IT General

Lately, Microsoft has been on a crusade to make Edge faster. With the latest update to Edge 132, the company is taking extra measures to get one step closer to that goal.

Amazon has recently decided to shut down its mobile app's short video and photo feature called Inspire. Inspire, which started in 2022, lets users find products through videos and pictures made by influencers, brands, and other customers, similar to what TikTok does.

We've seen countless hardware mods on iPhones over the years, but someone just set out to make one of the wildest ones we've seen. The result is an iPhone that looks and very much feels like a Nokia Lumia phone.

Pi-hole, the popular software for network-wide content blocking, just released the Pi-hole v6 update. It has a redesigned interface, many performance improvements, and more.

Few things can push your data cap to the limit quite like downloading modern video games. But with careful planning and smart choices, you can still enjoy your favorite hobby without breaking your data budget.

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for A$385 (reg. A$4,718) by using the code STORAGE30 at checkout for a limited time. 

Are you doing a ‘low-buy year,’ like half the internet? Even if you're not, you’re probably looking for ways to save as much money as possible. Many people are canceling subscriptions, and the first one to go could be Dropbox or Google Drive. Instead, store your files with this lifetime cloud storage deal.

You’ll no longer be chained to expensive monthly payments — just pay once and be set on cloud storage for life. Get 10TB of storage with Internxt for A$385 with code STORAGE30 at checkout. That's 92% off. And if you don’t need that much space, 2TB and 5TB plans are also available on sale.

Cloud storage without fees

With Internxt, you may be paying more upfront, but your cloud storage plan will pay for itself in time, saving you money in the long run.

You also won’t have to worry about running out of storage space on your phone, computer, or tablet ever again with 10TB to go around. Here are how many files you can store with 10TB at your disposal:

• 2 million photos

• 250 hours of 4K video

• 6.5 million documents

Another thing you won’t have to worry about is security. All of your Internxt files are end-to-end encrypted for your peace of mind.

Imagine never worrying about cloud storage again. That’s Internxt. Use code STORAGE30 at checkout to get this affordable cloud storage plan for A$385 (reg. A$4,718) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan A$385.00 at the Mashable Shop
A$4,718.00 Save A$4,333.00 Get Deal

Adding smart home devices gives you more control over your environment. They make your home safer and more secure, and they're just fun to use, too.

It comes as no surprise that Instagram Reels is copying TikTok in just about every way it can. The videos loop. The like, comment, and share buttons are on the right side of the screen. Even the buttons on the bottom match. But one of the most useful parts of TikTok — being able to speed up videos while you watch them — was long not a feature available to Reels users. Until now.

To speed up a video to twice its normal speed on Instagram Reels, you'll have to employ a tactic all too familiar to TikTok users. All you have to do is press and hold on the side of the video, and it'll speed right up. Unlike TikTok, which speeds up videos while users press down on the right side of their screen, you can press on the right or the left side of the Reel to achieve this. Like TikTok, it will only speed up while you're pressing and holding down. This feature isn't yet available to everyone.

SEE ALSO: Instagram is showing your friends which Reels you’ve liked

"We’re working on new ways to improve the Instagram Reels experience and are currently testing the ability to playback a reel in 2x speed. This is testing with a small group of people to start," a Meta spokesperson said in a statement to Mashable.

People love to watch videos on 2x speed. Some people do it while watching movies (which, to me, is unhinged, but is your right), YouTube videos, TikToks, and, now Reels too. While this might seem like a problem — how long until we start trying to speed our loved ones up? — it's probably not that big of a deal. As Mashable deputy UK editor Sam Haysom reported in 2022, research shows that students who watched videos at faster speeds "performed just as well in the tests as those watching at normal speeds."

"I was surprised at how effective students are at learning at 2X and even 2.5X speed," Murphy told Mashable at the time. "Our results demonstrated that students are good learners and can remember information even in circumstances that conventional wisdom suggests should be bad for learning. Given students' resiliency to faster playback speeds, I was encouraged that students could potentially use this strategy to enhance their comprehension."

Whether this has a significant impact on our offline communication remains to be seen. But I, for one, am ecstatic that I might be able to watch old movie trailers and videos I already saw on TikTok much faster on Reels now.

TL;DR: Watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is getting serious. Places in the last 16 are at a premium, with the playoff round delivering huge matchups between Europe's elite.

Celtic and Bayern Munich are facing off in the second leg of their tie. If you want to watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Bayern Munich vs. Celtic?

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League starts at 8 p.m. GMT on Feb. 18. This fixture takes place at the Allianz Arena.

How to watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic for free

Bayern Munich vs. Celtic is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic (plus more Champions League fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

Fans from outside the UK will 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 (like 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. Watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 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 watch Bayern Munich vs. Celtic 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 eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream Bayern Munich vs. Celtic in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for A$86 through 30 March — boost productivity and upgrade your OS with one affordable bundle.

When productivity meets practicality, you get the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 + Windows 11 Pro Bundle. This two-in-one deal for A$86 is tailored for professionals, students, and anyone looking to upgrade their workflow while keeping costs low. With lifetime access, no subscription fees, and seamless integration, it’s a must-have for anyone who wants to work smarter, not harder.

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, giving you everything you need to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. With tools like advanced co-authoring and Smart Compose, collaborating with teams or family has never been easier. Plus, its redesigned ribbon interface and customization options make every project efficient and visually stunning. Whether you’re drafting reports or designing creative presentations, Office 2021 ensures you stay on top of your game.

Pair that with Windows 11 Pro, a cutting-edge operating system designed to boost productivity and enhance security. Features like Snap Layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing simplify multitasking, while advanced encryption and biometric logins keep your data safe. Gamers will also appreciate DirectX 12 Ultimate for next-level visuals, while professionals can access Azure AD, BitLocker, and Hyper-V for streamlined workflows. And with AI-driven Copilot, you can optimize tasks like never before.

This bundle saves you the headache of recurring fees and ensures you have the tools to tackle your day — from running your business to staying secure online.

For a one-time payment of A$86 until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s time to invest in efficiency, creativity, and peace of mind with this combo. Head to the Mashable Shop to get a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle A$86.00
A$689.00 Save A$603.00 Get Deal

Apple is exploring ways to monetize its Maps app, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.

In a recent report, Gurman details how Apple is looking to expand advertising across its services, with sources pointing to an all-hands meeting where the Maps team discussed potential strategies. Apple has previously explored the idea of search-based ads for Maps.

SEE ALSO: Apple is advertising on Elon Musk's X again

In practice, this could mean that when you search for a business or restaurant, the top results might not be the most relevant to your location or preferences but rather those that have paid for placement.

This also wouldn’t be the first Apple app to integrate ads; Apple News and Stocks already display them. Gurman also notes that this move aligns with Apple’s broader push into advertising, particularly as it looks to grow its presence in live sports. It’s unclear why Apple is pushing so hard to further monetize its services division, especially after the segment hit a record $26.3 billion in revenue in 2024. But at the end of the day, more revenue is still more revenue.

While details on how ads might appear in Maps remain unclear, the shift suggests Apple is increasingly focused on turning its ecosystem into a more significant ad-driven business.

Bethesda Softworks is giving fans a special chance through a charity auction for Make-A-Wish. The person who wins the auction will get to create an NPC in The Elder Scrolls VI.

The Steam Deck is arguably still the best handheld gaming PC, even in its fourth year of service. While it's more than capable of running virtually every modern game, there's a growing number of titles that Valve's handheld just can't run at playable frame rates.

Osgood Perkins's upcoming horror film The Monkey is full of gruesome deaths, from splatter-heavy lawnmower encounters to pool electrocutions. But could these out-there death scenes freak out a pair of professional morticians?

SEE ALSO: 'The Monkey' review: Osgood Perkins' take on Stephen King is a hell of a good time

The Longlegs director and The Monkey star Theo James try to find out in the video above, in which they show morticians Matt and Heather clips from The Monkey. Matt and Heather are total pros, evaluating each death based on plausibility and even giving us some inside scoops on the mortician trade, like whether corpses fart (they do) and how to reconstruct a mangled body.

But some of the movie's deaths and jump scares leave Matt and Heather shaken. To find out which ones, watch the full video above. And if all that blood and gore leaves you wanting more, check out The Monkey — which Mashable's Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko called "a hell of a good time" — in full.

The Monkey hits theaters Feb. 21.

Scalpers made an official comeback with the launch of the RTX 5090 and the RTX 5080, NVIDIA's newest flagship cards. Now, it looks like supply for the RTX 5070 and 5070 Ti might be similarly dire.

Before you watch Pedro Pascal suit up in 2025's Fantastic Four: First Steps, catch him in the '80s-set Freaky Tales, written and directed by Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck (Captain Marvel).

Freaky Tales transports viewers to 1987 Oakland, where a world-weary criminal (Pascal, Gladiator II) is taking on one last job. (Aren't they always?) But his story is just one of four interlocking narratives in this anthology film, which deals with everything from aspiring rappers to NBA players who also happen to be cult leaders.

SEE ALSO: 2025 movie preview: All the films you'll want to know about

The film's first trailer touches on all of these briefly, showcasing a gnarly sword fight and a beatdown between punks and neo-Nazis. Also showcased are Freaky Tales' jam-packed cast, which includes Pascal, Ben Mendelsohn (Secret Invasion), Jay Ellis (Insecure), pop star Normani, Dominique Thorne (Black Panther: Wakanda Forever), Jack Champion (Scream VI), Ji-young Yoo (Expats), and the late Angus Cloud (Euphoria).

Freaky Tales hits theaters Apr. 4.

SAVE $30: The Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker is on sale at Amazon for $69.99, down from the usual $99.99. That's a 30% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Your summer Bluetooth speaker comes with a checklist of requirements. If it doesn't tick all the boxes (or at least most of them), it's not worth coming along on your adventures. If you struggled through last summer without a solid portable speaker, Amazon has a nice deal in store today.

As of Feb. 18, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker is on sale for $69.99, down from the standard price of $99.99. That's a 30% discount that saves you $30.

On the list of Mashable's favorite portable Bluetooth speakers, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 earns the top spot as the best option under $100.

For long summer days, the Wonderboom 4 is a great companion thanks to its long battery life that can last for up to 14 hours. Its small and compact design with attached strap means it's a breeze to toss it into your backpack or your beach bag.

SEE ALSO: Oru's lightest foldable kayak is worth every penny

Like all good beach speakers, the Wonderboom 4 is dirt-resistant and waterproof, but it can also float. The speaker can handle being submerged in water for up to 30 minutes which is nice reassurance that a few splashes by the pool won't cause any harm.

The Wonderboom 4 was also drop tested from five feet which means the speaker will do just fine should it fall off a counter. Speaking of measurements, the Wonderboom 4 has a sound range of about 131 feet so you'll be able to hear it from anywhere in the backyard.

Before that first epic day of spring warmth comes around, get prepared by snagging the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 speaker for 30% off at Amazon. No backyard barbecue or beach trip has ever regretted bringing along tunes for great vibes.

GET $70 OFF: As of Feb. 18th, the Razer Viper V2 Pro Gaming Mouse is on sale at Best Buy for $79.99 for a savings of $70, or 47% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Viper V2 Pro Gaming Mouse $79.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Lightweight and hyper-precise, the Razer Viper V2 Pro Gaming Mouse is a champion among the legions of wireless mice. Plus, it wields a 30000 dpi optical sensor.

As of Feb. 18, get the Razer Viper V2 Pro Gaming Mouse for $79.99, down from $149.99, at Best Buy and save $70. Don't miss this 47% price cut.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just cut 40% off the Logitech G305 mouse, one of the fastest around for the price

This five button-mouse features two thumb buttons that are programmable to different functions in various apps, and unlock special attacks in game. At only 59 grams, the mouse is extremely light. It connects with proprietary Razer wireless tech, for maximum responsiveness, that will continue to function well even in a room with lots of wireless signals.

With a 30,000 DPI sensor, toggleable DPI settings, and impeccable switches, this is a gaming mouse made FTW.

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 18, get the OnePlus Watch 3 for $299.99 at OnePlus with promo code TIME1010, down from its usual price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: OnePlus OnePlus Watch 3 $299.99 at OnePlus
$349.99 Save $50.00 Promo Code: TIME1010 Get Deal

Need a new smartwatch? You've got plenty to choose from. While many might gravitate toward the Apple Watch, you shouldn't discount what OnePlus has to offer, especially if you're an Android user. The OnePlus Watch 2 has consistently been a good choice, but now that the OnePlus Watch 3 has arrived, that might be your best bet if you want the brand's latest and greatest, and it's on sale now that it's hit shelves.

As of Feb. 18, get the OnePlus Watch 3 for $299.99, down from its usual price of $329.99 with promo code TIME1010. That's a discount of $30. This price applies to both Obsidian Titanium and Emerald Titanium colorways.

This rugged smartwatch comes with a suite of features you'll appreciate whether you plan on using it to track your fitness and health or to keep in touch with friends and family. It runs on Google's Wear OS and runs on the Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 and the BES2800 chip. It boasts a lengthy battery life and can run up to 100 hours in Smart Mode, so it's there when you need it right on your wrist.

In addition to handling your calls and texts, it can track your workouts and offer insights into your other fitness needs. Plus, it uses apps like Pay, Maps, Wallet, and Calendar to help you organize your life.

If you're looking to go ahead and nab a smartwatch, now's the time to grab this one, especially since it just made its debut.

SAVE $645.38: As of Feb. 18, get the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 5 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for $699.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,345.37. That's a discount of 48%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro $699.99 at Amazon
$1,345.37 Save $645.38 Get Deal

New year, new you. Sure, it's February, but that adage can still be true. And if new you needs a new laptop, you should check and see what Amazon has on offer, because there's a great discount there on one that you won't want to miss right now.

As of Feb. 18, you can get the Samsung Galaxy Book4 Pro (Intel Core 5 Ultra, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) for just $699.99 at Amazon. That's $645.38 off its normal price of $1,345.37 and a discount of 48%.

This perfectly portable option boasts 16GB of RAM, an Intel Core 5 Ultra processor, and 512GB of storage, which means it can hold all your important documents, photos, presentations, and whatever else you need to rely on for work or for play. Its 3K AMOLED screen offers a 2880x1800 resolution and its HD webcam means you'll be able to take all those work calls on the go if you need to.

Otherwise, you can use this laptop as your daily driver with its lightweight body, slew of great features, and heavy-duty keyboard, making it a fantastic pick whether you need to get things done or you just want something rugged to take with you and watch your shows on the go. Either way, you're not going to find a better deal on this particular laptop right now, so you'd probably go ahead and lock yours in now while it's still in stock.