Technology

All the great Prime Video shows and movies coming in March

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 23:50

March is upon us, and like the regenerative days and months that lie ahead, Prime Video has unleashed a brand cornucopia of new movies and TV shows to entertain us. The streaming giant just dropped more than 80 new titles that include new Amazon original movies, TV shows, and specials, as well as a pile of new seasons of some of the most anticipated shows of the season.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You don’t need a European SUV—the Acura RDX proves it

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 23:30

Since showing up in 2007, the Acura RDX has carved out a steady spot in the U.S. luxury crossover crowd. It’s managed to stick around by blending solid performance, dependable engineering, and pricing that doesn’t feel outrageous for the badge.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android 17 Beta 2 arrives with a cloned Apple feature and "Bubbles" multitasking

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 23:09

The first Android 17 beta is only a week old, but Google has already released a second beta update, giving us a better look at what's coming to phones and tablets later this year. This time around, there are some impressive multitasking upgrades.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 addictive Peacock shows to get lost in this weekend (February 27 - March 1)

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 23:00

Just because the 2026 Winter Olympics have concluded, that’s no reason to cancel your Peacock subscription. In fact, it would be a big mistake. The streamer has an impressive library full of content—plenty of which consists of originals that aren’t just worth watching, they’re full-on addictive, and that's why you must see them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 'fake frames' era: Why DLSS 4.5 is just a crutch for unoptimized AAA games

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 22:00

As a gamer, I always built my computers with one goal in mind: a smooth gaming experience. Two decades ago, that meant something entirely different than it does now, and for the most part, many of us were happy to run the latest games at 1024x768, if not less. These days, with ever-growing hardware demands and games that aren't optimized too well, we're dealing with a whole host of different issues.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop letting your car warm up in the morning—it’s a waste of gas

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 21:45

If you are of a certain age, you may recall advice from an older family member about letting your engine "warm up" for a bit, especially on cold mornings. In my rural northwest Iowa community back in the 1980s, everyone in town did this during the winter. You go out, start your car, clear the snow off, and then run back inside.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 excellent free movies to watch this weekend (February 27 – March 1)

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 21:31

Nothing is ever truly free. There has to be a fee somewhere in the fine print, right? It's understandable to get an uneasy feeling when reading the word "free." So when I say that this list consists of three free movies, it might cause some hesitation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This smart home sensor is helping break my most dangerous habit

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 21:00

Sitting still for long periods may increase the risk of serious health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, stroke, heart disease, obesity, and some cancers. Even as little as one minute of walking every 30 minutes could provide modest benefits, such as reducing blood pressure. That's why I use one of my smart home sensors to nag me when I've been sitting for too long.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ubuntu 26.04 Resolute Raccoon's wallpaper has been revealed

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:42

Ubuntu Linux 26.04 LTS will be released in two months, marking the next Long Term Support version of the popular desktop Linux distribution. The update already had a nickname, Resolute Raccoon, but now its raccoon-themed wallpaper background has finally been revealed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tesla sues Calif. DMV after agency called its autopilot deceptive marketing

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:41

Elon Musk's Tesla is taking the California Department of Motor Vehicles to court, an attempt to win back the right to use the term "autopilot" when advertising its line of cars.

In a case filed Feb. 13, the electric vehicle giant claims that the department "wrongfully and baselessly” labeled Tesla a “false advertiser,” and argues that the department did not effectively prove that customers had been led to believe the vehicles could be operated without human oversight.

SEE ALSO: Anthropic changes safety policy amid intense AI competition

Last year, a judge for California's Office of Administrative Hearings ruled that the company had engaged in deceptive marketing by describing its fleet's driver assistance systems as "Autopilot" modes. The court argued that Tesla's Autopilot and “Full Self-Driving Capability” (FSD) did not meet the necessary autonomous driving criteria under NHTSA’s Levels of Automation system — the features are rated by the NHTSA as Level 2 automation, where Level 5 is a fully autonomous vehicle. The decision claims features need to be at least Level 3 to be described as "self-driving."

In using such terms, Tesla has misled drivers and poses a consumer risk, the decision said. Tesla has faced multiple legal challenges that its self-driving features led to the deaths of multiple people. The company was found partially liable for a fatal, autopilot-related incident in August.

The California ruling went into effect on Jan. 15, and included a 30-day business suspension across the state unless the company ceased using the term in 60 days or changed its systems. Tesla responded in typical fashion: A tongue-in-cheek social post and a claim that sales would not be hit by the decision. Then, in January, the company effectively discontinued Basic Autopilot in the U.S., reshuffling its fleet offering with a standard traffic awareness mode and an option to upgrade your vehicle to FSD, now called "Full Self-Driving (Supervised)."

SEE ALSO: Robot, take the wheel: What you need to know about autonomous vehicles rolling out across the U.S.

A few weeks later, the state's DMV announced Tesla had met its obligations and would not face a suspension of its license, but now the company is fighting back against the decision with more force.

"An Administrative Law Judge found that Tesla broke state law by misleading consumers with the term ‘autopilot.’ Tesla agreed to stop this practice, and now they’re challenging it anyway. DMV is committed to protecting the traveling public and will defend the Administrative Law Judge’s findings and decision in court," a DMV representative said in a statement to CNBC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your SSD is literally flash memory: Why the oldest PC building pet peeve is technically wrong

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:30

Like many computer geeks, I tend to be a stickler for the right terminology. For example, I can never let it go when someone refers to a computer case as the "CPU" of the computer. Pedantic? Maybe. But there are some hills I just have to die on for some reason.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Galaxy S26 Ultra pre-order deal is as good as it gets

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:25

Samsung's all-new Galaxy S26, Galaxy S26 Plus, and Galaxy S26 Ultra are finally here, but one of my favorite pre-order deals is no longer available from Samsung's website. I'm talking about the free upgrade that doubles the internal storage when you pre-order.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Comeback Season 3 trailer: Valerie Cherish is back, baby!

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:25

Well, she's still got it.

Sitcom star Valerie Cherish (Lisa Kudrow) returns for a third and final season of HBO's The Comeback, created by Michael Patrick King (Sex and the City) and Kudrow. The show's first two seasons premiered in 2005 and 2014, offering up biting (and prescient) looks at sitcoms, reality TV, and the entertainment industry as a whole.

SEE ALSO: 'Toy Story 5' trailer: Woody and Buzz reunite to save Bonnie from becoming an iPad kid

Now, the cult classic is tackling a whole new host of Hollywood issues. Based on the trailer, chiefest among them will be AI.

Turns out, Valerie's hot new sitcom How's That? is written entirely by AI, much to the chagrin of the show's other writers (Abbi Jacobson and John Early). At least Valerie's publicist Billy (Dan Bucatinsky) seems excited about it.

The rest of the trailer showcases Valerie's involvement in other key elements of Hollywood in the 2020s. In one scene, she joins in on 2023's WGA and SAG-AFTRA strikes, posing with then-SAG-AFTRA president Fran Drescher. Elsewhere, she makes an appearance on Hot Ones (and looks like she's absolutely suffering through it) and hangs out with Trixie Mattel.

On top of Kudrow and Bucatinsky, The Comeback Season 3 will see the return of many familiar faces, including Damian Young as Valerie's husband Mark Berman and Laura Silverman as reality TV director Jane Benson.

The Comeback Season 3 also stars Tim Bagley, Matt Cook, Jack O’Brien, Ella Stiller, Barry Shabaka Henley, Tony Macht, Brittany O’Grady, Zane Phillips, Julian Stern, and Andrew Scott.

The Comeback Season 3 premieres March 22 at 10:30 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max. Seasons 1 and 2 are streaming on HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Waymo expands test drives to Chicago and Charlotte

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:06

Looking for a ride in a robotaxi? If you live in Chicago, Illinois and Charlotte, North Carolina, you may be able to ride around your city in an autonomous vehicle in the not so distant future.

According to a report in TechCrunch, apparently confirmed by locals who spotted the vehicles in their area, Waymo is currently conducting test drives in both cities.

Waymo's testing phase deploys Waymo vehicles with human drivers to cities where the Google-owned company is looking to roll out its ride-hailing service. During this phase, Waymo effectively gleans knowledge from the human drivers to best understand the lay of the land.

Local road conditions, traffic patterns, and edge cases are all analyzed and mapped out so that the autonomous vehicles are prepared for the location. After months of testing, Waymo will start testing the driverless version of the service. If all goes well, this will be followed by launching the full Waymo experience — where you hail a driverless car on the Waymo app — in the city. 

Earlier this month, Waymo completed the first phase of testing in Nashville, Tennessee. Nashville will now see driverless taxis on its streets. Waymo testing is also underway in London, Washington DC, and Denver.

The full service is currently available in Los Angeles and the San Francisco Bay Area, as well as in Phoenix. Riders can also call a Waymo ride via an Uber partnership in Austin and Atlanta. Waymo is also currently rolling out in Orlando as well as Houston, Dallas, and San Antonio.

Waymo's ongoing expansion follows a financing round that raised $16 billion for the company.

Categories: IT General, Technology

9 open source operating systems that aren't Linux

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:00

If you hear the term "open-source," you might think of Linux. However, Linux distros aren't the only open-source operating systems. There are plenty in use today besides Linux. Some date back to even before Linux existed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

People wanted small Android phones for years—now they’re here

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 20:00

Small phone lovers are passionate, but there aren’t enough of them to stop the phone industry from shipping increasingly large phones. Fortunately, 2026 is shaping up to be the year that lesser-known companies are supplying some of the smallest smartphones we’ve seen in years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Genesis GV70 makes the BMW X3 look overpriced

How-To Geek - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 19:30

SUVs have basically taken over, and for years the usual names have run the show. BMW, Mercedes, Audi, and Toyota built the blueprint, and models like the X5 became the default pick if you wanted something sporty but still upscale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Firefox adds AI kill switch for users who are sick and tired of AI-everything

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 18:41

Not a fan of AI? Tired of every app and device adding some sort of AI functionality?

Then Firefox has some good news for you. The popular web browser, which is run by the non-profit-owned tech company Mozilla, has just rolled out a new update that comes with an AI killswitch.

That's right. With the toggle of a simple setting in the Firefox web browser, users can remove any and all AI integrations or features built into the app.

To turn off AI features in Firefox, simply download the latest update, Firefox 148, which was just released today. Once Firefox is updated, go to Settings and then AI Controls. On the AI Controls menu, click the toggle on "Block AI Enhancements." This turns off all AI features in Firefox, including ChatGPT and other chatbots that are normally in the sidebar, AI-powered link reviews, and smart tab group suggestions, just to name a few. 

Look for the "AI kill switch" in the Settings menu. Credit: Mozilla

Previously, Mozilla kept Firefox away from AI features for the most part, until this last December, when the organization's new CEO, Anthony Enzor-DeMeo, announced the inevitable: AI was coming to Firefox.

The blowback from Firefox's user base was intense enough that Mozilla later announced its intention to create an "AI off-switch" that would give users full control over whether to use AI features in the web browser or have them removed completely.

And after today's update, it appears Mozilla has followed through on its promise to offer an AI-free version of its web browser.

Ajit Varma, Head of Firefox, spoke to Mashable about the news when the product was first announced, framing it as an issue of user choice.

"At a time when much of the industry is moving toward closed, AI-driven ecosystems, we’re taking a different path, one that puts people, not platforms, in charge," Varma said in an email statement. "We’ve heard clearly from our users: some who don’t want AI, while others want the ability to decide exactly how and when it shows up in their browser. AI controls are how we deliver on that commitment."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a free $20 gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 18:13

FREE $20 GIFT CARD: As of Feb. 26, pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 from Amazon and you'll get a free $20 gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 (2026) $179.99 at Amazon
+ free $20 Amazon gift card Pre-order Here

Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2026 delivered new phones, re-designed earbuds, and brave new features that could inspire a lot of shoppers to make the switch to Android. Of course, there are also a number of new deals to consider in the wake of this huge event, and Amazon is very much in the mix.

If you choose to pre-order the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 from Amazon, you'll get a free $20 Amazon gift card. The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 are listed for $179.99 on Amazon. The gift card offer is valid until March 10, the day before the release of these new earbuds. If you were already lining up these brand-new earbuds, why wouldn't you make the most of this free credit?

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!

The Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 offer five hours of battery life per charge and six with ANC off. They feature 11mm dynamic speakers, 360-degree audio, adaptive equalizers and noise control, adaptive ANC, three digital microphones, and IP54 water- and sweat-resistance. They also work seamlessly with the Galaxy S26 Series to give you AI assistance, completely hands-free. Get quick answers and real-time translations delivered directly to your ears.

Score a free $20 gift card with preorders of the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 from Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases: Where to get fun ones right now

Mashable - Thu, 02/26/2026 - 18:02

A new generation of Samsung Galaxy is here. The Samsung Galaxy S26 made its debut during Samsung Unpacked on Wednesday, Feb. 25, and preorders start today ahead of its March 11 release.

While there are very few differences between the new S26 Samsung Galaxy phones and previous generations, there are some noteworthy changes.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra vs S25 Ultra: Comparing price, specs, and features

Now, Samsung has combined its AI photo and video studio into the Creative Studio. What's creating the bigger buzz is the inclusion of a new Privacy Display. The new feature means that you can only view the screen head-on, meaning passersby can't catch a glimpse of your texts or any other very important business you're up to.

Physically, the Samsung Galaxy S26 will look similar to the S25 line-up, but it will have a more prominent camera bump. For those upgrading, this means one certainty — you'll need a new phone case.

Luckily, new cases are already available for the Samsung Galaxy S26. They're available to shop now, so by the time your new Samsung Galaxy S26 arrives, your case will be there too.

Samsung

Of course, Samsung is one of the first to outfit its new phones. Along with the Samsung Galaxy S26 preorder drop is a collection of new phone cases. Samsung launched a clear magnetic casean ultra slim case, a silicone magnetic case, and a rugged case, all available to fit S26 phones, including the S26+ and S26 Ultra. According to Samsung's website, these cases will ship before the phones and arrive by March 6.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases   Shop Now Casetify

If you want your phone case to have some real personality, Casetify is always the answer. With thousands of options to choose from, your new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone can be delightfully unique to you. Casetify is particularly good at spotting the trends with bowcore, chrome, and floral prints available. Samsung Galaxy S26 cases from Casetify start at $64.

Opens in a new window Credit: Casetify Casetify Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases $64 at Casetify
  Shop Now Belkin

Belkin launched two new phone cases for the new Samsung Galaxy phones, which includes the S26, S26+, and S26 Ultra. The SheerForce Clear series case has a translucent design and is made to prevent yellowing — a common curse of clear cases. If you prefer a solid case, the SheerForce collection also includes the Protect series, which comes in three colors: black, lavender, and navy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Belkin Belkin Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $49.99 at Belkin
  Shop Now ESR

ESR has already launched its Samsung Galaxy S26 cases, with a new clear case. There's a model available for every size of the S26, including the S26+ and S26 Ultra. The thin, clear case features military-grade drop protection and magnetic charging compatibility. Around the camera is a built-in phone stand so you can watch horizontal video anywhere.

Opens in a new window Credit: ESR ESR Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $35.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Burga

A case is more than just crucial protections; it's also a way to show personality. Burga makes cases with chic and trendy prints, including polka dots, stripes, ombre, and motivational messages. Before Samsung Unpacked even launched, Burga had Samsung Galaxy S26 cases available, which you can start shopping for now. Plus, they're running a deal, and when you buy four cases, you only pay for two.

Opens in a new window Credit: Burga Burga Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases Buy four phone cases at Burga and pay for just two. Get Deal Careborne

An extremely thin phone case doesn't mean a flimsy phone case. CaseBorne's Thinborne cases are made from Aerospace-grade aramid fiber, which is extremely thin and durable. It's meant to show off your phone rather than distract it with a flashy design. Caseborne's Galaxy S26 case is already live and will arrive by Monday, March 2, a full nine days before the S26 is released.

Opens in a new window Credit: CaseBorne CaseBorn Thinborn Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Spidercase

For a slim but extremely functional case, look to the Spidercase, which comes in transparent designs so you can actually see your phone. It's a thin case that's shockproof without being bulky. Plus, it comes with a built-in stand and MagSafe compatibility. The Spidercase is available to shop on Amazon and will ship out on Monday, March 2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Spidercase Spidercase Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $17.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Snakehive

Looking for a leather case? Snakehive is joining the crowd of new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases. The brand's leather case has a slim profile and comes in four different shades: rich tan, jet black, hunter green, and oxford blue. Despite the leather material, it's still MagSafe-friendly for all your wireless charging needs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Snakehive Snakehive Samsung Galaxy S26 Phone Case $39.99
  Shop Now Pitaka

Pitaka joins the crowd of aramid fiber phone cases. The woven design makes it extremely durable without being too thick. Pitaka's case for the Samsung Galaxy S26 is already live, available in two colors: black and moonrise. It has a raised camera edge to protect the lens and is MagSafe-friendly.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pitaka Pitaka Moonrise Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now Exoticase

A protective but minimalist phone case for the new Samsung Galaxy S26 phone comes from Exoticase. The design of the case is simple with a matte, transparent backing paired with an accent color like soothing green or flashy red. The case has protection in mind with raised edges around the camera and screen edges to protect against drops and falls.

Opens in a new window Credit: Exoticase Exoticase Samsung Galaxy S26 phone case $24.95 at Exoticase
  Get Deal UAG

In need of a heavy-duty case? UAG, Urban Armor Gear, launched cases fit for the new Samsung Galaxy 26 phones. The collection includes a basic, clear optiona dotted pattern, and a rugged model for heavy-duty adventures.

Opens in a new window Credit: UAG UAG Samsung Galaxy S26 phone cases   Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker