Blogroll

Paramount+ is stacked right now. Conor McGregor makes his long-awaited return to the Octagon against Max Holloway on Saturday night, Big Brother's epic 28th season is underway, and Dane DeHaan's hacker thriller Wardriver made its streaming debut earlier this week week. That’s a lot of adrenaline and backstabbing for one streaming service.

Finding good software has become harder than ever. The biggest names aren't always the best anymore—they're just the ones with the biggest marketing budgets. Meanwhile, plenty of excellent open-source apps quietly keep improving without locking features behind subscriptions, stuffing AI into every menu, or collecting more data than they need. If you're looking to upgrade your setup this weekend, these three free, open-source apps could easily replace the defaults you've been using for years.

SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) started out as a physical interface for connecting peripheral devices, primarily storage drives, to computers. Over time, it evolved into a collection of storage standards that are still in use today. You might not know it, but your Windows PC still relies on SCSI in multiple ways.

Audi of America has released pricing and equipment details for its 2027 lineup, covering 10 model families from the Q3 to the RS e-tron GT. The automaker said the 2027 updates collectively represent the “most comprehensive product cadence” in its history, with the goal of simplifying how options are grouped so customers can more easily match a vehicle trim level to their needs.

There have been some great documentaries already this year, many of them from Netflix, but already the second half of 2026 is shaping up, as well, on the world's biggest streaming service. So far we've had some creepy true crime in the form of Worst Neighbor Ever, a fascinating retrospective on U.S. independence with The American Experiment, and some deep dives into various aspects of soccer, as the World Cup winds down.

You'll soon need to divulge some of your Samsung Health tracking data to AI if you want to keep using the app as expected. How-To Geek has learned that users are seeing a new consent notice and toggle that effectively requires them to share health info if they want to keep syncing it with their Samsung accounts.

The ESP32 can power all sorts of useful sensors, but some of these projects are more important than others. Many of these projects use the same sensors that you’ll find in commercial products (which are also frequently powered by microcontrollers like the ESP32).

BUY ONE GET ONE FREE: Through July 19, when you sign up for a month of Fox One for $19.99, you'll get a second month for free. That means you'll keep $20 in your pocket and get two full months of streaming live sports and beyond.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fox One Fox One $19.99 for 2 months (save $19.99) Get Deal

Watching live sports is one of the most frustrating things about the streaming era. Well, that and how often we see price increases. But Fox One, the direct to consumer streaming service Fox launched last year, has made things a bit easier for sports fans.

For a limited time, you can get a month of the streaming service for free.

Through July 19, when you sign up for a month of Fox One for its usual $19.99 per month, you'll get a second month for free. That's two months of streaming for the price of one, saving you $19.99.

If you want to tune into the final matches of the FIFA World Cup 2026, this is the best way to do so in the U.S.

Fox is America's home for the World Cup, so if you haven't signed up yet, there's still time. Previously, the only way to watch live Fox channels without cable was through a pay TV provider like YouTube TV or Fubo, which cost upwards of $90 per month. Now, Fox One is the one-stop shop for the entire Fox TV portfolio, allowing you to tune into live local Fox stations, Fox Sports, FS1, and FS2. And $19.99 certainly beats paying $90.

Once the World Cup has wrapped up, you'll have access to select NFL games (including preseason), live Fox TV shows, Big Ten college football games, local news and weather, and so much more. If you don't want to stick around after the two-month promo period, be sure to cancel before your subscription auto-renews for the following month.

If you’ve ever created an event in Google Calendar, you’ve no doubt noticed—and probably used—the “Add location” box. This is for much more than just informational purposes. Calendar integrates with other Google apps, and that makes location an important detail you shouldn’t leave out.

If you were around in the early days when the first people were brave enough to start replacing their system drives with SSDs instead of tried-and-tested mechanical HDD technology, you'll know how terrified we were of wearing out our drives.

TL;DR: Watch Japan vs. Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's week two of the 2026 Nations Championship, and we're getting another stack of northern vs. southern hemisphere fixtures.

Both Japan and Ireland scored wins last week and will enter this weekend's contest with some momentum. Japan scored the bigger win last week, beating Italy 27-10, but arguably had easier competition. Ireland finished with a two-point lead over the formidable Australia. But which team will keep the momentum going?

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Japan vs. Ireland?

Japan vs. Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship kicks off at 11:10 a.m. BST on July 11. This fixture takes place at the McDonald Jones Stadium, Australia.

How to watch Japan vs. Ireland for free

Japan vs. Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream the 2026 Nations Championship for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Japan vs. Ireland in the 2026 Nations Championship for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Japan vs. Ireland for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Nations Championship without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream multiple weekends before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate until that offer comes back into play. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 (after FIFA World Cup)

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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream the 2026 Nations Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

If you're not eating free fries this week, you're doing life wrong. Just kidding (kind of).

Friday, July 10, is National French Fry Day, which means a bunch of your favorite fast food chains are giving away free fries. While some require a minimum purchase of some kind or a (free) rewards membership, others require nothing but your will to face the crowds at a local establishment. Regardless, this is a made up holiday I, for one, can get behind.

If you're curious which fast food chains are participating in the free fry celebration, we have a running list below. Just be sure to check the details before rushing out to the restaurant of your choice.

Arby's

Arby's Rewards members can get a free fry of any size on July 10 with the purchase of a Cheesesteak online or in app.

Checkers & Rally’s

Celebrate National French Fry Day at Checkers & Rally’s from July 10 through 12 with BOGO free Famous Seasoned Fries of any size and $1 sauce trios.

Chick-Fil-A

From July 7 through 13, Chick-Fil-A is giving out free medium-size Waffle Fries as a reward in the restaurant's app. Just play the in-app "Spot the Cow" game to get the deal. It's limited to one fry reward per person.

Del Taco

July 10 through 13, you can score a free regular fry at Del Taco with with a $3 minimum purchase.

Five Guys

From July 8 through 10, customers who buy a burger, hot dog, or sandwich through the Five Guys app or Five Guys.com will get one free Little Fry. Sign in or create a Five Guys account and enter promo code FRYDAY26 at checkout to get the freebie.

Jack in the Box

Sign up to be a Jack Pack Rewards member if you're not already and you'll be able to grab a free fry of any size on July 10 with a minimum purchase of $1.

McDonald's

On July 10th, National French Fry Day proper, McDonald's is giving out free medium-sized French Fries to Rewards members. Just make a purchase of at least $1 through the McDonald's app to get the deal.

Sheetz

From July 10 through 16, Sheetz is giving away one free bag of fries with any purchase of $10 or more through the Sheetz app (under the OFFERZ tab). The freebie is limited to one per My Sheetz Rewardz member.

Wendy's

Are you a Wendy's Rewards member? Head to the app and make a purchase of at least $5 and you'll get a free fry in any size on National French Fry Day, July 10.

Whataburger

Whataburger rewards members can score a free medium fry with no purchase required on July 10. The offer is valid online or in the app.

White Castle

Head to White Castle on July 10 and pick up free Cheese Fries by using the promo code CHEESY when you place an online or in-app order.

TL;DR: You can grab the Aero Ultra Steam on Amazon or Dreame's website starting July 15 for $799.99.

If you're tired of scrubbing sticky kitchen floors or dealing with stubborn pet messes, Dreame's newest wet/dry vacuum mop is basically built to pressure-wash your house.

Launching on July 15, the Aero Ultra Steam is the latest flagship in the company's lineup and, according to an email from the brand, the first in its class to combine high-temperature steam, hot water, and foaming detergent into one seamless system. (I'm particularly excited for this release — I have two beagles and the Dreame L60 Pro Ultra robot vacuum has literally changed my life.)

SEE ALSO: Dreame's X60 Max Ultra Complete is the best robot vacuum for pet hair I've tested. Sucks that it's so expensive.

It features a "Tri-Force" cleaning system that hits your floors with 392°F SaunaClean steam for chemical-free sanitizing, dissolves tracked-in mud and other non-mentionables with 194°F ThermoRinse hot water, and dispenses a floral-scented FoamWash to neutralize 99 percent of pet odors. (And this is all at 30kPa, Dreame's most powerful suction yet.) It also uses a specialized TangleCut 2.0 scraper to keep the brush roller tangle-free — which is non-negotiable when you're constantly cleaning up hound hair.

The Aero Ultra Steam dispenses a floral-scented foam designed to neutralize 99 percent of pet odors while you clean. Credit: Dreame

Bonus: You'll get 100 minutes of runtime in Eco mode, and the super-slim 3.88-inch profile makes it super easy to reach underneath your couches (or wherever) without moving all the furniture.

You can grab the Aero Ultra Steam on Amazon or Dreame's website starting July 15 for $799.99.

When it comes to imagination and creativity, anything goes, and that’s the case with our chosen shows to watch this weekend. This collection of series pushes the boundaries of genre, tone, and storytelling to carry viewers to another world full of cybernetic futures, the rise of an unlikely underdog, and a corporate twist on heroism.

TL;DR: Watch Australia vs. France in the 2026 Nations Championship for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second weekend of the 2026 Nations Championship lines up six big games, including Australia vs. France.

Both teams took very narrow losses in the first week, with Australia losing to Ireland and France losing to New Zealand. They both lost by just two points each. Now both teams are looking to make a comeback as they face off in Brisbane.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Australia vs. France?

Australia vs. France in the 2026 Nations Championship kicks off at 8:40 a.m. BST on July 11. This fixture takes place at the Suncorp Stadium, Australia.

How to watch Australia vs. France for free

Australia vs. France in the 2026 Nations Championship is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream the 2026 Nations Championship for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream Australia vs. France in the 2026 Nations Championship for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch Australia vs. France for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Nations Championship without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream multiple weekends before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate until that offer comes back into play. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 (after FIFA World Cup)

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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream the 2026 Nations Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book is available for preorder ahead of its Jan. 26, 2027, release date.

If you've already cooked your way through The Official Stardew Valley Cookbook and are looking for a new offline hobby, it might be time to pick up a crochet hook. Random House Worlds just announced that its The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book is ready for preorder, so you have one more way to bring Pelican Town into the real world.

SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley' major update will let you marry its most hated character

The upcoming book includes 25 base patterns that can be used to create over 45 amigurumi figures. According to the publisher, there are projects for all skill levels — you can start with a basic Slime pattern and eventually work your way up to a "proposal-worthy" Mermaid Pendant. You can also stitch up an entire coop of different colored chickens, build a seasonal Junimo Hut, or recreate Mayor Lewis's iconic Lucky Purple Shorts.

The book doesn't hit shelves until Jan. 26, 2027, but if you want to secure a copy before you inevitably forget about it, the hardcover edition is available for preorder at major retailers like Amazon, Target, and Barnes & Noble.

Where to preorder 'The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book' Barnes & Noble 'The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book' $29 at Barnes & Noble Pre-Order Here Amazon 'The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book' $32 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Target 'The Official Stardew Valley Crochet Book' $32.49 at Target Pre-Order Here

TL;DR: Watch New Zealand vs. Italy in the 2026 Nations Championship for free on ITVX. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It's the second weekend of action in the 2026 Nations Championship. A stacked day of northern vs. southern hemisphere games kicks off with New Zealand vs. Italy.

New Zealand eked out a narrow win over France last week while Italy fell short to Japan. Can Italy take the opportunity to bounce back? Or are they walking into a heavy defeat at the hands of the mighty All Blacks?

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Nations Championship from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is New Zealand vs. Italy?

New Zealand vs. Italy in the 2026 Nations Championship kicks off at 6:10 a.m. BST on July 11. This fixture takes place at the HNRY Stadium, New Zealand.

How to watch New Zealand vs. Italy for free

New Zealand vs. Italy in the 2026 Nations Championship is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can livestream the 2026 Nations Championship for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream New Zealand vs. Italy in the 2026 Nations Championship for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

4. Visit ITVX

5. Watch New Zealand vs. Italy for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Nations Championship without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream multiple weekends before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate until that offer comes back into play. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

• Servers in 105 countries

• 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 (after FIFA World Cup)

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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream the 2026 Nations Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

Fans of Audity (aka Audrey Hopkins) know her for her jubilant energy, her explosive creativity, and her surprising illustrated mash-ups. Her character designs collide with unexpected inspiration points, like Pennywise and Tinkerbell, or her husband as a merman. And the results are digital drawings that are not only winsome but also inspiring followers (13.2 million on TikTok) to create kooky characters of their own.

Out of Vidcon 2026, Audity sat down with Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko for a Creator Playbook interview. Here, she revealed how she became a content creator, what she does when she's hit an "art block," and the dream project that could lure her away from TikTok for a bit.

"I love [Dropout] so much," Audity shared, adding, "But Dimension 20, particularly. I want to draw the characters for a season of theirs. Honestly, I've told them before, I'll do it for free."

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage or see more of this year’s Mashable 101 to discover the internet's most exciting voices. 

Are you getting ready to purchase a new Raspberry Pi for your homelab? I'd seriously hold that purchase and consider the Orange Pi 6 instead. With dual 2.5Gb/s Ethernet ports and way more I/O than Raspberry Pi, the Orange Pi 6 is the better choice for homelabbers.

Mazda has spent years pushing into premium territory, but the 2026 CX-90 is the first SUV that genuinely feels like it belongs there. It packs an upscale cabin, a smooth turbocharged inline-six, and the kind of driving experience you'd normally expect from something wearing a German badge.