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5 awesome hobbies for middle-aged nerds you can start with gadgets already in your drawer

How-To Geek - 6 hours 3 min ago

If you're a middle-aged geek like me, you'll love a good hobby. Whether you're obsessed with pulling the perfect god shot of espresso or building the perfect audiophile setup, a lot of hobbies can get very expensive. They don't have to start that way; plenty of great tech hobbies let you start with gadgets you may already have lying around.

Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ Lego sets you can get for less than $100 on October Prime Day

Mashable - 6 hours 7 min ago
The best October Prime Day Lego deals under $100: Best Lego deal under $100 Lego Icons Project Hail Mary $69.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Lego deal under $50 Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $39.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best Lego budget pick Lego Creator 3 in 1 Retro Telephone $16.79 (save $13.20) Get Deal

We're officially in the midst of the 48-hour Prime Big Deal Days mega sale and we've spotted tons of deals on Lego building sets — and they're not just at Amazon. While Lego isn't exactly known for being the cheapest of hobbies, there are plenty of sets on sale for less than $100. Heck, I even found over a dozen for less than $50. In Lego world, that's pretty dang cheap.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026 live: Updates on the latest deals on AirPods, Kindles, and Yeti coolers

Check out some of the best Prime Day Lego deals under $100 below, with a few of our top picks highlighted. While the majority of these deals hail from Amazon, I've included a few standouts from Walmart and Target as well — don't be afraid to shop around when it comes to finding the best Lego deals.

October Prime Day Lego deal under $50 Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Peace Lily $39.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $10   Get Deal Why we like it

Biggest discount to date, anyone? The Lego Botanicals Peace Lily graced shelves earlier this year and was immediately one of our favorites. A peace lily that won't poison your cat or droop is a gift that keeps on giving. Its 474 pieces build out to an array of lilies in three stages of bloom: two furled buds, two partially open, and two flowers in full bloom. It also includes a peach colored plant pot that doubles as floral decor that never dies. At $39.99, it's down $10 for October Prime Day, marking its lowest price yet.

More Lego deals under $50October Prime Day Lego deals under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Icons Project Hail Mary $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Lego's Project Hail Mary building set got its first-ever discount for Prime Big Deal Days, knocking the $99.99 price tag down to just $69.99. Its 830 pieces build out to a replica of the Hail Mary ship, docked on a display stand. There's a built-in crank that actually turns to simulate the ship's centrifugal gravity system. Plus, there are mini Ryland Grace and Rocky figures to complete the build. Mashable Contributor Hannah Hoolihan pieced the set together and now considers it one of her favorites on her shelf.

More Lego deals under $100
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best October Prime Day robot vacuum deals: Prices now start at $85

Mashable - 6 hours 43 min ago
The best Prime Day robot vacuum deals: Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ Robot Vacuum $249.99 (save $300) Get Deal Best Entry-Level Robot Vacuum Deal Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop $229.99 (save $220) Get Deal Best Midrange Robot Vacuum Deal Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop $569.96 (save $430.03) Get Deal Best Premium Robot Vacuum Deal Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop $749.99 (save $750) Get Deal

October Prime Day robot vacuum deals now start at $85.48, and prices have dropped further on several models since our earlier check. The Roborock Q7 L5 vacuum and mop combo is down to $119.99, while the self-emptying Shark AI Ultra is $249.99.

SEE ALSO: The 135+ best October Prime Day deals: We found record prices on Apple, Bose, Lego, and Sony favorites

Amazon’s sale runs through Oct. 7, and we’re updating this roundup with the latest prices. Below, we explain what each featured model takes off your cleaning list — and what still needs your attention — with hands-on findings from Mashable’s reviews where available.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ Self-Emptying Robot Vacuum and Mop $249.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

A self-emptying dock is convenient until it sounds like a jet engine every time the robot comes home. In Mashable’s hands-on testing, our former robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, found the Roborock Q10 S5+ notably quiet, including when it emptied its dustbin. Its compact dock also makes it worth considering if you don’t have much floor space to spare.

SEE ALSO: My cats and I found the 8 best vacuums for pet owners, from powerful hair pickup to livestream cameras

This model delivers pressurized sonic mopping and quick, accurate LiDAR mapping, making it a useful option for maintaining hard floors without paying for a more elaborate mop-washing station.

The catch: its dock doesn’t wash the mopping pad, which got dirty quickly in testing, and edge mopping wasn’t its strongest suit. You’re getting quieter cleaning and self-emptying convenience, not a maintenance-free machine.

Best entry-level robot vacuum deal Shark Matrix Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop $442.95 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Shark Matrix Plus combines vacuuming, sonic mopping, and a self-emptying base without stepping up to a more elaborate mop-washing station. Its LiDAR mapping lets you send it to specific rooms and set no-go zones in the SharkClean app, while the bagless base handles dustbin emptying.

The important distinction is what happens after mopping: You still have to clean the pad and refill the water tank yourself. That makes it a more practical option for occasional hard-floor cleanup than for someone expecting a robot to handle the entire mopping routine.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is still boring, despite both brands trying to expand their vacuum lineups

This is also an older model, so the discount matters. Mashable’s tested buying guide dropped it from its main recommendations as newer budget robots became more capable. Compare its current price with the Roborock Q10 S5+ above before deciding which compromises are worth making.

Best midrange robot vacuum deal Eufy E25 Robot Vacuum and Mop $569.96 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $430.03   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Eufy E25 is worth considering if washing dirty mop pads is the chore you’re trying to avoid. Its roller mop rinses itself with clean water as it works, and the station handles dustbin emptying, mop washing and drying, and water refilling. That’s the meaningful upgrade over a simpler vacuum-and-mop combo.

It also offers advertised 20,000 Pa suction, brushes designed to reduce hair tangles, and an extending arm for cleaning along edges. Those features give it a broader cleaning toolkit, though they shouldn’t be mistaken for hands-on proof that it will remove every stubborn stain.

Choose it for the automated mop maintenance. If you only need occasional mopping, compare its price with the cheaper models before paying for a station you may not use often.

Best premium robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Roborock Qrevo CurvX Robot Vacuum and Mop $800.47 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $699.52   Get Deal Why we like it

The Roborock Qrevo CurvX addresses two frustrations that cheaper robots don’t always solve: reaching underneath low furniture and getting across thresholds between rooms. Its navigation sensor retracts when needed, while its lifting chassis helps it navigate changes in floor height. Measure your furniture clearance before making that the reason you buy.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros Z70 robot vacuum hits record-low price at Amazon — save $1,000

It also offers advertised 22,000 Pa suction and a dock that washes its mops with 176-degree Fahrenheit water before drying them with hot air.

This is the model to compare if furniture clearance and automated mop upkeep are priorities. If neither is a particular problem in your home, start with the lower-priced options instead.

More robot vacuum deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

4 Android display tweaks that actually reduced my eye strain (and helped me sleep better)

How-To Geek - 7 hours 3 min ago

Eye strain is something many people struggle with, especially if you stick to your phone's default display settings. If you use your phone a lot for work, or you simply like to doomscroll (both of which apply to me), you've likely experienced fatigue from staring at your screen for long periods. Thankfully, you can change things pretty easily.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This UGREEN NAS is under $350 for Prime Big Deal Days

How-To Geek - 7 hours 13 min ago

Your digital information can start to add up over the years, and next thing you know, you're running out of storage and cloud space. If you're trying to save family pics, work files, or videos, having a mega storage machine like a NAS device is the way to go, and thanks to Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, you can score this UGREEN device for just $347.

Categories: IT General, Technology

22 October Prime Day board game deals to shop before they sell out

Mashable - 7 hours 32 min ago
The best Prime Day board game deals at a glance Best overall deal Ticket to Ride $29.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best board game for outdoor lovers Trekking The National Parks $29.99 (save $19.96) Get Deal Best card game deal Sushi Go! $11.37 (save $4.04) Get Deal Best straregy board game deal Ark Nova $74.75 (save $5.24) Get Deal

If you make it through winter with non-stop board game nights, October Prime Day has some epic deals in store. It's also smart to consider if anyone on your Christmas shopping list would enjoy a board game. I'm seeing excellent board game deals that I was desperately searching for during Black Friday 2025, but they never appeared.

Fair warning, however, that many of these options are at least 50% sold out. I don't expect most of them to last into the second day of Prime Day, especially the well-known titles. Start adding these to your cart and check out before they get snatched up.

Best overall board game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Days of Wonder Ticket to Ride $29.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Without leaving the dining room table, travel across the country with Ticket to Ride, one of my favorite board games. It's designed for ages 8 and up, and it works well for two to five players. One round of Ticket to Ride takes between 30 minutes and an hour, and it's easy to pick up for beginners. I've played this dozens of times at family game night, and it never gets old.

More board game deals

Prime members only have 48 hours to shop Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days sale. Sign up for a Prime 30-day free trial if you want to save some cash, and follow Mashable’s guide to the best October Prime Day deals and live blog for the latest updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 gadgets I bought after realizing phone apps couldn't replace them

How-To Geek - 7 hours 33 min ago

Steve Jobs famously revealed the first iPhone as three devices in one: an iPod, a phone, and an internet communications device. While a smartphone can replace plenty of devices, there are some gadgets that a phone just can't match.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Level up with these October Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals

Mashable - 7 hours 53 min ago
The best Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals Best Nintendo Switch Deal Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $549.99 (Save $37.97) Get Deal Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch Deal The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $59.88 (Save $10.11) Get Deal Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch Controller Deal 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $53.89 (Save $16.10) Get Deal Best Prime Day Nintendo eShop Deal $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card $8.98 (Save $1.02) Get Deal

Have your eye on a new Nintendo Switch 2 console? October's Amazon Prime Day, happening Oct. 6 and 7, is the perfect time to pick one up or build out your game library for less.

Playing on Nintendo hardware got more expensive this year when Nintendo raised the Switch 2's U.S. price from $449.99 to $499.99 on Sept. 1, citing rising memory costs tied to the ongoing memory crisis. Nintendo consoles rarely go on sale, so Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days event is a good chance to pick up a console bundle, games, or even some Nintendo eShop credit for less.

Here are the best Nintendo Switch deals we've spotted for Prime Big Deal Days so far.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch 2 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Nintendo Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle $549.99 at Amazon
$587.97 Save $37.98   Get Deal Why we like it

True, this isn't technically a Prime Day deal, since $549.99 is Nintendo's regular price for the bundle, but there aren't any other Amazon discounts on the Switch 2 itself right now, so the bundle is the best way to save some money on the console and get a game while you're at it.

It comes with a Switch 2 console, a digital code for Mario Kart World, and a three-month Nintendo Switch Online individual membership, so you can race other players online as soon as you're set up. The Switch 2 has a 7.9-inch 1080p screen that refreshes at up to 120Hz in handheld mode, and it outputs up to 4K when you dock it to a TV. Its Joy-Con 2 controllers snap on magnetically and can work like a mouse in supported games.

If you're ready to upgrade from your original Switch and want to get a little more bang for your buck, this is a great way to do so.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch 2 game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $59.88 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $10.11   Get Deal Why we like it

Nintendo rebuilt this 1998 Nintendo 64 adventure from the ground up for Switch 2, with overhauled visuals, voiced cutscenes, expanded dialogue, and a symphonic orchestral score, plus reworked camera and movement controls. Oh, and of course, there are faster load times. Link still travels between childhood and adulthood to stop Ganondorf, and now you can play his ocarina in-game by humming or playing a real instrument into the Switch 2's microphone. But most importantly, you can save on the game before it's out by preordering now.

Best Prime Day Nintendo Switch controller deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 8Bitdo Ultimate 2 Bluetooth Controller $53.89 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $16.10   Get Deal Why we like it

You don't have to use Joy-Con controllers to play every single Switch game, and in fact, there are some more comfortable, better options out there. This Ultimate 2 controller from 8BitDo works with the Switch 2, the original Switch, and PCs. It uses Nintendo's button layout, so A and B are in the same place. Plus, its TMR joysticks are designed to avoid stick drift, and you can flip the triggers between Hall effect and tactile modes depending on what you're playing.

Best Prime Day Nintendo eShop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon $10 Nintendo eShop Gift Card $8.98 at Amazon
$10 Save $1.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Shaving a buck or two off of your Nintendo eShop purchases is always a good idea. Once you redeem the code from this eShop gift card, the $10 goes into your Nintendo Account balance, and you can spend it in the eShop on a Switch 2 or an original Switch game, downloadable content, or a Nintendo Switch Online membership. Since the money sits in your account rather than on a specific console, it follows you to any system you sign into with that account. A gift card also lets kids buy their own games without a credit card attached to the account, and it works with U.S. Nintendo Accounts. Buy a few and stack them, and you'll save a little cash on digital purchases.

More Prime Day Nintendo Switch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

4 comforting Netflix miniseries worth binging when you take a sick day

How-To Geek - 8 hours 3 min ago

That scratchy throat you went to bed with has evolved into a full-on head cold the next morning—yep, you're sick. You've emailed your boss, set your Slack status to that cute emoji with the thermometer in its mouth, and have enough meds on your nightstand to take down a rhino. Now comes the one perk of being sick—a full day of guilt-free TV.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pornhub is accessible for (some) Aussies again

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:52

Pornhub is back in Australia — for certain users.

Aylo, Pornhub's parent company, blocked Pornhub from the country back in March due to an age-verification law that requires explicit websites to verify users' ages using personal data such as a facial scan and ID.

SEE ALSO: The UK is investigating Pornhub. Here's what Pornhub says about it.

Aylo has responded to many of these laws, including most in the United States, by blocking Pornhub from those regions due to the burden of complying. Aylo has also stated that these laws don't work because anyone can use a VPN to circumvent them or visit noncompliant websites instead.

But now, in Australia, Pornhub will be accessible to iOS users who have confirmed their age through Apple's Australian age-verification process.

"With their recent Australian update, Apple set a benchmark by enabling child safety features automatically for users who have not verified that they are adults, ultimately, making every phone or tablet kid-safe as a starting point. As a result, today Aylo welcomes eligible age-confirmed Australian iOS users back to Pornhub," Pornhub's vice president of brand and community, Alex Kekesi, said in a statement shared with Mashable.

The child safety update first rolled out in March in the UK, and Pornhub allowed access there again as well after initially blocking access.

The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone Duo could be the first devices that protect children by default, Kekesi continued. She praised Apple's new CEO, John Ternus, for making child safety Apple's "#1 priority."

The tube site urges Apple to expand these developments globally, and Google and Microsoft to implement the same solution as well, Kekesi continued.

"The technology exists. A precedent exists. The responsibility now lies with Apple and platforms, like ours, to pursue solutions that truly protect children across the entire internet," she said.

This is the latest time Pornhub and Aylo have advocated for device-level filters, which have long been the adult industry and free speech experts' preferred solution to minors accessing porn sites.

Device-level filters, such as the iOS update, put child locks on the device itself. Many laws in the U.S. and globally mandate platform-level filters, in which websites and apps implement their own filters. This results in privacy and safety concerns, experts have told Mashable, as visitors have to hand over their personal data to unknown handlers. It also forces them to verify their age with each visit. Filters on the device, however, occur once.

"This method protects minors without requiring adults to surrender unnecessary personal information to multiple apps and websites. It also avoids creating systems that are easily circumvented through tools like VPNs," Kekesi said.

In July, Pornhub sent a letter to U.S. lawmakers urging them to require Apple, Microsoft, and Google to enable device-level filters. It first sent a letter to the companies directly in Nov. 2025, calling on them to do it themselves.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our favorite sleep earbuds are the cheapest theyve ever been on October Prime Day

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:48

SAVE $40: As of Oct. 6, the first day of Prime Big Deal Days, the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds are down to just $159.99. That's their lowest price on record and $40 off their list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $159.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $40   Get Deal

Whether you have noisy neighbors or live on a busy street, loud environments can often prevent a good night's sleep. While earplugs are a solid option, they're not the only option in 2026. If you like to listen to white noise, calming tunes, or even podcasts to fall asleep, sleep earbuds are a better alternative — and the Soundcore Sleep A30 Specials are our top choice.

Now that Prime Big Deal Days has kicked off, you can pick up the Soundcore Sleep A30 Special earbuds for only $159.99. They're usually $199.99 at full price (as per the Soundcore website), so that's $40 or 20% in savings. That also happens to be their lowest price to date.

Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested the leading sleep earbuds on the market, and the Soundcore Sleep A30 Specials won by a landslide. Aside from their predecessor, they're the only sleep earbuds on the market with ANC. They also feature five different soundscapes to help you drift off to sleep, including AI audio brainwave, snore masking, white noise, Calm app sleep stories, and Calm app meditations. Within those soundscapes, there are also plenty of customization options.

The buds also track sleep data, have better battery life than the original Sleep A30s, and offer a slimmer profile than the Sleep A20s. And perhaps most importantly, they're comfortable for side sleepers, back sleepers, and belly sleepers, with plenty of wear options. As Allard puts it in her review, "The Sleep A30 Special earbuds aren't just better than their predecessors — they officially sit head and shoulders above all other available sleep earbuds."

Considering the competing Ozlo Sleepbuds 2's $279 price tag, the Sleep A30 Specials are a decent value at full price. But who can argue $40 off?

Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Save $49 on the new Apple Watch Series 12

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:42
Best Prime Day Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 12 deal Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $259.99 (save $140) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular, 40mm) $249 (save $50) Get Deal

Do you feel that chill in the air? Fall is here, which means the holiday shopping season is too. Amazon’s October Prime Day sale kicked off today, Oct. 6, and we’ve found Apple Watch deals worth a look. The new Apple Watch Series 12 is down to $349.99 (normally $399), while the budget-friendly Apple Watch SE 3 is back at $199 (normally $249). And over at Target, the previous-generation Series 11 is $259.99.

Prime Big Deal Days runs through Oct. 7, and we’re tracking the best Apple Watch deals throughout the sale. Whether you’ve been waiting for a discount on the newest model or just want to keep your purchase under $200, here’s what’s worth shopping on day one.

Best Apple Watch Series 12 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $349.99 at Amazon
$399 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

If you’ve been holding out for a discount on Apple’s newest watch, Amazon just knocked $49.01 off the 42mm Apple Watch Series 12. That brings it down to $349.99 from $399 — not a huge markdown, but a welcome discount on a watch that just launched.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 12 vs. 11: Every upgrade, including one Apple didn't mention

The Series 12 has an S11 chip, redesigned health sensors with continuous heart-rate tracking, and a new readiness score. Our hands-on coverage takes a closer look at what’s new. If those upgrades are what you’ve been waiting for, you can pick up the newest model without paying full price.

Otherwise, take a look at the Series 11 deal at Target before checking out. At $259.99, it’s $90 less. And if $200 is your ceiling, the Apple Watch SE 3 is $199 at Amazon.

Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $259.99 at Target
$399.99 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon isn’t the only place to find an Apple Watch deal today. Target has the Apple Watch Series 11 for $259.99 with Target Circle (which is free to join). Unless you’re set on Apple’s newest watch, this one deserves a look.

The biggest reason we like it? Battery life. In Mashable’s Apple Watch Series 11 review, Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found that it easily lasted a day and a half on a charge. In one test, he wore it overnight and still had 38 percent battery remaining after 24 hours. That’s useful breathing room if you want to track your sleep without squeezing in a charge before bed.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Ultra 4 Review: The smartwatch for the health-conscious

Schroeder also praised its comfortable fit and bright, vibrant display. The Series 11 wasn’t a dramatic reinvention of the Series 10, but the longer battery life made a real difference in his testing. At $259.99, that’s a much easier upgrade to consider than at full price.

More Apple Watch dealsMore smartwatch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buys Techtober sale rivals some of Amazons best deals on headphones, Apple products, Kindles, and more

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:32
Best deals from Best Buy's Techtober sale Best Apple deal Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $119.99 (save $59.01) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) $369 (save $80) Get Deal Best e-reader deal Amazon Kindle $103.99 (save $46) Get Deal Best creator deal DJI Osmo 3 Creator Combo $495 (save $54) Get Deal

Amazon's October Prime Day is here, so naturally, all the competing sales are too, including Best Buy's Techtober sale.

Though Amazon's sale is 48 hours from Oct. 6 to 7, Best Buy's sale is a weeklong affair, from Oct. 5 to Oct. 11. That said, the retailer stipulated that sale prices are liable to change during the sale dates and that only limited quantities are available. In other words, don't count on a deal you like lasting all week long.

SEE ALSO: October Prime Day 2026 is here: Live updates on the latest deals on AirPods, Kindles, and Yeti coolers

For the most part, you will find the best deals at Amazon. However, we've rounded up all the deals that are matched with Amazon's prices, slightly better, or within a buck or two of Amazon's sale prices for anyone who simply prefers to shop at Best Buy. All told, these are 22 of our favorite deals from Best Buy's Techtober sale (so far):

Best Techtober deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 with Active Noise Cancellation $119.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $59.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Yes, the AirPods 5 are here, and yes, they are objectively the better Apple earbuds. However, with this deal, the AirPods 4 with ANC are officially the cheapest way to get noise cancellation and wireless charging from the AirPods line. And at the time of writing, they're completely sold out at Amazon.

Best Apple dealsBest headphones and earbuds dealsHeadphonesEarbudsBest TV dealsBest e-reader dealsEven more deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Plex transcoding used to be the problem, now it can save you terabytes of storage

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:30

Back in the day, we did everything we could to avoid transcoding in our Plex libraries. The typical home server's hardware was very weak, so transcoding turned a simple playback request into a never-ending buffering nightmare. But now that even cheap PCs can transcode video with ease, it's become a surprisingly useful trick for saving storage without having to buy more storage drives.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 46% off DeWalt's 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set during Big Day Deals

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:17

You can't afford to have the wrong tools when you're out on a breakdown. That's why it makes sense to get a mechanic's tool set, like this one by DeWalt, with everything you need to do repairs efficiently and without unnecessary stress.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Zombie star gets its close-up in a stunning new supernova image

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:16

New observations from the Gemini North telescope on Maunakea in Hawai‘i reveal the most detailed view yet of Pa 30, a supernova remnant about 7,500 light-years away. Its distinctive streaks of gas look like sparks shooting outward. But zoom in, and those seemingly smooth trails turn out to be chains of knots, resembling pearls on a string. And these are some very big pearls.

"The planetary region of our solar system could fit in each knot about 10 times with room to spare," astrophysicist Ilaria Caiazzo, an assistant professor at the Institute of Science and Technology Austria, said in a statement. "The knots are quite strikingly uniform. We are excited to try to model them."

The findings, from a team co-led by Caiazzo and astrophysicist Tim Cunningham, are published in The Astrophysical Journal.

An explosion with a medieval paper trail

Researchers consider Pa 30 the likely remains of SN 1181, a supernova recorded by observers in Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic historical sources in 1181. It remained visible in the constellation Cassiopeia for 185 days.

But connecting those accounts to something astronomers could study today took centuries. Amateur astronomer Dana Patchick discovered Pa 30 in 2013 while examining data from NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer as part of a citizen science effort. The object turned out to have an especially unusual resident: a surviving stellar remnant at its center, nicknamed a "zombie star."

Pa 30 is considered the only known remnant of a Type Iax supernova in the Milky Way. These are relatively low-energy, incomplete stellar explosions that can leave a surviving star behind. A standard Type Ia supernova, by comparison, destroys the exploding white dwarf.

The Gemini North telescope’s laser guide star beams up into the atmosphere. The laser guide star is used to measure turbulence in the Earth’s atmosphere so the telescope can correct for it and achieve clear images of the night sky. Credit: International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab What the new image reveals

The Gemini observations reveal roughly 10 times as many filamentary features as earlier images showed. They also expose the chains of gas knots that make up those filaments, giving researchers new clues about how the debris took shape.

According to NOIRLab, differences in temperature or density in the material surrounding the star may have helped shape the expanding ejecta. Exactly how those remarkably uniform knots formed remains a question for researchers to investigate.

The team also found that the surviving star sits almost exactly at the remnant’s center. An uneven explosion can give a surviving star a "kick," sending it away from the center. Pa 30’s configuration indicates that its star received no large sideways kick, offering another clue about the blast.

Researchers hope to use Pa 30’s distinctive features to help find similar remnants in our galaxy and nearby ones. For now, this medieval light show is still giving astronomers something new to look at.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched Claude Code and Codex’s rate limits by switching to this open-source agent with 75 model providers

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 23:00

I don't think I've ever come across a rate limit and been fine. It normally comes right as I really need it to work. If you've burned time on Claude Code or Codex and hit the wall that keeps you from using it, you know how unfair it feels. Luckily, there's an open-source coding agent that connects to over 75 model providers, so when one shuts you out, you move to another.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best headphones we found on October Prime Day for under $100

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 22:49
The best Prime Day headphones deals under $100 at a glance: Best headphones deal under $50 JLab JBuds Lux $39.80 (save $60.19) Get Deal Best headphones deal under $100 Sony WH-CH720N $88 (save $91.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal under $50 Soundcore P30i $23.68 (save $26.31) Get Deal best earbuds deal under $100 Apple AirPods 4 $79 (save $50.99) Get Deal

Believe it or not, headphones don't have to cost hundreds of dollars. In fact, there are plenty of worthy options with budget-friendly price tags. And now that Prime Big Deal Days has arrived, those prices are even better.

Amazon's October Prime Day event is overflowing with deals on headphones, including Mashable editor favorites and award winners. But even at 40% off or more, some of the most popular picks might be over your budget. That's fine; we found 20+ other options that are under $100 and still pretty dang great.

For those ballin' on a budget, check out some of our top October Prime Day picks for headphones and earbuds deals under $100.

Best October Prime Day headphones deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux $39.80 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $60.19   Get Deal Why we like it

They may not be the most well-known headphones on the market, but they deserve more credit. We named them the best budget headphones of 2026, thanks to their well-balanced sound, decent comfort, functional ANC, and killer battery life. And despite the price, they don't feel cheap. On any given day, they're less than $100, but for October Prime Day, they're *checks notes* under $40.

More headphones deals under $100Best October Prime Day earbuds deal under $100 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $79 at Walmart
$129.99 Save $50.99   Get Deal Why we like it

While its Amazon's time to shine on Prime Big Deal Days, Walmart's Fall Deals event is not to be slept on. The AirPods 4 are down to just $79 at Walmart, while Amazon no longer has them in stock now that the AirPods 5 have arrived. These entry-level Apple earbuds might not have noise-cancellation, but they're still pretty great. They're also 39% cheaper than the newer model announced last month. Mashable's Bethany Allard notes that while they're still $10 away from their record-low price, they likely won't be around long enough to see that discount. Stock is already low, so you want the most affordable AirPods on the market, we recommend grabbing them now.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Someone made a backyard timelapse camera with a Raspberry Pi

How-To Geek - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 22:47

You don't have to buy an expensive dedicated camera (or repurpose an old phone) just to take timelapse photos of your garden. Reddit DIY engineer Atypicalworkshop has made a Raspberry Pi camera that captures timelapse footage from his backyard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hey gamers, dont miss these Samsung gaming monitor deals

Mashable - Tue, 10/06/2026 - 22:41
The best Samsung gaming monitor deals Best Samsung Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 $999.99 (Save $300) Get Deal Best Mid-Tier Samsung Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G7 $749.99 (Save $350) Get Deal Best Budget Samsung Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G50D $209.99 (Save $140) Get Deal

Mashable's reporters and editors are constantly testing the latest gaming gear, from headsets and controllers to handheld PCs and monitors. This year, upgrading a gaming PC has gotten a lot more expensive, with RAM and SSD prices climbing because of the ongoing memory crisis. If your rig's internals have to wait, Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days, better known as October Prime Day, has knocked down prices on the screen you play on, including several of Samsung's Odyssey gaming monitors.

Amazon's Prime Big Deal Days is officially live, running Oct. 6 to 7. We've covered this fall shopping event since its 2022 debut, and this year we're tracking Samsung's gaming monitor discounts as they drop. We've found several options across different price points to choose from if you're ready to dive in and give your gaming setup a leg up on the competition. With games like Grand Theft Auto VI on the horizon, there's no better time than now to give your gaming battlestation a bit of a boost.

Here are the best Samsung gaming monitor deals we've spotted for October Prime Day so far.

Best Samsung gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G8 $999.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $300   Get Deal Why we like it

Need some seriously crisp visuals? The Odyssey OLED G8 pairs a 4K QD-OLED panel with a 240Hz refresh rate, so you don't have to choose between sharp detail and smooth motion. Plus, its 0.03ms response time keeps fast action from smearing while you're trying to stay on top of the leaderboard. This premium-tier monitor also boasts a glare-free finish to cut down on reflections from lamps and windows, with an OLED Safeguard+ feature helps protect the panel from burn-in when static elements like HUDs and taskbars stay on screen for hours. If you're looking for a fantastic experience with your gaming monitor, this option should give you plenty of satisfying sessions.

Best mid-tier Samsung gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 32" Odyssey OLED G7 $749.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $350   Get Deal Why we like it

The Odyssey OLED G7 is no slouch when it comes to great visuals. It has a dual-mode panel, so you can play at 4K and 165Hz when you want a sharp picture in single-player games, then switch to 1080p at up to 330Hz for more fast-paced competitive rounds of games like Overwatch or Apex Legends. With a 0.03ms response time and support for both G-Sync and FreeSync Premium Pro, fast motion is free from screen tearing and looks the best it can. Plus, its DisplayHDR True Black 400 certification and Pantone-validated color means you get true-to-life hues. Raise, tilt, swivel, or pivot it on the included stand until it sits where you want it and get your game on.

Best budget Samsung gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung 27-Inch Odyssey G50D $209.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

This more wallet-friendly option pairs a 1440p resolution with a 180Hz refresh rate, which gives you sharper detail than a 1080p screen and smoother motion than a standard 60Hz or 144Hz monitor. It has a Fast IPS panel with a 1ms response time and 178-degree viewing angles. It even supports both AMD FreeSync and Nvidia G-Sync Compatible to cut down on screen tearing, while VESA DisplayHDR 400 adds a contrast boost in HDR games. If you don't need the best of the best in terms of what money will get you, there's absolutely nothing wrong with going down this path with a budget gaming monitor that truly delivers.

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Categories: IT General, Technology
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