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How to unblock xHamster for free

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 15:23

TL;DR: Unblock porn sites like xHamster with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Your access to porn sites like xHamster is not guaranteed in many locations around the world. There are obvious and legitimate reasons for online restrictions, but there is also something to be said for retaining your right to online freedom. When the time is right, you should be able to access your favorite sites without hassle.

Fortunately, it's possible to bypass content restrictions in a few simple steps. f you're looking for the best way to unblock porn sites like xHamster for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock xHamster for free

VPNs are tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure servers in other locations. This process bypasses geo-restrictions to secure access to porn sites like xHamster from anywhere in the world. It sounds complicated, but the process is actually really simple.

Unblock xHamster by following these steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to xHamster

  4. Unblock xHamster

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it works well if you're traveling to a location without access to your favorite sites.

If you want to retain permanent access to free porn sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing online restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the top choice when it comes to unblocking porn sites like xHamster, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy

  • Fast streaming 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).

Unblock xHamster for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying USB sticks: An M.2 SSD in a $15 case is infinitely better

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 15:11

Just 10 years ago, thumb drives were commonplace everywhere. You probably carried one around in your keys, or you had one in your backpack. Things have changed a lot, though.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why Bumble now allows men to message first

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 15:07

As of today, anyone can send the first message on Bumble.

It's a total rewrite for the dating app where "women make the first move." Another change is also here: Instead of having 24 hours for the message recipient to respond to that first message, they now have 72 hours.

SEE ALSO: Men will soon be able to message first on Bumble

This update is happening because of user insights and feedback, according to a press release shared with Mashable. Nearly two-thirds (66 percent) of women surveyed by the app say they actually prefer men to send the first message, according to a survey of over 2,200 women on Bumble in the U.S. in Aug. 2024. Many said it'd make dating feel less pressured.

Gen Z women said women making the first move remains "an empowering option," but also appreciate the flexibility of men starting the conversation, in research commissioned by Bumble between Feb. and March 2025, of 2,000 singles aged 18-35 who were actively using dating apps. That research also found that nearly two-thirds of both men and women say they feel more confident when they have a choice of when and how a conversation begins.

Bumble's "women make the first move" is no more

"We built Bumble around the belief that when you make dating better for women, you make it better for everyone and that remains true today. While women making the first move was a radical idea, being women-first was never about prescribing just one way to connect. It was about designing an experience with women's needs in mind to create better outcomes for everyone," founder and CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd commented in the press release.

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for serious relationships

"Today, our community is asking for more flexibility, less pressure, and more opportunities to create real, meaningful connections and that is what this new experience provides. This evolution isn’t a departure from our founding vision, but the realization of it."

The radical change follows a trend that's been happening on Bumble for some time. Wolfe Herd founded Bumble in 2014, and a lot has changed in the 12 years since in terms of gender and dating norms. In 2022, Bumble decided that nonbinary users can message first after users expressed discomfort with not being able to on social media.

Then, in 2024, Bumble launched Opening Moves, a way for men to technically message first by responding to a prompt. The change was reportedly made due to dating app fatigue, an issue apps have been dealing with for years now.

According to initial tests of the latest change (in Canada between June and July 2026), 92 percent of women said they still felt in control of their dating experience. And more than half of the surveyed users agreed that lengthening the reply window improved their experience on the app.

More changes are coming to Bumble

Wolfe Herd announced this shift at the company's earnings call last week — and it's not the only change coming. Bumble will soon launch a standalone app called Plans for curating IRL events and matching with attendees afterward. At the same time as Bumble is leaning more into in-person events, it's also leaning more into AI, as the AI dating assistant, Bee, is also forthcoming.

Bumble made a lot of buzz earlier this year when Wolfe Herd announced that the app is killing the swipe feature, but she said last week that she's keeping what's next under wraps. This new chat initiation will remain as part of the reimagined Bumble experience, a spokesperson told Mashable.

The company's revenue and paying users have been declining year-over-year and it's reportedly considering a sale, so this is likely a push to reverse that trend. But will singles make a beeline for Bumble now that its signature feature is retired?

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 annoying Google Messages settings I always change

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 15:00

Google Messages is one of the most popular messaging apps for Android, especially now that the Samsung Messages app has been discontinued, which means millions more are finally using Google's option. And while Google Messages is great, there are several frustrating default settings that I always change for a better experience.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hinge is getting into audiobooks now

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 15:00

Dating app Hinge is releasing its first-ever audiobook, The Bookseller reported. It features writing and narration from Rufi Thorpe, author of Margo's Got Money Troubles, Curtis Garner, Tembe Denton-Hurst, Nicola Dinan, and Raven Smith. Each author wrote about a real-life couple that met on Hinge, and the couples contribute epilogues with their own reflections.

The audiobook expands the app's "No Ordinary Love" ad campaign of as-told-to love stories. It first launched in 2024 with six stories by writers such as Roxane Gay. No Ordinary Love continued last year with five additional stories published weekly on Substack. They were penned by five new writers, including Hunter Harris, who wrote the audiobook's foreword.

SEE ALSO: Hinge founder's AI matchmaker coming later this year

The audios are available now on Substack, Spotify, Libro.fm, Apple Audiobooks, Barnes & Noble Audiobooks, and the library app Libby. You can also read the written companions on Substack.

"Hinge continues to find inspiration in the rise of book-focused conversations on social media and how it deeply resonates with Gen Z," the company told The Bookseller. "Romance is the most popular genre read by 18 to 29-year-olds, and audiobooks are growing in popularity with readers, who listen as they go about their daily lives."

Mashable attended this year's BookCon, and it was such a success that next year's conference is set to be even bigger.

Want our dating and relationships stories and more in your inbox? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Hinge's chief marketing and communications officer, Tamika Young, told The Bookseller that the campaign has always celebrated the real stories behind relationships, and that this year, the team focused on the conversations that moved those relationships forward, "the moments where someone asks the question, sends the text, or finally says the hard thing out loud."

SEE ALSO: The best dating apps for serious relationships

"These stories were meant to be heard, and an audiobook gave us the opportunity to bring listeners into those moments — to hear the pauses, the hesitation, and everything that happens just before someone finally says it," Young said.

In Hinge's latest report, it found that the majority of LGBTQ daters said that consistent communication from someone they're starting to date makes them feel less anxious. Its latest feature, Friend's Take, lets a user's loved ones contribute something in writing (or audio, or an image) to their profile.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I 3D printed a water station for the thirsty bees near my home

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:45

I love looking outside in my backyard to see the wildlife buzzing about. From bees to squirrels, rabbits, birds, and more, my little 0.3-acre yard always has something going on. When I found out that bees need a safe place to drink water from, I knew what I had to do—3D print a watering station just for them.

Categories: IT General, Technology

LGs 32-inch 4K OLED UltraGear gaming monitor is now $750 at Amazon — act fast to save over $500

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:33

TL;DR: The LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor (32GX850A-B) is on sale for $754.47 at Amazon, down from its $1,299.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 32-inch UltraGear 4K OLED Gaming Monitor $754.47 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $545.52 Get Deal

Pairing a big 32-inch OLED panel with 4K resolution usually means paying well into four figures when upgrading your gaming display, but Amazon has just knocked $500+ off one of LG’s high-spec UltraGear displays. 

As of Aug. 11, the LG 32-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor has been slashed to $754.47 on Amazon — a 42% discount off its base $1,299.99 price. 

Along with getting that hefty $545.52 discount, this monitor — sold and shipped directly from Amazon, rather than a third-party seller — will make it to your door as soon as Aug. 16 at the time of writing (or Aug. 12 if you’re a Prime member). Amazon is also offering free 30-day returns or replacements if you happen to have any issues. 

What makes the price especially tempting now is how much flexibility LG has packed into the panel. At its native 3840x2160 resolution, the glossy 32-inch OLED display runs at up to 165Hz, giving you the sharpness of 4K with enough speed for everything from upcoming single-player adventures like Fable or Gears of War: E-Day — alongside the usual fun multiplayer hits like Fortnite and Rocket League

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Alongside its cinematic look, this UltraGear unit’s 0.03ms GtG response time is built to keep fast movement crisp. That’s alongside our usual favorite features: NVIDIA G-SYNC compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, designed to help reduce tearing and stutter when your frame rate fluctuates.

Plus, the OLED panel itself is backed by Micro Lens Array+ technology, alongside VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400, a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and typical 98.5% DCI-P3 coverage. 

No matter what you watch, play, or work on, you’ll be treated to deeper blacks, punchier highlights, and more convincing color all around. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

I spent years organizing Gmail the hard way. Filters changed everything

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:30

For years, I tried to organize my Gmail inbox after emails arrived. A few labels and filters changed that completely: I cleaned up old messages, automated the emails I receive every day, and now spend far less time filing things away manually.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This open-source app was Plex before Plex even existed

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:15

Before Plex made personal media servers something a normal person could set up in an afternoon, a group of hackers took a game console and turned it into something Microsoft never intended it to be. That became the foundation for nearly every home media center concept. Not many people know the history of Plex and Kodi, but it's really interesting and shows that the next tech revolution may come from a random home project.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I tested the top fitness trackers for running a marathon (by running the NYC marathon)

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:07

I ran the New York City Marathon wearing seven fitness trackers to see how they compare, and I left with a few favorites. I received a lot of strange looks, but if shame is the price to pay for finding the best fitness tracker for running a marathon, so be it.

While training for the race, I used 10 different trackers in total — deep breath — the new Apple Watch Ultra 3 (which replaced my Apple Watch Ultra 2, which replaced my Apple Watch SE), the Garmin Forerunner 570, the Whoop MG, the Pixel Watch 4 (as well as the older Pixel Watch 3), the Suunto Run, the Oura Ring 4, and the Fitbit Charge 6.

In the end, I ran the marathon using the seven most updated models of our top contenders. I was most impressed by the Whoop MG, Garmin Forerunner 570, and the Apple Watch Ultra 3. The more affordable Suunto Run also has a lot to offer runners.

Fitness trackers tested for this guide BEST SPLURGE Apple Watch Ultra 3 $699.99 at Amazon (Save up to $99 at Amazon) Get Deal BEST RUNNING WATCH Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin Shop Now BEST FOR HEALTH TRACKING Whoop MG $359 at Amazon Shop Now BEST GARMIN ALTERNATIVE Suunto Run Sports Watch $148.99 at Amazon Shop Now ALSO CONSIDER Pixel Watch 4 $349.99 at Amazon Shop Now SMART RING PICK Oura Ring 4 $349.00 at Amazon Shop Now BUDGET OPTION Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon Get Deal

I also wanted to find the most reliable fitness trackers for marathon training, so during each week of my training, I focused specifically on one tracker or smartwatch. To ensure the best data collection possible, I also wore it during the day and night outside of my workouts to test its battery life and recovery data collection.

While I focused on a different tracker each week, I wore all seven models during all of my workouts during the entire 18-week training season. In total, I ran 508 miles, had 30 weightlifting sessions, rode a bike for 110 miles, and practiced yoga or Pilates about once a week. And I did all of that looking like Bucky Barnes.

Meet my marathon training partners for the past four months... Credit: Joe Maldonado

Reader: It was humiliating, and I did it all for you.

I wanted a wearable that had a comfortable design, easy-to-understand workout metrics, useful recovery metrics, a long battery life, and was worth the price. I wanted it to help me train, recover, and run the marathon. So, here's everything I learned during my 508-mile quest to find the best fitness trackers for running a marathon.

Best health tracker for marathon trainingMy pick: Whoop MG 4.0 I wore the Whoop MG for 18 weeks and 500 miles of training. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The new Whoop MG is an incredibly comfortable, minimalist tracker designed for health and recovery rather than in-the-moment performance, and I really liked it. 

Its soft, lightweight band feels almost invisible, and because there’s no screen, you’re blissfully free from constant notifications or distractions — something I didn’t realize I needed until I had it. 

That said, the lack of display, GPS, and heart rate feedback during workouts makes it essentially useless for live training metrics, such as pace or distance. So, like with many health trackers, you'll likely need to also use a secondary fitness tracker to get real-time data on your run, including pace, heart rate, and elevation.

Still, the post-workout insights are impressive: you can literally see spikes in strain or stress — even pinpointing moments like a fall or tough interval — making it feel personal and validating. 

The recovery metrics are where Whoop truly dominates. Its journal feature is flexible, allowing you to log habits like alcohol use, weed, or even eating beans, all of which are correlated with sleep, stress, and recovery. The sleep tracking is top-tier, breaking down stages, disturbances, and recovery readiness into clear, actionable data that helps you decide when to push or rest. The battery system is genius — a slide-on charger means you never have to take it off, not even in the shower. 

While the subscription model is financially frustrating, Whoop’s depth of recovery data makes it arguably the best tool for understanding your body.

Opens in a new window Credit: Whoop Whoop MG fitness tracker $359 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Oura Ring 4 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Oura Ring is probably the best-looking wearable I tried during training season. It's sleek, comfortable, and surprisingly unobtrusive, and it excels at recovery tracking. Obviously, much like the Whoop MG, this shouldn't be the only wearable you use for marathon training — there's no workout data, because there's no screen, and it has no ability to provide live training feedback like pace or heart rate. It provides almost no useful data during or immediately after workouts, making it more of a wellness tracker than a performance tool.

It never pinched or became uncomfortable — though I wouldn’t recommend wearing any rings at all while lifting weights. When it comes to workout metrics, the Oura Ring simply isn’t built for live training feedback. 

However, where it truly shines is in recovery tracking. It monitors key health indicators such as heart rate, heart rate variability, body temperature, sleep quality, and general activity, delivering consistently insightful data that helps you understand your readiness and recovery trends. 

It’s also surprisingly useful for cycle tracking (if you're into that sort of thing), offering accurate temperature-based insights. The Oura Ring 4 battery life is excellent — it can easily last several days, and I simply charge it while showering without ever running into low power issues. 

Though it’s pricey and requires a subscription, it’s HSA/FSA eligible, which helps. Overall, the Oura Ring is an exceptional sleep and recovery tracker, best paired with a dedicated fitness device for training.

Read Mashable's full review of the Oura Ring 4.

Oura Ring 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy Shop Now at Target Best lifestyle smartwatches for marathon trainingMy pick: Apple Watch Ultra 3 The Ultra 3 easily beat other smartwatches, but it's also pricey. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Apple Watch Ultra 3 is one of the most advanced smartwatches yet — powerful, durable, and thoughtfully designed, though not without its quirks. 

Its massive screen and hefty build make it feel substantial on the wrist, but despite its size, it remains surprisingly comfortable, even for sleeping. It’s not the lightest watch out there, but it’s well-balanced enough for all-day wear. 

During workouts, the metrics are simple but reliable, giving you accurate readings of heart rate, pace, and time, with the option to plan structured workouts directly on the watch. You can pause your run by clicking any two buttons at once, and start a new segment by clicking the orange button. I appreciate how easily I can switch between media, segments, and workouts.

Post-run data is basic compared to dedicated running watches, but still plenty for casual runners. The recovery and health tracking features are robust — it tracks sleep, cycle phases, blood oxygen, respiration, and cardio fitness, and you can manually add data on nutrition, medication, or symptoms for a more holistic picture. 

Battery life is the best of any Apple Watch, lasting through a full marathon without dying and recharging quickly. For instance, I wore it all day and all night, during workouts and travel, but just charged it while I showered, and had no problem with the battery life. 

At $799, it’s by far the priciest watch I tested, but its massive screen proved unexpectedly useful during my marathon — I could easily read notes and spot friends on the course, and even reply to texts mid-race without missing a step. For runners who aren't training for a marathon, the new Apple Watch Series 11 also impressed our Apple expert.

Apple Watch Ultra 3 $779 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Walmart Also tested: Google Pixel Watch 4 If you're looking for an Android smartwatch for running, Mashable has been very impressed with the Pixel Watch 4. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I really enjoyed using the Pixel Watch 4 for my training, but it had one huge flaw that moved it below the Apple Watch Ultra 3 for marathon training: it died during the marathon. I never had an issue during marathon training, including a long run that was 22 miles long. So, it's still one of the best smartwatches for running in general. But during the race itself — which includes leaving my apartment about five hours before actually starting the race, sitting in a relatively cold start village, and running the race — my Pixel Watch 4's battery died. My Apple Watch SE also died during the 2023 New York City Marathon, so I'm not unfamiliar with the pain, but it's not what you want. 

However, during training, I was pleased with the watch. It's a solid, well-rounded smartwatch that balances comfort, performance, and smart integration. It’s lightweight and easy to wear around the clock — comfortable enough to sleep in, with no irritation or bulk. During runs, it delivers all the essential workout metrics like pace, heart rate, and time, displayed on a bright, easy-to-read screen that holds up even in direct sunlight. 

The buttons feel a bit mushy, but their presence is still appreciated for sweaty workouts when touchscreens fall short. Post-run, the Fitbit app provides deeper insights such as stride length, step cadence, ground contact time, vertical ratio, and oscillation. 

While Fitbit isn’t my favorite tracking platform, its integration here is smooth and responsive, especially with the option to create custom workouts, from interval sessions to threshold runs, and even receive AI-powered daily run recommendations. 

Recovery tracking is solid, too, with accurate sleep scoring that aligns closely with health trackers like the Oura Ring and Whoop. 

The battery life (say it with me: boooooo) is supposed to last around 48 hours for regular use, which isn’t stellar for hardcore fitness users but is fine for a lifestyle watch, and charging is faster and more reliable than previous Pixel Watches.

At $350, it’s a fair value — particularly if you already own a Pixel phone.

Read my full review of the Google Pixel Watch 4.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Pixel Pixel Watch 4 $349 at Amazon
  Shop Now Best fitness tracker for running and marathon trainingMy pick: Garmin Forerunner 570 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I'm not saying anything revolutionary or shocking when I say Garmin is a runner's watch.

The Garmin Forerunner 570 is one of the most advanced fitness watches on the market, and it's obvious from the second you wear it for a run. The workout metrics are nothing short of incredible. During workouts, it covers all the essentials — pace, heart rate, time — and presents them clearly on a bright, easy-to-read display. I don't love the buttons (they're a bit mushy for my taste), but they’re responsive enough.

Post-run data is where Garmin really shines: run/walk detection, training effect, power output, and running dynamics like vertical oscillation and stride length offer a level of insight few devices can match. It even provides adaptive training plans based on your data. 

On the recovery side, Garmin’s training readiness and body battery features combine sleep, stress, and HRV for actionable insights that rival Oura and Whoop.

Of course, it isn’t without its drawbacks — starting with comfort. I struggled with how it felt on my wrist; during a rainy run in the middle of my training block, the band dug into my skin and rubbed it raw, leaving it sore enough that I couldn’t wear it for the rest of the day. Other people have complained that they've gotten rashes from the Garmin, too. You can get new straps that might solve the issue, but boy was it unpleasant.

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 11 days, and while the $550 price tag is steep, it’s easy to see why athletes swear by it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 570 $549.99 at Garmin
  Get Deal More affordable running watch: Suunto Run Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Suunto Run also has so, so, so much data. What makes it slightly lower on the list than the Garmin Forerunner 570 is that it has fewer smartwatch perks than the Garmin does — it doesn't have the third-party app support, music, and contactless payments available on the Garmin and, in general, it feels kind of cheap — especially the charger.

But I did really like the Suunto Run. It delivers an impressively balanced experience for runners who want reliable data, comfort, and battery life without overcomplication. Its Velcro strap is lightweight, breathable, and secure — it doesn’t rub, slip, or shift during workouts, and it’s comfortable enough to sleep in, which makes wearing it around the clock surprisingly easy. 

During runs, the watch focuses on the essentials: pace, heart rate, and cadence, all displayed clearly on a bright, easy-to-read screen. The physical buttons feel responsive and satisfying to press, a big plus when you’re sweaty mid-run. 

After workouts, the Suunto app unlocks a deeper layer of training metrics, including training load, stress score, and normalized graded pace. While not every stat will matter to a casual marathoner, the breadth of data is impressive and well-organized. 

On the recovery side, Suunto nails clarity: it combines heart rate variability, sleep quality, and training balance into a single, easy-to-read recovery score that aligns closely with results from Oura and Whoop, though HRV readings can vary slightly. 

The battery life is excellent, lasting up to 12 days in smartwatch mode or 20 hours in performance mode, so you’ll rarely think about charging. At $249, the Suunto Run is a smart, well-priced choice for dedicated runners who don't want all the fuss of a smart watch but do want all the data of a running watch.

Opens in a new window Credit: Suunto Suunto Run sports watch $249 at Amazon
  Shop Now Also tested: Fitbit Charge 6 Good for counting steps, but not much more. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The Fitbit Charge 6 is the least expensive option I wore, and it shows. It's lightweight, but don't let that fool you — it's a relatively uncomfortable tracker in comparison to the other trackers I tested. In fact, after two nights of sleeping with it on, my wrist was bruised. 

During workouts, it struggles to keep pace with more advanced fitness watches. The GPS accuracy is inconsistent, overestimating distance on one run and underestimating on the next, which throws off pace data — a dealbreaker for serious runners. It also doesn't track elevation gain, which is an important part of training for a particularly hilly race like the New York City Marathon. 

Mid-run readability isn’t ideal, and the connection with my phone dropped more than once, but heart rate tracking shines — responsive, accurate, and enhanced by helpful haptic alerts when you shift zones. 

Recovery tracking is surprisingly strong, offering clear sleep scores and resting heart rate data that feel well-calibrated for general wellness, even if not the most detailed. The real standout, though, is battery life, which easily lasted a full week with heavy use — truly impressive for a device at this size and price point. 

At $159, the Charge 6 delivers solid value for everyday athletes who want the very least. If you're looking for the best fitness tracker for running for beginners, this is a budget pick worth considering. For marathon training, it can't keep up. It's effectively a fancy pedometer, and you might be better off buying one of those.

Fitbit Charge 6 $134.80 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $25.15   See It at Amazon See It at Best Buy After 500 miles, what would I recommend to a friend?

So, after 18 weeks of training, 500 miles, and so, so many funny looks (that's what happens when you wear seven fitness trackers at the same time), what did I decide?

Here's what I'd recommend to a friend training for a marathon: I'd wear the Whoop MG for health tracking, particularly during training and recovery. I'd wear the Suunto Run during training, unless I had a lot of money to play with, and then I'd get a Garmin Forerunner 570. If I was specifically running the NYC Marathon and was worried about finding people, I'd keep the Apple Watch Ultra 3 on my wrist for the marathon. 

For now, I think I might go without any device for a few weeks. Free me from the data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You don't need a Raspberry Pi—your old Android phone is more powerful and can do the same things for free

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 14:00

A Raspberry Pi 4 or 5 costs anywhere from $60 to $100 dollars before you even add a case, power supply, or storage. Meanwhile, your retired Android phone has all of that built in, including a battery that functions as an uninterruptible power supply during brief outages. With the right software, it can replace a Raspberry Pi while costing you nothing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PS5 features meet an 85-inch canvas: Sony’s Bravia 3 TV hits a rare $400+ price drop

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:49

SAVE OVER $400: As of Aug. 11, the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is on sale for $1,098 at Amazon. That's $401.99 off its typical price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony 85 Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K HDR Smart GoogleTV $1,098 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $401.99   Get Deal

Buying a new TV can feel like a lot on your wallet, so it's always helpful when solid deals pop up. Amazon's a great place to see some of the latest and greatest offers available, and if you're looking to go big on a new screen this summer, this discount on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV is worth checking out.

As of Aug. 11, this Sony TV has been discounted to $1,098 at the retailer. Compared to its typical price of $1,499.99, that's just over $400 in savings, but you won't want to wait too long to take advantage of it. Amazon has put a "limited time deal" tag on this model's shopping page, so time is ticking to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

While this Sony TV's 85-inch screen size is certainly a highlight, its 4K resolution LED display will make your movies, shows, and games shine with sharp, vivid picture quality. It even supports Dolby Vision and Dolby Atmos for an added visual and audio boost to your viewing experience. On top of that, it comes with exclusive features for PlayStation 5 users: Auto HDR Tone Mapping and Auto Genre Picture Mode. These help optimize picture quality while you play, so you can enjoy every detail of your favorite games.

Not to mention, this Sony TV comes with Google TV built in, making it quick and easy to access your favorite streaming platforms. It's also integrated with Google Assistant, so you can use your voice to search for the next best thing to watch.

Set yourself up with a brand new TV with this great deal on the Sony 85-Inch Bravia 3 LED 4K TV at Amazon.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Adult Friend Finder app: Where to download the AFF app and how secure is it?

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:40

If you've been struggling to find the AdultFriendFinder app, there's a good reason: there isn't one. As one of the OGs of online dating, with a history that spans more than 20 years, AFF prefers to keep things decidedly old-school. But most AFF users can still access the platform and its content on mobile devices. They do this through the AFF site’s mobile version, which works with either Safari or Google Chrome, though the most committed AFF users have figured out a clever workaround that mimics the app experience.

What to know how you can do this too? Keep reading to find out more.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdultFriendFinder AdultFriendFinder   Learn More Why doesn’t Adult Friend Finder have an app?

Both Apple and Google strictly police the kinds of content they allow on their respective app stores. NSFW is a big no-no. And as Adult Friend Finder allows on-site nudity in profiles, chat forums, and live broadcasts (let's be honest: it's everywhere on AFF) — the site is barred from having an official app for the two most-used mobile platforms.

SEE ALSO: The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Unfortunately, these rules apply even if you don’t have nudity on your profile or have turned on all the filters that restrict the display of adult content when using AFF, so there isn’t even a censored version of the app available and likely never will be. It's non-negotiable, unfortunately. This is why users have sought an alternative method for using AFF on mobile devices.

What’s the best alternative?

If you really want to mimic the experience of using an app on your phone, you can simply create a home screen shortcut to the Adult Friend Finder site. And if you have cookies enabled, you can also stay logged in each time, which saves you from having to re-enter your login credentials.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for discreet and NSFW chats

To create a homescreen shortcut on your iPhone or iPad, follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Safari mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

  2. Tap the ellipsis icon in the bottom right corner of your Safari app, and then tap the Share icon at the top of the pop-up menu

  3. Scroll towards the bottom of the option list and select "Add to Home Screen"

  4. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

For Android users, the steps are slightly different:

  1. Navigate to AdultFriendFinder.com in your Chrome mobile browser (no third-party browser will work)

  2. Tap the menu icon in the upper right corner of your Chrome app, and then tap "Add to Home Screen"

  3. You will be prompted to assign a name to the icon before you can hit "Add"

How secure is this home screen icon approach?

This method of accessing Adult Friend Finder is functionally no different than opening Chrome or Safari first, so it's no less safe than using the actual site, but there are a few things to consider:

  • If you share your phone or tablet with someone else, they will be able to see the AFF icon and possibly even access your account just by clicking on the app

  • If you prefer to keep your Adult Friend Finder use hidden, consider hiding the icon within a sub-folder or within a password-protected folder

  • To ensure your login credentials aren't saved, create the icon itself using your mobile browser's incognito or private browsing function

Categories: IT General, Technology

Forget Pornhub: These are the top NSFW dating sites for real encounters

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:38

Would it surprise you to learn that Pornhub pulls in enough eyeballs to rank among the most-visited websites on the entire planet?

According to SimilarWeb (an analytics platform for websites and apps), adult websites like Xvideos and Pornhub get a staggering number of monthly visitors, with Pornhub alone drawing 1.5 billion visits in January 2026. To put that number in perspective, these porn giants often outrank sites like Netflix and Amazon (though not ChatGPT).

If you're itching to take things a step further than just watching and want to live out some of those fantasies IRL (or securely online), then you may find yourself exploring Pornhub alternatives like AdultFriendFinder and other NSFW dating sites. Fortunately, we've tested and vetted these sites for you.

Pro tip: Avoid the sketchy, too-good-to-be-true "dating sites" that often appear as pop-ups and ads on adult websites like Pornhub.

What to know before diving into NSA hookup apps

But before you dive into some of the top Pornhub alternatives for real encounters, let's be clear about what you're getting into. On these apps and sites, "dating" usually means a one-night stand, a threesome, or a sex buddy — not a long-term partner. Likewise, platforms like Cams.com and SextPanther are paid platforms that connect you to online performers, which means no IRL connections. (Bringing up IRL meetings could get you permanently banned from these sites.) When navigating the best hookup apps, always be specific and honest about what you want on your profile to find someone who's on the same page. And remember the golden rule: consent, boundary-setting, and respect are non-negotiable.

Finally, one more warning: There are a lot of romance scammers and other cyber criminals looking to take advantage of people online. Please be cautious and use common sense.

While most of these sites are free to access, many offer paid memberships to unlock bonus features. So, if you're tired of your goon cave, here are our favorite X-rated dating sites for 2026 as an alternative to Pornhub. (Be warned: NSFW content awaits, obviously.)

Categories: IT General, Technology

I use this GNOME Files trick to instantly share any folder across my home network

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:30

Sharing files across a network is a must-have feature; so much so that it might just be the reason you set up a home network in the first place. Experienced users may feel comfortable using FTP or SCP from the command line, but many people just want to use their standard GUI file explorer.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ways I'm using ESP32 LEDs as Home Assistant alerts I can't ignore

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 13:00

I have a lot of ESP32 boards around my home, working as Bluetooth proxies or powering soil moisture sensors. The beauty of ESP32s is that they can do more than one job at a time, so my soil moisture sensors can work as Bluetooth proxies, too. If your ESP32 board has a controllable on-board LED, you can get even more use out of it by turning the LED into a Home Assistant alert.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Record low price: Save $45 on the MTG x Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Box

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:58

TL;DR: The Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is on sale for $72.98 at Amazon, down from its $119.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night $72.98 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $47.01 Get Deal

Magic: The Gathering’s Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box has already dropped considerably since its March launch, but Amazon has now sent the four-player set tumbling to a completely new low.

As of Aug. 11, the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night Box is now available at Amazon for an all-time low price of $72.98, taking $47.01 off its $119.99 list price for a 39% discount. Confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel, this is a whole $14.01 cheaper than the $86.99 record low we saw ahead of release back in March

Amazon’s new $72.98 listing even undercuts the box’s $79.71 market price determined by TCGplayer, along with the trading card marketplace’s cheapest listing of $83.99. Walmart is sitting at $82 with free shipping through third-party seller Cataclysm Games, which still makes for a nice backup if Amazon sells out. 

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Draft Night is designed as a complete Pick-Two Draft setup for four players, where everyone selects two cards at a time to speed up the drafting process before putting their new decks to work.

Inside the box are 12 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Play Boosters, with 14 cards packed into each one, alongside 90 land cards to finish building your decks. There is also a single 15-card Collector Booster intended as a prize for the winner, adding some premium pulls to the end of the night.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The ultimate travel vlogging setup: Save over $100 on the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:46

SAVE OVER $100: As of Aug. 11, the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle is on sale for $424 at Amazon. That's $108 off its full price of $532.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle $424 at Amazon
$532 Save $108   Get Deal

If you're a content creator or want to get started as one, a good vlogging camera is a must. The DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlog Bundle can help you get started, and this is a perfect time to grab it as Amazon has slashed over $100 off its usual list price.

As of Aug. 11, you can grab this trendy vlogging camera bundle for $424, down from its full price of $532. That's a $108 saving off the list price. It's worth mentioning that this model is sold by a third party, but they do have a very high rating, so your purchase is in good hands.

SEE ALSO: Insta360 X6 camera set to launch, FCC filing suggests

We're very big fans of this camera. In our review of the DJI Osmo Pocket 3, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth wrote that "if you're a full- or part-time video creator, livestreamer, or influencer, then the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 is definitely worth the price of admission". It features a 1-inch CMOS sensor that can record 4K resolution video at 120 fps, producing stunning shots that look sharp and clear. Plus, its portable design is a massive bonus for taking on the go.

Its touch screen can even rotate between horizontal and vertical shooting, which is great news for creators looking for a bit of filming flexibility, and it has 3-axis mechanical stabilization. This helps keep shakiness from ruining your video's quality.

Alongside the camera, this bundle includes a DJI Mic Mini transmitter. If it's caught your eye, act fast to save on it at Amazon.

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 excellent local LLM projects you can run for free on a slow laptop

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:30

People usually assume that local AI requires a powerful GPU. To some degree that is true—many things do require one. However, there is a huge range of small models that are capable of doing useful things.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop hits new record-low price at Amazon — save $200 with this limited-time deal

Mashable - Tue, 08/11/2026 - 12:23

SAVE $200: As of Aug. 11, the Acer Nitro V 16 gaming laptop (Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, 1TB Gen 4 SSD) has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. That's $200 off its full price of $1,199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Nitro V 16 Gaming Laptop $999.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Acer's sleek Nitro V 16 gaming laptop — with an Intel Core 7 Processor 240H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU, 16GB DDR5 RAM, and 1TB Gen 4 SSD — has dropped to its lowest-ever price of $999.99 at Amazon. If you're getting some back-to-school shopping done or just need a gaming laptop upgrade, this is an excellent time to swoop in and add it to your cart.

Overall, you're saving $200 through this deal, as this gaming laptop is normally priced at $1,199.99. It's worth keeping in mind that it has a "limited time deal" sticker, so it may not be on sale for long. If that new low price has caught your eye, this is the time to make a move on it.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 11 Pro: Everything we know ahead of Aug. 12 Made By Google event

Whether you're using the Acer Nitro V 16 to game, stream, or get work done, its Intel Core 7 240H processor offers solid performance to handle it all. Games will look great thanks to the GeForce RTX 5050 Laptop GPU and a 16-inch WUXGA 1920 x 1200 display. Plus, it boasts an 180Hz refresh rate, so your games will run smoothly, alongside a 3ms Overdrive Response Time.

It even has a dual-fan cooling system that helps maintain stable performance, so you don't have to worry about the laptop overheating. This particular model also comes with 16GB DDR5 RAM and a 1TB Gen 4 SSD.

Don't miss out on this great deal on the Acer Nitro V 16 at Amazon.

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Categories: IT General, Technology
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