Blogroll

The FCC banned foreign routers, drones, robots: What it means for you

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:52

Do you know where the robots running your home — your Google Nest devices, AI-powered smart assistants, and, especially, your robovacuums — come from? Do you even care? 

Well, the American government certainly wants you to. In a sweeping order from the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) two weeks ago, the Trump administration effectively banned foreign-made "robotic devices" from the U.S. market, including those helpful housekeepers. 

SEE ALSO: What to look for in a robot vacuum: A guide from someone who tests new vacuums every month

The ruling expands the FCC's list of restricted devices under presumed national security concerns, also known as the Covered List. Citing national security concerns, the agency blocked imports and domestic sales of internet-connected devices that navigate independently (like humanoid robots) or carry cameras and microphones (like those terrifying robo dogs). But these traits also apply to the oft-AI-powered vacuum-mop hybrids that roll around your house when you're not home — some of them can even livestream now.

Fortunately, the government won't be knocking down doors and sweeping up Roombas anytime soon — devices already in circulation can remain in homes across the country, and pre-approved robots can stay on the market. 

But it has cast uncertainty on the future of new models and the average consumer's access to them. Here's what you need to know if you're in the market for a high-tech cleaner. 

What robot brands are saying

Companies are still evaluating the potential effect of the FCC's ruling on their manufacturing processes.

Several big players in robo-vacs are headquartered outside the U.S., including Chinese brands Eufy, Roborock, and Dreame. Meanwhile, the U.S.-based iRobot, makers of the Roomba, primarily manufactures its products in China and Vietnam. Like many other consumer tech categories, most robovac companies operate manufacturing lines on foreign soil.

A handful of brands, including Shark and Narwal, have reassured American buyers that they will still be able to get their hands on the latest home cleaner tech under the new rules. In statements provided to Mashable, all but cash-strapped iRobot confirmed they would continue to sell currently available models in the U.S. as they review the new regulations. 

Vacuum leader Shark, which is also headquartered in the U.S., told Mashable it is confident it can still launch new, competitively-priced models in the future despite constraints on foreign manufacturing. "We believe we are well positioned to navigate the process," the company said. 

What experts advise

Industry insiders told Mashable that it's still too early to say how this ruling will impact access to robotics — and whether consumers need to act ASAP.

Most industry observers are looking to other FCC actions — including previous additions to the agency's Covered List, such as foreign drones and routers — for guidance. The FCC's approach so far has been to issue universal, blanket bans on tech deemed a cyber or national security risk. Instead of naming specific companies or brands that may pose a threat, the FCC has taken the tack of banning entire categories of products that could hypothetically pose problems. 

This means individual companies have to appeal directly to the agency and develop manufacturing frameworks that comply with the federal government's new standards to gain approval for every new product line (or even a software update). 

So far, the FCC has moved fairly quickly to approve time-limited extensions for previously approved products, particularly in the case of foreign routers. In May, the FCC extended approval for companies to issue software updates to routers until 2029, not long after issuing exemptions for two notable router companies, Netgear and Eero. Basically, your existing router can still be used for several more years before it is potentially rendered useless.

Similarly, experts explained that following the agency's ban on foreign-made drones, product access remained largely unaffected for the average buyer. However, products manufactured and sold by companies based in China have proven to be an exception, sources told Mashable. Part of wider foreign policy aims, the Trump administration has taken a hard line on Chinese imports, led primarily by the FCC and its leader, Brendan Carr.

Because conversations about select products and manufacturing plans are often happening behind the scenes with the FCC, it's unclear whether these companies are being denied outright or are even asking for access to the U.S. market, market watchers explain.

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While existing market access should stay relatively the same as you see it now, the FCC ruling could still delay new product lines as companies await approval. Companies will also need to evaluate existing lines to ensure they remain in compliance. Many companies expect the FCC to continue adding to the Covered List, which may further impact what products are on the horizon. 

So to sum it up: If your robovacuum is working fine as is, no need to worry. But if you are hoping to upgrade in the future, your options may be limited. 

What Mashable thinks 

Mashable's robot experts, including senior shopping reporter and vacuum tester Leah Stodart, agree that consumers could face slim pickings in the future. But you have a lot of options currently available to you if you want to fill your house with bots.

Here's everything else you need to keep in mind while shopping for a robo vac.

Featured Video For You How well does the Beatbot Sora 70 robot clean your pool?

Additional reporting by Leah Stodart

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pixel 11 Pro XL Camera Walk: Does Generative AI Ruin Real Photos?

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:40

Andrew Lanxon takes Google's Pixel 11 Pro XL on a street photography test walk through Paris to test its new camera features, including customizable Camera Looks, Magic Capture and 120x Super Res Zoom. Watch as he puts the Tensor G6-powered camera to the test and breaks down whether Google's heavy AI image processing enhances or over-edits your photos.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI employees can apparently complain directly to Sam Altman

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:34

OpenAI employees apparently have a quick way to reach founder and CEO Sam Altman, Fortune reported.

It's an email address, friction@openai.com, and its purpose is to give employees a place to report company problems that OpenAI's leadership team can triage and handle.

SEE ALSO: What is OpenAI Astra? Everything we know about the new — and possibly dangerous — new model

The friction@ inbox has existed for a while, according to Fortune, but its use widened when Fidji Simo joined OpenAI as CEO of Applications in the fall of 2025. Simo went on a "listening tour" to better understand problems across the company, and formalized the friction@ process. She assigned Irina Kofman, VP of strategic initiatives and operations, to monitor the inbox and ensure that issues were resolved. Simo also established a monthly, company-wide Slack update to track progress, Fortune reported.

Simo has since left OpenAI, but these processes remain. One former OpenAI employee told Fortune that the system gives leadership an effective way to hear employee feedback.

"It's a good thing — literally anybody can complain about big company bullsh*t directly to Sam, and they can act on it," the former employee told Fortune.

Examples Fortune reported include a pilot program to prioritize parking spots for workers with longer commutes to combat full lots, and a more reliable process for granting API credits.

However, a problem brought to friction@ only gets resolved if Altman and OpenAI President Greg Brockman consider it "worthy," another former employee, who led a team at the company, told Fortune. Unlike the other former OpenAI employee, this person said the process created inefficiency.

"The individual who reports the issue probably thinks it's the single most important thing, but to teams like mine that are constantly underwater, under-resourced, and over-leveraged, it’s the single most disruptive thing you could do," they told Fortune.

It's certainly a way for Sam Altman to get internal real-time critique. For external critique, he can go to X, like when he suggested parents make AI podcasts about their children.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pixel 11’s Gemini translated my videos and took photos for me

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:33

CNET Senior Technology Reporter, Abrar Al-Heeti, gets a first look at the new Gemini intelligence features coming to the Google Pixel 11. In this video, we test out five upcoming capabilities designed to make finding and sharing information easier.

Categories: IT General, Technology

UserLAnd gives you a real Linux distro on Android—without Termux's compromises

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:30

Most Android users don't realize their phone can run a full Linux environment, and if they do, they may think a popular app called Termux is the only path to get there. However, if you need something that goes a little further than just a Linux terminal, there's another option that might just do the trick.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Brennan Lee Mulligan returns with Dimension 20: Toylight trailer

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:30

Dimension 20 is the tabletop roleplaying game series that just keeps giving. Already in 2026, Brennan Lee Mulligan's actual play show has offered Dropout subscribers Gladlands and City Council of Darkness. Now, this fall comes Toylight.

The first trailer for Dimension 20: Toylight promises that this season will reteam Mulligan with his Intrepid Heroes: Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson.

SEE ALSO: The Dropout lineup that is redefining modern entertainment

These improv comedians have created a cast of characters who are all playthings. Murph is Ol' Clyde Horsey, who seems to be a rocking horse who uses his rails as a bow and arrow. Axford is Cutie Pie, a kewpie doll with a Brooklyn accent. Wilson plays Wyon, a battle axe-wielding lion plushie. Oyama is Tinsley, a toy soldier, while Thompson plays a cracked porcelain doll, and Beardsley is a fluffy bunny named Calypso.

Sounds cute, right? Well, leave it to the cast that turned Candyland meets Game of Thrones into the most gutting season (Crown of Candy) to make Toy Story turned tragi-comedy.

Here's the logline for the new season:

Dimension 20: Toylight follows a band of toys as they rise up to defend the enchanted Toylight, the last flicker of a dying child's imagination.

It's giving Bing Bong. So brace yourselves for being turned inside out emotionally.

Dimension 20: Toylight premieres on Dropout on Sept. 16. The season consists of six episodes that will debut weekly on Wednesdays. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop storing everything on your main SSD: A guide to Hot vs. Cold data

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:15

Not all of your storage is the same, and you shouldn't treat it as such. There are many advantages to tiering, and organizing said tiering, over just dumping everything on your storage in no particular order.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:02
Top Google Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro preorder offers: the google store Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 store credit or $130 Pixel Watch 5 discount $399 (save up to $500 with a trade-in) Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 gift card $899 Pre-Order Here best buy Google Pixel 11 (256GB) + free $100 gift card $899 Pre-Order Here T-Mobile Google Pixel 11 (256GB) Free with trade-in on select plans (via monthly bill credits) Pre-Order Here The google store Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 store credit or $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount $499 (save up to $600 with a trade-in) Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 gift card $1,099 Pre-Order Here best buy Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + free $200 gift card $1,099 Pre-Order Here AT&T Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) Free with trade-in and eligible data plan (via monthly bill credits) Pre-Order Here t-mobile Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) Free with trade-in on select plans (via monthly bill credits) Pre-Order Here

Smartphone release season is in full swing, and Google's the latest to drop its newest mobile devices. The tech giant announced the Pixel 11 and Pixel 11 Pro phones on Aug. 12 ahead of its annual Made By Google event.

The Google Pixel 11 starts at $899. It's set for release on Aug. 20 and available for preorder through the Google Store, where you can save up to $500 with a trade-in. If you purchase it there anytime before Aug. 28, you'll also get a bonus $100 in Google Store credit or $130 off the new Pixel Watch 5 — your choice.

Alternatively, you can preorder the Pixel 11 through Amazon or Best Buy for a free $100 gift card. It's also available through major carriers like AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile; the latter is giving it away for free (via monthly bill credits) with a trade-in on select plans.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

While the Pixel 11 technically costs $100 more than last year's $799 Pixel 10, Google upped the starting storage on the latest generation to 256GB, and the 256GB Pixel 10 costs — you guessed it — $899. So it's not really a price bump.

The Pixel 11 Pro, on the other hand, gets a proper $100 price bump over the Pixel 10 Pro: It starts at $1,099. By preordering it directly through the Google Store ahead of its Aug. 20 launch, you'll save up to $600 with a trade-in and earn a free $200 bonus credit or $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount. At Amazon and Best Buy, the Pixel 11 Pro comes with a free $200 gift card. Meanwhile, you can get it for free through T-Mobile and AT&T with a trade-in and an eligible data plan.

Alongside these phones, Google also announced the Pixel 11 Pro Fold, the Pixel 11 Pro XL, and the Pixel Watch 5.

Google Pixel 11: Where to preorder Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel 11 isn't a huge upgrade over last year's Pixel 10, which didn't bring much new to the table. Minor upgrades for the Pixel 11 include a thinner camera bar, no 128GB model, and a new 512GB model, as well as AI features like Magic Capture. It's the only new Pixel phone that doesn't come with HiLight (but more on that when we get to the Pixel 11 Pro).

  • Display: 6.3-inch display with 1080x2424 resolution and 60-120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor

  • Storage: 256/512GB

  • Memory: 12GB

  • Battery: 4,985mAh

  • Rear cameras: 48MP wide, 13MP ultrawide, 10.8MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

  • Front camera: 10.5MP

The Pixel 11 comes in four colorways: Frost, pistachio, hibiscus, and obsidian.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 (256GB) $899 at the Google Store
Save up to $500 with a trade-in; earn a $100 store credit or a $130 Pixel Watch 5 discount. Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Google / Amazon Google Pixel 11 (256GB) $899 at Amazon
Get a free $100 gift card. Pre-order Here Google Pixel 11 Pro: Where to preorder Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Google Pixel 11 Pro comes packed with notable changes over the previous gen. Google's done away with the 128GB storage option, starting at 256GB instead. The lowest-storage model now comes with 12GB of RAM (compared to the 16 GB found on older Pros), but the rest of the line features higher memory. Brightness also gets a boost from 3,300 nits to 3,600 nits.

Most notable, however, is the addition of HiLight, a feature available only on the Pro and Fold Pixel models. HiLight is a customizable, multi-colored light on the rear camera bar that can visually signify notifications from messages to calls to Gemini activation, with the option to set certain colors for certain actions.

SEE ALSO: Trade any old Pixel for a free Google Pixel 11 Pro at AT&T — even if it's cracked

The remaining spec breakdown for the Pixel 11 Pro is as follows:

  • Display: 6.3-inch display with 1280x2856 resolution and 1-120Hz refresh rate

  • Processor: Google Tensor G6

  • Storage: 256/512GB/1TB

  • Memory: 12/16GB RAM

  • Battery: 4,850mAh battery

  • Rear cameras: 50MP wide, 48MP ultra-wide, 48MP telephoto with 5x optical zoom

  • Front camera: 42MP

The smartphone will be available in four colors: Canyon, obsidian, fog, and olive.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) $1,099 at the Google Store
Save up to $600 with a trade-in; earn a $200 store credit or a $250 Pixel Watch 5 discount. Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Google / Amazon Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) $1,099 at Amazon
Get a free $200 gift card. Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

Google brings ASL-to-text translation to Pixel 11

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:01

Talking to your phone has long been a convenient alternative to typing. With the Pixel 11, Google is extending that option to people who communicate through American Sign Language (ASL).

Ahead of its Made by Google event Wednesday evening, Google DeepMind announced SL2T, a new AI model that translates sign language directly into written text. The model powers a sign-to-text feature launching in Gboard and Live Transcribe on the Pixel 11 family.

In practice, the feature allows users to use sign language via their phone’s camera for tasks they would typically use keys to perform. That could mean signing a Google search, drafting a text or email, writing in a document, or asking Gemini a question. In Live Transcribe, a user can sign a response during an in-person conversation instead of typing it out.

The feature initially translates ASL into English. Google says it will come to more devices soon, at no additional cost, with support for additional sign languages planned for the future.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch How does sign-to-text work?

Teaching a phone to understand sign language takes more than showing it a dictionary of hand gestures. ASL is its own language, with distinct grammar and meaning conveyed through movements of the hands, arms, torso, head, and face, sometimes all at once.

That means SL2T has to pay attention to the signer’s entire upper body. An on-device computer vision system tracks 130 points across the person’s face, body, and hands, essentially turning the video into a moving map of geometric coordinates. The raw footage is immediately discarded, while those coordinates are sent to Google’s servers for translation, according to the DeepMind sign language team. Google’s joint impact report adds that the company does not retain logs of what users sign or the text the system produces unless someone explicitly agrees to participate in a model evaluation study.

Once the phone has mapped those movements, SL2T then translates them directly into English. A common approach in sign-language translation has been to first convert signs into written labels known as "glosses" before translating them into text.

The problem with that prior approach, according to the blog post, is that "glosses fail to capture rich, non-linear aspects of sign languages such as non-manual markers and spatial constructions. Translating directly from landmarks removes artificial vocabulary limits." In other words, skipping that word-by-word step allows SL2T to account for facial expressions, physical positioning, and other movements that carry meaning.

Google trained SL2T on more than 100,000 hours of data spanning over 50 sign languages, with roughly one-quarter of the material in ASL. It also trained SL2T to understand one-handed signing, which is useful when someone is holding their phone with the other hand, as well as signing by left-handed users.

Still, Google says SL2T is not a replacement for an interpreter

The first version still has significant limitations. DeepMind’s report says the model can struggle with regional signs, slang, complex ASL grammar, rapid fingerspelling, and meanings conveyed primarily through facial expressions or head movements. It may also generate what Google calls "ghost text," or words the user did not sign, when someone pauses, or another person enters the camera frame.

Its accuracy can also decline in low light, when a signer is partially outside the frame, or when there is not enough contrast between a person’s hands, face, clothing, and surroundings. The model has also not been formally evaluated on people under 18 or extensively tested across signers with motor disabilities.

For those reasons, Google and its AI Sign Language Advisory Committee describe SL2T as "strictly an assistive input tool for low-stakes communication" and does not fulfill legal requirements for reasonable accommodations. It is not designed for medical appointments, legal proceedings, classrooms, job interviews, government hearings, or other settings where an error could carry serious consequences. The report also warns institutions against using the software to replace qualified human interpreters or avoid their accessibility obligations.

Google enlisted Deaf employees, outside testers, advocacy organizations, professional interpreters, and sign language experts to guide the model’s development. The company plans to continue working with its advisory committee as it expands the technology to additional sign languages and, eventually, feature AI that can generate sign language as well.

SL2T is one of several new features arriving alongside Google’s latest hardware. The company’s Made by Google event begins Wednesday at 6 p.m. ET, with Trevor Noah hosting a presentation featuring the Pixel 11 lineup, Pixel Watch 5, and more of Google’s latest product announcements.

Follow along with Mashable’s Made by Google live blog for updates and analysis throughout the event!

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pixel Watch 5 got some powerful upgrades. Are they worth the higher price?

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:00

Google’s new smartwatch gets a more powerful processor, offline Gemini and potentially lifesaving health features, but some of its best new features may not stay exclusive to the Pixel Watch 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch PSG vs. Aston Villa online for free

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 19:00

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've been blessed with a summer of football, but there's still something special about the return of domestic competition. We're incredibly excited about the return of the Premier League, La Liga, Bundesliga, and, of course, the Champions League. But before those competitions get started, we've got the UEFA Super Cup.

Champions League winners PSG face off against Europa League champions Aston Villa in this showpiece event. We're expecting a thrilling matchup between two attacking sides that will want to start their seasons by lifting a trophy.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Aston Villa?

PSG vs. Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Aug. 12. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena Salzburg.

How to watch PSG vs. Aston Villa for free

PSG vs. Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

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

Live stream PSG vs. Aston Villa 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 Ireland

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Watch PSG vs. Aston Villa 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 streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the UEFA Super Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Aston Villa before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries, including Ireland

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and 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 PSG vs. Aston Villa in the 2026 UEFA Super Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to buy the new Google Pixel Tag

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:46

Ahead of its Made by Google hardware event on Wednesday, Google has unveiled an Apple AirTag competitor. The all-new Pixel Tag is the company's first-ever Bluetooth tracker.

Just like the AirTag, the Pixel Tag will be sold individually for $29.99 and as a four-pack for $99.99. Google wasn't taking preorders for it at the time of writing, but it already has an official release date of Wednesday, Nov. 11, and a Google Store product page where shoppers can sign up for in-stock alerts. We'll update this story if and when Pixel Tag preorders go live.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Tag $29.99 at the Google Store
  Learn More

The Pixel Tag is a thin, two-inch-long elliptical disc made from stainless steel. It's rated IP67 for protection against water and dust, and it comes in one "Fog" colorway with a silvery face and a light blueish back panel. (It perfectly matches the new fog Pixel 11, Pixel 11 Pro, and Pixel Watch 5, which Google also announced today.)

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel Tag has a built-in speaker that plays a sound when you ping its location from your phone. You can view its location on Google's Find Hub app. You can also use the Pixel Tag to find a lost Android phone: Pressing the button on its back panel will make a paired device ring.

The Pixel Tag works with smartphones running Android 9 or newer and can be shared with up to 10 different users. You can also ring it from other Google devices, such as Pixel Watches and Pixel Buds.

Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel Tag supports precision finding with distance and directional pointers and a "Left Behind alerts" feature that notifies you if you're about to leave a tagged item behind. You'll also get pinged if an unknown tag is with you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buy a new Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free gift card

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:45

FREE GIFT CARD WITH PURCHASE: As of August 12, get a Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free Best Buy gift card with purchase, up to $350.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Google Pixel 11 + Free Best Buy Gift Card   Get Deal

The Google Pixel 11 smartphone line is coming, and there are multiple choices to pick up if you're ready to lock one in. If you're going to preorder one of the devices anyway, however, you may as well save some extra money while you're at it. Though the phones won't be here officially until next week, you've got some time to lock one in for yourself right now if you're ready. Head to Best Buy and you'll even get a gift card with purchase to sweeten the deal.

As of August 12, get a Google Pixel 11 smartphone at Best Buy and get a free Best Buy gift card with purchase, up to $350. Choose the Pixel 11 Pro Fold and you'll get a $350 gift card with your purchase, while the Pixel 11 Pro and Pro XL will net you a $200 gift card. The Pixel 11 will get a $100 gift card with purchase. You can't lose, no matter which phone you go with, as this extra cash to spend at Best Buy can go toward accessories or just another shopping trip when you go back.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

The gift card will be delivered digitally via email after you pick up your new phone in-store or have it delivered to your home. You'll need to make sure you confirm your email address to receive it, so be on the lookout for that as you must respond within 60 days to receive the promotional item.

It's a great time to go ahead and choose your new Pixel phone at Best Buy and get a little something back for your time. Several retailers are doing something similar with other Pixel phones and products, so you can choose your own adventure here. All colors and styles are eligible. All you need to do is pick which phone you want to go with and you're good to go. Just be sure to do so before the phones release.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Chrysler built the ultimate back-to-school minivan, but you can't drive it

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:45

Back-to-school season sometimes means re-evaluating whether your current family hauler can handle drop-off lines, an avalanche of football gear, and a packed carpool of your kids and all their friends without falling apart.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Preorder the new Pixel 11 Pro from Amazon and get a free $200 gift card

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:30

GET A FREE $200 AMAZON GIFT CARD: Preorder the new Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) for $1,099 and get a free $200 Amazon gift card. The new Pixels are set for release on Aug. 20.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google / Amazon Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) + $200 Amazon gift card $1,099 at Amazon
  Get Deal

It's a big day for Google Pixel fans. The brand has new Pixel phones, a watch, earbuds, and a Bluetooth tracker. Like most major phone and tech announcements, preorders come with great perks. If you're considering making the upgrade to the Google Pixel 11 Pro, check out this Amazon deal.

Preorder the new Google Pixel 11 Pro (256GB) for $1,099 at Amazon and you'll get a free $200 Amazon gift card. The deal also applies to the the larger 512GB and 1TB models of the phone. Amazon notes this deal is valid until Aug. 27.

Starting with 256GB for $1,099, the Google Pixel 11 Pro is slated for launch on Aug. 20. Google has a fresh new feature this year with the Pixel HiLight. When the phone is facing down, an indicator light will gently glow to notify you of a message or call from an important contact. The feature lets you keep the phone down, free from distractions, and only notifies you of contact from a select group of people.

SEE ALSO: Where to preorder the Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold

In terms of upgrades from the previous Pixel model, the new 11 Pro comes in new colorways, has a higher brightness level, and a new Tensor G6 processor for better overall performance.

If you're preordering the new Pixel 11 Pro and you tend to shop at Amazon, it's a win-win to place your order at Amazon and get a free $200 gift card.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft promised to bring Windows to your iPad—here's why it's still not a reality five years later

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:30

Back in July 2021, Microsoft announced Windows 365, a service that would let you use Windows on any device you like, including your iPad.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want the new Pixel 11? The Google Store is loaded with credits and trade-in promos right now

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:24

TL;DR: The Google Store is offering up to $1,000 back on the Pixel 11 series via trade-in, plus bundled discounts on the Pixel Watch 5, Pixel Buds, and Nest devices.

If you're a Google fan (honestly, even if you're not, these phones are gorg and you should def take a look), Google is offering special offers across its entire lineup right now. You can score bundle deals, trade-in offers, store credits, carrier discounts, free subscription perks, and more directly through the Google Store.

There are a ton of promos going on right now, so I broke it down into digestible chunks based on what you need.

Pixel 11 phone deals
  • Pixel 11 Pro Fold: Get up to $1,000 back with an eligible trade-in. Plus, get a free Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm WiFi) or $350 in Google Store credit.

  • Pixel 11 Pro / Pro XL: Get up to $600 back with an eligible trade-in. Plus, choose between $250 off the new Pixel Watch 5 or a $200 Google Store credit for your next purchase.

  • Pixel 11 (standard): Get up to $500 back with an eligible trade-in, plus $130 off the Pixel Watch 5 or a $100 Google Store credit.

  • Carrier savings (Google Fi Wireless): Switch or join Google Fi to get the Pixel 11 Pro or standard Pixel 11 "on us" (via bill credits), plus $10/month off your phone plan for two years.

Pixel Watch and wearables deals
  • Pixel Watch 5: Get up to $400 back with an eligible watch trade-in.

  • Free LTE data: Buy any Pixel Watch 5 (LTE) and get two years of smartwatch data included via Google Fi Wireless without changing your current phone carrier.

  • Fitbit discounts: Save $50 on the Fitbit Sense 2 ($199.95), $40 on the Fitbit Charge 6 ($119.95), $40 on the Versa 4 ($159.95), or $20 on the Inspire 3 ($79.95).

Pixel Buds and audio savings
  • Pixel Buds Pro 2: On sale for $189 (down from $229).

  • Pixel Buds 2a: On sale for $99 (down from $129).

Smart home and streaming perks
Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to preorder the Google Pixel Watch 5

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:21
Preorder the new Google Pixel Watch 5: The google store Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm, Bluetooth/WiFi) $399.99 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm, Bluetooth/WiFi) $399.99 Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel Watch 5 (41mm, Bluetooth/WiFi) $399.99 Pre-Order Here Amazon Google Pixel 11 Pro Fold (256GB) + free Pixel Watch 5 $1,899 Pre-Order Here

Following some extensive leaks (plus a brief dip in the ocean?), Google's new smartwatch is here. The Pixel Watch 5 was formally announced ahead of the tech giant's annual Made by Google hardware event on Wednesday, alongside some fresh Pixel 11 phones and the new Pixel Tag.

The Pixel Watch 5 starts at $399.99 and is set for release on Aug. 20. It's now up for preorder at the Google Store, Amazon, and Best Buy. (Pro tip: You can get a free Pixel Watch 5 by purchasing the new Pixel 11 Pro Fold through select retailers.)

The Pixel Watch 5 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes, per usual. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel Watch 5 is $50 more expensive than last year's stellar Pixel Watch 4 and features several upgrades helping to justify its price bump. That includes twice as much storage, an extra gigabyte of RAM, a faster Qualcomm Snapdragon W5 Gen 2 Accelerated chip, and more advanced health and wellness features. To name two, the watch can now track blood pressure patterns and assess the quality of your breathing while you sleep.

The Pixel Watch 5 also lets you create custom watch faces using generative AI, making it super customizable.

The Google Pixel Watch 5, as seen through the camera of the new Pixel 11 Pro Fold. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

The Pixel Watch 5 comes in 41mm and 45mm sizes with recycled aluminum housing and a bright, always-on 3D Corning Gorilla Glass 5 display. The 45mm one costs $30 extra. Each size is available with optional LTE connectivity for $100 more. They both come in three standard colorways:

  • Matte Black Aluminum Case / Obsidian Active Band

  • Polished Silver Aluminum Case / Fog Active Band

  • Satin Pyrite Aluminum Case / Olive Active Band

The 41mm Pixel Watch 5 is also available in an exclusive Champagne Gold variant with a "Canyon" Active (rubber) Band, while the 45mm size has an additional Special Edition LTE variant designed in partnership with NBA star Stephen Curry. It features a Satin Pyrite case, a Rye Performance Loop (polyester) Band, and an exclusive watch face. It's priced at $579.99.

Curry previously teamed up with Google to tease the new screenless Fitbit Air, which nabbed a Mashable Choice Award earlier this summer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 5 (45mm, 4G LTE + Bluetooth/WiFI, Stephen Curry Special Edition) $579.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here
Categories: IT General, Technology

4 new Netflix documentaries to watch in August

How-To Geek - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:15

Every month, Netflix always has something new in store for every type of viewer. Whether you're a romantic, horror buff, or suspense lover, the streaming platform has a diverse pool of titles to pick from. And if you love documentaries, the collection of new titles is always solid.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Boox tablets and e-readers are on sale at Amazon for as much as $70 off

Mashable - Wed, 08/12/2026 - 18:13
Best Boox deals at a glance Best overall deal Boox Palma2 Pro Tappy Bundle with case $404.97 at Amazon (save $50.05) Get Deal Best mid-sized tablet deal Boox Go 7 Tappy Bundle with case $279.59 at Amazon (save $61.38) Get Deal Best large tablet deal Boox Go 10.3 Gen II Lumi Tappy Bundle with case $461.94 at Amazon (save $69.03) Get Deal

It's time to get ready for cozy season. Crisp fall air will be here in just a few weeks. If you have plans to spend the fall and winter catching up on books, sketching, or working on other creative projects, the Boox back-to-school sale could be a savior.

SEE ALSO: A new small but mighty Boox e-reader is on the way

The brand makes some of the most versatile e-ink tablets and e-readers. The sale extends to the brand's own website as well as their Amazon storefront. Plenty of models are included in the sale and most bundle the brand's Tappy Wireless Page Turner. Unlike Kindle, Boox has its very own page-turner device, leaving you without the need to readjust with every page turn.

Keep in mind Boox says these deals will disappear on Aug. 23, so it's best to shop soon to get the best selection.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Boox Boox Palma2 Pro Tappy Bundle with case $404.92 at Amazon
$454.97 Save $50.05   Get Deal Why we like it

The Boox Palma2 Pro is a palm-sized e-reader that gives you great portability. The 6-inch display is perfect for travel, evening reading, or for taking back and forth to campus. The Boox Palma2 Pro uses the brand's Kaleido three-color display which doesn't emit blue light. The 128GB storage makes for plenty of room for books, magazines, and other downloaded content. There's also a built-in speaker.

The bundle includes a magnetic case as well as the new Boox Tappy Remote Wireless Page Turner.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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