Technology

One of the biggest advances in gadgets over the last decade has been water resistance. Nearly every phone now has a rating telling you that water is nothing to worry about. That’s not exactly true, though. “Waterproof” is a complicated concept when it comes to phones. Let’s demystify it.

I had a lot of free time during summer breaks, and my favorite pastime was tinkering with my tech. I'd tinker with software, PCs, and phones mostly. When I found myself getting bored with Windows (which had been my only daily driver forever), I decided to give Linux Mint an honest try.

When you want to check or monitor your PC's hardware, you usually have to install a handful of different tools just to get all the information you need. But what if I told you there’s one app that does it all, from giving you a comprehensive view of your hardware’s health to creating detailed CSV logs of your video game benchmarks?

It's one thing to be told that if you switch to Linux you'll enjoy various benefits compared to Windows or macOS, but there are some positive things about the Linux experience you'll only pick up after using it for a while.

While Falloutmay be burning up the streaming charts on Prime Video, let's not forget that the platform also has plenty of great documentaries and docuseries to sink your teeth into, too.

SAVE $15.99: As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's a discount of 14% and the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack $99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $15.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple AirTag - 4-Pack $64 at Amazon
$99 Save $35   Get Deal

If you're the type of person who loses things often, you might want to pick up a smart tracker like the Apple AirTag. It's an easy solution that could mean the difference between lost luggage or a misplaced wallet and getting on with your day knowing where everything is. Apple recently debuted the new 2nd Gen AirTag, so you can get the upgraded version right now while saving a few bucks to boot.

As of Feb. 6, get the Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) - 4-Pack for $99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $114.99. That's $15.99 off and a discount of 14%. It'a also the lowest price we've seen. Alternatively, pick up a 4-pack of last-gen AirTags for just $64 right now to save even more cash.

SEE ALSO: I compared AirTag 2 to the original: All the new and improved features

The AirTag needs you to only remove its label and put it near your iPhone to set it up in minutes. You'll need to name it and wait for it to sync, and you're finished. From there, drop it into a purse or bag, leave it in your car, put it on a keychain tag, and place it wherever you need to make sure you don't lose something.

It uses the Apple Find My app to help you locate items by playing a sound (a louder one with the newest model) or assigns directions so you can find it using your phone. The new version even has an expanded range so you have even more of a chance of coming across your item, with a battery that can last up to a year before you need to swap it out or buy another AirTag.

If you're prone to losing things or just want some peace of mind, this is a great deal to pick up while you can. Use up all your tags or hand them out to your family and see if you can stop some lost-item chaos early.

Hinge, the dating app "designed to be deleted," has risen in popularity in recent years. Mashable recently reported that in the second quarter of 2025, revenue and paid users of the app had increased, while Tinder's declined. Both are owned by the conglomerate Match Group, but it seems that daters these days are leaning towards Hinge.

As such, they might have questions about how Hinge works. Mashable has the answers.

How many likes do you get on Hinge?

Free users are able to send seven likes a day, the app confirmed to Mashable. It's also free to send a comment to someone you're interested in while you're "liking," and seeing everyone who sends you a like (which most apps make you pay for). 

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps, reviewed: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Free Hinge members can also set specific preferences, such as location, age range, distance, and religion.

Does Hinge have read receipts?

Some apps, like Instagram, have read receipts on private messages, meaning you will know when the person you're chatting with reads the message. You might be afraid of being left on read — or leaving someone else on read. 

But in Hinge's case, you don't have to worry. Hinge confirmed that the app doesn't have read receipts, so you can glance at your match's latest DM in peace, and message back when you're ready.

While daters on Hinge cannot send photos or videos directly to their matches, they can send voice notes.

What does a Hinge Boost do?

A Hinge Boost makes a user's profile more visible to potential matches for one hour, while a Superboost does so for 24 hours. 

"Think of it as a way to speed up the process; because while good things take time, sometimes a little extra visibility helps," Hinge's Help Center states.

The prices of Boost and Superboost are dynamic and depend on one's location and other factors. 

Other users won't know you Boosted yourself, and the app will notify you when the Boost period is over and will give you a summary of the impact. 

How do you change your gender on Hinge?

You can change both your gender and sexuality on Hinge. In the app, tap the Photo icon on the far right of the navigation bar. Tap the Pencil icon, scroll down and tap Gender.

You can choose Man, Woman, or Nonbinary, and within those options choose a gender identity — options include gender fluid, genderqueer, and intersex.

To change your sexuality on the app, tap the Pencil icon and scroll to Sexuality under Identity. Choose an option from the list.

You can choose whether you want your gender and/or sexuality displayed on your profile. (Check or uncheck "Visible on Profile.")

Who am I excluded from on Hinge?

When Hinge daters select "prefer not to say" for details like family plans, dating intentions, or drinking habits, they're excluded from being seen by people who've set dealbreakers around those compatibility factors, the app stated.

How do I delete my Hinge account?

If you want to permanently delete your account, removing the app from your phone isn't enough. Here's a step-by-step guide to deleting your Hinge account:

Total Time

• 2 minutes

What You Need

• smartphone
• Hinge app

Step 1: Go to Hinge app

Step 2: Tap your Photo icon on the far right

Step 3: Tap the Gear icon to open Account Settings

Step 4: Scroll to the bottom and tap Delete Account, then confirm

This article was originally published in 2025 and updated in 2026.

Looking for a 3D printing project that you can put to use before the weekend is out? Here are three ideas that will satisfy your urge to make something and provide utility around the home.

We're heading towards the Third Quarter phase of the Moon. This occurs when about half of the Moon’s surface is illuminated. In the Northern Hemisphere, the lit portion appears on the left side, while in the Southern Hemisphere, it appears on the right.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Friday, Feb. 6, the Moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 80% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

So, what can we see tonight? Without any visual aids, you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Mares Vaporum and Imbrium and the Aristarchus Plateau. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see Clavius, Gassendi, and the Archimedes Craters. And, with a telescope, you'll see all this plus the Apollo 12 and 15 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will be on March 3.

What are Moon phases?

NASA says that a complete lunar cycle takes about 29.5 days, which is the time the Moon needs to orbit Earth once. During this cycle, it goes through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the visible portion that is illuminated changes as the Moon travels along its orbit. The varying amount of sunlight reflected off the Moon is what causes it to appear fully lit, partially lit, or nearly dark at different stages. The eight phases of the Moon are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

One of the most impressive traits of Apple's iPhone 17 Pro Max is the battery life. I've been using it as a daily driver for half a year now, and I don't think I've ever had to charge it mid-day.

Apple's next flagship phone, however, might be even better in this regard. A leaker called Digital Chat Station (via MacRumors) claims that the iPhone 8 Pro max will come with a 5,100 to 5,200mAh battery, which is slightly better than the iPhone 17 Pro Max's 5,088 battery.

But the iPhone 18 Pro Max should also be more efficient than its predecessor. It's likely to come with Apple's new A20 Pro chip, made with TSMC's 2-nanometer production process, which should be significantly more efficient than the A19 Pro chip.

Combine the two, and you might get a phone that should easily last you 1.5 - 2 days, depending on the usage.

Even if the report is true, the iPhone 18 Pro Max probably won't be the iPhone with the biggest battery out there. The foldable iPhone Fold, which is rumored to launch alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max next fall, will probably come with a 5,500mAh battery.

It's too early to tell which phone will have better battery life, though. The iPhone Fold should have a much larger, 7.8-inch display when unfolded, so it might also drain more battery than the iPhone 18 Pro Max.

SEE ALSO: What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?

Either way, it appears that battery life won't be a problem for iPhone users, at least not those who are willing to spend the big bucks for Apple's most expensive devices (the iPhone Fold will likely cost more than $2,000).

The best Peacock streaming deals to watch the Winter Olympics: Peacock Premium yearly subscription $109.99/year (save $21.89) Get Deal Peacock Premium for Students and Young Adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Best for military personnel Peacock Premium for Active Military and Veterans $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4/month) Get Deal Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal Peacock Premium Free for Walmart+ subscribers Get Deal

The 2026 Winter Olympics are nearly here! This year marks the fourth time Italy has hosted the Winter Games (the last time was Turin in 2006). There will be plenty of fan-favorite sports and even an entirely new one joining the list — snow mountaineering. Here's hoping it sparks another viral moment like the 2024 Summer Olympics' newest sport.

Things officially kick off with the Opening Ceremony at San Siro Stadium on Feb. 6 (though a few events will begin before that). If you don't want to miss a minute of the action, we've compiled all the essential details you need to know to watch live, including which streaming service you'll need and how to score a deal on it.

Let's go, Team USA!

How to watch the 2026 Olympics with or without cable

No cable? No problem. You'll be able to catch all the action with a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus subscription.

A Peacock subscription gives you access to the full NBC broadcast of the Winter Olympics, including Opening and Closing Ceremonies, plus a livestream of every single sport, competition, and medal ceremony. You'll also get access to always-on Olympics channels, replays, highlights, documentaries, and nonstop commentary. Basically, Peacock is your one-stop shop for everything Olympics.

If you're watching the Olympic Games in the U.S., keep in mind that Eastern time is six hours behind Milan and Cortina. Some broadcasts will be delayed until primetime, depending on the time zone. If you have cable, you'll be able to watch live competitions throughout the day, as well as enhanced showcase events at night on NBC. USA Network and CNBC will also air Olympics coverage.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99 per month Get Deal

A Peacock Premium subscription costs $10.99 per month with ads or $16.99 per month without. There are also a few ways to save some money on a subscription, so keep scrolling for the latest Peacock streaming deals.

When and where are the 2026 Winter Olympics?

The 2026 Winter Olympics will be held in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy from Feb. 6 to 22.

Here are some of the major dates to mark on your calendar:

• Feb. 6: Opening ceremony

• Feb. 7: First gold medal events

• Feb. 8: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing downhill

• Feb. 13: Gold medal, men's figure skating

• Feb. 18: Gold medal, women's Alpine skiing slalom

• Feb. 19: Gold medal, women's figure skating. Gold medal game, women's ice hockey. First gold medals in ski mountaineering.

• Feb. 22: Gold medal game, men's ice hockey. Closing ceremony.

Which sports are in the Winter Olympics?

Nearly 3,000 athletes will be competing across 16 different sports in the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. Categories range from skiing and snowboarding to figure skating and hockey. Below is a full list — for more information on each individual sport, head over to the official Olympics website.

• Alpine Skiing

• Biathlon

• Bobsleigh

• Cross-Country Skiing

• Curling

• Figure Skating

• Freestyle Skiing

• Ice Hockey

• Luge

• Nordic Combined

• Short Track Speed Skating

• Skeleton

• Ski Jumping

• Ski Mountaineering

• Snowboard

• Speed Skating

The best Peacock streaming dealsBest Peacock deal: Save 17% on an annual subscription Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription $109.99 per year or $169.99 per year (save 17%) Get Deal

I've said it before and I'll say it again: the best Peacock deal on any given day is the annual subscription plan. It costs $109.99 (with ads) or $169.99 (ad-free) up front, as opposed to the $131.88 or $203.88 you'll pay if you choose a monthly plan. That ultimately ends up getting you about two months for free — a total savings of $21.89 on the Premium plan or $33.89 with the Premium Plus plan.

Best Peacock deal for Xfinity customers: free Peacock Premium for eligible accounts Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock / Xfinity Peacock Premium Free for select Xfinity customers Learn More

If you're an Xfinity customer, we highly recommend checking out the eligibility details below before signing up for Peacock — you might be able to score a subscription for free.

Here's a breakdown of who is eligible to get Peacock for free through Xfinity (head to Xfinity.com for more details):

• Xfinity Internet customers who are Diamond or Platinum Xfinity Rewards members can get Peacock Premium for free by redeeming a reward for it. Sign in at xfinity.com/rewards and choose Peacock as a reward. Then, wait for your email (it may take a few hours) with instructions on activating the offer.

• NOW TV customers can also receive Peacock Premium as part of their service.

• New customers with Xfinity Internet and an X1 TV Box, Flex streaming TV Box, or a Xumo Stream Box from Xfinity can get Peacock Premium for free for six months.

Best Peacock deal for students and young adults: Save $5/month for one year Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Students $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for young adults $5.99/month for 12 months (save $5/month) Get Deal

Students and young adults can take $5 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Just verify your student status via SheerID and retrieve the unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. After the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price again unless you cancel.

Best for first responders, medical professionals, military, and teachers: Save $4/month Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for First Responders and Medical Professionals $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Military $6.99 per month (save $4 per month) Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium for Teachers $6.99/month (save $4 per month) Get Deal

First responders, medical professionals, military personnel, and teachers can all secure a Peacock Premium subscription (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month. Just verify your professional status via SheerID to retrieve a unique promo code.

Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year — although you may have to go through the verification process each time and receive a new promo code. Rates are also subject to change year to year.

Best for Instacart users: free Peacock Premium for Instacart+ subscribers Opens in a new window Credit: Instacart / Peacock Peacock Premium annual subscription Free for Instacart+ subscribers (save $109.99/year) Get Deal

On top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders, an Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) now unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value). If you're new to Instacart+, you'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount.

Best for Walmart shoppers: free Peacock Premium for Walmart+ members Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ $98 per year Get Deal

Walmart+ members can now choose Peacock Premium (or Paramount+) as a free perk with their membership. The $98 subscription also gives you access to free shipping at Walmart.com (with no order minimums), fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, Walmart+ is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Plus, you'll get many other perks.

Watch the Olympics in theaters

NBC is bringing the 2026 Winter Olympics to the big screen, so you and your friends can watch the world's greatest athletes go for gold in select theaters. The Opening and Closing ceremonies, as well as NBC’s live daytime coverage, will be available to watch live in theaters across the country. Check out AMC Theatres or Fandango for tickets.

Apple rolled out a brand new look for the iPhone called Liquid Glass last year. The reaction has been mixed, to put it kindly. While Apple has added ways to adjust the design’s intensity, those options still fall short for many users.

Wi-Fi 6 has been around for five years now. If you haven't upgraded your router since the early days of the smartphone, or if your last upgrade was to a dual-band Wi-Fi 5 router, it might finally be time to take the plunge and switch to a Wi-Fi 6 router.

It's the weekend again, which means I'm here with another set of Linux apps I think are worth installing. The free and open source software I found this week includes an audio editor, a game maker, and Bash replacement.

When you think about creating a smart home, the bathroom probably isn’t the first room that springs to mind. For that reason, it can be easy to overlook a few cheap and easy upgrades, plus some of the more lavish items that can make life a little easier.

I love a good weekend documentary binge, especially because it will give me a nice break from the Olympics that will undoubtedly be on at my house. Luckily, Netflix has a pile of new docs that can take you to totally different places.

The weekend's almost here, so it's relax time. If you're on the hunt for some good TV to watch, Paramount+ has tons to choose from, but finding it can be a chore.

There are two different types of Hot Ones guests: The celebrities who work their way through the increasingly spicy wings without breaking a sweat, and the celebrities that bravely struggle on despite obvious pain and misery.

MrBeast, aka Jimmy Donaldson, falls firmly into the latter category, with the streamer admitting at the start that he's not a spicy food person before going on to prove as much over the next 20 minutes — all while answering questions on everything from Beast Games Season 2 and to his record-breaking YouTube channel.

Credit where credit's due — although he has to consume copious quantities of ice cream and chocolate milk along the way, he does still make it to the end. But at what cost?

SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 6, the Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $19.99 at Amazon. This is $15 off its list price of $34.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick HD $19.99 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $15.00   Get Deal

Streaming your favorite shows and films doesn't have to break the bank. If you're hoping to find a streaming device on the more affordable side, the Fire TV Stick HD can set you up with 1080p Full HD picture quality at a more budget-friendly price. As of Feb. 6, it's on sale for just $19.99.

This deal saves you $15 on the Fire TV Stick HD's list price, but what makes this deal even better is it's just a couple of dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $17.99. What better time to grab it and start catching up on shows like Bridgerton or A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms?

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This Fire TV Stick's support for Full HD picture quality is great for pairing with an HD TV, allowing you to enjoy shows and films with up to 1080p resolution. It also comes with 8GB of built-in storage, so you have plenty of space to download your favorite streaming apps. Plus, the Alexa Voice Remote makes finding something new to watch simple and easy by using just your voice.

It's currently listed as a limited-time deal, so be quick to pick up the Fire TV Stick HD for $19.99 at Amazon. If you're looking to jump to higher picture quality, the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and Fire TV Stick 4K Plus are also on sale right now.

We're a week into February now, and Netflix's newest batch of shows and movies has started seeping into rotation for your binging pleasure.