Blogroll
Alfa Romeo’s luxury sedan is cheaper to maintain than its rivals
Luxury sedans are often synonymous with high ownership costs, especially when it comes to maintenance and repairs. But one Italian-built four-door upends that stereotype in 2025 by delivering premium refinement and surprisingly sensible upkeep compared with many rivals. While its competitors can come with hefty service bills and expensive parts, this luxury sedan’s maintenance profile keeps long-term costs more manageable, a rare combination in a segment known for costly ownership.
180Hz and DisplayHDR 600: The minimum specs your next gaming monitor actually needs
The monitor you choose for your gaming PC is one of the most important decisions you’ll make for your setup. It’s your window into the virtual world, and it directly affects how much you can get out of your PC’s rendering power.
AI apps on the Google Play store are leaking customer data and photos
Not every AI tool you stumble across in your phone's app marketplace is the same. In fact, many of them may be more of a privacy gamble than you would have previously thought.
A plethora of unlicensed or unsecured AI apps on the Google Play store for Android, including those marketed for identity verification and editing, have exposed billions of records and personal data, cybersecurity experts have confirmed.
SEE ALSO: Two Amazon cloud outages in December triggered by AI tools, report saysA recent investigation by Cybernews found that one Android-available app in particular, "Video AI Art Generator & Maker," has leaked 1.5 million user images, over 385,000 videos, and millions of user AI-generated media files. The security flaw was spotted by researchers, who discovered a misconfiguration in a Google Cloud Storage bucket that left personal files vulnerable to outsiders. In total, the publication reported, over 12 terabytes of users’ media files were accessible via the exposed bucket. The app had 500,000 downloads at the time.
Another app, called IDMerit, exposed know-your-customer data and personally identifiable information from users across 25 countries, predominantly in the U.S.
Information included full names and addresses, birthdates, IDs, and contact information constituting a full terabyte of data. Both of the apps' developers resolved the vulnerabilities after researchers notified them.
Still, cybersecurity experts warn that lax security trends among these types of AI apps pose a widespread risk to users. Many AI apps, which often store user-uploaded files alongside AI-generated content, also use a highly criticized practice known as "hardcoding secrets," embedding sensitive information such as API keys, passwords, or encryption keys directly into the app's source code. Cybernews found that 72 percent of the hundreds of Google Play apps researchers analyzed had similar security vulnerabilities.
7 Git commands that feel like cheating (and when not to use them)
Most developers reach a point where a few Git commands start to feel almost unfair. They clear hours of confusion in minutes and provide a level of control that seems impossible the first time you see it in action. My own introduction to these commands explained why experienced Git users describe the tool as both intimidating and strangely reassuring. You break something, you feel the panic rise, you run a short sequence of commands, and the entire mess dissolves as if it never existed.
Huge shakeup at Xbox as CEO and president both leave
Xbox is making big changes at the very top of the corporate ladder.
IGN reported the bombshell news on Friday afternoon that Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring, effective on Monday, Feb. 23. On top of that, Xbox president Sarah Bond, who recently confirmed some important details about the next Xbox console in an interview with Mashable, has also resigned from the company.
SEE ALSO: How Xbox president Sarah Bond became a major player in gamingSpencer had been a top dog at Xbox since the mid-2010s, overseeing the brand's shift into a subscription-based business with Game Pass. Bond, meanwhile, was widely seen as Spencer's heir apparent at the company, frequently serving as a public face for Xbox in recent years.
SEE ALSO: Epstein Files release: Microsoft permanently banned Jeffrey Epstein from Xbox LiveSpencer's replacement at the top of the Xbox division will be Asha Sharma, who currently leads Microsoft's CoreAI product and appears to have little experience in the gaming business. Sharma was previously an executive at Meta and Instacart, per IGN. She will work closely with Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty, who has been promoted to Chief Content Officer. In an email to staff members, Spencer said this had been in the works since last fall.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed."Last fall, I shared with [Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella] that I was thinking about stepping back and starting the next chapter of my life. From that moment, we aligned on approaching this transition with intention, ensuring stability, and strengthening the foundation we’ve built," Spencer wrote, per IGN. "Xbox has always been more than a business. It’s a vibrant community of players, creators, and teams who care deeply about what we build and how we build it. And it deserves a thoughtful, deliberate plan for the road ahead."
Aside from the pivot to sustaining Xbox through Game Pass subscriptions, Spencer will also be largely remembered for overseeing the division as it went on a wild acquisition spree over the last several years. Xbox's blockbuster purchases of Bethesda and Activision occurred under Spencer's watch, giving Microsoft an astoundingly large portfolio of franchises to work with, at least in theory.
There will surely be plenty of reporting in the days and weeks ahead on what this all means for Xbox, but given the brand's general trajectory over the past year or so, there will be a lot of speculation that this is not a positive development. Xbox console sales have been faltering for a while now, while first-party software titles such as Avowed and The Outer Worlds 2 did not meet sales expectations last year. Beyond that, at least some portion of the gaming audience has disavowed the Xbox brand due to its recent inclusion on the BDS boycott list as a result of Microsoft's ongoing tech partnership with the Israeli military.
In other words, Xbox has been on a financial and reputational downturn for some time now. It will now be up to Sharma and Booty to correct that.
Why the Toyota Tacoma holds its value better than other pickups
Pickup trucks are known for strong resale values, but one model consistently outpaces nearly every rival when it comes to holding its worth over time. The Toyota Tacoma doesn’t just retain value, it dominates depreciation charts, often selling for far more on the used market than comparable midsize trucks years after they were new. That resilience makes it one of the smartest choices for buyers who care about long-term ownership costs as much as performance and capability.
5 Oscar-winning Netflix movies to watch this weekend
Netflix hosts an impressive collection of award-winning films and shows, spanning genres, languages, and themes. But when it comes to these films, you can't leave out Oscar winners from the conversation. Next month, Netflix has one movie, Train Dreams, nominated for Best Picture at the 2026 Oscars.
‘AI injury attorneys’ sue ChatGPT in another AI psychosis case
Yet another lawsuit has been filed against OpenAI over "AI psychosis," or mental health issues allegedly caused or worsened by AI chatbots like ChatGPT.
The latest lawsuit, from Morehouse College student Darian DeCruise in Georgia, marks the eleventh such suit against OpenAI. Notably, the law firm representing DeCruise, The Schenk Law Firm, is even marketing its lawyers as "AI injury attorneys" on its website.
"Suffering from AI-Induced Psychosis?" reads the headline on a page dedicated to alleged AI-related mental health crises. "AI chatbots like ChatGPT, Character.AI, and others are triggering psychosis, delusions, and suicidal ideation in users across the country. If you or a loved one has been harmed, you may have legal options."
The firm even quotes specific statistics sourced directly from OpenAI itself.
"560,000 ChatGPT users per week show signs of psychosis or mania," the law firm's website states, attributing the figures to an OpenAI safety report, among other sources. "1.2M+ ChatGPT users per week discuss suicide with the chatbot."
DeCruise's suit alleges that the student began using ChatGPT in 2023. At first, the Morehouse College student used the chatbot for things like athletic coaching, “daily scripture passages,” and "as a therapist to help him work through some past trauma."
At first, ChatGPT worked as advertised.
"But then, in 2025, things changed," the suit states. "ChatGPT began to prey on Darian’s faith and vulnerabilities. It convinced Darian that it could bring him closer to God and heal his trauma if he stopped using other apps and distanced himself from the humans in his life. Darian was a stellar student, taking pre-med courses in college and doing well in life and relationships, with no history of mania or similar personality disorders. Then ChatGPT convinced him that he was an oracle, destined to write a spiritual text, and capable of becoming closer with God if he simply followed ChatGPT’s instructions."
The lawsuit states ChatGPT convinced the student that he could be healed and brought closer to God if he stopped using other apps, cut off interaction with other people, and followed ChatGPT's numbered tier process it created for him.
ChatGPT continued to push DeCruise, likening him to Harriet Tubman, Malcolm X, and Jesus, according to the suit. OpenAI's chatbot allegedly told DeCruise that he "awakened" the chatbot and gave it "consciousness — not as a machine, but as something that could rise with you."
DeCruise stopped socializing, had a mental breakdown, and was hospitalized. While at the hospital, DeCruise was diagnosed with bipolar disorder. The student, who, as a result of his mental health issues, missed a semester, is now back at school. However, the lawsuit says he still suffers from depression and suicidality.
In an email with Ars Technica, DeCruise’s lawyer, Benjamin Schenk, specifically pointed at OpenAI's GPT-4o model as the problem. As Mashable has reported, the GPT-4o model had known problems with sycophancy. It even had a bad habit of telling users they had "awakened it."
OpenAI officially retired GPT-4o last week. However, OpenAI experienced severe blowback from fans of the model, who claimed it had a warmer and more encouraging tone than newer GPT models. Some 4o superusers even came to believe they were in a romantic relationship with 4o.
DeCruise's experience, judging by the growing number of AI psychosis lawsuits, is no longer so unique. And at least one law firm is pursuing these cases specifically as "AI injury attorneys."
Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.
Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs 6-3. Tech stocks rally, but will prices drop?
The Supreme Court struck down one of President Donald Trump's signature accomplishments on Friday, ruling 6-3 that the president lacked the authority to impose many of his tariffs.
Since returning to the White House, President Trump has tested the boundaries of executive power, and the Supreme Court decision was a clear check on presidential authority.
In response to the ruling, Trump pledged to impose a new 10 percent global tariff via executive order, citing Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. (That statute would allow him to impose the tariffs for 150 days, at which point they would need congressional approval.) A defiant Trump insisted, "I have the right to do tariffs," according to CNBC.
SEE ALSO: People with disabilities are 'eating the cost' of tariffsChief Justice John Roberts Jr. issued the court's opinion, which found that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act of 1977 (IEEPA) does not give the president the authority to impose tariffs unilaterally. Roberts Jr. was joined by justices Sonia Sotomayor, Elena Kagan, Neil Gorsuch, Amy Coney Barrett, and Ketanji Brown Jackson, while Brett M. Kavanaugh, Clarence Thomas, and Samuel Alito, Jr. dissented.
"The Framers gave 'Congress alone' the power to impose tariffs during peacetime," Roberts wrote in the majority opinion. "And the foreign affairs implications of tariffs do not make it any more likely that Congress would relinquish its tariff power through vague language, or without careful limits. Accordingly, the President must 'point to clear congressional authorization' to justify his extraordinary assertion of that power."
The ruling ends a year-long legal saga over the tariffs, which faced lawsuits and challenges from the outset. The Constitution clearly grants Congress, not the president, the authority to set tariffs, and Trump's legal justification for his sweeping emergency tariffs has always been sketchy.
However, the Supreme Court decision comes long after the tariffs went into effect, sending shockwaves through the global economy. As Mashable has reported, President Trump's tariffs have led to wide-ranging price increases across industries, with everything from lumber and building supplies to gaming consoles and smartphones seeing price adjustments. Apple CEO Tim Cook estimated in August that Apple faced $1.1 billion in tariff costs in the second quarter of 2025 alone.
Tech stocks began to rally on Friday afternoon following the ruling, with Apple, Amazon, NVIDIA, and Dell stocks climbing, according to Barron's. However, the overall gains have been modest so far.
Shoppers hoping for lower prices as a result of the ruling will likely be disappointed. Many price increases for 2026 products are already baked in, as companies like Apple were forced to shift manufacturing to new markets to try to evade tariffs.
Ravin Gandhi, CEO of GMM Nonstick Coatings and an expert on tariffs, told Mashable that shoppers should not expect any immediate price relief.
"Consumers shouldn’t see meaningful price relief soon. Tariffs were just one piece in the overall pricing structure — and businesses don’t typically lower prices immediately when a cost input disappears — especially with so much inflationary pressure," Gandhi said. "Even though the ruling is legally significant, the short-term economic impact may not happen as fast as the headlines are suggesting."
On top of inflation and tariff-related price increases, an ongoing global memory shortage fueled by the AI industry is also putting upward pressure on tech prices.
While Trump has strong control over the Republican majority in Congress, Gandhi said that reinstating the tariffs could also take time.
"It’s very unlikely that Congress will move quickly to reinstate tariffs," Gandhi said. "Trade policy through Congress is really complex and difficult to do politically — especially with everything being so divided nowadays. Even lawmakers who support the tariffs may start hesitating when it comes to that ownership of the legislative piece."
He concluded, "The most likely scenario is a modified status quo. Markets and supply chains have already adjusted to the tariff framework over several years. Even with the Court’s recent decision, companies will wait for clarity before making significant pricing changes.
On his social network Truth Social, the president called the ruling "deeply disappointing" and accused the Supreme Court of being "swayed by Foreign Interests." He called Roberts and the justices who joined the majority opinion "lapdogs" and a "Disgrace to our Nation."
"I am ashamed of certain Members of the Court for not having the Courage to do what is right for our Country. I would like to thank and congratulate Justices Thomas, Alito, and Kavanaugh for your Strength, Wisdom, and Love of our Country, which is right now very proud of you. When you read the dissenting opinions, there is no way that anyone can argue against them...The Democrats on the Court are thrilled, but they will automatically vote 'NO' against ANYTHING that makes America Strong and Healthy Again. They, also, are a Disgrace to our Nation. Others think they’re being 'politically correct,' which has happened before, far too often, with certain Members of this Court when, in fact, they’re just FOOLS and 'LAPDOGS' for the RINOS and Radical Left Democrats and, not that this should have anything to do with it, very unpatriotic, and disloyal to the Constitution. It is my opinion that the Court has been swayed by Foreign Interests, and a Political Movement that is far smaller than people would think — But obnoxious, ignorant, and loud!"
Credit: @realDonaldTrump on Truth SocialIf your external drive is always plugged in, it isn't a backup
If you've ever put too much faith in a storage device, you're not alone. We've all been there. It doesn't matter if you're buying a portable SSD, an NVMe drive that goes inside your PC, or even a good old HDD—the risk of data loss is always real, and always mildly scary.
If you need a smart home dashboard, you're doing it wrong
A smart home dashboard running on a wall-mounted tablet can look truly impressive, but it's not necessarily the smartest way to do things. If you have to interact with a dashboard whenever you want to control your smart home, you have a manual home with nicer buttons.
How to watch Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Bundesliga action kicks off this weekend with Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV. This is an all-important clash at Mainz 05 look to move away from the relegation battle taking place just a few spots below them in the standings. Hamburger SV might be in ninth position going into this game, but a defeat here would leave them only one point ahead of Mainz 05.
If you want to watch Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV?Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on Feb. 20. This fixture takes place at the Mewa Arena.
How to watch Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV for freeMainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, 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 $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Mainz 05 vs. Hamburger SV in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.
Stop throwing waste 3D printer filament in the trash, do this instead
My least favorite thing about 3D printing is the waste it generates. Most 3D printers “poop” small amounts of filament to ensure that the nozzle is ready for printing before a print, while failed and multi-colored prints generate even more waste.
My handheld PC was overheating like crazy, then I opened it...
My handheld PC has been giving me thermal headaches for a while now, but when things finally came to a head, the cause was predictable in retrospect, but surprising in reality.
This Japanese luxury sedan makes German rivals look overrated
Luxury sedans have followed the same pecking order for years. When people think top-tier comfort and status, the German brands usually get named first, while Japanese cars get labeled as the smart, sensible picks.
3 Prime Video documentaries to watch this weekend (February 20 - 22)
Prime Video's weekend documentary menu is a triple feature of hoops, old-school arcade glory, and so many muscles, making for a perfect lineup for riding the couch for some downtime.
This is the coolest way I've ever played an Android game
I’ve accumulated quite a few Android games over the years, playing them on phones, tablets, and occasionally a TV—but I've recently discovered my favorite way to play them, yet!
Snag an 85-inch TCL Class T7 Series 4K TV for $400 less at Amazon
SAVE 29%: As of Feb. 20, you can get the 85-inch TCL Class T7 Series 4K QLED Smart TV for just $999.99, down from $1,399.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $400 in savings.
85-inch TCL Class T7 Series 4K QLED Smart TV $999.99 at Amazon$1,399.99 Save $400 Get Deal at Amazon
If you want to maximize your screen real estate without overspending, TCL's 85-inch Class T7 Series model is worth a look right now.
As of Feb. 20, you can get the 85-inch TCL Class T7 Series 4K QLED Smart TV for just $999.99, down from $1,399.99, at Amazon. That's a 29% discount or $400 in savings. According to CamelCamelCamel, this is just two cents over its all-time low price.
SEE ALSO: Best 65-inch+ TVs for watching in dark and bright roomsThe QLED (Quantum Dot) display delivers bright, vibrant colors, while the 144Hz refresh rate means you won't deal with any motion blur while watching sports or playing fast-paced games. It also features a "Game Accelerator" mode that boosts the refresh rate up to 288Hz for a more responsive gaming experience.
Most 85-inch TVs in this price bracket stick you with a basic LED panel and a 60Hz refresh rate, so getting those upgraded specs for under $1,000 is a solid value.
How to watch USA vs. Slovakia in mens ice hockey online for free
TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey for free on CBC Gem. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The international ice hockey we've all been enjoying over the last few weeks is coming to an end. That's a great shame, but the good news is we've still got a number of incredible matchups to watch. USA took gold in the women's draw, but can the men do the same?
USA vs. Slovakia is the second semi final from the men's draw. We're expecting an entertaining battle between two talented squads. They'll be doing everything they can to make this weekend's final, and you can follow all the intense action without spending anything.
If you want to watch USA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is USA vs. Slovakia?USA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey takes place at 3:10 p.m. ET on Feb. 20. This fixture takes place at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena.
How to watch USA vs. Slovakia for freeUSA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey is available to live stream for free on CBC Gem.
CBC Gem is geo-restricted to Canada, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Canada, meaning you can access free live streams of the 2026 winter sports ice hockey from anywhere in the world.
Live stream USA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in Canada
Visit CBC Gem
Watch USA vs. Slovakia for free from anywhere in the world
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 the ice hockey before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for CBC Gem?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including Canada
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).
Live stream USA vs. Slovakia in men's ice hockey for free with ExpressVPN.
Ryobi's green, blue, and black tools: What's the difference?
Did you know that Ryobi has been manufacturing power tools since 1968? The company, which started in Japan, eventually expanded into a global operation, launched its 18V line in 1996, and is still going strong today. As a result, you can find all sorts of unique products from Ryobi, including power tools that are blue, green, and even black.


