Blogroll

10 midsize sedans that just don’t quit, according to J.D. Power

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 19:00

Midsize sedans deserve more love because they still deliver that smooth, classic car feel we grew up trusting. They stay low, look good, and handle everyday life without a fuss.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This used 348-HP V-6 coupe comes from an unexpected brand

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 17:30

It’s not every day you find a rear-wheel-drive coupe with serious horsepower from a brand better known for practicality than performance. But this 348-horsepower V6 machine shattered expectations, proving its maker could build something worthy of true enthusiast attention. Sharp handling, muscular acceleration, and a surprisingly refined interior helped it stand tall against more established sports car rivals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

MSI made a Raspberry Pi-like PC with Intel x86 processors

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 17:14

MSI has released a single-board computer powered by Intel Alder lake, Amston Lake, or Twin Lake x86 processors, in a similar form factor as a Raspberry Pi. It's intended for "deployment in extreme environments and industrial use cases."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Chaotic-AUR is trying to fight Arch Linux malware

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 17:06

After a rash of malware in the Arch User Repository (AUR), one AUR packaging system, Chaotic-AUR, is in response taking steps to increase trust and reduce chances of malicious software reaching Arch Linux folks. Based on this system, certain package updates will get flagged for human review before being released to the public.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LineageOS just arrived on this Android flagship phone

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 16:59

The OnePlus 13 now officially supports LineageOS 23. This gives OnePlus 13 users a great way to move beyond the standard OxygenOS software. This is huge news for anyone who loves the hardware OnePlus packs into its devices but wants a cleaner, more stock Android feel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to disable ads in Windows 11

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 16:30

It doesn't matter whether you have the $140 Windows Home edition or the $200 Windows Pro edition; you'll see plenty of ads throughout your Windows system. There are ads in File Explorer, and you'll even find them in the Start menu. However, if you're like me and prefer a completely ad-free Windows experience, turn off these settings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 genuinely good Netflix movies to watch this week (November 3 - 9)

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 16:15

We're barreling towards the end of the year. Who can believe it's already November? On the bright side, with a new month comes a new batch of films landing on Netflix, and I've picked out four that are genuinely worth watching this week.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Are TMR keyboards actually worth the price?

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 16:00

If you’re into keyboards, you’ve probably noticed a new kind of magnetic keyboard making waves—and it’s not Hall Effect. It’s based on TMR, a next-gen technology with better precision and efficiency. But is this evolution really worth the price?

Categories: IT General, Technology

This email hack solves most of my inbox problems

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 15:30

I'm always looking for ways to improve my email security, limit the amount of spam reaching my inbox, and generally keep my emails organized. Plus email addressing helps me achieve all three of these goals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Building a smart home? Here’s one design principle you shouldn’t ignore

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 15:00

I’ve had a lot of fun putting together a smart home, so much so that I’ve been known to get ahead of myself as I put technology before practicality. This can trip up guests and visitors alike, and it’s a mistake you’re going to want to avoid making.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 ways to lower GPU temps without changing your thermal paste

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 14:30

If you've checked your in-game metrics recently and noticed that your graphics card is constantly running hot, potentially even causing games or drivers to crash, it can be quite disconcerting. Many guides online will suggest that simply repasting the GPU could lower the temps, but what if you don't want to risk damaging your precious graphics card, have nowhere to take it, or don't want to overpay for the service?

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Prime Video movies you have to watch this week (November 3 - 9)

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 14:00

For me, there isn’t a better way to unwind from a long day than by sitting down and engaging in a good movie. Luckily, Amazon Prime Video has plenty. This week’s mix includes a lingering taste of Halloween, current and classic comedies steeped in laugh-out-loud sardonic wit, a little bit of action mixed with bickering and brotherly love, and an inspiring drama based on the true story of the first Mexican American to go to space.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You need to know what the @ sign does in Excel

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 13:30

Have you ever seen the @ symbol in a Microsoft Excel formula and wondered why it's there? Well, wonder no more, because in this guide, I'll explain everything you need to know about this powerful operator.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google just revealed the 100 top-searched gifts of 2025. Here are our 10 favorite picks.

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 13:00

Today, Google released the 2025 edition of the Holiday 100, its annual gift guide based on the year’s biggest Google Search trends. The list includes new tech releases like the Nintendo Switch 2, the Ninja Creami Swirl, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 as well as apparel, home, beauty, and toy picks. Obviously, Labubus are on there.

Google chooses items for its Holiday 100 list by analyzing U.S. Google Trends data from May through September. The tech giant says that more than 1 billion shopping-related searches are conducted every day on Google, providing it with a vast data pool to draw from.

The Nintendo Switch 2 and Google Pixel Watch 4 were two of the most-searched products of the year. Credit: Google

This year's top-searched items and breakout trends include items we've reviewed, written about, and featured in our own gift guides here at Mashable. Below, we've highlighted ten Holiday 100 picks, ranging from $28 to $1,300, that we'd love to unwrap ourselves. If you need some wishlist inspo ahead of the holidays (and Black Friday), just keep scrolling.

To see the full Google Holiday 100 list for 2025, click the Shopping tab on Google Search or visit g.co/holiday100.

1. The Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo Switch 2 $449 at Walmart
$920.86 Save $471.86 The successor to Nintendo's bestselling hybrid console arrived in May (and promptly sold out everywhere), fueling a surge in "Switch 2" searches. It's pretty easy to find in stock nowadays, but that might change as the holiday shopping season kicks into high gear. Consider yourself warned. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon 2. The Ninja Creami Swirl Ninja Creami Swirl $331.10 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $18.89 Searches for "Ninja Swirl" hit an all-time high this year, and the hype is real: Our reviewer found that Ninja's latest countertop ice cream maker is as good as TikTok says it is. The added soft-serve dispensing feature makes it a better value than the original Creami. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Ninja Kitchen 3. A smart ring Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
Search interest in these small, fashion-forward fitness trackers hit a new peak in 2025. Our favorite model for most people is the Oura Ring 4, which is sleeker, comfier, and more accurate than the competition. It comes in ten finishes, including four new ceramic designs in pretty pastels. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target 4. The Google Pixel Watch 4 Google Pixel Watch 4 (Bluetooth/WiFi, 41mm) $349.99 at Walmart
Everyone was googling the big G's newest wearable (even before it made its debut in early October). Our reviewer called it "a true runner's watch," praising its bright domed display, custom workout features, and repairable design. If your current smartwatch is more than a generation old, it's a worthy upgrade. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Amazon 5. A red light mask Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $349 at Amazon
2025 was the year everyone got into red light therapy. The best red light mask we've tested ourselves is the Shark CryoGlow, which incorporates blue and infrared lights for added acne- and wrinkle-reducing benefits. It also comes with built-in chill pads that de-puff the under-eye area — something you won't find on any other LED mask. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Shark Shop Now at ULTA 6. A styling wand Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System $249.99 at Walmart
$349.99 Save $100 Interest in "Styling wand" has ramped up during the holiday season every year since 2011. Hopefully everyone's stopped splurging on Dyson Airwraps by now: Its best dupe, the Shark FlexStyle, is a more useful device that's almost half the price. It comes in some highly giftable limited-edition colorways, too. Shop Now at Walmart Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Amazon 7. A photo printer Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer $99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $10.99 Google saw a 65 percent spike in searches for "photo printer" over the past year. One of our editors is obsessed with the ultra-portable Canon Ivy 2, which has a user-friendly app and offers better photo quality than any other model she's tried. What's more, it's often on sale for just $100. Shop Now at Amazon 8. A home projector LG CineBeam Q 4K Smart Portable Projector $962.59 at Amazon
$996.99 Save $34.40 Movie theater attendance is still on the decline; is it any wonder that "home projectors" got 60 percent more searches this year? The lightweight LG CineBeam Q can throw a picture up to 120 inches wide, and it made our reviewer think about ditching her TV for good. It's not exactly cheap, but it's more affordable than other 4K options. Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at LG 9. The Lego Willy Wonka set Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory $219.99 at Lego.com
Wonkamania endures. "Lego Willy Wonka" was a breakout search term following the September release of a new fan-voted building set inspired by the 1971 movie (complete with a chocolate waterfall). It contains 2,025 pieces, including a Gene Wilder mini-figurine. It's a Lego.com exclusive, FYI. Shop Now 10. A Labubu The Monsters Big into Energy Series - Vinyl Plush Pendant Blind Box $27.99 at Amazon
Furry, pointy-toothed, and inescapable on FYPs, Labubu dolls were one of the biggest viral hits of 2025. (They're part of the larger "backpack charm" trend, which was more searched than ever.) They come in sealed "blind boxes," so collecting a full set can be a challenge. Put one in your favorite Gen Zer's stocking to earn major brownie points. Shop Now at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

Sam Altman ridicules Tesla over his Roadster refund, Musk responds

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:45

Like two toddlers who were somehow given the gift of internet access and infinite money, Tesla CEO Elon Musk and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman are arguing online again.

The latest instance in this never-ending beef was started by Altman on Oct. 30, who shared his unsuccessful attempt to cancel the Tesla Roadster. In an X post with email screenshots, Altman said he had pre-ordered the Roadster in July 2018 with a $45,000 reservation payment. Seven years later, in 2025, he tried to cancel the reservation and get a refund by directly responding to the original reservation confirmation email, which yielded an "address not found" error.

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On one hand, it's not that unusual for a company email address to get changed or expire after seven years. On the other, it's very unusual for a company to ask for a $45k down payment on a car and then not launch it for seven years, so we do kinda get where Altman's coming from.

SEE ALSO: Musk hopes Tesla Roadster demo will be ready before end of 2025

Musk responded on X on Nov. 1, first by changing the subject and saying that Altman "stole a non-profit," referencing the odd trajectory of OpenAI from a non-profit to for-profit company. (Musk was involved in OpenAI early, but later sued when the company transitioned to for-profit.) The Tesla CEO then said that Altman's "issue was fixed" and that the OpenAI CEO had received a refund "within 24 hours."

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Altman may have chosen the wrong moment to cancel his Roadster reservation, as Musk recently said that Tesla is close to demonstrating a "prototype" of the vehicle, hyping it up as "if you took all the James Bond cars and combined them, it's crazier than that" — and hinting that it'll be able to fly. Then again, this car was originally supposed to launch in 2020, so we wouldn't hold our breath waiting it to launch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Starbucks Red Cup Day nears: When, how to get your free cup

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:33

FREE RED CUP: Starbucks Red Cup Day takes place on Nov. 13, 2025. Buy any handcrafted holiday drink in any size to get a free reusable red cup.

Opens in a new window Credit: Starbucks Starbucks Red Cup Day 2025   Learn More

No, those aren’t sleigh bells you hear. It’s the sound of coffee lovers gearing up for one of the most anticipated days of the year. Clear your schedules, because Starbucks’ holiday season officially begins on Nov. 6.

So what exactly is included in this hotly-anticipated festive celebration? Starbucks is welcoming back those holiday beverages that we simply can't go a whole year without. We're talking about favorites like Peppermint Mocha, Caramel Brulée Latte, Iced Sugar Cookie Latte, and Iced Gingerbread Chai. And later in the season, two holiday classics — the Chestnut Praline Latte and Eggnog Latte — will make a glorious return. All of sudden, we're feeling the festive spirit.

SEE ALSO: Starbucks discloses secret menu, announces $25K drink contest

But that's not the highlight of the holidays. No, that's the return of Red Cup Day. On Nov. 13, Starbucks is giving away limited-edition reusable red cups for free with any handcrafted holiday beverage (at participating stores while supplies last). The free red cup is a 16-oz grande with a lid.

We really wouldn't want you to miss out on this special giveaway, so plan ahead. That might sound slightly ridiculous. This is a reusable cup, for goodness sake. But shockingly, people really love free stuff? Red Cup Day tends to draw large crowds, so arriving early or placing your order through the Starbucks app can help you beat the rush and secure your precious cup before they’re gone for good.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box has dipped to market value at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:21

AT MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box is $82.94 at Amazon. This is now at market value vs. TCGPlayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company White Flare Elite Trainer Box $82.94 at TCGPlayer
  Get Deal

Have you been hunting down Mega Evolution boosters and Phantasmal Flames preorders? I don't blame you, but my eye has been on the Scarlet and Violet era, specifically White Flare. Amazon are finally playing ball with their pricing, bringing the White Flare Elite Trainer Box down from a ridiculous $104.49 to market value at $82.94. Well, technically its a couple of dollars more, but you'll get prime delivery and have this ETB in your hands tomorrow. It's a solid pay off especially when you're paying extra for delivery at TCGplayer.

Black Bolt and White Flare is a crazy double set featuring an Illustration Rare or Secret Art Rare for every Unovan Pokémon. Oh, and don't forget about the new Black White Rares of Victini (two for both sets), Reshiram (White Flare), and Zekrom (Black Bolt). It really is such an epic way to cap off the Scarlet and Violet era.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The Black Bolt ETB includes a Tornadus 210 Illustration Rare promo card, 65 Black Bolt-Themed sleeves, themed dice, and eight booster packs. Even the box is great for storing all of your bulk cards thanks to the included dividers. That works out at $10.37 per booster pack plus all the extras as a bonus, not bad given current market conditions.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Prefer to just sink your money into the chase cards you want rather than ripping up endless boosters and spending a fortune in the process? Here's the top five with direct links to buy for the best price alongside up-to-date pricing info:

  1. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $446.99
    Market price: $483.91
    Most recent sale: $440

  2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $440
    Market price: $430.29
    Most recent sale: $405

  3. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $415
    Market price: $499.59
    Most recent sale: $430

  4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $372.60
    Market price: $369.06
    Most recent sale: $354

  5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $225
    Market price: $245.39
    Most recent sale: $194.99

  6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $191.98
    Market price: $190.31
    Most recent sale: $192.05

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box crashes to below market value at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:07

BELOW MARKET VALUE: As of Nov. 3, the Pokémon TCG Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box is $84.95 at Amazon. This is now below market value vs. TCGPlayer.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box $84.95 at TCGPlayer
$87.87 Save $2.92   Get Deal

Mega Evolution has been dominating the Pokémon TCG landscape, with stock levels looking better than ever. Phantasmal Flames preorders haven't been looking bad either, but regular stock remains to be seen when it releases Nov. 14. I'm still focused on the Scarlet and Violet era, which is a good job as I've found a great deal on the BLack Bolt Elite Trainer Box.

Right now, Amazon is selling it for below market value for $84.95, which is around $3 lower than TCGplayer's current listings. It doesn't sound like much, but it's more money in your pocket and next-day delivery. Who can argue with what when other ETBs are soaring to over $100?

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

The Black Bolt ETB includes a Thundurus 209 Illustration Rare promo card, 65 Black Bolt-Themed sleeves, themed dice, and eight booster packs. With the box even serving as a great storage box for your cards. This ETB normally goes for around $95, meaning you're paying $10.62 per booster pack instead of $11.88. Looking to rip open packs and find chase cards? These are the kind of deals collectors and trainers need to keep an eye out for.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / The Pokémon Company

Like I said, the only problem with this set is it's size, making those top chase cards brutal to catch in sealed products. For some, that's the fun and thrill of it all, but others just want to buy the single cards they're after and likely save some money in the process. Here's the top six right now and where you can buy them:

  1. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $446.99
    Market price: $483.91
    Most recent sale: $440

  2. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $440
    Market price: $430.29
    Most recent sale: $405

  3. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $415
    Market price: $499.59
    Most recent sale: $430

  4. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $372.60
    Market price: $369.06
    Most recent sale: $354

  5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
    Near Mint Holofoil: $225
    Market price: $245.39
    Most recent sale: $194.99

  6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
    Near Mint Holofoil: $191.98
    Market price: $190.31
    Most recent sale: $192.05

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Anker 3-in-1 charging station is at its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save $60 right now

Mashable - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:01

SAVE $60: As of Nov. 3, the Anker 3-in-1 charger is on sale for $169.99 at Amazon. That's a 26% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 3-in-1 Charging Station $169.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60   Get Deal

If you're deep in the Apple ecosystem, wouldn't it be nice if you could get rid of your cable clutter and just use one charger to power them all? Well, thanks to Anker, now you can. Meet the Anker 3-in-1 charging station, a handy device that can charge your iPhone, Apple Watch, and AirPods all in one stand. And it's MagSafe too, so you don't need to use any cables.

As of Nov. 3, it's on sale for its lowest-ever price. You can save $60 with the new price of $169.99. It's compatible with most, but not all devices. For the Apple Watch, it works with the Apple Watch Series 11, 10, 9, 8, and 7, the Ultra Apple Watch Series 1-6, and the Apple Watch SE Series. For AirPods, it will work with Gen 2, 3, 4, Pro, Pro 2, and Pro 3, and for iPhone it is compatible with the iPhone 17, 16, 15, 14, 13, and 12.

Despite charging multiple devices at once, it's fast. It delivers 25W ultra-fast wireless charging, meaning it can power your iPhone 17 Pro to 50% in just 22 minutes. It also has an aerospace-grade TEC active cooling system to keep your phone below 89°F while charging. This protects your battery and helps to ensure its long-term health.

It also has a built-in 1.65-inch HD display that gives you real-time updates on power, temperature, and charging status. It'll also show the three different charging modes: Boost, Ice, and Sleep, giving you a choice of charging speed depending on needs and time of day.

Get this Anker deal from Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Anker Prime Charger (160W, 3 Ports, Smart Display) Review

How-To Geek - Mon, 11/03/2025 - 12:00

The Anker Prime 160W, 3-port charger is one of the fastest wall plugs you can buy and one of the relatively few with a screen. Its shape and smart cable placement make it a brilliant charger, but the price might be a deal-breaker for most.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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