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Google's next round of Pixel phones is finally here.

As part of its Made by Google event on Wednesday, Google announced the new Pixel 11 lineup. There are also Pro models and a foldable device, but let's focus on the regular Pixel 11 for now. The base model this year starts at $899, which is $100 more than last year, but there's a caveat: The starting storage is now 256GB instead of 128GB. Last year's Pixel 10 was also $899 for 256GB of storage, so it's only technically a price increase.

SEE ALSO: Made By Google: Live updates as new Pixel 11 phones launch Google Pixel 11: Colors and specs Very thin indeed. Credit: René Ramos / Mashable

Pixel 11 also comes in four colors: Frost, Pistachio, Hibiscus, and Obsidian. Here are the basic specs for the device:

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

• Processor: Google Tensor G6 processor

• Storage: 256/512GB

• Memory: 12GB

• Battery: 4,985mAh

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

• Front camera: 10.5MP

Google didn't revolutionize the base Pixel model for 2026. This is a very incremental upgrade over last year, but there are some noteworthy changes. For instance, the camera bar is about 40 percent thinner, so the phone appears almost fully flat with a case on. Unfortunately, that camera bar does not include HiLight, a new hardware feature exclusive to the Pro devices that uses multicolored lights to convey notifications when the phone is lying face down.

SEE ALSO: How to watch Made By Google 2026

As for other changes, we already covered the exclusion of a 128GB model, but it's also worth mentioning that there's a new 512GB variant of the base model this year. The new Tensor G6 processor delivers faster performance and a few minor new AI features, such as Magic Capture, which automatically captures, crops, and unblurs moments as you film.

Aside from that, though, the Pixel 11 seems very similar to the Pixel 10. We'll have a full review to determine just how much better it is in the near future.

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Want your kids to use Linux but can't decide which distro makes the best introduction? Should they use your daily driver or something different? Well, here are five distros I'm seriously considering for my own kids—and the reasoning behind each choice.

No one wants ads and other junk popping up on their screen, especially if those ads are frustrating notifications from an overly aggressive app on your Galaxy phone. Thankfully, if you're on the latest Samsung One UI 8.5 update, you can use a new ad blocker hidden in the settings menu.

The top finds from Target's 2026 Halloween lineup: Nerds Halloween Gummy Clusters Candy $3.49 Shop Now Easy Grip Halloween Pumpkin Carving Kit $5 Shop Now Lit Plastic Ghost in Dome - Hyde and EEK! Boutique $5 Shop Now Pokémon Pikachu Kids' Jumpsuit $20.99 Shop Now 60-inch Poseable Lifesize Skeleton $25 Shop Now Demon Hunters Rumi Kang Classic Costume $25.49 Shop Now

Halloween shopping keeps creeping earlier every year, and Target is betting its 2026 Halloween lineup will get shoppers in early before the leaves even start turning. The retailer just unveiled this year's assortment, and prices stay cheap, with 60% of the decor under $10 and half of all costumes and accessories under $25.

Target's decor splits into two styles this year. Hyde & EEK! Boutique keeps it playful and affordable, with most pieces $10 or under — the standout is a $25 posable skeleton that can strike a new pose every day.

Later this month, Target's own Threshold brand adds a more grown-up Halloween collection: glass pumpkins, rattan pieces, and haunted village sets. For kids, the upcoming Pillowfort Monster collection turns kid-drawn artwork into plush toys and hooded blankets.

Target's exclusive K-Pop Demon Hunters costumes headline the costume collection, including a Rumi look built to be the centerpiece of any group costume. Pokémon gets a major expansion too — up to 26 costumes this year, more than double last year. There are also picks from Toy Story and Super Mario covering most of the big fandoms.

The candy aisle mixes nostalgia with new flavors. Target-exclusive picks include the Nerds Gummy Clusters Halloween Mix, Nutty Fruity Dubai Chocolate, and Drizzilicious in Pumpkin Spice and Apple Pie. For families looking to make an activity out of it, Target's DIY lineup includes Mondo Llama Pumpkin Mosaic Art Kits and Favorite Day Brain Cupcake Kits — easy, mess-contained projects that don't require a trip to the craft store first.

The Halloween lineup is ready to shop at Target now — in store, through Drive Up, or with Order Pickup.

The ESP32 is a tiny and versatile microcontroller that sips power. This means it can perform a variety of tasks and fit almost anywhere. Even so, I’m frequently amazed by the weird and wonderful things people are using it for.

Google Maps for Android Auto is slowly getting a huge upgrade, and the experience is so good that I might be ditching Waze. Some of the most frustrating Android Auto navigation problems are a thing of the past, and while Waze still has several strengths, Google Maps' new 3D Immersive View is a big deal.

Insta360 has launched the X6, its new flagship 8K 360 camera. Following last year's X5, the new X6 offers larger sensors, a higher frame rate, and 10-bit colour in an even more compact and rugged body.

The Insta360 X6 had been rumoured for a while, with an FCC filing hinting at its release earlier this year. The X5 was — and still is —  an impressive 360-degree camera, helping to cement Insta360 as a leader in the category upon its 2025 release. Now we finally know how Insta360 plans to improve upon it, with the X6 providing multiple upgrades.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 unveils cute Hello Kitty-themed action camera

Firstly, the X6 boasts larger dual Sony 1/1.1-inch sensors as opposed to the X5's 1/1.28 sensors. This allows the X6 to take in more light, improving performance in dim environments and where there is significant contrast. Like the X5, the X6 has two dedicated imaging chips and one AI chip. However, the X6's AI chip has been upgraded from 5nm to 4nm, Insta360 stating that the camera has five times more computing power than its predecessor, while also having a reduced power draw.

Credit: Insta360

The Insta360 X6 can capture 360-degree footage at resolutions up to 8K at 50fps — up from the X5's maximum of 8K at 30fps. Its flat, traditional filming mode has also received a boost, reaching 5K at 60fps as opposed to the X5's maximum of 4K on the same frame rate. Photo mode now reaches 120MP for 360-degree images, or 42MP for flat pictures, compared to the X5's 72MP 360-degree and 18MP flat photos.

Another significant change is the X6's form factor. While it is slightly wider than the X5, measuring in at 50mm as opposed to 46 millimetres, its much shorter height more than makes up for this. The X6 reduces the X5's already fairly compact build by almost 25 millimetres, measuring approximately 100 millimetres tall. While nowhere near as small as Insta360's GO action cameras, the X6 can easily fit in a jacket pocket.

Credit: Insta360

This shorter build houses a 2.32-inch OLED touchscreen which can reach up to 1200 nits brightness, making it easier to preview footage in light environments. In addition to operating as a regular touchscreen, the X6's screen can also be used as a giant button for recording. This allows users to operate the camera even wearing thick gloves, or if you're struggling with the X6's typical controls.

The X6 further adds both 10-bit colour and Dolby Vision, features that aren't available in the X5. Alongside its ability to film in I-Log (Insta360's proprietary log profile), these shooting options enable the X6 to capture a wider dynamic range and more colours, providing a richer image and more flexibility when colour grading in post. 

Insta360 states that the X6 can record 8K 30fps 360-degree video for up to 140 minutes on a single charge, surpassing the X5's runtime by 40 minutes. The X6 is also waterproof to 20 metres, an increase in depth of five metres, and has new replaceable lenses which the company claims are five-times more scratch-resistant (as well as more affordable). Mashable got to try replacing some X6 lenses, and found them not only simple to swap out, but also very satisfying.

The Insta360 X6 is available now, and comes in two colourways: Midnight Black and Arctic White. The Standard Version will set you back $699.99, and includes the X6 camera, a USB-C cable, a protective pouch, and a lens cloth. The $799.99 Essentials Bundle also includes these, but adds on an extra battery, invisible selfie stick, lens cap, fast charge case, and an extended warranty.

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I love Pure for so many reasons. (It's particularly useful for anyone who's looking for no-fuss, hot AF phone sex.) But that level of sauciness isn't for everyone — and to be fair, Pure isn't the only place you'll find randos sending you unsolicited photos of their unruly trunks among the forest.

If you're a Woman on the Internet and you've used a dating app, you may have (unfortunately) received an unsolicited explicit photo, which is known as cyberflashing. According to the Pew Research Center, about four in 10 online dating users (38 percent) report receiving a sexually explicit message or image they didn't ask for. For women ages 18 to 49, that number jumps to 56 percent.

So, Pure — one of the most sex-positive dating apps I've ever tested — is stepping up to stop cyberflashing with a brand-new feature called My Media Rules.

SEE ALSO: My favorite dating app just got even cooler with a new feed redesign

Developed directly from community feedback, My Media Rules takes the anxiety out of opening your messages. The tool lets you set your own universal boundaries for the app, meaning you can choose to auto-block all nude pics, turn off media sharing completely, or keep things open. You can even toggle these permissions on a chat-by-chat basis. Plus, if a graphic image appears for the first time, Pure prompts you to adjust your filters right then and there — and lets you decide whether you want to keep talking to the person who sent it.

No consent? No nude. Pure's built-in privacy tools blur sensitive content automatically. Credit: Pure

"We love bringing fun and spontaneity to our community, but we believe that only works when it's backed by privacy, respect, and consent," Vicki Rool, Head of Trust & Safety at Pure, said in a statement. "People consistently told us they wanted more control over incoming media while keeping the spontaneity that makes Pure unique. We listened and built it. My Media Rules put that feedback into practice, giving people the choice of what type of media they receive."

This new feature adds to Pure's robust list of existing privacy tools, which includes native anti-screenshot protection, sensitive content blurring, and self-destructing photos and videos. (Which, honestly, is exactly why I recommend it for sexting!)

When it comes to power tools, all the popular brands make some of the most common and essential gear. And while there is a ton of overlap, each brand misses the mark on several items. DeWALT is an extremely popular option for a myriad of reasons, but Ryobi manufactures a bunch of niche tools you can't get from the competition. Here are four tools you might need that you can't get from DeWALT.

Since its arrival on the scene, Linux has faced a persistent myth that refuses to die: it’s difficult to use for everyday people, especially compared to a more familiar operating system, like Windows. It’s endured so much that many people are unaware of Linux’s desktop benefits.

I wanted to build a NAS that I could take everywhere with me that would be battery-powered and easy to use. My spare Raspberry Pi 4 B ended up being the perfect tool for the job, and here's exactly how I built my TravelPi.

We're well acquainted with the winged stars of House of the Dragon, past and present: the colossal Vhagar, the fierce Caraxes, the mighty Vermithor, the misunderstood Sheepstealer. But there's one dragon in Season 3 yet to receive a full sky-high introduction even after the finale.

In the military ranks of the late Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton), there's a small blue dragon, constantly grounded. Who is she, and will we get to see more of this little cobalt gem in Season 4?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 finale: Who are the dragons at Tumbleton?

She's Tessarion, known as the Blue Queen, a dragon ridden by Daeron Targaryen (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) — though whether he's alive after the Battle of Tumbleton in the Season 3 finale remains to be seen. He's Ormund's ward, Gwayne Hightower's (Freddie Fox) nephew, and the youngest son of Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke) and King Viserys (Paddy Considine) — all of which means, like it or not, he's a direct threat to both Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) sitting on the Iron Throne.

We first spy Tessarion in Season 3, episode 1, when we're introduced to Ormund at his army camp. Tessarion's not fully grown, standing only two humans high and wearing a small saddle. And she's so cute. But she's fenced in with spears, in a move that likely keeps the troops calm and horses uneaten more than anything (and keeps out thieves). At this point, we don't know House of the Dragon is hiding Daeron in plain sight, ready for the Hightower lord to pull the switcheroo in episode 3.

In the latter episode, we get a better look at Tessarion when she's in the front line of Ormund's troops, during his confrontation with Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith). In this scene, Ormund is forced to surrender and hand over Daeron as a prisoner of war. Importantly, Ormund had the foresight to ready a decoy — not mounted on Tessarion (she would not allow this) but beside her. Just watch her little face when the decoy walks over to Daemon. Utter confusion that plays as concern.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast unpack Season 3, episode 2's biggest moments

Then, in episode 4, we see Tessarion get to do something, even if that thing is barbecuing and devouring Kat's brother Leo (Abhin Galeya) on Ormund's command.

Unfortunately for the Blue Queen, she has to sit tight in the Tumbleton stables until we see her again in the Season 3 finale, when Daeron's peace plan fails and he decides that riding out into the bloody battle on his baby dragon is his only choice. "I must take wing against the enemy. All these men, these boys, are here for me. I cannot let them fight alone. What are my choices? I either fight or flee," he says on the battlements. Thankfully, Gwayne stops the chirping Tessarion and Daeron leaving the stable, as Ulf the White (Tom Bennett) makes his move on Silverwing.

Alas, by the end of the finale, Daeron and Tessarion are nowhere to be seen, as Gwayne scrambles to find his nephew in the destroyed town.

Without spoiling anything from George R. R. Martin's Fire and Blood, Tessarion's plight is not to remain a grounded dragon. She'll have a part to play in the Dance of the Dragons yet.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max.

Android Auto is all about accessing the apps on your phone while driving, and Google Maps is probably the most important. It’s easy to use the digital assistant to start navigation, but for your most frequent places, an NFC tag is even better.

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 12, the Hisense M2 Pro projector is on sale for $1,099.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $1,299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense M2 Pro $1,099.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $200   Get Deal

If you're thinking about making the jump from a TV to a projector setup for future movie nights or marathons of a show, the Hisense M2 Pro is a model worth checking out. Our reviewer had high praise for it, saying it "proves you don't need a normal TV anymore," and it's even discounted right now at Amazon.

As of Aug. 12, Amazon has knocked $200 off the cost of the Hisense M2 Pro, dropping it from $1,299.99 to $1,099.99. This deal is only available for a limited time, so if you've been hoping to grab it, now is the time to act.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

The Hisense M2 Pro is quite impressive when it comes to screen size, as it can adjust from 65 to 200 inches. It also has a gimbal that can move it around 360 degrees horizontally and 135 degrees vertically, so you can find the perfect viewing angle. Plus, it boasts 4K resolution for picture quality, so you can enjoy every detail of what you watch.

Writer Lauren Allain, who reviewed it, wrote that this projector is worth it "for anyone looking to break it off with a standard TV and go with a projector." She continued on to say that the "4K triple laser display is excellent, the built-in stand is convenient, and the onboard speaker is decent enough that you’re not forced to connect to an external sound system."

However, she does add that "this isn’t the right model if you don’t have space to project a display of at least 65 inches. Any smaller and you’ll end up with a blurred display." If the Hisense M2 Pro fits the bill of what you're looking for, though, don't miss out on this great deal on it at Amazon.

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AI chatbots can help you solve technical problems you may not be able to solve by yourself. The problem is that even when a chatbot's solutions work, they can be completely overcomplicated. If you're using an AI such as ChatGPT or Gemini to help you set up your homelab, there are a few tips that can help you find the right solution for your needs.

Best phone plans for seniors: Best overall phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 $70/line/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best phone and internet combo for seniors AT&T 55+ $99/month Get Deal Best budget phone plan for seniors T-Mobile Essentials Choice 55 2.0 $45/month with AutoPay (save $5/line per month) Get Deal Best no-contract plan for seniors Boost Mobile Senior Savings $10/month for new customera (save $15/month) Get Deal Best low-cost unlimited plan for seniors Mint Mobile 55+ Unlimited Plan $15/month (save $15/month) Get Deal

Phone bills shouldn't get more confusing as you get older — but most carriers make it feel that way.

Some carriers offer real, age-restricted pricing built specifically for people aged 55 and up, complete with perks like built-in scam-call protection. T-Mobile, AT&T, and a handful of carriers all run age-restricted phone plans that undercut their standard pricing — sometimes by a lot.

Here's what's actually worth switching to:

Best overall phone plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: T-Mobile T-Mobile Experience More 2.0 Unlimited data, 4K streaming, and Scam Shield Premium — starting at $70/month for one line with AutoPay. Get Deal Why we like it

With the T-Mobile Experience More 2.0, you're paying $70 per month for one line, $100 for two with AutoPay — but you get unlimited data instead of a 50GB cap, and streaming maxes out at 4K instead of getting stuck at 480p.

So if you watch lots of videos on your phone or use it without thinking about data limits, this plan takes that worry off the table. It's T-Mobile's way of giving seniors more of the "normal" plan experience without the full price tag.

Best phone and internet combo for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: AT&T AT&T 55+ Two unlimited lines plus home internet for $99/month, with ActiveArmor scam protection built in. Get Deal Why we like it

AT&T's 55+ plan earns its spot by doing something none of the other plans on this list do: bundling two unlimited wireless lines with home internet for a flat $99 per month. If you're already paying for both separately, that's easy savings in one bill. It also comes with AT&T ActiveArmor built in to screen out spam and scam calls, and Fiber customers get automatic internet backup, so a home outage doesn't cut you off from the outside world.

It's a great fit for anyone ready to simplify their bills and consolidate services under one carrier. The one extra step is that signup happens over the phone rather than online, since AT&T verifies age and applies the discount directly — a quick call, and you're set.

Best no-contract plan for seniors Opens in a new window Credit: Boost Mobile Boost Mobile Senior Savings Unlimited talk, text, and data for $25/month — locked in for life, no contract required. Get Deal Why we like it

Boost's pitch is refreshingly simple: $25 a month, unlimited talk, text, and data, and that price is locked in for good — no surprise hikes, no fine print about rates jumping after a year. New customers even get a head start at $10/month for the first three months before it settles into the standard rate.

With 30GB of high-speed data included before speeds slow down, it's plenty for most day-to-day use without needing to think too hard about it. It's also flexible — no contract means you can leave anytime, and you're free to add family members of any age to the account. Simple, affordable, and built to stay that way.

A lot of 3D printing video content boils down to fairly simple printer reviews that often draw very similar conclusions. While being clued in on the latest printers is all well and good, there’s a lot more to the hobby than that.

SAVE OVER $200: As of Aug. 12, the Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra robot vacuum is on sale for $299.99 at Amazon. That's a $299.01 discount off the list price of $599.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $299.01   Get Deal

The Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra robot vacuum has received a huge 50% discount at Amazon, but it won't be on sale for long. If you've been thinking your home could benefit from the cleaning assistance of a robot vacuum, especially if people are spending more time inside to keep out of the summer heat, you'll want to make a move fast on this limited-time deal.

As of Aug. 12, this robot vacuum has dropped from $599 to $299.99. Don't wait too long to grab it, as it has a "limited-time deal" stacker attached.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

This Shark robot vacuum is a reliable pick for people who just want help with vacuuming around the house. Whether it's carpets, rugs, or hard surfaces, its powerful suction can pick up any dust, crumbs, or pet hair. It even comes with a Matrix Clean feature, which moves in a grid pattern to make multiple passes over areas for a deeper clean.

There's no need to worry about emptying the bagless base frequently, as it can hold up to 60 days' worth of dirt and debris. And on top of that, this robot vacuum can last for up to 90 minutes on a charge. The store page also notes that when it runs out of battery, it returns to the dock for a recharge, then resumes where it left off once it's done, which is very helpful.

Act fast to score 50% off the Shark AV2511AE AI Ultra robot vacuum at Amazon.

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Flock cameras are swiftly becoming the bane of citizens' existence, with the U.S.-wide network of automated license plate readers (ALPRs) increasingly coming under public scrutiny.

Now, there's an app that can show you how many devices owned by surveillance company Flock Safety are in your neighbourhood. Reported by the New York Times, DeFlock Maps is a crowdsourced app aiming for "surveillance transparency" that pinpoints ALPRs including Flocks on a map.

SEE ALSO: What are Flock cameras and why are they so controversial?

The map uses crowdsourced data from contributors to DeFlock and is powered by open-source project OpenStreetMap. According to the app's website, "Camera locations come from volunteers and the OpenStreetMap community, not a private company or government agency."

Devices pinned include not just Flock cameras but those of Motorola Solutions, Genetec, and other unnamed tech companies. However, Flock cameras make up over 80 percent of the devices mapped.

"Mass surveillance infrastructure is expanding rapidly in our communities, often without public awareness or consent," DeFlock's user guide reads. "DeFlock makes surveillance infrastructure visible. By documenting these devices and uploading the data to OpenStreetMap, we create a transparent, searchable record of the surveillance apparatus in our communities. Knowledge is power, and transparency is the first step toward accountability."

The fleet of devices, which capture and analyse images of passing vehicles using cameras, have become controversial as "creepy surveillance", with one Minnesota city seeing all of its devices stolen. Flock says its nationwide network includes over 120,000 cameras across 49 states, "giving agencies a broader view of vehicle movement and a deeper pool of investigative leads."

As Mashable's Olivia Tauber writes, "Police departments, businesses, schools, and homeowners associations use the cameras, which can turn a passing car into a searchable record containing its license plate, location, color, model, and even details such as bumper stickers or dents."

Featured Video For You The digital tool protecting Ukrainian architecture from war

DeFlock currently has 128,988 devices tracked, 82 percent of which are marked as owned by Flock Safety, which means the site has 105,770 Flock devices pinned (just under 90 percent of Flock's stated total).

Notably, DeFlock says in its user guide that it collects no user data, stipulating that "everything stays on your device except what you choose to upload to OpenStreetMap."

You can learn more about Flock cameras in Mashable's explainer, and check your neighborhood for devices on DeFlock Maps.

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Most people assume a slow boot comes down to hardware, and the obvious fix is buying a faster drive. I spent a while convinced of that too, but what actually made the difference for me wasn't new hardware at all. I didn't have to spend a dollar to make it boot faster, and you don't either.