Blogroll

House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 5 brings a character back from the dead

Mashable - Mon, 07/20/2026 - 04:00

There's a rich tradition of characters coming back from the dead in the House of the Dragon universe.

We've already seen it happen with Lord Corlys (Steve Toussaint), but now it appears that the Battle of the Gullet has unclaimed yet another victim.

So, who else didn't die, and how did they make it out alive?

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 family tree: How the Targaryens, Hightowers, and Velaryons connect What happens with Tyland Lannister in Season 3, episode 5?

After giving Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) a well-deserved tongue-lashing, Larys Strong (Matthew Needham) finally manages to convince him to board a ship to Essos and give up on the foolish idea of tracking down his brother Aemond (Ewan Mitchell).

But just as they've come to this agreement, they hear a voice: "What ship might that be?"

"Seven hells," responds Larys when he realises that the cloaked man in front of them is Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall), who was last seen being yeeted over the side of a different ship by Admiral Lohar (Abigail Thorn).

So, how did he survive, and what's he doing there?

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast unpack Season 3, episode 2's biggest moments How did Tyland Lannister survive?

We only get one more brief scene with Aegon, Larys, and Tyland in episode 5, but it does give us a little more information to work with. We don't know how Tyland managed to swim to safety wearing all that armour, or how he's managed to trek however many miles it is from where he washed ashore to where Larys and Aegon have ended up — but we do know that he's probably managed to use the Lannister's reputation to buy some safe passage

"I have men riding with me—," Tyland tells Larys.

"Sellswords," responds Larys. "Cheaply bought, by the look of them."

Tyland, it seems, has managed to pay for just enough protection to get himself this far. His end goal is clearly the Lannister seat of Casterly Rock – he wants Larys and Aegon to travel with him – but it doesn't look like he'll get that far. The scene ends with Aegon stabbing a man to death after he discovers his crown, which likely means the trio will be running for their lives in episode 6.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 5: Who is killing the Gold Cloaks in Kings Landing?

Mashable - Mon, 07/20/2026 - 04:00

All men must die, but apparently that goes double if you're wearing a gold cloak.

House of the Dragon Season 3, episode 5 sees an already-embattled Rhaenyra (Emma D'Arcy) contending with a new threat from inside King's Landing: The systematic murder of her City Watch, who are having their throats and bowels slashed open at an alarming rate.

So, who is doing it, and why? Let's unpack.

SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 3 family tree: How the Targaryens, Hightowers, and Velaryons connect What happens to the Gold Cloaks in Season 3, episode 5?

"Two of our Gold Cloaks were found dead in the streets this morning," says Daemon (Matt Smith) during a Small Council meeting. "Put to the blade by an unknown hand."

He's keen to get to the bottom of the problem himself, but while meeting with Ser Luthor (Tom Cullen), who heads up the Gold Cloaks, he finds two more of their number dead. This time it's happened in broad daylight, and they can't seem to find witnesses.

Later, just as Daemon has finished giving a speech to try and rouse the surviving Gold Cloaks, he gets word that someone has been apprehended. Under torture, the man confesses — but he says he acted alone, and never saw the face of the man who paid him.

"He said it was the king's work I was to be about," the man rasps. "Compliments of King Daeron Targaryen, he said. For killing traitors to his throne."

The assassin is killed, but Daemon's problems are only just starting. At the very end of the episode, he finds a large number of Gold Cloaks, including Ser Luthor, arranged dead around a dining table. "A FEAST FOR TRAITORS" has been daubed in blood on the wall.

Featured Video For You 'House of the Dragon' cast unpack Season 3, episode 2's biggest moments Who is killing the Gold Cloaks, and why?

Even though we don't know how many assassins in Flea Bottom are doing the killing, we know who's behind it. Midway through the episode, after two Gold Cloaks have been murdered, we see a shot of a little girl walking up some steps and whispering into the ear of a man we haven't seen before. The man writes a note that he sends via raven, and which we then see being read by Ormund Hightower (James Norton).

The note reads: "Gold blood spilled. Three marked in the tally. The account lies open."

Later, Ormund shows Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth) a gold coin he's had made with Daeron's face on it. It's the same coin that Daemon later finds in the assassin's boot.

The conclusion? Ormund is paying a network of assassins in Flea Bottom to murder the City Watch as a way of adding to Rhaenyra's problems and weakening her defenses. His hope is probably that without the Gold Cloaks, people in the city are more likely to riot. And if there are problems within the walls of King's Landing, it only serves to strengthen his own position.

House of the Dragon Season 3 is now streaming on HBO Max, with new episodes premiering Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 World Cup final online for free

Mashable - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 23:17

TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN, an Official Supporter of the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has delivered weeks of electric entertainment. We've had controversy, moments of ecstasy, and incredibly displays of talent from the best players in the world. And now we're down to the final, where Spain and Argentina will battle it out for the trophy.

Argentina are defending champions, but have stuttered through the tournament, relying on late goals. Spain also struggled to hit their best form in the group stage, but they've built momentum through the knockout rounds, culminating in an impressive victory over favorites France in the semi-final stage.

We're expecting a fiery battle between two teams laden with stars.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Argentina?

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on July 19. This fixture takes place at the New York New Jersey Stadium.

How to watch Spain vs. Argentina for free

Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer or ITVX.

BBC iPlayer and ITVX are geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access these free streaming platforms 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 BBC iPlayer and ITVX to live stream the 2026 World Cup final for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Spain vs. Argentina for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 BBC iPlayer or ITVX

  5. Watch Spain vs. Argentina for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN 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 the 2026 World Cup final without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Spain vs. Argentina before recovering your investment.

ExpressVPN's regular 30-day money-back guarantee is not available for any subscriptions purchased during the Summer Tech Sweepstakes promotional period (July 11 to Aug. 11), but you do have a chance of winning an iPhone 17 Pro. ExpressVPN remains our top pick for sport, but you will need to pay the monthly rate. Alternatively, Proton VPN still offers that all-important money-back guarantee.

What is the best VPN for the World Cup final?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer or ITVX, 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

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. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99. That covers you for the duration of the World Cup.

Live stream Spain vs. Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final for free.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ditching Windows is the loudest feedback you can ever give Microsoft

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 23:00

Are you fed up with Microsoft's invasive behavior? They're increasingly inserting themselves into your digital life, collecting your data and outright disrespecting your wishes. It would normally anger me, but there’s no Microsoft on my system, and I'll explain why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Automakers figured out how to charge you forever for features you already own

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 22:00

Minus any aftermarket accessories, the vehicle you bought however long ago has the same features today as it did when it rolled off the assembly line. For all intents and purposes, everything about your car, from the powertrain to the infotainment system, is exactly the same as the day you drove it off the lot. And you have not had to pay extra for any of the features you use and enjoy most.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I forced my Galaxy phone to stop checking location networks and added hours to my battery life

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 21:45

Do you wish your Samsung Galaxy phone had slightly better battery life? I think it's safe to say we all look for ways to improve our phones, and that's why you'll love these two little settings hiding on your phone that will quickly make a big difference.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 groundbreaking series you can only watch on Netflix

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 21:30

Netflix has its fair share of exclusive titles in the form of Netflix Originals, but of all the titles in the niche library, only a few can truly be recognized for being groundbreaking. Some pioneered new film-making techniques, others raised the bar for animation, and a few have reshaped television today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Chipotle is giving away free entrées during the World Cup final — how to claim yours

Mashable - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 21:02

TL;DR: Chipotle is giving away 100,000 free entrées during the 2026 World Cup final on July 19. During the match’s second hydration break, fans can watch a video on Chipotle’s Instagram, grab the code revealed at the end, and text it to 888-222 for a chance to claim free food.

Chipotle is bringing some free food to the biggest football match of the summer.

During the 2026 World Cup final on Sunday, July 19, the restaurant chain will give away 100,000 free entrée offers as part of this special giveaway.

The idea for this promotion comes from a long-running Chipotle fan joke. Some customers have been known to “accidentally” fill their complimentary water cups with lemonade at the drink station, and the restaurant has leaned into the joke on social media over the years.

“The best brand ideas start with a fan truth,” said Stephanie Perdue, Chipotle’s senior vice president of marketing.

How to get a free Chipotle entrée during the World Cup final

Getting the freebie is pretty simple:

  1. Tune into the World Cup final on July 19

  2. During the match’s second hydration break, head to Chipotle’s Instagram account (@Chipotle)

  3. Watch the cup-shuffling game, where three identical Chipotle water cups move around the screen

  4. Follow the cup hiding the lemonade and grab the code revealed at the end

  5. Text the code to 888-222

The first 100,000 people to successfully text the code will receive a free entrée offer, valid on any regularly priced entrée (subject to availability) through July 24, 2026. The offer is available in the U.S. for fans 13 and older. Standard text and data rates may apply.

If you’re already watching the final, it’s worth keeping your phone nearby — your next Chipotle meal could be just a text away.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 subtle used car red flags that end up costing thousands more than you think

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 20:45

According to Kelley Blue Book, the average MSRP of a new car has climbed to more than $51,000. Not long ago, that kind of money bought a fancy European luxury sedan. Today, it might only get you a mid-level Ford F-150. With new vehicle prices remaining high, it's no surprise that more shoppers are turning to the used-car market in search of better value.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your PDF reader is tracking more than you realize

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 20:30

Opening a PDF, reading its contents, and closing the window is one of the most basic tasks you can perform on a computer. It seems as passive as reading a physical piece of paper. In reality, two things are happening behind the scenes that you don't see: your reader is communicating with the software developer, and the document itself may be sending information to whoever drafted it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I turned my old phone into a backup home internet device, and it saved my workday

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 20:00

My home internet is stable now, but that wasn't true just a couple of years ago. I've gone through several terrible ISPs before finding one that actually delivered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Toyota Prius vs. the Plug-in Hybrid: why you probably shouldn't spend the extra $5,000

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 19:45

Toyota introduced a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius for the 2012 model year, giving buyers a way to drive on electricity alone for short trips while keeping the same hybrid safety net for longer ones. More than a decade later, that basic idea has not changed all that much, but the price of admission has.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Android Auto is cooking your phone on long trips—here are 6 ways to stop it

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 19:30

Android Auto puts your phone under an incredibly heavy workload, and summer heat only makes things worse. After only a couple of hours on the road, you've probably picked up your phone and noticed that it isn't just warm—it gets almost too hot to hold.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 surprising gadgets you can connect to your PC's empty USB ports

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 19:02

Got a vacant USB port or two on your PC? You'd like to use it for something useful, but don't know exactly what? Check out five practical things you can connect to your free USB ports, some of which can reinvent the way you control your PC.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your next laptop might not need Intel anymore, and that's the real story here

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 19:00

I'll admit, I had a preconceived notion in my mind about what the results of this comparison would look like. The Core Ultra 9 would be superior to everything but maybe the Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme, right? Absolutely, unequivocally wrong.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 streaming service features that already feel outdated in 2026

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 18:45

Streaming hasn't officially replaced cable or satellite TV, but it's come pretty close. According to a Pew Research Center survey, 83% of U.S. adults watch streaming services. I'm certainly someone who uses streaming, but I have noticed that some of the medium's capabilities feel antiquated. Here are the four streaming features that feel outdated in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I ditched complicated apps for a low-tech productivity system—and I'm not going back

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 18:30

There are hundreds of productivity apps out there, and I think that's part of the problem. A productivity app is just a system—a means to an end, not the end itself. If any of these apps actually delivered, we wouldn't need hundreds of them. The sheer number suggests something fundamental is missing, which is why people keep hopping between them, hoping the next one will finally be the answer. I was one of those people, and I'm happy to say I've finally figured it out—and it has nothing to do with apps or any digital product at all.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Galaxy Watch can run unofficial apps—here are 3 worth sideloading

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 18:15

Sideloading apps from outside the Play Store is a beloved feature of Android phones. You may not know it, but it’s possible to sideload apps on a Samsung Galaxy Watch as well. That’s good, because there are a few handy apps that are worth the effort of manually installing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I couldn't afford mesh Wi-Fi, so I built one from spare parts

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 17:45

I wanted a new mesh Wi-Fi system badly a few years ago, but simply couldn't afford one. Instead of spending money I didn't have on Wi-Fi networking gear that I didn't really need, I repurposed my old router and it gave me almost everything I was looking for without costing me a dime.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I asked Claude, ChatGPT, and Gemini to build a password generator—one outperformed the others

How-To Geek - Sun, 07/19/2026 - 17:30

The more comfortable I get using AI to help me code, the more curious I become about how the major platforms compare when they're given the exact same job. It's easy to ask Claude, ChatGPT, or Gemini to create a simple app and come away impressed when something functional appears a few seconds later. But that doesn't necessarily tell you whether the code is secure, well structured, or capable of handling situations beyond the most obvious use case.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker