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Laptops are the most popular type of PC in the world, and Windows is the most popular laptop operating system. Which means that if Linux is ever going to become a dominant desktop operating system, it will have to make serious inroads into the laptop market.

Windows security has improved over the years. Microsoft Defender is competent, SmartScreen does real work behind the scenes, and most modern threats aren’t slipping through the cracks the way they once did. Even so, I still don’t consider a Windows install “finished” once setup is complete. Not on my own machines, and definitely not on the PCs I manage for my family. Security, at least the way I approach it, isn’t a box you check. It’s a baseline you build. I’ve written before about why you can’t just install a password manager and assume you’re safe. That’s one layer, and an important one, but it’s not the whole picture.

TL;DR: The Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Dual 4K gaming monitor has dropped to $1,499.99 at Amazon, a massive $800 discount and includes a free game code for Resident Evil Requiem.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 57-inch Odyssey Neo G9 Gaming Monitor $1,499.99 at Amazon
$2,299.99 Save $800.00 Includes free game code for Resident Evil Requiem on PC Get Deal

If you’ve been waiting for one of Samsung’s most outrageous ultrawide gaming monitors to dip to a more affordable price, you should know that for a limited time, you can get a code for one of 2026’s most anticipated games thrown in for free.

As of Feb. 24, the 57-inch Samsung Odyssey Neo G9 (G95NC) is down to $1,499.99 at Amazon, slashing $800 off its $2,299.99 list price. That’s a 35% discount on what Samsung calls the world’s "first Dual UHD monitor" — and includes a free code of Resident Evil Requiem on PC.

What’s more, this is the lowest-ever price we’ve seen for this monitor — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. Resident Evil Requiem is among the most hyped games of the year, out in just three days at the time of writing on Feb. 27. Normally priced at $69.99 on Steam, this is a seriously nice sweetener.

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A display of this size is essentially two 4K monitors fused into one massive 7680x2160 panel with a dramatic 1,000R curve. The immersive wraparound design is paired with a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response time via DisplayPort 2.1, making it a powerhouse for competitive gaming and high-end PCs that can push it to its limits.

In addition, Samsung’s Quantum Matrix Mini-LED technology and VESA DisplayHDR 1000 certification help the Neo G9 deliver striking brightness, deep contrast, and improved local dimming across its enormous screen. AMD FreeSync Premium Pro also supports fast-moving scenes that look smooth and tear-free.

The limited-time Amazon promotion on the included PC code for Resident Evil Requiem is running through Aug. 23, 2026, while supplies last. After your monitor ships, Amazon will email redemption instructions within two business days. 

In case you’re also shopping for an OLED monitor, the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 is also close to its best-ever price on Amazon. For a smaller alternative, the 27-inch Samsung Odyssey G5 is still $200 off.

Following the latest release of the Epstein files, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on his birthday in relation to misconduct in a public office — and the photo taken of him after he was released under investigation is truly one for the history books.

"I think it might be one of the best photos ever taken," says John Oliver in the Late Night with Seth Meyers clip above. "I know it's early in the year, but you know towards the end of the year they do Photo of the Year, and it's often of like a frog leaping off a lily pad, or you know an eagle in flight with something in its mouth. Sure...but is it gonna be better than that?"

The image, taken through the windshield of a Range Rover, shows Mountbatten-Windsor slumped in the backseat, leaving police custody.

"That thousand yard stare with Dr Evil hands, it's just...there's nothing I don't like about it," Oliver says. "What's been so confounding about the Epstein files is seeing people who feel they're untouchable not being touched. And I think seeing someone like that in that position is why I love that image so much. I think it's high art."

Elsewhere, Stephen Colbert had similar thoughts.

HDMI has become the vanilla flavor of the display connection world, so you'd be excused for not following how the technology has developed from the early days of "HD Ready" 720p signals. Modern HDMI cables carry an immense amount of data, which can be a real challenge to transmit over copper wires—so why not ditch them?

SAVE OVER $200: As of Feb. 24, the TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV has dropped to $797.99 at Amazon. This is $202 off its list price of $999.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Series Mini LED QLED 4K HDR TV $797.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $202   Get Deal

If this is the year you've been hoping to upgrade to a massive TV, Amazon has some discounts worth considering. The sleek TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV is among them, which offers great picture quality alongside a huge screen size.

As of Feb. 24, the TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for $797.99 at Amazon. This is just over $200 off its full list price of $999.99, but it's marked as a limited-time deal right now. That means it might not stay at this discounted price for long, so you'll want to be quick to add it to your digital shopping cart.

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And what better way to watch all of the great shows and films on streaming this year than on this massive 75-inch TCL screen? It's not just its screen size that's worth celebrating, though. It also boasts 4K resolution and QD-Mini LED technology that make images on screen really shine with crisp clarity and vibrant colors. It even supports Dolby Vision technology for an added visual boost, along with Dolby Atmos audio that treats your ears to high-quality sound.

Picture quality comes through smooth thanks to a 144hz Refresh Rate and up to 288hz Variable Gaming Refresh Rate. On top of all that, it's a smart Google TV, so you can easily access your favorite streaming apps from the home screen.

Again, this limited-time deal may not be available for long. Act fast to save on the TCL 75-Inch Class QM6K Mini LED QLED 4K TV at Amazon.

TL;DR: Live stream England vs. Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 T20 World Cup continues with Super 8 action. England won their opening game from this stage of the competition against Sri Lanka, putting them in a strong position to qualify for the semi finals. Next they face Pakistan, a team that "drew" their game against New Zealand after the match was abandoned due to rain.

You get the sense that neither side has really hit top form. England struggled to wins over Nepal, Italy, and Scotland in the group stage, and Pakistan came close to losing out to the Netherlands in the first game of the tournament. Could this be the moment for these teams to find something extra? Pakistan need it most, as a defeat here would make it almost impossible for them to progress.

If you want to watch England vs. Pakistan in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Pakistan?

England vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on Feb. 24. This game takes place at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.

How to watch England vs. Pakistan for free

England vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream England vs. Pakistan in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup 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 ICC.TV

5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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).

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Creating backups of my files has always been a hassle for me, and I've lost a lot of data on multiple occasions because of it. Turns out it's because I was working hard instead of smart. Instead of copy-pasting folders between my PC and external drive, I could just use a tool that sends over only the file changes. It takes seconds to back up files with this approach and I can do it by running a single command.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box is now down to $139.25 at Amazon, shaving nearly $65 off its $203.40 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box $139.25 at Amazon
$203.40 Save $64.15 Get Deal

We’ve been lucky enough to see a good share of Magic: The Gathering discounts on Amazon lately, but this one might top the rest, as it gives you 32% off a staggering 36 packs. As of Feb. 24, the Magic: The Gathering Bloomburrow Play Booster Box has dropped to $139.25 at Amazon, knocking nearly $65 off its $203.40 list price. 

This deal almost brings the Play Booster Box to its TCGplayer market price. Price tracker camelcamelcamel has also confirmed this is the lowest price we’ve seen this year.

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As an expansion to the beloved trading card game, Bloomburrow trades sprawling interplanar warfare for a cozy, storybook-inspired setting where mice, frogs, bats, birds, squirrels, and other woodland creatures defend their valley from raging elemental forces. It’s a tonal shift that resonated with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

The Play Booster Box includes 36 Play Boosters for a total of 504 cards. Each pack contains 14 Magic cards, 1-4 rares or mythics, 3-5 uncommons, 6-9 commons, and at least one Traditional Foil card. There’s also a chance at foil lands, Borderless Mythic Planeswalkers (in under 1% of boosters), and exclusive Art cards. At roughly $3.86 per pack, this is one of the most affordable ways to draft Bloomburrow right now. 

As for MTG deals on other expansions, you can still save $7 on Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters. For more boxes of packs at a great price, you can get the MTG Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box for $124.98 on Amazon.

I don't even want to think about the amount of time that I've put into Home Assistant. It's been years in the making, and losing all that effort would be heartbreaking. I take regular backups, but even this may not be enough to keep my Home Assistant instance safe.

The internet is rooting for Punch, the tiny abandoned monkey who found comfort with a stuffed toy — but Jon Stewart has other ideas.

"Hear me out: I understand, and it's adorable, and he's breaking my heart. But that being said...who are we to question the wisdom of the tribe? No! I'm just saying! They're the ones that know him best. They've decided he's problematic!" says Stewart in the Daily Show clip above, before turning on his groaning audience.

"What the f***? Oh, you know better? You know monkeys better than the monkeys, is that it? All the little monkey experts decided, in the middle of a blizzard, to come here tonight? Let me tell you something! No, f*** all y'all! Who are we to question their lived experience for our parasocial attachment?! I mean look, they decided! The mom, the elders, the juniors...even that f***ing stuffed monkey looks like, 'Hey, I don't want to be here.'"

The good news? Ichikawa City Zoo says Punch is doing OK.

Where to buy digital antennas online: ClearStream Flex Amplified $26.88 at Amazon (save $18.11) Shop Now Mohu Lead Amplified $49.99 at Amazon (save $10) Shop Now Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro $69.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Are you a cord cutter who has freed yourself from the shackles of monthly fees for channels you've never before watched in your life? It's a great feeling, but do yourself a favor if you haven't already: get yourself a digital antenna.

It's been more than a decade since I last had cable. Streaming services like Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Hulu, and others have filled my TV screen and filled any void that cable left behind. Many people have felt the same.

SEE ALSO: You need to watch this very good dog interrupt the women's Olympic ski race

According to a Nielsen report earlier this year, streaming platforms broke records just months ago, with streaming making up a new high of 47.5 percent of TV viewing in December. That's more than cable and broadcast TV combined.

However, networks still have a secret weapon that streaming platforms are only beginning to discover: live TV, namely sports.

That same Nielsen report found that Christmas Day was the "most-streamed ever," with more than 55 billion viewing minutes, led by NFL games on Netflix and Prime. However, some live sports are still mainly a network or even cable TV thing. Other sports are simulcast on network TV and a streaming channel, meaning cord-cutters could skip paying for a streaming platform altogether if they're only interested in one sport.

Here's a great example: The Winter Olympics on NBC. The NBC-owned Peacock streaming service is showing all the games as well as the same highlight shows that are broadcast on NBC. But if you're only interested in those primetime highlight shows, NBC has been airing them on its network every single night. All you need is a digital antenna to view it. No Peacock streaming subscription necessary.

The same thing was true for Super Bowl LX earlier this month, too. The same live game was being aired on NBC, free with a digital antenna, or on Peacock, which requires a subscription.

Furthermore, some network channels paywall streaming content with cable providers. For example, when trying to watch the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) championship game last year, many found that while it was airing on CBS for free, a paid subscription beyond the regular Paramount+ plan was required. Having a digital antenna would have allowed access to that free CBS network feed.

I went years without a digital antenna. Streaming provided access to all the shows and movies I was interested in. Until, as I mentioned, TV realized it had the upper hand with live sports. Streaming companies are realizing that with Netflix having picked up the weekly WWE Raw show and numerous special live combat sports events. Streaming platforms like Apple TV+ carry some MLB games, too, for example. However, there are still many live sports that can be accessed for free with a digital antenna.

So, what should you get?

There are many digital antenna options. Prices range from $20 or lower, even cheaper if you find a sale. Personally, I have tried out a few options from digital antenna brands Mohu and ClearStream.

Both the Mohu Lead Amplified digital antenna and the ClearStream Flex Amplified worked perfectly for my needs, and they're priced at under $50 each.

Digital antennas seamlessly integrate with your Smart TV menus after a quick setup and sync process, so your choice of antenna shouldn't be based on the user interface. Pick a digital antenna based on its range and the design of its hardware. Some digital antennas stand vertically, others lie flat. A common digital antenna design lets you mount it high on your wall or window for the best possible reception.

Both options I mentioned above provide around 50 miles of range to pickup channels. There are slightly more expensive options to expand that range, too, like the Mohu Leaf Supreme Pro, which extends that range to 65 miles.

Either way, these are big money savers. The cost of a single digital antenna is a one-time fee for purchasing the hardware. And that cost is only around 2-3 months of the monthly subscription of some of the biggest streaming providers.

Plus, you'll never miss a free network TV live event again.

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box has dropped to $124.98 at Amazon — nearly $40 off its $164.70 list price and its lowest-ever price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box $124.98 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $39.72 Get Deal

Catching a brand-new set of Magic: The Gathering trading cards at a record-low price doesn’t happen often, but Lorwyn Eclipsed’s key selection of Play Boosters has taken us by surprise. As of Feb. 24, the Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box is down to $124.98 at Amazon, shaving almost $40 off its $164.70 list price and undercutting its previous discounts. 

The new price tag is not only the Lorwyn Eclipsed Play Booster Box’s lowest-ever price on Amazon, as confirmed via camelcamelcamel, but also pushes it below market price vs. TCGplayer. What’s more, this Amazon listing beats any listing on TCGplayer when shipping costs are added. 

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This record-breaking price gets you 30 Play Boosters, each packed with 14 cards and designed specifically for Limited formats like Draft and Sealed. Every pack includes one traditional foil card, plus 1-4 cards of rare or higher rarity, with a slim chance at a foil borderless mythic rare for collectors chasing big pulls. It’s a type of expansion setup that balances competitive play with the thrill of cracking packs just to see what you’ll find.

Lorwyn Eclipsed returns players to the dual-aspect plane of Lorwyn and Shadowmoor, blending radiant high fantasy with darker, chaotic magic. You can expect to see fan-favorite creature types like Kithkin, boggarts, merrow, and Elves alongside new and returning mechanics. The set leans heavily into the tension between eternal day and perpetual night, giving longtime fans a nostalgic revisit while offering newer players a start to the game that’s both visually striking and, most importantly, still fun. 

In other Magic: The Gathering deals, you can still get the MTG Avatar: The Last Airbender Collector Booster Box Beginner Box for at least 20% off at Amazon. Plus, you can score a three-pack lot of Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Boosters for only $24.97.

SAVE OVER $350: As of Feb. 24, the Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 is back to its lowest-ever price of $538.99 at Amazon. This 40% discount saves you $361 off its list price of $899.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Segway Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 $538.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $361   Get Deal

If you're planning ahead for camping trips and outdoor adventures this spring, a portable power station is worth considering. At the moment, Amazon is offering quite a few discounts on various models, making now a great time to buy. In particular, the Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 has dropped back to its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

While it's usually listed for $899.99, the Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 is marked down to $538.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you $361 on list price.

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A portable power station like this isn't just helpful for having around on a camping trip. It's also great backup power for your home in the event of a bad storm or other emergency. The Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 packs quite a punch when it comes to power, offering 2,200W AC power that's extendable to 4,400W with the R-drive function. It's also equipped with multiple ports for charging, including three AC outputs, a car outlet, two DC5525, four 18W USB Type-A, and two 100W USB Type-C.

This power station boasts quite a hefty build. It comes with a durable LiFePO4 battery and features an IP56 rating for water and dust protection. So no matter where you take it this year, it can handle tough environments.

If a portable power station has been on your shopping list, don't miss out on this limited-time deal on the Segway Portable Power Station Cube 2000 at Amazon.

With a seemingly endless selection available, it might feel overwhelming to pick the right Linux distro. However, you don't need to fret over every single detail before making your choice. As long as you know what makes one Linux distribution different from another, there are only three things you need to consider.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026:

AcrossGoosebumps-inducing

• The answer is Scary.

Buddy, informally

• The answer is Homie.

Rub off, as pencil markings

• The answer is Erase.

Enjoys a quiet weekend morning, perhaps

• The answer is Lazes.

David Szalay novel that won the 2025 Booker Prize

• The answer is Flesh.

DownSection of a bookcase

• The answer is Shelf.

Color similar to salmon that's also named for a sea creature

• The answer is Coral.

Leave speechless

• The answer is Amaze.

Gets out of bed

• The answer is Rises.

"Uff-da!"

• The answer is Yeesh.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

There's no love lost between Jimmy Kimmel and Donald Trump, and it doesn't look like the relationship will be healing anytime soon.

In the clip above the late night show host breaks down a recent fundraising email reportedly sent by the president to his followers in which he attacks Kimmel with insults and calls Jimmy Kimmel Live! a "failing late night show."

"He thinks he can sit in his Hollywood studio and laugh at the greatest political movement in the history of our country," reads Trump's letter, per Kimmel. The host's response? "Yeah, he does."

The email ends, as Kimmel reads, "Join my MAGA Rally Blitz now & I'll add you to my exclusive 2026 MAGA Membership!"

"Well, that is tempting," says Kimmel. "We could be part of his MAGA Rally Blitz. What even is that? It's like something you order at Dairy Queen, right? But please, give until his feelings don't hurt anymore, folks. Why is a president in his second term even sending fundraising emails?"

Robot vacuums are clutch when they're working correctly — and uniquely infuriating when they're not. (A broken dishwasher could hardly incite the rage of stepping on crumbs that a robot vacuum should have easily sucked up.) If your robot vacuum isn't cleaning your floors as well as it used to, consider how long it's been since you cleaned your robot vacuum.

Obviously, general lifespan also plays a role in a robot vacuum's declining abilities. Most robot vacuums last between three and six years, inevitably suffering from normal wear and tear, aging tech, and batteries that probably get worse over time. But if it's a relatively recent purchase, sudden crappy performance could really just be your robot vacuum begging to be cleaned.

SEE ALSO: I tried the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow: It's cracked the code to roller mopping along edges

A monthly maintenance routine is the best way to keep your vacuum in peak condition for as long as possible. From weird noises to loss of suction, here's a checklist for when your robot vacuum is acting up.

My robot vacuum is just pushing dirt around

Loss of suction doesn't necessarily mean that your robot vacuum is on the fritz. The "set and forget" tagline is a great selling point for self-emptying robot vacuums, but taking it too literally is a recipe for some sort of blockage that weakens suction power. There are a few inner parts that could be jammed here.

Check the brushes: Long hair starts to spool around the vacuum's brush roll after a few months, even on vacuums with elite anti-tangle brush rolls. That wrapped hair can get so thick that it physically constricts the brush from spinning correctly, preventing optimal debris and hair pickup. (I've also experienced a similar incident with fake snow yanked from underneath our Christmas tree.) Every week or two, flip the vacuum over and pull or cut out any hairs that are caught.

Check the filter: Neglecting a vacuum's filter is a universal habit for robot vacuum and stick vacuum owners, despite the fact that a clogged vacuum filter is guaranteed to affect suction power. If the filter is caked with dust bunnies, the motor doesn't have the breathing room to pull air in to create suction in the first place. The gray gunk builds up way faster than you probably think.

This robot vacuum's filter was packed after two months, and it wasn't being used even close to daily. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The filter really should be rinsed and air dried at least every two weeks, more often if you have multiple pets (or allergies). They're typically located under the hood near the dustbin. Most robot vacuums come with a replacement filter in the box.

Check the dust bins and dust pathways: A full dustbin is probably the most "duh" maintenance issue that might cause your robot vacuum to spit debris back out. Plus, most self-emptying robot apps will alert you when the dust bin needs to be replaced. But you'll also want to ensure that no dust pathways are backed up, like the opening where debris enters the vacuum or where debris sucks out of the vacuum into the dock.

The queso mopped by this Roborock completely gunked up the brushrolls. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Luckily, most brushes and mopping pads are removable for easy cleaning. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

Two heavy-duty mopping tests that I've conducted recently resulted in finding dried queso and strawberry daiquiri crusted along the pathways of two high-end robot vacuums. Not only was it vomit-inducing, but a reminder of how easily parts can get plugged up.

My robot vacuum is making a weird noise

You know what your robot vacuum sounds like normally. So if you're hearing a sudden clanking sound, or it has just gotten really loud out of nowhere, there's probably something trapped underneath. Most times, it's a large or awkwardly-shaped object that the vacuum probably shouldn't have tried to suck up. It might be wedged somewhere on the bottom of the vac or already rattling around inside the dustbin.

Off the top of my head, I've had to rescue mini nail files, skincare spray caps, twist ties, and a spider ring from the bottom of a robot vacuum. If you have cats, don't underestimate the variety of small plastic items that could be lingering around the house.

SEE ALSO: How to make your robot vacuum work better: 3 setup tips to do right now

One of my cats loves playing with bobby pins, specifically via bolting behind furniture or through her tunnel to chase them across the hardwood floor. I try my best to pick them all up before sending a robot vacuum out to clean, but I occasionally miss a few rogue ones. Once, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra was mopping my kitchen and making an uncharacteristically unsavory scraping sound. I flipped it over to find three bobby pins stuck to the magnets in the middle of the rotating mopping pads.

Your robot vacuum app should warn you if there's a major clog involving a sock, but smaller soft items like tissues or pet toys could also cause a weird rumble.

My robot vacuum's mopping pad stinks

There's a large crowd who want a robot vacuum that doesn't mop. Keeping up with mildewy mopping pads and leaky water tanks just isn't worth it to them. That's valid, especially when we're talking about super basic 2-in-1 models that don't wash and dry their own mopping pads. But even the best robot vacuum and mop combos can get gross if they're not taken care of properly,

Most of us are all too familiar with the smell of damp clothes that were accidentally left in the washing machine overnight. Damp mopping pads get similarly stinky being tucked away against the floor or the wall of a dock — even self-washing mopping pads start to develop a brown tint and need a legitimate laundry day once every month or so.

Robot mops are soaking up dirty shoe water constantly. That calls for hand washing. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

The good news is that almost all robot vacuum mopping pads are machine washable. It'll be attached by velcro, magnets, or a clicking or sliding mechanism. Most vacuums come with a backup pad in the box, so you don't have to wait for the other one to be ready. Roller mops usually pop out of the bottom of the vacuum with the click of a button, and you can wash those by hand with dish soap. I also use my emotional support hypochlorous acid spray, which is an extremely effective, non-toxic odor eliminator and disinfectant.

Alternatively, the dock itself might be gross.

The mopping pad bay where the robot vacuum parks to charge can become a breeding ground for bacteria if it's not wiped out every week or so. Aside from the small chunk of time that the robot vacuum is out cleaning, that area doesn't see the light of day. The airflow used to dry the mopping pads isn't enough to completely air out the moisture-prone space, covered in layers of nastiness that your robot vacuum brought back from countless cleaning runs.

Mopping pad bays get quite soggy and hairy. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

After I sent the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller to clean up spilled strawberry daiquiri, I found a few pink splatters both on the underside of the vacuum itself and on the dock's mop tray. Until I gave both a good clean, there was a faint smell of strawberry in the dock and wherever the Aqua10 was mopping. I wasn't about to walk barefoot on that.

If there's a lot of shedding in your household, soggy clumps of pet hair could end up blocking the fan vents altogether, potentially leading to a malfunctioning drying system.

My robot vacuum is suddenly getting lost

If the issue is related to charging or not turning on at all, you'll want to check the warranty or chat with customer service. Not all cleaning tips can troubleshoot technological or software errors. However, navigational blips could be due to something as simple as dirty sensors — a frequently-used robot vacuum encounters plenty of various splatters and puffs of dust. Use a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the lenses on the front, as well as sensors located in the dock near the charging magnets.

Moving furniture around can trip a smart mapping robot vacuum up, though most premium robot vacuums from 2025 and 2026 can update their maps in real time if they notice a change in a room's layout.

I once tried to move a robot vacuum a foot away from its original spot in the corner, merely facing it toward a different wall so I could put a lamp in the old spot. The vac got confused enough that it gave up on getting back to the dock, requiring a total re-map.

SAVE OVER $80: As of Feb. 24, the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone has dropped back to its lowest-ever price of $268.99 at Amazon. This 23% discount saves you $80.01 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Skyrover Skyrover S1 Mini Drone with Camera $268.99 at Amazon
$349 Save $80.01   Get Deal

With spring right around the corner, we can all start speningd a little more time outside. And if you're hoping to use some of that time to send a fancy new drone into the sky, now is a great time to grab one on sale. Amazon has some excellent deals available at the moment, including on the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone.

As of Feb. 24, Amazon has slashed the price on the Skyrover S1 Mini Drone from $349 to $268.99. This marks a return to the drone's lowest-ever price at the retailer. What better time to pick it up?

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The Skyrover S1 Mini Drone captures crisply detailed and colorful images and videos, as it supports 4K/60fps video and 8K/48MP photos. It also has cool features that help it navigate the skies safely, such as forward obstacle avoidance which prevents it from running into anything, and a Smart Return-to-Home feature that helps it fly back to its original takeoff spot. That way, you don't have to worry about losing it.

This drone also boasts up to 40 minutes of flight time per battery, so you have plenty of time to explore and capture what interests you before it needs a recharge. Again, it's currently listed as a limited-time deal at Amazon. You might need to act fast to secure this low price.

If you're curious what other options are worth checking out, the DJI Neo drone is another pick that has hit its lowest price at Amazon. Check it out, and be quick to make a move on your favorite model.

SAVE $499: If you pre-order the Google Pixel 10a through Verizon, you'll get the mobile device for free when you open a new line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Free Google Pixel 10a from Verizon   Shop Now

OK, let's get into it. This is indeed one of those "free" deals that actually isn't free because you need to spend money to qualify for the giveaway. We're guilty. Lock us up and throw away the key. You don't get anything for free these days, so we're doing our best. We're doing our best, OK?

The Google Pixel 10a retails for $499 and is currently available for preorder. By all means, secure your preorder and pay full price for the privilege. But savvy shoppers should know that if you pre-order the Google Pixel 10a with Verizon, you can get Google's latest midrange phone for free when you open a new line.

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Usually these "free" deals offered by mobile carriers are locked behind the most expensive plans, but that's not the case here. To get the free Google Pixel 10a with Verizon, you can add the phone to the Unlimited Welcome ($55 per month), Unlimited Plus ($70 per month), or Unlimited Ultimate ($80 per month) plan.

The Google Pixel 10a launches on March 5 — that's when Verizon will ship the smartphone. There is a one-time $40 activation fee, but once you pay that off, the only thing you'll have to pay is the monthly service plan cost.

Credit: Joe Maldonado/Mashable

From Mashable's hands-on with Google Pixel 10a, Joe Maldonado said "the Pixel 10a is looking like another high-value mid-range phone from a company that's gotten very, very good at making those in recent years" and "delivers modest upgrades over its predecessor." If you're keen to get your hands on this new smartphone, we strongly suggest you check out Verizon's latest offer.