Technology

7 satisfying 3D printing projects for the weekend (May 8 - 10)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 17:45

Satisfaction means different things to different people. For some, it’s completing a complex set of instructions in order to build something truly impressive, for others, it’s something altogether more tactile. Sometimes it’s finding another way to keep your hands busy while you focus on other tasks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boox just launched the Tappy wireless remote, leaving Amazon in the dust

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 17:34

While Amazon might have the most popular e-reader with Kindles, the company is falling behind on supporting accessories. On May 8, Boox launched the Tappy remote, a wireless device that lets users turn the page on an e-book, scroll through articles, and hit play on an audiobook. The remote connects easily to Boox e-readers for seamless reading.

The Boox Tappy remote comes with two spare key caps so you can customize the remote. Credit: Boox

Remotes for e-readers are the hottest accessory at the moment. The trendy devices blew up on BookTok, of course, with e-reader users showing off their cozy reading nook setups that include an e-reader stand paired with a remote. Most of these remotes are off-brand models, but Kobo became the first e-reader brand to launch a native remote to its e-readers. Boox is now joining the party with its Tappy remote.

The Tappy retails for $25.99 and will be available on Amazon and Boox. Currently, the device is sold out of its US warehouse, but is available from its Hong Kong warehouse. At the time of writing, the Boox Tappy's Amazon listing is not live. It comes in two shades, sage (Amazon exclusive) and citrus (Boox exclusive).

The Boox Tappy features three modes: reading, browsing, and multimedia. Credit: Boox

The remote comes with three different modes:

  • Reading Mode: Best suited for page-by-page reading, you can flip through stories in most reading apps with a simple click.

  • Browsing Mode: This mode allows you to scroll up and down through vertical content, great for browsing news or long-form articles.

  • Multimedia Mode: For audiobooks or music, Tappy functions as a remote to skip to the previous or next track.

According to the brand, on Boox e-readers running Firmware V4.2 or later, you can customize button functions to suit your preference. So, a double-tap or long hold can execute different actions.

It connects to Boox devices via Bluetooth and, according to the press release, will work with other devices. TBD if that means it's also compatible with Kindles, which are Bluetooth compatible. This would be a huge boon for Kindle users, as it seems like Amazon is the last e-reader brand to make its own remote.

Once we get our hands on the Boox Tappy, we'll be trying it ourselves to see if it works with more than just Boox e-readers.

Opens in a new window Credit: Boox Boox Tappy Remote $25.99 at Boox
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Categories: IT General, Technology

Lossless Scaling instantly solved my biggest problem with GameCube emulation

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 17:30

I don't like it when old games are as limited as they were twenty years ago. I think that when we emulate games, the advances in technology should translate to better gameplay. Unfortunately, that's not how it's worked with my emulator for a long time. Luckily, lossless scaling solved this problem for me, but it did come with some hiccups.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Google I/O cheat sheet: What to expect

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 17:28

Gemini is already in your search results, your Gmail, your calendar, and your Android phone. At Google I/O on May 19, Google is going further. Faster AI, an assistant that actually acts for you, smart glasses built with real fashion brands, and a new laptop OS. Iyaz Akhtar is here to break down what to expect from Google I/O 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched cloud backups for local storage—here are 5 things that surprised me most

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 17:01

Cloud storage feels like the obvious choice for backing up important data. It’s cheap (and even free up to a point), convenient, and simple to set up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 VS Code features completely changed how I work

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:45

Visual Studio Code (VS Code) is the undoubted king of coding editors, with 75% of respondents to the 2025 Stack Overflow Survey citing it as a tool they use regularly. It towers above not only strong competitors like Vim, Cursor, and Notepad++, but also over its fuller-featured parent project, Visual Studio.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo Switch 2 officially gets a $50 price hike in the US

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:43

After less than a year on the market, the Nintendo Switch 2 is going up in price.

The company announced in a press release on its website that the device is getting a price increase in every major region, including the United States. Customers in the U.S. will pay $50 more for the console, as its price is going from $449 to $499. Nintendo did not delve into specifics in the press release, citing only "changes in market conditions," but this is almost certainly a response to the global memory shortage driven by high demand for AI data center construction.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces 'Star Fox 64' remake for Switch 2

That same memory shortage was the culprit behind recent price hikes on PlayStation 5 consoles and Motorola phones, among other tech products. Even if the reasoning is understandable, it must be stated that video game consoles rarely rise in price over time in a normal economic environment. The opposite usually occurs, typically after at least a few years on the market. Nintendo having to hike the Switch 2's price less than a year after its June 2025 launch is fairly unprecedented, at least in recent memory.

Nintendo said the changes go into effect on Sept. 1 of this year, so if you want a Switch 2, that's your deadline to get one for $450.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 fresh new Netflix documentaries to stream this weekend (May 8-10)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:30

Netflix is on fire right now with some new prestige scripted series and movies, from Lord of the Flies and Man on Fire, to Apex and Bugonia, burning up the platform. But sometimes you need a little grounding from all that fiction with a solid dose of documentary—which can be even wilder than fiction.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:30

TL;DR: Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

After some incredibly tense Champions League action this week, the focus returns to domestic action over the weekend. There are a number of fascinating matchups in the Bundesliga over the next few days, starting with Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt.

The hosts are looking to secure second spot in the standings. They'll face a tough test against Eintracht Frankfurt, a team that is gunning for European qualification. It should be an exciting contest in front of a passionate support at the Signal Iduna Park.

If you want to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt?

Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga kicks off at 2:30 p.m. ET on May 8. This fixture takes place at the Signal Iduna Park.

How to watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt for free

Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Borussia Dortmund vs. Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo is raising the price of the Switch 2 — where to buy before the hike hits

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:26
Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2: Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 $449 at Amazon Shop Now Best Buy Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Best Buy Shop Now GameStop Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at GameStop Shop Now Target Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Target Shop Now Walmart Nintendo Switch 2 $449 at Walmart Shop Now Nintendo Nintendo Switch 2 $449.99 at Nintendo Shop Now

Nintendo just announced that it’s raising the price of the Switch 2 due to "challenging business conditions" and the global economic outlook — crazy, considering last year's demand for the Switch 2 put literally everyone into a buying panic, and the Super Mario Galaxy Movie has already grossed over $800 million.

According to the Associated Press, U.S. gamers will have to cough up an extra $50 for the console by September. (Japan's price hike is happening later this month.) That's basically the cost of a new game or a Pro Controller that you're essentially handing back to Nintendo for nothing.

SEE ALSO: Is it worth buying a Nintendo Switch 2 for 'Pokémon Pokopia'?

If you want to dodge the surcharge, you should probably grab your console sooner rather than later. Here's where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2 at its original $449.99 price point:

Where to buy the Nintendo Switch 2Amazon

The Nintendo Switch 2 is currently available at Amazon for $449 (a whole 99 cents cheaper than its usual MSRP). You can buy it as a standalone console or as a bundle with games like Mario Galaxy 1 & 2 and Mario Kart World. (Just be sure to look at the "seller" when shopping on Amazon; if it doesn't say Amazon.com, it could be a sketch deal.)

Best Buy

Best Buy also has the Switch 2 available as a console only or gaming bundle. You can get it today for $449.99. Plus, if you trade in a similar device, you could get a few bucks shaved off that price.

GameStop

If you're a GameStop fan, you can get the Nintendo Switch 2 there for $449.99. If you're OK with buying pre-owned, you can save an extra $32.

Target

You can get the Nintendo Switch 2 for $449.99 at Target, plus save 30% on Super Mario Galaxy with your purchase. The discount will auto-apply once you add the console and the game to your cart, so there's nothing extra you need to do to get the deal.

Walmart

Walmart's also offering the Nintendo Switch 2 for $449 or you can get the Galaxy Bundle for $499, which includes Super Mario Galaxy 1 & 2.

Nintendo

If you prefer to buy direct, you can get the Nintendo Switch 2 console (and tons of accessories) right from the My Nintendo Store.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These AI note-taking earbuds record and summarize your meetings

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:08

Staying on top of conversations, whether in meetings, lectures, or even casual calls, can be harder than it sounds. You’re either fully engaged and missing key details, or busy taking notes and losing track of the discussion. And even when you record conversations, you’re often left with long audio files that are time-consuming to sort through.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I used Claude wrong for months, here's the setup that actually made it useful

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 16:00

When I first started using Claude, I treated it like a search bar with brains. I'd type a question into a fresh chat and get annoyed when Claude didn't understand what I wanted. It took me some time to realize that the problem wasn't Claude, it was me. A few changes in how I used Claude made it so much more useful.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your 40V Ryobi mower is dying too fast—Why ‘self-propel' is killing battery life

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 15:45

If you've noticed your Ryobi lawn mower dying before the backyard is finished, the culprit isn't necessarily a bad or aging battery; it's probably how you're using your favorite feature. And if you've had the mower for a few years, how and when you use this feature becomes even more important.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I vibe coded a Rust frontend for FFmpeg and I’m never touching the command line again

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 15:30

FFmpeg is one of my favorite tools. It is a multimedia Swiss army knife that powers more media applications than I can count. However, it doesn't include a GUI by default, which can sometimes make it a bit difficult to use.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Groks voice mode comes to Apple CarPlay

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 15:22

Apple CarPlay users just got another AI assistant option for their cars: Grok.

On Friday, SpaceXAI (the SpaceX's subdivision that focuses on artificial intelligence) announced that Grok's voice mode is now available in Apple CarPlay.

Technically, Grok was already available in CarPlay, but it merely consisted of a placeholder app that displayed a "coming soon" message. Now, you can tap on the Grok icon, launch a new voice chat, and start chatting to the assistant.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Grok follows ChatGPT, which was made available in CarPlay in April 2026. Apple originally added support for AI chatbots in CarPlay in February.

SEE ALSO: AirPods with cameras reportedly in final testing at Apple

As is the case with other AI chatbots in CarPlay, you can't just invoke Grok via a voice command; you have to start the app manually before you can start talking to it. Another caveat is that you can't issue Grok commands to do stuff on your iPhone or in your car, but you can ask it about...stuff.

Some Tesla drivers, on the other hand, do get the luxury of invoking Grok with a "Hey Grok" voice command. The functionality was added in the company's latest "spring update," though availability varies by region.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everyone is terrified of their router's reset switch (but this other button is much more dangerous)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 15:00

Router buttons are notoriously bad at making sense. It's not even that many people simply don't know what they're there for; it's that routers don't have one unified form factor the way laptops and desktop PCs do, so you may not even know what you're looking at.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Pixel "Rules" are a joke compared to Samsung's Modes & Routines

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 14:46

It took a while, but automation tools are now baked into most smartphones. They're actually pretty good, too—with one exception. While Samsung Modes & Routines (even iPhone Shortcuts) are excellent, Google’s Pixel “Rules” are embarrassingly lackluster.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ESP32 Wi-Fi projects to make this weekend (May 8 - 10)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 14:31

Almost every ESP32 device has Wi-Fi; it’s one of the things that makes the microcontroller so versatile. You can use this functionality to power a variety of wireless projects, from penetration testing to expanding the range of your home network.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Blair Underwood on honoring his mother, creating a legacy, and how he feels about AI

Mashable - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 14:30

Just in time for Mother's Day, Blair Underwood has written a new book, A Soldier's Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood, which pulls from his mother's writings and diaries to tell the story of her life. In addition to collaborating with Ylonda Gault on the book itself, he also teamed with his sister Marlo Underwood to perform the audiobook.

To celebrate the book's release and his mom, Underwood visited with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko at the Say More studio in New York. Together they discussed Marilyn's life, her struggle with multiple sclerosis, her faith, and her deep love of fashion. Beyond that, Underwood shared how he found his mother's voice, and if he'd ever consider AI for such a job.

In their last conversation, Underwood had also spoken about how Sidney Poitier was a mentor to him as a young Black actor in Hollywood, and how Michael B. Jordan's Oscar speech for Sinners' tapped into Poitier's legacy.

For more of this interview and other Say More videos, be sure to check out Mashable's YouTube channel.

A Soldier's Wife: My Mother, the Marvelous Mrs. Marilyn A. Underwood is now available in bookstores and on Audible.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your router is killing your Zigbee network—here's the $0 fix

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/08/2026 - 14:15

Do you find that devices keep dropping off your Zigbee network or are slow to respond? The problem may not be your Zigbee network at all; it may be your Wi-Fi network. Both Zigbee and 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi share the same frequency band, and they can get in each other’s way.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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