IT General
Stop wrestling with Windows 11: 5 reasons Linux is finally the simpler choice
Windows has been my bread and butter for most of my life, starting with Windows 3.1. Over time, it has just become more and more user-friendly, but in the last few years, and particularly since the advent of generative AI, working with Windows feels like wresting with an angry bear on a daily basis.
Score over $50 off the Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box at Amazon
TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box has dropped to just $149.99 at Amazon. That's $53 off its usual $203.40 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box $149.99 at Amazon$203.46 Save $53.47 Get Deal
More multi-pack products in our favorite trading card games are seeing discounts, and it’s nice to see this fan-favorite Magic set in the mix. As of Jan. 26, the Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box has been cut to $149.99 on Amazon. That's a steep $53 discount off its $203.40 list price — and one of the lowest prices we’ve ever seen for this critter-packed expansion.
Bloomburrow has been a standout since launch thanks to its storybook fantasy vibe and a cast of heroic woodland creatures. Instead of planeswalkers and sprawling cities, this set zooms in on mice, frogs, bats, birds, squirrels, and more, all fighting to restore balance to a charming but dangerous valley. It’s a refreshing tonal shift for Magic, and will resonate with any new or lapsed players returning to see what these latest expansions are all about.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!At $149.99, Amazon is currently undercutting Bloomburrow’s usual pricing by a wide margin.
The Play Booster Box includes 36 Play Boosters (that’s 504 cards total), making it especially appealing for Draft nights, Sealed events, or anyone who just loves cracking packs. Each booster contains 14 cards and a token or art card, with 1-4 rares or mythic rares per pack and a guaranteed Traditional Foil in every booster. There’s also a chance at borderless cards, foil land cards, and even ultra-rare foil mythics.
Play Boosters are designed to blend the best parts of Draft and Set Boosters, so they’re balanced for gameplay while still being fun to open. Whether you’re building a cube, hosting a casual draft with friends, or hunting for shiny woodland legends, Bloomburrow offers plenty of reasons to jump in.
For more MTG deals, you can also grab the Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box at a massive discount right now. What’s more, MTG's Avatar: The Last Airbender Beginner Box is still down to its best-ever price on Amazon.
The Pokémon TCG: Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box is almost $22 off at Amazon
TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG: Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box is down to $52.95 at Amazon. That's nearly $22 off its usual $74.49 list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box $52.95 at Amazon$74.49 Save $21.54 Get Deal
Premium Pokémon TCG boxes don’t always age gracefully price-wise, but this Mega Venusaur set is offering eight boosters and more for a decent price. As of Jan. 26, the Pokémon TCG Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box is now only $52.95 at Amazon — a $21.54 cut off its list price.
Like most collection boxes in the Pokémon trading card game, the Mega Venusaur Premium Collection Box comes with a selection of booster packs, a promo card, and bonus accessories. Here’s exactly what you’ll get:
Mega Venusaur ex foil promo card
Eight Pokémon TCG booster packs
Oversized lenticular version of the Mega Venusaur ex foil promo card
Mega Venusaur tech sticker
This deal almost brings the Mega Venusaur ex Premium Collection Box down to its market value price vs. TCGplayer. Individually, booster packs of Journey Together, Mega Evolution, and Destined Rivals usually cost around $9 each on Amazon — costing around $72-73 if you bought eight packs of trading cards separately. This deal means you’re saving up to $20 on the booster packs alone, with the added promo card, oversized version, and the tech sticker as a nice bonus.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you’re after more packs from one particular Pokémon TCG expansion, you can also buy an eight-pack lot of Journey Together on sale for $64.95. For more savings on a premium collection, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is $100 off at Amazon.
Why your iPhone isn't charging at full speed (and how to fix it)
Unlike Android phones, Apple hasn't qute embraced the ridiculous charging speeds that are possible with modern chargers and batteries, but that doesn't mean you can't get into a situation where your iPhone isn't charging as fast as it should.
I ditched my favorite to-do app for a Linux terminal—here's what surprised me
I learned about TickTick from MKBHD’s 2020 What’s on My Phone video. Since then, it’s been my go-to task manager, and I’ve used it on Linux, Windows, and Android. I like its UI, especially its Windows desktop widget, solid task management features, and well-thought-out notification system.
This SUV offers German levels of performance at Japanese prices
German performance SUVs are often praised for their powerful engines and composed handling, but they also come with correspondingly high price tags. That’s why one Japanese-built SUV is turning heads in 2026 by delivering performance that feels every bit as sharp and capable, yet at pricing that stays closer to mainstream expectations. It’s a rare blend of driving excitement and value that few rivals can match in the current market.
How to watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Edmonton Oilers face off against the Anaheim Ducks in this week's edition of Monday Night Hockey. It's second meets third from the Pacific Division. We're expecting a huge contest between two star-studded lineups. Expect big performances from the likes of Bouchard and McDavid.
If you want to watch the Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks?Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks takes place at 8:30 p.m. ET on Jan. 26. This fixture will be played at Rogers Place.
How to watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks for freeEdmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks is available to live stream on Prime Video.
Fans in Canada can watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks (plus more Monday Night Hockey fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the NHL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada
Watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the NHL without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks in the NHL (plus more NHL fixtures) before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free live streams from around 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 NHL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NHL, 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 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% 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).
Watch Edmonton Oilers vs. Anaheim Ducks in the NHL for free with ExpressVPN.
How to add and use value tokens in Microsoft Excel
Most Excel sheets are dumb—they contain static text that has no connection to the real world, forcing you to manually update prices and stats by hand. Value tokens change that. These smart pills link your cells directly to live data from the web, turning a boring, stagnant grid into a professional, self-updating dashboard.
5 simple Home Assistant questions you were too afraid to ask
So you keep hearing about how Home Assistant is the ultimate smart home platform, but you still feel lost. Here are some burning questions you might need answered before you can take the next step.
5 awesome Prime Video movies to watch this week (January 26 - February 1)
Amazon Prime Video is wasting no time ushering in hit flicks. I, for one, appreciate the fresh rotation. This week, we’re closing out January with a wee bit of drama, thrills, and action, and then we’re strolling into February with an easy-going cult classic.
Sony XM6 headphones are down to their lowest-ever price on Amazon — save over $60
TL;DR: The fantastic Sony XM6 headphones are now only $398 in a limited-time Amazon deal. That's over $60 knocked off their $459.99 price tag.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Headphones $398 at Razer$459.99 Save $61.99 Get Deal
The XM series of headphones is arguably Sony’s best, and you can now own the latest model for a steal.
As of Jan 26, the Sony WH-1000XM6 noise-canceling headphones are available for $398 on Amazon. That's a $61.99 price cut across its black, midnight blue, and platinum silver colors. As shown on price tracker camelcamelcamel, that’s the lowest price we’ve ever seen at Amazon.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!These headphones are powered by Sony’s new HD Noise Canceling Processor QN3, which is seven times faster than the chip used in the previous generation. Combined with 12 built-in microphones, the XM6 can adapt to your surroundings in real time, blocking out everything from airplane engines to office chatter.
As mentioned in our review of the Sony XM6 headphones, sound quality is another major win here. Sony co-created the XM6 with professional mastering engineers, resulting in audio that feels clean, balanced, and true to the original recording of whatever you’re listening to; be it podcasts, streaming movies, or diving into lossless music, the detail really shines through.
You’ll also get up to 30 hours of battery life, plus quick charging that delivers hours of playback in just minutes. Just like the XM4 and XM5s, the foldable design, plush ear cups, and redesigned headband make them comfortable enough for all-day wear, while touch controls and the Sony Sound Connect app gives you plenty of customization options.
For more deals on high-quality audio, the Beats Solo 4 headphones are now only $149.95. As for Bose, the QuietComfort Ultra headphones are $150 off right now.
Score $120 off Apple AirPods Max in Best Buys 48-hour flash sale
SAVE OVER $100: As of Jan. 26, Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) are on sale for $429.99 in Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale. This is $120 off their list price of $549.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple - AirPods Max (USB-C) $429.99 at Best Buy$549.99 Save $120 Get Deal
Best Buy is holding a 48-hour flash sale, and if you're an Apple user, there are some very nice discounts to check out. Something that's stood out to us is the latest AirPods Max (USB-C) headphones deal. These sleek headphones are down to $429.99 in this limited-time promotion.
This deal saves you $120 on their list price of $549.99. The sale only runs until Jan. 28, so if the AirPods Max have been on your shopping list, now is the time to make a move on them.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Whether you want them for using at home, on trips, or during a long commute, the over-ear AirPods Max provide high quality audio with the help of the H1 chip, alongside noise-canceling features to keep outside noises from interrupting you. These include Active Noise Cancellation for when you want to completely block out surrounding sounds, and Transparency mode for when you want to be a bit more aware of the world around you while listening.
At the time of their release, our review noted that they have "excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life, but their size isn't a good fit for everyone." If you've been waiting patiently to pick them up on sale, now is a great time to grab them at Best Buy.
If you're shopping around and curious to see other headphones we'd recommend, have a look at our roundup of the best headphones of 2026 to see some of our top picks.
I ditched algorithms by building a start page that only shows what I care about
Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and most other major social media sites will feed you content based on how you interact with the site and what the company knows about you. However, I wanted to set up something that was curated to my interests without being algorithmically driven, so I set up my own personal start page.
Apple dropping 2 MacBook Pro upgrades in one year? Its reportedly happening.
Apple is planning not one, but two MacBook Pro upgrades this year, and the second one will be a big one.
This is according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who claims that Apple's new generation MacBooks and Mac desktop computers are "ready to go."
We'll reportedly see new MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, and Mac Studio computers in the "first half of the year," wrote Gurman, adding that Apple also working on a new display.
SEE ALSO: Apple is reportedly working on an AI pin wearable that is AirTag-sizedWe've previously written about these, including the possibility of Apple launching a 16-inch MacBook Pro with an M5 Pro/Max chip as soon as Jan. 28.
Gurman, however, says that Apple might upgrade its MacBook Pro devices a second time this year, "toward the end of 2026." Then, we could get a more significant revamp of the MacBook Pro, which could get the new M6 Pro/Max chip, an OLED display, touch support, and a hole-punch style of camera (instead of the current notch) with something akin to the iPhone's Dynamic Island around it.
OLED is a big deal as it brings better contrast, improved color accuracy, and deeper blacks, compared to the LED displays that the MacBook Pro currently has.
Featured Video For You Samsung first look: Go up close with Galaxy Z TriFold, the futuristic foldable only available in KoreaBut the really big news is touch support, which would be a first for Apple. The company has kept its touch devices (iPad) and laptops (MacBook) separate so far, with Steve Jobs once famously claiming that touch screens don't belong on laptops.
We've heard bits and pieces of these reports before, but the timeline is interesting. Apple rarely updates its MacBook Pro computers twice in a year, though it did that once in 2023 (the M2 Pro/Max models launched in January, followed by M3 Pro/Max models in October).
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for January 26, 2026
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT gameHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, Jan. 26, 2026:
AcrossSnappy put-downThe answer is Zing.
The answer is Pedal.
The answer is Ebike.
The answer is Green.
The answer is Adds.
The answer is Zebra.
The answer is I died.
The answer is Naked.
The answer is Glens.
The answer is Peg.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
Save over $300 on the Shark AV2501AE AI robot vacuum at Amazon
SAVE $350: As of Jan. 26, the Shark AV2501AE AI robot vacuum is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a 54% discount on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AV2501AE AI $299.99 at Amazon$649.99 Save $350 Get Deal
Robot vacuums are becoming smarter and smarter. They're no longer little devices that pick up light dust and dirt. No, these days they can self-empty, self-clean, and some can even mop your floors.
If you've been searching for a high-tech model, look no further than the Shark AV2501AE AI robot vacuum. As of Jan. 26, this model is down to just $299.99. That's $350 off the list price and better than half price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!This is a smart robot vacuum, powered by various AI tools to make sure your floors stay spotless. It uses a Matrix Clean Navigation to move around your home in a precise grid, making multiple passes over dirt to make sure everything is picked up. It also uses a 360-degree LiDAR mapping to accurately map your home and avoid obstacles.
It has a bagless design, with a self-emptying base that holds up to 60 days of dirt. It also uses true HEPA filtration to capture 99.97% of dust and allergens, so it's a great choice for homes with pets. The self-cleaning brushroll is great for this task as it can tackle hair as well as dirt and dust.
Get this robot vacuum deal at Amazon now.
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms episode 3 preview teases the start of the tourney
We're two episodes in to A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, and it's almost tournament time.
The trailer above for episode 3 teases Dunk (Peter Claffey) and Egg (Dexter Sol Ansell) in the stands watching two knights joust, while Dunk reflects on who his first opponent might be.
While you wait to find out, why not remind yourself of the Targaryen family tree?
A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes Sundays at 10 p.m. ET.
You only have days left to get this credit-card-sized tracker for less than $24
TL;DR: Stop losing your most important things with help from this three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards, now just $69.97 (reg. $119.97) through Jan. 31.
Opens in a new window Credit: KeySmart KeySmart® SmartCard - Works With Apple Find My | Wireless Charging (3-Pack) $69.97$119.97 Save $50 Get Deal
Want to smarten up your wallet? How about your passport or ID card? Now you can equip them with Apple Find My compatibility thanks to the KeySmart SmartCard. This AirTag alternative eliminates the bulk, offering a sleek, credit-card-sized tracker that can actually slip into small spaces.
Right now, you can secure these items for less than $24 each with a three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards for just $69.97 (reg. $119.97) through Jan. 31.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Whether you’re forgetful and constantly misplacing your items or you just want a little extra reassurance, a KeySmart SmartCard equips your most important belongings with a tracker that actually fits inside them.
Measuring in at just 2mm thick, the KeySmart SmartCard can slip into wallets and passports. It also includes a lanyard slot that can attach to an ID card or security badge, allowing you to discreetly track and keep tabs on them via the Apple Find My app. Just open the app and see the last known location.
If you misplace an item, the KeySmart SmartCard can emit a sound to help you find it. If you know it was left behind, you can also make it display a message with your contact info for whoever finds it.
Rest easy knowing the KeySmart SmartCard has an IPX8 rating, so it’s waterproof and can actually survive up to an hour in 3.3 feet of water. Its rechargeable battery lasts up to five months on a single charge, and when you need to power it up, it charges on any Qi-enabled wireless charger.
Get this three-pack of KeySmart SmartCards, now just $69.97 (reg. $119.97) until Jan. 31.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Save $50 on the 11-inch Apple iPad in Best Buys 48-hour flash sale
SAVE $50: As of Jan. 26, the 11-inch Apple iPad is on sale for $299 in Best Buy's 48-hour flash sale. That's $50 off its list price of $349.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 11-inch Apple iPad (128GB, A16, WiFi) $299 at Best Buy$349 Save $50 Get Deal
Best Buy has kicked off a 48-hour flash sale that's filled with great discounts on tech. For Apple users, we've found some nice deals worth exploring, including $50 off the 11-inch iPad (128GB, A16, WiFi).
This discount has dropped the price of the 11-inch iPad from $349 to $299. For what's already our favorite iPad on a budget, this price makes it even more tempting. This flash sale ends on Jan. 28, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this low price.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!If you're not looking to own a flashy, high-tech tablet, this iPad covers all of the basics. Our roundup of the best iPads — where it lands as the best budget pick — states that "even though its tech is basic compared to the advanced iPad Air and Pro, it's great for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading."
It boasts the A16 chip which gives it a boost in performance alongside an 11-inch Liquid Retina display that delivers crisp quality and bright colors. This particular model also comes with 128GB of storage, which is a decent bank to hold all of your favorite apps, photos, and more.
The clock is ticking on this sale, so don't miss out on $50 off the 11-inch iPad at Best Buy.
The 65-inch Hisense Class U8 Mini-LED TV is on sale for under $1,000 at Amazon — save $500
SAVE $500: As of Jan. 26, the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV is on sale for $997.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% saving on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV $997.99 at Amazon$1,498 Save $500.01 Get Deal
The gloom of January is still lingering, and if you’re going to be stuck inside, you might as well have a really good TV to watch all your favorite shows and movies. And there's a lot of top sport on the schedule right now, so this could be a truly great moment to upgrade.
If you're in the market for something new, you're in luck, because the Hisense 65-inch U8 Mini-LED TV is on sale at Amazon right now. As of Jan. 26, this huge TV is heavily reduced, bringing the price down to $997.99.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!So, what are you getting for your money? This Hisense TV uses Mini-LED Pro backlighting with up to 5,000 nits of peak brightness to create a seriously high quality viewing experience. Both the picture and sound are handled by the Hi-View AI Engine Pro, which automatically adjusts what you’re watching to make everything look more detailed and natural, without you having to actually touch any settings.
It's a great option for gamers too, thanks to its native 165Hz panel with support for variable refresh rates, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and low-latency modes. It also has an on-screen Game Bar to adjust performance as you play. And different lightings won't affect anything thanks to the anti-reflection coating on the screen that helps cut down glare.
Get this great TV deal from Amazon now.


