Blogroll

GTA 6 reportedly has realistic sweat. Heres how it works.

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 17:12

Rockstar Games' games tend to be full of little details that players might barely notice (if at all), and it sounds like Grand Theft Auto VI is no different.

Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier published a deep dive into the development history of GTA 6 this week, complete with an accompanying YouTube video that explores key aspects of the story that didn't make it into print. One such aspect is a realistic sweat system that Rockstar apparently developed for the game. According to Schreier, protagonists Jason and Lucia will develop believable amounts of sweat depending on the physical activity they're doing.

SEE ALSO: 'GTA 6' launch trailer features lots of action, vibes, and romance

Examples include working out in gyms or dancing in nightclubs. If you perform actions like that, Jason and Lucia will get a little moist, as you'd expect in the real world. Details like the sweat mechanic help explain why GTA 6 took nearly a decade to finish. It's also perfectly in character for Rockstar, as the company also previously developed a realistic horse testicle shrinkage system for cold weather in Red Dead Redemption II.

Yes, you read that right. And, no, I will not elaborate further. As a reminder, GTA 6 launches on Nov. 19, and you can preorder the game now for Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 2026 Netflix movies are actually worth the hype

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 17:00

Scrolling through Netflix might take a long time when searching for a movie for the weekend. Seeing what everyone else has been watching can be a good place to start. And I love the underrated gems, but some of the platform’s most-watched movies this year are actually worth the hype.

Categories: IT General, Technology

What is a CPU, and what does it do?

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:51

The most important part of your computer, if you had to choose just one, would be the central processing unit (CPU). It's the primary hub (or "brain"), and it processes the instructions that come from programs, the operating system, or other components in your PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Auto-updating Docker containers is a trap you're setting for yourself

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:30

Automatically updating your Docker containers might sound like the peace of mind you've been wanting—it's anything but that. I tried auto-updating Docker containers in my homelab, and it ended in disaster one too many times. Here's what happened and how I run Docker in my homelab now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Apple TV for $2 and more with these wild Prime Video streaming deals

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:26

TL;DR: Through Oct. 28, several Prime Video streaming subscription add-ons are on sale for just $1.99 per month for two months, including Apple TV, Starz, MGM+, Crunchyroll, and AMC+. That's up to $13 per month in savings.

Prime Video add-on streaming deals: Best Apple TV deal Apple TV (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months (save $26) Get Deal Best MGM+ deal MGM+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months (save $12) Get Deal Best Starz deal Starz (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months (save $20) Get Deal Best AMC+ deal AMC+ (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months (save $18) Get Deal Best Crunchyroll deal Crunchyroll (Prime Video add-on) $1.99/month for 2 months (save $24) Get Deal

Fall is the perfect opportunity to diversify your streaming lineup. Not only is it prime time for spooky streaming sessions and the precursor to holiday movie marathons, but it's also a great time to lock in a deal, thanks to Prime Video.

Through Oct. 28, several of Prime Video's streaming subscription add-ons are on sale for just $1.99 per month for two months. These include the heavy hitter Apple TV, as well as more under-the-radar picks like AMC+, Starz, Crunchyroll, and MGM+. The most expensive of the bunch, Apple TV, usually costs $14.99 per month, so you'll save $26 with this two-month discount. Other streamers on the list range from $7.99 to $13.99 per month, saving you as much as $24.

The only stipulation is that you'll need to be an active Prime Video subscriber to be eligible for each add-on. If you're not already a Prime member or Prime Video subscriber, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial to secure these deals (if you act fast).

You'll be charged for add-ons in the same monthly streaming bill as your Prime Video or Amazon Prime membership. Plus, the content library for each service will appear in your Prime Video account without you needing to download or open a separate app. It's basically like expanding your existing streaming library.

Since streaming deals are pretty hard to come by outside of Black Friday, the ability to lock in two months of streaming for less than $4 is pretty epic. The Apple TV deal is particularly good, considering its most recent price hike in late August bumped it up to a painful $14.99 per month.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube could be coming for Spotify and Audibles audiobook listeners

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:11

YouTube might be coming for your next audiobook listen.

The Google-owned video platform is reportedly looking to expand into audiobooks, potentially putting it in direct competition with Spotify and Amazon Audible. According to the Wall Street Journal, YouTube has been in talks with book publishers in recent months about developing an audiobook feature that could launch as early as 2027.

The company has also reportedly considered bundling audiobooks with YouTube Premium, its ad-free subscription service that currently costs $15.99 per month. However, it's unclear whether subscribers would get unlimited listening, a monthly allotment of hours (like Spotify offers its Premium subscribers), or the option to purchase individual titles. YouTube has not officially announced the feature.

Of course, audiobooks aren't exactly new to YouTube. The platform already hosts countless audiobook recordings, including public-domain classics and uploads from authors and publishers. But it also has a piracy problem. Unauthorized recordings, including AI-narrated versions of copyrighted books, have become increasingly common on the platform. An official audiobook offering could give publishers another way to monetize their titles while potentially addressing some of those concerns.

SEE ALSO: Spotify moves beyond audiobooks to offer physical books

YouTube would also be entering an increasingly competitive market. Spotify, which expanded into audiobooks in 2023, currently offers eligible Premium subscribers 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with additional listening time available for purchase.

Spotify currently offers eligible Premium subscribers 15 hours of audiobook listening per month, with the option to purchase additional listening time. Its U.S. catalog includes more than 700,000 titles. Just last week, Spotify announced plans to expand its audiobook offerings from 22 markets to more than 180 by the end of 2026. According to the company, monthly audiobook listeners have grown nearly 40 percent over the past year. And earlier this year, Spotify took its ambitions in the book market a step further, announcing its plans to sell physical books through its app.

Amazon's Audible, meanwhile, offers subscription plans that give listeners access to audiobooks through monthly selections, credits, and an included catalog. The service also works with Amazon's Kindle e-readers.

There's plenty of money at stake, too. According to the Audio Publishers Association, U.S. audiobook sales reached $2.43 billion in 2025, a nine percent increase from the previous year. And YouTube is already part of that listening ecosystem. In a 2026 survey, 45 percent of audiobook listeners who had listened in the past year reported listening to a free audiobook on YouTube during that period, raising concerns about piracy on the platform.

SEE ALSO: BookTok creators share the reading essentials they actually use

For YouTube, the appeal is fairly obvious. The platform has already become a destination for music, podcasts, and long-form video. Adding audiobooks would give users another reason to spend time on the platform, and potentially make a YouTube Premium subscription more appealing.

Whether YouTube can compete with established audiobook services will ultimately depend on its catalog, pricing, and listening experience. But its biggest advantage might be the millions of people who already use YouTube to listen to just about everything else.

Categories: IT General, Technology

MeshLab fixes unprintable STL files that PrusaSlicer and Cura refuse to slice correctly

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 16:00

There are lots of ways to get a 3D model to print on your 3D printer. You can model it yourself, or use a 3D scanner to turn real-world objects into data that can be converted into a printable format. Most people, however, will likely download a model someone else has created from 3D printing websites.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GTA 6 launch trailer features lots of action, vibes, and romance

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:48

Did you put your PTO requests in for the middle of November? Because Grand Theft Auto VI is right around the corner, as evidenced by Rockstar publishing a launch trailer for the game on Thursday morning.

Amid yet more GTA 6 leaks, we have our first official glimpse of the game since the Netflix extended look premiered.

This latest look at the game is brief, but it's GTA to the core, with lots of open-world vibe shots, a good deal of action, and in a new twist for the series (at least for a recent entry), lots of romance between protagonists Jason and Lucia. As a reminder, the game is out on Nov. 19, so this may be the last bit of marketing Rockstar does before GTA 6 is in our hands. Savor it, folks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Taylor Sheridan is quickly becoming the Nicolas Cage of TV shows

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:37

Taylor Sheridan is in the empire business. Over the last eight years, Sheridan has built a roster of television shows that few creators can match. From building the Yellowstone universe to establishing a signature aesthetic, Sheridan's shows are uniquely his. When fans see Sheridan's name attached to a project, they know what they're going to get.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop using Docker and try one of these 4 alternatives instead

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:33

Are you looking for an alternative to Docker that’s fully open source and doesn’t have any vendor-lock in? Well, there are four tools that you can use which are completely free of Docker’s influence.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Elf on the Shelf just teamed up with Disney — where to shop Harry Potter and Mickey Mouse collabs

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:29
The Elf on the Shelf x Disney collection: Disney's Mickey Mouse-Inspired Ready to Roll Travel Set $14.95 at Elf on the Shelf Shop Now Disney's Mickey & Friends Oh Deer Tee Set $14.95 at Elf on the Shelf Shop Now Disney Frozen Olaf Hoodie Set $16.95 at Elf on the Shelf Shop Now Disney Princess Pretty in Pink Party Dress $16.95 at Elf on the Shelf Shop Now Disney Princess Royal Slumber Party Set $29.95 at Elf on the Shelf Shop Now

If you find yourself running out of creative ideas for your Scout Elf every December, this year’s setup is going to be a whole lot easier. The Lumistella Company has officially teamed up with Disney, bringing characters like Mickey Mouse, the Disney Princesses, and Olaf straight into the North Pole universe.

Instead of trying to pull off crazy setups with flour and pipe cleaners late at night, you can just pop a cute Disney outfit on your elf and call it a day. It takes about two seconds, and kids love it.

Mickey and friends travel gear and tees

If you want something quick and easy, the Disney Mickey & Friends Oh Deer tee set is a super simple pick. It comes with a graphic T-shirt and a tiny Mickey ears headband that slips right onto your elf.

If you want to build a little scene around them, the Disney's Mickey Mouse-Inspired Ready to Roll travel set gives your elf a full vacation look. It comes with a functional mini rolling suitcase that opens, a neck pillow, a belt bag, a tiny passport, and Mickey ears. It’s especially cute if you’re traveling over the holidays and want your elf to pack their bags, too.

Royal dresses and slumber party sets

If your kids are big into Disney Princesses, there are a couple of really cute ways to style your elf. The Disney Princess Pretty in Pink party dress gives them a full royal look, complete with a tulle skirt, snowflake details, and a tiny matching tiara.

You can also grab the Disney Princess Royal Slumber Party set, which gives you an entire cozy setup ready to go right out of the box. It comes with two sets of princess-inspired pajamas, a tiara-shaped pillow, a mini sleeping mask, a cuddle buddy, and a sleeping bag.

Frozen hoodies and other fan favorites

For fans of Arendelle, the Disney Frozen Olaf hoodie is an easy favorite. It features a cheerful Olaf print on a soft hoodie and includes a double-sided movie-scene standee you can set up right behind your elf for extra atmosphere.

The fun doesn't stop with Disney, either. The new lineup also dips into a few other iconic worlds, including Harry Potter Hogwarts house robes and Gryffindor pajamas — perfect for celebrating years of Hogwarts magic — as well as Spider-Man hoodies for Marvel lovers. There are even standing pants and ski sets if your elf is more into winter sports, giving you plenty of ways to keep the morning surprises fresh all December long.

Bring the magic home and shop the full Disney x The Elf on the Shelf collection today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB is close to market price at Amazon — shop for $159.99

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:23

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is available for $159.99 at Amazon. Due to high demand, shoppers need to request an invite to buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $159.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon

There was a time when Amazon listed preorders for the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box at $89.99. We made some noise about this deal, but we truly didn't know how good we had it. We wish we had stocked up, because prices have climbed post launch and stayed there.

The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is currently listed at $159.99 on Amazon, with shipping and sales handled directly by Amazon rather than a third party. Demand for the product remains high, so Amazon is routing orders through its "request invite" system.

We do have eyes on how many of these boxes are selling. We won't get into the details, but it's a lot. Requesting an invite to buy is a hassle, but the system is clearly working for a lot of shoppers.

At $159.99, Amazon’s price isn't a million miles away from TCGplayer’s market price. It's also cheaper than a lot of the actual listings on TCGplayer. It might not look like a great deal, but Amazon's price is something for collectors to seriously consider.

The 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box is packed with nine 30th Celebration booster packs, an exclusive full-art foil Nidorina promo card, 16 foil Basic Energy cards, 65 custom card sleeves, damage-counter dice, a condition marker, card dividers, a collector’s player guide, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Shop the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration ETB for $159.99 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

ASUS ROG Xbox Ally X20 hands-on: Competing with my last-gen handheld

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:00

I've used a plethora of gaming handhelds over the years, but my go-to for portable gaming has been the ASUS ROG Ally X for over two years now. Even when ASUS and Xbox announced a partnership and the Xbox Ally family was unveiled, I wasn't tempted to upgrade—why should I, when the Xbox Ally X features the same display, just marginally improved performance and endurance, and only a handful of improvements? Even the headlining full-screen Xbox experience swiftly came to other handhelds, including my trustworthy ROG Ally X.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This open source Android launcher has changed how I live my life for the better

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 15:00

I regularly try out new launchers to replace my Android home screen, and most are variations of how my phone already works — but I’ve recently stumbled across one that does things so differently, it’s had a noticeable impact on how I live my life.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance DJI deal: Save $50 on the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 14:12

SAVE OVER $50: As of Oct. 15, the DJI Power 1000 V2 portable power station is on sale for $399.98 at Amazon. That's $50.01 off its full price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 Portable Power Station $399.98 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50.01   Get Deal at Amazon

The DJI Power 1000 V2 is a "near-perfect portable power station for content creators," according to our review by Lauren Allain. Of course, you don't need to create content to get a lot from this machine — it's a solid portable power station for just about anyone. If it's caught your attention, Amazon currently has it on sale, but only through the rest of today.

As of Oct. 15, shoppers can snag the DJI Power 1000 V2 for $399.98, down from its full price of $449.99. Ultimately, that saves you $50.01. It's worth noting that this model is sold by a third party, but they have an 88% positive rating over the last 12 months.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Titan 5000 home backup system just launched and preorders get a discount

With a 1,024Wh capacity and 2,600W output, the DJI Power 1000 V2 boasts plenty of power to boost your devices. Allain's review highlights that it's "an upgrade from the original, offering two extra AC ports, a higher max power output, and quicker recharging." And as for why we think it's a great pick for content creators, it's also "super quiet and has dedicated SDC ports to quick-charge DJI drones."

Alongside the SDC ports (including a 1440W Max SDC port and a 400W Max SDC Lite Port), this power station also comes with a 1440W Max AC input, two 140W Max USB-C ports, two 24W Max USB-A ports, and four 2600W AC outputs. Its battery even has a 10-year lifespan, making it a very solid investment.

Time is running out to save on the DJI Power 1000 V2 at Amazon. Don't miss out on this great deal while it's still live.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Regularly $1,499, the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 power station is under $900 right now at Amazon

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 14:06

SAVE OVER $500: As of Oct. 15, the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 portable power station is on sale for $899.98 at Amazon. That's $599.02 off its full price of $1,499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 $899.98 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $599.02   Get Deal at Amazon

Amazon's still dropping exciting deals for shoppers during this quiet period between Prime Day and Black Friday. Among them are portable power stations like the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2, which is currently 40% off.

As of Oct. 15, this power station has received a massive $599.02 price cut, bringing it down from $1,499 to $899.98. It's only available at this price for a limited time, so be quick to grab this compact, lightweight station before the price goes back up.

SEE ALSO: The EcoFlow Titan 5000 home backup system just launched and preorders get a discount

Whether it's used as backup power for the home or brought along on a camping trip, the Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 is a mighty helpful power station to have around. It boasts a 2,048Wh capacity and 2,400W output, with 4,000W peak power, to provide a nice boost to various appliances. It can power a dual-door fridge for up to 32 hours, which is great news if you run into a power outage in winter.

With two handles on its side and a lightweight build (41.7 pounds), this power station is easy to take on the go. Plus, its battery has a 10-year lifespan.

Keep in mind that this Anker Solix C2000 Gen 2 deal is only available for a limited time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These 3 settings make Linux Mint look cleaner and feel snappier

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 14:00

It's fair to say that I am a lifelong Windows user. Pretty much everywhere I’ve worked has required me to use a Windows PC. More recently, I've begun to rely on Linux. At first, it was a way to extend the life of my old Windows 10 machines, but the more I used it, the more I realized there was very little keeping me on Windows. My favorite Linux distros are the ones that are closely modeled after Windows. While the underlying operating systems may work differently from Windows, they have a look and feel that works for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon 2026 holiday collection has dropped — shop now to score a free sticker sheet

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 13:59

TL;DR: The Pokémon Center just launched its 2026 Winter Night Sky holiday collection, packing over 400 festive items spanning tree toppers, knit sweaters, plushies, and kitchenware. Every order from the drop placed before Dec. 25 includes a free sticker sheet while supplies last.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Center Pokémon Center Holiday Collection 2026   Shop Now

The Pokémon Center just dropped its official 2026 holiday collection, and this year’s Winter Night Sky theme leans into pastel auroras, starry night aesthetics, and Pokémon getting up to festive winter activities.

With over 400 new items hitting the digital shelves, trying to scroll through the entire drop can get overwhelming fast. However, any purchase from the holiday lineup made between now and Dec. 25 comes with a free Winter Night Sky sticker sheet at checkout, while supplies last.

What I loved while digging through this collection is just how accessible it is — almost everything sits around $40 or well under. Plus, whether you’re looking to grow an existing Pokémon stash, deck out your tree, or just add a subtle charm to your kitchen counter, there’s a piece tailored for every corner of your home.

If you want to deck out your home or score a few gifts early, here is a look at what is floating around in this year's lineup.

Tree decor and living room upgrades

Mew is taking center stage as this year's literal star. The Mew tree topper puts the Mythical Pokémon right at the peak of your Christmas tree, complete with a matching Mew Winter Night Sky stocking if you want to keep the theme going.

If you prefer classic tree ornaments, there are new individual pieces featuring Piplup, Amaura, and Slowpoke, as well as a particularly cute Pikachu and Munchlax cookie treat two-pack. For broader tree coverage, you can grab themed multi-packs like the Winter Wonders globe ornaments twelve-pack or tie everything together with the Winter Night Sky tree skirt.

Credit: Pokemon Center Holiday village figures and display pieces

For mantelpieces or desk setups, The Pokémon Center added fresh display options to its Holiday Village figure line. Three new additions — Town Hall Greetings, Meloetta Majestic Theatre, and Yamper Snowy Scamper — bring little snow-covered scenes to life. If you want a larger centerpiece, the Aurora Sighting figure depicts Pikachu watching pastel lights dance across the sky.

Cozy apparel and cold-weather gear

If you are looking to stay warm this season, there are plenty of sweater and accessory options. Heavy knit sweaters feature detailed character art, including the Hisuian Zorua moonlight turtleneck, Arcanine flames sweater, and Wooloo winter wonderland sweater.

For smaller pieces or easy stocking stuffers, beanies like the Snom knit beanie or Espeon purple knit beanie are effortless add-ons. There are even touchscreen-friendly gloves like the Charizard chill touch screen gloves, so you can use your phone outside without freezing your fingers off.

Credit: Pokemon Center Plushies, kitchenware, and holiday hosting

It would not be a Pokémon Center drop without a pile of festive plushies. A few fun picks this round include the Sylveon holiday wishes plush, Gardevoir holiday wishes plush, and the smaller Piplup and Mantyke undersea holiday plush.

If you like subtle holiday touches in your kitchen, you will find everything from a Wooloo mug and a six-pack of Pokémon cookie cutters to a four-pack of Winter Woodland pasta bowls. To settle in for a cozy night, you can also grab a Winter Woodland fleece throw blanket or a 1,000-piece holiday puzzle featuring Pikachu, Piplup, and friends under the northern lights.

Credit: Pokemon Center

Shop the full Winter Night Sky holiday collection at The Pokémon Center, and get a free sticker sheet with your order through Dec. 25.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Starbucks is launching an incredibly sweet Winnie the Pooh collection — how to buy

Mashable - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 13:42

Starbucks is teaming up with Disney for a 20-piece Starbucks x Winnie the Pooh collection celebrating 100 years of the Hundred Acre Wood. The limited-edition lineup drops on Oct. 20, delivering honey-drip cold cups, ceramic beehive mugs, and plush Bearista keychains.

It's an incredibly cute collection that is bound to cause a stir, but there's a catch. We hate to break it to you like this, but the collection is exclusive to the Asia-Pacific region.

Credit: Starbucks / Disney What’s in the Starbucks x Winnie the Pooh collection?

The 20-piece range mixes aesthetic drinkware with lifestyle accessories:

  • Hunny Pot Tumblers and Cold Cups: Cold cups with honey-drip lids, golden-yellow straw toppers, and Pooh illustrations.

  • Ceramic Beehive Mug: A textured, beehive-shaped ceramic mug featuring Pooh stuck in a honey pot entry.

  • Bearista Costume Keychains and Phone Straps: Collectible Starbucks Bearistas dressed in plush costumes of Pooh, Piglet, Eeyore, and Tigger.

  • Packable Tote Bag: A reusable Hundred Acre Wood tote that folds into its own matching pouch.

Credit: Starbucks / Disney

We want everything, but here's where it gets complicated.

How to buy this collection?

If you live in North America or Europe, you won't find these on local Starbucks shelves.

On launch day (Oct. 20), the collection will be available at participating Starbucks coffeehouses in Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Unfortunately for collectors elsewhere, the secondary market is going to be your best bet.

Exporters will begin listing inventory from Oct. 20, but you should expect a significant markup over retail prices on high-demand pieces like the ceramic beehive mug and plush Bearista straps. Head over to eBay and good luck.

If you desperately want official Disney x Starbucks drinkware without paying reseller markups, the Disney Store regularly stocks collaboration tumblers that ship directly to U.S. and UK addresses. In fact, we've spotted a cute Winnie the Pooh tumbler going for $27.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 free Wi-Fi upgrades hiding in your closet, from old routers to spare PCs

How-To Geek - Thu, 10/15/2026 - 13:30

Shopping for networking gear is an ... interesting experience, to put it mildly. You can spend $10 on an Ethernet adapter and get wild returns on your investment, but you can also throw away a good chunk of change on gear that's essentially a waste of your time and resources.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker