IT General

This security-focused Linux distro is switching to KDE

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:54

The team behind Parrot OS (often shortened to Parrot) has announced the beta release of Parrot 7.0. The update, now in testing, brings several upgrades and improvements to the distribution that emphasizes security, including a switch to KDE Plasma as the default desktop.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch One Battle After Another: Streaming details for the Oscar frontrunner

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:41
The best streaming deals to watch 'One Battle After Another' at home: Watch now Rent or Buy "One Battle After Another" on Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Watch now Rent or buy on Apple TV $19.99 or $24.99 Shop Now Watch later HBO Max (With Ads) $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Watch later Max Standard $184.99/year (save $36.89) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months (save 50%) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for Cricket customers on the $60/month unlimited plan (save $10.99/month) Get Deal Watch later HBO Max Basic With Ads Free for DashPass annual plan subscribers (save $10.99 per month) Get Deal Watch later Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) (save up to 41%) Get Deal

Paul Thomas Anderson, 11-time Academy Award nominee, returned to theaters this fall with an epic father-daughter story dubbed One Battle After Another. It stars some big names, including Leonardo DiCaprio, Regina Hall, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, and Teyana Taylor, as well as newcomer Chase Infiniti in her feature film debut.

Mashable's reviewer called it "ferocious, funny, and jam-packed with provocation," and with all the wild praise, it's a clear frontrunner for the 2026 awards season. If you missed it in theaters, you can now get in on the action at home. Here's what you need to know to watch One Battle After Another — including when and where it's streaming.

What is One Battle After Another about?

Inspired by Thomas Pynchon's novel Vineland, One Battle After Another follows Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio) as an ex-revolutionary who's living off the grid with his teen daughter Willa (Infiniti). When his former nemesis and military antagonist Col. Steven J. Lockjaw (Penn) resurfaces and Willa goes missing, Bob must jump into action to find and protect her.

It's part political thriller, part parenthood comedy in the best way. "Action scenes that are truly dizzying are followed by slapstick and almost vaudevillian banter," Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko writes, adding that "Whatever you're anticipating from Anderson's latest, this movie is more."

Check out the official trailer for a glimpse at One Battle After Another:

Is One Battle After Another worth watching?

Already the most nominated movie for the 2026 Golden Globes and Critics' Choice Awards, One Battle After Another is poised to win big this awards season. As Puchko writes in her review, "It will undoubtedly be declared one of the best films of the year, not only for what it brings to cinema in terms of spectacle and spirit, but also what it has to say about America today."

Even at nearly three hours long, Puchko says the movie flies by like a thriller should. "Rarely has a movie with so much to say been so damned entertaining," she writes.

Other critics largely agree, as the film holds a 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes with over 400 critic reviews. Even Taylor Swift couldn't help but gush over it.

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Check out Mashable's full review of One Battle After Another.

SEE ALSO: Golden Globes nominations 2026: 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sentimental Value' lead the pack How to watch One Battle After Another at home Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

We're still waiting for an official streaming date announcement for One Battle After Another, but you can still tune in at home by purchasing or renting via digital video-on-demand as of Nov. 14. We've broken down the details below.

Buy or rent on digital

As of Nov. 14, One Battle After Another is available to purchase or rent on digital video-on-demand platforms. You can buy the movie for your digital library and watch it whenever you want or rent it, which gives you 30 days to watch and only 48 hours to finish watching once you begin.

You can purchase and rent the film at the following retailers:

Opens in a new window Credit: Prime Video Rent or Buy 'One Battle After Another' at Prime Video $19.99 or $24.99 Get Deal Stream it on HBO Max (at a later date)

We know that as a Warner Bros. Pictures film, One Battle After Another will make its streaming debut on HBO Max. Based on the theater-to-streaming trajectory (about two to two-and-a-half months) of other recently released Warner Bros. movies — like Superman and Weapons we can estimate that One Battle After Another will hit HBO Max in mid-to-late December. Stay tuned.

HBO Max subscriptions start at $10.99 per month (thanks to a recent price hike), but there are some ways to save some money on your plan. Check out the best HBO Max streaming deals below.

SEE ALSO: What does Netflix's purchase of Warner Bros. mean for theatrical releases? The best HBO Max streaming dealsBest for most people: Save 16% on HBO Max Basic annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Basic with ads annual subscription $109.99 per year (save $21.89) Get Deal

The HBO Max Basic plan with ads typically costs $10.99 per month, but if you pay for an entire year up front, that price drops down to just $9.17. You'll pay $109.99 total for the year, which saves you about 16% compared to paying each month.

Best deal with no ads: Save up to 16% on HBO Max Standard annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Standard annual subscription $184.99 per year (save $36.89) Get Deal

Rather go ad-free? The annual HBO Max Standard or Premium plans will also save you about 16% over their monthly counterparts. The Standard tier costs either $18.49 per month or $184.99 per year (about $15.42 per month), while the Premium tier costs either $22.99 per month or $229.99 per year (about $19.17 per month). Both tiers will give you access to ad-free viewing, but the Premium tier also features 4K Ultra HD video quality, Dolby Atmos immersive audio, and the ability to download more offline content.

Get HBO Max for free: Switch to Cricket's Supreme Unlimited plan Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Cricket HBO Max (with ads) Free for Cricket customers on the Supreme Unlimited plan Get Deal

Want to get HBO Max for free? Switch your phone plan to Cricket's $60 per month Supreme Unlimited plan. It includes HBO Max Basic with ads for free — a $10.99 per month value. When you open up the HBO Max app or website, you'll just select Cricket as your provider and use your credentials to log in.

Get HBO Max for free: Sign up for DashPass annual plan Opens in a new window Credit: Dashpass / HBO Max HBO Max (with ads) Free with DashPass annual plan ($8/month) Get Deal

Another way to get HBO Max for free in 2025 is to sign up for the DoorDash DashPass annual plan for $96 per year ($8 per month) — but you'll have to act fast. This deal is only around until Dec. 16, so activate your plan ASAP.

DashPass memberships include $0 delivery fees and reduced service fees on eligible DoorDash orders all year long, plus a complimentary HBO Max subscription (with ads). That means you'll pay just $8 per month for both DashPass and HBO Max, which is cheaper than a typical HBO Max with ads monthly subscription on its own. Activate the subscription through your DoorDash account by Dec. 16, 2025.

Best HBO Max deal for students: Save 50% on HBO Max Basic with ads Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max HBO Max Student $5.49 per month for 12 months Get Deal

College students can watch One Battle After Another when it hits streaming by signing up for an entire year of HBO Max with ads for half price. Verify your student status through UNiDAYS and retrieve the unique discount code to drop the price from $10.99 to just $5.49 per month.

Best bundle deal: Get HBO Max, Disney+, and Hulu for up to 42% off Opens in a new window Credit: Disney / Hulu / HBO Max Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max $19.99 per month (with ads), $32.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

You'll get the most bang for your buck if you opt for the Disney+ bundle deal that includes Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max for just $19.99 per month with ads. That lineup of streamers would usually cost you $34.97 per month if you paid separately for each, so you'll keep an extra $15 in your pocket monthly. If you prefer an ad-free experience, the bundle will run you $32.99 per month as opposed to $56.47. That's up to 42% in savings for unlimited access to all three streaming libraries.

Best add-on deal: Add HBO Max to Hulu for $1 off per month Opens in a new window Credit: HBO Max / Hulu HBO Max (Hulu add-on) $9.99 per month (with ads), $16.99 per month (no ads) Get Deal

Already have Hulu? You can add HBO Max's full library to your Hulu account for just $9.99 per month with ads. That's $1 off the usual price per month. Sure, it's not much, but it still beats paying full price. The ad-free add-on is also cheaper at $16.99 per month as opposed to the usual $18.49. I'm not sure if Hulu just missed the memo on HBO Max's latest price hike or is intentionally keeping the price low to score more subscribers, but it's a welcome discount nonetheless.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ICEBlock app developers sue Trump administration

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:41

ICEBlock, an app designed to document and alert users to the movements of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), is suing the Trump administration for violating free speech protections after federal officials reportedly pressured tech companies like Apple to remove the app from online marketplaces.

In the lawsuit, the app's developers argue that the actions of White House officials to pressure private tech companies amounts to unlawful censorship and a violation of the First Amendment, contesting a claim made by officials that ICEBlock did not fall under forms of protected speech.

"The Bill of Rights — including the First Amendment — was crafted precisely to safeguard the People’s ability to question authority, expose governmental abuse, and hold public officials accountable: a reflection of the founders’ belief that an informed and vocal citizenry is the ultimate guardian of liberty," the complaint reads.

SEE ALSO: Trump to sign order prohibiting state AI regulation

White House officials argued that the app was a threat to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and an "incitement to violence" against ICE agents. In response, Apple removed ICEBlock as well as other apps that let individuals record, document, and map the movements of immigration enforcement, including Eyes Up, which is intended as a non real-time archive of ICE activity to be used in legal defenses and other testimony.

Broadly, the administration has put pressure on marketplaces like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store to remove apps that let individuals document the conduct of federal DHS officers and related law enforcement. Last week, leaders of the House Committee on Homeland Security and Subcommittee on Oversight, Investigations, and Accountability sent letters to said companies detailing an ongoing investigation into the creation, dissemination, and promotion of such apps.

"The Committee is concerned that these apps not only jeopardize the safety of DHS personnel but also enable malicious actors to incite violence and obstruct lawful government operations," the letter reads. That same argument was used by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, who later threatened to prosecute news outlets who popularized ICE tracking apps. Attorney General Pam Bondi also threatened legal action against ICEBlock creator Josh Aaron, who filed the recent lawsuit.

In response to widespread protest across communities nationwide — focused on the often illicit actions of immigration officials in schools, residences, and other historically protected areas — the House committees have also been investigating "the rise in anti-law enforcement sentiment," and the "damaging impacts of doxing on morale and operational effectiveness" on immigration enforcement.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ring doorbells can now identify faces

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 21:39

Ring has started rolling out its AI-powered facial recognition feature, Familiar Faces, to video doorbell owners across the United States. This addition means your smart doorbell can now identify your visitors, a major step forward for personalization that also brings significant privacy concerns.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Firefox's local page translation finally arrives on iPhone and iPad

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:47

Local page translation is one of the best recent additions to Firefox, but iPhone and iPad owners haven't been able to try it out. That's finally changing with the release of Firefox 146, and Mozilla is throwing in a few other minor improvements.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't throw away your old SSD—do this with it instead

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:30

If you have an older SSD that you're looking to replace, you're probably wondering what to do with your previous drive. There are many ways to repurpose it, but the one thing you should not do is throw it away.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why 8GB VRAM is finally dead for PC gaming in 2025

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:30

As the price of memory continues to skyrocket, and games become more and more demanding, it's fair to ask how much the RAM on your GPU actually matters. What's the right quantity? What about speed and bandwidth? If you're wondering what to decide when it comes to your next GPU's RAM, it's time to have the talk.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Photos takes on CapCut with a big video editor update

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:13

Over the last year, the Google Photos app has seen a series of redesigns. The image editor was one of the first things to be refreshed, and now Google has moved on to videos. If you’ve been relying on third-party apps like CapCut for simple video edits, get ready to tap the "Uninstall" button.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why you should forget about Wi-Fi when it comes to smart home security

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 20:00

Wi-Fi cameras are incredibly convenient, but this convenience comes at a cost. Though you can stick them almost anywhere and use solar power or rechargeable batteries to keep them powered, you might find that they let you down when you need them the most.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Frame isnt the only glamorous 32-inch QLED TV anymore: Meet the $299.99 Hisense S5 DécoTV

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:36

GET IT AT AMAZON FOR $299.99: On Dec. 9, Hisense debuted the 32-inch S5 DécoTV QLED Fire TV at Amazon for $299.99. Featuring an art-inspired white fluid central stand, it's a chic budget-friendly alternative to the Samsung's 32-inch The Frame.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 32-inch S5 Hisense DécoTV $299.99 at Amazon
Available now Shop Now

Hisense unveiled a unique new TV on Dec. 9, and it's something we haven't really seen before: A premium-looking QLED TV for small spaces that doesn't have a premium price point. The 32-inch Hisense S5 DécoTV Fire TV, complete with a stunning white curved stand, is already available at Amazon for $299.99.

The DécoTV feels like it has filled a gap in the TV market in a few ways. There aren't a lot of 32-inch QLED TVs to begin with. You have Samsung's 32-inch The Frame at $599.99 and another 32-inch Samsung QLED for $499.99, and then a 32-inch TCL QLED TV that goes on sale for as low as $139.99. Otherwise, there's not much in between those price points — so before the DécoTV, you could either spend $500+ on a tiny TV or buy the cheapest possible small QLED option. (The two Samsung models are 4K, however, while the TCL and Hisense DécoTV have 1080p resolution.)

The Fire TV platform is the most intuitive of all to me, so I'm psyched that this is a Fire TV. Credit: Hisense

Because the DécoTV isn't 4K, I wouldn't go as far as to call it a Frame Dupe — that's the Hisense CanvasTV's role. But I would call the DécoTV a really strong affordable Frame alternative. There's definitely a niche for small space TVs that don't just look like a dark, plasticky hunk of technology. After all, if a room is a tight squeeze, the TV could easily be the focal point of the room. If The Frame and its wall art-esque bezels aren't in your budget, the white bezels that flow right into the DécoTV's chic stand are much more affordable, but still aesthetically pleasing.

I'd also argue that you should prioritize brightness for a kitchen or bedroom TV, and that's exactly what opting for QLED over regular LED does. In my own apartment and at my parents' house, the smaller non-living room TVs get a majority of their use during the day. It's always someone folding laundry in a bedroom while watching TV or doing some sort of kitchen chore while watching TV. The layer of quantum dots (the "Q" in QLED) that lies over the TV's LED backlight panel is responsible for boosting brightness, contrast, and color vibrancy to best the natural light pouring in through the windows.

SEE ALSO: If dark scenes are too dark on your TV, play around with these settings

That's why QLED TVs are the best TVs for watching sports in daylight — imagine watching the playoffs whilst being productive on a Sunday and actually being able to tell what's going on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Rivian expected to talk autonomous driving EV features Dec. 11

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:20

Tesla this. Tesla that. Are you interested in EVs and autonomous vehicles, but tired of hearing about Elon Musk and company?

Then you'll probably want to tune into Rivian's upcoming "Autonomy and AI Day" on December 11 at 12pm ET. 

Rivian, the California-based electric vehicle manufacturer founded by its CEO RJ Scaringe, hasn't shared too much information aside from the not-so-subtle name of the event. Although "Autonomy and AI" could be somewhat broad, the outlet RivianTrackr has some predictions concerning what the company seems likely to unveil during the event.

One announcement that is almost guaranteed at the event is the Universal Hands Free feature. Scaringe previously shared last month that he has spent hours in a Gen 2 Rivian R1 driving through Palo Alto, California with the car handling the road. RivianTrackr believes that this will be a practical feature, likely one promoted as handling highway driving, and not one marketed as a Tesla-like robotaxi service.

SEE ALSO: Tesla Robotaxis are crashing more than Waymo, even with human safety monitors

RivianTrackr predicts that the company will spend some time discussing its sensor technology. As the outlet points out, Rivian doesn't solely depend on cameras and will likely walk through its combination of technologies such as radar and ultrasonics alongside camera improvements. RivianTrackr also says the company could discuss LiDAR technology for future vehicles, even if the company is not prepared to unveil one equipped with it just yet.

A release rollout, such as a phased roadmap, alongside pricing discussions are also potential topics during the event. RivianTrackr says that Rivian hasn't provided much on either end yet and could provide some clarity to Rivian owners. RivianTrackr believes the autonomous features will be priced at a premium and not really attempt to compete with Tesla's pricing. They could be offered at either a one-time purchase or subscription model.

As Engadget points out, Rivian previously said that 2026 would see "a hands-off/eyes-off feature" that is "for controlled conditions with our current Gen 2 vehicles" so we could hear more about that as we're about to head into the new year. 

Lastly, RivianTrackr expects for Rivian to share more about AI with its vehicles in terms of "data collection, fleet learning, continuous improvement through over-the-air updates, and how Rivian’s vehicles will get better over time."

All seem like strong possibilities for Rivian to discuss on Dec. 11, especially the Universal Hands Free feature. Most importantly though, as RivianTrackr says, is the company's ability to show that it has credibility in the EV and self-driving space. We'll see in just a few short days.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Photos rolls out new video editing tools

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:03

Google is rolling out a suite of new video editing tools for Google Photos, making it easier for users to craft polished highlight reels directly from their phones. The updates, announced in a press release, expand on the app’s existing highlight video feature and introduce more creative control for Android and iOS users.

SEE ALSO: Google AI Overviews sparks antitrust probe for using publisher content

According to Google, one of the biggest additions is the launch of video templates on Android. These pre-built formats come with coordinated music, text, and pacing already synced to the soundtrack. Users simply choose a template, select their clips, and Google Photos automatically assembles a shareable video.

The company is also debuting a redesigned video editor across Android and iOS. The update introduces a faster interface, a universal timeline for multi-clip editing, and an adaptive canvas that makes rearranging and refining shots more intuitive. The goal, the press release notes, is to streamline the experience so creators spend less time navigating menus and more time producing videos.

Additional features include the ability to add soundtracks from Google’s built-in music library, as well as custom text overlays on Android with new fonts, colors, and background options for more expressive storytelling. Android users can also take advantage of improved single-clip editing, as the upgraded editor is now the default tool for making quick adjustments or adding music and text to individual videos.

Google says all the features are now available or will be rolling out shortly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Interview with the Vampire season 3: Everything we know so far

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:00

I don’t know about you guys, but I am thirsty for the upcoming season of Interview with the Vampire, especially after that gorgeously grotesque Shakespearean tragedy that was season two. Season three will shift its focus to Lestat de Lioncourt’s story and will be told through the power of rock music. In honor of the levitating rock-god's perspective, the show has officially been rebranded as The Vampire Lestat, which AMC+ is calling “a sexy pilgrimage across space, time, and trauma.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Magic vs. Heat online for free

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat in the NBA Cup for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA Cup quarter finals feature some really interesting matchups, including Orlando Magic vs. Miami Heat. The Magic have a perfect record in this competition, and there's a feeling that things are slowly starting to click after a slow start. That being said, we would be surprised if Erik Spoelstra didn't have something up his sleeve for this knockout game.

If you want to watch Magic vs. Heat in the NBA Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Magic vs. Heat?

Magic vs. Heat in the NBA Cup starts at 6 p.m. ET on Dec. 9. This game takes place at the Kia Center.

How to watch Magic vs. Heat for free

Magic vs. Heat in the NBA Cup is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S., 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 U.S., meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

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

  2. Subscribe to a 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 U.S.

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Learn More

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Apple Mac Mini deal from Black Friday has returned: Save $120 on the M4 model

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:41

SAVE $120: As of Dec. 9, the Apple Mac Mini with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage is back down to just $479 at Amazon and Best Buy. That's 20% or $120 off its list price and matches its Black Friday discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Mac Mini (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $479 at Amazon
$599 Save $120   Get Deal

We saw some pretty excellent deals on Apple devices on Black Friday, but the majority of them up and disappeared right after Cyber Monday concluded. If you missed out on some of the best savings of the year, one has just resurfaced: the M4 Mac Mini for just $479.

As of Dec. 9, you can pick up the Apple Mac Mini with an M4 chip, 16GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage for only $479 at both Amazon and Best Buy. That's 20% or $120 off its list price of $599. While it matches its Black Friday 2025 price, it's actually not the lowest price on record — but it's pretty dang close at just $10 shy.

The Mac Mini is Apple's small but mighty desktop that takes up just 5x5 inches of real estate on your desk. It packs 16GB of RAM, 256GB of storage, and the speedy M4 chip in the base model. It's also built for Apple Intelligence, if you're into that. While it's pretty dang small, it still manages to pack two USB-C ports and a headphone jack on the front and three Thunderbolt 4 ports and an HDMI and Ethernet port on the back.

You'll have to pair it with a monitor, but it doesn't need to be a fancy Apple one. You could easily go with something cheap and efficient if you want to save some money — or go with something spec-heavy if you please. Whichever option you choose, you'll already be saving big on the Apple desktop computer itself with this deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lexus vs. Genesis: which brand builds the most luxurious compact SUV?

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:30

The battle for luxury in the compact SUV segment has never been more competitive, and two brands stand at the center of the debate: one known for unmatched reliability and refinement, and another rapidly rising with bold styling and feature-packed value. As these rival automakers push to outdo each other, shoppers are left with a surprisingly close contest, one where luxury, technology, and driving comfort all take on new meaning.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Plex is overhauling custom metadata providers

How-To Geek - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:24

Plex is now testing a new framework for custom metadata providers, giving you more options for adding titles, cover art, and other information to your movie and TV library. It's now in beta testing with a planned rollout in January.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wreak holiday havoc with 50% off the The Grinch Christmas Adventures on Switch

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:22

SAVE $20.06: As of Dec. 9, get The Grinch Christmas Adventures on Nintendo Switch for $19.93 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $39.99. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon The Grinch Christmas Adventures $19.93 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.06   Get Deal

There aren't very many holiday-themed video games to go around. Sure, you can find some apps here and there. Probably some seek-and-find time-wasters. But as for actual holiday games, they're few and far between. We've found one the whole family to enjoy, and it's not a generic asset flip: The Grinch Christmas Adventures, a kid-friendly and safe Nintendo Switch pick anyone can enjoy.

As of Dec. 9, get The Grinch Christmas Adventures on Nintendo Switch for $19.93 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $39.99. That's $20.06 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: 50+ gift ideas that gamers would actually want as gifts

This Switch game puts you in the shoes of the Grinch himself as you explore Whoville. That includes locations like the village itself, the Town Hall, the Grinch caves, lakes, and sewers (because of course there's a sewer area). Using the Grinch's skills you can get around by snowboarding, using a jetpack, sleigh, and all manner of vehicles, made even easier by enlisting adorable pup sidekick Max's help.

You'll collect food and presents, keep an eye out for collectibles to Grinch away, and fight off enemies as you work to complete the Grinch's Christmas mission. Of course, you'll also be doing the important task of helping his heart to grow three sizes while helping the Whos of Whoville prepare a festive holiday feast.

This is a cute little Christmas-themed game that anyone can appreciate, and while it's not going to win any Game of the Year awards, it's a fun pick that makes a great stocking stuffer, especially at this price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Christmas Table Decoration is on sale for $24 and itll arrive well before the holidays

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:14

SAVE $16: The Lego Christmas Table Decoration is on sale at Amazon for $23.99, down from the list price of $39.99. That's a 40% discount and an all-time low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Christmas Table Decoration $23.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $16.00   Get Deal

In no time at all, the holidays will arrive. While we're all busy shopping for last-minute gifts and writing out the menu, it's smart to take a few minutes to think about decor. Sure, you could get red roses but those are spendy and don't last long. Instead, opt for a fun project that'll double as a lovely holiday display.

As of Dec. 9, the Lego Christmas Table Decoration is on sale for just $23.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $39.99. That's a 40% discount that'll save you $16. It's also an all-time low price at Amazon.

With a festive red candle, holly berries, gold snowflakes, and greenery, the Lego Christmas Table Decoration is one that your family can bring out year after year for the season. With 433 pieces, it's designed for builders aged 12 and up. Build the display before company arrives this holiday season or surprise the kids with a fun pre-mealtime activity.

SEE ALSO: The 71 absolute best stocking stuffers for 2025

Before this set sells out, grab the Lego Christmas Tale Decoration either for your own home or to give as gift. It's not everyday we see a holiday-themed Lego set with a 40% discount so jump on this one quickly. Depending on your delivery address, it could arrive as early as tomorrow.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Crunchyroll ends its free streaming plan

Mashable - Tue, 12/09/2025 - 18:06

Anime-streaming giant Crunchyroll is officially axing its free, ad-supported tier, and the announcement arrived in what might be the most unceremonious way possible: an in-player pop-up notifying users that the limited plan will disappear on December 31, 2025.

Starting Jan. 1, anyone who wants to watch anything on Crunchyroll will need a paid subscription. For many fans, the loss may feel more symbolic than practical as the company has been quietly hollowing out the free tier for years. The free tier once offered broad access to Crunchyroll's catalog, but eventually shrank to include a tiny handful of episodes from select shows. The biggest blow came in 2022, when Crunchyroll removed free access to simulcasts.

For now, Crunchyroll’s pricing remains untouched:

  • Fan – $7.99/month

  • Mega Fan – $11.99/month

  • Ultimate Fan – $15.99/month

Mashable reached out to Crunchyroll to inquire about potential future plan changes, but the company did not respond before publication.

The move comes amid a larger shift in the streaming industry. Just last year, Crunchyroll increased its Mega and Ultimate tiers by $1–$2 per month, and across the entertainment landscape, free tiers are disappearing while prices are steadily drifting upward.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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