

I save the scouring side strictly for uncoated, durable surfaces that need real muscle, like uncoated stainless steel pots, baked-on casserole dishes, oven grates, and outdoor grill burners.

More from Tom's Guide

• How to clean glass windows with vinegar — without leaving streaks or lint behind
• I had no idea clothespins had a hidden feature — here's what the two holes are actually for
• Why your stainless steel appliances still look smudged — and the technique that fixes it

Netflix has no shortage of hit shows, from buzzy dramas and twisty thrillers to binge-worthy comedies that take over the group chat. Chances are, you’ve watched at least a few of these streaming sensations. But would you recognize them from just a tiny slice of the screen? For this quiz, I’ve cropped screenshots from 10 of Netflix’s biggest hits and left out most of the clues.

Your mission: Figure out which show each image comes from. A distinctive outfit or a detail lurking in the background could be all you need. Some answers may jump out immediately, while others will put your TV knowledge to the test. Ready to prove you’re a Netflix expert? Let’s see how many you can name!

If you’re still in the mood for a movie challenge, there’s plenty more to test your knowledge on. Try matching 10 stars to their classic '80s movies.

If you enjoyed this quiz, then please bookmark our Quiz section and visit our Polls page to have your say on all manner of topics, from the best Hollywood movies to the latest Apple releases.

More from Tom's Guide

• I’m testing your ’70s movie knowledge with these 10 tricky questions
• Think you’re a horror movie expert? See if you can get 100% on our quiz
• How well do you remember ‘80s sci-fi movies?

The Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 brings a gorgeous OLED screen and improved ergonomics, but the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ delivers a massive leap in raw performance and battery life. Is MSI’s sheer power worth the extra $500?

Thanks to RAMageddon, the Windows gaming handheld market has officially entered its ultra-premium era. If you’re looking to upgrade from your Steam Deck to something with real horsepower, the newly launched Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 ($1,299) and the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ ($1,799) are likely at the top of your list.

Both devices cost more than some actual gaming laptops, but they target two very different types of gamers. Asus is banking on that stunning 1080p OLED display and refined ergonomics, while MSI is flexing the raw power and extreme battery efficiency of its Intel Arc G3 Extreme architecture and 32GB of RAM.

But with a massive $500 price gap between them, which one actually deserves your money? I’ve stress tested both handhelds while traveling across the globe to find out.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Specs

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Price and value

Let’s address the elephant in the room: neither of these are cheap.

The ROG Xbox Ally X20 has received a $300 markup from the previous Ally X, which Asus attempts to justify with its translucent design, OLED screen, rubberized grips and re-engineered buttons. The internals remain the same.

MSI’s Claw 8 EX AI+ pushes the boundary of portable pricing even further — launching at $1,799. For that extra $500, you are getting a bigger 1920x1200-pixel display (only IPS though), that Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip and 32GB of RAM (over 24GB in the X20).

Winner: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20. While $1,299 is steep, it’s less than $1,799.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Design and display

Asus has taken a massive leap ahead in the visual department. The ROG Xbox Ally X20 is armed with a beautiful 1080p OLED display that’s bright and vivid, and makes games explode off the screen in a flash flood of color.

And this is the most comfortable handheld you can use with its smaller size making it easier to reach buttons, rubberized grips reducing hand fatigue, tactile improvements to the buttons and bumpers, and that rotatable D-Pad for either 4-way control for platformers or 8-way for fighting games. Asus has really thought of everything here.

That’s not to say MSI hasn’t with the Claw 8 EX AI+ — the company was pretty clear in telling me its form factor is inspired by the Xbox controller too. It feels nice in the hand, and that 8-inch 1200p display is bigger. But it’s IPS, lacks HDR, and the bigger size may not be for everyone.

Winner: Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20. The OLED screen and superior physical ergonomics give it the win here.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Gaming performance

This is where the tables flip and MSI really starts to show its teeth. Quite frankly, the Claw 8 EX AI+ absolutely bullies the Ally X20 in demanding titles, both at the full wattage and when dialed back to half the power too.

Take Red Dead Redemption 2 on Medium settings at 1080p. The X20 manages 22.8 FPS at 35W. The Claw at the same power hits 63.8 FPS. Even when you restrict it to just 17W, it still pumps out 48.8 FPS — more than double the performance at a fraction of the power.

The real differentiator is the raw grunt of that Intel Arc G3 Extreme chip surpassing the AMD Ryzen Z2 AI Extreme, the raised roof of RAM to 32GB (probably causing that jump in price), and the XeSS upscaling capabilities embarrassing AMD’s current version of FSR on handhelds.

For example, Cyberpunk 2077 can run at a respectable 30-40 FPS if you tweak the settings on the Ally X20 and use FSR, but in our lab benchmarking, it chugs at an unplayable 11.8 FPS natively. The Claw, meanwhile, hit 36.2 FPS at 35W, but with XeSS upscaling and multi-frame generation set to 4X, that goes to a staggering 171.5 FPS.

Winner: MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. There’s no better way to say this — MSI just dominates here.

Asus ROG Xbox Ally X20 vs MSI Claw 8 EX AI+: Battery life

Raw power usually drains a battery fast, but Intel clearly didn’t get that memo. MSI has seemingly worked magic with this chip in the Claw 8 EX AI+

In our gaming battery rundown test, the ROG Xbox Ally X20 came just shy of three hours, which is fine — one of the stronger numbers when you look at past machines. But the MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ blew past it at over four hours.

That’s a difference between your device dying mid-flight and actually finishing your gaming session. And considering the MSI can throttle down to 17W and still out-perform the Asus in many titles, its endurance is unmatched.

Winner: MSI Claw 8 EX AI+. An extra hour and 20 minutes is huge.

Verdict: Which should you buy?

So awkwardly, this is a tie. But that also highlights two very distinct audiences here in deciding who wins.

If you're an immersion junkie: Looking for the best screen and ergonomics, and you mostly play less pressuring AAA titles and indies? The ROG Ally X20 is the better buy. You save $500, get one of the best OLED screens ever put on a handheld, and holding it feels superb.

If you’re a performance purist: Want to play AAA titles smoothly wherever you are? The MSI Claw 8 EX AI+ earns its exorbitant price tag. Intel’s Arc G3 Extreme delivers performance that Asus simply cannot touch. Add in a massive 4+ hour gaming battery life, and the MSI Claw proves that sometimes, paying a premium actually buys you a true generational leap in handheld gaming.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 (2026) like I was a student — its gaming, creator and AI performance is huge, but it comes at a cost
• I gave the Steam Machine 3 stars at launch — but a game-changing update and this 1TB storage hack has me thinking differently
• I tested DLSS 5 in NBA 2K27 on a mid-range gaming laptop — it's the future of photorealistic graphics, but there's a catch

"Flight" is an important milestone in my Denzel Watchathon. It marks the end of a drought for the legendary actor and the beginning of a return to form.

Of course, this is a debatable claim in itself. Yes, "Flight" was Denzel Washington's first Oscar-nominated performance since he won for "Training Day" at the 74th Academy Awards. That 11-year gap between nominations is the longest of Denzel's career; the next-longest gap between Oscar-nominated performances was the seven years between "Malcolm X" and "The Hurricane." Since "Flight," he's been nominated a further three times.

But while those are indisputable facts, subjectively, some would argue Denzel put in a few of his best performances ever during that 11-year gap. "Man on Fire," "The Manchurian Candidate," and "American Gangster" notably all fall in that drought. In a poll we ran earlier this year, our readers even declared "Man on Fire" Denzel's best performance, upsetting "Training Day" for the top spot.

Regardless of whether Denzel was at a "low point" of his career or not, though, what cannot be denied is that his performance in "Flight" is worthy of its Oscar nomination. It's a nuanced performance that requires him to be a functioning alcoholic while transitioning from a borderline action-star aviator at the start of the movie to a cornered, broken man as the film enters its second and third acts. It's a must-watch and worth every penny to do so.

If you want to watch this movie before you read on, you'll want to buy or rent it from YouTube. It's also available on Amazon, but right now it's $2 cheaper through YouTube or Google Play. Unfortunately, "Flight" is not currently on any of the best streaming services.

'Flight' is a complex disaster movie/legal drama hybrid

"Flight" is very loosely inspired by real events. In fact, it makes no claim in its marketing to be based on a true story. But the events of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 did play a part in the crafting of this story, according to John Gatins, whose screenplay for "Flight" was also nominated for an Oscar.

Denzel stars as Whip Whitaker, a veteran airline pilot for SouthJet Air and, as we see in the opening moments of the movie, a drunk and an addict. Given that he's about to fly a commercial airliner from Orlando to Atlanta, it feels like a problem when we see him drinking, smoking and doing lines of cocaine before getting in the captain's chair of Flight 227.

This builds a baseline of tension that ramps up once we learn this isn't going to be a normal flight. Whip will need to navigate this plane through an intense rainstorm; a tricky task in normal conditions, let alone when you're high as a kite.

But things quickly take a turn for the worse. Whip makes it out of the storm only to discover a mechanical failure causing the plane to enter an uncontrolled descent. Now, he has to do a Sully Sullenberger impression and crash-land a plane, all while still being very much drunk; he's even had a few extra vodkas on the plane once he cleared the initial storm.

I won't spoil some of the finer points of this action sequence, but suffice it to say it's incredible. It will have you on the edge of your seat, just waiting for the ultimate disaster.

The remarkable thing about "Flight," though, is that this is just the first act of the movie. Most of the movie is tonally disparate from this action thriller set piece. The rest of the movie transforms into a moving character study that borders on a legal drama.

Upon recovering from the crash, Whip is now forced to face the reality of his situation: he may have been a hero for landing the plane, but his alcoholism may leave him the fall guy for a mechanical failure. He did something essentially no other pilot could manage, and yet because he was drunk at the controls, he could face life in prison for manslaughter.

That sets up the moral conundrum of "Flight." Whip is wrong. He was drunk. He shouldn't be allowed to go unpunished. And yet, none of the lives lost in that crash are on him. All the lives saved are his to claim by a combination of luck, skill and (as the movie hammers you over the head with) divine intervention. So what is the right outcome if all these things are true?

Verdict: 'Flight' is Oscar-worthy

Ultimately, "Flight" does answer its moral quandary, albeit a bit neatly. It's not a happy ending for everyone, but you'd have to think that, in reality, things would be far messier than the conclusion of this movie lays out.

It's hard to imagine another actor successfully landing this plane, though. Denzel has to have the balance of a functioning alcoholic. He has to be a complete mess while letting nobody on the outside see it. He has to be able to switch from action star to emotional wreck with subtlety. He has to be charming enough for us to like him without undercutting the fact that he's arrogant and reckless enough that he had no qualms about flying a metal tube through rough skies at hundreds of miles an hour with 102 lives on the line, and he'd do it again without second thought.

Of course, it's Denzel. So he manages to do exactly that, and that's why it's no surprise his performance as Whip was Oscar-worthy. It's not the most grandiose performance of his. It doesn't have the same flash as his portrayal of Alonzo Harris in "Training Day" or Frank Lucas in "American Gangster. But it is just as worthy of being in conversation with those iconic roles.

If you've never seen it before, "Flight" is a must-watch. It was worth every penny I spent to stream it.

Buy or rent "Flight" on YouTube now

More from Tom's Guide

• 'Resident Evil' review: Officially the best video game movie of all time, but also Zach Cregger's worst
• 'The Weight' pits Ethan Hawke against Russell Crowe in a dark heist movie that's a must-watch
• How to get NFL Sunday Ticket for 2026-2027 season — Pricing, where to watch and more

Apple will reportedly unveil the long-rumored OLED MacBooks at an upcoming event on October 28. Bloomberg reporter and Apple tipster Mark Gurman (via MacRumors) shared details on X about the devices we can expect.

In addition to touchscreen OLED MacBooks, we might see new M6-powered Macs and a new iPad mini with an OLED panel and a repositioned front camera. These devices would complement the other Apple computers released this year, including the MacBook Neo, Mac Studio, and Mac mini.

Apple hasn’t officially announced an event or which devices it might unveil, so take all of this with a healthy dose of skepticism. That said, here are the rumors and reports we’ve heard about the devices Gurman claims we’ll see on October 28.

Touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro models

I’ve previously reported on the rumored MacBook Ultra, which will reportedly feature an OLED touchscreen and a new design. While MacBooks that fit that description should still launch, Mark Gurman says they'll be part of the MacBook Pro line.

Aside from the name, the OLED MacBook Pros are expected to be the thinnest and lightest MacBooks ever, which would be quite a feat if they outdo the MacBook Air in that regard. OLED panels are thinner and lighter than traditional displays, so that may be a factor—just as the iPad Pro M5 is thinner and lighter than a similarly sized iPad Air thanks to its OLED panel.

Rumors suggest Apple may abandon the notch in favor of an iPhone-style Dynamic Island. Some folks have never liked the notch on current MacBooks, so this upgrade would be welcome news if it’s true.

We don’t yet know which chips these 14- and 16-inch OLED MacBooks will use, but reports suggest they will use the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips from the existing MacBook Pros. Even if these are technically last-gen chips, they are more powerful than the M6 processor in the current Mac mini, so these machines won’t be compromised in that regard. That said, I expect these MacBook Pros will command a very steep price.

New iPad mini

Apple is also reportedly launching a new iPad mini model. The main upgrade expected for the company’s smallest tablet is an OLED display, making it the second iPad to feature that technology after the iPad Pro.

Rumors about the iPad mini’s refresh rate have been inconsistent. The current model tops out at 60Hz, but some believe an OLED panel could bump it to 120Hz, like the iPad Pro. While Mark Gurman says Apple has tested 60Hz and 120Hz versions, it hasn’t decided which to use.

Like the current iPad Air and iPad Pro models, the iPad mini is expected to receive a repositioned front-facing camera to support landscape video calls. The diminutive tablet is also rumored to get a redesigned speaker system. We also don’t know whether this model will be thinner and lighter or have smaller bezels than previous iterations.

M6 Macs

Apple debuted the M6 chip with the new Mac mini M6, but it’s safe to assume the company will also bring this processor to its MacBooks. If Gurman’s report is accurate, we could see an entry-level 14-inch MacBook Pro with M6 at this October 28 event. We’re not sure if this will keep the same design as existing MacBook Pros.

Similarly, Apple could unveil a new M6-powered iMac. That’s all the report says, so it’s anyone’s guess if this all-in-one will feature an updated design or other new features beyond a spec bump.

While on the topic of the M6 chip, Gurman says Apple won’t develop any M6 Pro, M6 Max, or even M6 Ultra processors. Apple reportedly wants to pivot more toward AI and better graphics performance. To that end, the company plans to focus its efforts and resources on developing M7 chips sooner—which means skipping higher-end M6 processors.

Outlook

With this Apple event reportedly happening on October 28, we won’t have to wait long to see whether any of these rumored new devices are real. That said, Apple tends to release new Macs and iPads around that time of year, so don’t be surprised if it launches new devices. Stay tuned for more updates as we hear them!

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo pre-orders LIVE — latest stock updates and shortest wait times
• Apple 'Welcome home' event RECAP
• I tested the Mac Studio M5 Ultra — and it’s the best kind of overkill

The Brooks line-up now has more ghosts than an episode of Scooby-Doo, but if I were only going to keep one of the Ghost 18, Ghost Max 4 and Ghost Amp, it would definitely be the Amp.

It’s exactly the type of shoe Brooks needed to modernize the Ghost and its array of daily trainers, with the Ghost Amp livelier and more versatile than the various Ghosts and Glycerins you can buy.

I enjoyed using the shoe for daily runs at easy, steady paces, with the new DNA Hype midsole foam and improved forefoot rocker making the Ghost Amp feel smooth and energetic.

However, in its category, the Brooks Ghost Amp competes with some of the best running shoes available, and there are options I’d buy ahead of it, like the bouncier Asics Novablast 6 or the lighter Puma Deviate Pure Nitro.

Brooks Ghost Amp review: Price and availability

The Brooks Ghost Amp launched in July 2026 and costs $150 in the U.S. and £135 in the U.K., which is the same price as the Brooks Ghost 18.

It’s a good value shoe that comes in at around the same price as many of the most popular daily trainers, including the Asics Novablast 6, Nike Pegasus 42 and Hoka Clifton 11.

Brooks Ghost Amp review: Design and fit

The Ghost Amp is currently available in seven colors, including the light blue design I tested. There's a wide version as well as the standard, and I found it fit me well in my normal running shoe size.

One big difference between it and the Ghost 18 is that the Ghost Amp has a 6mm drop from heel to toe, instead of the Ghost’s traditional 10mm.

The stack height is 36mm at the heel and 30mm at the forefoot, so the Ghost Amp isn't as maxed out as many daily trainers these days, which have 40mm of foam or more at the heel.

It weighs 9.3oz in my US men’s size 10, which is 1.4oz lighter than the Ghost 18 in my size. It’s not a featherweight, but for a daily trainer with a padded upper and thick outsole, the Ghost Amp is impressively light.

Upper

The Ghost Amp’s upper is quite a thick knit material with plenty of padding around the collar and tongue. It has a stiff internal heel counter to add more support at the back of the shoe.

I prefer a more minimal upper myself, but the Ghost Amp was comfortable and held my foot securely during runs, and it retains the plush step-in feel expected of the Ghost and Glycerin lines.

Midsole

The Ghost Amp uses a new midsole foam called DNA Hype, which is a supercritical material made from a blend of PEBA and EVA foams.

It’s not as springy as the DNA Gold foam used in some Brooks shoes, which is made entirely of PEBA, but it’s livelier than the EVA midsole on the Ghost 18.

The Ghost Amp also introduces Brooks’ SpringRamp tech in the forefoot, which is a section of firmer foam designed to add more propulsion to your toe-offs.

Outsole

While it doesn’t have a full outsole, a thick layer of rubber covers most of the forefoot and heel on the Ghost Amp, and I have no concerns about its grip or durability after testing.

It’s not quite as thick and extensive an outsole as the Ghost 18, but the trade-off is worth it to have the lighter shoe, as there’s still plenty of rubber on the bottom of the Amp.

Brooks Ghost Amp review: Running performance

I used the Ghost Amp as part of my running shoe rotation for a couple of weeks of marathon training, mainly doing easy, steady daily sessions in the shoe, along with some strides.

I’ve been testing Ghost and Glycerin shoes for a decade, and while they are always solid, reliable options, the Ghost 18 felt a little dated when I tested it this year.

The Ghost Amp is the change the line needed, with the livelier midsole foam, lower drop, and more rockered feel bringing it up to date and giving it a more versatile ride than the Ghost 18.

While it’s not a pure speedster, I found that running at a steady or tempo pace in the Ghost Amp felt smooth and natural, and it’s also comfortable for long easy runs.

The foam isn't as soft and springy as some, though, and it would be great to see Brooks release a shoe like this with a full PEBA midsole rather than the EVA/PEBA blend used here.

It brings something fresh to the Brooks lineup, but the ride isn’t as fun or versatile as some rivals from other brands. The forefoot is also a tad thin on the Ghost Amp, so it isn't as comfortable in that area over long distances as a shoe like the Novablast 6, for example.

That said, one advantage of the slightly firmer material and lower profile is that the Ghost Amp feels naturally stable and is more supportive than some lightweight daily trainers in this area, like the Adidas Adizero Evo SL.

Should you buy the Brooks Ghost Amp?

The Brooks Ghost Amp is a good daily trainer and would be my pick from the brand’s lineup, unless you want the most cushioned ride possible, in which case the Brooks Glycerin Max 2 is worth the upgrade.

Outside of Brooks, however, there are several shoes I’d go for first, starting with the Asics Novablast 6, which is more comfortable and just as light and versatile as the Brooks, or the Puma Deviate Pure Nitro, another great all-rounder.

The Adidas Evo SL or Dynafish Xiaonian are also good options for those seeking a daily trainer that can handle fast runs well in particular.

I always prefer the Hoka Clifton Pro, which is a bit softer and more cushioned than the Ghost Amp, with a similar rockered ride and good stability, though a bit pricier.

It’s great to see Brooks move the Ghost in this direction, though, and I’m excited to see what happens with the future of the Amp, but right now it’s not topping my to-buy list for daily trainers.

I've reviewed so many earbuds and headphones that I've lost count. Last time I checked, it was somewhere around fifty. That's 5-0. Yep, I've put so many earbuds in my earholes that it's a marvel I still wake up excited to test more.

But because I've reviewed so many, I know which are the best earbuds, and which aren't worth your time. And really? Most of the "best" earbuds are below $300. Some of them are well below $300.

I'll die on this hill: no one should be spending over $300 on Bluetooth earbuds. No, not even the Sony WF-1000XM6 ($330). No, not even the Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 ($499). No, not even the Noble Fokus Prestige Encore ($699). Hear me out.

Specs compared

Here are some of the most memorable earbuds I've reviewed, from cheapest to most expensive. Notice anything?

As you can see, the best-performing ANC earbuds are the AirPods Pro 3, Bose QC Ultra 2nd Gen, Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro, and Sony XM6. While all other earbuds we've tested have at least acceptable ANC, no other brand really comes close to the big names. And Bose? The best. Dr. Bose literally invented ANC. (No, seriously. That's not an aphorism. Literally.)

I'm not going to walk you through the objective specs like IP ratings, Bluetooth codecs, and battery life. The numbers speak for themselves.

Let's chat about the most important spec: sound quality. Of course, sound quality is an inherently subjective criterion. What one person loves, another will think is mediocre, and vice versa.

I am extremely open-minded when I analyse sound quality. I accept that some people prefer bass — like the Soundcore Space 2 Pro — and some people prefer neutral tuning — like the Meze 99 Classics 2nd Gen. I don't mark down audio products for a bassy signature unless it negatively affects the overall listening experience, and vice versa. However, I do explicitly note where each product excels and falls behind, so you get a holistic view before buying.

But here's an opinion I have yet to be disproved: serious audiophiles will have multiple earbuds/headphones for different use cases. Out and about? Wireless earbuds or headphones. At-home listening? Wired headphones or wired earbuds.

Why I would never buy $300+ earbuds

So what about everyone else? I don't think you should spend over $300 on earbuds. I've used $4,000+ headphones, and I'm still happy with my 3-year-old, $250 AirPods. Every single day.

Super expensive Bluetooth earbuds just aren't worth it. Earbuds are tiny, ergo: loseable and less space for drivers.

I'm an audio reviewer, and I've been using my AirPods Pro 2 for over three years now. Am I going to upgrade? No. Heck, no! A) I'm poor, and B) I have headphones for deep listening sessions at home. My Bluetooth earbuds are for everything else. And honestly, my AirPods do everything I want and more.

Despite being four years old now, AirPods Pro 2 still sound creme de la creme. Bass is well-rounded and controlled; mids are melodic and vibrant; the treble is clear and bright without getting anywhere near tinny.

My love of the AirPods Pro 2 got me thinking. Are $500 earbuds much different?

Our Reviews Editor, Pete Wolinski, uses the $499 Bowers & Wilkins Pi8 as his daily drivers. When I asked him if the earbuds were worth it, he said, "I wouldn't buy these earbuds, in all honesty. I would buy Bowers headphones in a heartbeat though, as the build quality, comfort, and SQ all make it worthwhile. Especially the Px7 S3 on sale."

"The Pi8 have the reference tune, and it's classic Bowers: spacious, high fidelity, powerful but controlled bass." However, despite praising the sound quality, he said, "Judging, well, literally everywhere else, the Pi8 aren't worth it. ANC is passable but nowhere near what it could be for in-ear buds, and therefore nothing on the Apple/Sony buds."

But I'm not saying no one should spend more than $300 on certain audio products

As you'll see in the headline, I specifically wrote "Bluetooth earbuds". By all means, spend more than $300 on IEMs or headphones. Wireless earbuds, though? No! Save your money! Please!

Bluetooth headphones cost more than earbuds — it's an occupational hazard — so I'll forgive spending even $500 on wireless cans. It makes more sense to me as an audio reviewer. Headphones like the $549 AirPods Max 2, $459 Technics EAH-A1000, and the "entry-level" $479 Bowers & Wilkins PX7 S3 are worth it.

The same goes for IEMs like the Noble Audio Iris ($699) or budget-friendly Meze Alba ($169). If you go wired, you can get much better sound quality for much less money. Of course, you don't get digital features like ANC, EQ adjustment, or a mic (for the most part), but IEMs aren't intended for that kind of use.

You can also get wired headphones for much, much less than Bluetooth earbuds — with ten times the sound. I've tested most of FiiO's budget lineup: FiiO JT7 ($119), FiiO JT3 ($69), FiiO FT1 Pro ($219). All of these provide textured, tangible sound quality and are much cheaper than AirPods.

So if you want reference sound quality, I would just buy some wired headphones or IEMs. For everything else — ANC, call quality, convenience — you can honestly get top-of-the-range earbuds for well under $300. The Cambridge Audio Melomania A100 ($129), AirPods Pro 3 ($249), or Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro ($249) will not disappoint.

More from Tom's Guide

• The Nothing Headphone (1) Pro prove the third time’s the charm as they’re the brand’s best headphones yet — but are they worth $399?
• I asked an audio engineer which earbuds he actually wears — and it’s not Apple, Bose or Sony
• Beyerdynamic DT 275 Pro review

“Whalefall” arrives in theaters this week, a new survival thriller flick that sees Austin Abrams play a diver swallowed by a sperm whale with just 60 minutes to find a way out. Yes, it’s a real movie, and the high-concept premise has immediately drawn my interest.

It’s also got me thinking about the best underwater thriller movies. Those intense flicks that have you holding your breath at home. So, to get you in the mood for “Whalefall,” I’ve rounded up five intense thriller movies that all take place (primarily) underwater. These range from modern shark films to a classic from James Cameron.

So long as you don’t suffer from thalassophobia (a fear of deep water), these five underwater-set thriller movies will have you hooked from the very first dive into the watery ocean depths.

‘The Abyss’ (1989)

Let’s start with the apex predator of underwater movies, James Cameron’s “The Abyss.” It’s slightly less intense than some of the picks below, often labeled as a sci-fi adventure, but it still centers on a cast of characters racing against the clock in the depths of the ocean. It was nominated for four Oscars, taking home Best Visual Effects. Sure, it doesn’t quite stick the landing, but “The Abyss” is remembered fondly for the journey, and it’s a trip worth taking.

When the USS Montant submarine sinks after an encounter with an unidentified submerged object, the U.S. government sends a team of Navy SEALs to a nearby underwater drilling platform to investigate. Once in the watery depths, the team uncovers something very unexpected. Plus, there’s human drama as an estranged husband (Ed Harris) and wife (Mary Elizabeth Mastrantonio) are part of the team trying to solve the mystery.

Watch "The Abyss" on Disney+ now

‘The Dive’ (2023)

“The Dive” is a classic example of a thriller mixing high-stakes plotting with an exploration of trauma. It’s also noteworthy for incorporating thrills both below the surface and back on dry land. It doesn’t have quite enough oxygen in the tank to keep its initial momentum up through to the credits, but it’s got plenty of palm-sweating sequences. And after watching you’ll almost certainly never want to go scuba diving ever again.

Sisters May (Louisa Krause) and Drew (Sophie Lowe), whose relationship is strained by a past fallout, head to a remote location for some recreation diving. Failing to spot the warnings about the dangers of collapse rock in the area, May is struck by underwater debris and becomes trapped almost 30 meters below the surface. With a limited oxygen supply, it’s all up to Drew to find a way to free her sister before it’s too late.

Watch "The Dive" on AMC+ now

‘Underwater’ (2020)

A quite literal underwater thriller, 2020’s “Underwater,” takes a leaf out of “The Abyss’” book by mixing the fear of the deep sea with the terror of discovering something sinister down in the depths. It was produced for a relatively modest $40 million (modest money in Hollywood terms), but really looks the part. Kristen Stewart stars in the leading role, alongside Vincent Cassel and Jessica Henwick. Due to its horror elements, it’s a great pick for Halloween, too.

Set in 2050, within a high-tech underwater drilling facility at the bottom of the Mariana Trench, the crew’s already dangerous job becomes life-threatening when an earthquake rocks the station, and water starts pouring in. As things become even more desperate, our heroes discover that an earthquake didn’t cause the disaster as they first assumed. Instead, they’re being attacked by something even more terrifying and otherworldly.

Watch "Underwater" on Prime Video now

‘47 Meters Down’ (2017)

“47 Meters Down” is a quintessential example of cheap thrills. If you really wanted to, you could absolutely rip this movie apart for its numerous failings, from poor scripting to a third-act narrative shift (which I won’t spoil) that feels very gimmicky. However, if you approach it with a slightly less critical eye, you can find a guilty pleasure watch that will keep your heart rate high.

Like the aforementioned “The Dive,” this survival thriller centers on two sisters, Kate (Claire Holt) and Lisa (Mandy Moore), who decide to go cage diving while vacationing in Mexico. All the signs point to the operators of the diving experience being far from up to code, but they proceed anyway. Not very long into the dive, the winch snaps; they’re trapped in a metal cage more than 150 feet underwater, and with several great white sharks circling.

Watch "47 Meters Down" on Starz now

‘47 Meters Down: Uncaged’ (2019)

The first “47 Meters Down” did well enough at the box office that a sequel was greenlit (and there’s even a third on the way). There wasn’t any narrative road left after the first flick, so fortunately, this is a standalone movie, with new characters. It doesn’t make the mistake of the recent “Fall 2: Deadpoint” by attempting to connect to the original in a very sloppy way. Quality-wise, it’s about on par. Definitely file this one as disposable, but shlocky shark-fueled fun

In “47 Meters Down: Uncaged,” four girls head to a lagoon that houses an underwater entrance to a submerged Mayan city. When one of them disturbs the ancient ruins, it causes a chain reaction that traps them within the structure. Being stuck underwater would be concerning enough, but there’s also great white sharks swimming around, and they’re hungry for human flesh.

Watch "47 Meters Down: Uncaged" on Starz now

'Last Breath' (2025)

The "Last Breath" is arguably the most intense movie on this list because it's based on a true story. It's a feature film remake of a 2019 documentary of the same name, both directed by Alex Parkinson. This commitment to portraying true events pays off as each dramatic moment hits harder when you know real people faced the nerve-shredding challenges on screen.

The thriller chronicles what happens when things go wrong in some of the harshest and most unforgiving conditions known to man. Chris (Finn Cole), David (Simu Liu) and Duncan (Woody Harrelson) are a diving team working to maintain an underwater gas line at the bottom of the North Sea. When a tech malfunction strands Chris with only a rapidly dwindling supply of oxygen, it’s a race against time to save him before he takes his final breath.

Watch "Last Breath" on Peacock now

More from Tom's Guide

• ‘Whalefall’ review: One of 2026’s best movies
• 5 thriller movies about being trapped
• 3 new to Netflix thriller movies to watch this week

They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and with the new ChatGPT Images 2.5 model, that certainly rings true. Rather than spending ages crafting long, complex text prompts to describe what you want, you can draw a rough outline directly in ChatGPT to set the scene, then refine the details as you go.

You can use this feature with a free account, and your sketches can be as basic or as elaborate as you wish. While some outputs might carry that AI polish, the results are impressively accurate.

Most importantly, the process gives you far greater control over the end result because you can make tiny adjustments to any element of the image.

More from Tom's Guide

• 5 tips to get the most out of ChatGPT from someone who uses it every day
• You can reverse image search using ChatGPT — here's how
• How to remotely log out of your ChatGPT account on all your devices

Fall is officially here, and with it comes a host of seasonal outdoor tasks like raking up leaves, washing down patio furniture, and taking care of general yard maintenance.

Concrete stains are notoriously hard to get rid of — not to mention unsightly. And if fall leaves have left dark stains on your concrete patio or driveway, you might be wondering how to remove them without damaging the stone. What’s more, the longer you leave them to pile up, the harder the stains will be to clean.

If, like me, you tend to rely on natural cleaning solutions for tough spots, I’ve recently learned that white vinegar is a no-no and should never be used on concrete.

So with that in mind, I asked the experts how to remove leaf stains on concrete without scratching it — and needing expensive repairs.

Why do leaves leave stains on concrete?

First of all, why do leaf stains appear on concrete? Since leaves are organic matter, once they sit on surfaces, they leave natural tannins or dyes.

Wet conditions during fall can cause these pigments to seep into the porous surface and bind to the concrete, leaving unsightly brown or dark discoloration.

What can I use to clean leaf stains on concrete?

So what’s the best way to tackle leaf stains without using harsh chemicals? Or if you don't own a pressure washer?

Concrete is porous so you’ll need to avoid highly acidic products such as white vinegar, which can penetrate the surface, causing long-term damage.

Fortunately, light surface stains can easily be removed with a specialized concrete cleaner or a mild neutral solution of dish soap and water.

“I would remove any leaves, organic matter, and debris before washing with a mild and concrete-compatible detergent and a soft nylon brush,” advises Isabella Flores, Cleaning Expert at Sparkly Maid San Diego. “Rinse well and repeat as needed.”

Another solution to deal with stubborn leaf stains is using hydrogen peroxide. Similar to bleach, hydrogen peroxide is known to easily tackle tough stains effectively. Perhaps the key difference is it’s non-toxic and fragrance-free.

“For leaf stains, use Hydrogen peroxide, 3-5% concentration. Spray or pour on the surface, let sit for 15 minutes, scrub with a stiff-bristled brush, and rinse with plenty of clean water,” adds Alex Varela, cleaning expert with Oakville Maids.

Be sure to test your cleaning solution on a small, hidden spot first to prevent surface damage or even making the stain worse. And always follow the product instructions, giving it the right time to work rather than frantically scrubbing harder.

As with all cleaning tasks, avoid mixing different types of products, as well as chemicals and other items around the home. And if in doubt, it’s best to contact a concrete specialist.

“Since concrete is porous, certain stains may seep below the surface and resist attempts to make an area blend in with the rest of a driveway, walkway, patio, or other concrete project,” advises Flores.

“In those cases, a concrete restoration professional may have other ideas for cleaning, resurfacing, or refinishing an area.”

Of course, keeping on top of clearing away leaves with a sturdy rake or a powerful leaf blower will help to minimize the risk of unsightly stains this fall — leaving you with less scrubbing work to do!

More from Tom's Guide

• I'm cleaning my patio furniture with this non-toxic ingredient — and it also works wonders on your grill
• Forget power washing: 5 budget-friendly hacks to get your backyard sparkling this spring
• 5 tips to keep your deck looking great

If you’ve been eagerly eyeing Amazon’s Echo Show or Google’s Nest Hub smart displays but wanted to wait and see what Apple had up its sleeve, you’re in luck: the wait is finally over. Unveiled earlier this week, the Apple HomeView officially launches on Friday, November 13.

Rumors of a smart speaker with a built-in display from Cupertino have been making the rounds online for years. Mark Gurman first reported all the way back in 2021 that Apple planned to expand its smart home lineup with a display-equipped device.

Then came reports of a smart display attached to a robotic arm that could swivel to follow you around the room, much like the now-discontinued Echo Show 10. Later, in 2023, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo predicted the new device would feature a 7-inch display.

Now, after five years of speculation, the Apple HomeView is real and could be in your house in time for the holidays. But is it actually worth buying? Here are five reasons to pick up the HomeView to control your existing smart home devices — or make it the starting point for your setup — along with two reasons you might want to skip it for one of the best smart displays instead.

Apple HomeView: Reasons to buy

Apple’s first smart display brings a lot to the table, especially if you’ve already bought into the company’s ecosystem. From its dual dashboard system and hands-free recipe navigation to deeper Siri AI integration and seamless FaceTime calls, here are the top features that make the HomeView worth adding to your smart home.

Smart home dashboard

One of the hardest things about living in a smart home is having to juggle between multiple apps on your phone. If you have one of the best iPhones, the Apple Home app helps simplify this, but the Apple HomeView takes things a step further.

The HomeView actually features two distinct dashboards: a shared household view and a personal one. When no specific person is in front of the screen, the device defaults to a shared layout displaying universal widgets for controlling smart lights and thermostats or viewing live security camera feeds. This is a great addition for guests, who can easily adjust a room’s lighting without having to guess the exact names of your individual smart lights.

Then, when one of up to six household members approaches the HomeView, the display switches to a personalized home screen using facial recognition. This second dashboard surfaces your private reminders, personal calendar events, and favorite accessory shortcuts pulled directly from your iPhone.

Siri AI

Just like how Amazon’s Echo Show smart displays got an upgrade to the AI-powered Alexa Plus earlier this year, HomeView relies heavily on Siri AI. Powered by Apple Intelligence and the built-in A18 chip inside HomeView, this new version of Siri is tailored to handle natural follow-up questions, mid-sentence corrections, and complex, multi-part commands without you having to repeat the wake word.

When paired with your iPhone or iPad, Siri AI can pull personal context from Apple’s first-party apps like Messages, Mail, Calendar, and Reminders. At the same time, Siri AI on HomeView uses broad world knowledge to deliver conversational answers instead of just redirecting you to a web link on your other devices.

When it comes to HomeView’s 7-inch display, Siri AI acts directly on what’s currently on screen. For instance, you can look at a live camera feed and ask it to unlock the front door — provided you have a compatible smart lock installed. Likewise, when looking at a recipe on your HomeView, you can ask Siri AI to add those ingredients straight to your shopping list.

Hands-free FaceTime, messages and calls

Having to prop your iPhone up every time you want to FaceTime with your grandparents gets old fast. Fortunately, Apple’s HomeView handles video calls with ease thanks to its 12MP camera equipped with Center Stage auto-framing. You can also start a FaceTime call completely hands-free just by asking Siri, which is especially handy if you’re mid-recipe and need to quickly check an ingredient with your parents.

Just like on a Mac, you can send iMessages directly from the HomeView. While you can type them out using the on-screen keyboard, you can also dictate them — and have incoming replies read back to you — using Siri AI. Phone calls work seamlessly, too; if your iPhone rings in another room, you can simply answer the incoming call directly on the smart display’s screen. Plus, HomeView doubles as an in-home intercom, letting you blast quick voice announcements like “dinner is ready” across every Apple device in the house.

Multi-person recognition

That 12MP camera on the front of HomeView isn’t just for video calls. While the new device lacks Face ID, it uses the camera to scan the faces of up to six people in your household. This is what allows your personal dashboard to automatically pop up when you walk up to the screen.

In a way, HomeView’s multi-person recognition feels like having separate user accounts on the shared family computer back in the day. Once the device recognizes you and verifies your unlocked iPhone or iPad is nearby on the same network, you can securely access your personal iMessages, calendar, and reminders. HomeView’s far-field microphones also support multi-user voice matching, allowing Siri AI to differentiate between family members and respond with personalized answers when different people talk to it across the room.

Step-by-step recipes

There’s no better place for a smart display than the kitchen, and Apple definitely considered this when designing HomeView. One of its best features is how you can take any online recipe you’ve opened in Safari and send it straight to the device. From there, HomeView strips away all the clutter and reformats the page into clean, step-by-step instructions with large text that’s easy to read across the room. It even uses proximity sensing to automatically scale the text size up or down based on how far away you're standing.

Since you don’t want to be touching a glass screen with messy hands, you can navigate the entire process using voice commands. Saying phrases like “Siri, next step” lets you advance the recipe without leaving greasy fingerprints on the display. HomeView’s recipes also feature embedded step timers, allowing you to set, label, and manage multiple concurrent timers hands-free while you cook.

Apple HomeView: Reasons to skip

As impressive as the HomeView is on paper, it isn't going to be the right fit for every home. Between its strict reliance on the iPhone and the steep additional costs required just to get a clean wall-mounted install, here are two major drawbacks you should keep in mind before picking one up.

iPhone required

Unlike Amazon’s Echo Show or Google’s Nest Hub devices which are platform agnostic, for the best experience with Apple’s HomeView, you’re going to need an iPhone or at least an iPad. In fact, without one, you can’t even set up a HomeView since you need a device running iOS 27.2 or later just to register it.

While there are households where iOS and Android co-exist, non-iPhone users won’t get anywhere close to the full HomeView experience. Without an iPhone or iPad, you don’t get access to the device’s personal dashboard since facial recognition won’t work — it only matches faces to active Apple IDs. Essentially, without an iPhone, you're stuck feeling like a guest in your own home.

A clean install costs even more

At $299, the standard Apple HomeView is already one of the most expensive smart displays on the market, sharing a price point with Amazon’s much larger Echo Show 15. However, if you want to wall-mount it — especially if you’re aiming for a sleek, wire-free installation — that $299 base price quickly balloons.

Unlike the tabletop model, the wall-mounted HomeView doesn't include a mount or a power supply in the box. Choosing the DIY route with Apple’s entry-level Power Mount USB-C adds $59 to your tab, pushing the total to $358. If you want a hardwired, flush-to-the-wall setup without visible cables dangling down to an outlet, the Power Mount AC Wired costs $79 extra — plus the additional cost of hiring a licensed electrician to wire it safely, which Apple recommends through a partnership with ADT.

Finally, if you want to run power and data over a single network cable, the Power Mount PoE costs an eye-watering $129 on top of the display, and that's before factoring in the cost of a PoE switch or professional installation.

More from Tom's Guide

• Apple HomeView is already discounted ahead of next month's release — here's how much you could save by pre-ordering
• Amazon Echo Show 15 vs Echo Show 21: which wall-mountable smart display should you buy?
• Apple's HomeView isn't reinventing smart displays — it's fixing what made me abandon my Amazon Echo Shows

The new Fitbit Edge is a follow-up to 2023’s Fitbit Charge 6, one of my favorite wearables and one of the best fitness trackers of all time. But is the Edge actually a worthy successor?

I’ve been wearing the Fitbit Edge for just over 24 hours, and three things are immediately clear. While I’ll save my hardcore test results and comparisons to the competition for the forthcoming review, here’s why the Fitbit Edge already has me impressed.

1. It borrows the Pixel Watch 5’s best health features

Google's Pixel Watch 5 is one of the best smartwatches for health and safety features thanks to groundbreaking tools like Loss of Pulse Detection, Breathing Emergency Alerts, and monthly insulin resistance/blood pressure trend reports.

Fortunately, you don't need to spend $399+ to unlock them. The new Fitbit Edge offers all these same features in a smaller, lighter, and perhaps most importantly, more wallet-friendly $179 package.

These features are in addition to other essentials, like continuous heart rate and body temperature monitoring, dynamic sleep and readiness scores, blood oxygen saturation (SpO2) and ECG readings, heart rate variability insights, and breathing rate/quality tracking.

The Edge also supports Google's AI-powered Health Coach for personalized training plans, nutrition insights, and deeper dives into sleep and workout recovery. It's part of the brand's Google Health Premium subscription, which will run $9.99 a month or $99 for the year.

Not sure if Google Health Premium is worth it for you? The Fitbit Edge comes with a three-month free trial, so you can try before you buy.

2. It’s just as comfy as its predecessor, dimensions be damned

Sometimes, specs can be deceiving. For example, on paper, the Fitbit Edge is taller, wider, thicker, and even a bit heavier than the Fitbit Charge 6. But on the wrist, you'd be hard-pressed to tell.

Despite a slight increase in case real estate, the Fitbit Edge is incredibly comfortable, just like its predecessor, and this is coming from a guy who strongly dislikes wearing any wrist-based wearable to bed. (Thank goodness for the best smart rings)!

There's also a good reason for the bigger case: the Fitbit Edge sports a 1.34-inch AMOLED screen, which is noticeably roomier and easier to interact with than the 1.04-inch display on the Charge 6.

3. Physical buttons > haptic buttons

While the Fitbit Charge 6 is one of my fitness trackers of the past three years, there's one design element I still loathe: the haptic button on the side of the case that vibrates (sometimes) when you press it.

Clearly, I'm not the only one who's anti-haptics, because Google ditched it for a proper clickable physical button on the Fitbit Edge, a small but meaningful user interface improvement I'm thrilled to see.

What are your thoughts on the new Fitbit Edge? Do you think it's a worthy replacement for the Fitbit Charge 6? Let me know below.

More from Tom's Guide

• Fitbit Edge first impressions: 5 reasons to buy (and 2 reasons to skip) Google's new fitness tracker
• Google Fitbit Edge vs Fitbit Air: Which should you choose?
• Exclusive: Inside the Pixel Watch 5's breathing emergency detection — and why it's like an 'airbag on your wrist'

If you rely on Apple Home to manage your smart home, iOS 27 is packing five key features into the app, led by two major upgrades that tackle long-standing user complaints: enhanced security camera intelligence and smarter notification management.

Powered largely by Apple Intelligence, these updates simplify how you monitor video footage and keep your lock screen clutter-free.

More from Tom's Guide

• You don’t need the $300 Apple TV 4K to get its best feature — just buy the new Siri remote
• I turned off this hidden iOS 27 setting and instantly fixed my iPhone’s battery drain
• iOS 27 has a hidden anti-scam setting — here’s why every iPhone user should turn it on

The iPhone Duo is officially available to pre-order, and that means we're one step closer to experiencing Apple's first foldable for ourselves. The fact that Apple is jumping into the world of foldable phones is a big deal, and it's practically guaranteed that other foldable phone makers will be watching the iPhone Duo with great interest.

By which I mean they're going to be looking for ways they can copy Apple and enhance their own foldable offerings. Phone development often seems like a cycle of companies constantly taking existing ideas and adapting them for their own devices. Apple does it, and in turn the iPhone's popularity means it's a popular target for plagiarists. Which has led to a shocking number of Android phones that feel like they're running a bootleg copy of iOS.

Needless to say, there are definitely some aspects of the iPhone Duo that will make their way to the foldables of the future. That's not necessarily a bad thing either, and here are the seven ways iPhone Duo could end up changing foldable phones for the better.

More wider foldables

We've already seen an influx of wider foldables ahead of the iPhone Duo's launch, and at least one wider non-folding phone, and that trend is likely to continue going forward. The last several years have seen phone companies tell us that bigger is better, but when it comes to foldables that might not necessarily be the case.

As we discovered with the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8, the passport-like design feels a lot better than the taller, book-ish shape of the Z Fold 8 Ultra. The slightly more compact nature of the phone also makes it more portable, and simpler to pull out and use — which has always been a point of contention with previous foldables. So, if foldable phone makers double down on using a similar design to iPhone Duo, I certainly won't be complaining.

Stylus support

The loss of stylus support on the Galaxy Z Fold 7 is something that Samsung foldable fans have been complaining about ever since — and I'm on their side. I'm a big proponent of the fact that tablets work best when you're able to use some sort of stylus alongside the touchscreen. Apple clearly recognized that with the iPhone Duo, and I suspect that Samsung (and others) will figure that out pretty quickly.

So far the only other foldables that offer stylus support are the Motorola Razr Fold and the Oppo Find N series — both of which have their own specialized foldable-friendly stylii. But since iPhone Duo supports the same Apple Pencil (USB-C) as most recent iPads, I wouldn't be surprised if future foldables supported a stylus that also works with other devices.

More under display cameras

Again, this is something that Samsung pulled with the Galaxy Z Fold 7, though in this instance I wasn't really mad about it. Under-display cameras don't have a good reputation for quality, and the fact Apple has emphasized that its own option is strictly for use with FaceTime and video calling apps suggests it hasn't found a way to deal with that yet.

If Apple keeps the camera limited to video calls, where quality is less of an issue compared to taking photos, then it might not be such a bad feature to have. It certainly doesn't take much away from the inner screen after all. And considering other phone companies have dabbled with under-display cameras in the past, this may well prompt them to try again — though there may be some guardrails.

After all, having video calls on a larger screen makes sense, but there's only so many ways you need to be able to take photos with your phone.

New foldable screen designs

There have been no shortage of attempts to eliminate the crease running down the center of a foldable phone's display, and that work will no doubt continue regardless of Apple's thoughts on the topic. However, the way Apple has designed its screens could lead to some changes elsewhere.

Most notably, Apple has utilized a "nano-texture" coating on the Duo's large display, which is designed to minimise glare, and offers a matte surface in contrast to the typical glossy phone screens we're used to. That screen is also built to be more durable and scratch-resistant, which is always a fear I have with foldable screens. It's different to the point that this could be something we see adopted elsewhere, even if non-folding phones retain the same designs they always do.

Better durability

Apple didn't invent the IP68-rated foldable, but there are too many companies like Samsung that still disregard dust resistance. On top of that, Apple seems to have done a lot to bolster the durability of its first foldable, offering materials and design choices that we don't see on ordinary iPhones anymore.

The nano-texture coating on the foldable display is one prominent example, since it's designed to improve scratch resistance and ensure the normally fragile screen is as well-protected as it can be. The frame is likewise made of titanium, a material that phone companies have dabbled with in the past but quickly dropped — likely over cost concerns.

I have a suspicion that we will be seeing an influx of titanium designs and other durability enhancements in the near future. Which I definitely will not complain about.

Vapor chamber cooling

Vapor chambers have been showing up more and more in recent years, especially in high performance phones like Samsung's Galaxy S series and Apple's iPhones. Performance makes heat, and vapor chambers help disperse that heat to keep the phones performing better for longer.

Sadly foldable phones didn't get that memo, so phones like the Z Fold 8 have the same performance capabilities and no way to move the generated heat around. iPhone Duo does not fall into that trap, and Apple even added hardware to help heat traverse the central hinge and radiate away more safely. That means the performance benchmarks could be a lot better than we're used to on other dual-screen devices.

It's not all down to the vapor chamber, and the sheer power of the A20 Pro will be doing a lot of heavy lifting. But since every little helps, it's likely that Apple's rivals will be considering throwing in their own vapor chambers on future models.

Magnetic wireless charging

Apple popularized magnetic wireless charging with MagSafe, but even when a standardized option became available for Android phone makers, very few of them actually bothered to sign on. Instead they pointed customers to special magnetic cases.

There was speculation as to whether the iPhone Duo would support MagSafe or not, but now we know it does even if the size of the Duo makes certain accessories attach a little awkwardly. Google, obviously, already supports Qi2 magnetic charging, but the other foldables out there? Not so much, and we've never really had a good excuse as to why.

Here's hoping that changes, though I will admit this might be more wishful thinking. After all, magnetic wireless charging has struggled to gain traction in recent years, despite the previous years of Apple support. So phone makers aren't always willing to copy everything.

More from Tom's Guide

• iPhone Duo: Here’s why an iPhone 18 Pro Max and MacBook Neo combo is the better buy
• iPhone Duo modes explained — 6 ways you can use Apple's new foldable
• iPhone Duo Geekbench scores leak, and Apple's foldable is about to leave Android rivals in the dust

Earlier this year, Capcom brought the modern Resident Evil trilogy (Biohazard, Village and Requiem) to the Nintendo Switch 2. And if three excellent Resi titles to play weren’t enough, how about six?

Capcom’s Switch 2 support this year has been phenomenal, and that continues with the acclaimed remakes of Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Resident Evil 4, all launching on Nintendo’s second-generation hybrid console this week (October 16).

These are three of the finest remakes ever made, bringing three unquestionable survival-horror classics into the modern age. They were already essential games on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, and that remains true with these new Nintendo Switch 2 versions.

I’ve now tested all three Resident Evil remakes on the Nintendo Switch 2 and compared them to the same games on the PS5 Pro. You won’t be surprised to hear there have been a few technical sacrifices, but the good news is that, overall, all three Resident Evil remakes remain as essential on Switch 2 as they are anywhere else.

Resident Evil 2

Resident Evil 2 kicked off the modern remakes in style. It set the blueprint, replacing the PS1 original's fixed camera with a third-person over-the-shoulder perspective that brings the horror into sharper focus. Plus, the iconic Raccoon City police department building has never been more unnerving, yet fun to explore.

On Switch 2, the game looks excellent. For starters, it runs at 60 fps even in handheld mode, and I strongly recommend enabling HDR. Texture quality takes a hit compared to the native PS5 version; this is most noticeable in character hair — a slight annoyance, since you spend the whole game looking at the back of Leon or Claire’s head!

Objects and environments in the distance also lose some detail, but up close they snap into focus. Crucially, I didn’t encounter any texture pop-in, even when quickly shifting my crosshair between in-game objects. Overall, it’s an impressive port of an already impressive game.

On the Nintendo Switch 2, you get the “Deluxe Edition” as standard, which includes a load of character costumes and a few extra weapons. It’s nice cosmetic DLC, but nothing substantial, and really, you’re going to play the whole game in Leon's cop outfit anyway.

Resident Evil 3

Resident Evil 3 is more of the same as Resident Evil 2, which makes sense; the second modern remake reportedly began as a DLC for its predecessor before being spun off into a separate release.

Everything I said above applies to Resi 3. It looks great and runs well (again, 60 fps, even handheld, is a boon). I should note that the Switch 2’s HD rumble is used to great effect in these remakes. The trigger jolts when you fire a pistol, which I found satisfying.

Resi 3 moves into larger city street environments, but I didn’t notice any reduction in image quality. The neon signs, flashing lights, and raging fires of a Raccoon City plunged into chaos all look great. But you do get a slightly cleaner look on the more powerful PS5 Pro, as expected; it's got beefier components.

The “problem” with Resident Evil 3 Remake (and I use that word loosely; it's still great) is baked into the core game, like its short length (an average playtime is a breezy six hours), and this 2020 remake removes several sections from the PS1 original.

Resident Evil 3 didn’t receive much in the way of post-launch DLC, so on Switch 2 you get the standard addition and a single cosmetic costume for each of its characters, Jill and Carlos. At least its smaller scale and scope are reflected in a lower price point.

Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 Remake is the best of the bunch for many Resi fans, a stunning reworking of one of the most influential video games in history.

Disappointingly, it’s also the most technically compromised of these new Switch 2 ports. In handheld mode, environment textures are noticeably downgraded compared to Resi 2 and Resi 3 on Switch 2. Even objects in close proximity are a little blurry, but they sharpen when you focus your crosshair on them. Plus, the fuzziness of Leon’s hair intensifies, and the problem extends to foliage, which is a frequent sight in Resident Evil 4’s initial rural village setting.

The framerate is mostly stable, though I’ve experienced occasional drops. I haven’t seen the adventure through to its conclusion on Switch 2. These might become more frequent in the game’s back half, when the action gets even more intense.

Still, it’s a perfectly playable port, even if the visual downgrades on the Switch 2 are apparent. You’re getting the Gold Edition as standard, which includes the must-play Separate Ways story DLC, The Mercenaries mode, and a long list of outfits and extras.

Which Resident Evil remake should you buy?

When I covered the modern Resident Evil trilogy arriving on Switch 2 in the spring, I cheated this question by saying you should get all three via the Resident Evil Generations Pack. Disappointingly, there’s no bundle here, though I am still tempted to say you should buy all three. Each remake is amazing and plays well on Switch 2.

However, if you’re pushing me for a definitive answer, Resident Evil 2 is the standout, given both the base game’s quality and its excellent transition to the Nintendo Switch 2. Resident Evil 4 is a close second, but the visual and performance downgrades are more noticeable. Resident Evil 3 isn’t far behind, but its short length and lack of incentive to replay see it settle for the bronze medal.

Overall, I’m thrilled that Capcom’s impressive Switch 2 support continues, and every modern Resident Evil game is now available on the platform. If six Resi games in a year aren’t enough for you, it’s been confirmed that next year’s RE: Code: Veronica remake is headed to Nintendo. The Switch 2 is rapidly becoming a Resi machine.

More from Tom's Guide

• Best Nintendo Switch 2 games in 2026
• I played all 3 modern Resident Evil games on Switch 2
• Capcom is keeping the Switch 2 alive right now

Spooky season is moving along at a steady clip, and the best streaming services are rolling out plenty of great new movies to keep us cooped up cozy inside this weekend. Whether you're in the mood for a healthy dollop of nostalgic magic or an edge-of-your-seat survival story, there's plenty of fresh additions that deserve a spot on your watchlist.

Leading the pack is "Practical Magic 2," reuniting Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman, now on paid video-on-demand platforms. If you're looking to swoon this weekend, Prime Video's latest sweeping romantic drama "Love of Your Life" is the ticket, led by Margaret Qualley (my celebrity crush since "Drive-Away Dolls"). Or, and hear me out: "R.I.P.D.," the supernatural comedy caper led by Ryan Reynolds and Jeff Bridges at his most unhinged, is a good dumb watch, and it's also on Prime Video too.

Meanwhile, Apple TV just got a breathtaking new biographical drama about the first two men to climb Mount Everest, "Tenzing." Over on Netflix, you can catch Chris Evans as a washed-up movie star and Anya Taylor-Joy as a Doomsday cult leader in the dark comedy "Sacrifice." So without further ado, here are the five best new movies to stream this weekend.

'Practical Magic 2' (PVOD)

I didn't have the 1998 cult-favorite and seminal work of queer cinema "Practical Magic" getting a sequel on my bingo card for 2026, but here we are. Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman's sister witches are back along with their on-screen aunties played by Dianne Wiest and Stockard Channing and a few new faces like Joey King and Maisie Williams thrown in for even more charm.

Set 28 years after the original, the sequel sees Sally's daughter Kylie (King) up against the same curse that has plagued generations of Owens women whenever they fall in love. After her first love dies, Sally (Bullock) finally reveals to her the truth about their magic. Kylie enlists the help of her sister Antonia (Williams) and the rest of the family to (hopefully) break the curse once and for all.

Buy or rent "Practical Magic 2" on Amazon or Apple now

'Love of Your Life' (Prime Video)

For a romance with a little more substance, check out "Love of Your Life," Prime Video’s latest romantic drama from Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison. When fiercely independent nurse Maya (Margaret Qualley) meets Charlie (Gabriel Basso), an adorably extroverted nerd, at 26, neither could have predicted the life they’d go on to build together.

But just as their future seems to be falling into place, tragedy turns Maya’s world upside down. In the years that follow, she must learn to navigate new relationships, make difficult life decisions and rediscover herself as she figures out what comes next. The supporting cast includes Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Catherine Keener.

Watch "Love of Your Life" on Prime Video now

‘Tenzing’ (Apple TV)

There was a time when Mount Everest, one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world, wasn't summited by thousands of people every year. Back in 1953, Tenzing Norgay (Genden Phuntsok) and Sir Edmund Hillary (Tom Hiddleston) made history as the first to reach a new height for humanity, and Apple TV's "Tenzing" is a touching dramatization of that climb.

Shot on location in Nepal and the Everest region, it uses these breathtaking views to elevate its otherwise formulaic emotional beats. Director Jenifer Peedom previously helmed several documentaries about Everest and Nepal and India's Sherpa people, and her expertise shines throughout this cross between a nature documentary and sports biopic.

Watch "Tenzing" on Apple TV now

‘Sacrifice’ (Netflix)

"Sacrifice" is a dark comedy thriller with some serious star power behind it. Chris Evans, Anya Taylor-Joy, Vincent Cassel, John Malkovich and Salma Hayek helm this pointed look at celebrity culture against a backdrop of doomsday cult shenanigans. We meet movie star Mike Tyler (Evans) in the middle of staging a comeback following a public meltdown the year before. He attends a climate charity event for the positive press, only to get in over his head when a cult-like group of radicals, led by Joan (Taylor-Joy), takes everyone hostage at gunpoint.

Complicating things further is the fact that she's devastatingly his type, even after she tells him he's got to throw himself into an active volcano to save the world. It takes a half-hearted "eat the rich" bent, with more cerebral and genuinely funny moments than I expected. John Malkovich also delivers yet another standout performance as Joan's father, underutilized as it is.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix now

'R.I.P.D.' (Prime Video)

Hear me out: "R.I.P.D." is more fun than it has any right to be. I took a (well-deserved) beating from critics when it bombed at the box office back in 2013, but this ridiculous train wreck is still on regular rotation in my household. For Jeff Bridges' commitment to the bit, if nothing else. His Roycephus "Roy" Pulsipher is a mash-up of The Dude and Rooster Cogburn with a penchant for women's ankles in this campy science fiction hootenanny.

Ryan Reynolds is equally entertaining as Nick, a straight-laced Boston police officer who gets killed in the line of duty and recruited into the Rest In Peace Department, a supernatural agency tasked with tracking down spirits who refuse to move on to the afterlife. (To be fair, the less you think about the premise, the better.) Roy isn't thrilled to babysit his rookie partner, but when the pair stumble upon a conspiracy connected to Nick's death, they find themselves tangled up in exactly the kind of case Roy has been itching to crack. Between its hilariously grotesque special effects and unapologetically absurd antics, "R.I.P.D." is great popcorn fodder to kill a weekend afternoon.

Watch "R.I.P.D. — Rest in Peace Department" on Prime Video now

More from Tom's Guide

• 3 new to Paramount+ movies to watch this weekend — including one of the ‘80s most iconic romantic comedies (Oct. 16-18)
• 3 new to Prime Video movies to watch this weekend — including Jeff Bridges' slept-on sci-fi comedy caper (October 16-18)
• 12 new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video and more (Oct. 16-18)

If you’re looking for a smartwatch that’ll double up as a sports watch for your next race, you’re probably choosing between the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. We’ve reviewed both on Tom’s Guide, but to find out more, I strapped both to my wrist and ran a half marathon — read on to see which came out on top.

When deciding between the two, note that the Apple Watch Ultra 4 requires an iPhone, while the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 works only with Android or Galaxy.

Both have a large case — 49mm for the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and 47mm for the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2. Both have built-in GPS and track your sleep, stress, workouts, recovery, and more. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 costs $799, whereas the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 is $699. But which is most accurate? Let’s find out.

I ran a half marathon with the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2: Here’s which came out on top

GPS

Let’s start with the basics — if you’re wearing a watch to track a race, you want it to track your GPS pretty perfectly. When putting both devices side by side, the GPS is pretty much spot on for both, and this shows when comparing the recordings to the actual map of the course.

With both watches, I had auto-lap set up, and both were pretty much hitting the distance markers at the right point. Of course, both watches recorded a slightly longer distance than the actual race itself, but this accounts for weaving runners and not ever really being able to stick to the race line. The Apple Watch Ultra 4 recorded the run as 13.23 miles; the Samsung Galaxy Watch 2 recorded it as 13.21 miles.

Heart rate

I didn’t wear a chest strap with the two watches, so I’ll use my Oura Ring 5 as my baseline. According to my Oura Ring 5, my average heart rate was 163 beats per minute, with most of my time spent in zones 4 and 5, showing I was pushing myself throughout the run.

The heart rate graphs on the Apple Watch Ultra 4 and Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 also look pretty similar, with my average heart rate on my Apple Watch recorded as 159 beats per minute and my Galaxy Watch recorded as 160 beats per minute.

Again, this one is pretty much too close to call.

Elevation

One thing that my colleague, Dan Bracaglia, found when testing the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 was that the elevation gain seemed inaccurate during his runs and rides. I didn’t find the same — the official course route has a total elevation gain of 311 feet, and my watch recorded the run as 342 feet. Similar to GPS, a small difference is often down to altimeter sensitivity, GPS drift, or weaving through runners on the course.

Comfort and usability

I’m a pretty petite runner, and both watches felt pretty chunky on the wrist. Design-wise, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 felt a little wider, but it doesn’t have much in it.

Both have those all-important physical buttons that make using the watch with sweaty fingers a little bit easier, and both have bright, beautiful screens that were easy to see, even in direct sunlight. You do see slightly more on the screen of the Apple Watch Ultra 4, which is bigger, but again, there’s not a lot in it.

Which should you buy?

The answer really depends on whether you’re team iOS or Android. If you have an iPhone, don’t buy the Galaxy Watch Ultra 2, as it won’t work with your phone. Both are like having an extension of your phone on your wrist, with tonnes of apps at your fingertips.

Both did a stellar job of recording my half marathon, and both are probably the top contenders if you want a smartwatch with the capabilities (but sadly not the battery life) of a sports watch.

Follow Tom's Guide fitness on Instagram for more workouts, routines, tips, and tricks.

More from Tom's Guide

• I trekked the Cascade Mountains with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Garmin Instinct 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — this is the one I'd take on my next hike
• Garmin Cirqa vs Fitbit Air vs Whoop vs Oura Ring: Our fitness experts are helping you pick the perfect fitness tracker
• I walked 4,000 steps with the Apple Watch Ultra 3 vs Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra 2 — and the winning margin was razor-thin

Wading through ChatGPT’s vast offering of plugins can be a bit daunting. But whenever I come across one that’s worthwhile, it quickly morphs into an everyday tool that helps me in one way or another.

The library of entertainment-centered plugins is home to a bunch of familiar apps I’m sure most folks use. What makes those themed plugins so reliable is how they’ve led me to come across a wide range of music and movies that I never would have uncovered without their assistance.

It’s gotten to the point where I take heed of the recommendations those plugins give me, do my research into them to see if they’re highly reviewed or quality listens and end up passing those same music and movie suggestions along to other people (who usually end up liking them as much as me, by the way).

I’ve also found equally great ChatGPT entertainment plugins that curate other parts of my favorite hobbies — I’ve definitely had a much easier time discovering the sort of video games and manga that have eluded me for far too long.

These are the seven best ChatGPT entertainment plugins I rely on the most. One of them actually pits me against OpenAI’s chatbot in a classic battle of wits…that I rarely win.

1. Spotify

The best prompt: Analyze my music taste and recommend [number] songs I probably haven't heard but will love. Focus on artists and genres that match my favorites, explain why each song fits, and organize the picks into a playlist with a great listening flow. [list favorite artists and genres]

Walking to the train station and sitting on the train in complete silence is something I’ll just never do. Without music accompanying me on my daily walks and rides to work, I think I’d go mad. Tapping into my music streaming apps to keep me busy and block out the annoying noise that takes over my train car has turned into a daily occurrence.

The Spotify plugin has helped out immensely in that regard since it has showcased a diverse lineup of artists, albums and songs that have earned themselves a permanent spot on my playlists. Telling the Spotify plugin about my appreciation for Devin Morrison and being led to the soothing tunes of Gareth Donkin has been a blessing to my ears.

2. Apple Music

The best prompt: Create a [number]-song playlist inspired by my favorite artists: [list artists]. Include a mix of familiar songs and discoveries, avoid repetitive sounds, and arrange the tracks so the energy rises and falls naturally.

The Apple Music plugin has also been amazing as an AI-fueled music curator. It has entered my ChatGPT plugin ecosystem as a reliable music playlist builder. Those custom playlists haven’t just made my city trips a whole lot easier to deal with, but they’ve also provided my friends with some great songs to add to their playlists for our monthly get-togethers.

Letting the Apple Music plugin learn about my favorite artists across the genres of rap/hip-hop, R&B and alternative music has resulted in it showcasing the likes of Smino, Tiana Major9 and Clyde Crooks. Learning about artists that aren’t as mainstream as my main faves has been an awesome experience thanks to the Apple Music plugin.

3. Tubi

The best prompt: Plan a free movie night for me using movies available on Tubi. I like [genres, favorite films, or actors]. Give me [number] options, rank them by how entertaining they sound, and tell me which one is best for a fun night versus a serious movie night.

“If it’s free, it’s for me!” That saying will never leave my box of catchphrases and I’m sure most folks would agree with that sentiment. Tubi’s vault of movies covers an array of genres and cycles through all of the decades where I’ve built up my taste for cinematic flair.

When I do get the urge to kick back and go on a movie binge-watching run, I tap into the Tubi plugin to find something that’s either been overlooked or is considered underrated by many. So far, the Tubi plugin has saved my dry Friday and Saturday nights by giving me lesser-known action flicks, like Hotel Artemis, Mayhem, Rolling Thunder and Crime Story, to enjoy.

4. Flixor

The best prompt: Recommend [number] movies or TV shows based on my favorites: [list titles]. Focus on similar atmosphere, storytelling, character development, and twists rather than just the same genre. Rank the recommendations and explain why each suits my taste.

Flixor is also just as good at highlighting the sort of movies and TV shows that match my interests. I usually use this one to search for films and series that may not exist on streaming services, which leads me to going the physical route and picking them up as DVD/Blu-Ray purchases if the reviews for them are good enough.

But Flixor has also put me onto streaming content that’s readily available across Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, etc. So far, the Flixor plugin has helped add the following films, shows and anime to my physical and digital media rotation: Sicario, Perfect Blue, Dark (the Netflix thriller series) and Black Lagoon.

5. GameFinder

The best prompt: Recommend [number] video games based on my favorite games: [list games]. Analyze what I enjoy about them, including combat, exploration, progression, atmosphere, story, and difficulty. Rank your recommendations by how likely I am to love them, and include at least five underrated picks.

ChatGPT’s plugin has done a lot of the heavy lifting for me when I’m on the lookout for more music and movies worth checking out. One of those plugins has also aided my addiction to video games by showcasing the sort of games that sadly get buried by their AAA contemporaries on digital game storefronts.

The GameFinder plugin may have expanded my gaming backlog, but at least I can still be thankful for its suggestions (during those dry spring and summer gaming months, GameFinder’s clutch finds should keep me occupied). I never would have played A Hat in Time, ULTRAKILL, Spark the Electric Jester and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden if it wasn’t for GameFinder.

6. Emaqi

The best prompt: Recommend [number] manga based on my favorite series: [list series]. Compare their storytelling, artwork, characters, pacing, and worldbuilding. Give me five mainstream picks and seven underrated recommendations. Flag whether each series is complete or ongoing when that information is available, and avoid spoilers.

I randomly found out about ChatGPT’s manga recommendation plugin from a friend of mine (whose physical collection vastly exceeds my paltry pickups). Emaqi has given me a bunch of manga titles to jump into besides the usual gamut of One Piece, Dragon Ball and Naruto that has dominated the majority of my manga reading thus far.

Emaqi has its own collection of manga titles that I can read digitally, but in the rare case that it doesn’t have a manga I’m looking for, I take note of the plugin's suggestions and look up where I can read them elsewhere. The Emaqi plugin observed those three faves of mine and made sure I didn’t overlook equally enjoyable titles such as Psyren, Dragon Quest: The Adventure of Dai and O-Parts Hunter. I know I’ll be coming back to this plugin a lot more since reading manga has become one of my bigger hobbies as of late.

7. Chessy

The best prompt: Play a chess game with me. I'm a beginner, so let me choose my moves while you explain your strategy in plain English. After each of my moves, tell me one thing I did well and one mistake I should watch for. Keep the game competitive but educational.

I admit to being more of a simpleton in the “real game” department. Sign me up for a quick round of Checkers anytime, but asking me to do a few rounds of chess? I’m a little bit more hesitant to do that since I’m not all that good at it. The Chessy plugin sits right inside ChatGPT’s directory of entertainment plugins and it surprised me since it lets me learn the game of chess by competing in it against the chatbot itself.

I tend to get cooked by ChatGPT most of the time, but at least it tells me where I did well and where I went wrong so I can take notes for future reference. Maybe my AI chess matches will lead me to beating an actual human someday (probably not…).

Final thoughts

ChatGPT’s entertainment plugins have been a boon for me whenever I’m looking for new music and movies to keep me amused. But they’ve also spotlighted a nice variety of TV shows, video games and manga for me to keep an eye out for. Plus, one of those plugins has even improved my (admittedly lackluster) chess acumen. I’m sure there are even more entertainment plugins worth checking out, but these seven picks stand tall as my favorite ones to date.

More from Tom’s Guide

• I tested ChatGPT-6 vs Claude Haiku 5.5 on everyday tasks — here’s the winner
• An OpenAI employee allegedly used AI to spy on his own company — then AI helped catch him
• I told ChatGPT to make my chores more fun — these 5 plugins made everyday activities even more rewarding and productive

When it comes to building a strong lower body, the first moves that come to mind are probably squats and lunges, but you might be missing a trick. The Cossack squat is the powerhouse move you’re probably not doing, and it will help unlock your hips and ankles. Read on to find out more.

As a reminder, if you’re a complete beginner, pregnant or postpartum, or you’re returning to exercise following an injury or surgery, it’s always best to seek personalized advice from a qualified professional.

How to do a Cossack squat

Let’s start with how to do a Cossack squat with good form. It’s a good idea to master the bodyweight version before adding weight.

• Start by getting into a wide stance, with your feet roughly twice shoulder-width apart. Point both toes forward, or slightly turned out and hold your hands together at chest height.
• Shift your weight to one side, bend your knee and sit your hips back into a side squat, keeping your chest elevated.
• As you lower, allow the non-working leg to remain straight, but pivot on its heel so the toes point straight up toward the ceiling.
• Press firmly through the floor with the working foot to push up to your starting position and repeat on the opposite side.

Keep switching sides, aiming for 8-10 reps on each side. To add intensity, hold one of the best adjustable dumbbells in both hands in front of your chest.

What are the benefits?

Helps with hip and ankle mobility

This deep squat requires full range of motion in the hip and ankle joints, helping improve hip and ankle mobility. It’s a great one for runners or if you spend a lot of time sitting behind a desk.

When your hip flexors and adductors are tight, your pelvis can also lack full mobility. When this happens, your lower back compensates, which can lead to pain or tension. Unlocking your hip flexors and restoring deep internal and external rotation in the hips can remove this stress from your lumbar spine.

Works on the groin and adductors

Unlike standard squats, with the Cossack squat, you’re loading the adductors at their longest stretch. This can significantly reduce your risk of groin strains and pulls.

You’re working on your lateral stabilizers

Most typical strength training exercises, like squats and lunges, focus on the sagittal plane as you move forward and backward. Working on your side-to-side strength targets the small stabilizer muscles that are often neglected, making your lower body stronger.

I did 50 Cossack squats a day for a week — here’s what happened to my hip mobility and lower back

So what happened when I added this simple-sounding squat into my daily routine for a week? The first thing I learned was that this move is anything but simple. It might look easy on paper, but the reality was that my hip flexors were so tight at week 19 of my 20-week marathon training block that I found it extremely difficult to sink down into a single-leg squat, let alone complete 25 reps on each side.

I definitely found my right hip a lot tighter than my left (to be expected; I’m right-handed and most people have a stronger side), highlighting how I really needed to work on loosening these tight muscles now that I’m in my taper.

I stuck to the bodyweight version of this move for a full week, and while I’m still not ready to hold a dumbbell, I have noticed my form has improved. I can’t sink awfully low into the squat, but I can feel a much deeper stretch in my adductors as I move from side to side. It will definitely stay part of my strength routine post-marathon, but I think I’ll stick to 10 reps rather than 50 a week before my next race.

What are you waiting for? Stand up from your desk and give this one a go.

More from Tom's Guide

• I teach people how to be more mobile: 3 low-impact back and shoulder moves that build stability and strength after 40
• I teach people how to be strong and mobile: this is the one exercise I regret ignoring for years
• I teach people over 50 to be mobile: 3 low-impact moves that build more stability than a 30-minute walk

The 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships mark the legendary Rebeca Andrade's return to action for the first time since Paris 2024. She's joining a multitude of Olympic and world champions, including Oka Shinnosuke, Kaylia Nemour and Carlos Yulo, in Rotterdam for the grand season finale.

You can watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 from anywhere with a VPN and potentially for FREE.

As well as world titles, there are places at LA 2028 up for grabs. The top three in the men's and women's team events will punch their tickets to the next edition of the Olympics. The qualifiers will play out over four days, with the top eight teams, 24 all-around contenders and eight apparatus specialists set to make the finals.

China's quest to seize men's team gold from Japan have been hit by the withdrawal of Zhang Boheng. The Japanese boast the past two all-around Olympic champions in Hashimoto Daiki and Oka Shinnosuke. The U.S., meanwhile, have a tall task maintaining their dominance in the women's team event of which they have won the past seven editions, with Hezly Rivera and Skye Blakely anchoring an otherwise inexperienced team.

And with holders Donnell Whittenburg and Brody Malone absent, we're guaranteed brand new still rings and horizontal bar champions, respectively. Look out, too, for the long-awaited return of Rebeca Andrade, who appears at a first major championships since winning all-around silver and floor gold at Paris 2024.

Check out all of the TV and streaming details below to find out how to watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 from anywhere, including free options. We’ve also listed the full schedule below so you don't miss a moment.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 live streams for FREE

Free Artistic Gymnastics World Championships coverage is available via BBC iPlayer in the U.K. and via CBC Gem in Canada, each of which are showing the Rotterdam 2026 finals.

Comprehensive Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, meanwhile, is being shown on the free Eurovision Sport platform in select countries, including Australia.

Away from home? You may not be able to watch the action like you normally would due to regional restrictions. Fortunately, there’s an easy solution — you can use a VPN to watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 for free. Full details below.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 on your usual subscription?

You can still tune in live thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The software can make your devices appear to be back in your home country regardless of where you are, making it ideal for viewers away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN — we explain why in our NordVPN review.

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view an British service, you'd select United Kingdom from the list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to BBC iPlayer or another streaming service and watch the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships unfold.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 live streams in the U.S.

Peacock is home to gymnastics in the U.S., and will be showing every final from the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships.

A Peacock Premium plan is $12.99/month or $129.99/year and allows you to watch the gymnastics action live. A Basic plan is $8.99/month or $89.99/year but you can only watch on-demand.

If you sign up for a 30-day trial of Walmart+ for $1, then you can get access to Peacock Premium as a member benefit.

If you want to watch the qualifiers, too, the free Eurovision Sport streaming service is airing Rotterdam 2026 before Peacock picks up the reins.

Not at home right now? You'll need NordVPN to tap into your regular streams.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 live streams in Canada

CBC is showing each of the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships finals in Canada, with live streaming available via CBC Gem.

All of the qualifiers, meanwhile, are free-to-stream on Eurovision Sport.

Not in Canada right now? You can simply use a VPN like NordVPN to watch all the action on your account as if you were back home.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 live streams in the U.K.

In the U.K., the 2026 Artistic Gymnastics World Championships finals are being televised live on BBC Two, with streaming available via BBC iPlayer.

The free Eurovision Sport platform, meanwhile, is showing each of the qualifiers.

If you're on holiday outside the U.K., you can still catch all of that free coverage by using one of the best VPN services, such as NordVPN.

Watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 live streams in Australia

Fans based in Australia can watch Artistic Gymnastics World Championships 2026 for free on Eurovision Sport. Just register an account.

If you're outside Oz but have an account, you can tune in with the aid of a VPN, such as NordVPN.

Artistic Gymnastics World Championships schedule 2026

Saturday, October 17
3:30 a.m. — Opening ceremony
4 a.m. — Men's qualification (subdivisions 1-4)

Sunday, October 18
4 a.m. — Men's qualification (subdivisions 5-6)
10 a.m. — Women's qualification (subdivisions 1-3)

Monday, October 19
3:30 a.m. — Women's qualification (subdivisions 4-10)

Tuesday, October 20
1:30 p.m. — Men's Team final

Wednesday, October 21
1:30 p.m. — Women's Team final

Thursday, October 22
1:30 p.m. — Men's All-Around final

Friday, October 23
1:30 p.m. — Women's All-Around final

Saturday, October 24
8 a.m. — Men's & Women's Apparatus finals (Women: Vault, Uneven Bars; Men: Floor Exercise, Pommel Horse, Still Rings)

Sunday, October 25
8 a.m. — Men's & Women's Apparatus finals (Women: Balance Beam, Floor Exercise; Men: Vault, Parallel Bars, Horizontal Bar)

(All times ET)

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch Copa Libertadores 2025
• How to watch MLB League Championship Series 2025
• I tried Simone Biles’ ab workout — here’s what happened to my core

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

So far, I’ve pitted the iPhone 18 Pro Max against some of its fiercest rivals — like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. But I’ve also put it to the test against its predecessors, like the iPhone 16 Pro Max and iPhone 15 Pro Max, to see what major improvements the latest model actually delivers.

This time, I’m going further back to pit the iPhone 18 Pro Max against the iPhone 14 Pro Max. Clearly, a four-year gap gives the 18 Pro Max a major advantage, but if my past face-offs are any indication, there are always surprises that make me rethink when it's truly time to upgrade.

I’ll break down side-by-side camera samples, battery life runtimes, and benchmark scores so you can determine if it’s worth the jump. Because honestly, given the current state of flagship phone prices, I could easily see someone holding onto their phone for five full years.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Cameras

To see the biggest impact of that four-year gap, look no further than camera performance. On paper, the iPhone 18 Pro Max clearly packs the superior setup: a 48MP triple-camera system headlined by a mechanical variable aperture on the main lens and a 48MP telephoto shooter with 4x optical zoom. Other notable hardware upgrades include a brighter f/1.48 maximum aperture on the primary sensor and a wider field of view from the upgraded 18MP Center Stage selfie camera.

The upgrades aren't just limited to hardware. The shooting experience on the iPhone 18 Pro Max is significantly elevated by new Pro Controls, offering granular manual control over settings like shutter speed, focus, and white balance. On the video front, the iPhone 18 Pro Max pulls well ahead with native 4K 120fps recording, Log capture, ProRes, Cinematic mode, Audio Mix, and smart focus tracking.

Look closely at the side-by-side low-light samples above, and a clear pattern emerges. Considering its four-year-old hardware, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still holds up reasonably well.

However, the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s wider aperture and updated optics clearly give it the edge — delivering sharper detail, better-exposed shadows, and noticeably cleaner results with far less noise.

Zoom is another area where the iPhone 18 Pro Max holds an inherent hardware advantage: it packs a 48MP telephoto camera with 4x optical zoom versus the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s older 12MP sensor with 3x optical zoom. For the comparison above, I captured test shots at 4x, 8x, and 15x to highlight the differences across the range.

At 4x zoom, it’s tough to spot a clear winner from the overall frame, but cropping in reveals sharper edge definition around the statue with the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Pushing to 8x zoom, the textures on the surrounding stone blocks are noticeably crisper on the 18 Pro Max as well. And finally, at 15x zoom, that advantage becomes unmistakable. While the iPhone 18 Pro Max takes the win across the focal range, the zoom gap isn't quite as dramatic as the disparity in low-light performance.

What about other shooting conditions? The differences are mostly minor, proving that the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s main camera is still a solid performer that consistently delivers excellent results. You can see in several of the side-by-side shots above how closely it matches the iPhone 18 Pro Max in dynamic range and color reproduction.

That said, here are a few other takeaways worth noting:

• Ultrawide detail: The iPhone 18 Pro Max captures slightly finer detail and crisper edges with its ultrawide shooter.
• Macro mode: While close-up shots look sharp on both, the iPhone 14 Pro Max suffers from more visible noise and grain.
• Selfies: The iPhone 18 Pro Max’s updated 18MP Center Stage camera offers a noticeably wider field of view, making it far better suited for group shots.

Just like in my previous face-offs against older flagships, the iPhone 14 Pro Max proves it's still a capable everyday shooter. However, there are simply too many compelling reasons to justify jumping to the iPhone 18 Pro Max. I’m not just talking about its massive leap in low-light photography—it’s the mechanical variable aperture, granular Pro Controls, and versatile video suite that ultimately seal the deal.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Specifications

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Battery and charging

Due to its larger footprint, the iPhone 18 Pro Max packs a larger 5,391 mAh battery — a massive increase over the 4,323 mAh cell inside the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

In our battery drain test, the iPhone 18 Pro Max turned in an average endurance time of 18 hours and 27 minutes. By comparison, the iPhone 14 Pro Max fell short at 13 hours and 39 minutes. That’s a difference of 4 hours and 48 minutes, or roughly a 35% improvement in battery life. Don’t get me wrong: the iPhone 14 Pro Max can still easily clear a normal workday, but the 18 Pro Max’s extra endurance means plenty of gas left in the tank for the commute home and late into the night.

Another compelling reason to make the jump is the significantly faster charging. Thanks to upgraded 60W wired charging support, the iPhone 18 Pro Max reaches an impressive 53% in just 15 minutes and hits 80% after 30 minutes. Over the exact same intervals, the iPhone 14 Pro Max crawled to just 21% and 42%.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Performance

I almost forgot about Apple’s "Bionic" branding until I pulled up the benchmark results for the iPhone 14 Pro Max, but the numbers offer concrete proof of the massive generational leap you get with the 18 Pro Max. Four years is an eternity in the phone arena, and it definitely shows in this face-off.

Apple’s bleeding-edge A20 Pro chip powering the iPhone 18 Pro Max makes daily navigation feel buttery smooth, but our synthetic benchmark tests truly drive home the divide. On Geekbench, the iPhone 18 Pro Max pulled in single-core and multi-core scores of 4,741 and 12,789, respectively — easily eclipsing the 1,887 and 5,374 turned in by the 14 Pro Max. If you thought single-core gains from recent generations were impressive, the massive 151% increase here puts the gap in perspective.

If that’s not enough to convince iPhone 14 Pro Max owners, the graphics testing shows an even wider chasm. Running 3DMark Wild Life Original Unlimited, the iPhone 18 Pro Max averaged an astonishing 230.37 fps with an overall score of 38,474. Those results leave the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 74.1 fps and 12,380 score looking closer to today's budget handsets.

To be fair, the iPhone 14 Pro Max still handles everyday tasks effortlessly — like browsing the web, scrolling social feeds, and streaming video. But for demanding workflows like rendering 4K video or running graphically intense 3D games, the iPhone 18 Pro Max simply leaves its predecessor in the dust.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Software and AI

Even though both phones run iOS 27, the iPhone 18 Pro Max exclusively delivers Apple's newest and most powerful intelligence features — and alone, they make a compelling case for an upgrade.

It all boils down to Apple Intelligence and Siri AI. Because the iPhone 14 Pro Max is limited to the older A16 Bionic chip and 6GB of RAM, it doesn’t make the cut for Apple’s AI-powered suite. That means missing out on everyday features I rely on with the iPhone 18 Pro Max: Writing Tools to refine drafts, the Clean Up tool in Photos to erase photobombers, prioritized notification summaries, Visual Intelligence, and newer ones like Reframe.

Siri AI represents another massive generational leap. The assistant is far more context-aware and capable of executing complex cross-app actions. In CarPlay, for instance, I regularly use Siri AI to dictate new notes on the road and add updates to existing lists all while being hands-free. On the iPhone 14 Pro Max, you’re stuck with legacy Siri, and even a brief conversation highlights just how much more natural and conversational Siri AI has become.

On top of that, the iPhone 18 Pro Max takes full advantage of iOS 27’s redesigned, slimmer Dynamic Island, supporting up to three simultaneous Live Activities compared to just two on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Displays

There’s only a modest increase in physical footprint between these two flagships, but Apple elevates the screen on the iPhone 18 Pro Max with meaningful upgrades. Not only does it pack a more expansive 6.9-inch Super Retina XDR display — up from the iPhone 14 Pro Max’s 6.7-inch panel — but the bezels around the glass are noticeably slimmer, framing an unobtrusive, smaller Dynamic Island.

Personally, I find the iPhone 14 Pro Max plenty capable for everyday use, but it simply can't match the superior outdoor visibility of the iPhone 18 Pro Max. Thanks to a measured peak brightness of 2,326 nits, the newer panel delivers a massive 49% boost over the 1,565-nit peak we recorded on the iPhone 14 Pro Max.

Coupled with its anti-reflective coating, looking at the iPhone 18 Pro Max’s screen leaves no doubt that it’s a genuine generational leap forward.

iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 14 Pro Max: Verdict

I wasn’t thrilled to see a $100 price hike on this year’s flagship, pushing the iPhone 18 Pro Max to $1,299 for its 256GB base configuration. That means it costs $200 more than what iPhone 14 Pro Max owners shelled out four years ago. Interestingly enough, that older model started with just 128GB of base storage.

If you’ve held onto the iPhone 14 Pro Max for the past four years, you’ve gotten incredible mileage out of your investment. But there’s a huge incentive to take the leap, even with that steeper barrier to entry. Simply put, the iPhone 18 Pro Max doesn't just edge past the 14 Pro Max — it decisively dominates across every category.

Is it finally time to upgrade? Absolutely.

More from Tom's Guide

• I tested the iPhone 18 Pro Max vs. iPhone 16 Pro Max side-by-side: Should you upgrade?
• 9 new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and more (Oct. 2-4)
• 4 ways Samsung's Galaxy Z Fold 8 beats Apple iPhone Duo

It's safe to say that the iPhone 18 Pro Max is proving quite popular. At the time of writing, delivery estimates for the cheapest model are two to three weeks away — compared to one to two weeks for the iPhone 18 Pro. However the popularity seems to pale in comparison to iPhone Duo, whose delivery estimates were pushed into next year after only an hour of pre-orders being open.

My iPhone 18 Pro Max arrived yesterday, after almost a month of waiting for Apple to actually dispatch the thing. The problem was that as soon as it was set up, my mind was immediately stumped on what I should be doing with it. More so after I'd played with the variable aperture, and watched the blades move over the camera lens.

In contrast the iPhone Duo is something that a lot of people are eagerly anticipating, even if you're accepting some compromises in the process. Why? Because it's something brand new that Apple has never done before, even if the first foldable phones are now old enough to be in second grade.

What does the iPhone 18 Pro Max actually have to offer?

I know that on a technical level the iPhone 18 Pro Max is a better phone than the iPhone 17 Pro Max. Our testing shows that the A20 Pro chip makes it significantly more powerful, and the battery life is half an hour longer than you'd get on last year's flagship. Charging time is noticeably faster too, aided by the speedier 60W wired charging capabilities.

But those aren't the kind of upgrades you can consciously feel. They make the overall experience of using the iPhone 18 Pro Max better, even if you don't actually notice what's going on, but they aren't the kind of things that make you physically excited to hold and enjoy the phone for yourself.

Those gears didn't actually shift into place until I held the iPhone 18 Pro Max in my hand, and I felt like the aquarium fish at the very end of Finding Nemo. I have an iPhone 17 Pro Max already, and aside from some obvious difference in the weight of the two phones (8.78 ounces versus 8.22 ounces) I couldn't really differentiate the two phones.

I tinkered with the variable aperture camera system, and it was rather fun to watch the blades move across the lens the way that they do. But that is an activity that gets old very quickly, and once you've exhausted what little enjoyment that brings, the reality sets in that upgrading your phone every year is rather a pointless endeavour.

Apple may have made some significant improvements to the iPhone 18 Pro Max, and added the fancy new camera features, but it doesn't change the fact that this feels more like an iPhone 17S than an iPhone 18 Pro. It makes the 18 Pro Max feel like another iteration of the same old things, and the honest truth is that it's an extremely boring upgrade. To the point that it barely feels like an upgrade at all.

I'll admit that the software changes do play a big impact in what the 18 Pro Max can do. But when you remember that iOS 27 is not exclusive to the newest iPhones, and has been available on older models for a good few weeks (or months if you downloaded the beta), it isn't really a selling point.

The iPhone Duo, on the other hand, is a totally new kind of device that Apple has never made before. Sure, it's not going to impress foldable phone enthusiasts for the same reason the iPhone 18 Pro Max isn't impressing me now. But for those people that have never left the Apple ecosystem before, it's a totally novel kind of device.

iPhone Duo has change that you can feel and experience in your hands

You only need to look at the iPhone Duo to know that it's going to offer a very different user experience than the iPhone 18 Pro Max. It's a foldable phone that opens up to reveal a large tablet-sized display that is noticeably larger than that on a traditional phone.

A whole new form factor and method of operation means that the iPhone Duo is something that you're going to have to get to grips with. Even if you have extensively used foldable phones in the past, the fact that this is a foldable iPhone means it's going to offer a slightly different experience to that of an Android model. Both in terms of the software side of things and how Apple actually makes the foldable experience work compared to the likes of Samsung or Google.

Heck, the fact that Apple has tweaked the UI to put a taskbar on the side of the iPhone Duo means that every user will need to spend some amount of time acclimatizing to the new way of doing things.

The iPhone Duo goes beyond just being a foldable iPhone too. Apple seems to have put a lot of effort into making it something different and unique compared to its usual yearly releases. The use of titanium means it's more durable than the the last two Pro Max iPhones, and under-display camera is a feature that we don't really see on phones anymore.

Even if Apple doesn't solve the myriad of problems hidden cameras have, it's something different that users can experience. Plus it means you have an uninterrupted display, which is not something you see very much of anymore.

Apple has made something different with the iPhone Duo, and expensive as it may be, it's offering something that most iPhone owners haven't been able to experience before now. In a world where new phones have been feeling increasingly boring and barely different from what came before, that's a very desirable trait to have.

Whether Apple can maintain that excitement with future foldable iPhones is unclear, though I suspect that people will lose that sense of excitement very quickly. After all, all other foldables have just become part of the annual release cycle, and there will be a point where the iPhone Duo falls in line with them.

Bottom line

Phone launches have been dull and stale for a long time now. As much as the companies behind them try to drum up excitement and act as though what they're offering is revolutionary, the truth is that 90% of the time they're not. Even new kinds of phone can get old very quickly, especially when you have a release as spectacularly bad as that of the original Samsung Galaxy Fold.

I've never picked up a new phone and struggled to know what to do with it, though. It's not a fun experience to hold a $1,200 phone and wonder what the point of it all is — which makes a very strong argument against upgrading your old handsets too quickly. Though at the same time, I have to wonder whether the impending iPhone Duo release is affecting things. Both in terms of user attitudes, and the resources Apple put into developing its new phone lines.

You can feel the anticipation for the iPhone Duo right now, and the fact that the delivery estimates were pushed back to 2027 suggests that demand is likely much higher than Apple actually anticipated. That's not something you see every year, and it's nice that people can actually be genuinely excited for a brand new phone. It's just a shame that the iPhone 18 Pro Max feels like such a nothingburger.

More from Tom's Guide

• I track deals for a living and here's the best iPhone Duo preorder I've seen
• iPhone Duo Geekbench scores leak, and Apple's foldable is about to leave Android rivals in the dust
• iPhone Duo modes explained — 6 ways you can use Apple's new foldable

Spooky season is in full swing, and the best streaming services are adding some solid choices for your next horror movie fix. I took a look at Netflix's October line-up, and three stood out to me as cult classics that everyone should watch. One came out in 2016, so I started to ditch it from the list — until I realized that was 10 years ago, and died a little inside.

Anywho, Netflix just got one of Mike Flanagan's first big hits, "Hush," a fun slasher movie with a stellar turn from Kate Siegel as a deaf final girl. For some campier fun, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain star in "Crimson Peak," a gothic romance that's easy to get swept away in. Or for something faster paced, Edward Norton and Anthony Hopkins play off each other really well in "Red Dragon," the second-best Hannibal movie by a country mile.

Want to know more before dedicating your precious streaming time? I don't blame you. Here's everything to know about why these new horror movies on Netflix deserve your time.

'Hush' (2016)

"Hush" is the movie that made me a Mike Flanagan fan, so you can imagine how insufferably smug I've been since he's blown up with Netflix originals like "The Haunting of Hill House" and "Midnight Mass" and Prime Video's new "Carrie" show. It's a prime example of a simple premise done right: a slasher movie where the main victim (longtime collaborator and Flanagan's IRL wife, Kate Siegel) is deaf and mute, leaving her unable to hear her attacker approaching or call for help.

I worried it might trend toward hokey, but this slick horror thriller wrings a surprising amount of tension out of its lean 81-minute run time. Even while Siegel's character is relentlessly stalked and tormented by a masked killer, she's far from a helpless victim. The setting — a home in the middle of the woods — is also a perfect backdrop for a cozy weekend watch to throw on in the background.

Watch "Hush" on Netflix now

'Crimson Peak' (2015)

"Crimson Peak" is one of several movies on my "peak Tumblr era" rotation. This gothic romance movie starring Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Jessica Chastain — who's providing some absolute nightmare fuel in "Other Mommy" — comes courtesy of the Oscar-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro. Part ghost story and part tragic romance, it takes us back in time to the Victorian era where American heiress Edith (Wasikowska) is visited by her mother's spirit and warned to stay away from "Crimson Peak."

She falls for a seductive British baronet named Sir Thomas Sharpe (Hiddleston), but when she moves to his family's rundown manor in Cumberland, England, she uncovers sinister secrets about her new husband and his weirdly possessive sister, Lady Lucille (Jessica Chastain). The ghostly visions that begin to haunt her new home make more sense the further she digs for the truth.

Watch "Crimson Peak" on Netflix now

'Red Dragon' (2002)

We can all agree that "The Silence of the Lambs" was Anthony Hopkins' best Hannibal appearance, sure. But "Red Dragon" doesn't get enough flowers for coming closest to recapturing the original’s cat-and-mouse tension and twisted brilliance. Based on Harris’ novel of the same name, this prequel steps back to the infamous cannibal's first years in jail after FBI profiler Will Graham (Edward Norton) brought him to justice.

A fresh serial killer on the loose pulls Will out of retirement, and he turns to the good ol' doctor for help, which naturally comes at a price. Quid pro quo and whatnot. If you liked this one, just so you know: The phenomenal "Hannibal" TV show with Mads Mikkelsen is on Netflix too, and it treads a lot of the same territory with some gorey shots that truly have to be seen to be believed.

Watch "Red Dragon" on Netflix now

More from Tom's Guide

• 12 new movies and shows to stream this weekend on Netflix, Prime Video and more (Oct. 16-18)
• 3 new to Netflix thriller movies to watch this week — including a ‘90s masterpiece with Robert De Niro and Al Pacino (Oct. 15-21)
• 3 new to Prime Video thriller movies to watch this week

You can watch Australia vs New Zealand live and FREE on 9Now, and from anywhere with a VPN.

Kick-off arrives at 1 a.m. ET / 6 a.m. BST / 3 p.m. AEST on Saturday, 17 October.

The streaming service will show every moment of the second Test between Australia and New Zealand live and free.

The All Blacks hit back from their series defeat to South Africa with a 50-19 win over Australia and will look to make it two from two against the Wallabies on Saturday, ahead of a busy November in the northern hemisphere for the Nations Championship.

Australia's 9Now is a free streaming service and only requires a simple account to watch any of their content.

But, can you watch the Australia vs New Zealand match for free on 9Now while in the U.S., U.K., Canada, or elsewhere too? Here’s our full guide to watching Bledisloe Cup live and free online from anywhere.

How to watch Australia vs New Zealand for free

Rugby fans in Australia are in luck!

The second Bledisloe Cup match between Australia and New Zealand is streaming FREE on 9Now Down Under.

Prefer the big screen? You can also watch the action for free on Channel Nine.

👉 Sign up to 9Now — it’s free and easy.

Abroad? NordVPN can help you access your usual streaming services, with 75% off + 3 extra months free today.

How to watch Australia vs New Zealand from anywhere

Away from home at the moment and blocked from watching the game on your usual subscription? You can still watch the Wallabies vs All Blacks live stream thanks to the wonders of a VPN (Virtual Private Network).

NordVPN is our top pick of the options – try it for 30 days with our deal below:

Watch Australia vs New Zealand for FREE: Quick Guide

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we've said, NordVPN is our favorite.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.K. and want to view your usual Aussie service, you'd select Australia from the server list.

3. Sit back and enjoy the action. Head to 9Now and watch the game, completely free.

Which devices can I watch New Zealand vs Australia with?

You can use 9Now to watch Wallabies vs All Blacks on a range of devices:

• Amazon Fire TV
• Android phones and tablets (Android OS 5 and newer)
• Android TV
• Apple iPhones and iPads (iOS 12 or later
• Apple TV (including Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD)
• Chromecast (including Chromecast with Google TV)
• Chrome (latest two versions)
• Fetch TV (Gen 3 or newer)
• Firefox (latest two versions)
• Foxtel iQ
• Freeview
• Hisense TV
• LG Smart TV (webOS 4 or higher)
• Mobile apps – download the 9Now app on your phone or tablet (iOS/Android)
• Mozilla (latest two versions)
• Roku (including Roku 2, Roku 3, Roku Express, Roku Express+, Roku Premiere, Roku Premiere+, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Streaming Stick+ and Roku Streambar)
• Safari (latest two versions)

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' season 2 episode 3
• The best streaming VPN
• How to watch Premier League 2026/27

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

Milo Callaghan is back as John Grisham’s underdog lawyer, taking on titans of the courtroom. And after defeating his former employer in the debut season, Rudy Baylor is riding high. Here's how to watch "The Rainmaker" season 2 from anywhere with a VPN.

Season 1 may have concluded with a sense of victory for Baylor, but there’s still more work to be done and the sophomore outing sees J. Lyman Stone take on a whole new batch of cases, going up against adversaries old and new.

Alongside his boss Jocelyn Stone (Lana Parilla) and paralegal Deck Shifflet (P.J. Byrne), Baylor picks up a case where the lives of hundreds of children hang in the balance and victory could taste as bitter as defeat. Rudy will also find himself up against old flame Sarah (Madison Iseman) in a case that could have ties to an international conspiracy, while Jocelyn’s ex-husband turns to her for help after getting tied up in legal trouble that could threaten the life of a minor league pitcher he coaches.

Callaghan is confident this season ups the ante, teasing “Everything we loved about making the first season, but bigger and better. We're going to learn a lot more about these people and their lives before Rudy came to J. Lyman Stone. We're going to meet a few new faces, reconnect with a few old ones. Wherever we smell injustice, there's room for a fight.”

It’s been a while since we last saw the lawyers of J. Lyman Stone, but it sounds like season 2 will be worth the wait, so read on to find out how to watch "The Rainmaker" online from around the world.

Watch 'The Rainmaker' S2 from anywhere

Traveling and blocked from your usual apps? A VPN, or virtual private network, lets your device appear to be back in your home country, so you can securely use your existing subscriptions while you’re abroad.

We’ve tested many services, and the best VPN currently available is NordVPN. It offers fast, reliable connections, works on most devices, and you can try it risk-free for 30 days thanks to its money-back guarantee.

Using a VPN is simple:

1. Install the VPN of your choice (NordVPN is our favourite).

2. Choose the location you want in the VPN app. For example, pick a U.S. server to use Peacock as normal while overseas.

3. Open your streaming service and watch.

Watch 'The Rainmaker' S2 in the U.S.

USA Network will air "The Rainmaker" season 2 every Friday at 8 p.m. ET, starting from October 16.

If you have USA Network as part of your cable package, you're all set, but cord-cutters could opt for an OTT service such as YouTube TV, Sling TV or DirecTV Stream.

Peacock is the streaming home of "The Rainmaker."

You can watch live on Peacock with the $19.99 Premium Plus plan, or catch it a day later on-demand with a standard Premium package ($12.99 per month).

Only after on-demand viewing? A Walmart Plus 30-day trial costs just $1 and a subscription to Peacock is included as one of the perks.

U.S. subscriber abroad? If you’re traveling and find your usual apps blocked, you can securely access your subscription with a VPN.

Watch 'The Rainmaker' S2 in Canada

"The Rainmaker" will stream on Crave with episodes arriving on the same schedule as their U.S. broadcast.

Crave plans start from CA$11.99 per month, going up to CA$22.

Away while the show airs? Sign up to a service like NordVPN and access your subscription no matter where you are.

Can you watch 'The Rainmaker' S2 in the U.K.?

The good news for Brits is that when season 2 of "The Rainmaker" does make its way across the Atlantic, it'll stream for free on ITVX. The bad news is that with season 1 only arriving last month (over a year after its U.S. debut), it could be a bit of a wait until the second outing lands in Blighty.

Traveling to the UK? A VPN like NordVPN can help you securely access your apps as normal.

How to watch 'The Rainmaker' S2 in Australia

Stan is the home of "The Rainmaker" season 2 Down Under, with weekly episodes kicking off on Friday, October 16.

Stan prices start at AU$9.99 per month.

U.S. citizen in Australia? Use a VPN, such as NordVPN, to sign in to your Peacock account and watch as you would at home.

All you need to know about 'The Rainmaker' season 2

'The Rainmaker' S2 trailer

'The Rainmaker' S2 release date & episode schedule

Season 3 of "The Rainmaker" premieres on Friday, October 16 in the North America and the following day in Australia. The U.K. release date is TBC.

The exact episode count for the season is currently unconfirmed, but here's what we know for now:

• Episodes 1: "Dear Uncle Rudy" — Friday, October 16
• Episodes 2 — Friday, October 23

'The Rainmaker' S2 cast

• Milo Callaghan as Rudy Baylor
• Lana Parrilla as Jocelyn "Bruiser" Stone
• John Slattery as Leo F. Drummond
• Madison Iseman as Sarah Plankmore
• P.J. Byrne as Deck Shifflet
• Dan Fogler as Melvin Pritcher
• Wade Briggs as Brad Noonan

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch 'Celebrity Traitors U.K.' season 2 online from anywhere – and 2026 line-up confirmed
• Roku just got the biggest overhaul in over a decade — here's what's new
• How to watch 'The Traitors Ireland' season 2 online for free

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

After a busy episode saw Rob murdered and Hannah banished, the Traitors opted to stabilize things a little by bringing the tactical Kenny into the fold. Will the new addition settle James Acaster’s nerves, or has Maya brought a wolf into the henhouse? Here's how to watch "The Celebrity Traitors" season 2, episode 6 online from anywhere with a VPN including Ireland, the U.S., Canada and Australia.

Picking up where last week’s installment left off, Leigh-Anne, Rob, Romesh and Ross were shut away in their respective crypts. Leigh-Anne was granted safety by the other three, a move that turned out to be exactly what the Traitors had planned, allowing the devious ones to predict which of the group would be shielded from murder.

With the other three waiting nervously, it turned out to be Rob who the Traitors chose to murder face to face, laughing his way to the grave in what James Acaster called a “chaos murder.” And chaos it brought, leaving the Faithful’s heads spinning the following morning trying to figure out why Rob was the victim. The murder also had the bonus effect of leaving Romesh, one of the Faithful’s key players and Rob’s BFF, somewhat despondent, dampening the would be Traitor hunter’s usual enthusiasm.

Romesh’s status also came in to play later, when, as a result of being ‘captured’ by the Death Parade during the challenge, Hannah found herself confined in a cage with the Weakest Link presenter, giving her one last ditch attempt to state her case to one of the most influential players. It seemed the desperate Traitor had Romesh convinced, but things played out differently when the group reconvened at the Round Table.

A few glances fell James Blunt’s way, and after mounting ‘evidence’ Ross Kemp was asked to defend himself, but this Round Table was all about Hannah, with Kenny and Sebastian leading the charge and securing nearly a full house of Banishment votes as the mathematician found her number was up.

Down to two, Maya and James Acaster were given the choice to recruit or murder. Their choice to recruit was perhaps a strange one with no shield in play to hide the act, but with Kenny being brought into the fold, stability and tactics are the new aim of the game. However, the pair may have over played their hand, with the YouTuber’s glee at joining the dark side hinting at a potential ruthless streak that could spell disaster.

With the Faithful likely to suss out immediately that there’s been a recruitment, episode 6 could get interesting, with the group potentially turning on even the staunchest of Faithfuls, so read on for how to watch "The Celebrity Traitors” season 2" online from anywhere in the world.

• Love TV? Sign up to the weekly How To Watch newsletter

Watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' season 2, episode 6 FREE online in the U.K.

In the U.K., "The Celebrity Traitors" season 2 airs on BBC One and with episodes available to stream on BBC iPlayer. It's free with a valid TV license.

New episodes go out on Thursday and Friday evenings at 8pm, with episode 6 arriving on Friday, Oct. 16.

Outside the U.K.? If you are a Brit abroad and want to catch up on "The Celebrity Traitors" S2 you can use a good VPN to watch your usual streams anywhere. We’ll show you how to do that below…

Watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' S2 from abroad

If you are on holiday and want to watch "The Celebrity Traitors," a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is the simplest solution.

The software lets your devices appear to be back in your home country. Ideal if you’re away on vacation or on business. Our favourite is NordVPN. It’s the best on the market (per our NordVPN review).

Using a VPN is incredibly simple.

1. Install the VPN of your choice. As we mentioned earlier, NordVPN is our top choice.

2. Choose the location you wish to connect to in the VPN app. For instance, if you're in the U.S. and want to view your U.K. service, you'd select a U.K. server from the list.

3. Watch. Head to BBC iPlayer to watch "The Celebrity Traitors" S2 online.

How to watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' season 2 around the world

How to watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' S2 in the U.S.

"The Celebrity Traitors U.K." will stream on Peacock in the U.S., although a release date is TBC.

British citizen in the United States? You can use a VPN like NordVPN to access your usual U.K. TV streaming services (where terms allow).

Watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' S2 in Canada

Canadians can stream "The Celebrity Traitors U.K." season 2 on Crave. New episodes arrive Fridays and Saturdays.

Visitor from the U.K.? You can still catch your usual free stream by using a VPN such as NordVPN.

How to watch 'The Celebrity Traitors' S2 online in Australia

Aussies can watch "The Celebrity Traitors" season 2 in Australia for free on 10Play, simply create a free account to start watching.

New installments land every Wednesday and Thursday, although beware spoilers as viewers Down Under are watching a week behind the U.K..

Aussie abroad? You can use a VPN to watch your usual streaming services as if you were back at home.

'The Celebrity Traitors' season 2 cast

Amol Rajan – Journalist and Broadcaster Faithful Murdered

Bella Ramsey – Actor Faithful Murdered

James Acaster – Comedian and Podcaster Traitor

James Blunt – Singer/Songwriter Faithful

Jerry Hall – Model and Actress Faithful

Joanne McNally – Comedian Faithful

Joe Lycett – Comedian Faithful

Julie Hesmondhalgh – Actor Faithful Banished

King Kenny – Content Creator Traitor

Leigh-Anne Pinnock – Singer/Songwriter Faithful

Maya Jama – Broadcaster and Entrepreneur Traitor

Michael Sheen – Actor and Presenter Faithful

Miranda Hart – Actor and Author Faithful

Myha’la – Actor Faithful Banished

Professor Hannah Fry – Broadcaster and Mathematician Traitor Banished

Richard E. Grant – Actor and Author Traitor Banished

Rob Beckett – Comedian Faithful Murdered

Romesh Ranganathan – Comedian Faithful

Ross Kemp – Actor and Presenter Faithful

Sebastian Croft – Musician and Actor Faithful

Sharon Rooney – Actor Faithful

More from Tom's Guide

• How to watch "Traitors Ireland" season 2
• I thought "Celebrity Traitors" season one would be a total flop but it might be the best season yet
• How to watch UK TV abroad: BBC iPlayer, ITVX, Channel 4 and more

We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example:1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad.We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.

When it comes to deciding what to watch, it can get overwhelming sifting through the best streaming services. So I've compiled a TV guide on what to watch tonight.

I've gone through everything from Netflix, Prime Video, Paramount+ etc to see what's recently landed. I've even added some movies you can stream for free on some of the best free streaming services like Tubi, along with new movies you can now buy or rent at home (PVOD).

Here are all the new shows and movies (and live events) you can stream tonight (October 16), and where to watch them. For more picks, check out the 7 biggest new shows to stream this week and the 3 new to Netflix movies to stream this weekend.

Top picks to stream tonight

‘Sacrifice’ (2026) (Netflix)

Genre: Dark comedy-thriller movie

What it's about: Struggling action star Mike Tyler (Chris Evans) attends a lavish charity gala on a Greek island, hoping to revive his career. But the glamorous event takes a terrifying turn when Joan (Anya Taylor-Joy) and her radical followers storm the gathering, taking Mike and other guests hostage. Driven by a prophecy predicting humanity's extinction, the cult demands three human sacrifices to prevent global catastrophe.

Why you should watch it: Chris Evans and Anya Taylor-Joy lead this darkly comic thriller, which turns a glamorous celebrity gala into a chaotic hostage situation. With a bizarre doomsday prophecy, a radical cult and a star-studded cast also featuring Salma Hayek and Charli XCX, "Sacrifice" offers surreal twists, stylish visuals and sharp satire aimed at celebrity culture and wealthy elites.

Watch "Sacrifice" on Netflix now

‘Masterplan’ (2026) (Prime Video)

Genre: Action movie

What it's about: When legendary master thief Roger (Stanley Tucci) sets his sights on stealing the Mona Lisa, he recruits Chiara (Simona Tabasco), an Italian cybercrime expert, and Jay (Victor Belmondo), a French explosives specialist. But the ambitious heist takes an unexpected turn when Roger reveals the two strangers are siblings and that he's their father. Now, this dysfunctional family must put aside their differences to pull off the robbery of the century.

Why you should watch it: Stanley Tucci is a major draw in this offbeat heist comedy, which pairs an ambitious Mona Lisa robbery with an unexpected family reunion. Expect explosive action, witty banter and plenty of dysfunctional family drama as three reluctant relatives attempt an impossible mission. With stylish Parisian settings and a suitably outrageous premise, "Masterplan" is a fun pick for fans of crime capers.

Watch "Masterplan" on Prime Video now

‘Tulsa King’ (season 4 premiere) (Paramount+)

Genre: Crime drama series

What it's about: In "Tulsa King" season 4, Dwight Manfredi (Sylvester Stallone) faces his toughest challenge yet as he attempts to legitimize his growing criminal empire while protecting his loyal crew. With corrupt politicians, dangerous new enemies and a devastating personal loss threatening everything he's built, Dwight must rely on his ruthless instincts to maintain control. As tensions rise, his ambition and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.

Why you should watch it: Sylvester Stallone brings plenty of charisma to "Tulsa King" season 4, which delivers a fun mix of mob drama, explosive action and dark humor. Dwight's unlikely criminal crew is a compelling element, while dangerous new enemies and political corruption raise the stakes. If you enjoy larger-than-life gangsters, sharp banter and chaotic criminal schemes, this Paramount+ series is an entertaining binge.

Watch "Tulsa King" season 4 on Paramount+ now

Your streaming guide: Friday, Oct 16

Here's everything coming to streaming today, broken down by streaming service:

NETFLIX

• "The Disciple" (Netflix documentary)
• "Money Trap: The Karun Treasure" (Netflix series)
• "Norm: The Tale of Norm Macdonald" (Netflix documentary)
• "Lego Friends: Heartlake the Musical" (season 1)
• "Roadies Rebirth" (season 1)
• "Sacrifice" (2026)
• "Seriously Single Too" (2026)
• "Therapy Done Right" (2026)
• "The Fate of the Furious" (2017)
• "Heat" (1995)

PRIME VIDEO

• "Masterplan" (2026)
• "Scream 7" (2026)
• "Hometown Giants" (2026)
• "Friends, Sex and Games" (series premiere)

PARAMOUNT+

• "Tulsa King" (season 4 premiere)
• "Mobland" (season 2 new episode)
• English Football League: Burnley vs. Wolverhampton Wanderers (3 p.m. ET)
• Italian Serie A: Frosinone vs. Sassuolo (2:45 p.m. ET)
• Scottish Championship: Ayr United vs. Partick Thistle (2:30 p.m. ET)

HBO MAX

• "Kate Berlant: Parmesan" (HBO Original)
• "The Death of Robin Hood" (A24)
• "War" (new episode)
• "The Holiday" (new episode)
• MLB American League Championship Series: Game 4 (8 p.m. ET)

APPLE TV

• "Tenzing" (2026)
• "Dark Matter" (season 2 new episode)
• "Knife Edge: Chasing Michelin Stars" (season 2 premiere)

HULU

• "9-1-1" (season 10 premiere) (ABC)
• "9-1-1: Nashville" (season 2 premiere) (ABC)
• "Grey's Anatomy" (season 23 premiere) (ABC)
• "Tokyo Revengers: War of the Three Titans Arc" (new episode)
• "Heather McMahan: By a Thread" (2026)

DISNEY+

• "SuperKitties: Su-Purr Adventures: Shorts" (season 3 premiere)

PEACOCK

• "Hot Spot" (2026)
• "Days of Our Lives" (new episode)
• World Aquatics Swimming World Cup (9 a.m. ET)
• USL Super League: Carolina Ascent FC vs. DC Power FC (7:30 p.m. ET)
• USL Super League: Sporting JAX vs. Fort Lauderdale United FC (7:30 p.m. ET)

ESPN UNLIMITED

• College Football – Columbia vs. Pennsylvania (ESPNU) – 4pm ET
• College Football – Memphis vs. Tulane (ESPN) – 7:30pm ET
• College Football – Appalachian State vs. Coastal Carolina (ESPN2) – 8pm ET
• MMA – PFL Chicago (ESPN2) – 8pm ET
• NHL – Pittsburgh Penguins vs. Colorado Avalanche (ESPN+) – 9pm ET
• NHL – Boston Bruins vs. Anaheim Ducks (ESPN+) – 10pm ET
• NBA Preseason – Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Lakers (ESPN) – 10:30pm ET
• Soccer – Deportivo La Coruña vs. Levante (ESPN+) – 7pm ET

TUBI

• "Melancholia" (2011)
• "To the Wonder" (2012)
• "Frank" (2014)
• "Psycho Side Chick" (2026)

SHUDDER

• "Hallowarrior" (2026)
• "The Card Player" (2003)
• "Tammy and the T-Rex" (1994)
• "Sleepless" (2001)
• "The Phantom of the Opera" (1998)

PVOD

• "Clean Hands" (2026)

More from Tom's Guide

• Everything new on Netflix in October 2026
• 5 best new to Netflix movies and shows to stream this week
• 3 horror thrillers on Netflix to get you in the Halloween spirit

It's technically fall, but the heat wave and rain in the wake of Hurricane Isaias has me sweating too much to really believe that. With the weather finally cooling off, a cozy weekend inside catching up on my watchlist is on the docket. Perfect timing too, because Prime Video added over 130 new movies this month, including everything from slick original heist capers, poignant romantic dramas, and a supernatural caper that's nearly as bad as critics made it out to be.

Leading the pack of new arrivals is "Masterplan," an original globe-trotting thriller starring Stanley Tucci as a master thief who recruits two strangers to steal the Mona Lisa — only for it to be the most awkward family reunion imaginable. If you're in the mood for an emotional romance, Margaret Qualley and Aaron Pierre star in "Love of Your Life," a sweeping look at how a sudden twist of fate can redefine everything you thought you knew about love.

And for those who don't mind a guilty pleasure watch to kill an afternoon from time to time, might I suggest Jeff Bridges and Ryan Reynolds' chaotic supernatural caper "R.I.P.D."? It's the "Men in Black" we have at home, a messy but undeniably fun ride that's worth watching for Bridges' bumbling swagger alone.

Whether you're looking for high-stakes heists, heartwarming romance, or otherworldly comedy, here are the three new-to-Prime Video movies you should add to your watchlist this weekend:

‘Masterplan’ (2026)

Stanley Tucci is an enigma to me. He never disappears into the characters he plays, but his effortless charm is so infectious it leaves me smiling like an idiot at the end of every movie he's in. In "Masterplan," he once again plays a heightened version of himself that somehow just works — a master thief named Roger who takes on one last job before retirement: stealing the Mona Lisa.

Obviously, he can't pull off a heist like that alone, so he recruits Italian tech whiz Chiara (Simona Tabasco) and French explosive specialist Jay (Victor Belmondo). There's just one catch: They're actually his long-lost children. Expect plenty of laughs as this estranged family struggles to work together without tearing each other apart.

Watch "Masterplan" on Prime Video now

'Love of Your Life' (2026)

For a refreshingly mature romance with a little more heart and substance, look no further than “Love of Your Life,” Prime Video's latest romantic drama from Oscar-nominated cinematographer Rachel Morrison. When fiercely independent nurse Maya (Margaret Qualley) crosses paths with Charlie (Gabriel Basso), an adorably extroverted nerd, at age 26, it sets the stage for a future neither could have imagined.

The two begin building a life together, only for their happy ending to be tragically upended. As Maya finds her footing again in the years after, she navigates all the pitfalls of new relationships and difficult life decisions while figuring out how to shape the next chapter of her life. The supporting cast includes Aaron Pierre, Patrick Schwarzenegger and Catherine Keener.

Watch "Love of Your Life" on Prime Video now

'R.I.P.D.' (2013)

"R.I.P.D." got a lot of (largely well-deserved) flak from critics when it tanked at the box office back in 2013. But as one of several guilty pleasure watches on rotation in my household, I argue this train wreck needs to be seen at least once, for Jeff Bridges, if nothing else, as Roycephus "Roy" Pulsipher, who's a cross between The Dude and Rooster Cogburn with a penchant for women's ankles in this campy science fiction hootenanny.

Ryan Reynolds is just as hilarious as the straight man Nick, a Boston police officer who gets killed in the line of duty and recruited into the Rest In Peace Department, an agency that tracks down the spirits of those who refuse to pass on into the afterlife. (Trust me, the less you think about it, the better.) Roy isn't thrilled to get saddled with babysitting the new recruit, but when they uncover a dangerous conspiracy with ties to Nick's murder, it's just the kind of interesting case he's been begging for. With hilariously disgusting special effects and all-around ridiculousness, "R.I.P.D." is more fun than it has any right to be.

Watch "R.I.P.D." on Prime Video now