Blogroll

The Japanese sports car people buy once and never sell

How-To Geek - 4 hours 10 min ago

Affordable sports cars used to follow a simple recipe: keep it light, keep it small, and send power to the rear wheels, so every back road felt alive. That formula has been fading for years as modern performance cars get faster, heavier, and far more complex.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Beats Solo 4 are $88 open box — and the 50-hour battery is no joke

Mashable - 4 hours 11 min ago

TL;DR: Elevate your commutes and workouts with the Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones, on sale now for $87.97 (reg. $199.99) through May 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats by Dre Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones - Warm White (Open Box) $87.97
$199.99 Save $112.02   Get Deal

If you don’t just listen to playlists but live in them, the Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones are for you. These re-engineered headphones deliver premium sound with an expansive sound range and an impressive 50-hour battery, so you don’t have to miss a beat.

Right now, you can score a pair of these premium headphones for just $87.97 through May 31.

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Music lovers know that a basic pair of headphones won’t cut it. The Beats Solo 4 deliver audio brilliance, extraordinary clarity, and an expansive sound range thanks to custom-built 40-mm transducers, all worthy of your excellent taste in music.

Personalized Spatial Audio lets you immerse yourself in the tunes, while dynamic head tracking and built-in gyroscopes surround you with sound, giving you the effect of being surrounded by 64 speakers at once, whether you’re in line at the grocery store or on your morning commute.

A built-in Digital-to-Analog Converter also provides high-resolution lossless audio, and if you want more texture, you can connect via a USB-C cable or a 3.5mm audio cable.

Enjoy an impressive 50 hours of battery life and Bluetooth 5.3, which offers extended range and fewer dropouts.

Aside from offering premium sound, the Beats Solo 4 also provide a premium wearing experience that keeps up with that battery life. They’re ultralight, weighing just 217 grams, and the UltraPlush ear cushions and ergonomic design offer unparalleled comfort and fit.

You’re saving big on these headphones because they’re open-box. That means they were likely excess inventory from store shelves, but have undergone a verification process to ensure they’re still in new condition and are placed in clean packaging.

Score the Beats Solo 4 On-Ear Headphones for $87.97 now through May 31.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 AdultFriendFinder security improvements made after the 2016 data breach

Mashable - 4 hours 11 min ago

Every major online dating service has been targeted by malicious hackers looking to access private information, but few attacks have been as severe, as pervasive, or as publicly damaging as the data breach attack on AdultFriendFinder in October 2016.

The attack exposed the records of more than 360 million users, and not just from AdultFriendFinder itself but sister sites across the popular FriendFinder network. To this day, it is still one of the largest database breaches ever recorded, leaking the email addresses, usernames, passwords, sexual orientations, and even spoken languages of millions of people across more than two decades of AFF history.

Worse still, it exposed some downright shoddy security practices, which included using SHA-1 cryptographic hashing, already more than a decade out of date by the time of the breach, and storing account passwords in plain text. It was an embarassing moment for the company.

Thankfully, FriendFinder Networks took this breach very seriously indeed, and dramatically stepped up its security practices and protcols. Here are three major changes they made to help protect future users:

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More AFF overhauled their database security

Think of a website's database as a kind of bank vault. It's where all the most valuable stuff is stashed. And thieves would love to get their hands on it all. In 2016, prior to the attack, AdultFriendFinder had the equivalent of a single-lock safe: it looked secure and intimidating, but malicious actors had long ago figured out how to crack the code and get their hands on the loot. 

Now, AFF uses the latest in encryption technology to bolster security, including a technique called "salted hashing" that involves combining each password with a unique, random string of characters (known as the salt) and then passing them through a one-way hash function. It's a sophisticated way of ensuring that even accounts using identical passwords across different sites (looking at you, people who use "password" for your password) aren't all vulnerable during a breach.

AFF hired outside security experts

The ugly truth is that companies can't go it alone in the battle for cybersecurity. In-house security teams, as smart and hardworking as they may be, just don't stand a chance against an army of hackers and malicious actors. These scammers work 24/7 to access your valuable data and are always evolving and finding new ways through. 

SEE ALSO: Adult Friend Finder vs. Tinder: How they compare as hookup apps

The 2016 data breach humbled AFF enough to recognize this fact, and they've been contracting outside cybersecurity help ever since, including help fro Google subsidiary Mandiant. These cybersecurity firms don't just examine the potential vulnerabilities in your coding — they also look at corporate structure and employee practices to evaluate potential vulnerabilities. 

Forced password resets

Not all cybersecurity vulnerabilities are the fault (or exclusive fault) of the website. Sometimes, users' laziness can be a major vulnerability — in other words, using the same passwords year after year and assuming that's OK. Beefing up AFF's security has involved forced password resets, so you can't just use the same password all the time.

SEE ALSO: All your Hinge questions, answered

This is now basically standard operating procedure across the internet: Once every six months or once a year, you'll be asked to choose a new password. AFF has formalized this approach to help secure against password vulnerabilities that it can't control, such as leaks on other dating sites. (Be honest: How many of you use the same password across multiple sites? It doesn't take much for a hacker to apply a leaked password from one site to a whole bunch of other sites). This also protects against hardware malware such as keyloggers. 

Later this year, exactly one decade will have elapsed since AdultFriendFinder's last security breach. Say what you will about their past mistakes — a full decade of cybersecurity success is an achievement, and modern users of the site should be grateful that AFF has stepped up their game in such a big way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 fascinating Paramount+ documentaries to watch this weekend (May 29-31)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 23:30

If you're a Paramount+ subscriber looking for a bit of a break from the Duttons, the police procedurals, Stan, Kyle, Cartman, and Kenny, and the entire United Federation of Planets, this is your weekly reminder that the streamer also has an excellent documentary library that's easy to overlook.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why buy an Acura RDX when the Honda Passport offers more for the same price?

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 23:01

When Honda launched Acura in 1986, it became the first Japanese automaker to introduce a dedicated premium and luxury brand in the United States, beating Lexus and Infiniti to market by three years. The idea was to create a separate brand with higher-end materials, more powerful engines, and a distinct identity that Honda's mainstream lineup could not provide. For nearly four decades, that separation has held firm.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $40,000 Nissan SUV matches a $57,000 Lexus on fuel economy and beats it on towing

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 22:30

When Lexus launched the TX in 2023, it was filling a gap the brand had left open for quite a while. Buyers who wanted a three-row Lexus had long been directed toward the larger, more expensive LX or asked to make compromises elsewhere in the lineup. Or in a worst-case scenario, look at another brand altogether.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Messages will finally offer custom wallpapers—here's how it will work

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 22:22

Google Messages will soon do more to reflect your personal style. The latest beta of Android's official SMS and RCS messaging app includes hidden code for custom conversation wallpapers, suggestign the feature will be ready soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Gallery is losing its best Google Photos killer feature

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 22:20

Not many people know that Samsung’s built-in Gallery app has long been a solid Google Photos alternative. That’s thanks to one feature: cloud photo backups. However, later this year, Samsung is making some big changes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 more gripping HBO Max documentaries to watch this weekend (May 29-31)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 22:00

June's upcoming lineup is making it really hard not to get ahead of myself, what with House of the Dragon's third season on the way. Not to mention a pile of tantalizing new documentaries, including the male supermodel extravaganza Bring Me the Beauties: A Model Cult, an Earth, Wind & Fire doc, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Subaru Uncharted proves you don't need to spend $50k for a practical electric SUV

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 21:45

Electric SUVs are quickly moving from niche to mainstream, with more budget-friendly options arriving every year to tempt buyers away from gas-powered crossovers. The latest wave of compact EVs focuses on lowering entry prices while still delivering usable range, modern tech, and everyday practicality. One of the newest additions to this growing segment aims to strike that balance by offering strong efficiency figures, solid performance, and a price tag that sits close to traditional compact SUVs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 award-winning films to watch on Netflix this weekend (May 29-May 31)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 21:01

If your summer watch list needs a little more action, chaos, and spectacle, Netflix has some great picks lined up. Its collection of various award-winning movies allows you to pick titles across the trope of your choice, spanning different genres and decades.

Categories: IT General, Technology

7 Android apps I open before every flight

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 21:01

Your phone can make your flight less stressful, easier, and more fun, but only if you prepare in advance. Trying to set everything up last minute—or while you're on your flight—is a disaster waiting to happen. These apps, including entertainment, information, and essential documents, are the apps I always open before every flight.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Toyota SUV is the closest thing to a Lexus without the badge

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 20:45

For decades, Toyota and Lexus have played very different roles. Toyota was the sensible choice for buyers who wanted reliability and value, while Lexus built its reputation on comfort, refinement, and a premium ownership experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A flip-style foldable is the “minimalist phone” you’ll actually enjoy

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 20:33

Some people want a "minimalist" phone without all the distractions of a full-blown smartphone—until they use one. The problem is you're stuck with whichever essential apps the manufacturer chooses. That's why a flip phone with a small outside display might be the perfect compromise.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I spent a week typing on a physical keyboard phone—and it proved my decade-old instinct was right

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 20:30

My smartphone journey began in the late 2010s. When everyone else was sliding and flipping physical keyboards, I never understood the appeal. Now, physical keyboards are making a small comeback. I wanted to know if they could change my mind over a decade later.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Microsoft Excel projects to try this weekend (May 29-31)

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 20:00

You don't need advanced formulas or years of experience to get more out of Excel. With a free afternoon this weekend, you can build practical tools that organize your money, projects, and routines while practicing spreadsheet skills you'll keep using long after Sunday ends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 5 Lexus SUVs cost half as much to maintain as German luxury rivals

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 19:45

Luxury SUVs are usually associated with expensive repairs, complicated technology, and eye-watering ownership costs once the warranty expires. However, a handful of premium brands continue to prove that you don’t need to sacrifice long-term dependability just to enjoy a plush cabin and upscale features. Few automakers have built a stronger reputation in this area than Lexus, whose SUVs consistently rank among the most reliable luxury vehicles on the market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Ethernet port has a built-in diagnostic tool you’re probably ignoring

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 19:31

Back in the day, massive mainframe computers were equipped with a ton of diagnostic lights, also known as “blinkenlights.” They notified people using those computers about processes happening inside the machine, and they were also used as diagnostic tools when something went wrong.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Samsung Galaxy Watch has a hidden touch bezel mode most people never notice

How-To Geek - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 19:00

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Classic has its fans not because of any special software, but due to the rotating bezel that surrounds its screen. While the standard Galaxy Watch does not have the same tactile feedback, it turns out you can control it in much the same way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final online for free

Mashable - Fri, 05/29/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League final is here. The Premier League champions face off against Ligue 1's best side in what promises to be an absolutely epic contest.

PSG have been here before. They come into this final as defending champions, but they know they'll need to be at their absolute best to fend off Mikel Arteta's determined side. After some moments of doubt in recent weeks, it feels like Arsenal are back in their groove and on course to do something truly special this season.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Arsenal?

PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on May 30. This fixture takes place at the Puskás Aréna.

How to watch PSG vs. Arsenal for free

PSG vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League final for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Arsenal 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 Ireland

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Watch PSG vs. Arsenal 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 access free live streams of the Champions League final without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Arsenal before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • 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 PSG vs. Arsenal in the Champions League final for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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