Technology

I switched from Chrome to Dia for a week, and here's what stood out

How-To Geek - 26 min 15 sec ago

I spend a good chunk of my day in a browser, jumping between research, source-checking, writing in a CMS, and keeping up with emails. Chrome has been my home base for years, so switching browsers wasn't exactly something I was looking to do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android Auto is getting a major makeover: 4 changes to know

How-To Geek - 56 min 15 sec ago

My husband and I can’t seem to agree on one thing whenever we’re in the car: the infotainment interface. He’s firmly on Team CarPlay, while I prefer Android Auto and keep finding reasons to defend it. I use it for Google Maps and Spotify on almost every drive, so I notice even the small things that could improve the experience. I’ve often wished Google would refresh the interface instead of making us stick with the same familiar layout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Ocarina of Time remake is setting Metacritic records left and right

Mashable - 1 hour 2 min ago

Nintendo appears to have made the right call in remaking The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Switch 2, at least from a hearts-and-minds perspective.

The visually resplendent remake, which hit store shelves last week, has already set two records on Metacritic in just a few days. For starters, it has the highest aggregate score (96 out of 100) of any game to be released in 2026 so far. That was established when reviews went up a week ago, though, so it's not necessarily news at this point. However, as Forbes noted, Ocarina for Switch 2 has achieved another gaudy Metacritic milestone: It's now the highest-rated game by user scores in the site's history, with an all-time record score of 9.6 out of 10.

SEE ALSO: 6 good, bad, and weird changes in 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' for Switch 2

For reference, the original Ocarina of Time for Nintendo 64 is the highest-rated game by critics in the history of Metacritic, with a score of 99 out of 100, a record it's held for a long time.

More than 8,750 users have submitted scores for Ocarina on Metacritic, so that score isn't necessarily being affected by a small sample size. It should absolutely be noted and emphasized that Metacritic does not require a verification of purchase for a user to submit a review score, so it's theoretically possible that some people are adding numbers to the mix in either direction without having played the game.

The Ocarina remake has also only been in the general public's hands for a little more than four days at the time of publication, so these takes are coming in piping hot, and people could change their minds over time.

We also would be remiss not to mention that Grand Theft Auto VI launches on Nov. 19, so there's a chance (albeit a small one) that Ocarina doesn't sit atop the user review throne for very long.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Replace your old bulky desktop with $122 off the Acemagic K1 mini-PC

How-To Geek - 1 hour 8 min ago

The days of huge desktop PCs are over for everyone, but gamers and most buyers are moving to mini PCs, like the Acemagic K1, which pack a punch despite their compact size. Now's the time to replace that old desktop with the Acemagic K1 mini PC, now 26% off with a limited-time Amazon deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows won't let you name a folder "CON" because of this 45-year-old quirk

How-To Geek - 1 hour 26 min ago

Microsoft has been around for decades, dating back to 1975 with its BASIC software. BASIC was written for the Altair 8800 microcomputer built by MITS (Micro Instrumentation and Telemetry Systems). Bill Gates and Paul Allen created the software when MITS approached them, needing a programming language for their personal computers. Back then, the brand was referenced as Micro-Soft in a letter from Bill Gates to Paul Allen. The brand had not been established yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon has tons of Govee holiday lights on sale for up to 52% off

Mashable - 1 hour 33 min ago
Govee holiday lights deals at a glance Best outdoor lights deal Govee Icicle Lights (33 feet) $109.99 (save $120) Get Deal Best Christmas tree lights deal Govee Christmas Lights 2-in-1 $159.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best holiday decor deal Govee Christmas Cone Tree Lights $149.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best outdoor Christmas lights projector deal Govee Outdoor Christmas Projector Light $109.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Over the weekend, two of my neighbors put up their Christmas lights. One even did so with the garage door open and Christmas music tunes playing that filled the cul de sac. I'm not upset about the Christmas vibes in November, but even if you think it's too early, now is a great time to consider if your lights need an upgrade this year before the selection gets picked over.

Lucky for us, Amazon has tons of Govee Christmas lights on sale for both outside the house and inside. Plus, the sale extends to Govee's permanent outdoor lights which means this could be the last time you have to climb onto the roof to get them on the house.

Well ahead of Black Friday, check out these Govee deals at Amazon to get a head start on the holiday cheer.

Best outdoor lights deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Icicle Lights (33 feet) $109.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $120.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Go with the classic icicle lights this winter. The 33-foot strand of Govee Icicle Lights has 400 LEDs and over 78 preset scenes for holidays beyond Christmas. Plus, the IP67 waterproof rating means you can leave them up year-round if you'd like.

Since you can control the lights with the Govee app or with voice command, you'll never have to go outside in the dark to turn them on.

Best Christmas tree lights deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Christmas Lights 2-in-1 $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

New this year, the Govee Christmas 2-in-1 lights are a delight. The set includes a 99-foot strand of 300 LED lights and a 26-foot strand with silver ornaments and 20 lights. The two strands work as one to wrap around your tree. Each of the 20 ornament lights projects a snowflake display and Govee makes it easy to decide on colors thanks to the 130 preset scenes.

Best holiday decor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Christmas Cone Tree Lights $149.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Great for the yard or inside, the 7.5-foot Govee Christmas Cone Tree is certainly easier to maintain compared to a live tree and easier to store than an artificial Christmas tree. The Govee Christmas Cone Tree has 370 LED lights that come with an IP67 waterproof rating. In addition to the endless lighting scenes in the Govee app, you can also set the lights to sync with music for a great holiday party.

Best outdoor Christmas lights projector deal Opens in a new window Credit: Govee Govee Outdoor Christmas Projector Light $109.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Instead of climbing onto the roof to get your house in the holiday spirit with lights, stay on the ground and install the Govee Outdoor Christmas Projector Light. It's capable of lighting up your home with a display that measures up to 32 feet, covering up to 1,500 square feet. It's easy to swap between any of the 16 patterns and it's capable of handling temperatures as low as -4 degrees Fahrenheit.

More Govee holiday lights deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

This $32 WOLFBOX Electric Air Duster beats canned air for PC cleaning

How-To Geek - 1 hour 54 min ago

Disposable cans of compressed air are a frustrating way to maintain your electronics. They always run out when you need them most, leaving propellant residue on your sensitive components. A reusable electric duster like the WOLFBOX MF60 is a far better way to get rid of dust, and it's currently available at an impulse buy-worthy discount.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced 4 apps using Home Assistant, and I'm never going back

How-To Geek - 1 hour 55 min ago

Home Assistant is incredibly powerful and almost endlessly customizable. If there's an idea you want to make a reality, the chances are that you can make it happen. I've used Home Assistant to replace several different apps that just couldn't match what I could set up with the smart home software.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Black Friday deal: LGs most popular OLED TV is the cheapest its been all year

Mashable - 2 hours 23 min ago

SAVE $1,000: Ahead of Black Friday, you can get the LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV for its best price to date — just $999.99 — at both Amazon and Best Buy. That's 50% off its original list price. Several other sizes are also on sale for all-time lows.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $999.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,999.99 Save $1,000   Get Deal at Best Buy

One of the best things about this time of year is that all of our favorite TV models start dropping to record-low prices. LG's most popular OLED TV for 2026, in particular, has hit an all-time low well ahead of Black Friday. If your TV has taken its last breath and you can't wait a few more weeks, the LG C6 OLED is definitely worth a look.

As of Nov. 9, both Amazon and Best Buy have the LG 55-inch C6 OLED 4K TV for only $999.99. Originally listed at $1,999.99, that's 50% off its actual price. It's currently down to the same sale price as the 48-inch model, which basically means you'll get seven extra inches of screen real estate for free (girl math, duh).

Both retailers also have larger sizes of the OLED TV at their lowest prices of the year as well. If you need something a little bigger, the 65-inch model is down to $1,399.99 from $2,699.99 and the 77-inch is down to $1,999.96 from $3,699.99.

The LG C6 is our favorite OLED TV for most people. It features impeccable image quality with inky black levels and stark contrast that can transform a typical movie night or sports game into a theatrical experience. Compared to its predecessor, it offers higher peak brightness, more vibrant colors, enhanced audio, and a better refresh rate (165Hz versus 144Hz).

OLED TVs are expensive, so any chance you have to save a significant amount of cash on one, you should take. With a 50% price drop, this deal on the LG C6 is an outstanding value.

If you're looking for something a bit more budget-friendly, be sure to follow along with our guide to the best TV deals as we inch closer to Black Friday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 weirdest I've encountered with refurbished homelab hardware, and why it's still worth it

How-To Geek - 2 hours 25 min ago

I have seen plenty of people run into problems with refurbished laptops. Sometimes, reinstalling Windows reveals the machine is still enrolled in an organization’s management system, and it gets locked again. Other times, buyers discover that the laptop was stolen or has some kind of firmware or administrative lock. I have been fortunate enough to avoid these problems myself, but my experience with refurbished homelab hardware has been considerably more interesting.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Early Black Friday Nintendo deals include saving $30 on the Switch 2 and SanDisk storage upgrades

Mashable - 2 hours 46 min ago
Early Black Friday Nintedo Switch deals Best console deal Nintendo Switch 2 $469 (save $30) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch 2 storage deal SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card $159.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best Nintendo game deal 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' $49.94 (save $20.05) Get Deal Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deal Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Travel Case $24.99 (save $5) Get Deal

We're still a few weeks away from officially landing on Black Friday, but the deals aren't waiting. That's great news if you're a Nintendo fan or have a gamer on your holiday shopping list. From games to storage upgrades and accessories, we're already seeing sweet deals.

While we're not seeing deals on the new Zelda Switch 2 or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for Nintendo Switch 2, we do see deals that'll be nice additions to your Zelda gaming sessions.

SEE ALSO: We found 45 early Black Friday deals already live: Get $200 off MacBooks, 53% off Bose headphones

We've compiled the top Nintendo and Nintendo Switch deals that are live ahead of Black Friday. Shopping early means you'll have everything you need for spending the holiday break with Nintendo.

Best Nintendo console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintedo Nintendo Switch 2 $469 at Woot
$499 Save $30   Get Deal at Woot Why we like it

While stock is tight on the new Zelda version of the Switch 2, you can snag the standard model already on sale before Black Friday. Head to Woot to get the Nintendo Switch 2 while it's in stock for $469. Amazon Prime members get free shipping with Woot, but keep in mind that Woot deals tend to sell out quickly, so don't wait on this one.

More Nintendo console dealsBest Nintendo Switch 2 storage deal Opens in a new window Credit: SanDisk SanDisk 512GB microSD Express Card $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Load up on all the games before winter break thanks to a memory upgrade with the SanDisk 512GB micoSD Express Card. It's designed with write speeds up to 650MB per second and read speeds up to 880MB per second. The SanDisk microSD is officially licensed by Nintendo for the Switch 2, so you'll be good to go for all you gaming needs. Since memory is in short supply and prices continue to rise, snag this deal before it expires.

Best Nintendo game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Pokémon Legends: Z-A' $49.94 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.05   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you already have a Switch 2 or you're looking for a great Christmas gift for a gamer, Pokémon Legends: Z-A is already on sale for under $50. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry reviewed Pokémon Legends Z-A and noted it's "enjoyably light and airy," which seems like the kind of game we need right now.

Best Nintendo Switch 2 accessory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Belkin Belkin Nintendo Switch 2 Travel Case $24.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $5   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If your Switch 2 will be coming along on winter holiday travel, snag the Belkin Travel Case while it's on sale for $24.99. It offers protection and easy transport for the Switch 2 itself, an AirTag, up to 12 game cards, cables, and a cleaning cloth. While the exterior is tough and durable, the interior is soft and protective.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Louis Therouxs Instagram post with Nathan Fielder has the internet abuzz

Mashable - 2 hours 54 min ago

Nathan Fielder and Louis Theroux in the same room?

For fans of deadpan interviews that can verge on the awkward and surreal, it's a great day.

Theroux, whose recent documentary Inside the Manosphere made a splash on Netflix, shared an image of himself having coffee with Fielder on Instagram.

"Catching up with this guy. Apparently he has a new documentary out," wrote Theroux, referring to Fielder's much-hyped Elizabeth Holmes documentary You Can See Everything. "Has anyone heard anything about it?"

SEE ALSO: Where to watch Nathan Fielder's other shows, relevant to his Elizabeth Holmes documentary

The excitement in the comment section was palpable.

Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram Credit: Instagram

So, what does it mean? Are the two working on something together?

Well, if they are, then the most likely format would probably be Theroux's weekly podcast. But what's just as likely is the two could simply be meeting up for chat — Fielder and Theroux have in fact been in conversation before for an article for Interview Magazine, and it's clear that they're fans of each other's work.

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

Here's hoping we see the pair sharing the same screen very soon.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new movies to watch this week on Netflix, Apple TV, and more (November 9-15)

How-To Geek - 2 hours 56 min ago

If Netflix is your favorite streaming service, this list is for you. Several new movies are premiering on Netflix this week, including a dramedy directed by Chris Rock, a documentary by Ron Howard, and a mystery thriller starring Jessica Chastain.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsungs S90H OLED TV just dropped to its lowest price of the year ahead of Black Friday

Mashable - 3 hours 3 min ago

SAVE $802: As of Nov. 9, the Samsung 55-inch S90H OLED 4K TV has dropped down to $1,197.99 at Amazon from its list price of $1,999.99. That's 40% off and matches its lowest price to date.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 55-inch S90H OLED 4K TV $1,197.99
$1,999.99 Save $802   Get Deal

Though we're still a couple of weeks away from Black Friday, we're already smack dab in the middle of the best season to buy a new TV. You can certainly wait around for the big day, but it's not required, as this Samsung S90H OLED 4K TV is already down to its lowest price ever.

As of Nov. 9, the Samsung 55-inch S90H OLED 4K TV is down to just $1,197.99 at Amazon. Its original list price is $1,999.99 (though Amazon sells it a little short), which means you'll save a grand total of $802 or 40%. According to our favorite price-tracking tool, this beats its previous record-low by about $100.

The S90H is Samsung's mid-range OLED from its 2026 lineup — just a step down from our favorite OLED TV of the year (the S95H) and a step above the entry-level S85H. While most TV upgrades from one year to the next are generally pretty minimal, the S90H was a decent jump from its predecessor, as Ty Pendlebury from Mashable's sister site CNET points out. "The real reason to buy the S90H over the previous S90F is the addition of the antireflective coating," he writes.

The anti-reflective coating helps eliminate those pesky glares and reflections while watching TV in aggressive lighting. It also bumped up the brightness from the previous generation, improved lag times, and upgraded the refresh rate to 165Hz.

If you don't feel like waiting around for Black Friday, you can rest assured you're getting the best price to date on the Samsung 55-inch S90H OLED TV. Plus, if you upgrade now, you can start watching all of your favorite holiday movies in top-notch quality.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GTA 6 preload release date: When you can download the game

Mashable - 3 hours 4 min ago

For anyone who has already pre-ordered Grand Theft Auto VI, it's about to take up a huge amount of space on your console's hard drive in the very near future.

That's because it's almost time to preload the most anticipated game of the year. If you don't normally engage with games this way, it means that anyone who has purchased GTA 6 will be able to install the full game on their hard drive before release. According to Rockstar, preloading will work slightly differently on PS5 and Xbox consoles. For PS5 owners, preloading will begin on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at midnight local time wherever you are. For Xbox players, preloading starts at 12 a.m. GMT on Tuesday and runs simultaneously for everyone.

SEE ALSO: GTA 6 release date: Is there early access? The soonest anyone can play.

To be clear, preloading the game early does not mean you can play it early, unless you set your console to New Zealand time. It will be locked and unplayable until it's officially out in your region.

Rockstar also confirmed in that post that the game will take up to 212GB of space on your hard drive, so start deleting games right now if you need to.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched Obsidian for its free and open-source rival with built-in sync

How-To Geek - 3 hours 26 min ago

Obsidian is arguably one of the best apps out there for taking notes and organizing your knowledge base, but it comes with its fair share of imperfections. One of my main qualms with Obsidian is how difficult it can be to sync notes between my phone, desktop, and other devices. Sure, you could pay $4/month to get sync support, but I'm a cheapskate.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NVIDIA's $299 Shield TV Pro is aging out, and the new Apple TV 4K is taking its place

How-To Geek - 3 hours 26 min ago

When the NVIDIA Shield TV Pro launched at $199 back in 2019, it was considered a steep premium compared to regular Android TV streaming sticks. However, it proved its worth by staying relevant for over half a decade, much like our living room televisions. I was drawn to the Shield TV for its hardware-level AI upscaling, which enhances standard 1080p content, and lossless audio passthrough, making it an excellent local Plex client. The price was worth paying, considering I didn't need to buy a very expensive television to enjoy these enhancements.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop guessing which stocks are worth buying with this $60 3-year subscription

Mashable - 3 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: Stop second-guessing your investments with some help from this three-year subscription to Tykr Stock Screener Premium Plan, on sale now for just $59.99 (reg. $300).

Opens in a new window Credit: Tykr Tykr Stock Screener Premium Plan: 3-Year Subscription $59.99
$299.97 Save $239.98   Get Deal

It’s easy to get caught up in the latest stock market buzz. But if you want to be a smart investor, you can’t just follow the trends. Tykr Stock Screener looks at the bigger picture, helping you see beyond the hype by analyzing thousands of stocks and giving you straightforward ratings based on their real value.

Right now, you can lock in a three-year subscription to Tykr Stock Screener Premium Plan for only $59.99.

If second-guessing always keeps you from investing, Tykr Stock Screener helps demystify this intimidating process. This handy tool offers clear ratings to help you make decisions, labeling stocks as On Sale, Watch, or Overpriced. It also provides a fair value estimate and a margin of safety, making it easier to invest with confidence.

If you have specific investment criteria, Tykr Stock Screener has custom filters that help you screen thousands of stocks in seconds. You can also easily connect your account to one of over 40 supported brokers, from Schwab to Fidelity and Robinhood, so you can sync your holdings into the portfolio tracker.

You can use Tykr on both iPhone and Android, and there’s also a web app available. All you have to do is log in with one email address to access your info and check out the ratings.

Have your eyes on a certain stock? You can set up alerts when a stock you’ve been watching becomes a Tykr Stock Screener buy or sell.

This 3-year subscription includes access to new features and fixes that are rolled out each month, and you’ll receive every update. There’s also access to the AI investing helper, with 30 AI credits to help you find stocks, build portfolios, and review the ones you already have.

Lock in your three-year subscription to Tykr Stock Screener Premium Plan for just $59.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 simple woodworking projects I built without expensive tools

How-To Geek - 3 hours 56 min ago

Years before I ever bought a roll of filament, I was making things with a much older material: wood. It's not something I do as much these days (I blame my messy garage), but I'm still a woodworker at heart. Here are a few projects that helped me get started.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members can get $20 off dinner with this new Uber Eats offer — how to claim

Mashable - 4 hours 4 min ago

TL;DR: Amazon Prime members can get $20 off each of their first two qualifying Uber Eats restaurant orders through Amazon until Nov. 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Each order must total at least $25 before taxes and fees and after any other qualifying discounts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Uber Eats: $20 off each of your first two orders   Get Deal at Amazon

This may just be the frugal part of me talking, but I’ve always thought Uber Eats was one of the more expensive food delivery apps (right up there with Postmates). So when I heard Amazon Prime members could now get $0 delivery fees through Uber Eats, I was pretty excited. I still have questions about some of those clearly inflated restaurant prices, but free delivery is a step in the right direction.

SEE ALSO: Walmart quietly dropped epic deals ahead of Black Friday: Save on Apple, Ninja, Tonies, and more

Right now, eligible Prime members can get $20 off each of their first two Uber Eats restaurant orders through Amazon, for up to $40 off across two orders. Each order needs to total at least $25 before taxes and fees, after any other qualifying discounts, and the offer expires Nov. 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST. You also get $0 delivery fees on eligible orders after activating the benefit.

How to get the discount

Go to Amazon’s Uber Eats page while signed in to your Prime account and tap “Allow” to activate the $0 delivery-fee benefit. From there, browse participating restaurants and check that your qualifying $20 discount appears before submitting your order. You don’t need a separate Uber Eats account, but you do need to order through Amazon’s website or shopping app — not the Uber Eats app or website.

The benefit is available to U.S. Prime members, including those with Prime for Young Adults and Prime Access memberships. Restaurant selection depends on your location, so check what’s available near you.

Do you need to join Prime?

You’ll need an eligible Prime membership to use the benefit. Prime normally costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and eligible customers can start a 30-day free trial. I wouldn’t pay for a year just to get two discounted meals, but the trial is worth considering if you also plan to use Prime for Black Friday shopping.

Already using Prime for holiday shopping? This is an extra worth checking before your next takeout order. Compare the final price instead of letting the $20 discount talk you into adding food you didn’t want just to reach the minimum.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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