Blogroll

The $10 2TB flash drive scam: How hacked USB controllers silently overwrite your data

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:45

If you spot a really good deal on a USB flash drive, you might be tempted to shop. I'm here to tell you: Stop for a second.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score Asuss burn-in-proof 34-inch OLED gaming monitor for a record-low price

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:33

SAVE 20%: As of Feb. 27, you can get the Asus ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) for $797.35, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $201.65 savings. It's also a new record-low price!

ASUS ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) $797.35 at Amazon
$999 Save $201.65   Get Deal at Amazon

Dropping a thousand dollars on an OLED monitor only to ruin it with screen burn-in a year later is a very real, very valid fear. But Asus built a smart workaround into this ultrawide display, and it just so happens to be on sale.

SEE ALSO: Pre-order LG's 52-inch gaming monitor and get a $200 gift card

As of Feb. 27, you can get the Asus ROG Strix 34-inch ultrawide OLED HDR gaming monitor (XG34WCDG) for $797.35, down from $999, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $201.65 savings. It's also a new record-low price, according to our trusty price tracker, CamelCamelCamel.

This gaming monitor features a 3440x1440 QD-OLED panel with a 175Hz refresh rate and a 0.03ms response time to keep your gameplay smooth. There's also an OLED Care Pro proximity sensor that detects when you walk away and automatically turns the screen black to prevent burn-in. And because the color accuracy is so high (it features true 10-bit color and VESA DisplayHDR 400 True Black compliance), it doubles as a great screen for photo and video editing. They even throw in a free three-month subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud to prove it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop reading raw logs: Use these terminal tools to visualize your data instead

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:31

If you spend significant time debugging systems, analyzing servers, or reviewing application behavior, you know that logs are the most valuable and most exhausting part of your workflow. They are detailed, precise, and completely chaotic depending on your system’s temperament that day. I have stared at hundreds of GB of logs in a single session, watching lines scroll past like a waterfall.

Categories: IT General, Technology

RISC-V Linux will be ready for wide adoption in 2026, says Canonical

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:19

RISC-V is the hot new CPU architecture on the block, with the potential to displace x86 and ARM processors in everything from tablets to servers. Canonical, the company behind Ubuntu Linux, says RISC-V computing will be ready for the masses in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 essential Home Assistant projects to try this weekend (February 27 - March 1)

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:15

Smart home automation is fun, but it can also have a serious side. You can use Home Assistant to help protect you and your home. Here are some safety-focused projects you might want to try out this weekend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The top 3 TV deals to shop this weekend: Save up to $1,000 on Samsung, TCL, and Hisense

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:13
The top three TV deals to shop this weekend: TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $797.99 (save $502) Get Deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $899.99 (save $398) Get Deal Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro Neo QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 (save $702) Get Deal

So you've decided it's time to upgrade your crappy old TV. While we're not traditionally in the best season for great deals, I've found a few options to make your upgrade process a bit easier on your bank account. With new TVs announced at CES 2026 making their debuts this coming spring, a lot of our favorite releases from 2025 are already dropping down to record-low prices (or close to it).

I've rounded up the top three TV deals I could find heading into the weekend, with savings up to $1,100. Make note that while only one specific size of each TV is highlighted, most other sizes of each model are also discounted. Just click through to the different sizes on the product pages for more details.

Best TCL TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $797.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $502   Get Deal Why we like it

Not only did we name TCL's QM6K the "best budget mini LED TV," but our friends at CNET (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed it the "best TV under $1,000 in 2025." Buy this TV if you want impressive picture quality with vibrant colors, a smooth Google TV streaming interface, a solid refresh rate for gaming (144Hz), and an excellent price tag. Under $800 for a 75-inch Mini LED QLED TV is honestly a steal. Mashable's own TV expert Leah Stodart recently bought this TV herself and can't say enough great things.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED ULED 4K TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,100   Get Deal Why we like it

Most of the time, we see really stellar TV deals sell out as fast as they appeared. That's not the case for the 75-inch Hisense U7 Mini LED TV. We featured this "ultimate mid-premium" model from 2025 last week, but it's still down to just $899.99 at Amazon if you missed it. It's list price is actually near $2,000 (which you can see on the Best Buy website), which means this is an even bigger deal than Amazon is letting on. Standout features of the U7 include Mini LED backlighting with an AGLR-Antiglare low-reflection panel, up to 3,000 nits of brightness, and HDR10, HDR10+ Adaptive, HLG, Dolby Vision IQ and Dolby Atmos. Plus, it features an impressive 165Hz refresh rate, which makes it a top pick for gamers.

Best Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch The Frame Pro Neo QLED 4K TV $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,199.99 Save $702.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's The Frame's claim to fame is its ability to look just like framed wall art when the TV's not on. The Frame Pro, released in 2025, takes the original Frame's features up a notch. It's the first model to use Samsung's most premium QLED tech — dubbed Neo QLED. It offers more precise lighting, as there are significantly more mini LEDs and they can be individually controlled. It's also the first Frame model that can connect to a console or cable box wirelessly, allowing it to be completely wire-free for the true framed art experience. The 65-inch model is the sweet spot for most people and heading into the weekend, you can officially grab it for its best price ever.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 insightful Prime Video shows to binge this weekend (February 27 - March 1)

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 17:00

Who's up for some insightful entertainment on Amazon Prime Video this weekend? I'm super excited because one of my absolute favorite TV shows on the planet is finally available to stream again, and it hasn't been for quite some time now. Don't worry; you know I've included it below in my recommendations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the redesigned 2026 Lexus IS is worth trusting

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:45

Reliability is front and center for car shoppers in 2026, especially in the luxury space. With prices climbing and depreciation hitting harder than ever, more buyers are planning to hang on to their cars instead of flipping them after a few years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro for $600 less at Amazon

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:44

SAVE 29%: As of Feb. 27, you can get the 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) for $1,497.99, down from $2,097.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $600 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked to date!

65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) $1,497.99 at Amazon
$2,097.99 Save $600.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy

To say I despise the look of a giant TV sitting at the front of my living room would be putting it lightly. It's just not my idea of a relaxing setting. That's why I've always loved the concept of Samsung's The Frame TV. It's designed to blend in with your decor and doubles as a piece of art when it's not on.

As of Feb. 27, you can get the 65-inch Samsung The Frame Pro LED Smart TV (LS03FW, 2025) for $1,497.99, down from $2,097.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $600 savings. It's also the lowest price we've tracked to date!

SEE ALSO: The Samsung Frame Pro is finally here: What to know about the most advanced art TV yet

The 2025 Frame Pro upgrades the standard viewing experience with a virtually glare-free screen featuring a subtle matte texture that makes the digital artwork look like a real, physical print. When you aren't watching your favorite shows, it shifts into Art Mode, which lets you display a curated collection of museum-worthy pieces from the Art Store or even upload your own photos. Bonus: It comes with a Slim Fit Wall Mount to ensure the TV hangs nearly flush against your wall.

It uses a Neo QLED panel with mini LEDs for precise lighting, and it features a Wireless One Connect hub so you can hide all your messy cables away from the screen itself. It's basically the most aesthetic TV on the market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buy is running free Pokémon Trade and Play events this weekend — score free packs, trade, and shop exclusive collections

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:37

TL;DR: Best Buy is running free Pokémon Trade and Play events on Feb. 28 (12-2 p.m. local time). Participants can score free packs, trade cards, and shop exclusive collections.

We've made a lot of noise about Pokémon's 30th birthday celebrations, and so has the rest of the world. We've seen genuine excitement over new Pokémon TCG releases, the first-ever Lego Pokémon sets, and the return of nostalgic Pokémon games, and it feels like there's more to come from this special anniversary.

Best Buy is clearly feeling the party vibes. On Feb. 28 (12-2 p.m. local time), Best Buy stores across the country will host in-store Trade and Play events, with demo stations, Pokémon TCG trades, exclusive card drops, freebies, expert tuition, and a whole lot more. Attend solo, bring a friend, or gather together everyone from your neighborhood. This is going to be big.

Somehow still on the fence? Here's a snapshot of what you can expect from these special events:

Before you set off, it's important to check out Best Buy's Pokémon page to find a Trade and Play event at a store near you. Once that's sorted, you're all set to capture the magic of Pokémon this weekend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This overlooked app helped me build the ultimate homelab dashboard

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:30

I’ve held off on setting up Grafana for far too long. So, I set aside some time to finally deploy the ultimate homelab dashboard, and I wish I would have done this sooner.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dont leave $400 on the table — get a 512GB Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra smartphone and Amazon gift card for 24% off

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:27

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 27, get the brand new Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with 512GB of storage for just $1,299.99, plus receive a $200 Amazon gift card. That saves you $200 off its list price, plus gives you $200 to spend at Amazon totally free.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra (512GB) and Amazon gift card bundle $1,299.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $400   Get Deal

On Feb. 25 at Samsung Galaxy Unpacked, the brand debuted its newest S Series smartphone: the S26. With its arrival, we expected to see some stellar markdowns on the previous generation, the S25, which has dropped as low as $899.99. Yet, there's an even better deal to shop now, and it's on the new S26.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra with 512GB is priced at $1,499.99 on Samsung's website, yet we found a major deal on Amazon. As of Feb. 27, the phone paired with a $200 Amazon gift cart is a bundle worth $1,699.99, but it's on sale for just $1,299.99. That saves you $200 off the phone plus gets you a free gift card, saving $400 for 24% off.

So what's new with the Samsung Galaxy S26 Ultra? Coming out of Samsung Unpacked, the biggest headline is the phone's new the new privacy display. The adjustable feature allows you to keep your screen hidden from those around you, as it shades the screen unless you're looking at it straight on. Additionally, Samsung combined its AI photo and video editing in one spot, the Creative Studio. It's an impressive device, which makes this deal tantalizing.

Plus, with your $200 Amazon gift card, you can use it to shop the new Samsung Galaxy Buds 4 Pro or a Samsung Galaxy Ring.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Raspberry Pi projects to try this weekend (February 27 - March 1)

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:16

Have you spent all week waiting for the weekend to come? Well, it’s here, and that means more Raspberry Pi projects! This weekend, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy some simpler projects to spin up, like Ghostfolio, Linkwarden, and Beszel (which is a new favorite of mine).

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 legendary Android apps that you shouldn't use anymore

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 16:00

Android’s long history has seen many popular apps come and go, but some of the old favorites have stuck around. That doesn’t mean you should keep using them, though. Apps change, and those changes can put you at risk.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skip Ryobi and Milwaukee: 7 tools you should buy from Harbor Freight instead

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 15:46

Ryobi has made a very successful name for itself in the power tool market by releasing powerful tools that are still relatively affordable. That's especially true when compared to other big-name brands like Milwaukee or DeWALT. However, many DIYers and homeowners are looking for even more value, and that's where Harbor Freight comes in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop copy-pasting commands: How to make scripts you actually reuse

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 15:30

Shell scripts are great, for many reasons, but one of the most tangible benefits is simple: you can stop running the same lengthy, obscure commands again and again. You might have a text file of commands you copy and paste, or you might find yourself on Stack Overflow looking up the same thing every day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen go live — where to buy now for Nintendo Switch

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 15:30

TL;DR: The Nintendo eShop has dropped the digital versions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for Nintendo Switch — buy now for $19.99.

Where to buy Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen for Nintendo Switch: Pokémon FireRed Pokémon FireRed Version (Nintendo Switch) $19.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Pokémon LeafGreen Pokémon LeafGreen Version (Nintendo Switch) $19.99 at Nintendo Shop Now

The Pokémon franchise’s 30th anniversary, coinciding with the release date of the original Pokémon Red and Green Game Boy titles in Japan, is being celebrated in the best way possible. You can now buy digital Nintendo Switch versions of the Game Boy Advance’s Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen games at the Nintendo eShop for $19.99. 

For gamers in the UK, both games are available for £16.99 at the UK Nintendo eShop.

FireRed and LeafGreen’s Nintendo Switch ports will release on Feb. 27 (Pokémon Day 2026) at 6 a.m. PST, after the Pokémon Company’s Pokémon Presents stream has aired. 

Instead of being tied to a Nintendo Switch Online membership, paying for these games à la carte means you can have them both permanently as part of your digital library. Both games will also be fully compatible with Nintendo Switch 2 consoles.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

Exclusively available digitally on the eShop, the Nintendo Switch editions of Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen will be nearly exactly the same as they were when released on the Game Boy Advance back in 2004 — minus the need for Link Cables or the Game Boy Advance versions’ bundled GBA Wireless Adapter, which you originally needed to trade and battle with other players. You’ll now be able to use the Pokémon Wireless Club for those local multiplayer features instead.

Remakes of the original Pokémon Red and Green Game Boy games (Pokémon Red and Blue in the west) let you relive the original Pokémon adventure with updated Game Boy Advance graphics — journey across Kanto, take on Team Rocket, defeat all eight Gym leaders, and become champion of the Pokémon League. 

The Nintendo Switch editions will contain exclusive post-game content on the Sevii Islands: introducing both an additional storyline revealed once you defeat the Pokémon League and plenty of extra Pokémon to collect. 

For more Pocket Monster deals, you can also celebrate the 30th anniversary with the Pokémon TCG Pokémon Day 2026 Collection, which is still available for under $40 at Amazon. Meanwhile, you can still save at least $20 on eight Pokémon TCG: Phantasmal Flames booster packs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch England vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free

Mashable - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 15:12

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup semi finals are fast approaching. England didn't look particularly impressive in the initial group stage, but they've bounced back with wins over Pakistan and Sri Lanka. New Zealand are still unbeaten in this group but their match with Pakistan was abandoned due to rain — that could prove crucial as we approach the final round of group-stage fixtures.

England face off against New Zealand in their final game before the semi finals. England have already secured their spot in the semi finals, but New Zealand need a result. The pressure is all on the Black Caps.

If you want to watch England vs. New Zealand in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. New Zealand?

England vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 27. This game takes place at the R. Premadasa Cricket Stadium.

How to watch England vs. New Zealand for free

England vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. New Zealand in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 a location with access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 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 always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • 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).

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

It's time for small TVs to make a comeback

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 15:00

Recently, I was looking for a small TV to put up above a bartop in our home, but finding anything under 32 inches was almost impossible. It used to be that you could find a small, and often truly small TV without much difficulty—no longer!

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to create your own custom map in Google Maps

How-To Geek - Fri, 02/27/2026 - 14:45

Google Maps is one of the most popular apps of all time, and for good reasons—it helps us find places, navigate unfamiliar roads, discover restaurants, and so much more. You likely use it to get from point A to point B, but did you know the app has a core feature that can turn it into a personal travel journal and itinerary scratchbook?

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker