Technology

Stop using your old router if it does any of these things

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 19:00

Routers are among those pieces of tech that hardly ever go up in flames and completely stop working. At least, it's never happened to me before, although I've dealt with my share of various router issues.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina online for free

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has started with a number of really interesting matchups from the first round of group-stage games, and they keep coming in the second round. Every team is tied on a single point in Group B, so Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina takes on greater significance.

If you want to watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina?

Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on June 18. This fixture takes place at the Los Angeles Stadium.

How to watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina for free

Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Watch Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina (plus more World Cup fixtures) before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the FIFA World Cup between June 10 and July 11. Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Switzerland vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day is almost here: We found 50+ early deals already live on Apple, Sony, and Lego favorites

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:59
Best Amazon Prime Day deals: Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (Save $30) Get Deal Best headphone deal Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon (Save $85.99) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best speaker deal Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon (Save $100) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Bluetti Elite 30 V2 Portable Power Station 600W $219 at Amazon (Save $70) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,397.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best home and kitchen deal Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 (Save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 (Save $26.50) Get Deal Best Deal To Watch Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon Learn More

Whether you use sales to stock up on household essentials like dish soap or as a time to splurge on big items like a new 65-inch TV, the time is nigh because Prime Day 2026 is coming. If you're eager to start saving, we found all of the best early Prime Day deals, including a classic $99 AirPods deal.

Prime Day usually takes place in July, but this year, Amazon decided to shake things up and run the sale in June. So, if you haven't already heard the news (or seen the many TV commercials), Amazon Prime Day 2026 runs from June 23 to 26. The timing may have changed, but we're still expecting the same great savings on products from Apple, Sony, Dyson, Bose, Ninja, and Samsung.

Mashable shopping experts will be closely monitoring the latest discounts and collecting all of the best Prime Day deals into this shopping guide, so keep checking back for new deals. We're also tracking prices at competing sales from Best Buy, Target, Walmart, and beyond, and we'll make sure we're always pointing you to the lowest possible price.

Deals marked with a ✅ are Mashable editor favorites. Deals marked with a strikethrough are no longer available.

Best early Prime Day Apple deal Apple AirPods 4 ✅ $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy

Leading up to Prime Day, we're obviously hunting for the best Apple deals. A major AirPods deal just dropped, and it's a famous one. That's right — $99 AirPods are back at Amazon, where you can save $30 on the newest AirPods 4 earbuds.

Fair warning: We have seen these AirPods drop even lower in price (though, not since 2025), but we think a further price drop is unlikely given the wave of price increases we've seen in the tech world lately.

Apple Watch dealsAirPods dealsiPad dealsBest early Prime Day headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH720N $94 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $85.99   Get Deal

When the main event starts on June 23, we expect some of the best Prime Day deals of 2026 to include our favorite flagship headphones, such as the Sony 1000XM6 and the Bose QuietComfort Ultra. But leading up to it, those big brands still have lots of savings to give. Right now, the best deal on headphones is on the Sony WH-CH720N, an affordable pair of over-ear noise-cancelling headphones. Normally $179.99, the WH-CH720N just dropped under $100 ahead of Prime Day. Snag them now for as low as $94 and save $85.99.

More headphone dealsMore earbud dealsBest early Prime Day Amazon device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $44.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $35.00   Get Deal

Echo prices dropped in the week leading up to Prime Day. The latest Echo devices, the Echo Dot Max and Echo Studio, both hit new, all-time low prices. But the biggest discount is on the Amazon Echo Spot, the smart alarm clock. This tiny speaker sits compactly on nightstands but provides everything you need to start your morning, including a weather report and tunes to get you out of bed.

Ahead of Prime Day, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $44.99. That saves you $35 off its $79.99 price tag for a 44% discount.

More Echo dealsBest Prime Day Kindle deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $106.97 at Amazon
$161.97 Save $55   Get Deal

We're eagerly waiting for the best Prime Day Kindle deals. And having covered Prime Day for a long time, we know that Amazon always offers Kindle bundle deals in the weeks before a big sale. So, while we wait for our favorite Amazon e-readers to go on sale, this is your chance to score a discounted bundle, which comes with a Kindle, a cover, and a power adapter.

Kindle deals to watch:Best early Prime Day speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Era 300 $379 at Amazon
$479 Save $100   Get Deal

Whether you're hosting summer movie nights or dinner parties, if you want to upgrade your home's audio, early Prime Day deals are coming in clutch. The advanced Sonos Era 300 is equipped with Dolby Atmos and powered by six drivers for surround sound. Right now, grab it for just $379, saving you $100 off its $479 price tag.

More speaker dealsBest early Prime Day power station deals Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $219 at Amazon
$299 Save $80   Get Deal

Ready for summer adventures? If you're gearing up to pack the car and head into nature, don't forget to invest in a portable power station to keep your campsite powered. Plus, it can serve as an at-home power backup in an emergency.

Prime Day and Black Friday are the best times of year to buy these popular devices, and you can often find savings of 50% or more on Mashable-tested brands like Anker, Jackery, and Bluetti. If you're looking to buy your first-ever power station, an affordable new model from Bluetti is on sale ahead of Prime Day.

More portable power station dealsBest early Prime Day TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV $1,297.99 at Amazon
$1,697.99 Save $400   Get Deal

Getting ready for the World Cup? If you want to watch every heart-racing moment in 4K and your TV isn't up to par, then look for Prime Day deals on award-winning OLED and Micro RGB TVs. Case in point: the Samsung 65-inch S90F OLED 4K Smart TV, on sale now. Normally $1,697.99, it's down to $1,397.99, saving you $300. That also means it's just $100 away from its lowest price ever. It's an exceptionally crisp TV with deep contrast and built-in AI.

More TV dealsBest early Prime Day vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal

Mashable in-house vacuum expert Leah Stodart named the Eufy C28 Robot Vacuum and Mop the best affordable vacuum-and-mop combo. Despite its budget price, Stodart says it's the most heavy-duty robot mop you'll find, and delivers spotless cleans. Ahead of Prime Day, get the Eufy C28 for just $499.99. That's the vacuum's lowest price ever, and provides $300 in savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsUpholstery cleaner dealsBest early Prime Day home and kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cuisinart Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer $59.95 at Amazon
$89.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Here's a summer hack to keep your house cool: Don't turn on the oven. That doesn't mean only eating cold salads all summer. What you really need is an air fryer. My air fryer has saved me countless times in the summer, letting me cook dinner without breaking a sweat. Ahead of Prime Day, grab the Cuisinart 2.6-Quart Air Fryer for just $59.95 and save $30.

More home dealsMore kitchen dealsBest early Prime Day Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Classic Large Creative Brick Box $33.49 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $26.50   Get Deal

While novelty Lego sets are fun, there's something special about a set that gives you full creative control. The Lego Classic Large Brick Box has 790 pieces to build the neighborhood of your dreams. Just in time for summer break when kiddos need some entertainment, this box set is on sale for 44% off. Grab it now for under $30 ahead of Prime Day.

More Lego deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

New York Knicks Parade: Live updates from the championship celebration that swept the internet

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:43

The New York Knicks are NBA champions, and New York City is about to celebrate something generations of fans have waited their entire lives to see.

More than 1 million fans, according to early estimates from the NYPD, are expected to flood Lower Manhattan today for the Knicks' championship parade, marking the franchise's first title since 1973 and its first-ever ticker-tape parade through the city's historic Canyon of Heroes. Mashable will be in the middle of the action, tracking the biggest moments from the crowd and documenting the celebrity sightings, emotional fans, Mitchell Robinson's tricked-out custom truck, and whatever chaotic moments the internet inevitably latches onto from Battery Park to City Hall.

Will celebrity superfans Timothée Chalamet and Spike Lee end up riding with the team? Will Mikal Bridges' dog Sonny make an appearance? Will Alicia Keys perform "Empire State of Mind" for the city that spent the past week treating it like the official soundtrack of the NBA Finals? Will actor, director, and Knicks fan Ben Stiller be capturing footage for his upcoming HBO documentary on the Knicks with A24? And can Fat Joe really pull off a parade float reportedly packed with New York hip-hop royalty? We can't wait to find out.

Follow along as New York throws the biggest block party it's seen in decades.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I switched from Kindle to Kobo, but Amazon nailed one thing Kobo completely missed

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:30

I used a Kindle Paperwhite for over six years, but I never liked Amazon’s proprietary services and restrictions. Recently, I acquired a Kobo eReader—and I’m very happy with it—but there’s one thing the Kindle weirdly does better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day shopping hacks: How to score the best deals

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:30

Prime Day is no longer a single-day sales event at Amazon; it's a full-blown online shopping extravaganza. In 2026, Prime Day is not only four days long, but has also shifted to an earlier summer time slot. The official sale runs from June 23 through 26, but of course, deals have been popping up for weeks in the lead-up to the event.

BTW, Amazon isn't the only one with a sale at the end of June, either. The hype of Prime Day has inspired competing sales from other major retailers, including Walmart's Summer Deals event, Target Circle Deal Days, and Best Buy's Tech Fest. Needless to say, shopping this season can be pretty overwhelming.

SEE ALSO: 50+ Prime Day deals to shop now

With an overall hunger for savings amidst inflation-concerned customers, deal shopping is of more interest than ever. And lucky for you, Mashable's shopping team knows a thing or two about finding the best deals. We've got you covered with all the shopping hacks and tips you should know for securing the best deals on Prime Day 2026 and beyond. You'll be shopping like a well-oiled machine in no time.

1. Plan your shopping wisely

It should go without saying, but going into any shopping event without some sort of game plan is risky as hell. It's also a quick ticket to buyer's remorse.

Unlike Black Friday, when it's common to have a list of gifts you're looking for, Prime Day can be a tempting day to splurge on stuff you don't actually need. With a bunch of sparkly discounts at your fingertips, it's easy to get click-happy. Setting a budget for yourself can go a long way in preventing overspending. TL;DR: Just because something is on sale doesn't mean you have to buy it. We recommend building out a list of things you actually want or need in the days leading up to the sale and abiding by it (and your budget) religiously.

2. Organize your wishlist

Do yourself a favor and get your wishlist in order before you jump into Prime Day shopping. It's our favorite Black Friday hack, but the same tip applies to Amazon's shopping holiday.

Every product page on the retail giant's website has an "add to list" button. Do this with all of the things (tech, everyday household supplies, books, kitchen gear, etc.) on your shopping list this season to organize everything, view it all at a glance, and even rank items based on priority. You'll be able to see which products have gone on sale and seamlessly scoop them up before they're gone.

3. Download the Amazon app (and any competitors you want to shop)

Shopping from your phone? It'd be smart to download the Amazon mobile app if you haven't already. Beyond just making it easier to shop on the go, the app gives you access to exclusive app-only perks like wishlist alerts, personalized suggestions, and more. You'll even be able to see deals on recent items you've searched.

I also recommend downloading the apps of any competitors you want to shop — Walmart, Target, Best Buy — so you can compare prices in real time, no matter where you are.

4. Use Alexa for Shopping as your personal shopping expert

Amazon has put a lot of effort into its Alexa for Shopping feature, so don't be afraid to utilize it. Available on the app, website, and Echo Show devices, Alexa for Shopping combines two of Amazon's secret weapons, Rufus and Alexa+, to create a personalized AI assistant for your shopping needs. You can ask Alexa for Shopping questions directly in the main search bar, create personalized shopping guides for big purchases, get insight on products and categories in search results, generate product comparisons if you're having a tough time deciding, and even view up to a full year of price history for specific items. You can also automate deal-finding, cart-building, and routine purchases if you desire.

If you have a newer Echo smart speaker, you can also turn on the exclusive advanced deal alerts feature (you'll find it under More > Settings > Notifications > Amazon Shopping) for deal recommendations and shopping recommendations. If you already made a wishlist, you'll get a pop-up alert or a yellow ring light on your Echo speaker whenever Alexa finds out about an upcoming deal on one of the items on your list. Alexa will even let you know if an item on your wishlist is going on sale up to 24 hours before the sale goes live, so you can plan accordingly.

5. Compare prices and check CamelCamelCamel like it's your job

So technically, it actually is our job to find the best deals, but we'll let you in on a little secret. When shopping for deals at Amazon, we always reference CamelCamelCamel to see the historical data on the sale prices for a particular item. At a glance, it allows you to see just how good that deal is (or isn't). Even if you're shopping elsewhere, you can get an idea of a product's price history before purchasing. The creator of CamelCamelCamel also released a Walmart price tracking tool.

As I mentioned above, Alexa for Shopping also offers a full year of price history for specific items if you ask. If a deal seems too good to be true, that's usually because it is.

6. Bookmark Mashable's Prime Day hub

Mashable's Prime Day page is the hub for pretty much every deal you need to know about, with links to all of our coverage, like a massive master list of the best Prime Day 2026 deals, plus spotlights on standout deals, competitor sales at Walmart, Best Buy, and Target, as well as by categories like TVs, robot vacuums, streaming services, or headphones. This will save you from wasting time trying to skim websites on your own and getting overwhelmed. Literally, our job is to make your life easier.

We'll be updating all of these lists regularly before, during, and after the Prime Day shenanigans, so check back for all the latest and greatest deals that drop.

7. Sign up for Mashable Deals emails

If you don't want to be glued to your screen, but still want to stay in the loop and score the best deals, we've got you covered. In the days leading up to and surrounding Prime Day, our regular newsletters will be filled with discounts you may want to hop on. Head over to our newsletters page and tick the box for the Mashable Deals emails. You'll be sent a quick rundown of deals we think you'll care about, like the best MacBook or Kindle deals to shop, which streaming services are on sale, or which robot vacuum is worth your money this Prime Day.

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!
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying AirPods—my favorite earbuds cost less than $25

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:15

Apple AirPods have become so ubiquitous, people use them with their Android phones and Windows PCs. There's no denying that the buds are good, but there is increasingly little reason to spend that much money if all you need are a decent pair of buds.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your DNS is configured in four places, and they're all wrong

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 18:00

Here's a fun fact that nobody tells you when you set up your home network: your laptop, your phone, your router, and even your web browser can all be using completely different DNS servers at the same time, and none of them are talking to each other about it. You might think you've got one tidy address book for the whole house, but you actually have four, and they disagree.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 3 Series EV is so popular that BMW is opening orders months early

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:43

EVs can still be huge hits even when some markets are rough. BMW is reportedly set to open pre-orders in Germany for the new 2027 i3 (aka the electric 3 Series) two months early due to strong demand.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched Windows Phone Link for this free open-source app—and I'm never going back

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:30

Sending files and texts between your phone and computer is somehow always more work than it should be. These three apps promise to make it less annoying, so I tried all three over the past few weeks to find out which one does the best job.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart+ annual memberships are half off ahead of the anti-Prime Day sale

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:28

SAVE $49: An annual Walmart+ membership is on sale for $49, down from the standard price of $98. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Walmart Walmart+ (Annual Membership) $49 at Walmart
$98 Save $49   Get Deal

We're just days away from Amazon Prime Day. This year, Amazon decided to move the sale to the end of June, which means all competing retailers did the same. We now have sales at Target, Best Buy, and Walmart on the schedule for next week. If Walmart is you go-to, check out this excellent pre-sale deal.

As of June 18, an annual Walmart+ membership is on sale for $49, marked down from the standard price of $98. That's a 50% discount that takes $49 off.

A Walmart+ membership gives you access to tons of perks when shopping. For starters, you'll get early access to Walmart's upcoming Summer Deals event to shop the best sales before they sell out. You also get free shipping and free delivery with no order minimum. Plus, you save up to $0.10 per gallon when refueling at any of the over 13,000 Walmart gas stations across the country.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best early deals to shop already

To score the discounted price on Walmart+, you'll need to be a new member or have an expired membership. Those who currently have a monthly Walmart+ membership are also eligible.

Before this deal vanishes, sign up for a year of access to Walmart+ for just $49. The benefits will be well worth the initial investment.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test e-readers, and I found 3 early Prime Day Kindle deals worth shopping now

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:02

SAVE $55: Ahead of Prime Day, score a Kindle Essentials Bundle for just $106.97 and save $55 on Amazon's e-reader, a cover, and a charger.

Best early Prime Day Kindle deals Best Kindle Deal Kindle Essentials Bundle 106.97 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Paperwhite Deal Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle $177.97 (Save $89) Get Deal Best Colorsoft Deal Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Bundle $244.97 (Save $108) Get Deal

Testing Kindles and e-readers is my job, but it's also my passion. I use my Kindle Paperwhite every day — unless I'm testing a new e-reader — and it's accompanied me on many a summer adventure. So, while I spend a lot of time convincing Mashable readers to buy my favorite e-readers, I also track the best times to buy an e-reader.

I can confidently say that the best time to buy a Kindle is during a big sale, and with Amazon Prime Day 2026 coming June 23 to 26, I expect Kindles to reach record-low prices. Amazon usually saves the best Prime Day Kindle deals until the sale officially kicks off, but Kindle bundles almost always get a discount in the days and weeks before the big event.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon Prime Day 2026

So, what early deals should you shop now? And how low will Kindle prices fall once the sale starts?

I have all the answers ahead of Prime Day, so here are the best Kindle deals to shop early, plus what prices to expect.

Best early Prime Day Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Essentials Bundle $106.97 at Amazon
$161.97 Save $55   Get Deal

If you really want a Kindle ahead of Prime Day, your best bet is the Kindle Essentials Bundle. It includes the basic Kindle, which has a list price of $109.99, but right now you can buy the Essentials Bundle for $106.97. The bundle is a great value and includes a case and power adapter, making it a $161.97 value. Ahead of Prime Day, you can enjoy $55 of savings.

Looking for a different Kindle model? There are lots of other Amazon e-reader bundles on sale ahead of Prime Day, plus tons of Prime Day book deals to watch.

Remember, early shoppers: For the best savings on Kindles, you're gonna have to wait until Prime Day kicks off on Tuesday, June 23.

More early Prime Day Kindle dealsHow much will Kindles cost during Prime Day?

Having tracked prices on Kindles for years, I have a pretty good sense of how much Amazon's e-readers cost during a sale. It's always the same dance: pre-Prime Day, Amazon offers savings on Kindle bundles, but standalone devices don't go on sale until Prime Day officially starts.

So, how much will the Kindle Paperwhite be on Prime Day? And what about Amazon's other e-readers?

We tracked the prices on the Kindle and Kindle Paperwhite over the past four sales to predict this years prices. Credit: Mashable

The Kindle Paperwhite's lowest price ever is $124.99, which the device dropped to during Black Friday, Prime Big Deals Days, and of course, last year's Prime Day. So, unless Amazon decides to give it a new all-time low price, we expect to see it drop to $124.99 on June 23.

For a more budget-friendly purchase, the basic Kindle has seen even bigger savings. The e-reader had a new, all-time low price during Black Friday 2025 when it dropped to $79.99. This Prime Day, I hope to see that $79.99 price tag again, but an $84.99 price might be more likely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 homelab tools that finally simplified my self-hosting setup (June 19 - 21)

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 17:00

Are you still logging into your homelab services one by one? This weekend, take the time to set up both Caddy and Authelia (or Tinyauth), and your homelab will be better for it. Then, when you're done with that, deploy Homebox and get organized. You'll thank yourself later.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This full-body adaptive ergonomic chair is at its lowest price for Prime Day

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:55

A good office chair should not force you to sit perfectly still in the name of comfort. The Sihoo Doro C300 Pro V2 is built around full-body adaptive support that adjusts as you move throughout the day, and right now it's reduced from $499.99 to $429.99 for Prime Day on the brand's site. Even better, How-To Geek readers get an extra 6% off with code: SIHOOHTG2, discounting the chair to its lowest-ever price of $404.20. Customers will also enjoy free shipping, a three-year warranty, and a 30-day worry-free return window.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 early Prime Day iPhone deals to get ahead of the price increase, including a free iPhone from T-Mobile

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:50
The best early Prime Day iPhone deals at a glance: Best iPhone 17 Pro deal Apple iPhone 17 Pro (256GB) Free with Experience More or Experience Beyond at T-Mobile (save $1,099.99) Get Deal Best iPhone Air deal Apple iPhone Air (256GB) $929.99 at Best Buy (save $70) Get Deal Best budget iPhone deal Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) $529.99 at Best Buy (save $70) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day kicks off earlier than ever this year. Amazon must know we're all looking for a good deal in an economy with ever-rising prices. If you're on team iPhone, those price increases aren't expected to chill out anytime soon. Tim Cook just announced iPhone price hikes are "unavoidable," citing a chip problem that doesn't seem to have a solution.

Our recommendation is to shop deals as soon as possible if you're in need of an iPhone upgrade. Amazon doesn't currently have any iPhone deals, but we're seeing some great options elsewhere, including Best Buy and T-Mobile.

Here's where to snag the best iPhone deals before the price increase. If you're shopping for other Apple devices like AirPods or a MacBook, check out the best Apple deals ahead of Prime Day.

Best iPhone 17 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17 Pro $0 at T-Mobile
$1,099.99 Save $1,099.99   Get Deal Why we like it

It doesn't get better than free. With no trade-in required, T-Mobile has an excellent deal if you're eyeing the new iPhone 17 Pro. It's free! Of course, there's a slight catch, but it's not terrible. All you need to do is sign on to a T-Mobile Experience More or Experience Beyond plan for 24 months. Over these consecutive months, T-Mobile applies a promo credit to bring the price of the phone to zill. Plus, the Cosmic Orange colorway makes a statement.

Best iPhone Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone Air (256GB) $929.99 at Best Buy
$999.99 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the iPhone Air.

For those who want slim but durable, the new iPhone Air is ideal. It's Apple's thinnest-ever iPhone at 5.6mm while having an ultralight titanium frame. Battery life measures about 27 hours and it's compatible with eSIMs if you'll be traveling soon.

Shop Best Buy ahead of Prime Day to snag the 256GB iPhone Air while it's on sale for $929.99.

Best budget iPhone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 16e (128GB) $529.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $70   Get Deal Why we like it

Your old iPhone no longer holds a charge but you're not looking to spend much to get a new model. If that's the case, consider the pre-Prime Day sale on the iPhone 16e for $529.99. You'll be getting 128GB storage, 1 6.1-inch display, and the A18 chip. While this isn't the newest model, it's only one generation behind.

More early Prime Day iPhone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

This smart home network gets better the more devices you add (and it's not Wi-Fi)

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:45

If your smart home network isn't working as well as you want it to, the last advice you might expect would be "just add more devices." However, if you're running a Zigbee network, that might just be the best advice. Your Zigbee network can get better if you add more of the right types of devices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft 365 quietly fixed one of its biggest annoyances—and most people missed it

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:30

You probably know Microsoft 365 saves your work automatically. What many people miss is that when your files are stored in OneDrive or SharePoint, AutoSave and Version History work together to create a powerful safety net—even after you've saved, closed the file, and moved on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Companion AI use is a dating dealbreaker, Match survey says

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:23

Some singles, especially young women, see dating an AI bot as a red flag, new findings suggest.

A new survey from Match Group, the dating app conglomerate that owns Tinder, Hinge, and other apps, found that 47 percent view AI in romantic contexts negatively. Two in five singles aged 18 to 39 say they'd refuse to date someone who uses an AI companion app — and that number jumps to 51 percent for women aged 18 to 24.

SEE ALSO: The big question LGBTQ daters are asking, according to Hinge

Twelve percent of 18- to 24-year-olds surveyed reported using a companion AI app in the past three months. Of those, the biggest reason why was boredom and entertainment (45 percent), followed by 43 percent for roleplay and simulation. Some, 38 percent, did use it to build a "genuine connection," and 26 percent used it to process their emotions.

Match found that when singles are using AI, it's mostly for practical tasks. Nearly 75 percent of singles aged 18 to 39 use tools like ChatGPT regularly, and 69 percent rely on it mainly for productivity.

Only 20 percent of respondents (approximately 1,000 U.S. singles aged 18 to 39 were surveyed between April 13 and May 8, 2026), use AI for personal advice. That's only two percent less than the 22 percent of singles who go to a professional therapist for this. The majority, 60 percent, go to friends, and the same amount goes to family as well.

Despite the disdain for companion apps, though, 64 percent believe AI can help them date, such as keep a conversation going (27 percent), build a strong profile (27 percent), start a conversation (26 percent), or plan a date (24 percent).

The findings are similar to what Match Group property, Hinge, found in its Nov. 2025 report that Gen Z daters use AI tools to initiate and continue conversations.

It seems that when it comes to dating humans, singles — at least young adults — don't see an issue with using AI to chat and plan for them.

Major Match Group apps like Tinder and Hinge have added more and more AI features in the past few years, with others like Bumble doing the same as well. But Bumble recently faced online backlash after announcing it's killing the swipe and likely replacing it with a more AI-driven experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 4 apps I uninstall on every Google TV

How-To Geek - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:15

Google TV (built on the Android TV platform) is an extremely popular smart TV operating system, available on a wide range of TVs from various brands. Google TV has a lot to offer, but a common problem is all the bloatware and pre-installed apps, which is why one of my first steps is to purge anything I can. So, here are some of the apps I uninstall on every Google or Android TV.

Categories: IT General, Technology

65-inch TVs on sale before Prime Day: 2026 mini LED TVs at record-low prices and free gifts

Mashable - Thu, 06/18/2026 - 16:02
A glance at the best deals on 65-inch TVs before Prime Day: Best high-end 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch Q8ML Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,799.99 at Amazon (save $700 at Amazon, plus get a free 55-inch TCL Q65 TV) Get Deal Best Amazon TV deal Amazon 65-inch Ember Artline QLED Art TV $899.99 at Amazon (save $200 at Amazon) Get Deal Best budget 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch QM64L Mini LED QLED Fire TV $529.99 at Amazon (save $270 at Amazon) Get Deal

You may have not needed a new TV during Black Friday, or even during Amazon's Spring Sale. June through August is the most popular time to move on a TV, so Prime Day is a super convenient time to buy.

If you're not sure what size TV to get, the internet will probably tell you that 65 inches is the most palatable size. That's big enough to be seen from 10 feet away, but not so massive that you'll get a headache in a close-knit living space. A 65-inch TV is also more likely to fit comfortably on the average TV stand than if you bumped up to 75 inches.

SEE ALSO: 15+ streaming services you can get for 99 cents, plus more early Prime Day streaming deals

Prime Day TV deals are typically so good that you should even be able to snag a 65-inch TV for the typical price of a smaller model. Before Prime Day 2026 officially starts on June 23, I've found more than 10 worthwhile deals on 65-inch TVs already live. Many are 2026 models that just came out in the spring, already on sale at a new record-low price.

Best 65-inch TV deal ahead of Prime Day TCL 65-inch Q8ML Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,799.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $700.00 Plus, get a 55-inch TCL Q65 TV for free Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Just released in April 2026, the TCL Q8ML is the successor to TCL's popular QM8K TV. The single letter change in the title doesn't quite cover the difference in lighting tech here. The SQD Q8ML series features "super quantum dot mini LEDs," which are essentially an extra-bright version of regular quantum dots that are able to reproduce 100 percent of the BT2020 color spectrum. In dark rooms, the 4,000 local dimming zones packed into the Q8ML provide much sharper contrast than a regular mini LED TV.

If you're curious, you can snag the 65-inch TCL Q8ML for $1,799.99 at Amazon ahead of Prime Day — nearly 30 percent off its debut price of $2,499.99. Your purchase of any TCL SQD TV also unlocks a free 55-inch QLED TV from TCL worth $318.

Best 65-inch Amazon TV deal Amazon 65-inch Ember Artline QLED Art TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Amazon gives its own Fire TVs a good amount of attention during Prime Day, of course. Despite the discounts, Amazon Fire TVs typically still aren't the best bang for your buck compared to 4K TVs from other brands. However, the early Prime Day deal on the 65-inch Amazon Ember Artline is actually really good value for money.

Only recently released, the Amazon Ember Artline is Amazon's version of a matte art TV. The big deal here is that the Ember Artline comes with a frame color of your choice: Choose from 10 options including Walnut, Ash, Black Oak, Fig, Graphite, Matte White, Midnight Blue, Pale Gold, Silver, and Teak. (Without paying extra, The Frame locks you into black and the Hisense Canvas locks you into teak.)

More 65-inch TV deals at Amazon65-inch TV deals at Best Buy
Categories: IT General, Technology
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