IT General

Running out of phone storage is bad enough, and paying for a cloud subscription to fix it is an expensive habit. Now, your Windows PC will soon offer a much simpler alternative. Google is building an automatic backup feature into Quick Share that copies your photos and videos on Android phones straight to a computer. There’s no subscription or storage plan attached.

Search APIs are good at telling you where information lives. They're less helpful when you need the information itself. If you've built anything that depends on web data, such as a research tool, a price tracker, or an AI agent that answers questions, you'll know a list of links is only the starting point. Something still has to fetch each page, strip out the navigation and ads, and pull out the parts you care about.

Docker has empowered millions of users to build their own homelabs and ditch many of their pricey subscription services. But just because it's one of the easiest ways to deploy self-hosted apps doesn't mean it's equally efficient at managing them. By default, Docker won't automatically back up your app data, keep your containers updated, or alert you when a service goes down. That's why I make it a point to install these five apps alongside Docker to address these glaring shortcomings and get the most out of my self-hosting setup.

Plenty of cars and aftermarket head units from the last decade support Android Auto, but many of them require a USB connection to work. There are commercial wireless adapters, but they start at around $30; some cost significantly more.

Bambu Lab just unveiled its most impressive 3D printer yet with the H3C, and I’ve spent the last month testing it. This is Bambu Lab’s latest flagship, and it brings some all-new features to the table, like the Swaptek 9-nozzle system with individual filament tubes for each print head and an all-new AMS 3H system that can print while drying. Here’s everything you need to know about the H3C—and why this printer completely changed the game for me on multicolor and multi-material prints.

I've been buying or reviewing flagship Samsung Galaxy phones for over 14 years, and along the way, I've tried everything from Nexus, Pixel, LG (R.I.P.), HTC, Motorola, OnePlus, and more. In the end, I always go back to my Galaxy. And while One UI is a huge part of that, it's far from the only reason.

You can actually do a lot with an ESP32 development board without ever writing a single line of code. From programming LED strips to creating smart home sensors or a network-connected speaker, these five no-code ESP32 projects work straight out of the box using a simple web flasher tool that anyone can use.

If you have a Windows-Linux dual-boot PC, you're probably familiar with the troubles that come with sharing files between the two partitions. You'd expect two operating systems with direct access to the same CPU, RAM, and storage to also be able to access each other's files. But unfortunately, that's not always the case. On Linux, you might've noticed that your Windows files are editable one day but locked in read-only mode or unmountable the next. Fortunately, all of these issues are relatively easy to resolve, and the whole process barely takes an hour.

What can you do with an ancient laptop? Well, in my case, most of them just sit in a drawer and collect dust. I'm not one to throw stuff away. For instance, I've used an old Windows 10 PC for a NAS, and I also routinely repurpose even the most useless-looking SSDs.

It's finally Election Day for the 2026 midterms and Seth Meyers has a wild recap of the final campaign weekend drama.

In his signature Late Night deep-dive segment "A Closer Look," the host examined happenings ahead of the midterms, from Donald Trump cancelling then uncancelling campaign stops in Kansas and Iowa to the tale of two Dan Sullivans on the ballot in Alaska. Meyers particularly focused on the latter, referring to a New York Times investigation that alleged "political operatives aligned with the Democratic Senate campaign of Mary Peltola recruited another candidate, Dan J. Sullivan, to run as a Republican in the Senate race and try to pull votes away from the incumbent Republican, Dan S. Sullivan."

"Wow, I am shocked. It pains me to say this, but I have to call balls and strikes: this is very fucking funny," said Meyers. "I mean, fuckin' A, they finally did it: the Democrats finally did something as dirty as the Republicans.

"I mean, it's not systematically lobbying state election officials to send alternate slates of electors to Congress as part of an illegal scheme to undermine a presidential election and then storming the Capitol, shitting in the rotunda and threatening to kill Mike Pence dirty, but it's still pretty dirty," he added.

SEE ALSO: Jon Stewart roasts Trump's pre-midterms Reflecting Pool speech

Meyers also unpacked Anderson Cooper's "Game of Thrones-style burn" to Democratic Rep. Haley Stevens during a viral CNN interview on Sunday, filled with awkward silences, especially around her controversial endorsement of Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers.

"That interview is so brutal I watched it through my fingers like a horror movie," said Meyers. "I think I heard her audibly gulp more than I heard her say actual words."

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A big name cast combines with family drama and a possible cult in the trailer for The Liberation, Guy Nattiv's 1980s-set thriller about a mother who leaves her family for the allure of something new.

Carrie Coon plays Rita, a Holocaust survivor who leaves her husband (Tracy Letts) and two daughters (Odessa Young and Bella Ramsey) to join an all-female commune led by an enigmatic spiritual leader (Lily James). But things take a tricky turn when her daughters show up looking for her, and Rita has to make a difficult choice.

The Liberation hits cinemas this winter.

Want more film and TV news and reviews delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable’s Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

The usual AI productivity advice I come across boils down to a handful of low-stakes use cases: writing emails, writing resumes, planning meals, drafting cover letters, creating Ghibli-style art, writing essays — you get the picture. There's nothing wrong with any of that, but on the other end of the spectrum, you have power users claiming to use chatbots to "apparently" build million-dollar software businesses or land high-profile clients.

A while ago, I heard about wireless Android Auto users experiencing unusual battery drain. I was skeptical at first, as I’ve never experienced it with my phone. However, recently, I used a newer vehicle with built-in wireless Android Auto and a different Android phone. As soon as I did, I noticed the problem and decided to investigate.

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been an ongoing saga during Donald Trump's presidency, so it's somewhat fitting that he chose to make what Jimmy Kimmel refers to as his "last stand" before the midterm elections there.

"Trump made his closing argument today. He chose to do that in front of his ill-fated Reflecting Pool, and where better to reassure the public that that they are in good hands than in front of a pool you've repeatedly botched to the tune of $16 million. Donald Trump, the man who famously promised to drain the swamp, made his last stand at the site of his own man-made swamp," says Kimmel in the clip above, before playing footage of Trump saying: "This is a massive piece of...er, piece of pool."

"It is indeed a massive piece of pool, when you look at the size," says Kimmel. "I don't know, maybe they'll give him a Nobel Piece of Pool Prize."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Flock cameras have been in the news a lot in 2026, for all of the wrong reasons. This recently came to a head when the cameras were described as “indiscriminate mass surveillance” by a federal judge.

TL;DR: As of Nov. 3, the Kenneth Cole Modern Fit Performance Shirt is on sale for $41.99 at Men's Wearhouse (down from $59.99). That's an $18 discount and a comfortable, high-tech holiday gift for dads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Men's Wearhouse Kenneth Cole Modern Fit Performance Shirt $41.99 at Men's Wearhouse
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal at Men's Wearhouse

Finding a dress shirt that looks polished without feeling like a straitjacket is a surprisingly tall order. If you're searching for a low-key, brilliant holiday gift that your dad will genuinely appreciate — or just looking to refresh your own wardrobe — Men's Wearhouse has the Kenneth Cole Modern Fit Performance Shirt on sale for $41.99.

That 30% discount knocks $18 off its usual $59.99 list price, making it an easy, high-value wardrobe upgrade.

The usual complaint about traditional button-downs is that they're stiff, restrictive, and impossible to wear for long periods. Designed in New York, this piece bypasses all of that by combining clean tailoring with activewear-level engineering. The fabric is packed with four-way stretch, thanks to a flexible 86% polyester and 14% spandex blend, allowing complete freedom of movement whether you're commuting, driving, or sitting through a long dinner.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's Holiday Gift Guide is live: See our top 10 picks ahead of Black Friday 2026

Beyond the stretch, built-in cooling technology and quick-dry properties work together to regulate temperature throughout the day. The Modern Fit hits the right balance between tailored and comfortable, while classic details like a solid color, long sleeves, and a sharp point collar keep things looking sleek.

There's also a great mission behind the look: a portion of proceeds from all Awearness Kenneth Cole products directly supports veterans as they transition into the workforce. Whether bought as a thoughtful, reliable holiday gift or picked up as a versatile closet staple, this Kenneth Cole performance shirt delivers high-end style without sacrificing comfort.

Grab the Kenneth Cole Performance Shirt at Men's Wearhouse for $41.99 while this offer is still live.

The Nov. 3 midterm elections are here, and the outcome will determine the makeup of Congress and the trajectory of President Donald Trump's remaining years in office.

So if you haven't already voted, still need to mail in a ballot, or don't even know where to start, the hours are counting down. For an overview of voting deadlines, drop box and polling locations, and registration information, visit Vote.org, USA.gov, or keep reading below.

SEE ALSO: Election Day 2026 trackers: Follow election results, lawsuits, and more online How to vote by mail

More than 51 million Americans have already voted in the 2026 midterm elections. The number of people voting by mail grew substantially in 2020, and eight states now host what are known as all-mail elections or offer universal mail-in voting.

Mail ballots are sent early, with most states requiring at least a week's lead time before Nov. 3. If you were issued an absentee or mail ballot and plan to send it by mail, your ballot must be postmarked by or on election day, not after. A late postmark can void your ballot. If you never received your ballot, contact your election office ASAP.

In some states, voters can also drop off their ballots at designated drop boxes (the websites of county registrars typically list drop box locations, such as the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder). Around 15 states require drop box options for voters, many located at places like libraries and parks:

• California 

• Colorado 

• Delaware 

• Georgia 

• Florida 

• Kentucky 

• New Jersey

• Nevada 

• Maryland

• Michigan 

• Oregon 

• Rhode Island 

• Utah 

• Virginia 

• Washington 

Another 11 states prohibit drop boxes, so make sure your ballot gets postmarked if you are registered in these states:

• Arkansas 

• Louisiana 

• Mississippi 

• Missouri

• North Carolina 

• Oklahoma 

• South Carolina 

• South Dakota 

• Tennessee 

• Texas 

• West Virginia 

To find more rules on drop box voting, absentee voting, and voting by mail, visit your state's registrar of voters or scroll down to the state-by-state database on Vote.org.

How to vote in person

Despite a growing number of voters skipping the polls in favor of mail, many voters still cast their ballot in person. Voters are assigned to an in-person polling location based on the address they used to register to vote, and most can start voting before Nov. 3.

Polling times vary by state, with some states offering in-person voting as early as one month before election day (this practice is usually referred to as early in-person voting). Voters with disabilities may need to go to a different polling location, depending on their accommodation needs.

What to bring to the polls

Voters do not need any special equipment or documents to cast their vote. You may need to bring a form of verification to the polls, however, depending on your state. Scroll down for more information.

Voters are also allowed to bring in personal notes, a voter's guide, and even sample ballots into the polling booth.

How to find a polling place near you

Voters can find out their nearest polling location by checking their registration or calling their local registrar of voters. They can also use an online polling locator such Vote.org or the National Association of Secretaries of State (NASS).

Voting FAQ

Do I need an ID to vote?

That depends on your state. Voter ID laws vary across the country, so check with your state election officials to be sure. In some cases, you may still be able to vote without an ID by signing an identity form.

Can I track my ballot if I voted by mail?

Yes. Most states offer some form of ballot tracking for voters. Find specific information on ballot tracking via your state's registrar website or call 866-OUR-VOTE (866-687-8683).

Can my ballot be challenged?

Yes and no. Ballots can't be challenged without a real legal basis under the National Voter Registration Act. A voter purge, in which election workers "clean up" voter databases by deleting names, can't be conducted within 90 days of a federal election. If you were on the roll as of August, filled out your ballot correctly and on time, your vote should count.

Federal agents and law enforcement cannot legally seize voting machines, nullify ballots, or stop the count.

That being said, groups may still challenge swaths of ballots up until the election. If your registration is challenged at the polls, you can still cast a provisional ballot.

Are electronic voting machines safe?

Electronic voting apparatuses are overseen by the U.S. Election Assistance Commission (EAC) and thousands of election officials to ensure their safety and reliability. While recent studies have uncovered security flaws, election security researchers say they have not yet led to any kind of election interference, as suggested by some critics and conspiracy theorists.

Instead, experts suggest the biggest threat to election integrity is the spread of misinformation, which is increasingly enabled by AI.

SEE ALSO: The truth about voting machine security in the 2024 election

Can the president intervene in the election?

The administration has been casting doubt on the legitimacy of the midterm results, including claims that thousands of noncitizens are casting votes in this year's election. The majority of noncitizen voters charged with crimes have been found to be lawful residents.

Despite threats from the Trump administration, the president cannot issue an executive order or harness emergency powers to take over or nationalize the election process. Previous executive orders attempting to change the electoral process have been struck down or blocked by courts, and additional safeguards prevent the current Congress from refusing to seat newly elected officials.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with a string of high-profile matchups this week, including Barcelona vs. Aston Villa. The visitors have made a perfect start to this campaign, but Barcelona at the Nou Camp will be their toughest test by far. Can the Premier League side stop the likes of Lamine Yamal and Raphinha from running wild?

We're expecting an entertaining tussle between two sides that play positive football.

If you want to watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Barcelona vs. Aston Villa?

Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture takes place at the Camp Nou.

How to watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free

Barcelona vs. Aston Villa is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free 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 Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Barcelona vs. Aston Villa for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media 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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Barcelona vs. Aston Villa in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Shakhtar vs. Sporting in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back this week with more interesting fixtures involving Europe's best, including Shakhtar vs. Sporting. The visitors have six points from three games and could move into the top eight with victory at Stamford Bridge. Shakhtar are only two points back, so we're expecting a close game between two talented teams.

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

When is Shakhtar vs. Sporting?

Shakhtar vs. Sporting in the Champions League kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Shakhtar vs. Sporting for free

Shakhtar vs. Sporting is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free 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 Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Shakhtar vs. Sporting for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Virgin Media Player

5. Watch Shakhtar vs. Sporting for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Shakhtar vs. Sporting (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media 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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Shakhtar vs. Sporting in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The return of the Champions League could not have come at a worse time for Manchester United. Another defeat last weekend in the Premier League leaves Michael Carrick's side languishing near the bottom three. Things aren't much better in the Champions League after two defeats in three fixtures.

Now Manchester United host Roma for an all-important clash. The visitors are fresh from beating Udinese 5-2 at the weekend, and will come into this fixture with a lot of confidence. Could it be another long night at Old Trafford? A defeat here could be the final nail in the coffin for the coach.

If you want to watch Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Manchester United vs. Roma?

Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 3. This fixture takes place at Old Trafford.

How to watch Manchester United vs. Roma for free

Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK.

You don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Manchester United vs. Roma for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

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

5. Live stream Manchester United vs. Roma for free on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 Manchester United vs. Roma on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, 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 usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Stream Manchester United vs. Roma in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.