Technology
The best upgrade to my home media setup was this $13 device
There's one streaming app on my smart TV that was a pain to watch. It was always buffering or even throwing me out of the content completely and resetting to the start of the episode so that I'd have to try and find where I'd gotten to again. A cheap network switch was the solution to my problems.
The Google Pixel's real problem isn't the camera or the chip
If you went by many reviews, Pixel phones would reign supreme if Google simply upgraded their spec sheets: faster chips, newer cameras, and larger batteries. And those do need updates, as Google has been held back by sub-par Tensor performance and tech that sometimes hasn't changed for years.
How a few 75TB data hoarders killed unlimited cloud storage for everyone
These days, cloud storage feels more limited than ever. It's expensive, fragmented, and locked behind various tiers. Meanwhile, our storage needs continue growing, as the 3-2-1 rule relies on external storage, and for many of us, that just means cloud backups.
The 2027 Mazda MX-5 deserves more than just another muted paint option
Sports cars are supposed to be emotional purchases. They're meant to make you smile before you've even turned the key, blending sharp styling, engaging performance, and a sense of fun that practical vehicles simply can't replicate. Few cars embody that philosophy better than Mazda's beloved roadster, which has spent decades proving that driving enjoyment doesn't require massive horsepower or an exotic price tag.
6 entertaining Prime Video miniseries you can finish on a plane ride
The calendar has turned to June, and summer is almost officially in full swing. Many of the major streaming services, including Prime Video, do not release their biggest shows during this period, electing to save them for the fall or spring. This makes it the ideal time to catch up on shows you might have missed during the year.
I can now plug untrusted computers into my network without fear—here's why managed switches change everything
Have you ever wondered what the purpose of a managed Ethernet switch was? I wondered that for years until I finally used one. Managed Ethernet switches are extremely powerful in a homelab, and mine has completely changed how I connect computers to the internet.
Nanoleaf is evolving from smart home lights to robotics with the help of a major merger
Nanoleaf is synonymous with the smart desk and wall lights that YouTubers and Twitch streamers love, but it's pivoting away from them toward robotics and AI — and just secured a big merger to help make that happen. OneRobotics, the owner of smart home heavyweight SwitchBot, has agreed to acquire Nanoleaf for $40 million.
3 Android Bluetooth settings that can improve your audio (and 3 that won't)
If you've got a new pair of headphones, but the sound quality is barely better than what you've got on your old pair, you're not imagining things. Android often defaults to Bluetooth settings that prioritize stability and low latency over pure sound quality, which can hold your audio back. If music quality matters to you, it's worth tweaking the settings to maximize sound quality.
I built my homelab wrong, and it cost me $400 a year in wasted power
I spent hundreds, if not thousands of dollars overbuilding my homelab over the years. I really wish I didn't do that. Here's what I wish I did, and why I think you should follow in my (untaken) footsteps.
This $60 multimeter has saved me from so many bad repair guesses
I've always been the kind of DIYer who ends up with a lot of weird problems to solve. Between cars, motorcycles, vintage arcade games, pinball machines, guitars, and the endless list of things that break when you own a home with a small farm, there's always something that needs attention.
This is how I'd learn Linux if I had to start all over again
I've been using Linux exclusively on my workstation for almost four years now. But well before that, I had tried (and failed) to make the switch for just as many years. I'd like to share the many mistakes I made along the way and what I learned from them.
Windows Terminal's best features are hiding in these Linux-inspired customizations
If you're using Windows Terminal for WSL or Powershell, there are some features from Linux terminals that you might miss. Fortunately, it's easier to customize Windows Terminal than ever. Here are some tweaks that can make it behave more like Linux terminals.
The closest thing to Pixel's Now Playing is already built into your Android phone
One of Google’s oldest Pixel-exclusive features is the ever-present “Now Playing” music recognition. It also happens to be one of the most difficult to hack onto other Android phones. Thankfully, there’s already a built-in solution that’s almost as good.
9 Microsoft Excel tools that make Google Sheets users jealous
There's no doubt that Google Sheets has closed the gap on a ton of everyday spreadsheet tasks. However, Microsoft Excel still offers a handful of specialized power tools that set it apart. From automated data cleaning to heavy-duty optimization and brilliant layout tricks, these features are a big reason Excel still leads in many workflows.
5 ESP32 alternatives for your next project (and why you should use them)
Espressif’s ESP32 series is the go-to choice for many people looking to take on microcontroller-powered projects. Not only are they cheap and versatile, but they’re also available in a variety of configurations for just about every need.
These are 4 of the oldest digital files that still exist today
Did you know that an estimated 75% of all American silent films have been lost? Over 90% of the films made before 1929, and about 50% of American films made before 1950.
I checked the Ethernet cables around my house and found a stupidly simple problem
Be honest: When did you last check your Ethernet cables? If the answer is "probably not since I've installed them," I can't blame you. I also didn't care about the state of my wired connections until they finally backfired and prompted me to investigate.
The 5 apps I uninstall on every Samsung Galaxy phone
Samsung makes some of the best phones, and I've been buying and reviewing them for the last 14 years. A common problem is all the bloatware and pre-installed apps, which is why one of my first steps is to purge most of them. Samsung is slowly moving toward Google apps by default, but here are the apps I uninstall or disable on every Galaxy phone.
My smart home learns my routines without cloud AI—here's how it works
Our daily routines are rarely fixed. The way we interact with our smart homes changes from day to day. Using Home Assistant, my smart home has learned my routines without the aid of AI or cloud services.
Why wait for Prime Day? The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are $30 off right now at Amazon.
SAVE $30: As of June 3, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are back to their lowest price yet at Amazon for $149.99. This is $30 off their full price of $179.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker $149.99 at Amazon$179.99 Save $30 Get Deal
The Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro is a pretty special pair of earbuds. Not only are they open earbuds, allowing for more awareness of your surroundings while listening, but they also have noise-canceling features. Mashable's Bethany Allard said they're "the answer for people who can't decide between open and noise-canceling earbuds" in her review. If they've been on your radar, they're actually on sale right now at Amazon.
As of June 3, every color of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds are discounted to $149.99 at Amazon. This saves you $30 off their full price of $179.99 and marks a return to their lowest price at the retailer so far. Ahead of Prime Day, this is a great deal to take advantage of.
Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!Allard highlights in her review of the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro that if you're someone who's "interested in open earbuds, not quite ready to give up ANC buds altogether, and can't reasonably see themselves carrying around two pairs of earbuds, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros are the best option available." However, she does mention that "you make some concessions: the ANC won't be the best, and you're locked into an ear hook design."
Alongside its dual listening modes, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros offer a battery life that lasts up to seven hours on a charge in Open-Ear mode or five hours in ANC mode. That's a good amount of time to work with, and it'll last you through a workout or a commute for the day. Of course, those times can be pushed up further with the charging case as well (up to 34 hours in Open-Ear mode or 24 hours in ANC).
On top of all that, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro by Anker earbuds have even landed on our list of the best open earbuds. So, why not scoop them up while they're still on sale 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.


