IT General

IKEA's affordable smart home devices just got the seamless experience they deserve

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:30

If you’ve ever tried building a smart home across brands, you already know the frustration of devices disconnecting, apps not syncing, and ‘universal standards’ still requiring workarounds. This is a problem that Samsung is now trying to solve. The brand’s global smart home platform, SmartThings now offers native, hub-free integration with 25 IKEA smart home devices. Notably, the partnership goes deeper, instead of the two brands just slapping a compatible sticker on the box and calling it a day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 CPUs that are officially too old for gaming in 2026

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:30

Many gamers don’t mind spending hundreds of dollars on a new graphics card the moment they notice a performance drop in their favorite games, while the CPU remains untouched for years. While this upgrade pattern can work to some extent, since most games are GPU-bound, that strategy only holds for so long. CPUs aren’t immune to time, and modern games are starting to demand more from them than ever before.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon sued over early Fire TV Stick support—will you get paid?

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:25

Amazon is facing a proposed class action lawsuit in California state court for allegedly forcing early Fire TV Stick users to upgrade by dropping software support.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget about floor cleaning by grabbing the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop while its $270 off at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:00

SAVE $270: The Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, down from the standard price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop $529.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $270   Get Deal

We all deserve a break these days. Even if your schedule is not packed with meetings and errands and other daily chores, having some relaxing time is essential. Instead of spending energy on cleaning the floors, offload the task to a robot. Sure, robots might not be ready to cook us dinner, but they've proven their worth as vacuums and mops. Check out this deal at Amazon today on a budget-friendly model.

As of April 21, the Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop is on sale at Amazon for $529.99, marked down from the usual price of $799.99. That works out to a 34% discount that shaves $270 off the price.

Mashable's resident expert on robot vacuum and mops, Leah Stodard, ranked the Eufy C28 as the best affordable robot vacuum and mop combo with a self-wash station. In her full review of the Eufy C28, she wrote, "The Eufy C28 is the most affordable mainstream roller mop robot vacuum we've seen so far," and that's even more true now that it's $270 off.

SEE ALSO: Score the Ecovacs Deebot X11 robot vacuum and mop for its lowest price yet

It's a compact model that does a great job at vacuuming and mopping floors given its price point. Stodart mention it doesn't earn a spot on the list of the best robot vacuums for pet hair on carpets, but it does a reliable job with keeping up on the daily.

While it's $270 off, snag the affordable Eufy C28 robot vacuum and mop. You'll be able to offload both vacuuming and mopping so you can take off on summer's best adventures or simply relax on the couch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop paying for Alexa and Google Home—this open-source smart home system will never charge you

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 19:00

For years, smart home systems such as Amazon Alexa and Google Home have been free to use. If you bought an Amazon Echo smart speaker, for example, you could use it to control your smart home without any additional fees. Both Amazon and Google have recently started to lock some smart home features behind paywalls, but there's a free alternative that never will.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dive into the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven expansion with this discounted booster box

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:47

SAVE $20.71: As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's a discount of 13%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) $143.99 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $20.71   Pre-order Here

It's that time again: a new Magic: The Gathering expansion is on its way. Secrets of Strixhaven is officially landing on April 24. It'll bring hundreds of new cards to the game, and if you plan on competing or collecting, you'll want to get your hands on some of the latest and greatest cards. You can do that easily with this discounted set that's up for preorder right now.

As of April 21, preorder the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven - Play Booster Box (30 Packs) for $143.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $164.70. That's $20.71 off and a discount of 13%.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for market price at Amazon and TCGplayer

There are nearly 368 new cards that comprise Secrets of Strixhaven, with several magical colleges to explore in the world of Arcavios. This box comes with 30 Play Boosters, each containing 14 cards. That means 1-5 cards of Rare or higher rarity, 3-6 Uncommon, 5-8 Common, and 1 Land card. You'll also find surprises like Traditional Foils, Foil Borderless Mythics, and more in these packs.

This booster box is the best way to build your stores of cards that can be used to create new decks. You'll get a good spread of options for filling in holes or starting a brand new deck to see what the expansion has to offer.

If you're ready to dive into this new addition to the world of Magic, you'll want to lock in your booster box preorder while it's discounted. These things always sell out rather quickly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget the BMW 5 Series—this Japanese sedan is more fun to drive

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:45

Luxury sedans have changed a lot over the last decade. Bigger screens, softer rides, and more driver-assist tech have become the new standard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You’ll love Ryobi's new customizable DIY workbench

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:35

Finding the right setup for your garage or DIY shop is easier said than done. A big part of that process is a workbench, which is where you'll complete all your projects. While Ryobi is most known for its wide array of 18V ONE+ tools, the company also makes excellent accessories, including this Ryobi Framework Workbench.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I abandoned Gmail for a privacy-first email service—and never looked back

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:30

I stopped using Gmail around 8 years ago. The decision did not arrive as a reaction to a single incident or policy change but as a gradual shift in how I thought about email as a system. Gmail worked well then and continues to work well now. What changed for me was not the quality of the product but the role it played in a larger ecosystem that collects and correlates data across nearly every digital interaction (which sounds abstract until you notice how often you click "Sign in with Google").

Categories: IT General, Technology

This one small upgrade makes any budget turntable sound high-end

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:15

There are plenty of reasons to want to upgrade that starter or affordable turntable you bought when you first got into vinyl. Maybe your passion has grown, and you want to get a bit more serious, or maybe you got some new speakers and want to do them justice by stepping up from your sub-$300 turntable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sony and Honda wind down their EV alliance, for now

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:07

Now that Sony and Honda have cancelled their Afeela EVs, they're ready to put their automotive joint venture on hold. The Japanese companies have announced that they will "scale down" operations at Sony Honda Mobility.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I built a NAS from a $70 broken laptop—here's why it beats a dedicated enclosure

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 18:00

If you're curious about self-hosting and owning a NAS but got put off by the price of "proper" NAS enclosures, I've got good news for you: you don't need to spend a fortune to get started.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ran a dealership express lube—these 4 services help your car last 200,000 miles

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:45

When it comes to keeping your vehicle on the road for the long haul, oil changes and tire rotations are still king. Most cars have an oil life monitor to let you know when it’s time for an oil change. And since most cars now use a longer-lasting synthetic oil, it’s a good idea to rotate your tires at each oil change (back in the day, you used to rotate your tires every other oil change because the previous interval was 3,000 miles).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Instagram was turning some users photos black and white

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:38

Have your Instagram posts been turning black and white without your consent? You're not alone.

According to Engadget, some users on Facebook and presumably elsewhere (though I wasn't able to find a lot of complaints on X) have complained that photos uploaded to the Instagram app in color were being automatically and unintentionally turned black and white at some point in the uploading process.

It was enough of a problem that Instagram confirmed its existence to Engadget, explained what the problem was, and claimed it had already been fixed.

SEE ALSO: The top 10 most-followed Instagram accounts

"Earlier today, a technical issue caused some HDR photos to appear incorrectly as black-and-white for a subset of accounts,” Instagram told Engadget, before saying the problem was already being fixed.

According to the Instagram spokesperson, anyone still experiencing the problem should simply wait a few hours for the photos to automatically go back to their original, intended state.

In the meantime, if you want to avoid anything like this happening in the future, there's a way to turn off HDR photos on an iPhone. By default, your iPhone will turn on HDR automatically when it's called for, but if you go to Settings, then Camera, then turn off Auto HDR, you can avoid any HDR-related mishaps going forward.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is launching new Star Wars Echo Dots — The Mandalorian and Grogu preorders are 20% off

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:32

SAVE 20%: As of April 21, preorder The Mandalorian or Grogu Amazon Echo Dot bundle for $79.96 and $71.98 respectively ahead of their May 1 release date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon The Mandalorian Echo Dot $79.96 at Amazon
$99.96 Save $20   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Grogu Echo Dot $71.98 at Amazon
$89.98 Save $18   Pre-order Here

Can't wait to head to the theater for The Mandalorian & Grogu? The May 4th Star Wars deals are already heating up, so you can get your fill of both characters long before the movie arrives. Amazon is sweetening the deal, for instance, on two of its newest Echo Dot bundles so you can bring the pair home to act as your new smart speakers.

As of April 21, preorder The Mandalorian or Grogu Amazon Echo Dot bundle for $79.96 and $71.98 respectively ahead of their May 1 release date. Each bundle comes with an Echo Dot in the color of your choice (charcoal, deep sea blue, or glacier water) as well as a stand, and either a Mandalorian helmet or Grogu, depending on your preference. Or you can get a bundle with both.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away free N-1 Starfighter models on Star Wars Day — how to claim yours

Other than the adorable Grogu stand and the menacing Mandalorian helmet, these are your run of the mill Echo Dots with a new facelift for Star Wars fans. You can play music, podcasts, audiobooks, and more via the Dot as well as make calls, ask Alexa questions or use apps, and much more.

These tiny smart home hubs are all about connecting your devices and controlling other items throughout your abode. They can link up to and synergize with other Echo products you have as well. You can even control your Fire TV theater system with them if you'd like.

If you want to bring both Echo stands home, you'll have to wait a bit, though. You'll be able to get yours set up just in time for the movie about a month later when you get them on May 1, though The Mandalorian & Grogu launches on May 22.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Linux users claim they want mainstream adoption, but here's why they don't

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:31

In a rational world, Linux is just an operating system and people who genuinely believe it's a better operating system than the alternatives would want it to become as easy to use and popular as possible.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers recap of the past 3 weeks is a wild, chaotic ride

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:19

Sometimes the news is so chaotic that you forget just how many ridiculous things have happened in a relatively short space of time.

"This is usually the part of the show where we would do our recurring segment 'A Closer Look', about all the crazy things that are happening in the news, but we just got back from a three-week break, and it turns out nothing happened. So instead we're debuting our new segment, 'Everything's Great,'" says Seth Meyers in the Late Night clip above.

"That's right, it's been a quiet three weeks, and nothing really— what's that? Oh, Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is closed again? OK. Uh, what, Iranian gunboats fired on a tanker? And, sorry, the U.S. seized an Iranian cargo ship and Iran is vowing to retaliate? Okay, but that's just the Middle East— what? Trump fired Attorney General Pam Bondi? He posted a meme of himself as Jesus, but then said he thought it was a meme of himself as a doctor? What? He said the Pope is weak on crime?"

The segment goes on like that for a solid two minutes.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

This robotic lawn mower cuts your grass for you, and its never been this cheap

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:16

SAVE $300: As of April 21, the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower is on sale at Amazon for $1,199. That's $300 or 20% off its list price and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Summer's right around the corner, which means so is yard work. If you have a lawn that requires constant care, you may want to consider a robotic lawn mower this season. Like robot vacuums, they can take over a chore you'd rather not do and give you hours of your time back every week. They're not the cheapest investments, but Amazon just dropped the price of Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower to save you a big chunk of change.

As of April 21, the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robotic lawn mower is on sale for just $1,199 at Amazon instead of its usual $1,499. That's 20% or $300 in savings, knocking it down to its cheapest price ever.

The Goat O1000 robot lawn mower is powered by AI Vision and 3D ToF LiDAR, which means it can accurately navigate your lawn for proper upkeep while avoiding obstacles like kids' toys, furniture, pets, and more. It's designed for smaller lawns, with the ability to mow up to a quarter acre or for 1.5 hours before it needs a charge. TrueEdge Trimmer technology helps it conquer clean edges, so you don't need to go back in manually. Plus, you can adjust the cutting height to your preference, from 1.2 to 3.1 inches.

To make the most of the Goat O1000's features, you'll need to download the Ecovacs app. Like a robot vacuum, you'll be able to set no-go areas, create multiple mowing zones, define travel paths, adjust the cutting height and speed, and create your mowing schedules. It's like having a personal lawn care professional in your pocket.

Sure, it's still not the cheapest investment at $1,199, but it's the best price you'll find on the Ecovacs Goat O1000 and it'll save you more money in the long run on lawn care.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Milwaukee tools you can’t get from Makita

How-To Geek - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:15

Every homeowner or DIYer has a few power tools from their preferred brand, with Milwaukee being a popular choice. And while most brands offer the essentials, what sets Milwaukee apart is its vast selection of unique, niche, or trade-specific tools. With that in mind, here are some neat Milwaukee tools you can't get from Makita.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Pet Days returns in May: Everything you need to know about Prime Day for pets

Mashable - Tue, 04/21/2026 - 17:04

Amazon isn't hosting its next big sitewide sale until Prime Day in July (or maybe June). But in the meantime, pet owners will be able to stock up on discounted food, treats, toys, apparel, grooming supplies, and other pet essentials during its fifth annual Amazon Pet Days sale next month.

The retail giant confirmed Tuesday that the event will run from May 11 to 15 this year, which makes it the longest Amazon Pet Days sale ever. Here's what you should know about it ahead of time.

What is Amazon Pet Days?

Amazon Pet Days is Amazon's yearly sale on pet supplies — pretty straightforward. It always happens in May, which is National Pet Month, but it's never been a five-day event before. It started as a 24-hour event in 2022 and ran for 48 hours from 2023 to 2025. (This is becoming a pattern for Amazon: Last year, it extended its flagship Prime Day sale from 48 hours to four days.)

What kind of deals to expect during Amazon Pet Days

Amazon Pet Days will bring "thousands of deals" on pet essentials for animals of all kinds, according to a company blog post. In the past, it's been a good opportunity to save on the sort of unglamorous petkeeping stuff you probably need to buy anyway, like a new bag of dental chews or a fresh tub of kitty litter.

Most of the deals featured in Amazon Pet Days will revolve around supplies for dogs and cats, the company said, but select products for fish, parrots, reptiles, small mammals, and even horses and chickens will also be on sale. Look for discounts on kibble, toys, and more from big-name brands like Blue Buffalo, Chuckit!, Greenies, Iams, and Purina.

Amazon typically drops a selection of early Amazon Pet Days deals in late April as a way of previewing some of the sale's top offers.

Do you have to be a Prime member to shop Amazon Pet Days?

Amazon Pet Days is often called "Prime Day for pets," but unlike actual Prime Day, it's not exclusive to members of Amazon's Prime program — anyone can shop the deals. However, Prime members get the extra benefit of free same-day, one-day, or two-day delivery on millions of items (with no order minimums), which can come in clutch if you find yourself suddenly low on, say, food or poop bags.

If you haven't had a Prime membership recently, you may be eligible for a free 30-day trial.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker