Blogroll

Google is down right now, you're not alone

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 20:04

If you are having trouble loading Google Search results or getting errors trying to log into Gmail right now, you are definitely not alone. Massive user reports are currently indicating a significant outage affecting Google's core services this morning.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance to get a Kindle for up to 31% off

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:58

Last call: The Kindle, Kindle Scribe, and Kindle Colorsoft are still on sale for up to 31% off through tomorrow morning. Secure your e-reader for a steal while you still can.

Kindle deals at a glance: Kindle $89.99 (save $20) Get Deal Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 (save $130) Get Deal Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Several Kindle e-readers have been chilling at discounts up to 31% off for the past few weeks, but all good things must come to an end. If you want to double down on your reading in 2026, an e-reader is definitely a great choice — and Kindles are at the top of the pack. Mashable's e-reader expert calls them "a true must-have device for avid readers" and I must say, I agree wholeheartedly. While they're not overly expensive, they're not exactly cheap either. That's why we suggest snagging them while they're still on sale.

For those who require zero bells and whistles, the basic Kindle is the way to go. It's my pride and joy and I will rave about it until the cows come home. It's the most affordable option in Amazon's lineup on a normal day at $109.99, but with the current discount, you'll only pay $89.99. That's not quite as good as its Black Friday price, but it's still the only option under $100. It's also the smallest option at only six inches, making it the best pick for one-handed reading and traveling.

If you like to scribble down your thoughts and make annotations in the margins of books, the Kindle Scribe is for you. While there's a newer version on the market, you'll save over $200 by opting for the previous generation while it's on sale. It's a bit bigger than a typical Kindle at 10.2 inches, making it a solid choice for someone with vision issues as well.

Finally, the newest Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $50 off. It's essentially like the Kindle Paperwhite, but with a color screen. It's waterproof, has adjustable warmth and brightness, a long battery life, and it's just seven inches. Mashable's Kindle expert, Samantha Mangino, said she wouldn't recommend it at full price, but for just under $200, it's a much better buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle $89.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Scribe (32GB) $289.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $130   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Robloxs new age verification is reportedly fooled by shockingly simple tactics

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:50

Roblox kicked off 2026 by attempting to deal with its most pressing issue: Predators taking advantage of kids playing and socializing on the video game platform. Last week, the company rolled out AI-powered age checks provided by third-party processor Persona for all of its users in order to place them in age-appropriate chats. The age verification process is mandatory if users want to chat on the platform.

Unfortunately, according to a new report from Wired, there have been some real issues with the age verification system, and the result has led to backlash among users, parents, and Roblox developers alike.

However, in a statement to Mashable, Roblox said it was pleased with the implementation of the new AI age verification system so far.

"To suggest that our age check technology isn't working is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to shift safety at scale," said Roblox Chief Safety Officer Matt Kaufman in a statement to Mashable. "With a global community of over 150 million daily active users, we are pleased with where we are in the roll out process...Expecting the system to be flawless overnight is ignoring the scale of this undertaking."

What's going on?

As mentioned, in order to utilize the chat features on Roblox, users are now required to verify their age. To do so, Roblox users need to either upload a selfie for facial age estimation or provide a government-issued ID. Based on a user's age, Roblox then places the account in a specific age group category in order to help ensure that adults and children can't interact on the platform.

SEE ALSO: Roblox: A parent's guide to keeping your kids safe

However, just a week into the rollout of the age verification system, Wired has found that the AI has been making significant mistakes to the detriment of the platform. The report details how users over the age of 18 are being mistakenly labeled as kids and placed in the wrong age group category. The reverse has occurred as well, with users under 18 being placed in adult age groups.

"ROBLOX AGE FACE SCAN VERIFICATION SAID MY 10 YEAR OLD LITTLE BROTHER WAS 16-17????" posted one user on X.

"I'm 23 (nearly 24) and it's forced me as a 16-17 year old," said another user on X. "I don't want to be chatting with fucking children."

Users under 18 have also posted videos of how they've tricked Roblox's age verification system.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

One user posted a video of a 3D animated avatar they uploaded, which Roblox's system identified as over 18. Another user, a young boy, posted a video of themselves fooling the Roblox' age verification system by drawing a mustache and beard on his face with a marker. The system indicated that it thought he was over the age of 21.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And in a dark twist, Wired found that there was a black market growing on eBay where sellers were auctioning off Roblox accounts that were already age-verified, providing potential predators with yet another workaround to the system.

Roblox game developers have also complained that the age verification system is hurting their games by decimating their chat activity. One developer shared an analytics screenshot that showed chat activity on their game declining by an average of 50 percent over the last week.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Roblox is extremely popular with young children and teens. The company has previously said that half of the U.S. population under the age of 16 is on the platform. Because of this, predators have targeted the platform's user base and, as a result, Roblox has been hit with a number of lawsuits regarding child safety over the past year. For the good of both the user base and the platform, it's critical that Roblox gets this right.

Roblox's creator forum has since been filled with complaints regarding the new age verification system. The company responded with its own post on the forum about how it will address some of the issues.

"Roblox may periodically re-check users’ age if fraud is suspected or take appropriate action if there we see signs of potential age misrepresentation," Roblox said in a post. "As part of our ongoing investment in safety, we will also be developing and improving detection for such behavior."

Roblox also added an update to share privacy details regarding the age verification process. For example, Roblox says Persona does not retain any data and deletes a user's image as soon as the age verification process is complete. 

Mashable reached out to Roblox for comment regarding the situation and received a statement from the company's Chief Safety Officer, Matt Kaufman:

“To suggest that our age check technology isn't working is a fundamental misunderstanding of what it takes to shift safety at scale. With a global community of over 150 million daily active users, we are pleased with where we are in the roll out process. It’s a process that will take time, you can’t flip a switch while building something that hasn’t existed before. 

Tens of millions of users have already completed the process, proving that the vast majority of our community values a safer, more age-appropriate environment. Expecting the system to be flawless overnight is ignoring the scale of this undertaking. We’ve already shared updates with our creator community to make this a smoother transition. This technology is the foundation of a new gold standard that limits communication between adults and minors by default. 

We are building for the next decade of the internet, not the next news cycle. We will continue to innovate, continue to require age checks, and continue to lead the industry where others have been too hesitant to go.”

UPDATE: Jan. 14, 2026, 2:15 p.m. EST This story has been updated with a response from Roblox.

Categories: IT General, Technology

After 18 years, this Windows version is finally retired

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:50

Microsoft finally called time on the Windows Vista codebase this week, marking the definitive end of support for one of its most widely discussed operating system generations after nearly 18 years. This closes the door on the Windows Server 2008 platform, the last piece of Vista core architecture.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A new DietPi beta is here, bringing an uptime monitor for homelabs and more

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:49

The DietPi team has announced the open beta for DietPi version 10, which will be a major update for the Raspberry Pi OS (formerly Raspbian) alternative. The beta features new additions to the software lineup while others are being dropped.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the March of the Machine Draft Box for near market value

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:48

SAVE 9%: As of Jan. 14, you can get the Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box for $136.83, down from $149.99, at Amazon. That's a $13.16 savings.

Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box $136.83 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $13.16   Get Deal at Amazon

If you’re ready to relive the massive finale of the Phyrexian invasion, grabbing an older draft box is a great way to do it without the "new set" price hike.

As of Jan. 14, the Magic: The Gathering March of the Machine Draft Booster Box is on sale for $136.83, down from $149.99, at Amazon. To give you an idea of the value, the current market price for this box is hovering around $132.01, with some recent sales going as high as $145.01. Getting this for under $137 with Prime shipping is a solid deal for anyone looking to host a draft night.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Dell teases new ultra-slim and entry-level Alienware gaming laptops

The box includes 36 Draft Booster packs, each with 15 cards. This set was a huge deal when it launched because it introduced the Battle card type, which lets you and your friends fight over different planes for tactical advantages. Every single pack is also guaranteed to have at least one Multiverse Legend — a reprint of an iconic legendary creature with a special showcase frame from its home plane.

You're also looking at one to two cards of rarity Rare or higher in every pack. While the most valuable serialized cards are exclusive to Collector Boosters, you can still find a Traditional Foil Borderless Mythic Planeswalker in about 1 percent of these draft packs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Nigeria vs. Morocco online for free

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:36

TL;DR: Live stream Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Nigeria will not be competing in this summer's World Cup, which is a real shame for dedicated fans. They're stacked with talent, including attacking stars like Victor Osimhen and Ademola Lookman. With their squad, they should be qualifying for the biggest tournaments. But alas, the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is all they've got right now.

Nigeria face off against hosts Morocco in the second semi-final matchup. It's an absolutely huge fixture between two star-studded teams. Nigeria have looked really impressive so far, but Morocco are the pre-tournament favorites for a reason. The hosts haven't really been tested yet, but that's about to change.

If you want to watch Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Nigeria vs. Morocco?

Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Jan. 14. This fixture takes place at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium.

How to watch Nigeria vs. Morocco for free

Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone 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 Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

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Live stream Nigeria vs. Morocco 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 the UK

  4. Visit Channel 4

  5. Watch Nigeria vs. Morocco 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Nigeria vs. Morocco (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $78.18 and includes an extra four months for free — 78% 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 Nigeria vs. Morocco in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Verizon is having a nationwide outage, but AT&T and T-Mobile are still working

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:15

Is your phone or home internet not working? You're not alone: Verizon is experiencing a nationwide outage. As a result, calls or texts to Verizon customers from AT&T and T-Mobile are also failing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to rip out Copilot from Windows 11

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:01

Typically, you can remove Windows features with one click. Copilot is a different story, however. There's no simple switch to remove Copilot from the entire interface. However, it is possible to rip out Copilot entirely from your Windows.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Please stop uploading your sensitive documents to iLovePDF: Use this local PDF tool instead

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 19:01

At some point, we've all uploaded a PDF to one of those web apps that let you convert between different document formats. These apps also have OCR features, as well as tools that let you merge or split documents. It's convenient enough, but it's by no means private. For sensitive documents, it's never a good idea to upload them to random websites. Let me show you a better alternative where your documents never leave your computer, but you can still use all those neat features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lovehoney has tons of V-Day goodies on sale: Get 50% off vibrators, lingerie, and more

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:30

UP TO 70% OFF: Lovehoney's Valentine's Day Sale is live. Get up to 50% off select sex toys (including vibrators, male masturbators, and butt plugs), $25 and under lingerie, and a free gift when you spend $89 or more. Bonus: You can still get up to 70% off clearance items.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Valentine's Day Sale Get up to 50% off select sex toys and more Get Deal

Valentine’s Day is exactly one month away, and if you haven’t planned anything yet, now’s the time to do it. Tons of sex toy retailers still have New Year’s sales going on, but Lovehoney is getting a head start on V-Day with discounts on vibrators, lingerie, and more.

PSA: You don’t have to have a partner to buy yourself a little treat for V-Day. Valentine’s is for everyone, and sometimes, having a sexy solo date at home is the best way to celebrate.

Here’s the lowdown on how to get the best bang for your buck.

Select vibes are up to 50% off

Lovehoney still has quite a few items that aren’t on sale, but the dedicated sale page and clearance section have hundreds of products available for unbelievable (not to be dramatic) prices. For example, you can get the Lovehoney Romance Gift Set (12 Piece) for just $129 — that’s 60% off the list price and a damn good deal for a 12-piece set that includes heavy hitters like the We-Vibe Jive 2. Or, if you’re looking for something a little more festive, the Lovehoney Rose (with 1,500+ reviews) is only $42.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Romance Gift Set (12 Piece) $129 at Lovehoney
$321.88 Save $192.88   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lovehoney Lovehoney Rose Clitoral Suction Stimulator $42.99 at Lovehoney
$59.99 Save $17   Get Deal Lingerie is $25 and under

Believe it or not, lingerie is a super effective way to get in the mood, whether you’re alone or with a partner. An everything shower, some candles, and a new set of sexy lace (or whatever you’re into) is the perfect setup for a saucy evening (or afternoon!).

Right now, Lovehoney has a wide selection of intimate apparel, from teddies to crotchless bodysuits to “wet look” BDSM-inspired sets, all available for $25 and under. I’m literally adding this Escante Stretchy Wet Look Body Set to my cart as we speak.

Get up to 70% off clearance, plus a free gift

The clearance section has even steeper deals. Some standouts include the ROMP Switch for $24.99, the Womanizer Starlet 2 for $39.99, and many, many more. And, if you spend $89 (which shouldn’t be hard to do), you’ll get a free gift. This could be a Lovehoney dildo, G-spot vibrator, bullet, textured stroker, or butt plug. (There are also a few Fifty Shades of Grey items on offer.)

Score free shipping when you spend $59+

One thing to love about Lovehoney is that they keep things low-key. Every order is sent in plain, discreet packaging, so your nosey neighbors won't have a clue what’s inside.

If you're aiming for that Feb. 14 deadline, keep in mind that standard shipping is free when you spend $59 or more. It usually takes about four to six working days to arrive, so ordering now means you won't be sweating it out as the holiday gets closer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Excel is officially a programming language: Here’s what that means

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:30

If you thought Microsoft Excel was just for data entry, think again. It has evolved into an officially Turing-complete programming language, a milestone that turns the grid into a functional programming environment. Here's why that changes everything for you.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A dream-team combo: The new Rubiks Cube Tetris Brainteaser joins two of the best classic games

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:24

In a time when everything is done on a screen, we're all craving some fun ways to disconnect from the chaos of scrolling. If you grew up solving the Rubik's Cube (or attempting) and playing the classic Tetris, you're in for a real treat.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rubik's Rubik's Cube Tetris Brainteaser $14.99 at Target
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Rubik's Rubik's Cube Tetris Brainteaser $16.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

In late 2025, the Rubik’s Tetris Cube dropped, and yes, it's a dreamy as it sounds. Or frustrating, depending on how you feel about solving a Rubik's Cube.

It's a re-worked classic Rubik's Cube that adds an element of Tetris. Instead of maneuvering the cube to line up each color in a three-by-three grid, you'll rearrange the cube into iconic Tetriminos we all know from Tetris.

Twist and shape the cube to create the green S-shape from Tetris, a purple T-shape, a yellow O-shape, and everyone's favorite shape — the red Z, plus a few more. When you've solved the puzzle (or feel done trying), you can display it on the included stand. That'll fit in perfectly on the shelf with your favorite Lego builds.

All the best Tetris shapes, but in a Rubik's Cube shape Credit: Rubik's

Rubik's considers solving the puzzle to be an advanced challenge, rating it as a 4 on the 1 to 5 challenge scale, and the brand recommends the Cube for those ages 8 and older.

The Rubik’s Tetris Cube first launched at Target, both online and in stores, but you can also snag it at Amazon, although it's currently a few dollars more. Rubik's says we can expect availability at Walmart come March.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gaming mouse near its lowest price ever

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:19

SAVE $70.99: As of Jan. 14, get the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gaming mouse for $89, down from its usual price of $159.99. That's a discount of 44%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Razer Razer Basilisk V3 Pro $89 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $70.99   Get Deal

A great gaming mouse is a must if you're looking to make PC gaming your main setup. If you like twitchy games, having one with a high DPI is important. And if you prefer more precision, it can help make you feel more comfortable with certain games. This Razer mouse that's on sale right now is a great all-rounder pick that can elevate anyone's game time.

As of Jan. 14, get the Razer Basilisk V3 Pro gaming mouse for $89, down from its usual price of $159.99. That's $70.99 off and a discount of 44%. This price is also within a dollar of its lowest price yet.

SEE ALSO: Lenovo debuts a concept 'no-charging' keyboard and mouse combo at CES 2026

This wireless mouse has a 30K optical sensor with 10 programmable buttons so you can customize it to your liking. That gives it fantastic tracking, even on surfaces like glass, to give you improved aim and control. It also has a 90-million click life cycle with 0.2ms actuation, so you have no click delay.

Its hyperscroll tilt wheel makes it perfect for everyday use, as well as its hyperspeed wireless connectivity from Razer, which boasts speeds up to 25 percent faster than other mice of this ilk. And with a lengthy 150-hour battery life, you don't have to worry about charging it often, unlike most wireless controllers.

If you like color, you can add a splash of hues with the 13-zone Chrome lighting option as well, with 16.8 million color combinations to choose from and 150 Chroma-integrated games to make things match.

If you're ready to upgrade to a more fleshed-out precision gaming mouse, this is one to pick up. Just be sure to do so while it's nearly half off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Please stop using these 5 storage drives in 2026

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:15

When was the last time you took stock of what storage types you were using? If you have an older computer, it’s possible at least one of your drives is using a tech that’s 40 years old. Here are five storage types that are officially too old to use in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don’t ignore your Samsung Galaxy’s smartest feature

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 18:00

Samsung Galaxy phones are packed with apps and underrated features, and sometimes it's easy to overlook some of the best ones. Instead of constantly using your phone and fumbling through settings, let this amazing feature do all the hard work for you. Smartphones are supposed to be "smart," and this one Samsung feature actually delivers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Euphoria Season 3 trailer: Rues on the run, Jules is a sugar baby, and Im worried

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 17:50

Euphoria is getting on the time jump train.

Season 3 of Sam Levinson's smash hit picks up five years after the events of Season 2. For everyone keeping track at home, that's just one year more than the real-life wait time between seasons, to which I must quote the immortal words of Maddy Perez (Alexa Demie) and say, "Bitch, you better be joking."

SEE ALSO: 2026 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream them

Now, though, we finally have a full trailer and an Apr. 12 release date. And based on the trailer, a lot has gone down for Euphoria's protagonists since Lexi Howard's (Maude Apatow) play sent shockwaves through East Highland High School.

Five years after Season 2, Rue Bennett's (Emmy-winner Zendaya) debt to drug trafficker Laurie (Martha Kelly) has finally caught up with her, sending her on an odyssey to Mexico to pay what she owes. Nate Jacobs (Jacob Elordi) and Cassie Howard (Sydney Sweeney) are engaged and living in the suburbs. There, Cassie is "making content," implied to be for adult sites like OnlyFans. Jules (Hunter Schafer) is attending art school and exploring life as a sugar baby, while Maddy and Lexi are working in Hollywood.

If that sounds like a lot, you'd be right. If that also sounds like more of the same sensitive subject matter Levinson has struggled to portray with nuance in prior seasons of Euphoria and the first (and only) season of The Idol, you'd be right again. With that in mind, will Season 3 be able to stick the landing?

Euphoria Season 3 premieres Apr. 12 at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Need to upgrade your TV? This 75-inch Hisense U8 Mini-LED TV is nearly half price.

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 17:32

SAVE $1,200: As of Jan. 14, the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for $1,299.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy. That's nearly half off its list price of $2,499.99 and only $2 away from its Black Friday price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,299.99 at Amazon
$2,499.99 Save $1,200.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$2,499.99 Save $1,200.00   Get Deal

Between the NFL playoffs, awards shows, and all of your favorite TV shows coming back, 'tis the season for staying indoors and watching TV. If your current setup is looking a bit dull, it also happens to be one of the best times to upgrade your TV for less.

As of Jan. 14, the Hisense 75-inch U8 Mini LED QLED 4K TV is on sale for only $1,299.99 at both Amazon and Best Buy. That's nearly half off its list price of $2,499.99 and just $2 shy of its best price ever from Cyber Week.

The 2025 Hisense U8 model is a 4K QLED Mini-LED TV with 5000 nits peak brightness, up to 5,600 local dimming zones, a 165Hz native refresh rate, and support for HDR in Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG. All of that translates to an extra bright and colorful display that's great for watching sports, gaming, or fully immersing yourself in movies and TV. CNET (Mashable's sister site, also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewer Ty Pendlebury called it the brightest TV he's ever reviewed, but noted that "it complements that brightness with excellent contrast and well-saturated colors."

It uses the Google TV smart TV platform, which features a full interface covering all major streaming services. It has Google Cast by default for local streaming from Android devices or Chrome tabs, but Hisense also adds Apply AirPlay for those with Apple devices. Google Assistant is built in for easy, hands-free control of the TV and your smart home devices. You can ask it to search for content, set alarms, check your doorbell camera, and much more.

The 2025 Hisense U8 is slightly more expensive than its predecessor, but now that it's on sale for 48% off, we highly recommend upgrading.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Veo 3.1 will generate social-ready vertical videos in Gemini

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 17:21

Google Gemini — the tech giant's generative AI video model — is launching the ability to generate social media-ready vertical video. That's all well and good, but it raises the question: Does that mean even more AI slop?

Google Veo is widely regarded as the leading AI video model (different versions of Veo claim the top four spots on LMArena's text-to-video leaderboard), so the answer is almost certainly yes.

Google announced this week that Veo 3.1 — the latest version of Gemini's text-to-video generator — could now generate "social-ready 9:16 videos directly." In other words, the videos are generated with the vertical, scroll-ready format that you see on TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels.

"Designed for mobile-first applications, this mode delivers faster results and optimized composition by generating full-frame vertical video rather than cropping from landscape," read a statement from Google.

The online world is increasingly populated by AI-generated vertical video, some of which is the much-maligned slop. Meta, for instance, launched Vibes, a social site entirely dedicated to generating and scrolling AI videos. AI critics call it an "infinite slop machine."

It tracks that Google would give users the ability to generate social-ready video — people want it — but it might not make your scrolling experience any better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mavic 4 Pro is finally in stock and on sale at Amazon — save over $600

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 17:17

SAVE $649: As of Jan. 14, get the DJI Mavic 4 Pro for $3,999, down from its usual price of $4,649. That's a discount of 14%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mavic 4 Pro $3,999 at Amazon
$4,649 Save $650   Get Deal

Getting your hands on a DJI drone, no matter the model, has been an exercise in frustration for some time now. Though the brand has faced several issues with getting its product into the hands of U.S. consumers, some shipments here and there come from third-party sellers that do occasionally get some models in. If you've wanted to splurge on one of the company's drones for some time now, today's your lucky day as the DJI Mavic 4 Pro is officially in stock as well as discounted.

As of Jan. 14, get the DJI Mavic 4 Pro for $3,999, down from its usual price of $4,649. That's $649 off and a discount of 14%.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Mic 2 just hit its lowest price ever at Amazon

This DJI drone comes with all the bells and whistles you could ask for as a professional or even casual user. This tri-camera unit comes with a 100MP 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a 51-minute max flight tme, three batteries, a charging hub, spare propellers, shoulder bag, and more. In short, it has everything you need to not only get off the ground but stay in the air as long as possible and keep your new drone there.

It uses a new gimbal that allows for 360-degree rotation with Dutch angles and other intriguing angles since you can turn the drone while recording, and a top speed of 90kph. There's also a 41km range that's perfect for both taking time lapse and panoramic photos.

In short, this is the drone to get if you're looking to get something that can tackle a wide range of purposes, whether your aim is to do more photography or just see sights. Grab yours now while it's still in stock and discounted to boot.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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