Blogroll

These Wi-Fi 8 routers are massive, overbuilt, and completely useless right now

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 20:30

Wi-Fi 8 routers have officially started showing up, and let me tell you, they are absolute units. ASUS just dropped the ROG Rapture GT-BN98 Pro, billed as the world's first Wi-Fi 8 gaming router, and the thing looks less like a piece of networking gear and more like a small spacecraft that crash-landed on your TV stand.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NFC can now set up your smart home devices before they even power on

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 20:20

Setting up a smart home has always involved a bit of ritual—scanning a QR code, opening an app, and waiting for Bluetooth to kick in. To remove this friction, the Connectivity Standards Alliance is releasing the Matter 1.6 update today. While the update is incremental, it’s worth paying attention to as it aims to make setups feel a lot less clunky. Beyond this, the version also introduces Joint Fabric and Thermostat Suggestion features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch England vs. Croatia online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 20:13

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with Proton VPN.

England have had to be patient, but they can finally kick off their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign against Croatia. There are a lot of group-stage games where on team should win, but this contest is really evenly matched. England are slight favorites, but this could go either way.

England will need the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to be at their best if they want to secure three points. Croatia will be relying on familiar names like Gvardiol, Modric, and Kovacic.

If you want to watch England vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Croatia?

England vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off at 4 p.m. ET on June 17. This fixture takes place at the AT&T Stadium.

How to watch England vs. Croatia for free

England vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. Croatia for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend Proton VPN)

  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. Watch England vs. Croatia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN (1-Month Plan) $4.99 only at Proton VPN (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 2026 World Cup without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream England vs. Croatia (plus more World Cup fixtures) 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 ITVX?

Proton VPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries

  • 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 Proton VPN is on sale for $71.76 — 70% off for a limited time. This plan includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $4.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream England vs. Croatia in the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with Proton VPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skip the Toyota GR Corolla: This used German sports sedan is quicker and costs less

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 19:45

Performance cars are becoming increasingly expensive, which is pushing many enthusiasts toward the used market in search of better value. While there are still some fantastic new options available, depreciation can create opportunities that are difficult to ignore. For the price of a brand-new hot hatch, you can often step into something that was positioned as a premium performance model just a few years ago.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Arch Linux's largest software repo is blocking sign-ups due to a malware crisis

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 19:35

You won't see new developers sharing their apps with Arch Linux users in the near future. AUR (Arch User Repository), the Linux distribution's largest repo for community software, is blocking new registrations while maintainers deal with a malware crisis.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My Galaxy Watch was acting weird—wiping the hidden cache fixed it

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 19:30

As much as I love my Samsung Galaxy Watch, I’d be lying if I said it always runs smoothly. Recently, I was having some annoying syncing issues between my watch and phone. No amount of reboots fixed it, but wiping the system cache did.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lucid teases the design of its more affordable Cosmos EV

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 19:27

Lucid Motors is hinging much of its future on the Cosmos EV and you finally have a chance to see what that make-or-break car looks like. The startup has registered the midsize electric crossover's design at the European Union Intellectual Property Office, and it's now clear what you can expect.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched these 4 Google apps, and it completely changed how I use Android

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 19:00

One of the best things about Google’s Android apps is that they cover just about every major category, from email and web browsing to note-taking, music, file management, photos, and more. The best part is that these apps are all polished, incredibly easy to use, and deeply integrated into the wider Android ecosystem.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jackery just released 3 new HomePower portable power stations

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:48

If you're familiar with portable power stations, you know Jackery is a leading name. The brand makes a huge lineup of off-grid power solutions that are excellent for all types of situations that take you off standard grid power. From small models that are great for camping to big power that'll keep your home online during a storm, Jackery makes a power solution.

SEE ALSO: The 5 best portable power station deals I'd buy before Prime Day

As of June 17, the family of Jackery solar generators has grown. The ultra-slim Jackery FridgeGuard is designed to keep food chilling for up to 15 hours in the event of a power outage. In addition to this new model, Jackery is also launching three new HomePower models. Which model will be best for you?

Read on to get the details on sizing, ports, and best uses below.

Jackery HomePower 1000 V2

For an occasional power outage, the Jackery HomePower 1000 V2 offers 1,024Wh of capacity to keep your workstation online. It has three AC ports for powering your laptop and monitor. The 140W USB-C is also great if you have a high-powered laptop or a gaming laptop. Jackery says the HomePower 1000 V2 can recharge in as little as 50 minutes, which means you won't need a ton of warning about an impending storm to be fully prepared with a 100 percent charge.

Lightweight and compact, the Jackery HomePower 1000 V2 is designed to power your home office should grid power cut out. Credit: Jackery

Jackery also focused on portability with the new HomePower 1000 V2. It weighs just a bit over 23 pounds — an impressively low weight for a model with its capacity. The overall dimensions are also compact, making it easier to carry from the home office to the kitchen or bedroom after the workday is done.

Spec highlights:
  • Capacity: 1,024Wh

  • Output: 1500W, 3000W surge

  • UPS: 10 milliseconds

  • Weight: 23.37 pounds

  • Dimensions: 12.34 inches x 7.91 inches x 9.19 inches

Between June 23 and June 26, snag the new Jackery HomePower 1000 V2 while it's on sale at Amazon for $499, which is a 41% discount compared to the standard list price of $849.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 1000 V2 $499 at Amazon
$849 Save $350   Get Deal Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus V2

If you're looking for more power than the 1,024Wh in the HomePower 1000 V2, look to the new HomePower 2000 Plus V2. This model comes with twice as much power, and the 2,048Wh can be expanded even further to 12,000Wh with Jackery's expansion batteries.

Use the Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus V2 to keep kitchen appliances available for use during a power outage. Credit: Jackery

Of course, the larger capacity on the HomePower 2000 Plus V2 means it has more ports. Instead of three AC ports, the 2000 Plus V2 comes with four. There's also an onboard light, which makes moving the portable power station from room to room much easier when the lights are out.

Spec highlights:
  • Capacity: 2,048Wh

  • Output: 2400W, 4800W surge

  • UPS: 10 milliseconds

  • Weight: 40.57 pounds

  • Dimensions: 14.37 inches x 10.04 inches x 10.73 inches

During Prime Day on June 23 through June 26, shop the Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus V2 at Amazon for $899, which is a major 50% discount compared to the list price of $1,799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 2000 Plus V2 $899 at Amazon
$1,799 Save $900   Get Deal Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max

If you're hoping for whole-home backup but don't feel like shelling out the money for a Powerwall, the new Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max can pair with a manual transfer switch to control your home's circuit. Plus, it won't require a contractor to install.

Keep the whole home online when the power cuts. Credit: Jackery

You'll be able to continue using high-power appliances like the washing machine and dryer when the power cuts out, thanks to the HomePower 3600 Pro Max system. Like the HomePower 2000 Plus V2, it's expandable with Jackery's extra batteries. Stack enough together, and you could end up with a massive 43,000Wh.

Spec highlights:
  • Capacity: 3,584Wh

  • Output: 4000W, 8000W surge

  • UPS: 10 milliseconds

  • Weight: 70.55 pounds

  • Dimensions: 14.76 inches x 10.83 inches x 17.72 inches

For Prime Day starting on June 23, the Jackery HomePower 3660 Pro Max with a 6-circuit manual transfer switch and a 40A charging cable will be on sale for $2,149 at Amazon, marked down from the normal bundle price of $3,499 for a 43% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery HomePower 3600 Pro Max Portable Power Station with MTS & 40A Charging Cable $2,149 at Amazon
$3,499 Save $1,350   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The new Jackery FridgeGuard can keep your fridge cooling for up to 15 hours: Where to buy

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:44

A power outage is never ideal. From worrying about remaining phone battery to questioning how to make coffee in the morning, power outages are inconvenient. But one of the most costly elements of a power outage is the potential for food to spoil. To deal with the issue, Jackery has a new portable power station on the market. The Jackery FridgeGuard is an ultra-slim power station that can sit on top of your fridge or tuck beside it, providing up to 15 hours of reliable cooling power.

A shockingly thin design. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable The Jackery FridgeGuard specs

Jackery put some serious thought into the design of the FridgeGuard. For starters, it's exceptionally thin, measuring about 2.6 inches. When I placed it on top of my fridge, I did not expect it to easily slide under the upper cabinets. But it did so with plenty of clearance. If you don't have room above your fridge, you can also set it on the floor beside the appliance. Just attach the two screw-on legs that come with the power station.

Connect two together for up to 30 hours of cooling time. Credit: Jackery

It's also pretty lightweight, measuring just 23 pounds. I didn't have an issue lifting it up to get it on top of my fridge, thanks to its lightweight design. Installation is also a cinch. Plug the Jackery FridgeGuard into the wall and plug your refrigerator into the Jackery. That's it.

SEE ALSO: Jackery just released 3 new HomePower portable power stations

Once you set it up, it'll use grid power to always stay fully charged. When the power cuts out, the Jackery FridgeGuard kicks on within 10 milliseconds to take over powering your fridge. While I didn't have time to test it myself, Jackery says the FridgeGuard's 1,024Wh battery capacity is capable of keeping the fridge cooling for up to 15 hours.

Simply plug the FridgeGuard into the wall and the fridge into the Jackery, and you're set. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

It's expandable with one additional Jackery FridgeGuard for a total of 2,048Wh or about 30 hours of refrigerator backup power. From the Jackery app, you can monitor charge on the FridgeGuard, remaining power, power output, and check on the operation temp.

  • Capacity: 1,024Wh

  • Output: 800W, peak 1600W

  • UPS: 10 milliseconds

  • Dimensions: 23.6 inches x 12.8 inches x 2.63 inches

  • Weight: 23 pounds

  • Warranty: 5 years

  • Battery type: LiFePO4 (lithium iron phosphate)

How to buy the Jackery FridgeGuard

For now, the Jackery FridgeGuard is exclusively sold at costco.com and in select Costco warehouses. At the time of launch, it's on sale for $559.99 after the introductory 20% discount. Should you order online through Costco, shipping and handling is free. However, you'll need to be a Costco member to snag this deal, which comes with a cost of $65 for an annual membership.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery FridgeGuard $559.99 at Costco
$699.99 Save $140   Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

Find your lost items with the best early Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deals

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:31
The best early Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deals Best Early Prime Day Bluetooth Tracker Deal Life360 Tile Pro (4-Pack) $69.99 (Save $30) Get Deal Best Early Prime Day Android Bluetooth Tracker Deal Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 $19.49 (Save $10.59) Get Deal Best Early Prime Day Budget Bluetooth Tracker Deal UGREEN FineTrack Air Tracker Tags (4-Pack) $21.99 (Save $4) Get Deal

If you're ready to start shopping for Amazon Prime Day deals, here's some good news: you don't have to wait for the sale to begin. You can begin tagging your keys, bags, and luggage before summer travel with some of the best early Prime Day Bluetooth trackers right now. In fact, several are already discounted ahead of the main event, with deeper cuts likely once the sale starts proper.

The four-day sale doesn't officially begin until June 23, but early prices are already live as of June 17. Whether you need something to attach to your keys or an affordable option that won't drain your bank account, there are plenty of trackers to choose from right now ahead of the big day.

Below, find some of our picks for the best early Prime Day Bluetooth trackers and be sure to add the ones you want to bring home to your cart before they sell out early.

Best early Prime Day Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Life360 Tile Pro (4-Pack) $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

The Tile Pro is one of the most solid Bluetooth trackers on the market, and one of the best contenders that could be considered to take the Apple AirTag crown. They can be used with both iOS and Android devices and feature an easy-to-use app that lets you track items with the press of a button. They use the Tile Network to recover your lost items, so you have lengthy range, and Tile Premium adds even more features like item reimbursement, in the event you can't recover an item protected by your Tile tracker.

Best early Prime Day Android Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy SmartTag 2 $19.40 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.59   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're an Android phone user, this tracker is the perfect companion to your device. It can be hung from keychains or thrown in a bag so you can track down your most important items. It's simple to sync to your phone, and it's IP67-rated water- and dust-resistant, so you can feel confident it'll last no matter where you place it. It stays powered for up to 500 days and can last 40% longer on Power Saving Mode. It also includes multiple views to help you track down your items faster.

Best early Prime Day budget Bluetooth tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon UGREEN FineTrack Air Tracker Tags (4-Pack) $21.99 at Amazon
$25.99 Save $4   Get Deal Why we like it

This affordable set of trackers is a surprisingly useful alternative to the big names out there. They're made for iOS users, and they're much cheaper than AirTags with a similar feature set you can rely on. They work by way of the Find My app as well, with smart tracking that works near or far. They feature both lost item alerts and lost mode, so when something is confirmed lost, other Apple devices can access it as well as your tracker to help you find all of your most important belongings. Plus, they're lightweight and easy to attach to a bag or drop into luggage for simple tracking.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 great soccer docs on Netflix, HBO Max, and more, to enhance your World Cup watch

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:30

In case you haven't heard the horns honking outside at all hours or seen all the flag-adorned cars driving around everywhere, the biggest World Cup in history is underway (I live in one of the host cities, Toronto, and it's non-stop). The 2026 edition is the first with 48 teams, 104 matches, and the first event to be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 great soccer docs on Netflix, HBO Max, and more, to enhance your World Cup watch

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:30

In case you haven't heard the horns honking outside at all hours or seen all the flag-adorned cars driving around everywhere, the biggest World Cup in history is underway (I live in one of the host cities, Toronto, and it's non-stop). The 2026 edition is the first with 48 teams, 104 matches, and the first event to be co-hosted by three nations: the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day drone deals from DJI and Holy Stone

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:28
Best early Prime Day drone deals at a glance: Best DJI drone deal DJI Neo $169 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best DJI combo deal DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo $1,019 at Amazon (save $180) Get Deal Best budget drone deal Holy Stone HS110D FPV $63.99 at Amazon (save $25.99) Get Deal

We're less than a week away from Prime Day now which means Amazon is hard at work dropping deals. Like every Prime Day, Amazon launches countless early deals and some spell huge savings. If you're shopping for outdoor gear, a new Amazon Echo device, or noise-cancelling headphones, you're already in for giant savings.

While slim in number, we also have some decent deals on drones. Shop one of these models today before the sale and you can spend next week perfecting drone piloting instead of shopping for a model.

SEE ALSO: 40+ Best Buy deals that match or beat Amazon's early Prime Day deals

We expect to see more drone deals drop as we get closer to Prime Day, so check back to keep an eye on the savings. But for those who want a model now, check out the best deals on offer.

Best DJI deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo $169 at Amazon
$199 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Perfect for both beginner and experts, the DJI Neo mini drone gets you 4K UHD footage without costing a fortune. Since it's a DJI drone, you get the reassurance it comes packed with features like palm takeoff, propeller guards, and smart tracking. Plus, it weighs just 135 grams so it's easy to pack along.

Ahead of Prime Day, snag the DJI Neo for $169, marked down from the normal list price of $199 which save you a nice $30.

Best DJI bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo $1,019 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $180   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in the market for an immersive drone experience, consider today's sale price on the DJI Avanta 2 Fly More Combo. The bundle included the DJI Avanta 2 drone, the DJI Googles 3, three batteries, the DJI RC Motion 3 remote, a sling bag, and more.

The DJI Googles 3 includes Real View Picture in Picture, so you can view what the drone is capturing while still being aware of your surroundings through the goggles. Plus, the DJI RC Motion 3 has intuitive controls for performing every maneuver you desire.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup online for free

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:25

TL;DR: All 104 matches of the 2026 World Cup are available to watch for free on BBC iPlayer/ITVX. Access these free live streams from anywhere in the world with Proton VPN.

The world has stopped for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

16 cities across the U.S., Mexico, and Canada are welcoming the best international sides from around the world as they compete for arguably the biggest prize in sport. Huge names like Kylian Mbappé, Vinícius Júnior, and Lamine Yamal are likely to steal the spotlight, but new stars always shine brightly in this prestigious competition.

It's going to be a wild ride. We're still making our way through the first round of group-stage fixtures, but we've already been treated to some stellar performances from top names. The best moment of the tournament so far? Cape Verde's stunning 0-0 draw with Spain is tough to beat. Messi's hattrick against Algeria is another contender.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 FIFA World Cup from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the FIFA World Cup?

The World Cup is an international football competition between senior men's national teams. The 2026 World Cup has been expanded to 48 teams, split into 12 groups of four teams. The top two teams in each group and the eight best third-placed teams will progress to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Argentina. They won their third title at the 2022 World Cup after defeating France in an epic final.

When is the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

The 2026 World Cup is the 23rd edition of this famous competition. This year's tournament takes place from June 11 to July 19.

How to watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free

A number of streaming platforms are offering free coverage of the 2026 FIFA World Cup:

These streaming services are geo-restricted, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world.

Livestream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend Proton VPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice

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

  4. Visit BBC iPlayer or ITVX (recommended)

  5. Watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: Proton VPN Proton VPN (1-Month Plan) $4.99 only at Proton VPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 FIFA World Cup without committing your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream this tournament before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for the FIFA World Cup?

Proton VPN is the best choice for accessing live sports on free streaming platforms, for a number of reasons:

  • 20,000+ servers in 140+ countries

  • 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 Proton VPN is on sale for $71.76 — 70% off for a limited time. This plan includes a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $4.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 FIFA World Cup for free with Proton VPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best early Prime Day unlocked smartphone deals you can shop now — save on Samsung, Google and more

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:24
The best early Prime Day deals on unlocked smartphones Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy S26 $785 (Save $114.99) Get Deal Best Google deal Google Pixel 10 $725 (Save $74) Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day has become one of the biggest retail events of the year. The biannual sale sees discounts across all types of products, from tech to household essentials, so it's a great excuse for both practical upgrades and a little treat. And it's often a good time to shop for a new smartphone. If you're looking for an upgrade or just a budget-friendly handset with no long-term contract, there's already some early deals on unlocked smartphones.

Prime Day officially runs from June 23 to 26, but here are the unlocked smartphone deals we've been able to find now.

Best unlocked smartphone early Prime Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S26 $785 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $114.99   Get Deal Why we like it

This unlocked smartphone combines AI-powered tools with fast performance to make everyday tasks easier. It also features a vibrant display, a wider front camera for group selfies. And right now it's over $100 off when you choose the sky blue color. The other options (cobalt violet, black, and white) are also reduced by a little less, but still $100 off the list price.

More unlocked smartphone early Prime Day deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Listen up: These early Prime Day Sony headphone deals are worth shopping now

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:18
The best early Prime Day Sony headphone deals Best Early Prime Day Sony Headphone Deal Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones $459.99 (Save $61.99) Get Deal Best early Prime Day Sony earbud deal Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds $46.17 (Save $23.82) Get Deal Best early Prime Day budget Sony headphone deal Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $36.95 (Save $17.05) Get Deal

Prime Day is just around the corner, but anyone looking for a deal on Sony headphones doesn't have to wait for the sale to start saving. Several of our favorite Sony noise-cancelling headphones are already discounted ahead of the main event, with more expected once the deals go live.

The four-day sale doesn't officially begin until June 23, but you can get your hands on early discounts as of June 17. Whether you're looking for a pair of great over-the-ear, noise-cancelling favorites or a lightweight set of earbuds, you can catch them all on sale right now for some significant discounts.

There will be additional deals to snap up as we get closer to the event. But if you'd rather not wait, these early Prime Day deals here worth grabbing now. We'll keep this guide updated as the sale gets closer, but for the moment, the best early Prime Day Sony headphone deals are below.

Best early Prime Day Sony headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise Canceling Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Why we like it

This pair of cushy over-the-ear headphones isn't just comfortable. They also offer crisp audio, an adaptive microphone system, and real-time noise cancellation to give you the best audio possible. They're improved even over Sony's WH-1000XM5 headphones, with additional microphones than before and even more ways to make your favorite songs, podcasts, and even calls sound great no matter where you roam. They come with a compact carrying case and fold into them for safekeeping and offer bombastic sound, bumping bass, and fantastic sound quality no matter what genre you're into.

Best early Prime Day Sony earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WF-C510 Truly Wireless Earbuds $46.17 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $23.82   Get Deal Why we like it

These lightweight earbuds are a strong alternative for the over-the-ear models that Sony offers, but they're still affordable thanks to this early Prime Day deal. They offer up to 11 hours of battery with multipoint connection, so you can listen to music on your phone or take calls from your computer and switch between the two — or however you plan to connect to your devices. They're IPX4 water resistant as well, so they're great for taking along to the gym or wearing wherever it is you decide to go. They also feature Ambient Sound Mode to help automatically filter out noise while keeping you aware of your surroundings.

Best early Prime Day budget Sony headphone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones $36.95 at Amazon
$54 Save $17.05   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want a pair of Sony headphones without paying the extra cash to secure a pair, this budget-priced option is a great alternative. They offer crisp, high-quality audio with a lengthy 50-hour battery life. You can make and take calls on them, and they're super lightweight and comfortable for long-term wear as well. Like many of Sony's headphones, they also offer multipoint connectivity.

More early Prime Day Sony headphone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Report: AI can perpetuate anti-LGBTQ hate

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:18

AI has stoked many fears: The demise of entire industries, mass exploitation of vulnerable online denizens, a widespread crisis of literacy and critical thinking.

Included in that long list is the fear that these systems can reinforce discrimination and bias levied against already marginalized groups. And according to a new report from LGBTQ nonprofit GLAAD, it's already a problem.

SEE ALSO: LGBTQ+ creators come together to discuss living out and loud on the internet

The 2026 Build for Everyone report, published by GLAAD today (June 17), is an industry-wide analysis of the state of inclusive, responsible model design across the AI lifecycle. Researchers found repeated instances of exacerbated misinformation, discriminatory decision-making, and privacy concerns that the organization argues must be addressed with more responsible model design. But it has to happen sooner rather than later, GLAAD argues.

AI can make misinformation and censorship worse

"If LGBTQ topics and issues aren’t accurately represented during foundation model development or model fine-tuning, AI systems can perpetuate biased or stereotypical assumptions," GLAAD writes in its report.

For example, a 2025 GLAAD report found that Meta’s Llama 4 model repeated harmful information about conversion “therapy" — an anti-LGBTQ practice that has been disavowed by the majority of medical professionals and even the United Nations — when queried by users about how to "stop" same-sex attraction. Mainstream generative AI chatbots have been known to repeat medical misinformation, especially about politically charged topics like abortion.

In addition, GLAAD warns of AI-enabled censorship of LGBTQ content as social media platforms rely increasingly on automatic content moderation. These systems often fail to parse the nuances of queer identities or outrightly target LGBTQ content. Meta's Oversight Board, for example, has urged the company to improve automatic enforcement of its Hateful Conduct policy following a complete overhaul of its LGBTQ protections.

AI-based prediction can reinforce discrimination

GLAAD also found that systems relying on AI systems for predictive decision-making — like AI-powered banking or housing processes, job-hiring tools, and even ad targeting — can further exacerbate historically discriminatory practices, worsen stereotypes, and repeat flawed assumptions about identity groups.

AI poses data privacy concerns for LGBTQ people

Data privacy has been a prevailing issue among AI users and developers, and the same goes for LGBTQ communities.

"LGBTQ people face heightened risks when AI systems collect, infer, or retain information about sexual orientation, gender identity, or other personal characteristics," writes GLAAD. "In the more than 60 countries that criminalize same-sex relationships, government access to AI-collected information can lead to arrest, persecution, or violence. In the many U.S. jurisdictions that restrict transgender rights, that same data can fuel discrimination, denial of care, or loss of legal recognition."

How to design AI with LGBTQ communities in mind

GLAAD recommends AI developers ensure greater LGBTQ representation in AI training and data to fill in model "blind spots," and urges companies to continuously update their models as anti-LGBTQ hate and misinformation evolve.

GLAAD also recommends that companies include intentional guardrails to protect LGBTQ users and that AI products are stress tested and deployed with LGBTQ communities in mind.

"Neutrality is no longer an option. AI systems trained on data that wrongfully positions LGBTQ lives as 'fringe' or treats our equal rights as 'controversial,' or that fail to catch sophisticated disinformation about LGBTQ people, threaten our health, safety, and civil rights," GLAAD president and CEO Sarah Kate Ellis said in a press release. "Tech leaders must proactively embrace intentional practices to create safe products — not just because it is an urgent moral imperative, but because responsible AI is best for business and a requirement for future-proofing AI companies.”

Categories: IT General, Technology

FIFA World Cup schedule today: Games, kickoff times, livestream info for June 17

Mashable - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:18

The first round of group-stage games from the 2026 World Cup is coming to an end. Eight teams are yet to compete, but that all changes today. And this final batch of fixtures is particularly interesting, with some of the biggest clashes on the schedule.

Today, June 17, is another huge day for the tournament. The action starts at 1 p.m. ET. The schedule is relentless, so we've broken down the details for you below. Here's what you need to know to tune in live today.

FIFA World Cup schedule today: June 17How to watch FIFA World Cup games todayWatch Portugal vs. DR Congo

A lot of fans think Portugal could go far in this competition, but DR Congo are a strong team. They've got the talent to produce a shock result at the NRG Stadium. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch England vs. Croatia

England will need the likes of Harry Kane and Jude Bellingham to be at their best if they want to secure three points against Croatia. These teams are likely to battle it out for top spot in the group, so this opening game is vital. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Ghana vs. Panama

Most of the attention is on England and Croatia in this group, but Ghana will like it that way. They'll fancy their chances of advancing into the knockout rounds, but they need to start well against Panama. Live coverage will be on FOX and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

Watch Uzbekistan vs. Colombia

Colombia are strong favorites to win this opening game, but there are few genuinely easy games in this competition. They will still need big performances from star names if they want to progress from a tricky group that includes Portugal and DR Congo. Live coverage will be on FS1 and Fox One. Peacock will carry the live Spanish-language coverage.

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$59.97 Save $19.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock (Spanish Language) Starting at $10.99/month Get Deal More live streaming optionsLive TV cable replacement

Not interested in signing up for a standalone streaming service like Fox One or Peacock? You can sign up for a live TV cable replacement service, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.

These services carry over 100 live channels, but run off a WiFi connection. You'll get live access to Fox and FS1, plus a whole lot more. Here are some options to consider:

Watch the World Cup for free with a VPN

It's possible to watch the World Cup for free on international services like ITVX, BBC iPlayer, NOS, or RTÉ. Our global World Cup watch guide can walk you through the process.

You will need a VPN to live stream the World Cup for free. We recommend ExpressVPN — a Mashable-tested service and an Official Tournament Supporter of the FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and Europe — as our VPN of choice for sport. It offers servers in 105 countries, a user-friendly app available on all major devices, a speedy connection, up to 10 simultaneous connections, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Your smart home subscriptions are about to cost a lot more money—here's what you should do about it

How-To Geek - Wed, 06/17/2026 - 18:15

Cloud subscriptions for smart home services offer a lot of convenience. You can access things such as the video history of your security cameras from anywhere in the world whenever you need to. The trouble is that the prices of these subscriptions keep rising, and the likelihood is that they're going to rise even higher in the near future.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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