IT General

Gigabit Ethernet was introduced in 1999, which is why it sometimes gets a lot of flak. But just because it’s a 27-year-old standard doesn’t mean it’s outdated or obsolete. For most people, there’s little need for 2.5-gigabit Ethernet. Here’s why.

Luxury cars in 2026 don’t have to come with six-figure prices. A handful of models now sit at surprisingly accessible price points, making premium comfort and advanced features attainable for buyers on a budget. Thanks to market shifts and strong used-car demand, you can find vehicles with refined interiors, smooth rides, and upscale technology without paying top-tier sticker prices.

Google just randomly dropped a Pixel 10a reveal on YouTube, and there's at least one noticeable change to the phone's design.

The video itself is very brief, just showing the phone from a few different angles in a sort of light blue color. No new features or software of any kind are shown, though that's to be expected with a budget version of last year's Pixel 10. The one really noteworthy thing we can glean from this video is that the rear camera now appears to be totally flush with the body of the device, rather then protruding in any way.

SEE ALSO: Google Maps adds Gemini to a major feature in new test

That's a mild divergence from last year's Pixel 9a. That phone ditched the signature Pixel horizontal camera bar, but the lens itself still stuck out a bit when viewed from the side. Aside from that, again, we really can't divine anything from this video about the phone itself. Its specs and features will have to wait until Google feels like sharing more.

An announcement will probably be soon, given that the pre-order date is set for Feb. 18.

I'm fairly late to the audiobook world. I have always been someone who enjoys reading the written word, so the idea of listening to someone else reading a book wasn't too appealing. However, once I got a free Audible trial, which included a permanent free copy of a book I'd been looking forward to, I finally experienced what everyone else had been raving about for years.

Buying a used Porsche is a lot like buying a ticket to Walt Disney World. That ticket gets you through the gate and unlocks an incredible experience, but it’s not the only expense. Food, drinks, merchandise, and special attractions all add up. Porsche ownership works much the same way. The car gets you in, but maintenance, parts, and upkeep are part of the deal.

It’s that time of the week again! From building your own YouTube to accessing your systems through a web browser and finally ditching Tailscale for a more secure (self-hosted) version, here are your three homelab projects to try this weekend.

Chances are that part of the reason you broke away from Microsoft and switched to Linux is the open-source OS's reputation for greater security. That doesn’t mean your Linux distro is impenetrable, though, and certainly not out of the box. Here are seven steps you can take to make your Linux laptop more secure.

TL;DR: Stream the 2026 Six Nations for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX. Access these free streaming services from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Six Nations is a special competition. Want to see incredible speed and skill from supremely talented athletes? Check out the Six Nations. Want to experience intense passion from heated rivalries? The Six Nations offers that in abundance. Enjoy the sight of absolutely huge men smashing into each other at speed? Yep, the Six Nations is for you.

It's a tournament like no other, and fans can follow all the action from the latest edition without spending anything. If you want to watch the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Six Nations?

The Six Nations Championship is an annual international men's rugby union competition between England, France, Ireland, Italy, Scotland, and Wales. Each team plays every other team once, with home ground advantage alternating from one year to the next.

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The current champions are France. England and Wales have won the competition most often (39 titles).

When is the 2026 Six Nations?

The 2026 Six Nations Championship is the 132nd edition of the competition. This year's competition will take place from Feb. 5 to March 14. Here's the full schedule of games:

• France vs. Ireland — 8:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 5 (ITV)

• Italy vs. Scotland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7 (BBC)

• England vs. Wales — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 7 (ITV)

• Ireland vs. Italy — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 14 (ITV)

• Scotland vs. England — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 14 (ITV)

• Wales vs. France — 3:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 15 (BBC)

• England vs. Ireland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 21 (ITV)

• Wales vs. Scotland — 4:40 p.m. GMT on Feb. 21 (BBC)

• France vs. Italy — 3:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 22 (ITV)

• Ireland vs. Wales — 8:10 p.m. GMT on March 6 (ITV)

• Scotland vs. France — 2:10 p.m. GMT on March 7 (BBC)

• Italy vs. England — 4:40 p.m. GMT on March 7 (ITV)

• Ireland vs. Scotland — 2:10 p.m. GMT on March 14 (ITV)

• Wales vs. Italy — 4:40 p.m. GMT on March 14 (BBC)

• France vs. England — 8:10 p.m. GMT on March 14 (ITV)

Fans can watch every game from the 2026 Six Nations without spending anything.

How to watch the 2026 Six Nations for free

The 2026 Six Nations is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer and ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are both geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms with a VPN. These tools can hide your digital location and connect you to a secure server in the UK. This quick and easy action makes it look like you're connecting from the UK, so you can stream on BBC iPlayer and ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer and ITVX 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX

5. Stream the 2026 Six Nations 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 leading VPNs tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to BBC iPlayer or ITVX without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to all your favorite free streaming platforms, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for the Six Nations?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream sport for free, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

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

The Six Nations is all about unpredictable games between huge rivals. Any team could win any game — that's the beauty of this famous competition. That being said, the opening game between France and Ireland feels like a final. You expect these sides to be battling it out at the top of the standings come the final round, so the winner here will put themselves in a very strong position.

The likes of Antoine Dupont and Louis Bielle-Biarrey will lead the way for the hosts. Ireland will need to rely on the talents of Tadhg Beirne, Dan Sheehan, and Jamison Gibson-Park if they want to secure a massive win under the lights in Paris. It's going to be tough for Andy Farrell's side, but they possess the quality to beat anyone.

If you want to watch France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is France vs. Ireland?

France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations starts at 8:10 p.m. GMT on Feb. 5. This fixture takes place at the Stade de France.

How to watch France vs. Ireland for free

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

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Live stream France vs. Ireland from anywhere in the world 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 the UK

4. Visit ITVX

5. Live stream France 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 (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 France vs. Ireland without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream most of the 2026 Six Nations before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services to watch the Winter Olympics, the T20 World Cup, and more from anywhere in 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 the 2026 Six Nations?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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 France vs. Ireland in the 2026 Six Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

A new lawsuit has shed a terrifying light on a Tesla driver's death in October 2025.

Bloomberg reported on the wrongful death lawsuit, which is centered around 20-year-old Samuel Tremblett, a driver who passed away after a collision involving a Tesla Model Y SUV in October of last year.

According to the lawsuit, Tremblett was driving a 2021 Tesla Model Y outside Boston when he left the road and struck a tree. He survived the initial impact but was apparently unable to exit the vehicle due to an alleged failure of Tesla's signature electric door system. He eventually died as a result of smoke inhalation and thermal injuries. Before he died, Tremblett called 911, but first responders were not able to rescue him in time.

SEE ALSO: End of an era: Tesla discontinues Model S and Model X

The most chilling part of this whole story comes from 911 call transcripts found in the lawsuit.

"It's on fire. Please help," Tremblett said, according to the transcript. "I am going to die."

The lawsuit states that police officers arrived quickly to the scene, but were unable to put out the fire or remove Tremblett in time. The lawsuit says it ultimately took firefighters four hours to extinguish the crashed Model Y.

As the fire burned, Tremblett stayed on the phone with the 911 dispatcher:

I’m stuck in a car crash… I can’t get out, please help me… I can’t breathe… It’s on fire, it’s on fire. Help please… I am going to die… I’m dying. Help. I’m dying… Help… Help.

Last year, a Bloomberg report found 15 deaths related to Tesla's electronic door system, part of a wider investigation into the safety of Tesla doors. According to Bloomberg, there is a low-voltage battery in each Tesla vehicle that governs components such as doors, while a higher voltage battery is responsible for propelling the car forward. If the low-voltage battery is disabled for any reason, the doors will not open in their normal fashion.

There is a mechanical release for the doors, but per Bloomberg, many drivers are not aware of this or how to operate it. In addition, panicked drivers in a life-or-death situation may struggle to recall the proper opening procedure.

The lawsuit accuses Tesla of selling vehicles with a “defective and unreasonably dangerous automated door handles.” It further states that “Tesla owed a duty to provide adequate warnings, instructions, and information with the Subject Vehicle before placing it into the stream of commerce” and that “Tesla knew or should have known of the defective and unreasonably dangerous condition of the 2021 Model Y.”

For its part, Tesla said last year that it would update its vehicles so that doors would automatically unlock after a "serious collision." However, the company only reached that conclusion after multiple deaths allegedly involving door failures.

It sometimes feels like there are more midsize SUVs available today than mosquitoes on a summer night. And like those pesky insects, midsize luxury SUVs can cause a real sting. In other words, all those upscale features come at a price. Expect a starting MSRP over $50,000, which can easily stretch to $70,000 and beyond, depending on the make, model, and trim level.

If you're getting a new Raspberry Pi 4, it might look a bit different than you were expecting. Raspberry Pi has started manufacturing a tweaked model that uses dual DRAM modules, thanks to ongoing supply chain problems.

You have to make your own mistakes in life to learn and grow, but sometimes learning and growing aren’t on the agenda. Some of my favorite regular mistakes are smart home purchases I just can’t quit.

JLab, the California audio brand behind some of our favorite budget headphones, is launching a new pair of oversized headphones with a secret. They're actually Bluetooth speakers you can wear — but around your neck, not on your dome.

The limited-edition JLab Blue XL Speaker Headphones aren't just a bit tied to this weekend's Bad Bunny concert big game. They're a real product you can buy. As of Feb. 4, JLab is selling them on its website for just $99.99 a pair while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab Blue XL Speaker Headphones $99.99 at JLab.com
  Shop Now

JLab gave out shiny golden versions of these headphones to playmakers during the 2025 Birmingham Bowl between Georgia Southern and Appalachian State, of which it was the title sponsor. All Georgia Southern Eagles players received a pair of the Blue XLs for winning the game. They come in an aqua colorway, hence their name.

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The Blue XLs are equipped with faux leather ear cushions and dual 2.5-inch drivers, and they offer up to 20 hours of playtime with a full three-hour charge. They're compatible with Bluetooth 5.4. And like the regular-sized JLab JBuds Lux ANC headphones, our top value pick, you can customize their sound settings using the JLab app.

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If you're too shy to wear the Blue XLs, the company says you can also prop them up on a table for listening.

Phone, keys, speaker that looks like giant headphones... good to go. Credit: JLab

JLab's release of the Blue XLs comes hot on the heels of the Consumer Electronics Show (CES), where the Mashable team encountered a much more practical take on the speaker headphones concept. With a simple twist, TDM.’s Neo Hybrids transform from headphones that play audio from their cups into a compact portable speaker with external audio. Senior Tech Reporter Matt Binder called them "one of the most impressive things I found" at CES. They'll soon launch on Kickstarter for $249.

SAVE $50.01: As of Feb. 5, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $58.99, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 46% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds $58.99 at Amazon
$109 Save $50.01   Get Deal

If you're looking to shop for a new pair of earbuds, you've got plenty of options. You don't have to stick to the familiar, like Apple's AirPods, for example. If you're willing to try something else, there's a great pick right now at Amazon, and it's back at its lowest price yet.

As of Feb. 5, get the Nothing Ear (a) wireless earbuds for $58.99, down from their usual price of $109. That's a discount of 46% and the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: The 8 best earbuds of 2026, tested by audio experts

These earbuds are unique from the top down, from their transparent, square charging case to their budget pricing. They integrate ChatGPT in addition to offering great audio, which means you can use the voice portion of the chat assistant to handle search questions while out in the world. This optional addition makes them a solid choice that you'd be paying far more from another manufacturer for.

Of course, they're also excellent for listening to your favorite songs and podcasts or hanging on calls. They have compact 11mm drivers for great bass as wll as active noise cancellation that can help you block out the world when you don't want to hear it.

While they come with these intriguing additional features for a low price, they're jut an overall all-around good pair of headphones that you'll actually enjoy using -- and others might ask where you got them due to their unique look. Grab yours while they're back at this extremely palatable price.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenDots One open earbuds are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's $30 or 15% off their typical list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shokz Shokz OpenDots One open earbuds $169.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $30   Get Deal

If you're ready to jump on the open earbuds bandwagon, but aren't sure which pair to grab, we highly recommend the Shokz OpenDots One clip-on buds. They're the best pair we've tested and they're on sale for $30 cheaper than usual.

As of Feb. 5, the Shokz OpenDots One open earbuds are on sale for $169.95 at Amazon. That's 15% off the typical list price of $199.95. While that's not the cheapest we've ever seen them, it's the best price we've seen so far in 2026.

Mashable's reviewer Alex Bracetti called the OpenDots One "a trustworthy running companion that keeps you entertained and fully aware of the world around you." If you plan on using open earbuds mostly for workouts, but also want a solid pair of earbuds for everyday life, we think these offer the most bang for your buck. They have an unobtrusive and modern clip-on design, surprisingly solid sound quality with Dolby Audio support, 10 hours of battery life (40 with the case), full environmental transparency, and intuitive touch controls that actually work. They're not super feature-heavy and can get uncomfortable after hours of wear, but otherwise we think they're the best choice for most people — especially when they're on sale.

When it comes to power tools, few names carry the recognition of Milwaukee. That's especially true when it comes to professional trade work. So, whether you're a DIYer, a new homeowner, or an electrician apprentice, here are a few tools some of the pros swear by.

It's official: Bitcoin, as well as other cryptocurrency markets, are crashing.

On Thursday, Bitcoin plummeted below $68,000, blowing past a key level that crypto investors were hoping to hold. Bitcoin is now trading at its lowest prices since November 2024, essentially erasing all gains made in more than a year.

Other popular cryptocurrencies like Ether and Solana are also down. Solana, for example, has currently hit a two-year low.

Bitcoin and other altcoins began experiencing a noticeable downturn in the market late last week. Crypto analysts provided key market levels for Bitcoin to hold in order to avoid the worst. Some analysts said holding at $80,000 would be key while others said $70,000. Falling below those levels, analysts said, could drive further decline as investors look to sell off their holdings. 

Bitcoin has now fallen below both key levels. Now, some analysts are saying that Bitcoin could land in the $60,000 to $65,000 range while others are forecasting potential further drops landing the cryptocurrency at $40,000.

The downturn isn't unique to crypto, as stocks especially in the tech sector are currently dropping, but cryptocurrency is experiencing the worst of it. As a highly volatile and still largely unproven asset class, crypto is among the first investments to go in a sell-off from institutional investors.

According to a report from CryptoQuant, institutional firms that were buying up tens of thousands of Bitcoin just last year are now net sellers this year.

Social media users are noticing that other whales are also selling off, which further tanks the price of Bitcoin. World Liberty Financial, the crypto company owned by the Trump family, liquidated more than $5 million of its Bitcoin holdings on Thursday. 

SAVE $20: As of Feb. 5, Amazon's Echo Dot Max is back down to its lowest price ever. Shop now for $79.99, down $20 from its $99.99 list price for 20% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20   Get Deal

This week, Amazon made its upgraded Alexa+ available to all Prime users. While you don't technically need an Echo device to use Alexa+, it certainly helps. At the end of 2025, Amazon launched a series of new Echo devices that are compatible with Alexa+, including the Amazon Echo Dot Max. The Echo Dot Max debuted on Oct. 29, but it already has a record low price.

As of Feb. 5, the Echo Dot Max is back down to its all-time low price of $79.99. That knocks $20 off its list price of $99.99 for 20% savings. We haven't seen it go lower than this, so you know it's the best price out there.

The Echo Dot Max is the newest device in Amazon's smart home line-up. It combines delicious rich audio with quick smart home processing thanks to its new AZ3 chip. It features three times more bass than the 2022 Echo Dot. Plus, it operates more complicated tasks with Alexa+. With the new voice assistant you can do more than play music, turn on the lights or adjust the thermostat. Now, it'll help you make a grocery list or plan a date night.

Shop the Amazon Echo Dot Max for just $79.99, saving you $20 and 20% off at Amazon.

Whether you're buying a MacBook or a Windows laptop, most modern laptops suffer from one serious problem: They don't have enough ports. Thankfully, you can solve that problem for less than $30.