Technology

I know I can’t be the only one who hates how almost everything has become a subscription now. Fortunately, the issue is primarily isolated to popular mainstream software — there’s still a lot of niche software that’s just as good, if not better, that hasn’t moved to the subscription model. This is particularly true in the open-source space, which is filled with genuinely excellent apps that can help you ditch many of your paid subscriptions without losing most of the benefits. Here are three such FOSS apps that I personally used to replace some of my paid subscriptions.

Battery-powered tools are now powerful enough to tackle most jobs, with an ever-growing range of options from impact drivers to nail guns and everything in between. These live in your shed or garage when you’re not using them—but this could be a big mistake.

A Calc II volume of revolution problem is a decent stress test for any study app. It has several moving parts: setting up the integral, choosing the right method, sketching the region being rotated, and labeling each stage clearly enough that a student can follow the logic back to the original question. Type that problem into a general chatbot, and you tend to get a wall of text. Somewhere in the middle is the right answer, but the steps blur together, and there's nothing to look at.

For a long time, the navigation app debate has fallen into two main camps: Waze and Google Maps. Recent events have brought MapQuest back to public attention, so I decided to see if it could genuinely replace Google Maps.

Blame the American school system for my rubbish knowledge of England's Peasants' Revolt in 1381 prior to seeing The Uprising. Blame writer/director Paul Greengrass for making a movie about a "no kings" rebellion joltingly boring.

Aside from a string of Bourne Identity sequels (The Bourne Supremacy, The Bourne Ultimatum, Jason Bourne), the English journalist-turned-filmmaker has favored adapting true stories into films such as Bloody Sunday, United 93, Green Zone, The Lost Bus, and now The Uprising.

His latest stars Andrew Garfield as an impoverished farmer whose whole family has died from plague. This humble everyman trusted in his king. But surrounded by power-hungry yes-men, the ruler of the land ignores the needs of his people and bleeds them dry with taxes that could literally starve them. The modern-day relevance is hard to miss even before Garfield hisses, "No kings!"

So, why does this story feel less like a protest shout and more like a shrug?

The Uprising lacks the guts of its heroes. Thomasin McKenzie, Jamie Bell, and Andrew Garfield in "The Uprising." Credit: Focus Features

As a critic, I wish I thought less often of Blues Traveler's "Runaround." As songs go, it still slaps. But often when I'm bored by a movie, I hear John Popper in my head as if he's sitting beside me, whispering, "A bad play where the heroes are right / And nobody thinks or expects too much / And Hollywood's calling for the movie rights / Singing, 'Hey babe, let's keep in touch.'" (Hey babe, let's keep in touch.)

Which is all to say that Greengrass wants to make the Peasants' Revolt as black-and-white as possible. So, he casts a handsome, affable, and respected actor as its hero, an everyman who is defined not by his name or his family but by his job: Ploughman.

The Uprising begins with Garfield at the plough, enacting back-breaking toil within view of three modest graves, marked by hand-rigged crosses. The quiet sequence sets up that this is a hard-working family man who has nothing left to lose.

Then, this simple man faces the king's representatives, who brutally demand taxes in the form of harvests from the village that's scraping by in the wake of so much death. Ploughman himself is snagged in brutal bureaucracy as the taxman argues essentially that if the widower didn't pay the "death tax" on his wife and kids, he must pay the increased fee now, as if they were alive. But that's not the real focus of this sequence. That would be a string of sexual assaults conducted by the king's soldiers in the background.

See, if a girl is "of age," her family will be taxed more. And how the soldiers determine if she's old enough to qualify is by reaching up her skirt. Doing this once isn't enough to get the point across, or so thinks Greengrass. So nameless, weeping girls cry out one after another before crumbling into defeat, as Ploughman looks distraught and argues with a taxman. Then he snaps, declaring, "Enough!" and leaping on a soldier. The rest of the village follows, chasing the king's men away, save for the soldier that Ploughman has beaten to death. But who could blame him, right?

While some might balk at the Ploughman's violent response, The Uprising will soon introduce more radical characters, like the pro-fighting priest John Ball (Jamie Bell), the warrior Wat Tyler (Cosmo Jarvis), and a cynical nun named Alyce (Thomasin McKenzie). Their push for violence makes the Ploughman uneasy, as he again and again pushes for diplomacy, haunted by his own past violence. So, by contrast to those who seek a fight, he's almost saintly in his restraint. But more than that, he seems bored by it. Or maybe that's just me.

Andrew Garfield can't save The Uprising. Director Paul Greengrass and actor Cosmo Jarvis during the production of "The Uprising." Credit: Betina La Plante / Focus Features

Garfield is a great actor. But Greengrass' style is is typically one of restraint, which makes little sense in a time of such political upheaval. These people are fighting for their survival on no uncertain terms, yet that primal urge to live is lost in The Uprising. Garfield's shining eyes, paired with a tense jaw, speak of his character's inner agony. It's up to Bell and McKenzie to sell us festered rage, as neither is new to the fight. Their scenes offer brief flickers of life. She seethes with a monologue about religious corruption that is stirring, albeit brief.

Bell ignites onscreen. He is Garfield's foil. Where Ploughman's brush with violence makes him yearn for peace, Bell's Ball craves the bloodshed that might scare the upper class into actual, meaningful change. Theirs is a compelling dynamic I craved more of, but Greengrass has his grim battle scenes to get to. Oh, then there's the sympathetic but useless queen mother's subplot. Katherine Waterston plays Joan of Kent, mother of Richard II (Woody Norman), a boy royal who rules with the impetuousness of youth and the cruelty of privilege. Her horror at her son's actions is, I don't know, there. But in terms of what it means in the movie? A whole lot of nothing. Greengrass also looped in the likes of Stephen Dillane, Jonny Lee Miller, and Tom Hollander for thankless supporting roles.

Tom Hollander, Woody Norman, and Katherine Waterston in "The Uprising." Credit: Betina La Plante / Focus Features

The whole of the film is draped in a bleak tone that regards revolution as inevitable yet regrettable. This maudlin perspective is reflected in a low-contrast palette, often with a faint yellow tint. It has the effect of treating The Uprising like a forgotten photograph, bleached by age. However, cinematographer Pål Ulvik Rokseth's handheld camerawork conflicts with this antiqued look. These shots, jostled by his body's motion, the breath in his lungs, the blood in his veins, give life to the film in a way that doesn't fit the rest of Greengrass' approach. And that's probably why I responded to it so much. I yearned for the energy Rokseth's cameras gave, which Greengrass' writing and direction lacked.

In shooting a story of rebellion that's hundreds of years old, Rokseth reflects the modern language of not just journalists in war zones but also average citizens recording atrocities on their phones. The "shaky cam" look reminds us that we are witnesses, not just an audience. And in that, The Uprising's cinematography asks what we will do with what we know. It's a visual call to action.

What a shame that the rest of the movie can't commit to such boldness. Instead, Greengrass gives us a bland, muddy slog with a black-and-white hero and villain, and an ending that is sure to satisfy no one.

The Uprising opens in theaters in the U.S. on Sept. 10; a UK release will follow on Oct. 9.

SAVE $350: As of Sept. 9, the JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar with Wireless Subwoofer is down to its lowest price ever. Snag one from Amazon for $549.95, down from $899.95 — a 39% discount.

Amazon dropped the price on the JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar System down to $549.95 — a 39% discount off its $899.95 list price. That cuts $350 off the retail cost and marks the absolute best price ever for this heavy-hitting home theater setup.

The coolest feature of this soundbar is its detachable, battery-powered rear speakers. When you want full surround sound for movies or sports, you simply lift the end caps off the main bar and place them behind your couch. There are no speaker wires to string across your floor and no extra wall outlets needed. Once you're done watching, you snap them back onto the main unit to recharge automatically for your next viewing session.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best expert-tested soundbars to upgrade your TV setup

Delivering 780 watts of total system power, this setup packs plenty of punch. The included 10-inch wireless subwoofer handles the deep low end, giving action scenes and music basslines a heavy, physical rumble in your living room. 

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Bar 700MK2 Soundbar $549.95 at Amazon
$899.95 Save $350   Get Deal

Built-in Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X bounce sound off your walls and ceiling to simulate overhead audio, while wide-dispersion tech spreads the sound evenly across the room so everyone on the couch gets a great seat.

To keep quiet conversations from getting buried during loud action scenes, the built-in voice-enhancement tech analyzes scene volume on the fly to keep speech crisp and easy to hear. When the TV is off, the system works as a standalone home speaker with built-in WiFi and Bluetooth, making it easy to stream music or podcasts straight from your phone or laptop.

Score the JBL Bar 700MK2 for $549.95 at Amazon and never ask "what did they say?" again.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

I love my Bambu Lab printers, but I got tired of the software lock-in and decided to see how well I could recreate it with community tools. I was actually able to get remote monitoring and notifications working fairly well without a ton of work, and here's how I did it.

Have you ever wondered why Arch Linux users can’t stop mentioning that they use Arch, by the way? Did you want to try Arch Linux yourself, but then saw the technically demanding installation process and told yourself, “Oh, that’s why”? Well, I’m happy to tell you that Arch Linux is no longer as hard to install as it used to be — and hasn’t been for some time now. Even if you don’t come from a technical background, you can install and set up Arch in an afternoon.

Whether you just got a new Wi-Fi router or you're busy trying a bunch of tricks to get faster speeds and a more reliable connection, one small setup decision could be sabotaging your home network. A common mistake is to bundle the power adapter and extra cable into a tidy coil right behind the router, but here's why I keep the power brick as far away as possible.

SAVE $40: As of Sept. 9, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 portable speakers are on sale for $59.99 at Amazon. That's $40 off their list price of $99.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears WONDERBOOM 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

Amazon's Labor Day sale featured some excellent discounts, including a deal on one of our favorite portable speakers, the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4. While the sale event may be winding down, this offer is still live so that shoppers can snag this portable speaker for $59.99.

As of Sept. 9, every available color on Amazon is down to this price, $40 off the usual list price of $99.99. For some of the color variants, it even marks a return to this speaker's lowest-ever price at the retailer, making now a great time to grab it. Keep in mind that some colors are marked as limited-time deals right now, so be quick to pick up your favorite while it's still on sale.

SEE ALSO: 40+ Labor Day deals still available, including TVs, mattresses, Apple, and more

If you're planning some outdoor excursions this fall, whether that be camping or just a cozy bonfire, a portable speaker like this is perfect for bringing music along on your journey. It has a compact, sturdy build (IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof, and floatable, according to the store page) that boasts 360-degree sound alongside a rechargeable battery that lasts up to 14 hours.

It's one we think is certainly worth picking up, earning a spot in our roundup of the best portable Bluetooth speakers as it's "a powerhouse for its size and price." And with a deal like this, it's even more worth grabbing.

If it's been on your radar, don't miss out on this opportunity to save on the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 portable speaker at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $150: As of Sept. 9, the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB) is down to its lowest price since launch. Snag one from Amazon for $1,049.99 down from $1,199.99 — a 13% discount.

As of Sept. 9, Amazon has dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 (256GB) down to $1,049.99 — a 13% discount off its $1,199.99 list price. This deal marks the lowest price we've seen on Samsung's latest flip phone since its release.

Samsung refined the design on this generation to make it lighter and thinner than its predecessor, so it easily disappears into a pocket. The expanded, customizable cover screen lets you respond to texts, run app widgets, and access AI shortcuts without opening the phone. You can also prop the phone up hands-free to snap photos at any angle or record video. 

SEE ALSO: Everything announced at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, including Z Fold 8, Z Flip 8, and smart glasses

It packs a top-tier Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, giving you fast app loading, smooth multitasking, and quick photo processing. An upgraded 4,300 mAh battery delivers reliable daily runtime and fast-charging support. For iPhone switchers, Samsung has simplified the setup process to bring over your photos, contacts, passwords, and alarms in a few taps. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 8 $1,049.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $150   Get Deal

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth gave the Galaxy Z Flip 8 a 4.25 out of 5 rating and a Mashable Selects award, calling it "an interesting phone in a time when most phones are aggressively boring." He singled out the lightweight frame, subtle crease, and customizable outer display as major wins, praising the pink colorway as "our favorite phone design in years." 

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy phones could soon get a popular Apple feature

However, he did point out that the 50MP main camera is "just OK" and the 10MP selfie camera could be eliminated in favor of using the cover screen preview. Despite those minor trade-offs, he concluded that "if you don't need a 200MP camera or 8K video recording... then this phone will suit your needs just fine."

Grab the Galaxy Z Flip 8 for $1,049.99 on Amazon and snag Samsung's sleekest flip phone for its best price yet.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

If you want a good 20-minute distraction today, you could do a lot worse than watching Obsession stars Inde Navarratte and Michael Johnston taking each other on at Hot Ones Versus.

In the clip above the actors take turns asking each other questions, going head-to-head in challenges, and generally being hilarious as they battle to avoid eating spicy wings.

The highlight? It's a close call between Navarratte drawing on Johnstone's face and a particularly chaotic game of charades at the end.

WinRAR is probably one of the most common third-party apps found on countless Windows PCs around the world, and for good reason. While it's technically paid software, you can use it for as long as you like without paying a dime, it handles a wide selection of archive formats, and it resides in the Windows context menu, so you don't even have to open it to use it.

SAVE $20: As of Sept. 9, the Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones are back to their lowest-ever price at Amazon of $109.99. That's $20 off their full price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Anker Space 2 Bluetooth 6.1 Over-Ear Headphones $109.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

Soundcore's Anker Space 2 headphones are "proof that you don't need to spend upwards of $400 for a truly great pair of headphones," according to our review from Mashable's Bethany Allard. But what's even better is that you can get them on Amazon for even less than usual right now, which is a real treat for those who have had their eyes on the budget-friendly pair.

As of Sept. 9, Amazon has slashed the price of every available color of these headphones down from $129.99 to $109.99. Price-tracking website camelcamelcamel notes that this marks a return to their lowest price yet, though the deal may not last much longer, given it has a 'limited time deal' tag. So, if these headphones have caught your eye, be quick to grab them at this price.

SEE ALSO: Sony XM4C headphones launch along with 2 budget-friendly models

Alongside their more approachable price tag, Soundcore's Anker Space 2 headphones have quite a lot to offer listeners, too. When it comes to sound quality, Allard's review highlights that they "sound balanced, clear, and generally pretty damn great" out of the box. However, the noise cancellation is "nothing astounding, but it certainly gets the job done, especially on lower-pitched hums."

Plus, they boast a beefy battery life of up to 50 hours with ANC on and up to 70 hours with it off, plus a comfortable fit. So if you're not looking to splash out on pricy new headphones for your everyday listening, these are well worth looking into. That's especially true while they're still on sale.

And again, that may not be for much longer, so act fast to save on the Soundcore Anker Space 2 headphones at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

If you're keeping up with the AI trend, you might be familiar with big tech companies like Apple and Google promising personalized AI experiences. Apple calls it Apple Intelligence, while Google calls it Personal Intelligence on its Gemini platform.

It’s been an interesting year for 3D printers. We’ve had brand new models, updated favorites, and several companies making big strides to push the technology forward. We’ve also had some disappointments that have me feeling a little more skeptical than I was last year.

Jimmy Kimmel has been on vacation since mid-June, which means there was a lot to catch up on during his return to late night.

"Donald Trump and I have one thing in common," the host says in the monologue above. "We both accomplished nothing all summer long."

Kimmel goes on to talk through some of lowlights, from Trump's Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool continuing to look green ("How are we supposed to win the war with Iran when we can't even win the war against algae, for God's sake?") to the president posting about changing the name of New Mexico to "New America" ("Listen, if there was a New America, we would all go there immediately," says Kimmel).

To finish, Kimmel presents a two-minute montage of the weirdest things the president has said while he's been away. As you can probably imagine, there's quite a bit to unpack.

SAVE $250: As of Sept. 9, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) is down to its lowest price since launch. Snag one from Amazon for $1,649.99 down from $1,899.99 — a 13% discount.

Amazon has dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 (256GB) down to $1,649.99 — a 13% discount off its original $1,899.99 list price. That lets you save $250 on Samsung’s latest flagship foldable smartphone, bringing it to its lowest price since launch.

Samsung redesigned this generation to feel less like having a heavy brick in your pocket and more like a standard smartphone when closed. Once you open it up, you get a massive, tablet-style main screen that’s bright enough to read in full sunlight. The outer and inner displays are both tuned to a wider aspect ratio, making reading books, streaming video, and typing feel completely natural instead of cramped.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 8 survives the ultimate stress test

Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth put the Galaxy Z Fold 8 through its paces and gave it a high 4.5 out of 5 score, along with a Mashable Choice Award. Calling it "the most exciting phone launch of the year," he noted that this stylish passport-style foldable is "undeniably fun to use and show off" and effectively "makes phones interesting again." 

The Fold 8 packs a customized Snapdragon 8 Elite processor paired with 12GB of RAM, easily handling mobile games and multi-app multitasking without skipping a beat. 

Powering everything is a 4,800 mAh battery built to last through a full day of heavy use, alongside fast charging to top you up quickly. If you’re currently using an iPhone, Samsung has also simplified the setup process so you can transfer over your contacts, photos, passwords, and alarms without losing anything in the move.

SEE ALSO: Galaxy Z Fold 8 review: Why this is my favorite new foldable

On the back, a 50MP dual-camera system lets you review photos on the large display right after taking them, and the built-in video stabilization locks onto the horizon so your video recordings stay smooth even if you’re moving around.

Timothy did point out that the 50MP cameras are "more mid than elite" and the ultra-thin frame can run "noticeably warm" under heavy workloads. Despite those minor trade-offs, he concluded that the Fold 8 is still "the best foldable I've tested yet," noting that "if you've been sitting on the foldable fence these last few years, the Z Fold 8 is a phone that makes it easy to get down."

Grab the Galaxy Z Fold 8 on Amazon for $1,649.99 today — deals at this price won't stay live long.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $1,002: As of Sept. 9, the 65-inch Hisense S7 Canvas TV QLED Smart TV is down to $997.99 at Amazon. That is a 50% discount off its $1,999.99 list price, giving you an anti-glare art TV with a smooth 144Hz refresh rate and an included ultra-slim frame mount for under $1,000.

As of Sept. 9, Amazon has cut the price of the 65-inch Hisense Hi-QLED S7 Canvas TV down to $997.99 — a massive 50% discount off its standard $1,999.99 list price. That means you get to save $1,002 on a smart TV that doubles as a frame-ready art piece, with a high-end matte screen, a smooth 144Hz refresh rate, and an included wall mount, all at half price.

Instead of leaving a blank black screen hanging in your living room, this TV switches to an art display when you aren't watching movies. You get access to over 1,000 free artworks and photos to cycle through, and it comes with a teak wood frame and an ultra-slim wall mount out of the box, so it sits flush against your wall like a real painting. The built-in motion sensor turns the art display on when you walk into the room and shuts it off when you leave, saving power.

SEE ALSO: Best Labor Day TV deals: Our favorite deals on TCL, LG, Samsung, and more

The main feature here is the anti-glare matte screen, which reduces harsh sunlight or lamp reflections so you get a clear picture no matter where the light comes from. You also get a sharp 4K QLED panel with Dolby Vision HDR for rich colors and deep contrast. For gamers and sports fans, the native 144Hz refresh rate keeps fast-moving action completely smooth and fluid without any annoying motion blur.

It runs on the Google TV interface, bringing all your streaming apps, live channels, and personalized recommendations to a single homepage. An automatic ambient light sensor continuously tweaks the screen's brightness and color temperature to match the lighting in your room throughout the day. 

SEE ALSO: The best TVs of 2026 so far: RGB TVs were the talk of CES, but they're not the only exciting releases

For sound, built-in room-filling speakers use spatial audio tech to simulate overhead and surround sound effects without forcing you to buy an external soundbar immediately.

Grab this 50% discount on Amazon to turn your TV into a piece of art for under $999 while the deal lasts.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $800: As of Sept. 9, the LG 65-Inch OLED AI 4K B6 Smart TV is on sale at Amazon for its lowest price yet, $1,199.99. That's $800 off its full price of $1,999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-Inch Class OLED AI 4K B6 Series Smart TV $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $800   Get Deal

Labor Day may be over, but retailers don't stop dropping deals entirely until the next big sale event hits. Amazon, in particular, is still full of excellent offers, especially on tech. If a new TV has been on your mind for fall, the retailer currently has a great discount on the LG 65-Inch OLED AI 4K B6 Smart TV, which is marked down to $1,199.99 for a limited time as of Sept. 9.

Compared to this LG TV's full price of $1,999.99, this is a massive $800 discount. Not to mention, it's the lowest-ever price for this display at the retailer, according to price tracking website camelcamelcamel. What better time to grab it?

SEE ALSO: What to look for when buying a TV, as told through this uncomplicated TV specs guide

If you're not looking to go all out on screen size but don't want to grab something too small, this 65-inch LG is a great mid-range option. It boasts incredible picture quality to boot, thanks to its 4K OLED display, which brings out vibrant colors and deep contrast in what you're watching or playing. It even comes with Dolby Vision to further enhance that color and contrast, alongside Dolby Atmos immersive sound.

On top of that, there's a Filmmaker Mode with Ambient Light Technology that lets you watch movies in the format the director intended. Plus, those who love to game can enjoy a 0.1ms response time and up to 120Hz refresh rate, making on-screen action look smooth without blur or tearing.

The LG 65-Inch OLED AI 4K B6 Smart TV is currently marked as a limited-time deal on Amazon's store page, so act fast to save on it before the discount disappears.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.