Technology

The Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is down to $797.99 — save over $500 this weekend

Mashable - 2 hours 20 min ago

SAVE OVER $500: As of Oct. 10, the Samsung Odyssey G9 Curved 49-Inch Gaming Monitor is marked down to $797.99 at Amazon. That's a savings of $502 off the regular list price of $1299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Odyssey G9 Curved 49-Inch Gaming Monitor $797.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $502   Get Deal

There's nothing like losing yourself in the total immersion of gaming worlds. But getting to that level of gaming requires serious hardware — such as a monster-sized curved monitor — and that kind of thing usually comes at a steep price. That's why it's worth jumping on any deal on premium gaming gear.

Amazon has one such deal right now: 39% off the Samsung Odyssey G9 49-inch curved gaming monitor — a huge monitor that creates a wraparound effect, putting you deep into the game.

As of Oct. 10, the Samsung Odyssey G9 49-Inch curved gaming monitor is down to $797.99. It's usually priced at $1,299.99, which means you get a full $502 discount — savings as massive as the monitor itself.

Samsung is one of the absolute best names in TV and monitor tech, so there's no doubting the quality of this model. It delivers QHD resolution (5120 x 1440), a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 1ms response time. It's equipped with HDR and motion smoothing technology for fluid, eye-popping visuals. It's also fully adjustable to achieve optimal positioning and performance.

Get the Samsung Odyssey G9 49-Inch curved gaming monitor with a savings of over $500. Now priced at $797.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid online for free

Mashable - 3 hours 20 min ago

TL;DR: Watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid in La Liga for free on SportyNet. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

La Liga is back in action today, and all eyes are on Atlético Madrid. A strong start to the season has seen them go second in the La Liga table. Betis and Real Madrid are right behind them, so every win counts. Today they visit Deportivo Aláves, a team with a fair start to the 2026/27 season, but are winless in the last three league games. Can Aláves find their form against the No. 2 team?

If you're interested in watching Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid in La Liga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid?

Deportivo Aláves vs. Atletico Madrid in La Liga kicks off at 10.15 a.m. ET on Oct. 10. This fixture takes place at Mendizorrotza Stadium.

How to watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid for free

Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid in La Liga is available to live stream for free on SportyNet.

SportyNet is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid vs. Villarreal for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

  4. Visit SportyNet

  5. Watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more La Liga action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for La Liga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SportyNet, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

  • 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 $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Deportivo Aláves vs. Atlético Madrid for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich online for free

Mashable - 4 hours 20 min ago

TL;DR: Watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga for free on SportyNet. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Bundesliga is back after a two-break for the UEFA Nations League, and Bayern Munich are looking to pick up where they left off. Their last league game saw them win 7-0 over Union Berlin. But they're behind Dortmund at the top of the table by two points. Now they face Augsburg, currently fourth in the Bundesliga.

If you're interested in watching Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich?

Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga kicks off at 9.30 a.m. ET on Oct. 9. This fixture takes place at the WWK Arena.

How to watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich for free

Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on SportyNet.

SportyNet is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

  4. Visit SportyNet

  5. Watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Bundesliga?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on SportyNet, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

  • 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 $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Augsburg vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for October 10, 2026

Mashable - 4 hours 20 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

An athletic driver.

Hurdle Word 1 answer

RACER

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To hit.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

SMITE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Similar.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 10, 2026 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 10, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ALIKE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Earth's movement.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

ORBIT

Final Hurdle hint

A medical condition.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PALSY

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Chelsea vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League online for free

Mashable - 4 hours 20 min ago

TL;DR: Watch Chelsea vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League for free on CazéTV. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Premier League has been on a two-week hiatus for the Nations League, but the English top-tier returns today. Games include Chelsea vs. Bournemouth.

Following a strong start to 2026/27, Chelsea have slipped down the league table after failing to win their last three games. They've fared better than Bournemouth, however, who haven't quite found their footing after the departure of manager Andoni Iraola. The Cherries haven't secured a single league win so far this season. Can they turn it around against Chelsea?

If you're interested in watching Chelsea vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Chelsea vs. Bournemouth?

Chelsea vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League kicks off at 10 a.m. ET on Oct. 10. This fixture takes place at Stamford Bridge.

How to watch Chelsea vs. Bournemouth for free

Chelsea vs. Bournemouth in the Premier League is available to live stream for free on CazéTV.

CazéTV is geo-restricted to Brazil, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Brazil, meaning you can live stream Chelsea vs. Bournemouth for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Chelsea vs. Bournemouth for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Brazil

  4. Visit CazéTV

  5. Watch Chelsea vs. Bournemouth for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Chelsea vs. Bournemouth without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this fixture (plus more Premier League action) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Premier League?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on CazéTV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Brazil

  • 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 $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Chelsea vs. Bournemouth for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on October 10, 2026

Mashable - 4 hours 20 min ago

It's the New Moon tonight, and no, despite it being the perfect season to start a rewatch, this has nothing to do with the Twilight sequel. The New Moon is the part of the lunar cycle where the Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark. Essentially, it is invisible to us.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Saturday, Oct. 10, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the New Moon phase, with 0% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on October 25 or 26, depending on your timezone.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon completes an orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days. During that time, its position changes relative to the Earth and Sun, altering how much of the Moon's illuminated surface is visible to us. This produces the familiar lunar phases, beginning with a thin crescent and progressing through the quarter phases before reaching a Full Moon. The sequence then repeats as the Moon continues its orbit. According to NASA, the phase visible from Earth is determined by the Moon's changing position in relation to both Earth and the Sun.

The eight phases 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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Meanings for each word for Oct. 10, 2026

Mashable - 6 hours 20 min ago

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 10, 2026 Draft meaning

A preliminary, unfinished version of a written work or drawing.

Notes meaning

A brief written record, message or observation used to remember or communicate information.

Outline meaning

A brief summary and structured plan of main ideas for a writing project.

Thesis meaning

A central claim or main idea in a piece of writing.

Feed meaning

A constantly updating scrollable list of content on a website or social media app.

Messages meaning

A short piece of information, news or a request sent in written, spoken or electronic form.

Notifications meaning

A written message, alert, or document that conveys information.

Profile meaning

A collection of personal data on an online account.

Beat meaning

To strike a person, object or surface repeatedly.

Kick meaning

To strike out with the foot or feet.

Shadow meaning

A dark shape or area that forms on a surface when an object blocks a source of light

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Un meaning

A prefix added to the front of words to change them to their opposite or negative meaning.

Figure meaning

To assume, guess or believe something will happen.

Gather meaning

To conclude something intuitively from hints or evidence.

Imagine meaning

To picture or visualize something or someone in your mind.

Suppose meaning

To think something is likely.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 10, 2026

Mashable - 6 hours 20 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a doomscroller.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for October 10, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Essay

  • Green: I think so

  • Blue: Instagram settings

  • Purple: Muhammad Ali

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Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Useful when writing a paper

  • Green: Presume

  • Blue: Social media sections

  • Purple: ___Boxing

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1216 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Useful when writing a paper: DRAFT, NOTES, OUTLINE, THESIS

  • Presume: FIGURE, GATHER, IMAGINE, SUPPOSE

  • Social media sections: FEED, MESSAGES, NOTIFICATIONS, PROFILE

  • ___Boxing: BEAT, KICK, SHADOW, UN

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for October 10, 2026

Mashable - 6 hours 20 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you love sugar.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 10, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A slow drizzle

The words are related to sugary treats.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe corn syrups.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Sticky and Sweet.

NYT Strands word list for October 10
  • Molasses

  • Honey

  • Syrup

  • Sticky and Sweet

  • Treacle

  • Grenadine

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 10, 2026

Mashable - 6 hours 20 min ago

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're not smooth sailing.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 10, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Rocky.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BUMPY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

btop turned my Linux PC's hidden activity into a powerful control center

How-To Geek - 8 hours 19 min ago

Linux ships with plenty of tools for watching what your computer is doing, which is all nice and great, but most feel dated. btop, an open source tool, offers a complete, interactive view of your processor, memory, disks, network, and processes, all inside the terminal. Here is what it is and whether it deserves a spot on your system.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I switched from gas yard tools to Kobalt cordless, and I don't miss the maintenance

How-To Geek - 9 hours 49 min ago

About 10 years ago, my wife and I bought a little farm down in Florida. We dreamed of having more privacy and plenty of room for our dogs to run around. We knew going into it that maintaining a property that large would be a lot of work, but we were excited about the possibilities. Prior to that, the homes we owned had postage-stamp-sized yards. All I really needed to get the job done was a lawn mower, a weed whacker, and a hedge trimmer. Suddenly, I had a lot more yard work to do along with a house and barn to maintain.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 cool new Netflix shows to binge-watch this weekend (October 9-11)

How-To Geek - 10 hours 19 min ago

The sweaters and jackets are out of storage, the furnace is rumbling, and Netflix's October slate of TV shows is heating up, with returning hits like The Diplomat on the way, as well as some anticipated new documentaries.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Avatar: Seven Havens: Whats the deal with that energy monster?

Mashable - 10 hours 20 min ago

Avatar: Seven Havens launches the Avatar franchise into a post-apocalyptic future, and in its second episode, it may have unveiled one of the apocalypse's biggest threats.

The episode, fittingly titled "Into the Storm," sees a massive lightning storm encroach upon the desert haven of Ellora. As the Ellorans worry about the lightning coming from above, they also face a strange threat coming from below. Red bursts of lightning tear across the ground of the city, stopping when they reach a large square. There, they coalesce into a red and black diamond that leaps from the ground and flies around the city, shooting a beam of light at everyone from Brigade Commander Bountan (voiced by Clyde Kusatsu) to twin Avatars Pavi and Nisha (voiced by Saheli Khan and Aishu Devan).

SEE ALSO: 'Avatar: Seven Havens' review: The Avatar apocalypse is a bold, brilliant addition to the franchise

The first three episodes of Avatar: Seven Havens don't reveal exactly what this strange energy monster is. But based on its brief appearance here, we can make some educated guesses. Let's dig into what this threat — which Bountan calls a "demon" — could be.

Is the energy monster in Avatar: Seven Havens Vaatu?

First things first: When I see a frightening red and black energy creature in the Avatar world, I immediately think of Vaatu, the spirit of chaos and darkness first introduced in The Legend of Korra. Could Seven Havens' demonic diamond be related to him in some way?

Based on the color scheme, the answer seems like it could be a yes, especially since the energy monster's diamond shape also shares a lot in common with Vaatu's pointy kite form. Still, it's unlikely that this creature is Vaatu himself. It takes 10,000 years for Vaatu and his counterpart Raava's power to peak during Harmonic Convergence, and it's only been a little over 200 years since the last Harmonic Convergence during The Legend of Korra. Unless Seven Havens' cataclysm reordered the planets, it's unlikely that Vaatu himself will be back so fast. Instead, it's more likely that this spooky diamond is some kind of corrupted spirit.

SEE ALSO: 'Avatar: Seven Havens' trailer combines bending power with 'Mad Max' vibes What did the spirit diamond want with Pavi and Nisha?

The spirit diamond seems to be incredibly content wreaking havoc around Ellora until it runs into Pavi and Nisha. Then, it just stops and takes them in for a moment, before shooting them with a beam.

The beam transports Pavi and Nisha to a strange vision, where they see themselves being separated in a desert during what appears to be a sandstorm. They also see a flash of the Republic City skyline riddled with explosions: perhaps a sign of the world undergoing the cataclysm. Once Pavi and Nisha awaken from their vision, the spirit is gone, its diamond pattern embedded in the earth.

What did the energy monster want with Pavi and Nisha, and why did it vanish after somehow communing with them? The answer is likely tied to the fact that they're both Avatars, as the Avatar is meant to be the bridge between the human and spirit world. Clearly, the divide between those worlds has grown hazy in Avatar: Seven Havens, but perhaps spirits like this one are still seeking the Avatar out. As for the vision, perhaps this spirit is trying to communicate some memories to Pavi and Nisha — both their own, and maybe even Korra's.

What happens if you come into contact with the spirit monster?

While Pavi and Nisha emerge from their encounter with this spirit unchanged, the same can't be said for Commander Bountan. By the episode's end, he's overcome with what seems like a strange possession: His eye has gone red, and he warns Commander Karthik (Akshay Khanna) that "it is coming." Whether the "it" is another spirit demon or something else entirely, Seven Havens has yet to answer.

The strange spirit demon shenanigans continue in episode 3, when a camel-dillo goes rogue in the city. Like Bountan, its eyes are red, although Pavi manages to calm it down through the power of song. Did the camel-dillo also get blasted by the spirit's ray? Or did it pick up Bountan's strange possession some other way? After all, the diamond left a series of glowing red geometric crystals behind it. Perhaps being around those is enough to affect someone.

The first three episodes of Avatar: Seven Havens are now streaming on Paramount+. New episodes premiere every Friday through Oct. 30.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $30 tool lets you compare 50+ AI models without paying for each one

Mashable - 10 hours 20 min ago

TL;DR: Harness the power of over 50 AI models with this lifetime subscription to the AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan, on sale now for just $29.97 (reg. $499) through Oct. 11, with code SAVE10.

Opens in a new window Credit: AskAnyModel AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription $29.97
$499 Save $469.03   Get Deal

Not every AI model gives you the same answer, which can make choosing the right one for each task a job all by itself. If you’re looking for an easier way to compare results without tab-hopping and paying for dozens of subscription fees, it’s time to try AskAnyModel AI. This unique tool lets you compare answers and replies from over 50 AI models, with unlimited chat and image generation.

Right now, you can lock in a lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan for only $29.97 until Oct. 11.

It’s time to stop second-guessing your AI results. This lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI makes your AI workflow more efficient — you won’t have to keep tabs on each individual model’s unique strengths or spend time hopping around from model to model.

With AskAnyModel AI, you can ask your question and see answers from six AI models of your choice simultaneously. This makes it easy to compare and find the best answer for your needs, from coding help and image generation to basic question answers.

AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan gives you unlimited use of non-flagship AI models. You’ll also have 500 premium monthly credits that give you access to 20 advanced models, such as OpenAI, Anthropic, Mistral, and Perplexity, when you need more powerful answers.

You can swap between models mid-conversation. AskAnyModel AI even lets you work on different devices as long as you have access to a web browser.

Get your own lifetime subscription to AskAnyModel AI Pro Plan for just $29.97 until Oct. 11.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your SSD's controller may be hiding data you thought you deleted

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/09/2026 - 23:30

Formatting an SSD seems like the obvious thing to do if you want to sell it, give it away, or even just give it a new job doing something else. I'm not here to dispute that, but I think that many people are unaware that formatting isn't the 100% fail-proof solution some think it is.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Please stop using the USB cable that came with your Samsung phone

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/09/2026 - 22:30

Most people assume the cable that ships with a flagship phone is built to match the phone's actual capabilities. That's a reasonable assumption since it comes straight from the manufacturer, and most companies don't want to look bad if they want repeat customers. Samsung spent years developing fast charging technology that cuts charge times significantly, and you probably wouldn't guess that the cable in the box is what's holding it back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Windows 11 PC has 4 built-in tools that do what every optimizer app promises

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/09/2026 - 22:00

When your PC starts to lag, it is normal to start searching the web for solutions only to be met with a deluge of apps that promise to "speed up your PC" and "optimize Windows" with a single click.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Marvel teases Zodiac spy thriller. Heres what fans are theorizing.

Mashable - Fri, 10/09/2026 - 21:36

Marvel's whiplash New York Comic Con announcements have brought fans disappointing cancellation news, sneak previews, and, of course, more secrecy.

Taking to the stage Oct. 8, Marvel execs announced the end of Daredevil: Born Again, which will conclude with its third season next year. The team also gave attendees a taste of the upcoming third season of X-Men '97 and VisionQuest, the last installment of the Scarlet Witch's television saga. But the online buzz is all about its mysterious new show, Zodiac, set to debut in 2028.

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (Oct. 9, 2026)

Flashing the new logo on the big screen, Marvel Television head Brad Winderbaum wouldn't say much about the show's plot or characters — perhaps some meta marketing for what is being dubbed a Marvel universe spy drama — but he did hint there was more than meets the eye. "If you're a fan of the comics, there is a lot hidden in that logo," Winderbaum nudged.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe is sprawling, and it has long blurred the lines between comic canon and Hollywood fantasy. For comic lovers, the phrase "Zodiac" conjures a myriad of puzzling possibilities. Winderbaum, we may need some help.

What is the 'Zodiac' logo hiding?

Marvel appears to be teasing an Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. connection, using part of the counter terrorism and intelligence organization's logo as its "A."

It's the "O" — some kind of mechanical circle that appears to be breaking apart — that's thrown fans or a loop. One Mashable editor likened it to Tony Stark's arc reactor, pre-Iron Man 3. Others online described it as a broken shield or a spinning wheel.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Who is in 'Zodiac'?

The cast has yet to be announced, but some fans have already theorized that it will see the return of familiar favorites, including Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.'s Phil Coulson (Clark Gregg).

How does 'Zodiac' appear in the Marvel comics?

The phrase first appears in the original Avengers comic series, referring to a criminal organization made up of villains named after the 12 Zodiac signs. The name was donned by several illicit organizations across the comic universe thereafter, and then revived in its original celestial form, but with a new name, in Jonathan Hickman's "Secret Warriors" and "S.H.I.E.L.D." comics. 

Zodiac has also appeared in Agent Carter as the name of a chemical weapon.

Here are the internet's current running theories on what Zodiac is about:

'Zodiac' is a 'Secret Invasion' do-over

Nick Fury's re-entry into the Marvel universe, Secret Invasion was widely considered a disappointment among fans. But it did feature the same conspiracy-filled, espionage-laced plot lines that Zodiac seems to be teasing, and fans want to see it done right.

So could the new show be another attempt to have Fury lead a team of covert operatives against a global, political threat? In the Hickman comics, Zodiac is refashioned into an organization called "The Great Wheel" and is comprised of the world's top spymasters, including S.H.I.E.L.D. and Hydra leaders. In this story, the Great Wheel was started by — this is not a joke — a time traveling Leonardo da Vinci.

Maybe Fury's younger brother, the yet-to-be portrayed Jake and his alter ego Scorpio, could finally make an appearance? And instead of time travel, maybe we have some more multiverse tomfoolery ahead of us?

'Zodiac' is Marvel TV's stab at the Secret Avengers

Some on the Mashable team suggest it could be a loose adaptation of the Secret Avengers, a 2010 comic series that convened a black-ops group of Marvel heroes including Moon Knight, Black Widow, Ant Man, and War Machine, as well as X-Men icon Beast. Series writer Nick Spencer asserted it was squarely in the universe of S.H.I.E.L.D. at the time, calling out both Nick Fury and Agent Coulson in early promo.

We saw two versions of this plot play out already in the MCU, however, through Steve Rogers' rogue Avengers crew in Captain America: Civil War and the latest rag tag team of villains-turned-heroes in the Thunderbolts.

'Zodiac' is literally about the Zodiac Killer

"Wild prediction: Zodiac (2028) is a spiritual successor to Zodiac (2007) and is set in between Infinity War and Endgame, in which Tony Stark, Bruce Banner and a disguised Quentin Beck team up to find a serial killer," wrote one reddit user.

Ok, so this one may just be for fellow fans of David Fincher's 2007 masterpiece Zodiac, and likely isn't what's going on here. But I would be remiss if I didn't point out that Zodiac (2007) stars Mark Ruffalo as a seasoned investigator on the hunt for a killer. Maybe Bruce Banner has some spy skills in him?

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 Ryobi tools I regret buying the most

How-To Geek - Fri, 10/09/2026 - 21:30

Ryobi's 18V and 40V tools are extremely popular with homeowners and DIYers, and for good reason. I'm a huge fan myself and have been buying Ryobi tools for more than 20 years. However, not every tool is a winner, and there are a few Ryobi tools I regret buying. If you're wandering through Home Depot, here are a few to avoid and what to buy instead.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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