Blogroll

This new Linux app lets you control your PC with your voice, and it's free

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:48

A new, fully local voice control application called EasySpeak has arrived on the Linux desktop, with accessibility and hands-free control for users running modern GNOME environments. Developed by Matt Hartley, EasySpeak is free, open source, and designed to turn voice commands into action.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV is $100 off for the first time ever

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:32

SAVE $100: As of Jan. 6, the Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV (2025 release) is on sale for only $359.99 with an on-page coupon. That's 22% off its list price and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series Fire TV (2025 release) $359.99 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $100 Use code SAVE100 Get Deal

It's NFL playoffs time, baby, which means it's officially the second-best time to upgrade your TV. If you're rocking an old model that's lost its vibrancy, now's a great time to buy a new one, as you can save a good chunk of change.

Case in point: Amazon's 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV (2025 release) is on sale for just $359.99 at Amazon with the on-page coupon code SAVE100. That's, as the coupon suggests, $100 off its list price and its best price ever (yes, even beating Black Friday).

It may not be the most impressive TV in Amazon's lineup, but it is the most popular. If the main things you care about are price and picture, the 4-Series is a solid choice. It was redesigned in 2025 to sport an ultra-slim bezel that fades into the background, making your content front and center. It also features a new quad-core processor for quick loading time and 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound. The 2025 model also features Amazon's Omnisense technology, which is essentially a series of sensors that wake the display when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite TV show in a snap.

If a new TV is on your wishlist this playoffs season, consider this Amazon's gift to you — a 4K TV for its lowest price on record.

Categories: IT General, Technology

CES 2026: Asus new 16-inch laptop is lighter than a 13-inch MacBook Air

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:30

Asus is launching a 16-inch version of its award-winning MacBook Air competitor.

Announced at CES 2026 on Tuesday, the new Asus Zenbook A16 is a thin, light Windows laptop with a fresh Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme chip and a 3K OLED touchscreen featuring a sleek 90 percent screen-to-body ratio. Its tan chassis is made from Asus' patented "Ceraluminum" material, a durable and featherlight magnesium-aluminum alloy, and it weighs as little as 2.65 pounds depending on the version of Windows it runs. That makes it nearly an ounce lighter than Apple's 13-inch laptop. (For reference, the other 16-inch Windows laptops that Mashable has tested in recent months come in at 3.3 to 4.7 pounds.)

The Asus Zenbook A16 comes in a tan finish called "Zabrinskie Beige." Credit: Asus

The Zenbook A16 is a larger version of the Asus Zenbook A14, a 14-inch Copilot+ PC that debuted to acclaim at CES 2025 last January. It featured peppy last-gen Snapdragon X series chips, a 2K 60Hz OLED display, a good mix of ports, and a 22-hour battery life. As Asus' first all-Ceraluminum laptop, it weighed as little as 2.18 pounds depending on the configuration.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops in 2025

Asus originally priced the Zenbook A14 at $899.99, but President Trump's spring tariffs on Chinese imports led to a $100 price increase. Even still, it was a solid spec sheet at a decent value, paired with an astoundingly airy yet sturdy design.

The Asus Zenbook A14's 2026 update involves a new processor, thinner bezels, and a matte keycap coating. Credit: Asus

After taking home the CNET Group's "Best Laptop of CES 2025" award, the Zenbook A14 was named Mashable's top ultraportable Windows laptop of the year following more in-depth testing. It also nabbed a spot on Oprah's Favorite Things list for 2025, marking the first time a laptop has appeared on the iconic gift guide since the Sony VAIO FJ in 2005.

For 2026, Asus is refreshing the Zenbook A14 with a Snapdragon X2 Elite chip, thinner bezels, WiFi 7, Bluetooth 5.4, and a matte keycap coating for extra durability. Its base configuration will start with 512GB of storage and 24GB of memory, up from 16GB RAM.

All of Asus' 2026 Zenbooks have full Ceraluminum chassis. Credit: Asus

Asus is going full send on Ceraluminum for the rest of the laptops in its light, minimalist Zenbook series. The 2026 iterations of the Zenbook S14, S16, and the dual-screen Zenbook Duo will be made entirely from plasma ceramic aluminum material, which is scratch-resistant, shock-resistant, fingerprint-resistant, and 100 percent recyclable.

Asus Zenbook A16 specs The Asus Zenbook A16 has a beauteous 90% screen-to-body ratio. Credit: Asus

Compared to its 14-inch counterpart, the new Zenbook A16 will have a bigger, brighter, crisper screen, an extra slot for an SD card reader, a faster processor, and more memory. (It comes with 48GB of RAM compared to the Zenbook A14's 24GB or 32GB.) Here's a full rundown of its spec sheet:

  • Qualcomm Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme CPU

  • Qualcomm Hexagon NPU (up to 80 TOPS)

  • Qualcomm Adreno GPU

  • 48GB RAM

  • 1TB SSD storage

  • 16-inch 3K (2,880 x 1800) OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate; 500 nits of typical brightness and up to 1,100 nits of peak brightness for HDR content

  • FHD webcam

  • Two USB-C ports, one USB-A port, one HDMI port, one SD card reader slot, and a headphone jack

  • 70Wh battery

  • WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4

  • 13.92 x 9.54 x 0.54-0.65 inches

  • 2.65 pounds with Windows 11 Pro, 2.87 pounds with Windows 11 Home

  • Zabrinskie Beige finish

The Zenbook A16 isn't the lightest 16-inch laptop out there, but it's one of the lightest that will be available for purchase in the U.S. The Acer Swift Air 16 launched at IFA 2025 in September with AMD Ryzen AI 300 Series processors, an optional 120Hz AMOLED display, and a starting weight of only 2.18 pounds (matching the heft of the lightest Zenbook A14 configuration — or rather, lack thereof). It's only available in Africa, Europe, and the Middle East, with a starting price of €999, or approximately $1,165.

Asus has yet to confirm pricing and availability details for the Zenbook A16 and the updated Zenbook A14. It will be interesting to see if the company can maintain the competitive value of the 14-inch model amid the ongoing RAM shortage. This could also prompt some edits to both sizes' spec sheets by the time they hit store shelves. Committing to 24 to 48GB of memory for consumer laptops may be unrealistic.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Immerse yourself in your favorite games with the 27-inch Alienware gaming monitor at its lowest price

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:23

SAVE $209.99: As of Jan. 6, get the Alienware AW2723DF Gaming Monitor (27-inch) for $340 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $549.99. That's a discount of 38% and its lowest price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Alienware AW2723DF Gaming Monitor (27-inch) $340 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $209.99   Get Deal

Whether you just got a ton of new games over the holidays or you've been thinking about upgrading your setup for a while, a gaming monitor is the perfect way to level up how you experience games. If you've been looking for a good reason to lock in and pick up a new monitor, we've got one right here for you.

As of Jan. 6, get the Alienware AW2723DF Gaming Monitor (27-inch) for $340 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $549.99. That's a discount of 38% and its lowest price yet.

SEE ALSO: The ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor is down to its best-ever price at Amazon — save $400

This 27-inch display boasts a 2560 x 1440 resolution with 1 ms response time, up to 280Hz overclocked refresh rate (native 240Hz), and QHD visuals with IPS Nano Color technology. In other words, it's built to help you be the best at your favorite games while keeping you immersed.

This crisp monitor is all about a smooth picture and quick response time. It's certified compatible with Nvidia G-Sync as well as VESA Adaptive Sync for low-lag, tear- and stutter-free pictures as well. All of this, and it offers 95% DCI-P3 color coverage and VESA DisplayHDR 600 color certification.

If you're looking for a large and in charge monitor to accompany your game time, this one is a great option. Don't miss it while it's on sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Please stop buying cheap printers: The ink is a scam

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:15

Are you still buying those cheap throw-away printers every time you need to print a book report? Yes, they’re cheap, but they end up costing you way more money than you think they do.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Preorder the new Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds to get better rest by the end of the month

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:12

LIVE PREORDERS: Preorder the new Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds for $199.99 at Anker in four colorway options. Anker expects preorders to begin shipping at the end of January.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds $199.99 at Anker
  Get Deal

The holiday chaos might be over, but the world of consumer tech is not taking a break. This week, the annual CES in Las Vegas is bringing us all sorts of exciting new products like an LG domestic helper, a solar-powered robot, and an AI bartender. But if you deal with sleep issues, there's a special CES product you should know about.

Anker just debuted the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds at CES, and they're already available to preorder. The sleep earbuds sell for $199.99 and come in four colorways including calming hues like Lunar White, Mist Lilac, and Mist Green. Anker notes they expect preorders for the new Sleep A30 Special to begin at the end of January.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Soundcore introduces new open earbuds with active noise cancellation

Getting a new version of the Soundcore Sleep earbuds was not something we expected from CES 2026. Soundcore only launched the Sleep A30 earbuds in August of 2025, but we're already getting nice improvements with the new Sleep A30 Special. And as an added surprise, the list price for the improved Sleep A30 Special is just $199.99, which is lower than the standard Sleep A30 list price of $229.99.

The new Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds come with better battery life compared to previous models and there's also the integration of the Calm app, which could make for extra restful slumber. When it comes to sleep earbuds, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard was impressed by both previous version of the Soundcore Sleep collection, the A20 and the A30 earbuds.

Soundcore designed the A30 Special earbuds to be comfortable to wear all night, even for side sleepers. You'll be able to help mask the noise of a snoring partner or housemates thanks to the ANC. You can also tap into the sound library on the Soundcore app to get access to calming sleep tracks. The Calm app integration means you can fall to sleep with the app's popular sleep stories.

If you have health and wellness resolution in 2026, consider the benefits of getting better sleep. If you tend to deal with interrupted sleep because of unwanted noise, the new Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds could be your simple solution. Preorder today from Anker and with fingers crossed, these will be on their way to your doorstep at the end of the month.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Roborock dropped 3 new robot vacuums at CES 2026. Of course they set a new suction power record.

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:00

It's official: Roborock has already outgrown its grabby arm phase. Unlike 2025, the three new robot vacuums from Roborock's CES 2026 showcase don't exactly have any viral video-worthy features — instead, they're more powerful, more precise versions of Roborock vacuums that everyone already loves. That's exactly the type of innovating that I want to see as someone who reviews robot vacuums for a living, and the exact type of down-to-earth upgrades that the average person wants to see before splurging on a premium robot vacuum.

Here's what we know about the new Roborock Saros 20, Saros 20 Sonic, and Qrevo Curv Flow 2 ahead of their release dates, plus a sneak peek at what Roborock has up its sleeve for 2027 and beyond.

SEE ALSO: Your Roomba will still work despite iRobot's bankruptcy filing, but don't rule out unplanned obsolescence Roborock Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic

Mopping style: Extendable flat sonic mop (Saros 20 Sonic) and dual spinning pads (Saros 20)

Suction power: 35,000 Pa

Threshold climbing max: 3.3 inches

The Roborock Saros 20 Sonic has a mop design we've never seen before. Credit: Roborock The Roborock Saros 20 looks very similar to the Saros 10R from last year. Credit: Roborock

The Saros legacy lives on with two new Saros models, the main difference between them being the way that they mop. If the Saros 20 Sonic's extendable sonic mop is as precise a corner cleaner as Roborock advertised at CES, the Saros 20 Sonic might just be the robot vacuum to beat at CES — and might be an automatic contender for best robot vacuum mop combo of the year.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 TV trends to watch: Everyone's releasing an RGB TV, and 85 is the new 65 inches

The Saros 20 Sonic features a long-awaited upgrade to Roborock's VibraRise mopping system: sonic scrubbing along edges. Previously, stationary flat mopping pads (like all of Roborock's older VibraRise models) haven't exactly been able to scrub past where a round robot vacuum could fit, rendering most corners and wall edges impossible to be sufficiently scrubbed. Instead of putting all of its eggs in the rotating mopping pads basket, Roborock finally found a way to bring that hinged flexibility to its famed sonic mopping system. The vibrating mopping pad of the Saros 20 Sonic physically extends out past the round part of the vacuum, cleaning as close as zero millimeters against baseboards or furniture legs. The mopping pad itself has stronger downward pressure and has 27 percent more vibrating area than previous models for more thorough scrubbing on the first pass.

The Saros 20 Sonic will also be one of the most powerful robot vacuums in the current market. Its 35,000 Pa of suction power is quite the jump from last year's most powerful Roborock model with 22,000 Pa.

Roborock also introduced the Saros 20 (no "Sonic") at CES, which features the same beastly 35,000 Pa suction power and anti-tangle DuoDivide brush roll of the Saros 20 Sonic, but retains the flexible dual spinning mopping pads seen on last year's Saros 10. Both vacuums automatically adjust their chassis height based on floor type in order to administer optimal airflow for debris pickup, including a special Deep Carpet Cleaning mode for plush carpets up to 1.2 inches thick. All in all, both new Saros models are shaping up to be wicked competitors in the mix for best robot vacuums for carpet and pet hair.

The new Saros models can't climb stairs, but they can still kind of climb

They're no Saros Rover (scroll to the bottom for more), but the new Saros models do have a leg up — literally — on most other robot vacuums in terms of their ability to scale thresholds. These vacuums can cross single-layer thresholds up to 1.77 inches tall or double-layer thresholds up to 1.57 inches tall, thanks to a new third climbing arm that helps the bot to carefully hoist and lower without the harsh crashing sounds. Think sunken living rooms, sunrooms with shallow steps, or steep floor type transitions, plus a better shot at not getting stuck on the corner of a plush rug or bathmat.

The Saros robot vacuums can clear your home's thresholds with a new climbing arm. Credit: Roborock

Both new Saros models also have improved small obstacle recognition, said to be able to successfully avoid laundry, charging cables, and more everyday objects as small as 0.7 inches tall or wide — good news if you've been frustrated with a vacuum's unsuccessful cord recognition in the past. At 3.1 inches tall, the Saros 20 and Saros 20 Sonic are slightly taller than the 2.85-inch-tall Saros 10, but are still much slimmer than flagships from competing brands.

Of course, both new Saros models have a built-in livestream video camera and features for finding and checking in on pets.

We don't know how much the Saros 20 or Saros 20 Sonic will cost yet, but we can predict a price range while we wait for official numbers. Based on last year's debut price of $1,599.99 for the Saros 10 and Saros 10R, I could see the Saros 20 costing that same $1,599.99, and the Saros 20 Sonic costing $1,699.99 or $1,799.99.

Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow

Mopping style: Roller mop

Suction power: 20,000 Pa

The new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow adopts a roller brush-style mop. Credit: Roborock The iconic curved dock is more chic than clunkier competitors. Credit: Roborock

Roller mops were one of the biggest robot vacuum trends in 2025. Roborock was one of the only big robot vacuum brands that didn't have one yet, and that gap set up the perfect way to revive the viral Qrevo Curv.

The new Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow has the same iconic curved dock, but replaces the dual spinning pads with a large fluffy roller intended to tackle bigger messes in fewer passes. The Roborock SpiralFlow mop continuously rinses itself in real time to ensure that the spill isn't merely being smeared across the rest of the floor. The roller itself covers a lot of ground, spins at 220 RPM, and applies downward pressure similar to that of a human with a paper towel — the ideal combo for sopping up large puddles of liquid or thicker splatters.

Like the roller on the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller, the Curv 2 Flow's roller extends out past the circular body to clean right up against edges or around chair legs. The roller pops out automatically when an edge is detected during mopping, and Roborock says that the mop can get less than half an inch away from the edge in question. In my at-home testing, the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller's extending roller mop missed far more fine debris and droplets along edges than I had hoped. Let's hope Roborock's approach is a little more thorough.

The Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow will be available to buy starting Jan. 19 with an opening promotional price of $849. After Feb. 1, the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow will cost $999. At that price, I would expect more suction power than 20,000 Pa. Not to be a buzzkill from the jump, but I already see the Qrevo Curv 2 Flow struggling to compete with the 2026 releases from budget-friendly brands like Dreame and Narwal.

A Roborock robot vacuum that climbs stairs isn't far off

While there's no robotic arm to be found in Roborock's 2026 spread, I never said there weren't any robotic limbs in the works at all.

The stairs climbing Saros Rover is officially in development. Credit: Roborock

Roborock has also confirmed the development of the Roborock Saros Rover: a two-wheel robot vac that can raise and lower independently of each other in a motion that mimics human walking. Roborock says the Saros Rover should be able to execute small jumps, make agile turns, stop or change directions suddenly, and yes, climb actual staircases (including curved ones). We don't have much more than this prototype image right now, but if it's any indication of the vibes for CES 2027, we may finally be entering the era of climbing robot vacuums within the next year.

Head to the Mashable CES 2026 hub for the latest news and live updates from the biggest show in tech, where Mashable journalists are reporting live.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso online for free

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 18:00

TL;DR: Live stream Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There's only one place left in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations quarter finals. Ivory Coast will face off against Burkina Faso to secure that last spot. We're expecting a thrilling contest between two talented sides. Ivory Coast might be the favorites, but anything can happen in tournament football.

If you want to watch Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso?

Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 6. This fixture takes place at the Marrakech Stadium.

How to watch Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso for free

Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 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 Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

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Live stream Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso for free by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  4. Visit Channel 4

  5. Watch Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso 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 AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, 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

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch Ivory Coast vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Finish your DIY projects with the DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set for its lowest price yet

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:51

SAVE $191.99: As of Jan. 6, get the 192-piece DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $289.99. That's a discount of 66% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set $98 at Amazon
$289.99 Save $191.99   Get Deal

Looking to get some work done around the house? Maybe you know someone who's in dire need of some additional tools to do just that. You'll want to make sure you head over to Amazon to save big on a massive tool kit that's taken an even bigger price cut.

As of Jan. 6, get the 192-piece DeWalt Mechanics Tool Set for $98 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $289.99. That's $191.99 off and a discount of 66%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: Amazon just dropped the Jackery HomePower 3600 Plus to a record-low price

This massive set includes 192 piece, with 1/4", 3/8" ratchet and 1/2" drive ratchets, a 1/4 socket set, 1/2 socket sets (SAE and metric), combination wrenches, extensions, adapters, hex keys, ratchet set metric wrench set, metric socket set, deep socket sets, and other accessories. Everything is hand-stamped so you can find what you need fast, too.

Every tool is crafted from chrome vanadium steel, with a mirror-polished finish meant to help resist corrosion. They also include DeWalt's DirectTorque tech to stave off fastener rounding, with 6-point socket designs for better grip. Plus, everything comes in a hard-shell storage case to keep all your tools nice and tidy, so it's all nicely put away for when you need them again.

Whether you're a big proponent of DIY work to make sure your home is running smoothly or you know someone who is, this is an excellent deal you won't want to miss out on. Grab it while it's still here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NVIDIA's G-SYNC Pulsar wants to end screen tearing forever

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:46

NVIDIA just dropped a massive list of updates at the CES trade show, but the biggest news is the immediate availability of G-SYNC Pulsar monitors. These deliver a truly tear-free gaming experience alongside a perceived effective motion clarity of over 1,000Hz.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on January 6

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:40

Despite being just three days after the Full Moon, the Moon is already starting to look a lot smaller in the sky. This is because of where it is in the lunar cycle, a 29.5-day process where the Moon completes its orbit.

Keep reading to find out what tonight’s Moon is doing and what phase you can spot in the sky.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Tuesday, Jan. 6, the moon phase is Waning Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 87% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

That means there is enough of its surface lit up that there's plenty for keen moon-gazers to see. Without any visual aids you'll be able to spot the Mare Imbrium, Aristarchus Plateau, and the Copernicus Crater. With binoculars you'll see much more, including the Alps Mountains (a mountain range at the northeast of the Mare Imbrium, not the ones in Europe), the Apennine Mountains, and the Mare Humorum.

Add a telescope to your lineup if you want to spot even more, such as the Apollo 15 and 17 landing spots and the Schiller Crater.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Feb. 1. The last full moon was on Jan. 3.

What are moon phases?

NASA tells us that the Moon completes one full orbit of its phases in about 29.5 days, a period referred to as the lunar cycle. As the Moon travels around the Earth, it passes through a sequence of distinct phases. Although the same side of the Moon always faces Earth, the portion lit by the Sun changes depending on its position in orbit. This variation in sunlight is what causes the Moon to appear fully illuminated, partly lit, or completely dark at different points in the cycle. The lunar cycle is made up of eight phases:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to access your Home Assistant files via network share (and why you might want to)

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:30

If you’re running Home Assistant on a server that’s not easily accessible, you might be interested in making the platform’s files more easily accessible via a network share. This is pretty easy to do, and gives you quick access to files you might want to edit or copy elsewhere.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stranger Things finale: Dustins speech had a poignant nod to Eddie Munson you may have missed

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:26

Now that the dust has settled on the Stranger Things finale — which had more than a few fans up in arms — we're beginning to see a fair few Easter eggs and theories emerge.

A lot of these concern the fate of Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) — did you spot that book shelf clue in the final scene, for instance? — but there's also a poignant throwback in the final epilogue that you may have missed.

SEE ALSO: 'Stranger Things' finale may have left a huge clue on the basement bookshelf

We're talking about the Hawkins High School graduation speech made by Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo), who took over the ceremony with a rousing tirade against the system that had his fellow students cheering and Principal Higgins (Bill Winkler) scrambling for the mic.

The thing is, Dustin's speech wasn't quite as out-of-the-blue as it may have seemed. It was actually a poignant throwback to Eddie Munson (Joseph Quinn), the leader of the Hellfire Club, who died to save Dustin and his friends in the Upside Down in Season 4.

How does Dustin's graduation speech pay tribute to Eddie? Dustin (Gaten Matarazzo) and Eddie (Joseph Quinn) fought side-by-side in Season 4. Credit: Courtesy of Netflix

"Screw the school, screw the system, screw conformity, screw everyone and everything trying to hold you back and tear us apart because this, this is our year!" screams Dustin at the end of his grad speech, before dropping the microphone, grabbing his diploma from Higgins, and flipping off the exasperated principal.

Dustin's actions are pretty much a play-by-play re-enactment of what Eddie says he's going to do when he graduates from Hawkins High, back in the Season 4 scene where we first meet his character.

Featured Video For You Gaten Matarazzo on 'Stranger Things' 'SNL' shoutout, Dustin and Steve's big fight, and why AI is 'lame'

"I'm gonna walk that stage next month, I'm gonna look Principal Higgins dead in the eye, I'm gonna flip him the bird, I'm gonna snatch that diploma and I'm gonna run like hell outta here," yells Eddie, striding around the school cafeteria as his D&D crew, including Dustin and Mike (Finn Wolfhard), laugh in admiration.

Clearly, his words stuck with Dustin. And given that Dustin is still grieving Eddie throughout Season 5, the graduation speech is really a tribute to his friend's memory.

Eddie may be gone, but Hellfire lives.

Stranger Things' final season is available to stream now on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta delays Ray-Ban smart glasses international rollout, citing high demand

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:23

Non-United States buyers will have to wait a bit longer to purchase Meta's Ray-Ban Display glasses.

The company said this week that the release of the glasses in the UK, France, Italy, and Canada had been delayed due to "unprecedented demand and limited inventory." Meta made the announcement, among a number of others, at CES, the large, annual tech conference in Las Vegas.

Wrote the company in a statement:

"Meta Ray-Ban Display is a first-of-its-kind product with extremely limited inventory. Since launching last fall, we’ve seen an overwhelming amount of interest, and as a result, product waitlists now extend well into 2026.

Because of this unprecedented demand and limited inventory, we’ve decided to pause our planned international expansion to the UK, France, Italy, and Canada, which was originally scheduled for early 2026. We’ll continue to focus on fulfilling orders in the US while we re-evaluate our approach to international availability."

The $799 AI-powered glasses launched in September to much fanfare and failed demos. Still, the reviews overall have skewed positive — especially for eager users who like to be early adopters — which may account for the apparently limited supply. Meta did not specify when the rollout would expand to international markets but, for now, folks will have to keep waiting.

Mashable is on the ground at CES reporting on all the latest news, such as the Meta Ray-Ban Display rollout delay. You can follow all our coverage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Southwest is having its first sale of the year: Up to 30% off flights between Jan. and May

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:22

SAVE UP TO 30%: Through Jan. 8, Southwest promo code DREAMBIG saves you up to 30% on select Southwest one-way or roundtrip flights between Jan. 26 and May 13.

Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Southwest sale: Up to 30% off select flights with code DREAMBIG Get Deal

Sure, you can start tackling health or organization-related New Year's resolutions pretty immediately. But who says you can't start chipping away at travel goals right away? Through Jan. 8, Southwest's first sale of the year saves you up to 30% on select flights within the continental U.S., as soon as Jan. 26 or as late as May 13. You must purchase your tickets 21 days in advance, so get planning.

To enact the discount, just enter code DREAMBIG, plug in your departure info, and look for the green fares replacing a price with a strike-through. The promo code does work on (qualifying) one-way or roundtrip Basic and Choice fares, but Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays are barred from the sale.

Yes, you'll have to pay for bags now — Southwest ended its free bag policy back in May 2025. Think of the money you're saving on your discounted flight as your baggage fees.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Is this the screen for the folding iPhone on display at CES?

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:16

As the floor opens for CES 2026's first official day, rumors are buzzing that Apple could be on the brink of bringing foldable devices to its iPhone lineup.

The buzz comes from glimpses at Samsung Display's new OLED foldable screen prototype, which appears to seamlessly flatten into a large tablet-like screen with imperceptible folds. Outlets in attendance, including The Verge, reported seeing the "Advanced Crease-less OLED panel" side-by-side with the existing Z Fold 7 — It was reportedly a noticeable upgrade.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026 live updates: See the latest news, surprises, and strange tech from LG, Samsung, Lego, and new startups

The prototype is speculated to anchor Samsung's upcoming Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Wide Fold, and because Samsung Display is an Apple hardware partner, the panel may also be the foundation for it's coveted creaseless screen, a pursuit that has previously delayed the tech giant from debuting a modular device. Apple is expected to release such a device later this year.

Could this be the future of the iPhone?

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Meanwhile, Mashable reporters, who are on the ground pinpointing the conferences' buzziest tech items, got a chance to test Samsung's latest entry into the foldable market: the Galaxy Z TriFold, announced just last month. Samsung is joined by companies like Motorola, which is expected to debut its own book-style foldable device, rumored to be the AI-powered Motorola Razr Fold.

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But the crease-free life isn't reality, yet. "The foldable panel showcased at the booth was an R&D concept, with no fixed timeline or plan for commercialization," Omnicom PR spokesperson Rosie Kim told The Verge. Following initial reports, the OLED prototype was removed from Samsung's booth.

Follow along with Mashable's live CES 2026 coverage for by-the-minute updates and glimpses inside the showcase.

Categories: IT General, Technology

From bricks to bags of rice: The wildest things found inside GPU boxes

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:15

You'd think that buying a graphics card should be as straightforward as buying anything else. You pick it, you pay for it, you wait for it to arrive, and there you go—a brand-new GPU is in your hands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Soundcores new noise-cancelling open earbuds announced at CES are already on sale

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:12

SAVE $30: Soundcore's new AeroFit 2 Pro open earbuds announced at CES 2026 are officially available to purchase. Grab them before March 31 at the exclusive launch price of $149.99 (reg. $179.99) with code WSTDA3875US.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 pro $149.99 at Soundcore
$179.99 Save $30 with code WSTDA3875US Get Deal

CES 2026 is in full swing and open earbuds are having a moment in the spotlight. Premium audio brand JBL announced five new open-ear options, Shokz debuted a new pair of noise-reducing open earbuds, and Soundcore dropped the AeroFit 2 Pros. If you can't wait to get your ears on a pair, the latter is already available for purchase on Soundcore's website for an exclusive launch price — listen up.

As of Jan. 6, the new Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro open earbuds are available on Soundcore.com for an exclusive launch price of $149.99. That's $30 off the list price when you use the code WSTDA3875US (the code should automatically appear in your cart). The discount is available through March 31, so you have some time to decide whether they're the right pick for you. Currently, only the matte black color option is available to ship — the matte purple and gloss white will ship toward the end of the month.

The AeroFit 2 Pro offer a combination of features we've never seen before: both an open design and active noise cancellation. Thanks to adjustable ear hooks, you can adjust the earbuds to sit outside the ear for an open listening experience or inside the ear canal like traditional noise-cancelling earbuds. With five adjustment levels on each ear hook, you should be able to find the most comfortable fit for your ears. The dual sensors on each earbud are designed to detect which way you're wearing them and adapt the sound to provide the best listening experience possible. As open earbuds, they'll last around seven hours with an extra 34 in the case. As ANC earbuds, they'll hold about five hours per charge and 24 with the case.

The original AeroFit 2 open earbuds are one of Mashable's top picks, thanks to their comfortable fit, translation features, price, and sound quality. So we have pretty high hopes for the AeroFit 2 Pros.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The compact Sunny Health & Fitness foldable treadmill just dipped to under $400

Mashable - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:05

SAVE $299.99: The Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Foldable Treadmill is on sale at Amazon for $399.99, down from the list price of $699.98. That's a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sunny Health & Fitness Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Foldable Treadmill $399.99 at Amazon
$699.98 Save $299.99   Get Deal

There's always one glaring conundrum if you're shopping for at-home fitness equipment. How is it gonna fit? If you have health resolutions in 2026 but you're not sure how a piece of fitness equipment will fit in your house, there's a solid deal today at Amazon on a foldable treadmill.

As of Jan. 6, the Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Foldable Treadmill is on sale for $399.99 at Amazon, marked down from the normal list price of $699.98. That means you'll be in for a savings of $299.99 from a 43% discount.

If you need a compact treadmill that you can easily tuck under a bed or store in the closet, the Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Foldable model could be excellent. When folded, it measures 30.7 inches wide and 64 inches in length with a height of about 5 inches. The running deck itself is about 18 inches wide.

SEE ALSO: The new Hyrdow Arc Rower offers a great indoor winter workout

Another major plus of the treadmill is that it ships fully assembled. You won't have to deal with the hassle of putting it together or finding where all your tools went. Speaking of tools, the treadmill arms fold down onto the running deck via an included tool. Once you're done using that tool, there's a convenient storage spot on the treadmill itself, so you won't have to worry about misplacing it.

The device holder is great for giving you the option to watch a show on your phone and dive into a book on your Kindle while walking. Speed ranges from 0.6 up to 8 miles per hour. The transportation wheels make it extra easy to roll the treadmill away once you're finished.

To keep up with fitness goals while not cluttering your space, snag the Sunny Health & Fitness Slim Foldable Treadmill from Amazon while it's on sale for under $400.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Linux players on Steam reached all-time high in December

How-To Geek - Tue, 01/06/2026 - 17:03

Valve has released the results of its Steam Hardware & Software Survey for December 2025, and they show Linux continuing to gain ground and reaching record highs among the Steam userbase. Meanwhile, the share of Windows users is reducing.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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