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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 58 min 49 sec ago

ChatGPT now lets you generate GIFs

18 hours 20 min ago

ChatGPT will now allow users to make GIFs from text prompts or uploaded images. The new feature is powered by Images 2.6, OpenAI's latest AI image generation model, unveiled on Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI is making a major change to ChatGPT interface

Rolling out globally to ChatGPT and coding tool Codex today, Images 2.6 enables users to either describe the GIF they would like it to generate or upload an image to be animated. Users can also upload a rough drawing, and have the AI model to generate a more complete version to animate.

Once generated, The Verge reports that ChatGPT's new feature will allow users to adjust the GIF's animation speed, as well as view and edit individual frames. OpenAI stated in a since-deleted X post that users can also have Images 2.6 save their uploaded pictures to be reused as prompts in the future.

Credit: Mashable screenshot: @ChatGPT via X

Significantly, Images 2.6's GIF-generating capability is not an AI video generator. Instead, OpenAI suggested that Images 2.6 can be used to create animated storyboards or to "explore character movement before video production." OpenAI discontinued its AI video generation app Sora earlier this year. The Wall Street Journal reported that it had few users and lost the company approximately $1 million per day.

OpenAI appears to have largely focused its visual AI generation models on still images since then. However, the launch of Images 2.6 suggests it may be flirting with moving pictures once more. Last month, OpenAI launched Intelligent UI, a new ChatGPT feature that allows users to generate interactive visual interfaces.

Credit: OpenAI

According to OpenAI, Images 2.6 also generates images 50 percent faster than its previous model, Images 2.5. Generation is still likely to take a moment, though. The company says that its speed-focused GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare model can generate an image in about six seconds, provided its quality is set to low. OpenAI's GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare and GPT‑Image‑2.6 Sunburst models are rolling out in the company's API.

Images 2.6 is available now across all of ChatGPT and Codex's subscription tiers.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bluetti just launched the Apex 200 portable power station and its on sale for over $350 off

18 hours 42 min ago

Bluetti is making 2026 one of their best years yet. On top of launching the compact Elite 100 mini, the brand new Apex 200 is something special. It's both a powerful model for at-home backup during a storm, and also worth taking on RV trips. And if you're feeling strong, it could be awesome at the campground.

Credit: Bluetti

The Bluetti Apex 200 just launched on Nov. 4, but the brand is already offering a $300 discount that can be combined with an extra 5% off with code MASHABLE5OFF. That brings the price down from the standard $1,399 to a more comfortable $1,044. Keep in mind the sale with additional 5% discount is set to expire on Nov. 18.

Features of the Bluetti Apex 200

In my ranking of the best portable power stations, I mentioned the Bluetti Apex 300 as a great model for whole-home backup. That's still true, but the versatility of the Apex 200 is exception, and that might make it a better option for some homes.

One of the largest differences between the 300 and the new Apex 200 is battery capacity. The Apex 200 has a smaller capacity of 2,560Wh, but that also means it's lightweight, smaller, and easier to carry.

Credit: Bluetti

On top of this, the Apex 200 has more port versatility. It comes with three standard AC ports, two USB-C, two USB-A, and a 30A. Those ports will be ideal during an outage to keep the refrigerator running, lights on, and phones charged up — all from the same power station.

But if you're thinking you might need more power, rest assured the Apex 200 has major expansion ability. You can combine it with up to six B500K expansion batteries to max out at a major 33.28kWh. Keep in mind Bluetti says the Apex 200 with two B500K expansion batteries should keep most homes charged up with essentials for about two to three days.

Credit: Bluetti

Bluetti also made it possible to recharge the Apex 200 giant solar power. It can handle up to 3,000W of solar input. If you're able to capture 3,000W from solar, the Apex 200 can recharge in about 1.7 hours. Of course, you can also go with standard AC recharging, a gas generator, or the car.

How to buy the Bluetti Apex 200

The Bluetti Apex 200 is already available to buy on the Bluetti site. Order before Nov. 19 and use code MASHABLE5OFF to get the power station for $1,044, down from the list price of $1,399. We'll keep an eye on Amazon availability and potential sale prices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Apex 200 $1,044 at Bluetti
$1,399 Save $355 use code MASHABLE5OFF Get Deal at Bluetti
Categories: IT General, Technology

Paul F. Tompkins, Skye Townsend, and Aparna Nancherla share the secrets of Dropouts MP3

20 hours 42 min ago

With a heavy dose of 2000s nostalgia and a premise that feels like a Total Request Live parody, MP3 has dropped on Dropout, bringing with it a trio of wacky music videos each week. While the show is being touted as Dropout's first scripted show in seven years, Paul F. Tompkins assures fans of the streaming comedy platform that there's still plenty of improv in the mix. 

"We shot it sort of Curb Your Enthusiasm style," said the comedian, who's previously appeared on Dropout shows like Game Changer and Very Important People. He explained that show creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna gave Tompkins and co-stars Jeremy Culhane, Aparna Nancherla, and Skye Townsend an outline of each episode. "It's like: Here are the scenes. Here's what we want to get to, and then we have so much room to play within that. It's nice to have that. Like, improv is fun, but it is nice to have that sort of safety net underneath you."

In a Zoom interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko learned the origins of MP3's goofy VJs, and how Culhane got kisses from a comedy icon. 

MP3 lets its cast build their characters. 

MP3 centers around an unusual father-son team of former boy band member Dane Cartel (Culhane), who's hosted Music Presentation 3 for years, and his father, MP3 director Thomas Cartel (Tompkins). But recently Thomas has brought in two new co-hosts, the dryly odd Chia (Nancherla), and the ever-chipper Dr. Muse-Tina (Townsend), which is causing on-set tensions and shenanigans.

Townsend (Black Lady Sketch Show) explained how Reino and McKenna allowed her a lot of creative input into Dr. Muse-Tina's look. 

The origin of Dr. Muse-Tina, from her baby bangs to her bleached eyebrows, braces, and beyond. Skye Townsend plays Dr. Muse-Tina in Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

"Everybody brought on board was brought on board with trust, and they just let us play," she said of the production. "The name was established and her origin story, that she has lived a life that's unbelievable, but possibly she did everything she said," Townsend explained. 

From there, Townsend offered a look into her vision of the character with a visual aid. "I love to do mood boards," she shared, "And so coming in, I just did a full mood board with, like, a bio and like — what do her teeth look like? Here are three different options for her mouth. Can she get rid of her eyebrows? And if not, can they be bleach blonde?... Then, the first day of work, when we tested hair and makeup, I saw the mood board sitting there. And I was like, 'Oh my God, we're doing it!' They put on the wig and they cut the [baby] bangs, and they just kept getting shorter… I was blown away by the fact that they were like, 'Hey, if this is how you envisioned her, go crazy.'"

But what does Dr. Muse-Tina's big, bold look mean to Townsend? She said, "This is a person where her confidence and her excitement for life, she just wants to rock it. And so I think, like, there was just never too much for this character… It just makes her so chaotic, because she's supposed to be this person who has lived the wildest life ever, and it shows on the aesthetic."

Aparna Nancherla pulled personal inspiration into Chia.  Skye Townsend, Aparna Nancherla, and Jeremy Culhane co-host Dropout's new show, "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

Puchko pointed out that the workman's jumpsuit Nancherla wears in the first episode of MP3 is similar to the one the comedian wore in her Dropout stand-up special, Hopeful Potato. Nancherla confirmed, "A lot of the wardrobe was, like, from my own wardrobe. So, for Chia, [it] was kind of like, where does Aparna end and Chia begin? And there is some overlap, but there's also a lot about Chia that I think is a question mark, and that was kind of fun to explore. Like, I feel like I discovered a lot as we were shooting of, like, who is this person? How did she end up here? I think that was a really fun thing, because that really leans into the improv of it all — just, like, kind of figuring it out as you go."

To that end, when asked what Nancherla makes of Chia describing herself as a "noise professor," the comedian offered, "I think it's someone who is just very completely, like, enamored and at the same time flummoxed by the idea of sound."

Paul F. Tompkins plays against expectations in MP3.  Paul F. Tompkins plays Thomas Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

In the first episode of MP3, Thomas Cartel is established as a loving but stern father to a nepo baby ex-boy bander, and a director who makes casting decisions on Hinge dates. His look, which includes a Kangol hat and a soul patch, reads skeevy, but there's more to Thomas than meets the eye. 

"What's interesting to me about this character," Tompkins said, "is that he absolutely looks like the most disgusting person, an overaged club guy who still thinks he's very cool-looking. But there's nothing in his personality that suggests he was in any way problematic. That he was just in a boy band, and that was fun. And then he decided to start a record label, and now it's a TV show, and isn't that fun too? And now his son's doing it. So, he's like this kind of sweet middle-aged dad who looks like a guy you would cross the street from if you saw him walking towards [you]." 

Tompkins reveals how Culhane brought "kisses" into MP3.  Jeremy Culhane plays Dane Cartel in "MP3." Credit: Shadae Lamar Smith

One sign of Thomas' non-toxic masculinity is his unreserved affection for Dane. Sure, the two quarrel on set. But they make up when Dane requests kisses, and Thomas delivers a concentrated flurry on his son's forehead.  

"I gotta say, that got established so early on," Tompkins recalled. "It was one of the first exchanges that Jeremy and I had. He just went 'Kisses,' and I was like, 'Yes, kisses.' And then he leaned forward, and I just I decided, Okay, yes, it's got to be one million rapid-fire kisses on his forehead, and this is something that they do all the time to reset their relationship."

For more on MP3, look for Mashable's full Say More interview with Tompkins, Nancherla, and Townsend on Friday. Plus, we've got an upcoming interview with MP3 creators Zach Reino and Jess McKenna coming your way. 

How to watch: The first three episodes of MP3 are now streaming on Dropout. New episodes will roll out every two weeks through the season finale on Dec. 2.

Categories: IT General, Technology

$6 billion Binance hack started with a fake job interview

21 hours 15 min ago

Binance is now sharing more information about the major hack that resulted in $6.3 billion being stolen from the crypto exchange last week.

The cryptocurrency company previously called the incident a "security issue" and a third-party research firm traced the crime back to a nefarious North Korean hacking group.

Now, we know more about the security issue from a recent public statement from Binance detailing what happened. What led to more than $6 billion being stolen? Hackers utilized social engineering tactics on a Binance employee by pretending to interview them for a fake job at another company.

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

According to Binance, the company had "detected and prevented" dozens of attacks from North Korean actors throughout 2026. One such attack occurred when a Binance engineer downloaded a malicious Homebrew installer while attempting to install a popular AI coding tool they had found through a search engine. While the Binance team prevented this attack from succeeding, the incident revealed the engineer's role and the identities of their colleagues on Binance's wallet infrastructure team to the hackers.

In September, a different Binance engineer was contacted through a job-hunting platform and went through multiple interview rounds for a company that turned out to be nonexistent. After building trust with the engineer, the hacker posing as an employee at the fake company asked the Binance engineer to download an assignment as part of the interview process. This download included malicious code.

SEE ALSO: Binance hack update: How the $6.3 billion crypto hack happened

The hacker took control of the Binance engineer's computer and used it to access the first engineer's system as well as a third Binance employee's computer. Days before Halloween, the attacker accessed the third engineer's computer using credentials stolen from the first engineer to launch the attack that led to the theft of more than $6 billion.

Fake job interview scams have flourished in recent years. This recent Binance hack is just the latest, and perhaps biggest, such incident.

With that said, it is a concerning cybersecurity failure on Binance's end. Hackers were able to steal billions by essentially compromising a single computer by tricking one employee.

In total, $6.34 billion in digital assets were affected. Binance says $2.85 billion in digital assets have been "frozen or intercepted."

Binance has said it will "absorb the financial impact" and reimburse its users for the stolen funds.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A24 is sending Nathan Fielders Elizabeth Holmes documentary to space

21 hours 41 min ago

Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes documentary has found its next audience, and they have a pretty good excuse for missing a theatrical screening.

A24 says You Can See Everything, directed by Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, is heading to the International Space Station after NASA requested permission to show it there. The orbiting research station is home to astronauts who live and work roughly 250 miles above Earth.

The studio announced the news on social media on Wednesday, Nov. 4, posting an image from the film beneath a cropped email with the subject line "FWD: [EXTERNAL] NASA Request for Private Viewing." The caption? "Request granted. You Can See Everything coming soon to @ISS," A24 wrote. There's no screening date yet, but the astronauts' movie-night options appear to be expanding.

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

For anyone still catching up here on Earth, the documentary opened in U.S. theaters on Oct. 16. It begins with Holmes inviting a film crew to follow her during the 34 days before she reported to prison in 2023, then expands into a three-year project. The Theranos founder was convicted of defrauding investors in 2022, after her blood-testing startup's promises unraveled. (Amanda Seyfried played her in Hulu's The Dropout if that rings a bell.)

The film has been a critical and commercial hit, earning over $64 million in North America as of Nov. 4.

SEE ALSO: Why you can't see 'You Can See Everything' (and when that might change)

Now, the film is preparing to reach viewers in orbit, all while audiences in some countries are still waiting for it to reach their local cinema.

"Got it in space before Europe" commented one user on A24's Instagram post, while another added, "Wow so literally sent the movie to space but not to Mexico." Others made a more direct appeal to the studio: "You can literally watch it in space before London, think of the Brits won't youuuuuuu." "and australia still has to wait," wrote a user on X. Another questioned the studio's priorities: "Bro what are you bragging about? You can't even cover 10% of the Earth yet..."

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

The announcement also got people pitching Fielder’s next project. One Instagram user referenced The Rehearsal in which "Nathan recreates the moon landing by actually landing on the moon." Considering the logistics of this screening, perhaps A24 could put in a good word.

For everyone still waiting, A24's comments section is open. Its nearest screening, however, may require astronaut training.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A lifetime license for Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more is only $49.97

21 hours 42 min ago

TL;DR: Just $49.97 (reg. $249.99) gets you Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus. Offer ends Nov. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows: Lifetime License $49.97
$249.99 Save $200.02   Get Deal

Your spreadsheets may be a recurring responsibility, but it doesn’t have to be a recurring payment. Through Nov. 8, Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows is $49.97 (reg. $249.99) for a lifetime license on one PC.

The suite includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, and Access, covering documents, spreadsheets, presentations, email, notes, and databases. That means you can draft a proposal, organize the numbers behind it, and build the presentation without assembling a collection of separate tools.

Office 2024 Professional Plus emphasizes stable, consistent functionality rather than frequent feature changes. When you’ve finally figured out your workflow, there’s something appealing about software that lets you stick with it. That focus also makes it suited to organizations working in regulated industries or restricted environments.

A streamlined interface includes dark mode support, while advanced data analysis and database management tools help with more demanding business tasks. Built-in security and compliance capabilities round out a package designed for dependable everyday work.

Before buying, check the licensing details. This offer covers one Windows 10 or Windows 11 PC, and the license is tied to that device, not your Microsoft account. It does not work on Mac or macOS devices.

Get Microsoft Office 2024 Professional Plus for Windows for just $49.97 through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fewer pop-ups, a lot more privacy — this AdGuard bundle is just $39.97

21 hours 42 min ago

TL;DR: Just $39.97 gives you five years of AdGuard VPN plus lifetime AdGuard Family Plan, only through Nov. 8.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite $39.97
$439.39 Save $399.42   Get Deal

A less cluttered browser and a more private connection solve different problems — but you can address both with one purchase. The AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite is only $39.97 (reg. $439.39) through Nov. 8, pairing a five-year VPN subscription with lifetime access to the AdGuard Family Plan. Here’s what each part brings to your browsing routine.

5 years of AdGuard VPN
  • Encrypted connection helps keep your internet traffic secure while you browse, stream, and download.

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • More than 60 server locations worldwide

  • Unlimited data: Stream and download without a data allowance to keep checking.

  • No-logs policy

  • Available across platforms, including iOS, Android, and Google Chrome.

AdGuard Family Plan lifetime subscription
  • Ad blocking targets intrusive banners, pop-ups, and video ads, so pages have fewer distractions.

  • Use on up to 9 devices

  • Privacy protection limits trackers and activity analyzers that follow your browsing.

  • Malware and phishing protection to protect against harmful websites and attempts to steal personal information.

  • Parental controls: Restrict access to inappropriate and adult content for younger users.

  • Supports Android and iOS devices.

  • Includes continuous updates and new features without another payment for the Family Plan.

Get the AdGuard VPN + Ad Blocker Family Security Suite for a one-time $39.97 payment (reg. $439.39) through Nov. 8.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Midterms deliver clear message: The AI reckoning is here

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 23:47

Hours before polls closed on Tuesday, news broke that Google effectively refused to turn off AI search for every school in America that uses its classroom products. 

The controversial development proved a surprisingly fitting prelude to the revelation that voters actually care a lot about artificial intelligence. 

Exit polling showed bipartisan concern over AI and data centers. In NBC News' national exit poll, 65 percent of Democrats and 39 percent of Republicans said both topics were a crucial or major factor for their Congressional ballot. 

SEE ALSO: Every historic win in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections

Voters ultimately approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth. Candidates calling for AI regulation, like Michigan senator-elect Abdul El-Sayed and South Carolina senator-elect Dr. Annie Andrews, defeated Republican competitors who championed AI. 

Experts say this midterm thrashing of Republicans is a rebuke of their pro-AI policies, along with the Silicon Valley executives who aligned themselves with President Donald Trump or donated hundreds of millions of dollars to help the GOP. 

"Voters have had enough: they want strong and effective guardrails now, and they’re demanding accountability," Michael Kleinman, head of US policy for the Future of Life Institute, said in a statement. "The AI reckoning is here." 

The AI backlash had been brewing

Though some Republicans initially seemed determined to wave off voter sentiment about AI, the angst was clear as early as May 2025 when the One Big Beautiful Bill Act included language that would ban states from regulating AI. One survey found registered voters overwhelmingly disliked the moratorium. Even former Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene opposed it.  

The measure was dropped from that legislation, but the Trump administration didn't stop trying to prohibit states from regulating AI. In Dec. 2025, Trump signed an executive order that would, among other things, punish states for passing "onerous" AI laws by withholding certain types of federal funding. 

Meanwhile, AI executives like OpenAI CEO Sam Altman and Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei talked openly about possible doomsday scenarios wrought by out-of-control AI. Communities living alongside data centers began reporting concerns about public health, electricity prices, and environmental pollution. 

AI lawsuits and legislation

A string of lawsuits on behalf of children and adult AI users gave a haunting and heartbreaking look into how AI chatbots could allegedly talk them into exploitative sexual experiences, dangerous medical decisions, so-called psychosis, and even suicide. 

Still, states across the nation continued to pass AI regulations. Roughly a week before the election, New York governor Kathy Hochul signed what some advocates believe is the strongest AI chatbot legislation in the U.S. 

Outrage over AI in classrooms

Over the last year, an army of parent and education activists have lobbied to get Big Tech out of their kids' classrooms, including through various AI bans. 

Google's decision to withhold search from schools that ban AI, because the company will not provide a version of the product without AI Mode or AI Overviews, only further rankled advocates who feel they're David fighting Goliath.

"Schools should use this opportunity not only to turn off AI, but to teach students that 'Google' isn't a verb, but the name of a surveillance and advertising company whose presence in schools has nothing to do with learning and everything to do with developing lifetime brand loyalty," Josh Golin, executive director of the advocacy group Fairplay, said in a statement. 

New York Mayor Zohan Mamdani accused Google in a Bluesky post of using its "monopoly power" to force public schools into using its AI products. 

"No corporation should have the power to dictate how we teach our children," he wrote. 

SEE ALSO: Will the AI industry face a reckoning after Election Day? Where we go from here

There are loud calls for Democrats to use their newfound electoral power to hold Silicon Valley executives accountable and to pass meaningful regulation that reflects growing concern about data centers and the economic and social threats posed by AI. 

Alvaro Bedoya, a former commissioner of the United States Federal Trade Commission, offered a few strategies Wednesday on social media, including a subpoena of Google "for cramming AI down our kids['] throats," and subpoenas for health insurers using AI to automatically deny valid claims and triage mental health emergencies. 

The elected Democratic candidates themselves may look to quickly deliver on their campaign promises. Amy Acton, Gina Hinojosa, and Keisha Lance Bottoms, Democrats who won their gubernatorial races in Ohio, Texas, and Georgia, respectively, supported data center moratoriums or greater accountability for data center developers.

Criticism of AI and data centers made multiple appearances in Democratic victory speeches Tuesday night, suggesting the party is just getting started.

Virginia Senator Mark Warner acknowledged this in his own address after defeating a Republican challenger.

"From data centers to AI safety, to the notion that we’ve got to make sure that we create jobs for that next generation of college students coming out that are going to be meaningful...this is too important to be left to Donald Trump and a few of these tech bros making all the rules," Warner said.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sephoras fall Savings Event is live: See the top 25 beauty tech deals on multistylers, LED masks, and more

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 22:59
The very best deals from the Sephora Savings Event: Best hair dryer/multistyler deal Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $119.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best flat iron deal Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $69.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best skincare tech deal Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $37.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal Best personal fan deal Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 for Sephora Beauty Insiders (save $9.90 with code ALLONSALE) Get Deal

If you missed out on Amazon's massive Holiday Beauty Event last month, fret not. Sephora is doling out similarly good deals on beauty tech during its fall Savings Event (live now through Nov. 9). It's another chance to save on very giftable hair and skincare tools ahead of the holidays.

Here's how Sephora's Savings Event works: You can get anything on sale in stores and online by using the coupon code ALLONSALE at checkout. The only catch is that you need to be a member of Sephora's Beauty Insider rewards program, which is free to join. The higher your membership tier, the more you'll save:

  • All Beauty Insider members get 10% off minimum.

  • Beauty Insider VIB members get 15% off during the sale. To reach VIB status, you need to have spent at least $350 at Sephora in the past year.

  • Beauty Insider Rouge members who spent at least $1,000 at Sephora this year get 20% off.

Crucially, you can stack these discounts on top of other existing markdowns at Sephora. At the time of writing, it was offering double discounts on most Shark tools, including the excellent Shark FlexStyle, SilkiPro, Glam, FacialPro Glow, Depuffi, and CryoGlow, one of Mashable's favorite Christmas gifts and one of our Gift of the Year winners.

After picking through Sephora's Savings Event, I've rounded up the 25 best beauty tech deals below. (I've cross-checked all of them with other retailers' listings to make sure no one's beating them.) The prices I've listed are what you'll pay as a Beauty Insider member, but again, you'll save even more with VIB or Rouge status.

Lastly, be sure to enter the code SPEEDY at checkout. It unlocks free same-day delivery on online orders of $75 or more in certain areas.

Best hair dryer and multistyler deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle 4-in-1 Air Styler & Hair Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$299 Save $119.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle NextGen: IonCurl 5-in-1 Air Styler, Curler & Hair Dryer $224.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $124.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Shark FlexStyle's unique twisting base and versatile attachments make it our all-time favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe. During the Sephora Savings Event, two versions of it are on sale for record-low prices.

The base FlexStyle includes two auto-wrap curlers, an oval styling brush, and a styling concentrator attachment; Sephora carries it in the limited-edition "winter pearl" colorway. The newer Shark FlexStyle Next-Gen: IronCurl, which launched this past July, has an extra anti-frizz attachment and wraps hair tighter around its barrels for longer-lasting curls. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark FlexStyle.

More hair dryer and multistyler dealsBest flat iron deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Silki Pro 3-in-1 Hair Straightener, Styler & Dryer $179.10 at Sephora
$249 Save $69.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

The Silki Pro is a wet-to-dry straightener with built-in temperature sensors that prevent it from getting too hot to the point of damaging your hair, and it comes with three comb attachments. Former Mashable reporter Leah Stodart said it took a while to tame her naturally coarse, curly hair, but that she was ultimately impressed with its results. "I showed up to happy hour with SilkiPro straightened hair, and my friend immediately commented on how healthy it looked," she wrote. Read Mashable's hands-on impressions of the Shark Silki Pro.

More flat iron dealsBest skincare tech deals Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow LED Face Mask $314.10 at Sephora
$349 Save $34.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Shop Now at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark CryoGlow Plus Anti-Aging LED Face Mask $341.10 at Sephora
$379 Save $37.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

Mashable staffers spent a full year testing various red light masks, and the Shark CryoGlow came out on top. According to Stodart, "It offers carefully curated settings that target signs of aging and acne." It also comes with under-eye cooling pads, which are "such a treat for anyone who hates mornings," she added.

The upgraded Shark CryoGlow Plus features a longer battery life and more LED bulbs for better coverage. Fun fact: This is the first time I've ever seen it go on sale. Read Mashable's full review of the Shark CryoGlow.

More skincare tech dealsBest personal fan deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson HushJet Mini Cool $89.10 at Sephora
$99 Save $9.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark ChillPill 3-in-1 Portable Fan $134.10 at Sephora
$149 Save $14.90 Use code ALLONSALE. Get Deal at Sephora

Dyson and Shark both released powerful premium portable fans this spring. We prefer the latter's ChillPill because it comes with swappable misting and cooling attachments, but the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool is a good option if your budget is tighter. Either way, mind their noise levels if you use them indoors: They're quite loud at their upper settings. Read Mashable's full reviews of the Dyson HushJet Mini Cool and Shark ChillPill.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is millennial optimism back? The internet thinks so after the 2026 midterms.

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 21:15

As Democrats celebrated midterm wins in Republican strongholds like Texas and Kansas, parts of the internet began to sound a lot like the Obama years. Users shared Hamilton clips, played "We Are Young," shared jokes and memes, and celebrated the "blue tsunami." Alongside the reactions came the question: Was millennial optimism back?

The phrase had already been circulating on TikTok well before election night. Over the past year, users on social media have been sharing nostalgic photos and videos of the late 2000s and early 2010s, often set to the Middle East's song "Blood," released 2009. Think Apple Photo Booth selfies, mustache accessories, statement necklaces, flower crowns, and the Lumineers playing through wired earbuds.

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But the appeal extends beyond the accessories and playlists, though. Younger people are drawn to the hopeful outlook they associated with the era. For those who experienced those years as children, the videos offer an imagined version of young adulthood shaped by Obama-era promises of change and an internet remembered as more personal and less governed by algorithms. As one X user put it, "I think millennial optimism invokes a particularly upsetting empty sense of loss in older Gen Zs bc it was so aspirational to us… like we saw it in real time but weren’t quite old enough to Be There, but it felt like a promised future that never came."

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Together, those references give a recognizable shape to the feeling behind "millennial optimism" content that can otherwise be difficult to describe. These videos evoke the expectation that good experiences lie ahead and that there are people to share them with. For younger users who were children during that period, the trend offers an imagined version of what entering adulthood might have felt like then.

After Democrats won control of the House and Senate on Nov. 3, that nostalgia has taken on a new meaning. For some people celebrating the results, the optimism they had been looking back on suddenly feels within reach.

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"Listening to millennial optimism music and repeating 'blue wave' over and over again," wrote one user. “Waking up to a blue Texas, I’m in tears; I can feel the millennial optimism coming," wrote another.

For some, the next step was turning up the volume. X user @sassykathy666 shared a video described as a post-election club celebration in Austin, with "We Are Young" playing in the background. "Millennial optimism up 10000000%,” wrote another user while sharing the clip. They aren't completely wrong about the numbers; "millennial optimism" is a breakout search term on Google, up 5,000 percent.

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Others dusted off the Hamilton soundtrack. "We're having Lin-Manuel Miranda write a new national anthem tomorrow," joked one user. "They just downloaded the Hamilton soundtrack to everyone's iPhones," wrote another. (The musical opened on Broadway during Obama's second term.)

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Why stop there? "They're gonna bring BuzzFeed back," wrote one user. BuzzFeed joined in with a "wait, give us a sec, changing our color scheme to blue." Sharing the exchange, another user added, "I can feel the millennial optimism starting."

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Of course, the years being remembered weren't uniformly hopeful. Millennials were also navigating the aftermath of the financial crisis, student debt, and an uncertain job market.

Still, the response to the midterms suggests why that feeling is worth revisiting. For those celebrating, the results offer a reason to believe their participation can help move things forward. What comes next will depend on how that energy carries beyond election night.

SEE ALSO: Trump posted through the U.S. midterm elections, and he wasn't happy
Categories: IT General, Technology

Every historic win in the 2026 U.S. midterm elections

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 21:07

Election Day 2026 is one for the books.

Even as results continue to pour in, early victories are already shaking up the country. Americans expressed a resounding anti-AI data center sentiment across local ballots. People took to the streets in Texas to celebrate its new Democratic governor, the first in decades, and the success of James Talarico's viral campaign for Senate. The internet, a veritable feast of memes and emotional reactions, determined "Millennial Optimism" and "Woke 2.0" were back.

SEE ALSO: Voters approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth

So without further ado, here are all of the history-making wins out of Tuesday's already unprecedented midterm elections:

Keisha Lance Bottoms in Georgia

On Tuesday evening, Georgia governor-elect Bottoms became the first Black woman governor in the entire history of the United States. Bottoms is also the first Democrat to hold the office in 25 years, following a wave of support after Stacey Abrams' widely-followed gubernatorial run in 2018.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Deb Haaland in New Mexico

Haaland, former U.S. Secretary of the Interior, became the first Native American woman to be elected governor, winning more than 57 percent of the New Mexico vote. Haaland campaigned on an explicit anti-Trump campaign, saying in her victory speech, "Democrats are entrusted to fight for our home. For New Mexico. Not New America."

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As Texas shifted blue for the first time in decades, waves of Texas voters celebrated the victory of Democratic Governor-elect Gina Hinojosa. Hinojosa unseated former Gov. Greg Abbot and became the state's first Latina governor.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Xavier Becerra in California

Becerra, former U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services, defeated Trump-endorsed Steve Hilton to become the first Latino governor elected by California voters and the first Latino in the role in 150 years. The state's first Latino governor was Romualdo Pacheco, who was not voted into the role but succeeded the former governor in 1875.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Amy Acton of Ohio

As Governor-elect of Ohio, Acton is the first woman elected into the role by voters. She beat controversial candidate Vivek Ramaswamy to become the first Democrat in the governor's mansion in 20 years.

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Crowley is the first Black man elected Governor of Wisconsin. He defeated staunchly conservative representative Tom Tiffany as a near-unknown.

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Current Attorney General of Nevada, Ford will be the state's first Black governor after flipping the previously Republican held position. Ford is one of several state attorneys general who has led a wave of litigation against major tech companies, including Meta.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Byron Daniels of Florida

The only Republican Governor-elect on the list, Daniels is Florida's first Black governor. Daniels is one of many incoming and reelected Black governors, including Bottoms, Crowley, Ford, and Maryland incumbent Wes Moore.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Chris Pappas of New Hampshire

Pappas, representing New Hampshire, became the first openly gay man elected into the U.S. Senate.

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Flanagan, current lieutenant governor of Minnesota, is the first Indigenous woman to hold a Senate position.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Abdul El-Sayed of Michigan

In the culmination of an extremely viral campaign, El-Sayed won the Senate seat for Michigan. He is the country's first Muslim senator.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Oh, snap. Martian volcanoes might actually still be alive.

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 20:00

Though Mars has the largest volcanoes in the solar system, many scientists have claimed they are long-extinct. No one has ever seen smoke or lava erupting from their towering summits.

But new evidence from a European spacecraft may force researchers to rethink that assumption: Maybe these volcanoes are not dead after all — just dormant.

SEE ALSO: Mars without its makeup can look a little blue. Here's why.

The shakeup comes from new research led by Alexander Trokhimovskiy, based on data from the European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter (TGO), which studies gases in the Red Planet's air from space. The orbiter detected hydrogen chloride near Alba Mons, which sits in the northern hemisphere. The chemical is a foul-smelling gas that often vents from volcanoes. Nothing in Mars' weather or air chemistry points to why the gas collects in this one area.

Two cameras, Cassis and NASA's Hirise, also spotted fresh narrow cracks — some just inches to a foot or two wide — in the ground beneath where the gas appeared.

"Our findings suggest that Mars has retained enough internal heat to support volcanic activity until recently," said Daniel Mège, co-lead author from the Space Research Centre of the Polish Academy of Sciences, in a statement, "and possibly still does." 

These observations, published in Science Advances on Wednesday, are clues that Mars may still be volcanically active, not just billions of years ago, with magma — hot, melted rock — still coursing beneath its surface. Mège has gone so far as to call the hydrogen chloride detection the "smoking gun." If true, Mars may have warm, wet pockets underground where life could survive. 

Featured Video For You How Project Hail Mary made a rock spider lovable

Despite the common belief that Mars' volcanoes are dead, scientists have spotted subtle clues over the years that they may not be. NASA's Insight lander, for example, recorded marsquakes, which could indicate magma movement is shaking the ground. Some hardened lava flows and ash eruptions in Tharsis, a huge volcanic plateau that includes Alba Mons, have been dated to only tens of millions of years ago, along with some in two other volcanic regions. Computer simulations suggest heat rising from deep inside Mars could still be melting rock under the plateau today.

What scientists haven't found is a clear sign of activity. Searches for heat or visible changes at the surface have come up empty. So has the hunt for sulfur dioxide, the gas scientists usually look for.

But the missing gas doesn't mean Mars' volcanoes are completely tapped out, the researchers say. Even on Earth, volcanoes don't always release it. After an eruption ends, a volcano often gives off little sulfur dioxide but continues leaking hydrogen chloride because the latter dissolves in the oozy melted rock below the surface. 

Martian rocks and soil also carry more chlorine compared to their water and sulfur than Earth rocks do. The research team figures that makes hydrogen chloride likely one of Mars' most common volcanic gases.

In this global map, the north pole is at the bottom and the equator is at the top. Credit: NASA / MGS / MOLA Science Team / FU Berlin infographic

The orbiter first detected the hydrogen chloride in Mars' thin air in 2020. The gas usually follows the seasons, accumulating in northern winter and dissipating by summer, rising and falling with the planet's dust and water cycles. 

One spot didn't follow that pattern. Every early northern summer the researchers checked, the gas surged in the same place — above cracks on the slopes of Alba Mons. Some of the cracks are in clusters stretching for miles, running along ridges up to about 100 feet high. The cracks cut through an icy surface layer that formed only about 630,000 years ago, which means they showed up sometime more recently. On a geological timescale, that would date them to practically yesterday.

The spacecraft measured the gas by looking through the Martian air toward the sun. The study focused on 78 of these observations over the region. The fact that the orbiter caught a handful of gas molecules from a source that may switch on only now and then surprised even the scientists. 

"These findings may prove to be TGO's greatest success yet," said Colin Wilson, the European Space Agency's project scientist for the spacecraft. 

Spacecraft first detected hydrogen chloride in Mars' thin air in 2020. Credit: NASA / MOLA Science Team

The team thinks volcanic gases spew out of the cracks, much like the vents on Earth. In winter, temperatures drop to -184 degrees Fahrenheit, allowing ice to seal the openings. When summer arrives, the ice turns straight into vapor, skipping over the liquid phase. The escaping gas may leave deposits behind, according to the research, which could explain discoloration around the cracks.

Gases like this may have been more plentiful long ago. They could have helped thicken Mars' atmosphere and warmed its climate, perhaps allowing liquid water to cover much of the planet, according to the team.

Those cracks could also lead somewhere promising: places where rising liquid rock meets underground water.

"Looking for Martian life in the seeping fissures of the Alba Mons region would make a lot of sense," Mège said. "If hydrothermal systems are active, they could contain the ingredients and energy needed for microorganisms to develop and shield microorganisms from the hostile and changing environment above the surface."

Want more science and tech news delivered straight to your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

VisionQuest finally reveals its big villain: Who is the Client?

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:53

Since the beginning of VisionQuest, the show has introduced a variety of antagonists, from mercenary Paladin (Todd Stashwick) to the returning Ultron (James Spader), this time in a human avatar. Yet the show's true big bad, the shadowy figure pulling all the strings, has remained a mystery. Known simply as the Client, he's been hunting Vision (Paul Bettany) throughout the show's run, manifesting solely as a shadowy figure watching from the sidelines.

SEE ALSO: 'VisionQuest': Your guide to every AI character in the MCU's newest show

However, by the end of VisionQuest's penultimate episode, the Client has stepped into the light. And honestly? His face reveal has left us with more questions than answers.

The Client is Ultron's doppelganger.

At the end of episode 7, the Client manages to capture both Vision and Jocasta (T'Nia Miller), the synthezoid created from scientist Josephine Carrington's (Miller) mind. Vision's capture occurs outside Horton Manor, the house that once belonged to scientist Phineas Horton (Bettany). Horton created the first synthezoid, on which Vision would eventually be modeled.

As Vision surrenders himself, the Client emerges from within Horton Manor. He's played by none other than Spader, now sporting a sick mustache and even sicker glasses. While we don't get his name off the bat, the Client appears to be the person Ultron modeled his human avatar after. (And here I thought Ultron was just a big fan of The Blacklist.)

SEE ALSO: Review: The 'Ocarina of Time' remake is gorgeous, but plays it a little too safe

The Client also appears in Jo's memories, which Jocasta accesses in the episode's final moments. He's her partner, both in business and in romance, and the pair discuss using their nanotech to become "godlike." Between his appearance and his use of the phrase "peace in our time," it's clear there's a connection to Ultron here. Yet VisionQuest will keep the exact details of that connection a secret until its finale.

Is the Client Phineas Horton's grandson?

Even though VisionQuest is still obfuscating key details about the Client — knowing his name would be nice! — Marvel fans are still theorizing about his true identity.

Fans are speculating that the Client is really Phineas Horton's grandson, which would make sense given that he apparently lives in Horton Manor. The timeline lines up, too: In 1939, we meet Phineas' young daughter, Victoria. She would be over 90 years old by the time VisionQuest takes place, but if she had a child, they would likely be within the Client's apparent mid-60s age range.

Early in episode 7, we see young Victoria stealing her father's notebook, the same one seen among Jo's collaborators. How does Jo end up with it? Perhaps by working alongside a family member of Victoria's. Now, the real question becomes what the Client's true motivations are — and why Ultron is modeled after him. Hopefully, all will be revealed come VisionQuest's Season 1 finale.

VisionQuest is now streaming on Disney+. Its Season 1 finale premieres Nov. 10 at 9 p.m. ET on Disney+.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Scammers are using AI to fake images of lost pets, demand ransom for their return, according to report

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:53

Thanks to AI, it's never been easier for cyber criminals to scam unsuspecting internet users. From "autonomous" AI agents to voice cloning capabilities, scammers now have an array of tools at their fingertips to aid them in their grifts.

Scammers are getting extremely clever with their AI-assisted schemes, too. Case in point: a new report from BBC detailing how scammers are weaponizing AI tools to target pet owners who are searching for their missing dog or cat.

Here's how the scheme works, according to the report.

It appears that scammers are now scouring missing pet social media groups and forums in order to find targets. Using pictures a pet owner posted in hopes to find their missing furry friend, a thief will use AI to generate photos of the animal. The scammer will then reach out to the distraught pet owner and claim they have found them. The scammer will then send the AI-generated pictures as proof.

The pet owner will obviously be in a sensitive and emotional state and look to do anything to be reunited with their dog or cat. The scammer will require a reward and offer to meet up locally to make the trade.

However, as the meetup time gets closer, the scammer will suddenly renege on the deal and demand that the pet owner send them a digital gift card before making the exchange.

Anyone familiar with how online scams work can now see where this is going. Scammers prefer being paid in gift cards because the transactions are irreversible. And obviously, they don't have the lost pet in their possession.

More brazen scammers would even seek out tens of thousands of dollars via wire transfer, BBC reports.

However, according to the reports, skeptical pet owners who would further question the scammer or straight out call their bluff would be met with threats. In some cases, according to the report, desperate scammers would threaten to kill the pet if the owner didn't abide by the demands.

Losing a pet could certainly be a stressful event and scammers are looking to take advantage of the fact that these pet owners aren't thinking clearly once they're told their pet has been found.

To avoid becoming a victim, never send gift cards to strangers who demand them over the internet or text message, regardless of the scenario. It is always a scam, experts warn.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Voters approved more than 40 measures to slow or ban data center growth

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:22

Results are still streaming in from what is already a history-making midterm election cycle, but there is at least one clear outcome: Americans are fed up with AI data centers.

Data centers have become a leading issue in local politics over the last year. In 2026, at least 50 local ballot measures related to data center permits, construction, or regulation were proposed in state legislatures. Forty-one of these measures were voted on during the Nov. 3 midterm election.

Voters in around 30 jurisdictions across the U.S. passed legislation to keep data centers out of their communities, the Washington Post reported based on early return data. At least another six voted to ban future construction and halt planned projects.

SEE ALSO: Trump posted through the U.S. midterm elections, and he wasn't happy

Younger generations, including Gen Z political advocacy organization Voters of Tomorrow, have rallied around the pro-climate, anti-Big Tech campaigns of many Democratic candidates.

According to an NBC exit poll, 67 percent of Democratic voters said AI data centers were a crucial factor in their down-the-ballot voting. Around 63 percent of Democrats said they would oppose construction of data centers in their communities. A national poll from Pew Research Center in September found that only 4 percent of Americans believed data centers had positive effects for their area.

What kinds of measures were on the ballot?

Ohio had 21 data center-related ballot measures, the most of any state. Thirteen municipalities approved outright bans on data centers, Forbes reported. Several voted on proposed zoning regulations and/or on the future of existing construction projects.

Other state ballots featured similar proposed legislation, ranging from multi-year moratoriums on data centers to new processes for securing citizen approval for data centers. Three towns in Kansas singled out "high impact" and "utility-intensive" data centers, while one town in Maine voted on size limitations to data center projects.

Which states banned or restricted data centers?
  • California - Residents in Alhambra voted to ban data centers in the LA suburb.

  • Florida - Voters in Edgewater passed a charter amendment barring new centers and limiting the expansion of existing projects.

  • Illinois - A majority of voters in five townships voted "No" on measures asking if they support future data center construction and permitting. Voters in Bloomington voted "Yes" on a data center moratorium.

  • Kansas - Voters in El Dorado passed a 10-year ban on "high impact" centers, which will impact facilities using more than 100,000 gallons of water per day. It's one of the strictest data center legislations passed this election cycle. Three others Kansas cities passed high impact center bans.

  • Maine - At least three towns passed 180-day moratoriums on data centers. One town, Wiscasset, passed a six-month moratorium.

  • New Jersey - A majority of voters in Downe Township said they don't support data center development.

  • Nevada - Boulder City residents rejected data center permits in the Eldorado Valley Transfer Area.

  • Ohio - At least 14 municipalities passed bans or restrictions on future data center projects. Another six rejected proposals to uphold rezoning for data centers.

  • Wisconsin - Janesville residents voted "Yes" to require a public vote before approving a data center project that would cost anywhere from $450 million to $8 billion.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. How will these measures impact the AI industry?

The tech industry funneled hundreds of millions of dollars into midterm election campaigns, including a $474 million dollar spend from Elon Musk. Nearly half of that was spent on political advertising in Texas, which is home to around 300 operational data centers and another 173 planned construction sites. The state also serves as the base for most of Musk's transportation and space exploration empire.

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Texas' new governor-elect, Gina Hinojosa, a Democrat and the state's first Latina governor, campaigned explicitly on data center moratoriums and a state tax on data center projects. "These hyperscale data centers are having hyperscale impacts on our communities, and we’re just left unprotected," Hinojosa said in the lead up to the election.

Even outside of Texas, candidates running on anti-data center platforms — backed by a $173 million negative advertising push — seemed to come out as winners at the polls, which experts say may lead to a slow down of AI infrastructure construction across the country.

"There is no way to sugarcoat that Democrats taking control, especially over the Senate, will create some major hurdles for AI and tech legislation in the Beltway over the next 2 years," wrote Dan Ives, Wall Street technology analyst and a partner at Yorkville Ives & Co., in a note to investors on Nov. 4. Ives singled out Hinojosa's win as a particular pressure point, as Texas was predicted to generate almost a third of the nation's data center capacity with planned infrastructure projects.

Goldman Sachs economists estimate that around 45 percent of planned U.S. data center capacity expansion will be affected by the new legislation.

More immediate financial blowback can be expected, too. SpaceXSI and Tesla stock have already dipped following the "blue tsunami" of Tuesday night's results. A lull in data center spending would impact chip manufacturers, as well, according to experts. As of Nov. 4, stocks for chip manufacturers, including Micron and Nvidia, were trending down.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Find a gift that kids will actually like

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:09

When it comes to gifting, kids can be particular. The things kids like change not just with age, but also with evolving trends from TV shows and new technology. If parents are lucky enough, their kid will write a long list of the precise items they'd like as a birthday or Christmas or Hannukkah gift and put it up on the fridge with pride. But sometimes, it can be as much of a crapshoot as coming up with a gift idea for someone else's kid. Without further ado, here are the best gifts for kids of all ages — including toy and non-toy gifts alike.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Man City online for free

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:08

TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League has started fairly well for Man City. They sit on six points after three fixtures, and can move into the top eight with a win over RB Leipzig. The hosts have only won one of their first three games, so they need a result at the Red Bull Arena.

If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City?

RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena.

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City for free

RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City 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 Ireland

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Watch RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City 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 most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

  • 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

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

Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Manchester City in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal online for free

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 19:08

TL;DR: Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage is starting to take shape. After three rounds of fixtures, we're getting a sense of which teams are likely to progress.

Arsenal have seven points from their opening three fixtures, and will cement their place in the top eight with a victory over Slavia Prague at the Fortuna Arena. The hosts are yet to win, and this fixture looks tough on paper for Slavia Prague.

If you want to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal?

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Nov. 4. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.

How to watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal for free

Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, but anyone can access it for free with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal 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 Ireland

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal 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 most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

  • 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

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

Live stream Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is YouTube getting a separate social networking app?

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 18:28

Google might be looking to expand the social side of YouTube to a separate app, according to a report.

The diligent detectives over at Android Authority spotted several references, both in the form of code and visual assets, to something called "Tamba" in the latest build of YouTube for Android. These include a logo that looks like a more improvisational take on the regular YouTube logo and code strings for features like private messages, group chats, "hearts" (AKA likes), follower requests, and more that would seem to signal that Google wants to build a sort of YouTube-centric social network, according to the report.

Mashable has reached out to Google for comment and will update this story if we hear back.

SEE ALSO: YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audible's audiobook listeners

It's unclear from the investigation whether or not this would be a full, separate app, or merely an experimental testing ground for social features within the YouTube app. Additionally, it's possible that none of this ever makes it into a product for public consumption.

It should be noted that the YouTube app has already begun incorporating some social features in the past year, such as direct messaging.

We'll have to wait and see if this turns out to be a real app meant for the public. Here's hoping that the name is a reference to Kansas City Chiefs legend Tamba Hali.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tidy up your floors with $500 off the Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro robot vacuum

Wed, 11/04/2026 - 18:25

SAVE $500: As of Nov. 4, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro for $999.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's a discount of 33%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro $999.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $500   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're tired of vacuuming, you're not alone. It's a never-ending task that always has to be done, so it's understandable that you might be burned out on picking up dirt and debris every day or so. This is a task that, in 2026, you can outsource to a robot without blinking an eye, as there are tons of robot vacuums up to the task. We've found an early Black Friday deal on one that can handle the job with gusto, in fact.

As of Nov. 4, get the Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro for $999.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's $500 off and a discount of 33%.

SEE ALSO: The Black Friday 2026 countdown is on: Our top 7 hacks for finding the best deals

The Roborock Qrevo Edge 3 Pro offers 36,000Pa of suction, meaning it can tackle even the toughest jobs. It uses its AdaptiLift Chassis 3.0 to raise itself up to climb over thresholds, efficiently sweep carpets and and hardwood floors, and alternatively mop floors as you direct. It uses 360-degree scanning to make a precise map of your home so it can do all of this on its own without needing your input as well, with the capability to recognize over 300 obstacles and navigate around them.

It can clean closer to your corners, walls, and furniture thanks to its FlexiArm technology so those hard-to-reach nooks and crannies aren't an issue. And when it's time to mop, its mop attachment spins at 200 RPM with plenty of downward pressure to handle even sticky and stubborn stains without leaving residue. All this, and it can clean its own mop heads and empty itself.

If you're ready to give a robot vacuum and mop its marching orders so you can rest, this is a great choice to roll with, especially for this price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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