{
  "id": 14062508,
  "title": "The best Halloween decorations and animatronics of 2026, from a smarter Skelly to that viral horny pumpkin",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/12/the-best-halloween-decorations-and-animatronics-of-2026-from-a",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-12T23:00:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Mashable",
    "slug": "mashable",
    "url": "https://mashable.com/life/best-halloween-decorations-animatronics-2026"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "When it comes to creating the scariest and most entertaining Halloween displays, going the extra mile is key. While a few cobwebs and a few pumpkins may have made a statement in the past, this year's best decorations and animatronics go far beyond basic props.\n\nThe Home Depot's 12-foot skeleton, Skelly, has been upgraded with new technology for 2026. Using a companion mobile app, homeowners can now chat with trick-or-treaters directly through Skelly, or record up to 30 custom voice lines for it to speak. The updated model features a moving head, light-up ribcage and 20 different eye effects. This marks the biggest upgrade for Skelly since its launch in 2020. At $80 more than the standard version, the latest Skelly still remains a social media hit, with videos of two Skellies dressed as characters from the Chicks song \"Goodbye Earl\" garnering over 12 million views on TikTok.\n\nFor those seeking an even taller presence, Lowe's offers a 15-foot headless skeleton known as the Skeleton Watcher. This animatronic wears an overall and holds its glowing skull in the air for maximum effect. The large Skeleton Watcher is on clearance and appears to be selling fast. While it doesn't actually contain cameras, the lights in its eyes do light up, adding to the spooky atmosphere.",
  "summary": "The best Halloween decorations and animatronics of 2026 include an upgraded 12-foot skeleton, a zombie parrot, and an undead DJ.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}