Technology

Pokémon TCG: Perfect Order Booster Box preorders are $211 at TCGplayer — save vs. Walmart

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:23

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Box is down to $211.27 at TCGplayer, undercutting Walmart’s $229.95 listing and landing close to the current market value.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Box   Shop Now

If you’re a Pokémon TCG collector who’s been after the best preorder price on the Perfect Order expansion, TCGplayer is currently giving you the lowest cost per pack. As of Feb. 25, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Box is available for $211.27 at TCGplayer, beating Walmart’s current $229.95 preorder listing. This is ahead of the Perfect Order expansion’s official launch on March 27.

According to TCGplayer’s own pricing data, the market price for an unopened box is hovering around $201.28. Considering how popular we expect this expansion to be and uncertain availability, only being $10 above market price is a great deal. Getting anything close to market value is always a win with trading card games like Pokémon.

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Centered around Mega Zygarde ex and the other Mega Evolutions introduced in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game, Perfect Order also features Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Meowth ex. Each booster box includes 36 packs, with every pack containing 10 cards, one Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card

In a market where modern Pokémon TCG expansions usually cost around $10-15 for individual boosters, TCGplayer’s preorders for the Perfect Order Booster stand out because — when those 36 booster packs in each box are taken into account — you’re only paying the equivalent of $5.86 per pack. 

Walmart’s $229.95 preorder price is still a good deal, making it so you’re paying $7.66 per pack. If TCGplayer runs out of stock, we still recommend going to Walmart as a backup, as the prices will likely jump at launch. 

If you’re still hunting the ETBs of the latest expansion, Amazon still has Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes in stock for $119.99. At Walmart, you can grab a Pokémon TCG Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle for $51.98 — equal to $8.66 per pack. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:16

TL;DR: Live stream Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second round of Super 8 fixtures from the 2026 T20 World Cup showcases some really interesting matchups, including Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand.

Neither side could register a win in their opening fixtures, but in fairness to New Zealand, they're match with Pakistan was abandoned due to rain. Sri Lanka were beaten by an impressive England, a team that has now won two from two games in this stage.

This all-important clash could decide whether or not these teams progress to the semi-final stage. A defeat for hosts Sri Lanka will guarantee their exit. It's win or bust at this point.

If you want to watch Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand?

Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 25. This game takes place at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

How to watch Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand for free

Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Sri Lanka vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • 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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tom Cruise's most misunderstood action movie has a new streaming home on Netflix

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:15

Whenever a movie starring Tom Cruise arrives on streaming, it's an exciting development, especially if it involves Ethan Hunt and the IMF. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning is now available to watch on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skip the $83K sticker: this Infiniti V8 SUV is a steal under $50K

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 14:00

The ability to accommodate up to seven, plenty of cargo space, especially with the third row folded, tons of creature comforts, and a more commanding view of the road to really take advantage of that powerful engine. Driving a large luxury SUV has a number of benefits like this, and a gently used Infinit QX80 offers all of them without runaway maintenance costs and a max towing capacity of 8,500 lbs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everything to expect at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked: New phones, more AI features

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:32

Samsung’s next Galaxy Unpacked is almost here, and if the leaks are to be believed, the Galaxy S26 series won’t just be a routine refresh. Between hardware tweaks, a redesigned One UI, upgraded earbuds, and a heavier AI push, there’s a lot on deck.

Here’s everything to expect ahead of Galaxy Unpacked 2026 on Feb. 25 at 1 p.m. ET. We'll be covering the event live, and you can watch along with Mashable and our colleagues at CNET during the show.

Galaxy S26 lineup: Base, Plus, Ultra — and maybe more?

Despite earlier rumors of a shakeup, Samsung is now expected to stick with a familiar trio: Galaxy S26, S26 Plus, and S26 Ultra. Reports that the base model would be rebranded as "Pro" and that the Plus would be scrapped appear to have fizzled, with coverage citing a return to the traditional naming scheme.

Leaker Evan Blass recently posted the potential color options on X, including:

  • Black

  • White

  • Silver Shadow

  • Sky Blue

  • Cobalt Violet

  • Pink Gold

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Galaxy S26 is almost here: Possible specs, colors, and release date

As for specs, the S26 series is rumored to run on Qualcomm’s latest Snapdragon 8 Elite chip, with some regions potentially getting an Exynos variant. RAM could jump to 16GB across models, and the battery is where things may get more interesting. The S26 Ultra is rumored to feature a 5,500mAh stacked battery, a 10 percent increase over its predecessor.

Camera rumors are mixed. The Ultra could retain a 200MP main sensor (possibly upgraded), while base and Plus models may once again stick with a 50MP + 12MP + 10MP triple-lens setup.

As for the previously rumored S26 Edge? Its fate remains unclear, with reports suggesting it could be delayed or quietly scrapped.

The Galaxy S26 has been leaking like a faucet Credit: Screenshot courtesy of YouTube / Sahil Karoul

If you just can't wait a day, the tech YouTuber Sahil Karoul appears to have secured the Galaxy S26 Ultra in Dubai ahead of its official debut, as we reported earlier today. So, if you want an early potential look at the phone, check out the full video. The rumored Galaxy Buds 4 have also been the subject of a steady drip of leaks lately (more on this shortly).

Galaxy AI features

If there’s one throughline heading into Galaxy Unpacked, it’s AI. Reports suggest Samsung is expanding Galaxy AI in a big way, potentially including an AI-powered notifications summary tool that condenses 24 hours of alerts into a quick digest using its Gauss model.

There are also rumors of deeper third-party integrations, including a possible deal to preload Perplexity on the S26, which could reshape how Samsung’s browser and virtual assistant handle search.

SEE ALSO: Samsung teases new AI image editor for upcoming Galaxy S26 phones

On the creative side, upgraded Photo Assist tools and generative image features will allow users to edit and create visuals more seamlessly, all within a more unified AI editing experience. (The new AI photo features were recently confirmed by Samsung.) Whether that translates to genuinely smarter software or just more AI branding will become clearer once Unpacked kicks off.

Privacy Display and One UI 8.5

The S26 lineup is expected to debut with One UI 8.5, which Mashable previously reported will introduce a significant visual refresh and new features.

One of the most talked-about additions is "Privacy Display," a built-in screen mode that mimics a frosted screen protector to block shoulder surfers. There are also rumors of more transparent UI elements inspired by Apple’s Liquid Glass aesthetic. In January, leaker Ice Universe posted an old video showing a version of Privacy Display on a prototype device.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SEE ALSO: See Samsung Galaxy S26's Privacy Display feature in action

On the AI front, Tom’s Guide reports that One UI 8.5 may introduce an AI-powered notifications summary tool using Samsung’s Gauss AI model.

The feature would reportedly condense 24 hours of alerts into a digestible overview and support multiple languages at launch.

Galaxy Buds 4

Samsung is also expected to unveil the Galaxy Buds 4 series alongside the S26 phones.

According to Android Authority, the Galaxy Buds 4 Pro could support head gestures, allowing users to nod or shake their head to answer calls or dismiss notifications. The earbuds may also double as a remote shutter for the camera app — pinch and hold to snap a photo.

Another rumored addition: a "Find My Phone" feature triggered by double-tapping the pairing button on the case.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Ubuntu is bad for Linux desktops—but excellent for Linux laptops

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:30

Are you tired of people recommending Ubuntu when it never quite feels right on your desktop? Well, the problem might not be Ubuntu—it might be your hardware. Here’s why Ubuntu can be an excellent distro for laptops, but not ideal for desktop users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet has dropped below $50 at Amazon — save $12

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:20

SAVE OVER $10: As of Feb. 25, the Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet (10280) is marked down to $47.99 at Amazon. This 20% discount saves you $12 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet Building Set (10280) $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal

The Lego Botanicals collection is full of lovely arrangements to have on display. With spring on the horizon, it's a great time to grab some bright bouquets to remind you of the sunny days to come. If the Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet (10280) has caught your eye, the good news is it's currently on sale at Amazon.

As of Feb. 25, the colorful Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet has dropped to $47.99 at Amazon. Normally it comes with a price tag of $59.99, so this deal allows you to save $12 overall. If you've been looking for a fun variety of flowers to have in your home, this set certainly looks like a delightful display to piece together.

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In total, the Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet comes with 756 pieces that create a nice mix of flowers in your bouquet: roses, snapdragons, poppies, asters, daisies, and grasses. They even come with 15 stems that range in length, so you can display the flowers exactly how you'd like them once placed in a vase. It's worth keeping in mind that it's a set aimed towards adults.

Bring spring home a little early — and save some cash in the process — with this great deal on the Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet (10280) at Amazon.

The beauty of the Lego Botanicals collection is that some sets can even be combined to create bigger bouquets. If you're curious to find more flowers to add to the Lego Botanicals Flower Bouquet, check out our roundup of best new floral Lego sets.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stephen Colbert gives his verdict on Trumps State of the Union 2026

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:17

Donald Trump's one hour 47 minute State of the Union has proven unsurprisingly unpopular with the late night hosts.

In the monologue above, Stephen Colbert gives his live reaction to the address, from the U.S. president rambling about food prices to rambling about the upcoming World Cup and Summer Olympics ("Is he just doing this year's community calendar for all of America?" asks Colbert).

Ultimately, the host has a fairly grim summary of Trump's address. "It was a dark speech," says Colbert, "filled with divisive lies, and it's unlikely to win him much support with the voters who've grown disenchanted with the chaos and dysfunction of his second administration."

Elsewhere, Jimmy Kimmel had a similarly damning response.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 ways your 3D printer is lying to you

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 13:00

Using a 3D printer can be misleading at times. While we’re closer than ever to the “plug-and-print” future, we still can’t completely trust these machines and the software they rely on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Pokemon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle for the best price at Walmart — save vs. Amazon and TCGplayer

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:53

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle is now down to $51.98 at Walmart, undercutting Amazon’s $55.47 price and recent TCGplayer listings.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle $51.98 at Walmart
  Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG market doesn’t stay calm for long, especially when sealed Mega Evolution products are involved. Walmart is offering one of the best prices we’ve seen on a key booster bundle in the Mega Evolution set ahead of Pokémon Day 2026

As of Feb. 25, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle is available for $51.98 at Walmart — beating Amazon’s current $55.47 listing and undercutting all TCGplayer options once shipping is factored in. While checking TCGplayer, we have confirmed Walmart’s new price puts the Phantasmal Flames Booster Bundle only $2.73 above market price at the time of writing.

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Each Booster Bundle includes six Phantasmal Flames booster packs, each containing 10 trading cards, one Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. Altogether, that’s 60 cards to expand your deck or chase standout hits.

The Phantasmal Flames expansion leans hard into fiery, high-impact Mega Evolutions that also make for valuable chase cards — like Mega Charizard X ex, Dawn, Mega Sharpedo ex, and Mega Lopunny ex

For more savings on the Mega Evolution set, you can still buy the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution ETB for just under $95 at Amazon. Ahead of the franchise’s 30th anniversary, the Pokémon TCG: Pokémon Day 2026 Collection is still in stock for under $40 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score AirPods 4 (without ANC) for under $100 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:48

SAVE $30: As of Feb. 25, the AirPods 4 (without ANC) are on sale for $99 at Amazon. This 23% discount saves you $30 on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 Wireless Earbuds $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal

Most Presidents' Day deals at Amazon have come to an end by now, but the AirPods 4 (without ANC) are still hanging on at their excellent deal price of $99. If you've had your eye on these Apple earbuds, the good news is there's still time to pick them up at this sale price.

Considering these AirPods 4 models are usually listed for $129, this is a great opportunity to save $30 on a pair. There's no telling how much longer this deal will last, so it's worth making a move on them now before they jump back up.

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Unlike their pricier siblings, these AirPods 4 don't come with noise-canceling features, but they still boast great sound quality for listening to music, audiobooks, or podcasts. They even feature Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking, which makes the sound feel as if its coming from all around you, rather than just the little speakers in your ears. On top of that, you can push their battery life to up to 30 hours when you're using the charging case, which makes them perfect for taking on long commutes or while traveling.

If you're hoping to use these AirPods 4 when working out, it's also worth mentioning that they're dust, sweat, and water resistant with an IP54 rating. Rain or shine, these earbuds are built to handle it.

If you've had your eye on the AirPods 4 (without ANC), now is the time to scoop them up for under $100 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 reasons I can no longer use Linux as my daily driver

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:30

After a decade of using Linux, it has now been two years since the last time I loaded up a distro to get work done—and it's becoming increasingly hard for me to see myself going back. The computers I use and the way I use them has changed, and Linux just isn't suited for my new computing world.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Today only, Best Buy has slashed $300 off the Samsung 85-inch Class Q8F QLED 4K TV

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:22

SAVE $300: As of Feb. 25, Best Buy has dropped the price of the Samsung 85-inch Class Q8F QLED 4K TV from $1,699.99 to $1,399.99 as its Deal of the Day, This deals saves you $300 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 85-Inch Class Q8F Series QLED 4K UHD SamsungVision AI Smart Tizen TV (2025) $1,399.99 at Best Buy
$1,699.99 Save $300   Get Deal

For those hoping to make the jump to a bigger TV this year, Best Buy's Deal of the Day has a sweet treat available at the moment. As of Feb. 25, the retailer is offering a great deal on the huge Samsung 85-inch Class Q8F QLED 4K TV, dropping its price from $1,699.99 to $1,399.99.

Overall, this deal saves you $300, but it's important to remember it only lasts through the rest of today. If it's a model that's been on your radar, or you think the size is a perfect upgrade over what you already have, you'll want to act fast to take advantage of this deal.

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The gigantic 85-inch screen size is just one of many exciting elements in this Samsung TV. It also boasts excellent picture quality thanks to its 4K QLED display, allowing you to watch what's on screen with incredible colors, contrast, and sharp clarity. Gamers can enjoy smooth performance on this TV as well, as it supports VRR games at up to 4K at 144Hz. And since it's a smart TV, you can easily access all of your favorite shows and films on streaming.

The timer has started ticking down on this deal. Be quick to save on the Samsung 85-inch Class Q8F QLED 4K TV at Best Buy.

If you're searching for a slightly smaller screen for your home, it's worth checking out this deal on the Samsung 55-inch S90F OLED 4K TV.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Homey Pro Mini review: A local and private smart home system that anyone can use

How-To Geek - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 12:00

The Homey Pro Mini is a more affordable, miniature version of the $400 Homey Pro. At half the price, while still being performant and easy to use, the Homey Pro Mini is one of the easiest smart home hubs to recommend to anyone looking to start or upgrade their smart home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Nothing Phone 4a will be available in pink, and we have pictures and a video

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:47

Nothing just can't stop leaking more details about its upcoming Nothing Phone 4a ahead of time.

So far, we've seen the phone, which is scheduled for a full reveal on March 5, in Nothing's standard black-and-white, semi-transparent color.

Now, the company unveiled the phone in a somewhat surprising color for the brand – pink.

It's still a Nothing phone, meaning the pink is very subtle, and the phone still has Nothing's trademark semi-transparent look.

SEE ALSO: Nothing shows us the Nothing Phone 4a ahead of time

Lucy Birley, Colour Material Finish Design Lead at Nothing, has a fun explanation for the phone's look. "Pink is actually just desaturated red (...) when we put the tint inside the transparency, because of how the light interacts with the resin underneath you get this incredible sense of depth which makes our products look really lively," she said in a statement.

Sure, but we'll just call it pink-ish.

The company also shared a 12-minute video, giving us a very detailed look into the phone's design, including that new Glyph bar on the back.

Nothing still hasn't revealed all of the phone's specs, nor has it said anything about the (possible) more powerful variant, the Nothing Phone 4a Pro. We'll get all the details at the official reveal, which is happening on March 5, at 10:30 a.m. GMT (5:30 a.m. ET).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel has a damning response to Trumps State of the Union 2026

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:28

Donald Trump gave his State of the Union address 2026 on Tuesday, and at one hour and 47 minutes it was just as rambling as you'd expect.

In the clip above, Jimmy Kimmel recaps some of the U.S. president's main talking points before giving his own, slightly less rosy version of how things are in the country.

"Here's the real State of the Union, OK?" Kimmel says. "We have a nutjob wannabe king who's doing everything he can to censor opinions he doesn't want to hear, he has his goons arresting, incarcerating and killing American citizens, he's cut funding for cancer research at children's hospitals, while he rakes in literally billions of dollars for himself and his family; he's coming after our right to vote; he's protecting paedophiles and won't explain it; he's lining the pockets of billionaires; all while neglecting the sick, the poor, the hungry, in the name of Jesus, by the way, who you can read all about in a Donald Trump edition of the God Bless the USA bible, that is made in China and available for $99.99. That is the State of the Union."

Categories: IT General, Technology

NASAs aging crawler is about to haul 18 million pounds on its back, again

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:00

After more than five weeks of sitting on its Florida launchpad, the Artemis II rocket will head back to its hangar for some unanticipated repairs, without having launched to the moon

As long as the weather holds up, NASA is targeting 9 a.m. on Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2026, for the move to the Vehicle Assembly Building at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral. Four miles may seem like a short trip, but when billions of dollars' worth of hardware are at stake, every inch can feel like an eternity. 

At the center of the rollback is the U.S. space agency's crawler-transporter, a tank-like vehicle the size of a baseball infield that will carry the 322-foot Space Launch System, the Orion spaceship, and the mobile launcher. The crawler, built in 1965, has made the journey many times, hauling Space Shuttles and Apollo's Saturn V rockets, traversing over 2,500 miles. 

SEE ALSO: NASA is all but certain it won't fly to the moon in March for good reason

For John Giles, who leads the team of drivers, engineers, and technicians responsible for the old crawler, it's undoubtedly a nerve-racking time. Giles likens operating the crawler to steering an ocean liner in the dead of night on a transatlantic cruise. A new driver takes over every hour of the 12-hour voyage, he said, so no one gets sleepy at the helm.

"Every roll stresses me because of the amount of weight and the amount of value of what we're carrying," he told Mashable in 2022, shortly after a roll to the launchpad for Artemis I

The stacked mega moon rocket weighs some 18 million pounds. To carry the load — 50 percent heavier than it was originally designed to bear — NASA upgraded one of its two crawlers with new brakes, generators, engine parts, and bracing.

In March 2023, Guinness World Records designated that refurbished crawler, known as CT-2, as the heaviest self-powered vehicle. The crawler itself weighs 6.6 million pounds, about the same as 1,000 pickup trucks, and it runs on locomotive and large electrical power generator engines. Giles calls it the original hybrid vehicle. 

The increased load of the new rocket has taken its toll on the crawler. The treads — or as the team calls them, "shoes" — wear thin rather quickly. Technicians are having to replace two or three shoes after every roll.

NASA will broadcast the crawler's journey from pad to hangar live on its YouTube channel. Officials also will provide updates on its progress in the agency's Artemis blog

Once back in the hangar, teams will begin installing platforms to access an area of the rocket's upper stage where NASA recently discovered a helium flow problem. Helium is important for the rocket because it helps protect the engines and keeps the fuel tanks at the right pressure. A similar pattern apparently cropped up before the launch of Artemis I, which didn't carry any astronauts. 

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

It's not clear whether engineers have diagnosed the problem yet. Prior to the rollback, mission managers had said they were looking at several potential causes, including a connection point between the ground equipment and the rocket, a valve in the upper stage, and a filter in the helium line.

Artemis II is a 10-day lunar flyby, testing the new Orion spaceship with humans aboard. Four astronauts —  Commander Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Hammock Koch, and Jeremy Hansen — will be along for the ride. It's NASA's first crewed mission beyond Earth orbit since 1972. 

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The test flight sets the stage for a lunar landing during the next mission, Artemis III. The purpose of the Artemis program is to establish a long-term human presence on the moon before trying to survive on Mars.

If teams can address the problem quickly, an April launch might be possible. The opportunities for the month include April 1, April 3 through 6, and April 30. Other dates are likely available in May, but NASA hasn't made any launch window information beyond April available to the public.

While the rocket is in the Vehicle Assembly Building, teams will replace batteries, including those in the flight termination system, a mandatory safeguard that destroys the rocket if it veers off course or critically malfunctions during launch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock TikTok for free

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Bypass geo-restrictions to unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world. The best service for unblocking TikTok is ExpressVPN.

TikTok access is not guaranteed. In fact, the global social media platform is banned in many locations around the world. That's frustrating for anyone who simply wants to scroll the day away on their favorite app. Fortunately, there's a workaround that can secure your access.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock TikTok for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock TikTok for free

VPNs are powerful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location. With a VPN, you can change your digital location to somewhere that supports the use of TikTok. That means you can bypass geo-restrictions to retain access to your favourite app from anywhere in the world.

It's important to note that if the app does get banned in your location, this strategy might be against the law. Violators run the risk of being punished, so we're not suggesting you go ahead and follow these steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to TikTok

  4. Visit TikTok

  5. Use the app from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for bypassing geo-restrictions are not free, but most do offer free-trial periods or generous money-back guarantees. Using these money-back guarantees is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can temporarily unblock TikTok and then recover your investment at a later date.

If you want to retain permanent access to TikTok from an unsupported location, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for TikTok is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for TikTok?

There are a number of VPNs that can reliably unblock TikTok, but ExpressVPN is probably the best:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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

  • 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 a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock TikTok from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Here’s a simple $25 way to finally take control of PDFs

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Make file conversion a breeze with this lifetime subscription to AcePDF Converter and Editor, on sale now for just $24.97 with code SAVE5 through March 1.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acethinker AcePDF Converter & Editor: Lifetime License $24.97
$99.99 Save $75.02   Get Deal

If you hate working with PDFs, you’re definitely not alone. Fortunately, it’s 2026 and AcePDF Converter and Editor is available to help. This handy tool works on both Windows and Mac, offering a speedy way to convert all types of documents into all kinds of formats.

Right now, you can score a lifetime subscription to AcePDF Converter and Editor for just $24.97 with code SAVE5 until March 1.

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Whether you work with PDFs often, or you just want to minimize the pain when you run into them in the wild, AcePDF Converter and Editor is ready to tame them for you. This app serves as your own all-in-one tool for processing PDFs and other documents easily, leaving you with high-quality conversions that keep the original layouts, images, and hyperlinks intact.

Need to convert something from a PDF into a Word, Excel, or JPG file? Do it in just a few taps. Need to convert an Excel or PPT file into a PDF? That’s just as simple. Built-in OCR technology even allows you to extract the text from image-based PDF documents and maintain their original format.

With AcePDF, you can add, edit, and enhance content on existing PDFs easily. If you need to fill out a form from scratch, or fill a PDF with text, check boxes, shapes, and more, it’s all possible right within this software. There are also tools to help with merging, splitting, compressing, and adding watermarks. If you’re working with sensitive information, you can also encrypt and protect PDFs with passwords and then unlock them when needed.

This lifetime subscription can be used on two devices, so you can enjoy it at work and at home.

Act fast to get this lifetime subscription to AcePDF Converter and Editor for just $24.97 with code SAVE5 now through March 1.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 1TB Apple MacBook Pro is on sale for under $500

Mashable - Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: This 1TB Apple MacBook Pro can actually keep up with your data, and now it’s on sale for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through March 22.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2020 (Refurbished) $429.97
$1,999 Save $1,569.03   Get Deal

Laptops are an investment, so it’s pretty frustrating when the storage fills up quickly. If you’re looking for a laptop that can grow with you, this MacBook Pro fits the bill. It’s packed with power, speed, and 1TB of storage, and right now you can get it for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) through March 22.

We’re constantly creating more data day after day. Make sure it all has a place to go with help from this MacBook Pro. It comes with an impressive 1TB SSD, so you can keep important files right there on your device with plenty of room to grow.

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Not only will this MacBook Pro be able to keep up with your storage needs, but it can keep up with your busy life. This model is equipped with a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor that runs at 2GHz and can turbo boost to 3.8GHz. You’ll also have an impressive 10-hour battery on a full charge.

The 13.3-inch screen features a native resolution of 2560×1600, so you’ll see everything in vibrant colors. It also includes Apple’s True Tone Technology, which adjusts to your lighting conditions to help reduce eye strain.

This MacBook Pro model includes unique Apple features, such as the Touch Bar, which puts shortcuts conveniently at the top of your keyboard. Speaking of typing, you’ll be doing so comfortably on the Apple Magic Keyboard. Touch ID also gives you peace of mind by keeping your device safe.

You’re saving over $1,500 on this MacBook Pro due to its grade A refurbished status. That means it will arrive in near-mint condition, while you score a massive discount.

Get a 1TB Apple MacBook Pro for just $429.97 (reg. $1,999) now through March 22, while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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