Blogroll

Proton Drive is the encrypted Google Drive replacement you need, and it's on sale

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 16:06

When it comes to cloud storage, the difference between ubiquity and security is that the most common software solutions usually don't have your best interests at heart. Microsoft OneDrive and Google Drive offer few protections for your data, which is a problem when you just want to make sure your family photos are safe and a downright liability if you're working with sensitive information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hey, Prime members: Take 50% off Amazons brand-new Alexa+ devices

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 16:03

SAVE 50%: Through Nov. 17, Prime members can knock 50% off the price of one eligible Amazon Alexa device during the exclusive sale.

Shop the Prime member-exclusive sale on Alexa+ devices: Amazon Echo Time $99.99 (save $100 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Echo Dot $49.99 (save $50 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Alexa Photo Frame $99.99 (save $100 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Echo Studio with Home Camera $124.99 (save $125 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Kids Echo Dot $54.99 (save $55 as a Prime member) Get Deal Amazon Kids Echo Time $104.99 (save $105 as a Prime member) Get Deal

Last week, Amazon dropped a new generation of Alexa devices, just in time for the holidays. This week, it's giving Prime members first dibs on discounts on those devices.

Through Nov. 17, Prime members can take 50% off an eligible Amazon Alexa device with an exclusive coupon (scroll to the bottom of the page to see the eligible devices). Choose your device thoughtfully, as the deal is limited to one device per customer. If multiple eligible devices are added to your cart, the discount applies to the lowest-priced item. Click the "Apply offer" or "Exclusive offer" box on any eligible device listing to activate the discount.

All of the brand-new Alexa devices announced last week are eligible for the 50% discount, except the Echo Show 16, which isn't yet available. That means you can score the adorable Echo Time smart alarm clock for a much more affordable $99.99, compared to its full list price of $199.99. The new Echo Dot price would drop from $99.99 to $49.99, while the Alexa Photo Frame would clock in at just under $100, down from $200. Amazon's new kids Echo devices are also eligible.

New devices aren't the only ones included in the lineup. You can also score older Echo Show devices, including the 5, 8, 11, 15, and 21, as well as the Echo Studio, Dot Max, Pop Kids, Spot, and previous-gen Echo Dot. We've rounded up all the devices you can choose from below, along with their price drops using the Prime-exclusive coupon.

New Amazon Alexa devices included in the saleOlder Amazon Alexa devices included in the sale
  • Echo Pop Kids — $24.99 $49.99 (save $25 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Dot (2022) — $39.99 $79.99 (save $40 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Dot Kids (2022) — $44.99 $89.99 (save $45 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Show 5 — $49.99 $99.99 (save $50 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Spot — $54.99 $109.99 (save $55 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Dot Max — $59.99 $119.99 (save $60 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Show 8 — $99.99 $199.99 (save $100 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Studio — $109.99 $219.99 (save $110 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Show 11 — $124.99 $249.99 (save $125 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Show 15 — $174.99 $349.99 (save $175 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

  • Echo Show 21 — $249.99 $499.99 (save $250 with Prime-exclusive coupon)

Categories: IT General, Technology

Out of space before finals? 5 Sandisk storage upgrades built for campus life

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 16:02

Your phone won't let you record a lecture because the storage is full, your laptop keeps surfacing "manage storage" pop-ups you've been ignoring for weeks, and you finally go to download the game you've been waiting for, only to realize you don't have enough space. 

The reflex when a device runs out of room is to assume the device itself is the problem, but the fix is a lot less drastic and a lot less expensive than a replacement. Sandisk has 5 upgrade options, each one designed for a different "I've run out of space" moment. 

Stop deleting old photos to make room for new photos  Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Phone Drive with USB-C $89.99 at Sandisk
$112.99 Save $23   Get Deal at Sandisk

The SanDisk Phone Drive with USB-C (starting at $112.99) plugs straight into your USB-C smartphone and can add up to 1TB* of extra space, which is enough to keep you from deleting photos from your camera roll in between classes. It moves files between your phone, tablet, and laptop, and other USB-C compatible devices without a cable or cloud upload, and it comes in four colors, so it can stand out from the clutter at the bottom of your bag. 

A storage fix you can leave plugged in  Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive $24.99 at Sandisk
$34.99 Save $10.00   Get Deal at Sandisk

The SANDISK Extreme Fit USB-C Flash Drive (starting at $34.99) uses a "plug-and-stay" design that sits nearly flush with your laptop's USB-C port, so it stays put when you shove the laptop into a backpack and move between classes. With up to 1TB* of extra capacity, there’s plenty of room to offload a semester’s worth of project files and free up space for what you’re working on next. 

Space for What the semester brings  Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Portable Drive $89.99 at Sandisk
$112.99 Save $23   Get Deal at Sandisk

The SANDISK Portable Drive (starting at $112.99) is a pocket-sized alternative to the bulky portable hard drives of the past, with transfer speeds up to 4x faster than old-school portable hard drives**. Toss it in your backpack to keep the files you want to hang onto close at hand, whether you’re moving between your dorm, the library, class, or heading home for break. It’s an easy way to add everyday storage to your setup and make more room on the devices you already use. Turn your laptop into a gaming rig 

Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD $119.99 at Sandisk
$207.99 Save $88.00   Get Deal at Sandisk

The SANDISK Optimus GX 7100 NVMe SSD (starting at $207.99) is the internal upgrade option that installs inside a compatible laptop and adds fast NVMe storage with a power-efficient architecture so that a game library and a semester’s worth of assignments can coexist on one machine. The appeal is simple — upgrade what you already own instead of replacing it.  

Have game (and storage), will travel Opens in a new window Credit: Sandisk Optimus GX 7100M NVMe SSD $229.99 at Sandisk
$387.99 Save $158   Get Deal at Sandisk

The SANDISK Optimus GX 7100M NVMe SSD (starting at $387.99) is the handheld version of the same idea, adding up to 2TB* of space to compatible gaming handhelds. With AAA titles routinely running 90GB or more, up to 2TB* means your game library travels with you instead of having to decide which ones make the cut. 

Solve your storage problems for good with Sandisk without monthly storage subscription fees. You'll have an easier time getting back into your creative flow, too. 

Disclosures: 

* 1GB=1,000,000,000 bytes. 1TB=1,000,000,000,000 bytes. Actual user storage capacity less. 

**  Based on read speed and internal testing against select commercially available 1TB portable HDDs. Performance may vary depending upon host device, usage conditions, drive capacity, and other factors.  

SANDISK, the SANDISK logo, SANDISK Extreme, SANDISK Extreme Fit and SANDISK Optimus are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sandisk Corporation or its affiliates in the US and/or other countries. The NVMe word mark is a trademark of NVM Express, Inc. USB-C is a registered trademark of USB Implementers Forum. All other marks are the property of their respective owners. 

© 2026 Sandisk Corporation or its affiliates. All rights reserved.  

Product specifications are subject to change without notice. Pictures shown may vary from actual products.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop pointing Home Assistant automations at single devices and start doing this instead

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 16:00

Are you still designing scripts and automations that target single entities, or listing devices one by one? This might work, but you’re leaving functionality on the table and opening yourself up to more maintenance in the future when you inevitably replace devices or expand your smart home.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Veterans Day 2026 deals: Score free food from Olive Garden, Krispy Kreme, Chili’s, and more

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:49

We cover a lot of national holidays in an effort to bring you free food deals from your favorite chains. Some events, like National Sandwich Day, have a handful of participating restaurants. But others, like Veterans Day, get mass participation.

Veterans Day takes place on Nov. 11, and a huge number of popular restaurant chains are saluting veterans with BOGO offers, limited-time discounts, and genuinely free giveaways. We've scanned the market for everything on offer to provide you with a standout selection of promotions.

Check out our favorites Veterans Day deals below:

Veterans Day 2026 food deals7 Brew

Veterans get 50% off any drink all day on Nov. 11 with valid military ID.

Anthony’s Coal Fired Pizza & Wings

Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off dine-in orders on Nov. 11 with ID.

Applebee’s

Veterans and active military get a free full-size entrée from a select menu when dining in on Nov. 11, plus a $5 Bounce Back Card valid through Nov. 29.

Bad Daddy’s Burger Bar

Veterans and active personnel get a free All-American Burger with cheese and a side on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (dine-in only with ID).

Baya Bar

Veterans and active-duty military get a free smoothie in-store on Nov. 11 with proof of service.

BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse

Current and former military members dining in on Nov. 11 get a free Chocolate Chunk Pizookie.

Blaze Pizza

Veterans and active-duty military get a free one-topping pizza at participating locations on Nov. 11.

Bubbakoo’s Burritos

Veterans and active personnel get a free chicken or beef burrito or bowl on Nov. 11 when ordering in-store with ID.

Buffalo Wild Wings

Veterans and active military get 10 free boneless wings and fries for dine-in with proof of service, or at B-Dubs GO walk-up counters with a $5 minimum spend.

California Pizza Kitchen

Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée and drink from a special prix fixe menu on Nov. 11, plus a BOGO pizza, pasta, or salad card redeemable Nov. 12-25.

Cheddar’s Scratch Kitchen

Veterans and active-duty service members get a free appetizer or dessert at dine-in on Nov. 11.

Chili’s

Veterans and active-duty military get a free select entrée for dine-in on Nov. 11.

Condado Tacos

Veterans get a free taco with the purchase of any taco of equal or greater value on Nov. 11 with ID.

Cracker Barrel

Veterans and active-duty military get a free Sunrise Pancake Special on Nov. 11 with ID.

Dave & Buster’s

Veterans and active military get free unlimited non-redemption gameplay, a free dessert with an entrée purchase, and their everyday 15% food/beverage discount on Nov. 11. All guests get 50% off arcade games.

Denny’s

Active, non-active, and retired military get a free Original Grand Slam on Nov. 11 from 5 a.m. to noon (dine-in only with military ID or DD-214).

Dickey’s Barbecue Pit

Veterans and active-duty personnel get a free Pulled Pork Sandwich on Nov. 11 for dine-in or carryout with ID.

Dog Haus

Veterans get a free entrée on Nov. 11 for dine-in with proof of service.

Einstein Bros. Bagels

Veterans and active-duty military get a free hot or iced coffee (any size) and a bagel with shmear on Nov. 11 when ordering in-bakery.

Fazoli’s

Veterans and active military get a free Spaghetti with Marinara or Meat Sauce on Nov. 11 with promo code VET26 at the counter (no purchase necessary).

Firehouse Subs

Veterans and active-duty military get a BOGO free sub (any size) in-store on Nov. 11 with ID.

Ford’s Garage

Veterans and active-duty military get a free American Standard Burger or up to $16 off any entrée for dine-in on Nov. 11 with ID.

Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers

Veterans and current military visiting on Nov. 11 receive a free meal card for any Freddy’s Combo, redeemable through Nov. 25.

Golden Corral

Active-duty military, retirees, and veterans get a free dinner buffet and drink on Nov. 11 from 4 p.m. to close (no ID required).

Good Times

Active and retired military get a free Deluxe Cheeseburger Combo in-store or at the drive-thru on Nov. 11 with ID.

Grimaldi’s Pizzeria

Military members get 25% off dine-in orders on Nov. 11 with ID (up from their standard 15% discount).

Grumpy’s Restaurant

Veterans and active-duty military get 25% off their check on Nov. 11 with ID.

Hard Rock Cafe

Active and retired military get a free Classic Smashed Burger on Nov. 11 with ID, which stacks with their regular 15% military discount.

Hawaiian Bros

Veterans and active-duty military get a free Classic Plate Lunch on Nov. 11 with ID.

Honey Dew

Veterans get a free coffee in any size on Nov. 11.

Hooters

Active and retired military get a free meal from a select menu with any beverage purchase on Nov. 11 (dine-in only with ID).

Hot Dog on a Stick

Veterans and active-duty military get a free 16-ounce Original Lemonade on Nov. 11 with ID.

Hurricane Grill & Wings

Veterans and active-duty military get a free select entrée (10 wings, fish and chips, steakburger, or chicken sandwich) for dine-in on Nov. 11 with proof of service.

IHOP

Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red, White, and Blueberry Pancake Combo on Nov. 11 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. (dine-in only with proof of service).

In-N-Out

Veterans, active-duty military, Reserves, and National Guard get a free meal (any burger, fries, and drink) on Nov. 11 with proof of service.

Juice It Up!

Veterans and active-duty military get a free medium Classic Smoothie in-store on Nov. 11 with proof of service.

Kona Grill

Veterans, active military, first responders, and Gold Star families get a free entrée with any starter purchase on Nov. 11 (dine-in only).

Krispy Kreme

Veterans and active-duty military get a free small coffee (hot or iced) and any doughnut in-shop or at the drive-thru on Nov. 11.

Little Caesars

Veterans and active-duty military get a free 4-slice Detroit-Style Deep Dish Lunch Combo with a 20-oz Pepsi on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. with proof of service.

LongHorn Steakhouse

Veterans and active-duty military get 10% off their meal plus a free appetizer or dessert with any adult entrée purchase on Nov. 11 (dine-in or call-in).

MOD Pizza

Veterans and active-duty military get 50% off any regular-size pizza or salad in-store on Nov. 11 with ID.

Native Grill & Wings

Veterans and active-duty military get a free select meal (wings combo, burger, or chicken sandwich with fries) for dine-in on Nov. 11 with proof of service.

Ninety Nine Restaurant & Pub

Veterans and active-duty military get a free lunch entrée from a select menu with the purchase of another entrée on Nov. 11 from open to 4 p.m. (dine-in with ID).

Noodles & Company

Rewards members get 50% off a second ramen bowl through Nov. 14 in the app.

Old Chicago Pizza + Taproom

Veterans and active-duty military get a free meal from a select menu on Nov. 11 for dine-in with proof of service.

Olive Garden

Veterans and active-duty military dining in on Nov. 11 get a free select entrée, including unlimited soup or salad and breadsticks.

Outback Steakhouse

Veterans and active service members get a free Bloomin’ Onion and a Coca-Cola or draft beer on Nov. 10 and 11 (no ID required). Rewards members also score a free future Hero’s Meal voucher redeemable Nov. 16, 2026 – May 2, 2027.

Paris Baguette

All customers get a free medium hot or iced coffee with any purchase on Nov. 11 (no ID required).

Peter Piper Pizza

Veterans and active-duty service members get a 10% discount with ID.

PJ’s Coffee

Veterans and active-duty military get a free 16-ounce hot coffee or cold brew in-store on Nov. 11.

Playa Bowls

Veterans and military personnel get 50% off any bowl on Nov. 11 with ID.

Raising Canes

Through the Hero Discount Program, active and retired military members, firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and their families get 10% off their entire purchase when they mention the program at the register.

Red Robin

Veterans and active-duty military get a free Red’s Tavern Double Burger with Bottomless Steak Fries on Nov. 11 for dine-in with ID.

Ruby Tuesday

Veterans, active-duty military, Reserves, and National Guard get a free Everyday Fresh Meal on Nov. 11 for dine-in with proof of service.

Shake Shack

Veterans and active-duty military get a free single ShackBurger in-store on Nov. 11 with ID.

Sheetz

Veterans and active-duty military get a free half-turkey sub and regular fountain drink on Nov. 11, plus a free car wash at participating locations.

Smashburger

Veterans and active-duty military get a free All-American Single Smash or Americana Big Dog in-restaurant on Nov. 11 with ID.

Smoothie King

Veterans and active-duty military get a free 20-ounce smoothie on Nov. 11 from noon to 3 p.m. with ID.

Taco John’s

Military rewards members get a free small Beef Crispy or Softshell Taco Combo in the mobile app on Nov. 11.

TCBY

Veterans get their first 6 ounces of froyo free on Nov. 11 with ID.

TGI Fridays

Veterans get a free select meal on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. for dine-in with ID.

Twin Peaks

Veterans and active-duty military get a free entrée from a select 5-item menu on Nov. 11 for dine-in.

Wendy’s

Veterans and active-duty military get a free Dave’s Single in-store or at the drive-thru on Nov. 11 with ID (no purchase necessary).

Whataburger

Veterans and active-duty military get a free breakfast Taquito until 11 a.m. on Nov. 11 with ID (dine-in or drive-thru only; excludes app orders).

White Castle

Veterans and active-duty military get a free individual or breakfast combo meal for dine-in on Nov. 11 with ID.

Yard House

Veterans and active-duty military get a free appetizer for dine-in on Nov. 11 with ID.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The most unique gifts for less than $50

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:30

Some people just have a natural talent for finding gifts on a budget, whether it's Christmas, an anniversary, Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, or birthdays. Some people nail it every time, getting the "best gift-giver" award among those who are lucky to know them — wife, husband, boyfriend, teens, in-laws, and everyone else.

If you're not one of those people, don't fret. We're here to help no matter the occasion. We've put together a list of the best gift ideas for under $50, from expected-but-useful trinkets to cool items they definitely don't have yet. These unique, budget-friendly gift ideas come from a variety of categories, so you're sure to find something they'll love.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop overspending on laptop storage, here's the smart alternative

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:30

When shopping for a new laptop, storage space is one of the most important specs to consider. However, there’s no one-size-fits-all number for how much you’ll need, because storage requirements can vary widely. So, let’s break down a few key factors to help you decide how much laptop storage to get.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime members can get $20 off dinner with this new Uber Eats offer — how to claim

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:08

TL;DR: Amazon Prime members can get $20 off each of their first two qualifying Uber Eats restaurant orders through Amazon until Nov. 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST. Each order must total at least $25 before taxes and fees and after any other qualifying discounts.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Uber Eats: $20 off each of your first two orders   Get Deal at Amazon

This may just be the frugal part of me talking, but I’ve always thought Uber Eats was one of the more expensive food delivery apps (right up there with Postmates). So when I heard Amazon Prime members could now get $0 delivery fees through Uber Eats, I was pretty excited. I still have questions about some of those clearly inflated restaurant prices, but free delivery is a step in the right direction.

SEE ALSO: Walmart quietly dropped epic deals ahead of Black Friday: Save on Apple, Ninja, Tonies, and more

Right now, eligible Prime members can get $20 off each of their first two Uber Eats restaurant orders through Amazon, for up to $40 off across two orders. Each order needs to total at least $25 before taxes and fees, after any other qualifying discounts, and the offer expires Nov. 18 at 11:59 p.m. PST. You also get $0 delivery fees on eligible orders after activating the benefit.

How to get the discount

Go to Amazon’s Uber Eats page while signed in to your Prime account and tap “Allow” to activate the $0 delivery-fee benefit. From there, browse participating restaurants and check that your qualifying $20 discount appears before submitting your order. You don’t need a separate Uber Eats account, but you do need to order through Amazon’s website or shopping app — not the Uber Eats app or website.

The benefit is available to U.S. Prime members, including those with Prime for Young Adults and Prime Access memberships. Restaurant selection depends on your location, so check what’s available near you.

Do you need to join Prime?

You’ll need an eligible Prime membership to use the benefit. Prime normally costs $14.99 per month or $139 per year, and eligible customers can start a 30-day free trial. I wouldn’t pay for a year just to get two discounted meals, but the trial is worth considering if you also plan to use Prime for Black Friday shopping.

Already using Prime for holiday shopping? This is an extra worth checking before your next takeout order. Compare the final price instead of letting the $20 discount talk you into adding food you didn’t want just to reach the minimum.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I'll use Android’s 3-button navigation until the day I die

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:00

Full-screen gesture navigation was supposed to be the future when Google followed Apple's lead and added it to Android in 2018, but 3-button navigation is better, and I'd argue it's still objectively faster. Nothing beats the instant muscle memory of an actual dedicated button. Here's why I'm never giving them up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Rob a Bank review: This eat-the-rich thriller from Amazon has the psychological depth of a kiddie pool

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 15:00

Earlier this year, I reflected in my review of How to Make A Killing that cinema has been riding a wave of eat-the-rich comedies since 2019, when Parasite and Ready or Not made class conflict into ghoulish fun. Since then, we've seen the good (Triangle of Sadness, The Menu, Send Help, I Love Boosters), the bad (How to Make a Killing), and the truly awful (The Running Man reboot).

So, how does How to Rob a Bank, the latest from David Leitch, stack up? Oh, very poorly, and that's actually shocking at first glance.

SEE ALSO: 'Triangle of Sadness' review: The "eat the rich" comedy goes gross-out, and it's great

Let's consider the talent behind How to Rob a Bank. For starters, the production is helmed by David Leitch, who's directed such compelling action movies as Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2, and The Fall Guy. The original screenplay comes from Mark Bianculli, a writer who worked on Hunters, an intense drama about a group that hunts down Nazis. The ensemble cast boasts Nicholas Hoult, Anna Sawai, John C. Reilly, Zoë Kravitz, and Pete Davidson.

All this suggests that a bank robbery thriller centered on class warfare might feature explosive action, challenging ideas, and rich emotional moments. However, produced and distributed by billionaire Jeff Bezos' Amazon MGM Studios, this eat-the-rich movie never dares to get that deep. Instead, How to Rob a Bank is a flashy, brainless mockery of the great American bank robbery movie. Who could guess why?

How to Rob a Bank dabbles in class politics. Nicholas Hoult stars as Ryan and Rhenzy Feliz as Hugo in "How to Rob a Bank," from Amazon MGM Studios. Credit: Megan Schoenbachler / Amazon MGM Studios

This thriller gets off to a kinetic start by pitching the audience into a band of charismatic bank robbers; they wear animal masks and document their crimes in a YouTube web series that encourages others to follow in their footsteps. Through voiceover narration, their dashing leader Ryan (Hoult) delivers some rapid-fire statistics about the American wage gap, arguing that robbing a bank offers a better chance of financial security than banking on the system playing fair.

Exactly which system Ryan is referring to is left vague in Bianculli's screenplay. There will be glancing critiques about the mistreatment of military veterans, healthcare under capitalism, and immigration reform, but the focus here is on banks. These robbers explain that banks bleed lenders dry, steal homes, and essentially kill people who can't afford medical care. These arguments are delivered in bullet-point form, as are the scraps of character development of their central anti-heroes. That makes it hard to feel invested in either.

Instead of delving into the robbers' lives, the movie cuts to the FBI agent (Reilly) who's cajoling a bitter hacker (Kravitz) to give him her Batman-level stalker tech to track them down. She agrees reluctantly between bong hits, which make up about 40% of her character, and they set off on a wonky buddy-cop adventure. While this setup has promise, she eats junk food and cracks meh jokes while he furrows his brow to unmask these robbers. It's far from the sparks and fun of Lethal Weapon or Beverly Hills Cop.

By the time How to Rob a Bank has set up this could-be cat-and-mouse dynamic, the actual exploration of who these thieves are feels like an afterthought. To Hoult's credit, he and his onscreen wife, Emi (Sawai), manage to muster engaging intimacy in some thin scenes. But all of these backstory scenes reek of tropes and stereotypes.

For instance, Hugo (Rhenzy Feliz) lives in a crowded apartment building, where he provides for his Spanish-speaking grandmother, who we learn later is undocumented. Meanwhile, Ryan and his wife live in a decaying house, where pictures of their deceased child provide an unspoken motive. And then there's Pete Davidson's Vince, who lumbers into a treacly scene singing a lullaby to his child, while his wife, Skyler (Tati Gabrielle, who is given nothing to do), looks on smiling.

They aren't characters but figures propped up by cliché and half-hearted politics the movie has no real interest in. It's never really clear what Ryan's big plan is between the robberies and his social media campaign. Is he just seeking revenge? Or is he earnestly pushing for revolution? And if so, what kind? Hoult is given plenty of rabid monologues for the gang's YouTube audience to enjoy. But who Ryan is behind his wolf mask remains ambiguous, and frankly boring.

How to Rob a Bank is a toothless bank robbery movie. Nicholas Hoult stars as Ryan, Pete Davidson as Vince, and Rhenzy Feliz as Hugo in in "How to Rob a Bank." Credit: Megan Schoenbachler / Amazon MGM Studios

In American cinema, bank robbers have a dubious place of honor alongside gangsters. They are the flip side to the white hat-wearing cowboy, who fights for the good of all by going outside the rules of a polite society. These anti-heroes expose the broken system of American capitalism and its corrupt government, and then suggest that their crimes are a defiant middle finger to it all. To them, they must break the laws to achieve their American dream.

In movies like Dog Day Afternoon, Set It Off, and The Town, audiences are urged to identify with the robbers, who are average folks making extraordinary choices to combat their bad fortune. In each of these films, a great director explores the bank robbers' psyches and their worlds, so that we, the audience, can relate. Their hopes, fears, and pain become our own. So, when they inevitably suffer a deadly loss in their pursuit of this twisted American dream, we hurt too. And then we're left to wonder what it means about our world that we can root for armed thieves to topple some aspect of it.

How to Rob a Bank gestures to this classic arc. To Leitch's credit, the film feels firmly set in Pittsburgh, where long-standing brick buildings, towering yellow bridges, and rolling hills strewn with weathered houses give a distinct look that speaks of America's promise and decline. He also embraces vibrant color, which adds pizzazz to the robbers and their online videos. But when it comes to creating complex characters who can make an onscreen death hit hard, he falls absolutely flat.

Sure, there's that scene where one of the gang will inevitably be slain by stone-faced police. But this time it won't hit, because How to Rob a Bank's characters all feel like gestures to a point of view, be it disillusioned, revolutionary, apathetic, or dedicated to the status quo. They don't feel real enough to move us, because How to Rob a Bank is in such a rush to plop in action set pieces.

And how are those action set pieces? Underwhelming. Sure, there's gunfire, car chases, motorcycle races through untamed woods, and street-level mayhem. None of it is all that memorable. As someone who fell hard for the jaw-dropping stunts and awesome battles of Atomic Blonde, I take no joy in telling you that it feels like Leitch is phoning it in here.

To the ensemble's credit, they do seem committed to making the most out of thin characters, stale jokes, and nattering political rhetoric. But they can't elevate a script that is juvenile in its politics and devastatingly uninterested in challenging its audience.

In the end, How to Rob a Bank adds nothing to the conversation about the wealth gap. Instead, the movie callously steals markers from online political discourse to use as flair, which is haphazardly flung upon a subgenre framework meant to stir up an audience and then haunt them with a film's final moments. This gutless knockoff gives no thought-provoking turns or heart-wrenching reveals. Then it delivers an ending that's senseless and pointless. Simply put, this movie could have been a meme.

How to Rob a Bank opens in theaters Nov. 13.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I finally took control of my Home Assistant dashboard

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:30

I'm a firm believer that a good smart home should work mostly like magic; when you walk into a room, the lights should turn on, and they should only turn off again when you leave. Sometimes you still need manual control, but I could never make a dashboard that really worked. I finally cracked the problem and now my dashboard is actually useful.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ali Wong and Nikki Glasers Hot Ones Versus is hilarious chaos

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:22

Hot Ones Versus episodes tend to be more chaotic than regular Hot Ones, and Ali Wong going head-to-head with Nikki Glaser is of course no exception.

In the clip above the two comedians take part in what is essentially a game of truth or dare, where the punishment for refusing to answer a question is a spicy wing.

Highlights include a passionate Taylor Swift discussion (Glaser refused to roast her) and a final challenge in which the pair have to draw one another without laughing.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Owalas new Sweet Talk and Punch Line water bottles have never been cheaper — save 20% at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:10

SAVE OVER $7: As of Nov. 11, the 32oz Owala FreeSip water bottles featuring the new Sweet Talk and Punch Line designs are on sale for $32 at Amazon. That's $7.99 off their full price of $39.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle 32 oz Punch Line $32 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $7.99   Get Deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Owala Owala FreeSip Stainless Steel Water Bottle 32 oz Sweet Talk $32 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $7.99   Get Deal at Amazon

Why wait for Black Friday to grab a new water bottle? Owala's latest pink-striped collection of bottles — called Sweet Talk and Punch Line — is already seeing discounts on Amazon. Both the Sweet Talk and Punch Line colorways are on sale for $32 for a limited time.

This is the lowest price we've seen, saving you $7.99 off their overall cost. These new designs were released at the end of October, so getting an early discount like this is pretty rare.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon's extra-long Black Friday sale: Dates, daily deal drops, and more

Mashable's Samantha Mangino says there's "no better emotional support water bottle than Owala's FreeSip" in her hands-on review, writing that it "lives up to its promise of both a sippable and chuggable water bottle."

Its versatile design is its biggest highlight: it offers a built-in straw or spout and has double-wall insulation to help keep your drinks cold. They can stay chilly for up to 24 hours, in fact. Plus, its push-to-open lid helps to keep the spout clean.

If these bright pink designs have caught your attention, act fast to save 20% on the Sweet Talk and Punch Line Owala FreeSip bottles at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Where to buy GTA 6 Limited-Edition Controller: Live restock updates at Amazon, Walmart, and Target

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:00
Where to buy the 'GTA 6' PS5 DualSense controller: PlayStation Direct DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 Black Limited Edition $84 at PlayStation Direct Shop Now PlayStation Direct DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84 at PlayStation Direct Shop Now Amazon DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84 at Amazon Shop Now Walmart DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84.88 at Walmart Shop Now Target DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84.99 at Target Shop Now GameStop DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84.99 at GameStop Shop Now Best Buy DualSense PS5 Wireless Controller — GTA 6 White Limited Edition $84.99 at Best Buy Shop Now

GTA 6 is finally arriving next week, and the heavily in-demand limited-edition PS5 DualSense controllers have been making a surprising comeback with select restocks before Rockstar’s long-awaited sequel launches. 

Sony’s collaboration with Rockstar Games delivered two distinctive blue-and-purple, neon-infused designs inspired by the streets of Vice City, each available in black and white for $84.99. However, as preorders opened on Sept. 10, stock allocations sold out everywhere — especially the black version, which is sold exclusively via PlayStation Direct. 

With both GTA 6 DualSense controllers scheduled for release on Nov. 19, several major stores still have preorder listings for the white edition, with intermittent restocks expected over the next week.

Be sure to keep this page bookmarked as we’ve checked across go-to retailers, confirmed where you can buy DualSense right now, and provided the full list of links you’ll need to check for the best chance of grabbing GTA 6’s limited edition controllers going forward.

Where to check for GTA 6 DualSense controller stock

Before GTA 6's launch on Nov. 19, these are the main retailers in the U.S. to bookmark and check for preorders:

  • PlayStation Direct (Black): Your only official U.S. retailer for the black controller. Sony has imposed a one-per-order limit, so don’t try to grab more than one if you’re lucky to get through.

  • PlayStation Direct (White): Also listed through Sony's storefront, the white version isn't exclusive. With that, there are several alternatives if PlayStation Direct runs out.

  • Amazon: A live listing for the white DualSense is available to buy now.

  • Walmart: The GTA 6 limited-edition PS5 DualSense controller is in stock at the time of writing. Shipping’s estimated to arrive on the game’s Nov. 19 release day.

  • Target: The white GTA 6 controller is in stock at the time of writing, though at the standard $84.99 price. The shipping date’s a little later than Walmart.

  • GameStop: Currently available to preorder online at $84.99. However, the delivery date is estimated for Nov. 20-25.

  • Best Buy: The white edition controller at $84.99 is out of stock online, but is currently marked as “Coming Soon."

Why are the GTA 6 DualSense controllers selling out so quickly?

GTA 6’s massive hype has undoubtedly led shoppers directly to the game’s dedicated PS5 DualSense controllers. It's the natural way of things.

As reported by IGN, 100 million PS5s have now been sold, including 2.1 million in the last quarter. It feels like a lot of recent sales have been driven by GTA 6. PC players need to wait, and the Xbox Series X|S’s install base pales in comparison to PlayStation, making the PS5 the default way to play GTA 6.

Not every one of the 100 million PS5 owners in the world will be playing GTA 6 or would even want the controller, but it does mean that the pool of potential buyers who’d want a dedicated GTA-themed DualSense controller is significant.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rockstar Games GTA 6 — PlayStation 5 (Code in Box) $79.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon What's special about the GTA 6 Limited-Edition DualSense controllers?

Both controllers draw inspiration from GTA 6's fictional Vice City setting, though each represents a different side of the game's Florida-inspired location.

The white DualSense adopts a brighter appearance influenced by Vice City's beaches, pastel colors, and a sunny daytime atmosphere. The black alternative draws on the city's neon-lit nightlife, with darker tones surrounding its colorful accents — representing the long nights in Vice City.

Alongside the prominent VI branding on the touchpad, each has textured palm tree detailing across the grips and a shimmering, color-shifting finish that changes appearance as the light catches it. Underneath those cosmetic changes, they're effectively standard PS5 DualSense wireless controllers. That means you're still getting haptic feedback, adaptive triggers, a built-in microphone, motion controls, and the familiar touchpad while you revel in Jason and Lucia's Leonida adventures.

Both controllers can also be used with compatible PCs, Macs, and mobile devices.

How can you improve your chances of finding stock?

If the GTA 6 DualSense is unavailable, there are a few ways to make the search less frustrating:

  • Get your retailer accounts ready: Sign in to Amazon, Walmart, Target, Best Buy, and PlayStation Direct ahead of time, with your payment and delivery information saved. That way, you won't have to scramble through checkout if new stock appears.

  • Remember PlayStation Direct’s exclusivity for the black controller: Since it's the only official U.S. retailer carrying this version, there's little benefit in searching elsewhere unless you're considering resale listings.

  • Use stock alerts where available: Retailer notifications and independent trackers can help flag when inventory is returning without requiring you to manually check every product page throughout the day.

  • Check local stores around launch: Best Buy, Target, and GameStop could be worth contacting starting Nov. 19. In-store inventory isn't guaranteed, but it offers another option if online orders become unavailable entirely.

  • Avoid paying collector prices too early: Both controllers have an official $84.99 recommended retail price. Listings substantially above that are not worthwhile while there's still a chance of additional stock reaching major stores.

Will the GTA 6 DualSense controllers be restocked for Black Friday?

It's possible, although Sony hasn't confirmed a dedicated Black Friday restock.

With GTA 6 launching on Nov. 19 and Black Friday 2026 taking place on Nov. 27, there's a relatively short gap between the release date and the biggest shopping event of the year. With that, retailers could receive more inventory around launch or hold additional units for the holiday shopping period. However, neither possibility is guaranteed, especially for the black controller, which remains exclusive to PlayStation Direct in the U.S.

Even if there were more stock in time for Black Friday, it doesn't necessarily mean these special editions will be discounted. Given their limited availability and high demand, retailers have no reason to knock anything off the price just yet. At this stage, selling out at MSRP is already almost a guarantee.

For now, the safest approach is to keep checking the retailer pages above and secure your preferred design if it becomes available at a reasonable price. Waiting until Black Friday might pay off, but there's a slim chance that either controller will still be available to buy after Nov. 19.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft says 8GB of RAM is enough, here's how to make it actually work

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:00

Microsoft's latest Windows 11 version 26H2 update that was released on November 3 introduced a set of optimizations specifically designed to help machines with only 8GB of RAM. This is excellent news for everyone stuck on a machine where upgrading the RAM isn't currently an option.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Powers cast choose their ultimate Middle-earth squad

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 14:00

Spoiler alert: The above video contains details for the first four episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3, as well as key events from J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The cast of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power is well-accustomed to battling Sauron (Charlie Vickers) onscreen. But if the series' stars Vickers, Cynthia Addai-Robinson, Jamie Campbell Bower, and Daniel Weyman had to face off against the Dark Lord himself, which Middle-earth characters would they want fighting at their side?

Find out as the show's s cast, as well as series co-creator Patrick McKay, stop by Mashable's Say More studio for a game of Choose Your Squad, in which they draft their own personal army to face off against Sauron.

SEE ALSO: Did 'The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power' just reveal the Witch-king of Angmar?

Who will be the first draft pick? Which team would be the most fun hang? And of course, which team stands the best chance of taking down Sauron?

Watch the above video to decide for yourself.

How to watch: The first four episodes of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 are now streaming on Prime Video, with more every Wednesday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on November 11, 2026

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 13:41

The Moon is now a little further into its Waxing Crescent phase, with a small amount of its surface illuminated by the Sun. It should be slightly easier to spot tonight, although there's still not much to see in the way of lunar features.

What is today's Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Nov. 11, the NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon is in the Waxing Crescent phase, with 4% of its surface visible.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on November 24.

What are Moon phases?

The Moon takes approximately 29.5 days to complete one full cycle. As it orbits Earth, the amount of sunlight reflecting off its surface that we can see changes, creating the different phases. This takes us from the New Moon to the Full Moon and back again, before the cycle begins once more, according to NASA.

The eight phases are:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it's not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Mounting my old router on the wall turned my dead Wi-Fi zones into full coverage

How-To Geek - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 13:30

When I upgraded my Wi-Fi router, I stored the old one away in the box it originally came in. I could have easily thrown it away, but I didn’t — since technically nothing was wrong with it — so it stayed where it was, collecting dust.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time stock tracker: Everywhere you can buy the remake

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 13:25
Where to buy 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69.99 at Nintendo Shop Now Amazon The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69 at Amazon Shop Now Target The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69.99 at Target Shop Now Best Buy The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69.99 at Best Buy Shop Now Walmart The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69 at Walmart Shop Now GameStop The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time $69.99 at GameStop Shop Now

If you’ve been following our stock trackers for the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 and the elusive gold-trimmed Pro Controller, you know what true retail chaos looks like.

The good news is picking up The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Switch 2 is nowhere near that hard.

While the hardware remains locked in a battle with scalpers, the actual game is readily floating around retail ecosystems. You won’t need to set 3 a.m. alarms or camp out in parking lots — you just need a clear map of which storefronts have carts ready for pickup, which ones offer quiet member markdowns, and when it makes total sense to skip the physical box and save ten bucks.

Here’s where you can buy it today.

Where to Buy 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' on Switch 2

Before you start jumping between tabs, here is where physical cartridge stock stands across the primary retailers and the smartest way to check each:

  • Nintendo Store — Direct physical orders are active, with first-run physical copies shipping with the collectible textured foil sleeve while supplies last.

  • Amazon — Stock is live, but keep an eye on fulfillment windows. Amazon was hit with widespread shipping delays right around launch, pushing many delivery dates out by days or even weeks. If you decide to order here, check the estimated delivery date on the product page before checking out, and verify that the seller is Amazon directly.

  • Target — Stocked across physical aisles and online. Local Drive Up and in-store pickup windows refresh early in the morning; paying with a Target Circle Card saves an extra 5%.

  • Best Buy — Solid availability online and in stores. Set your filter to "Pick up at store" to grab same-day counter holds before local inventory sells through.

  • Walmart — Rolling inventory in physical electronics cases and online. Just make sure online orders explicitly state "Sold and shipped by Walmart" to bypass third-party marketplace scalpers.

  • GameStop — Available for standard orders. A solid option for physical walk-ins and trading in older Switch games, with extra savings for Pro members.

The case for going digital (and saving $10)

If you don't need a cartridge on your shelf, the digital version saves you $10 right out of the gate. Nintendo sets digital copies at $59.99 while physical boxed editions sit at $69.99. Skipping the plastic case also makes jumping between games seamless when playing in handheld mode.

Your entire adventure lives directly on the console’s internal storage, so you never have to carry, swap, or misplace tiny plastic cards when jumping between games. You bypass stock shortages, postal waitlists, and store runs, all while benefiting from faster asset streaming and quicker load times running directly off the Switch 2's high-speed flash storage.

How to get the digital version right now:

  • Directly on your Switch 2: Open the Nintendo eShop, search for The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and purchase it to start the background download immediately.

  • Digital code via retailers (Amazon): If you prefer keeping your credit card off your Nintendo console, you can buy a digital game code directly on Amazon. The 16-character download code arrives in your email inbox within minutes and can be typed straight into the eShop’s "Redeem" tab.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Digital) $59.99 at Nintendo
  Shop Now at Nintendo Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time (Digital) $59.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon What’s new in 'The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time' on Switch 2?

Built exclusively for Nintendo Switch 2, this remake gives the N64 classic a full modern overhaul. You get high-definition visuals, an orchestrated symphonic soundtrack, voiced cutscenes, and modern quality-of-life upgrades like free camera movement and gyro-aiming for the bow and hookshot.

Nintendo also made clever use of the Switch 2 hardware. You can still play the ocarina with standard controller buttons, or you can hum, whistle, or play an instrument directly into the console’s built-in microphone to cast spells and warp.

The game connects to the free Nintendo Switch mobile app via Zelda Notes, adding an interactive collectible tracker, map guides, and trivia quizzes. Tapping existing Zelda amiibo drops helpful in-game supplies, while the new 40th-anniversary figures unlock retro-style cosmetic masks.

Is Ocarina of Time included in the Zelda 40th Anniversary Switch 2 bundle?

No. The limited-edition $519.99 console does not include a pack-in game or digital download code. If you scored the special-edition hardware, you'll still need to grab a physical cartridge or digital version on your own.

Can I play this remake on an original Nintendo Switch, Switch OLED, or Switch Lite?

No. This release is built exclusively for the Nintendo Switch 2 hardware architecture. It uses the new console's enhanced graphical pipeline, modern lighting engine, reworked audio processing, and faster storage speeds, so it will not boot on older first-generation Switch hardware.

Should you wait for Black Friday deals?

In short: no. First-party Nintendo launch games almost never see sticker-price drops during their first Black Friday. The best deals you're likely to find will be indirect perks — like bundled store gift cards or buy-two-get-one promotions on broader software catalogs. If you want to play now, don’t bother waiting — Black Friday won't save you much.

Unlike the consoles and controllers, this is one 40th Anniversary drop that has stayed in stock long enough to buy. Pick your preferred format, grab it at MSRP, and enjoy your return trip through time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Netflix adds a bunch of League of Legends music videos

Mashable - Wed, 11/11/2026 - 13:21

Netflix and Riot have teamed up to capture the attention of League of Legends fans, adding a host of music videos to the platform.

Ahead of Worlds (the League of Legends World Championship) taking over New York's Barclays Center this weekend, the streaming platform is adding a collection of videos from Riot's virtual artists, including K/DA, True Damage, and HEARTSTEEL.

SEE ALSO: Netflix's AI-powered search lets you search by your mood

A continued collaboration between Riot and Netflix, the League of Legends hub will go live Nov. 12 and will include music videos animated by Fortiche, the animation studio behind Netflix and Riot's critically lauded, Emmy-winning series Arcane.

You'll find six of K/DA's videos on there, including their Fortiche-made "FIRESTARTER" comeback single released in October, and True Damage's official 2026 Worlds anthem "Know My Name," produced with WIZZ, with animation direction by CRCR. Both will likely be performed at the Worlds opening ceremony on Saturday.

Of course, you can watch all these videos on YouTube, Netflix's longtime rival.

It seems Netflix is leaning into custom content hubs for specific titles and partnerships of late, with short-form videos the focus. The news comes days after Netflix added a KPop Demon Hunters hub to the platform, collating the film, a sing-a-long version, lyric videos for songs including "Golden," HUNTR/X choreography videos, featurettes, and more.

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Featured Video For You 'KPop Demon Hunters' stars Arden Cho and May Hong react to fans' TikTok videos
Categories: IT General, Technology
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