Blogroll

3 Android Bluetooth settings that can improve your audio (and 3 that won't)

How-To Geek - 2 hours 1 min ago

If you've got a new pair of headphones, but the sound quality is barely better than what you've got on your old pair, you're not imagining things. Android often defaults to Bluetooth settings that prioritize stability and low latency over pure sound quality, which can hold your audio back. If music quality matters to you, it's worth tweaking the settings to maximize sound quality.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I built my homelab wrong, and it cost me $400 a year in wasted power

How-To Geek - 2 hours 15 min ago

I spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars overbuilding my homelab over the years. I really wish I didn't do that. Here's what I wish I did, and why I think you should follow in my (untaken) footsteps.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $60 multimeter has saved me from so many bad repair guesses

How-To Geek - 2 hours 31 min ago

I've always been the kind of DIYer who ends up with a lot of weird problems to solve. Between cars, motorcycles, vintage arcade games, pinball machines, guitars, and the endless list of things that break when you own a home with a small farm, there's always something that needs attention.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This is how I'd learn Linux if I had to start all over again

How-To Geek - 2 hours 46 min ago

I've been using Linux exclusively on my workstation for almost four years now. But well before that, I had tried (and failed) to make the switch for just as many years. I'd like to share the many mistakes I made along the way and what I learned from them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows Terminal's best features are hiding in these Linux-inspired customizations

How-To Geek - 2 hours 46 min ago

If you're using Windows Terminal for WSL or Powershell, there are some features from Linux terminals that you might miss. Fortunately, it's easier to customize Windows Terminal than ever. Here are some tweaks that can make it behave more like Linux terminals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The closest thing to Pixel's Now Playing is already built into your Android phone

How-To Geek - 3 hours 1 min ago

One of Google’s oldest Pixel-exclusive features is the ever-present “Now Playing” music recognition. It also happens to be one of the most difficult to hack onto other Android phones. Thankfully, there’s already a built-in solution that’s almost as good.

Categories: IT General, Technology

9 Microsoft Excel tools that make Google Sheets users jealous

How-To Geek - 3 hours 16 min ago

There's no doubt that Google Sheets has closed the gap on a ton of everyday spreadsheet tasks. However, Microsoft Excel still offers a handful of specialized power tools that set it apart. From automated data cleaning to heavy-duty optimization and brilliant layout tricks, these features are a big reason Excel still leads in many workflows.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ESP32 alternatives for your next project (and why you should use them)

How-To Geek - 3 hours 31 min ago

Espressif’s ESP32 series is the go-to choice for many people looking to take on microcontroller-powered projects. Not only are they cheap and versatile, but they’re also available in a variety of configurations for just about every need.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These are 4 of the oldest digital files that still exist today

How-To Geek - 3 hours 46 min ago

Did you know that an estimated 75% of all American silent films have been lost? Over 90% of the films made before 1929, and about 50% of American films made before 1950.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I checked the Ethernet cables around my house and found a stupidly simple problem

How-To Geek - 4 hours 16 min ago

Be honest: When did you last check your Ethernet cables? If the answer is "probably not since I've installed them," I can't blame you. I also didn't care about the state of my wired connections until they finally backfired and prompted me to investigate.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 5 apps I uninstall on every Samsung Galaxy phone

How-To Geek - 4 hours 31 min ago

Samsung makes some of the best phones, and I've been buying and reviewing them for the last 14 years. A common problem is all the bloatware and pre-installed apps, which is why one of my first steps is to purge most of them. Samsung is slowly moving toward Google apps by default, but here are the apps I uninstall or disable on every Galaxy phone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My smart home learns my routines without cloud AI—here's how it works

How-To Geek - 4 hours 46 min ago

Our daily routines are rarely fixed. The way we interact with our smart homes changes from day to day. Using Home Assistant, my smart home has learned my routines without the aid of AI or cloud services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why wait for Prime Day? The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are $30 off right now at Amazon.

Mashable - 5 hours 12 min ago

SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are back to their lowest price yet at Amazon for $149.99. This is $30 off their full price of $179.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30   Get Deal

The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is a pretty special pair of earbuds. Not only are they open earbuds, allowing for more awareness of your surroundings while listening, but they also have noise-canceling features. Mashable's Bethany Allard said they're "the answer for people who can't decide between open and noise-canceling earbuds" in her review. If they've been on your radar, they're actually on sale right now at Amazon.

As of June 3, every color of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are discounted to $149.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30 off their full price of $179.99 and marks a return to their lowest price at the retailer so far. Ahead of Prime Day, this is a great deal to take advantage of.

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Allard highlights in her review of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro that if you're someone who's "interested in open earbuds, not quite ready to give up ANC buds altogether, and can't reasonably see themselves carrying around two pairs of earbuds, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros are the best option available." However, she does mention that "you make some concessions: the ANC won't be the best, and you're locked into an ear hook design."

Alongside its dual listening modes, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros offer a battery life that lasts up to seven hours on a charge in Open-Ear mode or five hours in ANC mode. That's a good amount of time to work with, and it'll last you through a workout or a commute for the day. Of course, those times can be pushed up further with the charging case as well (up to 34 hours in Open-Ear mode or 24 hours in ANC).

On top of all that, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds have even landed on our list of the best open earbuds. So, why not scoop them up while they're still on sale at Amazon?

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Categories: IT General, Technology

8 new Paramount+ shows and movies streaming in June

How-To Geek - 5 hours 16 min ago

As summer arrives, Paramount+ is turning up the heat with a spunky lineup of new content and returning shows blending true-crime intrigue, espionage thrills, character-driven storytelling, and action-packed entertainment. It’s also time for Tony Awards.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The big question LGBTQ daters are asking, according to Hinge

Mashable - 5 hours 16 min ago

It's Pride Month, and although LGBTQ daters are queer all year, the spotlight is on them this June. As such, Hinge just published its annual D.A.T.E. (Data, Advice, Trends, and Expertise) Report to lay out what dating is currently like for today's queer singles.

The title of this year's report is "Clarity Builds Chemistry," and it discusses the uncertainty young LGBTQ daters feel. (Not surprising, considering the amount of uncertainty in the world at large right now, that it'd distill into individuals' personal lives.)

SEE ALSO: Gay dating app Sniffies just got $100 million from Match Group

In its Jan. 2026 survey of over 31,000 global respondents, Hinge found that more LGBTQ daters feel a lot or great uncertainty about the world than heterosexual daters (76 to 52 percent, respectively), but they can also find uncertainty helpful. Seventy-four percent of LGBTQ daters say uncertainty helps them understand what they're looking for in relationships. Uncertainty contributes to these daters identifying dealbreakers, clarifying their preferences, and identifying what feels right vs. wrong.

Community also helps LGBTQ daters. Hinge found that queer daters are asking, "Would I bring this persona around my friends?" rather than, "What are we?" This might be because of the importance of chosen family for young LGBTQ people.

As such, queer daters are 33 percent more likely than straight daters to say it matters that their friends like the person they're dating (this rises to 37 percent for trans daters). They're also 20 percent more likely to want to check whether a potential partner fits with their friend circle. In a world of uncertainty, having a solid support system is crucial.

Hinge found that consistency also puts LGBTQ daters at ease in their uncertain world: 86 percent said consistent communication from someone they're starting to date makes them feel less anxious. Seventy-eight percent said making clear plans also makes them feel less anxious (compared to 56 percent of heterosexual daters).

PDA in an early relationship helps over half (65 percent) of LGBTQ daters feel more secure, but they're 50 percent more likely than straight daters to hesitate to show affection on the first date because they feel unsafe in their surroundings. Hinge's love and connection expert, Moe Ari Brown, wrote that, "You don't have to share the same comfort level to have a great date: staying present and responsive turns a potential point of tension into a moment of real connection."

"Asking one another what kinds of affection feel good in public — and which feel better in private — keeps PDA grounded in reassurance," Brown continued.

And forget the timelines. More LGBTQ daters, especially bisexual daters (76 percent and 83 percent), focus on slowly building a connection with someone rather than moving on a certain timeline than straight daters (64 percent). Overall, LGBTQ daters are also more likely to say that settling down isn't a step, but a mindset.

The findings are in contrast to Hinge's Nov. 2025 D.A.T.E. report, which was all about communication and AI. Less than a year later, daters — especially LGBTQ ones — are more focused on clarity, whether that's in public displays of affection, or private affirmations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsungs 32-inch Odyssey G5 QHD gaming monitor has dropped to a record low price on Amazon

Mashable - 5 hours 29 min ago

TL;DR: Amazon has slashed the price of the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor to $219.99, $130 off its original $349.99 price; that’s its lowest price with the retailer ever, and it still offers a 1440p gaming display with a 180Hz refresh rate.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD Resolution Gaming Monitor $219.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $130 Get Deal

With the rise of OLED and 4K gaming monitors, HD and QHD models are getting more affordable than ever — and you can now score $130 off a top-tier 32-inch unit from Samsung.

As of June 3, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for only $219.99, down 37% from its usual list price, and is sold and shipped by Amazon directly. With that $130 drop, this gaming monitor is now at its lowest Amazon price ever, as confirmed by price-tracking site camelcamelcamel.

For this massively lower price, the G50F offers QHD 2560 x 1440 resolution, similar to standard HD but with 1.7 times the pixel density for a fuller display, without making the more expensive jump to 4K. Whether you’re catching up on RPGs like Crimson Desert or linear action-adventures like 007: First Light, everything will still be sharper and pleasing to the eyes. 

For lovers of fast-paced multiplayer games like Fortnite, the fast IPS panel also brings a 178-degree viewing angle to help keep the picture clear, while the 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time keep gameplay both buttery smooth and far more responsive

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Despite not being 4K, the Odyssey G5’s display still includes HDR10 for brighter highlights and deeper-looking shadows. Plus, the included AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility helps keep any visuals intact by reducing screen tearing as much as possible. 

On the off chance you're open to diving into 4K, LG’s 32-inch OLED UltraGear monitor has been cut to just under $800 on Amazon, too.

For a model that’s a bit smaller, the 27-inch, 1440p LG OLED UltraGear gaming monitor is now only $500, down nearly half. 

If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop paying $240 a year for Acrobat—these 3 free tools do everything you actually need

How-To Geek - 5 hours 46 min ago

Adobe Acrobat is the definitive software if you need to work with PDFs, but for the vast majority of people, it’s almost a bit overkill. Acrobat costs between $15 and $30 per month, which works out to a $240 annual subscription just to work with PDFs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seams can spoil your 3D prints, here’s what they are and how to hide them

How-To Geek - 6 hours 16 min ago

Have you noticed small vertical lines on your 3D prints that look a bit like scars? These are seams, and they’re an inescapable part of extrusion-based 3D printing methods.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Booster Display Box on sale for under $100 at Amazon

Mashable - 6 hours 16 min ago

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box on sale for $99.62, down from its current standard price of $105.59. That gets you 24 ready-to-mix Jumpstart boosters, with every pack including 20 cards, all the lands needed to play, and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Booster Box $99.92 at Amazon
$105.59 Save $5.67 Get Deal

If you’ve been thinking about getting into Magic: The Gathering without immediately needing to learn every corner of deckbuilding, Jumpstart is still one of the easiest ways to get started with the trading card game, and you can now do so with its biggest box on sale. 

As of June 3, Amazon lists the Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart 2025 Booster Box for $99.62, with the item shipped and sold by Amazon itself rather than a third-party seller. This is a 90-day low price; Amazon’s typical price for the 24-pack box is $105.59, saving you $5.97 with this sale price. 

On the other hand, you can save even more when shopping outside of Amazon. TCGplayer listings starting at $89 with shipping included, dropping below its $89.09 market price. Slightly higher, Walmart sits at $89.99 via Flipside Gaming.

Magic: The Gathering Foundations Jumpstart Boosters are built around the idea of getting started simply by opening two boosters, shuffling them together, and starting to play — with no drafting, no decklist research, and no digging through your bulk box for lands required. 

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Each of the included 24 Jumpstart boosters contains 20 Magic cards with all the lands already included. Every booster also comes with one anime-inspired card and at least one Rare or Mythic Rare, which is a plus for collectors. 

There are over 46 possible themes, too, including Goblins, Dinosaurs, Ninjas, and other chaotic little pairings that can make each game feel different. 

To get ready for what’s to come in MTG, you can preorder the 30-pack Marvel Super Heroes Play Booster Box for under $140 — a record low price. Right now, though, you can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Aetherdrift Bundle on sale for $40

If you’re also a Pokémon TCG fan, although it is currently not available on Amazon, the newly announced Pitch Black expansion — Booster Packs, ETBs, Display Boxes, and Booster Bundles — is available to preorder at TCGplayer.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is over $100 off right now at Amazon ahead of Prime Day

Mashable - 6 hours 36 min ago

SAVE OVER $100: As of June 3, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is marked down to $369 at Amazon. This is $130 off its full price of $499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Beam Gen 2 $369 at Amazon
$499 Save $130   Get Deal

If you spend a lot of time in front of your TV, a soundbar is a must-have for your setup to boost your sound system. While some come with hefty price tags, the good news is that Amazon already has excellent deals on select models ahead of Prime Day. The Sonos Beam Gen 2 is one of them, which has had $130 slashed off its price tag.

As of June 3, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 soundbar in black has been marked down from $499 to $369 at Amazon, which is a pretty solid price cut. Its lowest-ever price at the retailer may have been $349, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel, but that's just a $20 difference. It's certainly still worth grabbing at this price, and we think it's one worth grabbing in general.

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When it comes to our top picks for soundbars, the Sonos Beam Gen 2 lands as our 'More Affordable Sonos Pick' in our roundup of the best soundbars. This is because "it offers impressive value for the money." It's a soundbar that's "incredibly easy to set up, and because it can sync with your other Sonos products, it's easy to build a genuine home theater surround sound system."

Speaking from experience, I definitely think the Sonos Beam Gen 2 is worth having for your TV. Whether I'm watching movies, shows, or playing games, it delivers crisp, clear sound so I can catch every detail on screen. I've also paired it with two Sonos Era 100 speakers to create a surround-sound setup, and the good news is those are on sale at Amazon right now as well. It's the perfect time to scoop everything up for an audio upgrade.

Don't miss out on this chance to save on the Sonos Beam Gen 2 at Amazon.

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Categories: IT General, Technology
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