Blogroll

Please stop torturing your fingers with membrane keyboards

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 19:00

Are you like me and type thousands of words per day on your keyboard? Is the keyboard that you’re using one of those cheap membrane-style ones? Here’s why you should stop using a membrane keyboard if you type all day and switch to mechanical.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Transform your Android phone into a webcam for your computer

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 18:30

Webcams in laptops aren’t great, and even external webcams struggle unless you pay for a high-end model. Before you look for an upgrade, think about the much better camera that’s already in your pocket. You can turn your Android phone into a high-definition webcam with shocking ease.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The apps everyone complained about in 2025

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 18:16

Enshittification is an inescapable fact of life. Apps and services that were once good fall foul of the constant need to maximize shareholder profits, which comes at the cost of user experience. Very few apps escape the march of enshittification, but there are some that have gotten significantly worse this year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 slicer tricks I use to speed up 3D printing prototypes

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 18:00

I love making my own 3D models and 3D printing them at home. The problem with making my own models is that I can go through several, or even dozens, of prototypes before getting to the final product.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google reportedly takes down AI videos of Disney characters following cease and desist

Mashable - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 17:51

Google has purged dozens of AI-generated videos from YouTube that involved characters from Disney properties, according to Variety.

SEE ALSO: Even 1,001 Disney deals may not save OpenAI

The move follows a cease-and-desist letter Disney sent to Google on Wednesday, the evening before Disney announced a $1 billion deal with OpenAI.

The letter, according to Variety, accused Google of infringing on Disney IP from Star Wars and the MCU to animated films like Frozen, Moana, Lilo & Stitch, and more. Several of the videos Disney flagged were created with Veo, Google's AI tool. Disney also cited a trend of creating AI "action figures" as infringement, including images of AI-generated figurines of Deadpool, Elsa, Homer Simpson, and Darth Vader in their letter.

As reported by Variety, links to videos cited in the cease-and-desist letter were still working on Thursday. However, by Friday, they redirect to a message that reads, "This video is no longer available due to a copyright claim by Disney."

In a Thursday statement to press, a Google spokesperson affirmed that they would cooperate with Disney on the issue, saying, "We have a longstanding and mutually beneficial relationship with Disney, and will continue to engage with them. More generally, we use public data from the open web to build our AI and have built additional innovative copyright controls like Google-extended and Content ID for YouTube, which give sites and copyright holders control over their content."

The cease-and-desist is not the only action Disney has taken against generative AI. In June, it filed a joint lawsuit with Universal against Midjourney, calling the AI image platform a "bottomless pit of plagiarism."

However, if you thought that suit was evidence of Disney taking a broad stand against AI slop, you'd be sorely mistaken. Disney's agreement with OpenAI indicates the opposite: The House of Mouse is embracing AI in a big way.

According to OpenAI's post announcing the deal, Disney is making a $1 billion equity investment in the company, becoming a "major customer" and gaining access to its tools.

The three-year licensing agreement will allow users to make Sora videos featuring Disney characters. OpenAI's announcement reveals that a selection of these "fan-inspired Sora short form videos [will be made] available to stream on Disney+."

That's right, soon you'll be able to enjoy AI slop platformed alongside work by human artists. But according to Disney CEO Bob Iger, the deal "does not in any way represent a threat to the creators at all."

It seems that Disney will permit AI slop of its characters, but only if the slop comes from OpenAI.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $20 device told me exactly what was wrong with my car

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 17:15

Car ownership and maintenance can be expensive, and there's nothing worse than firing up your vehicle and seeing the dreaded check engine light. I've been in that situation, and fortunately, this affordable little device told me what was wrong, saving me an expensive trip to the dealership.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Use Home Assistant notifications? You should be using these tricks

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 17:00

Notifications are one of the most useful tools in Home Assistant. You can use notifications to alert you that motion has been detected at your front door, that your washing machine has finished running, or that the battery needs changing on one of your smart home devices. Notifications can do so much more than just send you messages, however.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New to YouTube Music? Make these changes for a better listening experience

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 16:30

If you're looking to start using YouTube Music or are a loyal user who wants to improve your music experience on the streaming platform, you may want to tweak a few essential settings that can transform your streaming.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This insanely loud V8 icon can be yours for Miata money

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 16:15

Winter isn’t exactly prime time for roadster fun—you’ll spend more time bundling up than enjoying the breeze. But that’s also when smart buyers can score a deal, since prices drop when demand cools.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Collecting physical media? You should make a list

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 16:01

If you own a large collection of physical media, be it movies, TV shows, games, or music, you've probably made at least a few double purchases. Or, maybe you've missed out buying something rare because you assumed it was already in your collection. There’s an easy way to solve this problem: make a list of your stuff.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The incredible Google Earth feature that nobody seems to know about

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 16:01

When's the last time you visited Google Earth? It's not exactly as popular as Google Maps when it comes to exploring our planet, and most people who do visit the site probably just spin the globe a few times and move on to something else. However, there are quite a few very cool features—such as Voyager.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC online for free

Mashable - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 15:45

TL;DR: Live stream Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup for free on FIFA+. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're approaching the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 FIFA Intercontinental Cup. Pyramids FC face off against Flamengo for a spot in the final. There the winner will battle it out with Paris Saint-Germain for the title. How is this any different to the Club World Cup? Don't ask too many questions.

If you want to watch Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC?

Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on Dec. 13. This fixture takes place at the Ahmed Ben Ali Stadium in Al-Rayyan.

How to watch Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC for free

Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup is available to live stream for free on FIFA+.

If this FIFA+ live stream is not available in your location, you can use a VPN to access for free. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can access free live streams on FIFA+ from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC 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 FIFA+

  5. Stream Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time this game and the final before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for FIFA+?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on FIFA+, 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 secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Flamengo vs. Pyramids FC in the FIFA Intercontinental Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The one cheap smart home upgrade your router needs

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 15:30

Occasionally rebooting your router and modem is pretty normal, and some routers even have a reboot schedule function that can take care of this for you. Though problematic network equipment should be replaced, adding a smart plug to your setup can save you effort and even automate the entire process.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget Elf and Home Alone—this Christmas movie is superior in every way

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 15:15

There are certain movies that people consider to be Christmas classics that are wheeled out every year for nostalgic enjoyment. Chances are, Elf and Home Alone make that list for you. I'm not here to tell you those are bad movies by any means—certainly the adventures of Buddy and Kevin have their place. However, I am here to tell you to give another movie a try this festive season. One that is simultaneously funnier and darker and does a much better job at capturing the Christmas spirit.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch NBA live streams online for free

Mashable - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 15:14

TL;DR: Live stream the NBA for free with a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime. Live stream the NBA for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA is a unique sport. There's nothing else in which incredibly tall athletes can be made to look absolutely tiny by aliens who can dunk without leaving the ground. And almost all of these shockingly tall athletes display a skillset that mere mortals can't even fathom.

The NBA could make a legitimate argument that it hosts the very best athletes in the world. Sure, the NFL might disagree. And rugby definitely attracts some special specimens. But the NBA has a bunch of seven footers dunking on each other. That's tough to beat.

If you are interested in watching the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the NBA?

The National Basketball Association (NBA) is a professional basketball league in North America made up of 30 teams (29 from the United States and one from Canada). The defending champions are the Oklahoma City Thunder.

When is the NBA?

The 2025–26 NBA season is the 80th edition of the competition. The regular season runs from Oct. 21 to April 12. The play-in tournament is scheduled to be played on April 14-17, followed by the playoffs on the next day, and concluding with the NBA Finals from June 4 to June 21.

The in-season NBA Cup will take place from Oct. 31 to Dec. 16.

How to watch the NBA for free

The NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime in the UK.

86 regular-season games, the Emirates Cup Championship, the play-in tournament, one third of first and second round games of the Playoffs, a Conference Finals series, and the NBA Finals are available to Prime members in the UK. The full schedule can be found here.

These free live streams are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

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

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select NBA games before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Must-Have Ryobi 40V Tools for Your Home

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 15:01

Ryobi makes hundreds of 18V tools in various options, but when you need a little more power or longevity, you'll want to reach for one of its bigger 40V tools. Sometimes it's hard to know what the right tool is for any given job, but if it's a bigger task, there's a good chance you'll benefit from going with a Ryobi 40V over smaller models. Here are a few of my favorites.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All the ways The Muppet Christmas Carol avoided failure to become the greatest Christmas Carol ever

Mashable - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 14:46

You might not know this but The Muppet Christmas Carol, one of the most beloved Muppet movies, almost didn’t happen at all; or that they originally filmed one of the muppets in a vat of oil, almost bankrupting the production; or that the The Henson Company was THIS close to multiple casting choices that could have ruined the film. There are multiple ways A Muppet Christmas Carol almost lost it’s magic. And we’re going to fill you in on all that Muppety Christmasy tea, as well as, why The Muppet Christmas Carol was able to avoid all those missteps and become the greatest version of A Christmas Carol ever made.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Plex server changes, the new Visual Studio Code, and more: News roundup

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 14:30

This was another busy week in tech, with a major update for Visual Studio Code rolling out, Amazon changing its DRM for Kindle books, changes to Plex servers, and much more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple predicted smart assistants in 1987—here's what it got right

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 14:15

The idea of smart assistants has been around for a long time. They've been a staple of sci-fi since the 60s, with things like HAL in 2001 or the voice-controlled computer of the USS Enterprise in Star Trek. And although it has taken longer to become a reality, Apple was imagining real-life smart assistants as far back as 1987.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Android articles you should read this weekend (December 13-14)

How-To Geek - Sat, 12/13/2025 - 13:45

Every week is a busy week in the Android ecosystem—so let's just skip to the good stuff. I've hand-picked five articles published in the past week that I think you should read. Once you're done with that, there's a list of news headlines you may be interested in. Let's go!

Categories: IT General, Technology
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