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Verizon outage map: How to check your area

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 21:49

Many Verizon mobile users experienced a major service disruption on Wednesday afternoon, with customers reporting that their phones suddenly went into SOS mode.

Affected customers who want to check their local area for network problems have several options.

SEE ALSO: Verizon support hints at phone bill 'discount' for outage

The platform Downdetector has a regularly updated Verizon outage map available online. (Disclosure: Downdetector and Mashable are both owned by Ziff Davis.)

The Downdetector heat map shows widespread Verizon outages, as reported by users. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Downdetector

The heat map shows clusters of user error reports in major U.S. cities, including New York, Boston, Chicago, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta. The outage map also indicates Verizon customers in Los Angeles and Seattle are experiencing problems, suggesting this is a true coast-to-coast problem.

You can also go to the Verizon website to check the company's network status; however, this page appears to be experiencing intermittent problems. Mashable reporters were unable to access an updated map at Verizon's website, and instead received the same statement Verizon posted on X previously.

"Verizon engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions. Our teams remain fully deployed and are focused on the issue. We understand the impact this has on your day and remain committed to resolving this as quickly as possible."

Verizon has a tool to check network status, but it did not appear to be working as of this writing. Credit: Screenshot courtesy of Verizon

Mashable has been providing ongoing coverage of the Verizon outage, which the company acknowledged in a statement: "We are aware of an issue impacting wireless voice and data services for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and are working to identify and solve the issue quickly. We understand how important reliable connectivity is and apologize for the inconvenience."

The company later said that its "engineering teams are continuing to address today's service interruptions."

So far, Verizon has not indicated what caused the ongoing outage or when service would be fully restored.

This is a developing story...

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the 2026 Honda Accord is the best value sedan you’ve overlooked

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 21:30

If you are looking for a different vehicle, it seems like right now is the worst possible time. Everything is more expensive, and new automobiles are among the most affected consumer products. According to Kelley Blue Book, the average price of a new vehicle exceeded $50,000 for the first time in history in September 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These are the best ways to automate lighting in your smart home

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 21:00

A smart home is more than a smart speaker that controls a few devices. You should aim to automate as much functionality as possible, and lighting is the best place to start.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Parents can now set limits on YouTube Shorts for teen accounts

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 20:47

YouTube is adding more ways to ensure the content your kids consume on their feeds is age and developmentally appropriate.

Starting today, parents can set screen limits for teen accounts that specifically monitor the amount of time young users spending scrolling through their Shorts feed. As the feature rolls out, parents will also get the option to set Shorts scrolling time to zero. Time controls can be set for specified periods of the day, and caretakers can also create custom reminders that alert their teens to bedtimes or recommend taking a break.

SEE ALSO: Google reverses key parental control policy

"This is an industry-first feature that puts parents firmly in control of the amount of short-form content their kids watch. This also gives parents flexibility," said YouTube.

The company has also penned new best practices for teen users, which will power an updated recommendation engine specific to minor accounts that amplifies what YouTube and consulted professionals deem "high quality" content. Examples given include videos from education accounts like Khan Academy, CrashCourse, and TED-Ed.

YouTube is one of the most popular platforms among adults and teens, and is used by 9 out of 10 teens in the country, according to a recent report by the Pew Center. It's the only site frequented in equal measure by older and younger adolescents, compared to social media platforms like TikTok or Instagram. The platform has struggled to button up its content moderation and advertising for young users, with past reports of minors encountering graphic content even while scrolling its kids-specific offerings.

YouTube has released a suite of well-being and safety features in response, including a new age verification system powered by AI that flags suspected minor accounts and automatically applies age appropriate settings. Users can upload their IDs to confirm they're adults if they are incorrectly flagged as under 18. The platform joins many other companies cracking down on child safety risks using age assurance technology, as the industry faces ongoing pressure from federal leaders.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The 8 best earbuds of 2026, tested by audio experts

Mashable - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 20:11

If you're in the market for a new pair of earbuds, we have good news: You have a lot of options. The bad news? You have a lot of options, and your decision can get overwhelming, fast. Wasn't life easier when iPhones came with a free pair of earbuds?

While you can still find wired earbuds that plug in and go (you'll even find a pair on this list), the market is flooded with wireless options. Now, you'll find models with advanced noise cancellation to block out the sounds of busy coffee shops and commutes. Plus, a good pair should have a quality microphone so you can take calls on the go.

SEE ALSO: I replaced my $249 AirPods Pro with $19 wired EarPods

Prices on earbuds range anywhere from $10 to $1,000, especially if you're going for professional-grade studio earphones. And if you care about noise cancellation, you can easily spend $300 — that's the price of peace and quiet. These days, you can even get hyperspecialized models like sleep earbuds. Our guide also includes our picks for the best earbuds for working out and the best open earbuds.

Our top picks for earbuds are the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd gen) and Panasonic Technics AZ100s, which provide outstanding sound quality — but keep in mind, both of these models cost $299. While we stand by the value of everything on this list, we know that spending $300 on a pair of headphones is a lot to stomach. That's also why we recommend shopping for earbuds during Black Friday season. As sales start to kick off, the QC Ultra earbuds are down $50 (their lowest price since their September release date). As we approach the actual day of Black Friday on Nov. 28, we expect to see even more markdowns on our favorite earbuds.

Ready to start shopping now? Here are our top earbud picks of 2026.

Types of earbuds

There are two types of earbuds: wireless and wired. While those descriptors are self-explanatory, let's get into the specifics of both.

Wireless

Wireless earbuds connect to devices via Bluetooth for cordless usage. These earbuds range from $20 budget models to high-end models with active noise cancellation. While they don't require a wire to connect to a device, some wireless earbuds still have a wire that might go around the back of the neck to connect the buds.

While earbuds traditionally don't provide the passive noise cancellation of over-the-ear headphones, wireless models often feature ANC, which electronically blocks out background noise. With wireless headphones, you need to consider the battery life. Most models should have an eight-hour or more battery life before they need to be recharged.

Wired

Wired earbuds are the original model: two buds connected by a wire to your audio source. While they once felt high tech, they're pretty basic now. Wired earbuds with active noise cancellation are basically non-existent, and you won't find any on our list.

The biggest positive to wired headphones is that they don't need to be charged. They're a great backup option to keep in your bag in case your usual wireless headphones or earbuds run out of charge.

New additions to this guide

After extensive testing, Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard rounded up the best sleep earbuds. You can read her full guide, but as of May 2025, we've added the Anker Soundcore Sleep A20 to this guide, which Allard says are the best sleep earbuds for most people.

As of August 2025, we also updated the best earbuds for working out to the Powerbeats Pro 2 and added the Shokz OpenDots One as the best open earbuds.

What are the best wireless Bluetooth earbuds?

If you're just looking for a pair of everyday wireless earbuds, all but one of the models in this guide will check that box. (We also included the Marshall Mode wired earbuds as an option for folks who don't want to worry about battery.) If you're looking for the highest quality wireless earbuds, you can't go wrong with the Bose QuietComfort Ultra and Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds, our most recent recommendation in 2026. Both of these wireless earbuds feature elite noise-cancellation, stellar sound, long battery life, and a comfortable fit for extended wear.

Still, this guide includes several other earbuds we stand behind. Apple users may prefer the AirPods Pro, while shoppers on a budget may prefer buds from Marshall or Anker Soundcore. If you need help picking the perfect pair, read on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don't research for hours to build your personal curriculum—sign up for Skillshare for free instead

How-To Geek - Wed, 01/14/2026 - 20:07

Don't wait until the last minute to start learning a new skill for the new year. Skillshare is offering a free month to kickstart your goal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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
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