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Xbox appears to be laying the groundwork for ads in its cloud gaming service, according to a new report from Windows Central.

The outlet spotted reports from several users who were met with a pop-up while launching games on Xbox Cloud Gaming, warning of “1 hour of ad-supported play time per session.” That’s notable, because while Xbox Cloud Gaming is currently included with all tiers of Xbox Game Pass, none of those subscriptions offer an ad-supported option — at least not yet.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI to finally bring ads to ChatGPT

Microsoft confirmed to Windows Central that ads are indeed coming to Xbox Cloud Gaming for users who have purchased Xbox games digitally but do not subscribe to Game Pass, though stopped short of saying when it will happen. In other words, an ad-supported tier is on the way. The company also said the pop-ups seen by users were shown in error, but the broader plan appears very real.

This isn’t exactly a shock. Xbox has been openly exploring advertising as part of its cloud gaming strategy for some time. Console manufacturing costs continue to rise. PC components like DRAM and SSDs are getting more expensive thanks to the AI boom. Add in U.S. trade tariffs, and suddenly the traditional hardware-first model looks increasingly fragile.

Cloud gaming, meanwhile, is quietly gaining traction. A November 2025 report found that Xbox Cloud Gaming usage through Game Pass nearly doubled compared to 2024 as the service expanded into more countries. Services like Xbox Cloud Gaming and Nvidia GeForce Now are positioned as affordable alternatives to buying a $500 console or upgrading a PC every few years.

However, the major issue with cloud gaming is that idle compute is wasted money. Servers sitting unused still cost power, maintenance, and capital. As Windows Central notes, opening up Azure-backed cloud gaming to a free, ad-supported audience could help Microsoft keep utilization high and predictable.

It also provides a convenient justification for building even more data centers — something Microsoft is already eager to do.

TL;DR: Live stream the third season of Love Island: All Stars for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We should all be seeking as little drama as possible in our private lives. There's a lot of joy to be found in a peaceful existence. That being said, there's also a great deal of joy to be found in watching other people's messy lives play out. And that's exactly what Love Island provides.

The hit show delivers weeks of flirting, breakups, and passionate debate between fame-hungry singles. It's exactly what we all need to get through these bleak winter months. And the only thing better than Love Island is Love Island: All Stars. Someone came up with the great idea to invite some of the best Love Island contestants back for a second (or third) chance at finding love.

They're looking for love, OK? They're not heading back for a quick paycheck. How dare you even suggest that.

If you're interested in watching Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Love Island: All Stars in 2026?

The third season of Love Island: All Stars starts on Jan. 15. This latest season is expected to run for six weeks.

How to watch Love Island: All Stars for free in 2026

The third season of Love Island: All Stars is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to watch Love Island: All Stars from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 ITVX

5. Stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Love Island: All Stars without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

• Strict no-logging policy

• 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 $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Compact SUVs remain one of the most competitive segments in 2026, and a handful of models are redefining what value really means. With new-car prices continuing to climb, buyers are demanding vehicles that deliver practicality, comfort, and modern tech, all without sacrificing affordability. These standout compact SUVs prove you don’t have to overspend to get a well-rounded package.

SAVE $602.01: The LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99, down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That's a 35% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV $1,096.99 at Amazon
$1,699 Save $602.01   Get Deal

If you happen to be a sports fan, you know there are important football games in the future. In conjunction with these very important games, this is often one of the best times of the year to buy a new TV at a great discount. We've spotted a massive model that's on sale for an equally massive discount.

As of Jan. 19, the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV is on sale for $1,096.99 at Amazon, marked down from the list price of $1,699 at LG. That's a 35% discount that shaves a whopping $602.01 off the list price. Plus, Amazon is tossing in free unboxing in the room of your choice and removal of packaging, should you desire this service.

Want to go big in 2026? Upgrading to a giant TV could be the best move for entertainment. And if you order soon, you'll be able to watch the final few football games of the season on this massive 86-inch LG display.

SEE ALSO: This $25 Amazon find is the fastest way to upgrade your TV to 4K

This LG model comes with a stunning 4K display with LG's Dynamic QNED color, which the brand says offers 100% color volume. The Dimming Pro technology adds to the level of contrast for an even more impressive picture. If you have an LG soundbar or plan on adding one to your setup, you'll be able to take advantage of the LG WOW Orchestra tech which perfectly synchs audio from the LG TV to the LG soundbar.

As an added bonus, Amazon is tossing in some freebies with this LG TV deal. For starters, it comes with one month of free access to Xbox GamePass for new users. But Amazon is also offering free delivery to the room of your choice, unboxing, and removal of packaging, should you be interested. Amazon typically charges $29.99 for this Deluxe Delivery and Unpack service, so you're getting even more savings with today's deal.

Before this deal vanishes, upgrade your binge-watch parties with the LG 86-Inch Class QNED 4K TV while it's on sale at Amazon for $1,096.99. It's over $600 off and with any luck, it'll arrive within the next few days.

SAVE 34%: As of Jan. 19, you can get a four-pack of Apple AirTags for $64.98, down from $99, at Amazon. That's a 34% discount or $34.02 in savings.

Apple AirTag Tracker (4-Pack) $64.98 at Amazon
$99 Save $34.02   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy

Whether you're a frequent flyer tired of wondering if your bag made the connection, or you just want to keep tabs on a pet that likes to wander, Apple AirTags are the easiest way to get peace of mind.

As of Jan. 19, the Apple AirTag 4-Pack is on sale for $64.98 at Amazon. That’s 34% off the usual $99 price tag, bringing the cost down to just over $16 per tag. This matches the best price we've seen so far this year.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2026 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

These trackers are the gold standard for iPhone users because they tap into the Find My network. If your luggage (or your dog) ends up out of Bluetooth range, the tag will ping off hundreds of millions of nearby Apple devices to update its location on your map anonymously. For items that are hiding nearby (like keys dropped between sofa cushions), Precision Finding uses Ultra Wideband tech to point you directly to them.

Setup is also super easy. Just one tap connects them to your phone, and the user-replaceable battery lasts over a year. They’re also IP67 water- and dust-resistant, so they can handle rain, puddles, or getting knocked around on a baggage carousel without an issue.

Times are tough for those of us who want to buy a new SSD. You don't have to aim for the fastest drives available—all SSDs are overpriced right now, and chances are that it'll only get worse. That makes it harder to replace or upgrade your existing drive, which is why it's time to get creative. This inexpensive gadget might be able to help if you're not happy with your current SSD, and even if you are, it can help it live longer.

SAVE $389.01: The 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the standard price of $1,289. That's a 30% discount that comes within $1.99 of the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 49-inch Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 curved gaming monitor $899.99 at Amazon
$1,289 Save $389.01   Get Deal

There's something to be said about investing in the best of the best. In certain realms, going bigger really does pay off, and for some people, that's very true when it comes to gaming. A curved gaming monitor can change the entire experience, and going with an ultrawide model is even more of an upgrade. If this is a step you're looking to take this year, check out this great deal.

As of Jan. 19, the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved gaming monitor is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, marked down from the usual price of $1,289. That's a 30% discount that takes $389.01 off the price. It also comes within $1.99 of the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon, so this is darn close to the best price we've ever seen.

With a 1,800R curvature, the Samsung Odyssey G9 is out to make your gaming dreams come true. Not only does the Odyssey G9 have an ultrawide 49-inch display, the curve takes games to a whole new level. Of course, it comes with ample stats for gaming like a 240Hz refresh rate, a 0.03ms response time, and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

SEE ALSO: Samsung will pay you $50 to leave your non-Samsung watch party

In addition to having these top performance stats, Samsung equipped this model with other features that are great to have. Samsung gives this model extra burn-in protection with three-year warranty coverage and there's also the slim metal design. The monitor stand's height is adjustable, so you'll be able to find the perfect fit for your gaming sessions.

With the included stand, the curved monitor measures about 11 inches in depth, so double check that'll fit nicely on your desktop. And when you're not gaming, the 49-inch display can be great for working or rewatching Heated Rivalry.

While it's on sale for a near record-low price of $899.99, upgrade your gaming to the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 curved monitor. It'll be a game-changer of an immersive experience.

There are many desktop Linux distributions, and just as many opinions about which ones are best for beginners, gaming, low-end hardware, or general productivity. It can be all be overwhelming and confusing, so here's my advice: start with Ubuntu or Fedora.

TL;DR: Live stream Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 Australian Open is finally set to start. We've had a painful wait without any major tournaments since the last Grand Slam, but we made it. We made it through the tough times and now we get rewarded with the best players in the world battling it out Melbourne Park.

Jannik Sinner is the top seed in the men's draw. The defending champion starts his defense against Hugo Gaston. We're expecting Sinner to progress in straight sets, but you never know.

If you want to watch Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Sinner vs. Gaston for free

Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2026 Australian Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2026 Australian Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer incentive deals such as free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can live stream Sinner vs. Gaston without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the Australian Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live tennis on 9Now, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $59.88 and includes an extra three months for free — 69% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sinner vs. Gaston in the 2026 Australian Open for free with ExpressVPN.

Photoshop is practically synonymous with photo editing, but it has a few major drawbacks. One of the biggest is the cost, and Adobe's restrictive cancellation features.

For years, the Chevrolet Suburban has been the SUV families turn to when they need real space without giving up power or comfort. The 2026 version leans into that reputation and somehow makes the whole idea of a minivan feel… optional.

SAVE OVER $10: As of Jan. 19, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95 at Amazon This is 20% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses (10328) $47.95 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12.04   Get Deal

The countdown to Valentine's Day has begun, and if you've been shopping around for gift ideas, you can't go wrong with Lego. The Botanicals line, in particular, features an excellent variety of floral arrangements that make for great gifts. If you're hoping to pick up something classic for someone special this Valentine's Day, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale right now.

Over at Amazon, the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is on sale for $47.95. This saves you $12.04 off its usual list price of $59.99, but more importantly, it's the lowest-ever price at Amazon. If you've had it in mind, now is a great time to grab it and make sure you have it in time for Valentine's Day.

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The Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses is sure to look lovely once it's set up. The set (which is recommended for adults) comes with 822 pieces that create a dozen red roses, complete with long green stems for display, alongside four sprigs of baby’s breath to place in between. There's different variations of the roses as well — four in full bloom, four blossoming, and four in bud — so you'll have a nice variety to tweak to your liking.

Sort your Valentine's Day gift ahead of time this year and save a little cash with this deal on the Lego Botanicals Bouquet of Roses at Amazon. If you're curious what other Lego sets are worth gifting this year, have a look at our breakdown of the best Lego sets for Valentine’s Day.

Google Chrome browser can do so much more than just render websites and run browser extensions. There's a version of Chrome that can automate boring stuff and save you hours of hard work.

TL;DR: The 32-inch ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor is now only $959.96 at Amazon. That's $340 off for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Swift 32-Inch 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $959.96 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $339.04 Get Deal

If you want a proper upgrade to your gaming setup that will last, it’s best to go with one of the industry’s bigger brands. As of Jan. 19, the 32-inch version of the ASUS ROG Swift gaming monitor, with a stunning 4K and OLED display, is now available to buy for $959.96 at Amazon. From its normal price of $1,299, that’s three cents shy of $340 off.

Saving you the price of a Nintendo Switch console, plus a game or two, this great-looking piece of tech provides a 240Hz refresh rate along with those 4K visuals and a 0.03ms response time. The specialized visual features like DisplayHDR and optional uniform brightness are wonderful for getting the very best graphics out of your 4K displays, while the refresh rates and response times can help improve your overall performance. 

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This is especially true of intense, high-octane shooters like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and ARC Raiders — where a millisecond makes all the difference to you winning or losing a game. With the ASUS ROG Swift’s other pristine features, like a custom heatsink, improved airflow, and graphene film for improved heat management, this gaming monitor is a key piece of kit that will keep you scoring victories for years to come. 

If you’re still shopping around, the ultra-wide Samsung Odyssey G5 gaming monitor just dropped to under $300 at Amazon. What’s more, the Samsung Odyssey G50D version of the G5 is also on sale for $249. 

Windows ships with plenty of preinstalled apps. While a few are genuinely helpful, many remain unused. These unused apps still consume storage, clutter the Start menu, and sometimes run in the background, placing unnecessary strain on your system. Here are some apps I’ve barely ever used, if at all.

If you're trying to shut down your Windows 11 PC but it just won't do it, we might have a solution.

Last Tuesday, Microsoft released the first 'Patch Tuesday' updates of the year for Windows 11 and Windows 10.

What the release notes don't say is that the update also reportedly introduced a bug, causing some Windows 11 PC to restart when the user tries to shut them down.

As noted by Neowin, the bug only affects Windows 11 PCs which are configured with a feature called Secure Launch, which protects from certain types of malware.

The issue is explained by Microsoft in the company's knowledge base.

"After installing the January 13, 2026, Windows security update (KB5073455) for Windows 11, version 23H2, some PCs with Secure Launch are unable to shut down or enter hibernation. Instead, the device restarts," the company wrote."

SEE ALSO: The 11 best Windows laptops of 2026

Fortunately, there's a fix: The out-of-band (OOB) update KB5077797, detailed here, resolves the shut down issue, as well as another bug that caused sign-in failures for Remote Desktop connections.

Users who are experiencing this issue would do well to install the update, which can be downloaded here.

Google Keep had an awesome feature that made it downright impossible to forget things, but it’s being removed, and there’s no replacement in sight. This isn’t just a one-off situation, though. Google continues to “upgrade” users to worse experiences.

Are you confused about why anyone would pay for Linux when it’s supposed to be free? Wondering if Zorin OS is exploiting newcomers with a paid distro? Well, here’s a quick look at what you’re actually paying for—and why that’s worth the asking price.

We know you've only just got over the excitement of National Bagel Day, but there's no rest when it comes to free or heavily discounted food deals that celebrate a somewhat silly occasion. We're all about making the most of these events, and that means the schedule is pretty packed. Don't like free food? Get out of here.

The good news for anyone keen to properly celebrate National Popcorn Day is that there are already a bunch of confirmed promotions. We've lined up some of the best freebies and discounts below. We'll be updating this list with any new deals that drop as we approach Jan. 19.

National Popcorn Day dealsAMC Theatres

With the AMC Popcorn Pass, members can save 50% on large popcorn every day through 2026.

Cinemark

On Jan. 18-19, Moviegoers can bring their own bucket on National Popcorn Day. For $5, customers can get up to 400 ounces of popcorn. The only exception to this rule is if you bring a 5-gallon Lowe's bucket as your container. Cinemark has teamed up with Lowe's and agreed that you can fill the whole thing up (approximately 650 ounces of popcorn).

City Pop

Sspend $50 or more through Jan. 19 and get a free 32-cup Butter Popcorn bag.

Doc Popcorn

Get a free 12-ounce serving of Better Butter popcorn at participating locations on Jan. 19 — no purchase necessary.

Emagine Theaters

Get $5 popcorn buckets of any size on National Popcorn Day.

Evo Cinemas

Customers can get a free regular sized popcorn when they buy a movie ticket on National Popcorn Day.

Marcus Theaters

Ticket holders can pick up a free large popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

NCG

Reward members can get a free 46 ounce popcorn on National Popcorn Day.

Popsmith

Get 30% off Cream and Butter Poppers between Jan. 16-31.

Regal

Score one large popcorn serving for free on National Popcorn Day. There's only one catch. To qualify for this freebie, you need to arrive in costume. Tell someone at the concession stand what you're dressed as and you'll get free popcorn as a reward.

Showcase Cinemas

Starpass Members get a free small popcorn with any purchase on National Popcorn Day.

Most smart home sensors are designed for use inside the house, which is where their presence is most useful. But there’s no reason the data they gather and triggers they enable can’t have utility outside, too. Here are a few all-weather examples of outdoor sensors that you might have overlooked.