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BBC under fire after man with Tourette syndrome yells racist slur at BAFTAs

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 19:56

The year’s BAFTAS, the British equivalent of the Oscars, will not be remembered for which movies won, but rather how the BBC handled a shocking moment. During the broadcast, an attendee with Tourette syndrome yelled a racial slur, which could be heard on the tape-delayed broadcast.

The first time the N-word was shouted by John Davidson, whose life was the basis for the BAFTA-nominated film I Swear, was at the beginning of the BBC’s broadcast, as Sinners stars Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo presented the first award. Both Jordan and Lindo are Black.

Update, Feb. 23, 3 p.m. ET: Davidson released a statement about the events at the BAFTAs, thanking the organizers for inviting him and explaining his tics to the audience. He also stated, "In addition to the announcement by Alan Cumming, the BBC and BAFTA, I can only add that I am, and always have been deeply mortified if anyone considers my involuntary tics to be intentional or to carry any meaning."

For his part, Lindo later told Vanity Fair that no one from the BAFTAs reached out to him after Davidson’s tic was shouted, and that he and Jordan did their best to carry on after hearing the word.

Davidson reportedly repeated the slur several times during the show, according to Sinners production designer Hannah Beachler.

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Davidson left the ceremony partway through, the BBC reports.

BAFTAs host Alan Cumming addressed Davidson’s tics during the event, telling the audience, "Tourette's syndrome is a disability and the tics you have heard tonight are involuntary, which means the person who has Tourette syndrome has no control over their language. We apologize if you were offended."

However, Cumming’s last sentence left a lot to be desired from many.

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Even though the show was broadcast with a two-hour delay, the slur was kept in the BBC’s broadcast and remained on the network’s streaming service, BBC iPlayer, until the entire show was pulled.

Representatives from the BBC apologized for the airing and stated the slurs "arose from involuntary verbal tics associated with Tourette syndrome, and as explained during the ceremony it was not intentional."

Robert Aramayo, the actor who portrayed Davidson in I Swear, told the BBC News after the awards show that, "[Tourette syndrome] is not shouting obscenities, it's not being abusive, it's Tourette's and they're tics."

The National Institute for Health describes the disease as "a neurological disorder that may cause sudden unwanted and uncontrolled rapid and repeated movements or vocal sounds called tics. TS is one of a group of disorders of the developing nervous system called tic disorders."

Not all people with Tourette syndrome have verbal tics that are expressed through obscenities or slurs, according to the Tourette Association of America.

SEE ALSO: The NAACP is fighting back against AI data centers

"Coprolalia, the involuntary use of obscene language, affects approximately 10% of individuals with Tourette Syndrome (TS), though it is frequently exaggerated in media portrayals,” according to the TAA’s website. "Research indicates that coprolalia may be underreported due to stigma, suggesting that it could actually affect a higher percentage of individuals with TS than the commonly cited 10%.”

While most attendees of the BAFTAs acknowledged the slurs were unintentional, some expressed frustration at how the ordeal was handled.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't bother with these "essential" Raspberry Pi upgrades—they're mostly useless

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 19:30

The world of Raspberry Pi accessories is vast and wonderful. Thanks to the Pi's form factor, the community (and businesses) have come up with add-ons that make these tiny computers so much more versatile than anyone could imagine.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This new audio format could replace MP3 and Opus

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 19:09

Even if you've never heard of the VP8, VP9, or AV1 video codecs, you've probably had a better video streaming experience because of them. The organization behind the AV1 project, the Alliance for Open Media, is now turning its attention to audio with plans for a revamped Opus codec.

Categories: IT General, Technology

SSDs killed the dual-actuator HDD: Why two mechanical arms couldn't save the hard drive

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 19:00

SSDs have gotten faster, but hard drives, for better or worse, haven't. There's a reason why they haven't, and that's mostly due to to the way they work. So any attempts to make hard drives faster would need to get around that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Open earbuds fans: The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are on sale for their lowest price ever

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:54

Save $119.01: The Bose Ultra Open earbuds are available for just $179.99 from Woot as of Feb. 23. At full price, these earbuds cost $299, so this deal saves you 40% — and marks the lowest price we've ever seen them at.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open earbuds $180.02 at Woot
$299 Save $118.98   Get Deal

The best open earbuds can sound rich, robust, and clear, despite their design.

Considering that open earbuds sit outside the ear canal, it's not the easiest feat. It's one of the reason the Bose Ultra Open earbuds stood out to me when I tested them. It's also one of the reasons the earbuds are priced the way they are, at $299.

Though the price point is steep, it's much more manageable if you can grab them on sale. And as of Feb. 23, the Bose Ultra Open earbuds aren't just on sale — they're available for their lowest price ever, at $179.99. You'll find the deal at Woot, a retailer that typically sells refurbished and new products. For these Bose earbuds, you can grab them in an unopened box in the black, lunar blue, and white smoke colorway.

At the time of writing, the Bose buds are available at Amazon for full price — on sale, we've seen them drop as low as $199 at the retailer, but never lower.

So what makes the Bose open earbuds worth the hefty price tag? At their best, open earbuds walk the line between keeping you aware of the world around you while also letting you enjoy your listening experience. The Bose Ultra Open earbuds have a clip design, which hooks around the ear — in my testing, I found them to be one of the most comfortable pairs of open earbuds available. Mashable contributor RJ Andersen also wrote the buds were "hands down the most comfortable earbuds I've ever tried," in her review. In addition, they truly are one of the best sounding open earbuds money can buy.

Their main drawbacks are their more limited battery life (which tops out at four hours with immersive audio on, and seven with it off) and high price point. At least with this deal, one of those points is taken care of.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft's 3 best apps aren't even included with Windows 11

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:30

Did you know that Microsoft makes a lot of apps that they don’t include pre-installed with Windows? I know, it’s hard to believe, especially with how bloated Windows 11 has become. Here are the three apps that I wish Microsoft would include with Windows 11.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Former Xbox President Sarah Bond breaks silence after surprise exit

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:14

Former Xbox president Sarah Bond has broken her silence following last week’s stunning leadership shakeup at Microsoft Gaming.

In a heartfelt LinkedIn post, Bond published the note she sent to her team, writing that she is "incredibly proud of what we’ve built together over the past eight-plus years." The post followed the news that both Bond and longtime Xbox chief Phil Spencer were stepping down.

She pointed to Xbox’s growth in PC and cloud gaming, development of its next console, and efforts to create "a more open gaming platform that spans devices."

"With that, I’ve decided this is the right time for me to take my next step, both personally and professionally," Bond wrote, adding that she will remain on as a special advisor to incoming Xbox head Asha Sharma during the transition.

The post marked Bond’s first public comments since the "huge shakeup" at Xbox, which saw Spencer retire and Asha Sharma elevated to Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming. At the time, Bond was widely viewed as Spencer’s heir apparent and had recently spoken publicly about the next generation of Xbox hardware.

SEE ALSO: President of Xbox Sarah Bond talks Ally X, next-gen console, and recent price increases

Bond joined Xbox in 2017 after stints at McKinsey and T-Mobile and went on to play a key role in Microsoft’s $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. She also positioned herself as a visible advocate for accessibility and platform openness in gaming.

In her farewell note, Bond thanked Spencer for his "mentorship and friendship" and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella for his support.

Xbox now enters a new chapter under Sharma, a CoreAI executive with limited gaming experience. For Bond, meanwhile, the next move remains unclear — though her note said she would "remain on as a Special Advisor to Asha" during the transition.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Conduent data breach already one of largest in U.S. history and keeps getting worse

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:11

Things keep getting worse the more we learn about the Conduent data breach.

At least 25 million people were affected by the breach — and that's just in two states. A reported 15 million people were affected in Texas. That's roughly half the state's population. In Oregon, meanwhile, its Department of Justice reported more than 10 million people were affected.

Conduent is a company that handles data for corporations, healthcare providers, and state agencies. Its clients include Humana, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, reported NJ.com. The breached data may include users' names, Social Security numbers, medical information, and health insurance information, according to a notice from the company.

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said his office was investigating the breach.

“The Conduent data breach was likely the largest breach in U.S. history. If any insurance giant cut corners or has information that could help us prevent breaches like this in the future, I will work to uncover it,” Paxton said in a statement this month.

SEE ALSO: How hackers are stealing millions from ATMs, FBI warns

Conduent told NJ.com that it looked forward to "working cooperatively with the Texas Attorney General’s Office" and that it would provide "the relevant information, consistent with our longstanding practice of constructive engagement with regulators."

The breach affected millions of people across several states. The company reportedly plans to send out all notices by mid-April.

How to check if you're affected and what to do

Conduent plans to mail out notices to affected consumers, which, obviously, will let you know if your data has been breached. You can also check your information on Have I Been Pwned, a reliable source for data breaches.

SEE ALSO: Here’s what to do if you give your information to a scammer

If you have been affected, it might be a good idea to monitor your credit and to ensure 2FA is installed wherever possible. You can also place a credit freeze should you want to take a more drastic measure.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tired of Amazon Prime? Best Buys annual membership is on sale for just $25

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:04

Save 50%: As of Feb. 23, My Best Buy Plus annual memberships are on sale for $24.99. Compared to their $49.99 full price, you'll save $25 total. You have to pay in full up-front, but cost-wise, this deal brings the membership down to a cost of just $2.08 per month.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy My Best Buy Plus membership $24.99 at Best Buy
$49.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal

Amazon Prime may be one the most popular shopping memberships, but it's not your only worthwhile option — especially when other ones go on sale.

Case in point: as of Feb. 23, My Best Buy Plus annual memberships are on sale for just $24.99 , bringing their cost down to just $2.08 per month — though you will have to pay in full upfront. Typically, the annual cost would run you $49.99 (or $4.16 per month).

For comparison, Prime will run you $14.99 per month, or $139 up front for the year (which calculates out to about $11.58 per month). While Amazon's service does come with plenty of perks like Prime Video and GrubHub savings, if you're looking for strictly shopping benefits, Best Buy may be the more cost effective route for you.

So what exactly do you get with a Best Buy Plus membership? In addition to free two-day shipping, Plus members enjoy early access to sales, an extended 60-day return window on most of Best Buy's catalog, and exclusive sale pricing on regular items and Best Buy Drops. For instance, at the time of writing, both the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air and Shokz OpenRun Pro 2 earbuds have exclusive Plus member-only markdowns.

Best Buy does offer a free membership option that gives shoppers access to free shipping. They also offer a more premium membership tier, My Best Buy Total, which for $179.99 gives customers access to more round-the-clock tech support and repair services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The cheapest hybrid compact SUV in 2026 is more reliable than a RAV4

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:01

Hybrid SUVs are supposed to deliver the best of both worlds—lower fuel costs and long-term dependability, but affordability often comes with compromises. In 2026, however, the cheapest hybrid compact SUV on the market is challenging that assumption. The Kia Sportage Hybrid undercuts many rivals on price while posting reliability scores that rival, and in some cases surpass, the long-trusted Toyota RAV4 Hybrid.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Paradise Season 2: Who is Alex?

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:00

Paradise Season 2 introduces a whole new host of post-apocalyptic survivors, those who didn't have access to the Colorado bunker during Season 1's volcano-tsunami mass extinction event. Among them are Link (Thomas Doherty) and Geiger (Michael McGrady), two leaders of a group heading across the United States to get to the bunker.

SEE ALSO: 'Paradise' Season 2 review: Great things lie beyond the bunker

When we meet them in episode 1, they're making a pit stop at Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion, where tour guide Annie (Shailene Woodley) has been hiding out for the past three years. Before the group moves on, Annie overhears Link and Geiger talking about their next steps.

"We've got to get to the bunker, we've got to get inside, and we've got to kill Alex," Geiger tells Link.

Sounds like a plan, guys! I just have one teeny question: Who the heck is Alex? No Season 1 character had that name, especially none of the major power players in the bunker.

Thankfully, Paradise Season 2 does reveal who Alex is in its third episode. Unthankfully, the reveal raises more questions than answers. Let's get into it.

We've already met Alex in Paradise.

In the flashback portions of episode 3, Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond (Julianne Nicholson) hires Billy Pace (Jon Beavers) to take out professor Henry Miller (Patrick Fischler). He's the owner of Vestige Quantum and developer of a technology that she desperately needs for a secret project tied to the bunker. In refusing to sign it over, he signed his own death warrant.

Billy goes to Henry's house, where he finds him caring for his bed-ridden wife (Gwen Holloway), who has Huntington's disease. Her name? Alex.

Not only does the name match up to Link's target, but Alex also knew Link. He was her husband's ace student-turned-business partner, and the closest thing to a son the couple had.

SEE ALSO: Wait, is 'Paradise' Season 2 doing time travel?

Case cracked, right? Not so fast. Knowing he's about to die when Billy shows up, Henry euthanizes Alex, telling her he'll be seeing her again soon. That means Alex is long dead by the time Link and Geiger head to the bunker. However, there's no such thing as a coincidence in Paradise. There has to be some tie between the late Alex and the Alex whom Link is determined to kill.

My guess? We're looking at some sort of time travel or multiversal shenanigans. That could explain why Link kept getting nosebleeds at the mention of Alex in episode 1 — maybe she's an anomaly in our reality.

Alex is involved in Sinatra's secret project. Julianne Nicholson and Sarah Shahi in "Paradise." Credit: Disney / Ser Baffo

Episode 3 reveals that there's even more to the Alex puzzle than meets the eye. During a conversation with her housekeeper (and apparent co-conspirator) Carmen (Maria-Elena Laas), Sinatra asks, "How is Alex?"

"Alex is well," Carmen responds.

The following conversation is extra cryptic, all concerning Sinatra's secret project, which is big enough that it requires her to siphon power from the bunker.

"Any other messages? Do they have an estimate?" Sinatra asks.

"No messages," Carmen says.

"Any estimate?"

"It's too unpredictable," Carmen replies. "But she is getting closer."

What are the messages? Who are "they," and what are they estimating? And what is Alex getting closer to?

More importantly, is Alex even a person? Could "Alex" be a code name for the Henry's technology that Sinatra co-opted? And if so, why would Link want to destroy — or "kill" — it if Sinatra is so sure it can save the world?

Paradise hasn't given us any of those answers yet, but it did give me a nosebleed just thinking about all of it.

Paradise is now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes every Monday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wait, is Paradise Season 2 doing time travel?

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 18:00

Something strange is afoot in Paradise Season 2.

Everyone's getting nosebleeds. Xavier Collins (Sterling K. Brown) keeps seeing visions of a man he's never met. And Samantha "Sinatra" Redmond (Julianne Nicholson) is working on a project that's somehow even more secret and important than the apocalypse bunker. I don't know about you, but I smell a twist coming, and it could be one of two things: time travel or multiversal shenanigans. Maybe it's even some combination of the two. After all, Paradise ended its very first episode with the earth-shattering reveal that it was taking place in an underground city. If you want to follow that up, you've got to go big or go home — and both time travel or the multiverse would count as going big.

Here are all the clues from Paradise Season 2's three-episode premiere that point to time travel.

SEE ALSO: 'Paradise' Season 2 review: Great things lie beyond the bunker The one thing Sinatra doesn't have is time. Julianne Nicholson and Sarah Shahi in "Paradise." Credit: Disney / Ser Baffo

In a flashback in episode 3, Sinatra has a disheartening talk with Dr. Louge (Geoffrey Arend), who is convinced a supervolcano-megatsunami combo will destroy the world. (And wouldn't you know it, he winds up being right!)

Dr. Louge tells Sinatra that even if people did somehow manage to survive the initial disaster and rapid cooling that would follow, the trapped greenhouse gases would soon heat Earth back up to an unlivable temperature. Anyone still around would die due to the heat or crushing pressure. Basically, Sinatra's bunker would only buy people a few more years.

"There's only one thing that can fix this, and it's the one thing even you can't buy," Dr. Louge tells Sinatra.

"And what is that?" she replies.

"Time."

Dr. Louge may intend that statement to be a hard truth, but Sinatra likely takes it as a challenge. Have we ever known Sinatra to back down from a challenge? Absolutely not. This is the woman who built a whole underground city to weather the apocalypse. If someone tells her she doesn't have time, she is going to find a way to make more time. And how do you make more time? Perhaps with the help of a time machine. Speaking of...

Sinatra has a secret project.

Episode 3 reveals that in addition to building the bunker, Sinatra has been working on another project this whole time, one that's so big she needs to siphon power from the bunker to keep it running. Paradise has yet to reveal what the project is, but based on how anxious Sinatra is about it, it seems like she's banking on this project to solve her pesky time problem. Could she actually be building a time machine? Seems like it, but I'm not ruling out multiversal shenanigans quite yet.

SEE ALSO: 'Paradise's apocalypse episode is absolutely unforgettable Let's talk about "Advanced Wave Functions, Superposition, and Quantum Entanglement."

In order to kickstart her project, Sinatra needs to buy a company owned by professor Henry Miller (Patrick Fischler). We don't learn what his company does, but we do learn its name, Vestige Quantum, as well as the name of the class he teaches for grad students: Advanced Wave Functions, Superposition, and Quantum Entanglement.

Now, I'm no quantum physicist. I'm not even a regular physicist. But I have seen too many Marvel movies, so even just looking at those words makes me think of the multiverse. That thought only persists when you dig into the actual definitions of the terms.

In quantum mechanics, superposition means that systems can exist in multiple states at once — at least, until we observe them. The Schrödinger's cat thought experiment is the classic example of this. Let's say you put a cat in a box along with a Geiger counter, a minuscule amount of radioactive substance, and a mechanism that will shatter a vial of poison should the radioactive atoms decay. If you leave this box alone and have no knowledge of whether the atoms have decayed or not, then the cat is theoretically both alive and fatally poisoned until you open the box.

Elsewhere, according to NASA, quantum entanglement is "the idea that particles of the same origin, which were once connected, always stay connected... If something happens to one particle, it affects all the others with which it’s entangled."

SEE ALSO: 'Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette' review: A romance and horror story, all in one

That's all heady stuff, but in the world of Paradise, perhaps it means that Henry was trying to find a solution to our dying planet through quantum physics. Is there a state in which Earth is simultaneously destroyed and not, and if so, how do we make the "not" option a reality? Or could he be trying to find another version of Earth that's entangled with ours?

These theories are more multiverse-focused than time travel-focused, but one element of the Henry's involvement brings me all the way back to the time travel element. Right before Billy Pace (Jon Beavers) assassinates him, Henry says, "Today, I am choosing to believe that it all worked. That you are supposed to be here."

Sir, what is "it"? What are you working on that might have worked and led Billy to you on purpose? Is it some experiment that will only occur in the future and reverberate through the past? My head hurts.

What's going on with Paradise's nosebleeds? Thomas Doherty in "Paradise." Credit: Disney / Ser Baffo

You know who else's heads hurt? Everyone who's getting nosebleeds and disorienting headaches, that's who. Link (Thomas Doherty) gets two nosebleeds in the first episode: both times when he and Geiger (Michael McGrady) are discussing heading to the Colorado bunker and killing Alex (which is its whole own thing). We also learn that Link was Henry's protégé, so if anyone is able to understand whatever quantum shenanigans are going on here, it would be him.

In episode 2, Xavier gets a nosebleed while flying his plane through an unusual storm that makes him crash. He gets one again while experiencing a vision of him and Link walking together through a white hallway. In episode 3, Billy also gets a nosebleed after meeting Link and sparing his life. Somehow, Henry anticipated this was coming and handed Billy a tissue before he died. Did he know the meeting was coming because the meeting was pre-ordained and he'd witnessed it through time travel? Whatever the answer, something about Link and his relationship to the bunker is causing nosebleeds left and right, and somehow it will impact the fate of the world.

(Again, how do we really know this? Has someone traveled to the apocalyptic future and learned all the events that led to it?)

How did Xavier and Link meet?

Xavier's strange visions of him and Link might also point to time travel. As of yet, we don't know if these two characters have ever met in the past, although it seems unlikely. That means they might meet in the future, in which case, why and how is Xavier seeing this? It has to be time travel, right? Or a dream of some other universe where they've teamed up? Please, Paradise, I'm begging for answers. My yarn wall can only get so big.

Paradise is now streaming on Hulu, with new episodes every Monday.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Its never been this cheap to upgrade to the 75-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV — save $398 at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:47

SAVE $398: The 75-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the list price of $1,297.99. That's a 31% discount and the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense 75-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $398   Get Deal

As is evident by the blizzard hitting the Northeast, winter is not over. If you'd rather ignore the cold temps for the rest of the season, you're probably making a playlist of all the bingeable shows you've heard about but never found the time to watch. If your living room could use a TV update before tucking into these shows, check out this great deal at Amazon.

As of Feb. 23, the 75-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $899.99, down from the list price of $1,297.99. That's a 31% discount that takes $398 off the price. It's also the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Hisense makes some of the best TVs that don't come with astronomical prices. That's even more true thanks to this sale price on the 75-inch Hisense U7 TV that has 4K resolution on a mini-LED ULED display. It'll get up to 3,000 Nits of brightness on the 2025 model and Hisense added an anti-reflective layer that'll be great for keeping distractions off the TV.

SEE ALSO: The Hisense 75-inch QD7 TV is down to its lowest-ever price at Amazon — save over $100

For those who want to game on a new TV, the Hisense U7 has a 165Hz refresh rate and it's equipped with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro.

More user-friendly features includes a built-in Google TV which will help keep all your streaming apps neatly organized. As part of today's deal. Amazon is throwing in free deluxe delivery and unpacking service, which usually costs $29.99. This service means the delivery person will bring the TV into the room of your choice, unbox it, and remove the packaging for free.

While it's sitting at an all-time low price, upgrade your streaming sessions with the 75-inch Hisense U7 LED 4K TV. You'll be saving nearly $400 by snagging this Amazon deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Love Island: All Stars online for free

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:40

TL;DR: Live stream the third season of Love Island: All Stars for free on ITVX. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We should all be seeking as little drama as possible in our private lives. There's a lot of joy to be found in a peaceful existence. That being said, there's also a great deal of joy to be found in watching other people's messy lives play out. And that's exactly what Love Island provides.

The hit show delivers weeks of flirting, breakups, and passionate debate between fame-hungry singles. It's exactly what we all need to get through these bleak winter months. And the only thing better than Love Island is Love Island: All Stars. Someone came up with the great idea to invite some of the best Love Island contestants back for another chance at finding love.

They're looking for love, OK? They're not heading back for a quick paycheck. How dare you even suggest that.

If you're interested in watching Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is Love Island: All Stars in 2026?

The third season of Love Island: All Stars starts on Jan. 15. This latest season is expected to run for six weeks.

How to watch Love Island: All Stars for free in 2026

The third season of Love Island: All Stars is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone from around the world can access this free streaming platform 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 unblock ITVX to watch Love Island: All Stars from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for 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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Love Island: All Stars 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 unblocking streaming sites are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials and money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Love Island: All Stars without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you time to watch a large chunk of the season before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for ITVX?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for accessing free live streams on ITVX, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use apps for Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS, as well as platforms like Linux, Android TV, Amazon Fire TV, and routers

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Love Island: All Stars for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bose is giving away free earbuds: Heres how to lock down a pair

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:32

GET FREE EARBUDS: Through Feb. 26 (or while supplies last), you can get a pair of refurbished Bose QuietComfort Ultra or Ultra Open earbuds for free ($249 value) at Bose.com when you purchase a new pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds or Bose Ultra Open earbuds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open earbuds $299 at Bose
$548 Save $249 + free refurbished Bose QuietComfort Earbuds Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) earbuds $299 at Bose
$548 Save $249 + free refurbished Bose Ultra Open earbuds Get Deal

It's no secret that Mashable's shopping team loves Bose headphones. We regularly feature them in our roundups of the best earbuds, best noise-cancelling headphones, best open earbuds, and everything in between. But one thing we're not thrilled with is the price tag for these stellar buds. If you've been wanting to upgrade your earbuds to Bose, but don't want to dish out the money, now's your chance to score a pair for free. Let's break it down.

Through Feb. 26, you can get a pair of free refurbished Bose Ultra Open earbuds ($249 value) when you buy the Bose QuietComfort Ultra 2 earbuds (Mashable's favorite noise-cancelling earbuds) or get a free refurbished pair of Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds ($249 value) when you buy the Bose Ultra Open earbuds at Bose.com. That means you'll get two pairs of earbuds valued at $548 total for only $299.

To secure your free earbuds, just add a pair of QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) earbuds or Ultra Open earbuds to your cart on the Bose website. Once in your cart, you'll have the option to select a pair of free Bose Ultra Open earbuds (refurbished) in black, white smoke, or lunar blue or Bose QuietComfort Ultra (1st gen) in the same shades.

The second-generation QuietComfort Ultra earbuds offer some of the best noise cancellation we've encountered. "These earbuds deliver immersive sound that envelopes you in your music," Mashable's shopping reporter Bethany Allard writes in her review. They're also some of the most comfortable, as the name suggests. The previous generation buds are still pretty dang great as well. Meanwile, the Ultra Open earbuds are some of the best sounding open-ear headphones on the market. To score either option for free is a total steal, even if it's a refurbished pair. Just be sure to lock in the deal by Feb. 26 (or sooner).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows users can thank Linux for these 5 essential features

How-To Geek - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:31

Even though Linux might only hold a tiny part of desktop market share, its influence goes much further than the small number of regular people who use it every day. Most of the infrastructure in the world, such as web servers, run on some form of Linux. Software developers commonly use Linux for their work, and certainly the people who work on Windows are not only aware of Linux, but are intimately familiar with it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Scream 7 trailer: Ghostface targets Sidney and her daughter

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:27

Can someone please give Sidney Prescott (Neve Campbell) a break?

One of horror's most legendary Final Girls, Sidney went through hell and back in the first four Scream films, as well as the 2022 relaunch of the franchise. While she seemingly got a reprieve in Scream VI (in reality, Campbell turned down the film due to a pay dispute), Sidney is back for even more suffering in Scream 7. And you know who might be responsible? Stu Macher (Matthew Lillard), one half of Scream's original baddie pair.

SEE ALSO: 'Scream 7' trailer: Neve Campbell returns, but that's not what has us screaming

While promotional materials for Scream 7 have yet to actually show what's happened to Stu in the years since the original Scream, the first trailer did feature a flash of his voice, sending an excited chill up every Scream fan's spines.

Scream 7's latest trailer continues to remain coy on the Stu front, but what it lacks in Stu, it makes up for with plenty of Ghostface. This time around, the masked killer's plan is to make everyone Sidney loves suffer, including her daughter Tatum (Isabel May). Will this mother-daughter duo make it out of the film without getting slashed to bits?

In addition to Campbell, Lillard, and May, Scream 7 will also see the return of Courteney Cox as Gale Weathers, and Jasmin Savoy Brown and Mason Gooding as twins Mindy and Chad Meeks-Martin.

Scream 7 opens in theaters Feb. 27.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Bluetti AC200L portable power station is over half off at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:23

SAVE $850: As of Feb. 23, the Bluetti AC200L portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $748.99. That's 53% off its usual list price of $1,599 and its best price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti AC200L portable power station $748.99 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $850.01   Get Deal

Portable power stations are having a moment for a reason: they can be real lifesavers in all sorts of circumstances. Whether you have an upcoming camping trip and need to access your computer for work or you live in a power outage-prone area, having immediate access to on-the-go power can keep you up and running. Of course, they're not the cheapest investments, so when you find a good discount it's worth grabbing.

As of Feb. 23, you can pick up the Bluetti AC200L portable power station at Amazon for only $748.99. That's 53% or over $850 off its list price of $1,599 and the lowest price on record.

The Bluetti AC200L packs a 2,048Wh capacity (expandable up to 8,448Wh) with a 2,400W output. That's enough to power to keep a campsite rolling for the weekend or keep your essentials charged up and running in a home power outage. It includes plenty of ports for all of your devices and appliances, including four AC outlets, two USB-A, two USB-C, a 30A RV port, and a 48V/8A DC port. A standard wall outlet will juice up the entire power station in just over an hour, but if you don't have access to one, a solar panel (sold separately) will also get you full power in about 2.5 hours.

At 62 pounds, it's not exactly light, but it's still portable enough to pack in the car for camping trips, tailgates, and other off-grid adventures. It's also small enough to store at home for emergency backup purposes.

The AC200L power station has a 10-year lifespan and a five-year warranty, making it a smart long-term investment for your home and adventures. And knowing it's built to last helps justify the cost. Save over $850 while this deal is live.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple is testing a deep red color for iPhone 18 Pro, report says

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:12

Apple's next pro-level iPhone is reportedly staying on the warm side of the color spectrum.

The latest newsletter from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, who is usually correct when it comes to Apple predictions, is saying as much. Apparently, Apple has been testing out a new "deep red" color for the iPhone 18 Pro, using the same all-aluminum body type as last year's iPhone 17 Pro. This would be the first red iPhone since 2022, and according to Gurman, it might exist alongside the cosmic orange color that made waves last year, instead of outright replacing it. The orange is very popular in China, which is why it might survive into 2026 and beyond.

SEE ALSO: All the new products Apple could release in March: iPhone 17e, iPad Air, MacBooks

The heavily rumored iPhone Fold, said to launch this year, may not be so fortunate with its color choices in its debut, Gurman says. As an aside, Gurman's report notes that Apple is sticking to dark gray or black and white or silver for the colorways on that device. This aligns with previous leaks and rumors that said the iPhone Fold will only be available in black and white. Maybe we'll get a fun iPhone Fold in year two.

The all-aluminum chassis Apple adopted on the iPhone 17 Pro allowed the company to get a little bolder with its color choices, but it also came with a catch.

Last year's model was notoriously easy to scratch up, creating a minor controversy known as "Scratchgate." Some have theorized that Scratchgate is why Apple didn't release a black iPhone 17 Pro last year, even though black has been a mainstay color option for iPhones for a long time. The scratches were more easily visible on darker models, and the lack of a black color for the 17 Pro bothered some longtime fans on the internet.

If you want an expensive iPhone with a more muted color scheme, go with the Fold this year. If you want something vivid that will ultimately need to be covered with a case to avoid scratches, go with the 18 Pro.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best DJI drone deals this week take almost $500 off great combos at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 02/23/2026 - 17:11
The top 3 DJI drone deals this weekend at a glance: Best combo deal DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 $1,109 (save $490) Get Deal Runner-up combo deal DJI Flip Fly More Combo With RC 2 $659 (save $120) Get Deal Best controller-free deal DJI Neo $149 (save $50) Get Deal

We live in perhaps the best era to be a content creator. We have access to incredible tech that gives us the freedom to create shareable content in a way that's never been possible before. You can start your own channel that focuses on travel, cleaning, embroidery, sleep tips, or sharing the adorable things your dog does everyday. You can genuinely pick any topic to start a content creation journey, but there's one brand that stands above the rest as a content-creator tech favorite and that's DJI.

Between the brand's cult-following DJI Mic Mini to the Osmo Pocket 3, DJI makes creating content so much easier. If your content could use the help of epic drone shots, we've found some excellent deals this week at Amazon. Here are the best DJI drone deals worth shopping.

Best combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo with DJI RC 2 $1,109 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $490   Get Deal Why we like it

DJI combo deals offer some of the best all-in-one options to get extra batteries, a case, and more, but this combo deal is truly all-encompassing. The DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo comes with the DJI RC 2, a shoulder bag, three DJI Intelligent Flight batteries, a two-way charging hub, and a filter set. You'll be taking off with the right gear from the get-go thanks to this combo. It usually sells for $1,599 but it's on sale at Amazon today for $1,109 which is the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro drone itself comes with excellent specs like a 1-inch CMOS that can record in 4K at 60fps. You can also get true vertical shots, and it comes with a 225 degree gimbal rotation. If you'll be filming action shots, the DJI ActiveTrack 360° keeps your subjects in frame.

Best runner-up combo deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Flip Fly More Combo With RC 2 $659 at Amazon
$779 Save $120   Get Deal Why we like it

Another great DJI drone combo option that's on sale this week is the DJI Flip Fly More Combo. While it usually sells for $779, it's on sale at Amazon for $659.

With foldable propeller guards, this could be a great model if you'll be heading outside on drone adventures and packing it along in a backpack. The combo deal on the DJI Flip includes the drone itself, a carrying bag, the DJI RC 2, three DJI Flip Intelligent Flight batteries, and a charging hub. Each battery offers up to 31 minutes of flight time, so you'll be able to fly for over 90 minutes with the three included.

Since the DJI Flip drone weighs under 249 grams, it doesn't require an FAA registration, and the lightweight nature makes it easier for travel. Thanks to the DJI feature of palm takeoff, you'll have the ultimate level of freedom when getting drone content.

Best controller-free deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for an affordable DJI drone and you don't need a combo model, the DJI Neo drone is down to just $149 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount from the normal price of $199, and it marks a record-low price at Amazon.

Instead of using a remote control, the DJI Neo comes with the ability to fly with controls on your phone. That means there's one less thing to pack along when on a drone journey. The built-in propeller guards are fantastic for easing the concern of getting damaged while in flight and you'll be recording in 4K UHD. Plus, palm takeoff adds extra convenience.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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