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Finding a car that’s cheap to buy, dependable to own, and genuinely fun to drive isn’t easy, but one German sedan checks all those boxes in 2025. While many budget-friendly cars focus on value at the expense of personality, this model delivers engaging handling and a spirited driving feel without demanding a premium price or frequent trips to the shop. For buyers who want more than just basic transportation, that combination is rare.

Whether you're buying one of the fastest SSDs or picking up a budget drive for some extra storage, you're most likely paying some attention to the read/write speeds. After all, apart from the capacity, they're the one spec that matters most in an SSD.

One of the key benefits touted for desktop computers, as opposed to (for example) laptops, is that you can upgrade anything you want later down the line. Upgradability makes financial sense and offers you endless options down the road. However, the upgrade argument for desktop computers may not be as strong as it once was.

When you head to a hardware store like Home Depot for a new tool, you'll see a rainbow of colors that signify brands like Ryobi, Milwaukee, DeWALT, RIGID, and more. Ryobi is extremely popular for its affordability, but a new bright orange tool is starting to hit shelves at a budget-friendly price. That brand is Vevor, and here's what you need to know.

This was another busy week in tech news, with a popular free Kindle feature going behind a paywall, Starlink ditching its cheapest internet plan, our first look at Google's Android operating system for desktops and laptops, and much more. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

Are you ready for three more homelab projects to try this weekend? Today, I’ll show you how to ditch Docusign for a self-hosted alternative, as well as manage your Docker containers easier, and even how to bring your remote desktop software in-house for free.

This is an exciting time to cover smartphones. We have phones that fold not once, but twice. Keyboards are making a resurgence. Slab phones, while not as exciting, are better than ever—but there’s one I want to see make a comeback in the US more than any other brand.

Some TikTok users in the U.S. have reported ‘zero views’ glitches, restrictions, and even account bans they say are related to content about Palestine, criticism of Donald Trump and ICE, and even mentions of Jeffrey Epstein’s name in private messages.

Notably, it happened days after the social media platform closed on a deal to separate its U.S. operations from its global business. In the States, the app is now owned by TikTok USDS Joint Ventures LLC – a private majority company established to oversee TikTok in the country. Immediately following the handover, TikTok suffered outages, and many U.S. users reported difficulties signing in to the platform. Once users could sign in, they were asked to agree to new Terms of Service, which raised privacy concerns among some users.

This was another big week in the Linux ecosystem, with major updates going out for DietPi, the Calibre eBook manager, and the MAME emulator, among other exciting news. Here are the biggest stories you might have missed.

February 2026 is going to be a busy and exciting time on Paramount+. In addition to new series and movies, it's time for the return of primetime television with mid-season premieres and for the 68th Annual Grammy Awards. There are also plenty of shows that are currently in progress, such as School Spirits and Star Trek: Starfleet Academy, with new episodes releasing weekly, so don't forget about those.

Many of my friends and relatives think that a router is a plug-and-play type of thing. You plug it in, you connect, it works, you're done.

I've been trying to be more intentional about how I work on my PC, and a big part of that has been moving toward a keyboard-first workflow. Not because the mouse is bad, but because I kept noticing how much time I was losing to it. Dragging windows into place, hunting for the right app, re-finding something I just had opened five seconds ago. Once I started paying attention, it was hard to unsee how often the mouse was pulling me out of whatever I was trying to focus on.

Home Assistant is by far the strongest of all the smart home platforms, but even the best solutions have room for improvement. Though I’ll continue to recommend Home Assistant to everyone and anyone who’ll listen, it doesn’t hurt to be aware of these limitations.

Are you learning Bash or wishing to improve error handling in your scripts? The rules governing errors can be a little tricky to understand, so I've put together this bite-sized guide to untangle their mystery.

When your PC's operating system gets corrupted, or if an update fails, or a drive gets damaged, you need to be ready—or be prepared to spend a lot of time trying to get it back up running. Thankfully, it's just as simple as grabbing a thumb drive and getting it up and running as a rescue drive.

Recent additions to this guide:

• January 2026: We've removed the Sonos Move 2 from this guide because of the high price tag and problems with Sonos software; it's also one of the older speakers on this list.

• January 2026: We've removed the IKEA VAPPEBY portable speaker. It's still a good speaker, but there are more well-rounded options for under $50.

• November 2025: We've selected the Bose SoundLink Micro (2nd Generation) as our best travel speaker, replacing the IKEA Vappeby (our new honorable mention pick).

• November 2025: We've added the JBL PartyBox Stage 320 as the best party speaker, replacing the older Ultimate Ears Hyperboom.

• November 2025: We've added the Sony ULT Field 7 as the best boombox-style speaker.

Since it entered our gay little world in 2009, Grindr has been the glue keeping queer hookup culture from completely falling apart. Gone are the days of personal ads in glossy magazines and chance encounters under dim bar lights. Now, you can have your phone in one hand and your dick in the other, fire off a few messages, and call it “effort” when someone actually shows up. In just over 15 years, Grindr has singlehandedly made gay hookups easier than brushing your teeth in the morning. 

I can’t say I’ve been on the app since the beginning, but I have been on and off for quite a while. In 2015, I was 18 years old and living in my freshman dorm at Pratt Institute in New York City. It was my second semester, and I’d made a number of connections at that point — both platonic and sexual. Classes, frat parties, campus run-ins, you get the gist. One weekend, my roommate flew to Miami for a date with his sugar daddy, who he’d met on Grindr, leaving me with the dorm room all to myself. I thought, hell, if he can get a sugar daddy to take him on a tropical vacation, why can't I? I downloaded Grindr from my lofted dorm-room bed on a Friday night. And, well, the rest is history. Grindr is now the undisputed king of queer hookup apps.

SEE ALSO: You can now view Grindr's original (and uncensored) content right in the app

I’ve been using Grindr in some fashion for 10 years, toying with every feature the app has to offer. Some Grindr features have changed a lot since I was a baby gay at Pratt, while others have remained relatively the same. After so much change, competition from other gay dating apps, and shifts in how we connect online, is Grindr still worth it in 2026?

That’s what I'm here to figure out.

The key to success on Grindr? Manage your expectations.

I’ve heard about those adorable (ugh) love stories that supposedly started on Grindr (and the rarer-still fulfilling sugar daddy relationship), but that’s never really been my experience — or the experience of the vast majority of queer guys using the app. Sure, I’ve had a few solid dates through Grindr, but nine times out of 10, we've already exchanged nudes by the first "date," and that hardly qualifies as a meet-cute.

While Grindr lets users specify what they’re “Looking For” (Chat, Dates, Friends, Networking, Relationships, or Hookups), we all know Hookups (formerly Right Now) is the main draw. Sure, you’ll occasionally stumble into one-off conversations that’ll have you smiling and twirling your hair, but you're more likely to stumble into unsolicited dick pics (aka cyberflashing) and those three little words: "top or bottom?" So, even if hookups aren’t your goal, remember that it’s the intent of basically everybody else on the app. You don’t go to Grindr to find your Prince Charming — there are plenty of other dating apps for that.

SEE ALSO: I tried Sniffies and it made getting laid as a gay man almost too easy Getting started with Grindr: The profile setup

You can sign up for Grindr with an email and password, or through Facebook, Google, or Apple ID. You also have to give Grindr your phone number to get your stamp of approval. Once you're in, you’re immediately given a blank profile that Grindr pushes you to set up, though you don’t have to. You can leave the whole thing barren if you want that air of mystery, which is a Grindr personality in itself. If you choose to, here’s what you’ll see in your “Edit Profile” section — and keep in mind, you can leave whatever you want blank:

• Photos: Upload up to five photos that make up the front-facing part of your profile. While you can get a little scandalous (you can show butt, but not hole), Grindr will veto any photo it deems inappropriate.

• Display Name: To my knowledge, you can make your display name just about anything as long as it's not hateful or obviously drug-related.

• About Me: Tell them who you are! You’ll see a lot of Grindr-specific terms here that can be confusing at first —  NPNC (no pic, no chat), NSA (no strings attached), and BB (you know what this one means, right?) Keep it short and sweet because you have just 255 characters to write your heart out.

• My Tags: Grindr implemented tags in late 2022. Some are sexual, some are about hobbies, some are about looks.

• Stats: OK, here’s where you pick apart your body and sexual desires so other guys can filter you out in their mind. Sections include Age, Height, Weight, Ethnicity, Tribes, Body Type, and more. Remember: you don’t have to fill out this or any part of the profile.

• Expectations: This is where you tell the boys whether you’re trying to get bent over on their bed or auditioning for a ring by spring.

• Identity: Initially, Grindr was designed specifically for men seeking men. Today, trans and non-binary folks are welcome on Grindr, too.

• Health: This is an awesome option that Grindr includes to ensure users are being sexually conscious. Sections include HIV Status, Last Tested Date, Vaccinations, and more.

• Social Links: I swear, we’re almost done. I see a lot of people who link to Instagram, and a lot of OnlyFans creators like to link to their X account. Linking your Facebook to your Grindr profile? That’s a bit strange to me. Instead, link your Spotify account and add your top songs for people to judge.

Once your profile’s set, it’s time to play.

The Grindr Grid Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images

When you open the app, you'll be brought directly to the grid, the gay little hub where everything you’ll ever need on Grindr basically lives. This shows every guy on Grindr in your area, with the top-left square reserved for whoever’s basically breathing down your neck in proximity. It gets real awkward if the closest person happens to be your downstairs neighbor. Trust me, I’ve lived it. (Also, hi, Todd.)

The grid has changed a lot over the past few years, but as of January 2026, you can expect around 87 messageable profiles if you’re not using filters and aren’t paying for Grindr XTRA or Grindr Unlimited. If you’re using filters (age ranges, tribe preferences, tags), the number of people will drop significantly. But if you’re using a subscription, you’ll have hundreds more profiles on your grid. If you don’t have a paid subscription, you won’t be able to message some visible profiles past a certain point.

Unlike dating apps like Tinder or Hinge, you don't have to match with anyone. Simply click their photo, scan their profile, and send a message. You can also opt to "tap," the Grindr equivalent of a low-effort "hey" message. Free users will only see a handful of your most recent taps, and you can only message guys that fall within that window. Personally, I suggest sending a real message. It won’t disappear, and you’re actually starting the conversation.

You can also star the profiles you really like, so you can save your favorites like you’re curating a very queer museum exhibit. There are a few more ways to filter profiles, including sorting by who’s currently online, by tags, by sexual position, and more, to narrow down your hunt. You can also filter by age, which is great if you typically veer toward older or younger blokes. You can’t search by a specific age anymore, but Grindr now lets you browse within age ranges of six years or more, starting with 18–23.

You can also hop around the map from the top of the grid, either by typing in a location or dropping a pin. But if you’re on the free version, you only get one message a day to someone outside your area, so make sure he’s cute. (And if you're looking for location-based cruising, give Sniffies a try.)

Your Grindr inbox

This is where all the magic happens. Your Grindr inbox is a blessing and a curse. One minute you’ll be talking to the hottest guy in the city, the next you’ll receive seven unsolicited dick and hole pics from a 76-year-old named Joe who is cheating on his wife and wants to shove a sneaker inside of you. I’m not kidding, either. If you decide to get Grindr, you will get some really creepy messages that will make you wonder why you downloaded the app to begin with. It’s just in the name of the game, sadly.

Also, please remember that Grindr does have rules for messaging. If you encounter any racism, boundary crossing, underage users, harassment, or other types of abuse, you can report the user for violating Grindr's community guidelines.

Your inbox will eventually become a graveyard of every Grindr conversation you’ve ever had. Deleting messages only erases them for you. The other guy still gets to keep your entire chat history like a souvenir. If you reinstall the app, you’re starting fresh, while he’s still scrolling through previous pictures you sent of your dick and balls. Messages only disappear for good when you fully delete your account. Paid Grindr members can also unsend messages for up to 24 hours after hitting send.

You can filter your messages the same way you filter the grid — by who you’ve starred, what’s unread, distance, who’s currently online, or sexual position. Grindr loves a category.

Private Albums on Grindr

Private albums are your saving grace on Grindr, especially if you’re a hoe on the low. You can include up to 10 pieces of content and up to one video in your private album. This is where you keep the nudes you use to entice strangers to your apartment at 3 a.m. Grindr even tells you how many people you’ve shared your album with, whether you want that information or not.

Albums on Grindr are made for discretion. Seriously. Try screenshotting an image on anyone’s album, and you won’t be able to. What comes up instead? A bunch of Grindr emojis covering the image you were trying to save to your camera roll, you sneaky little fuck. Busted. Everything that’s in the album stays in the album — and that’s one of my favorite Grindr features by far. (That said, technically savvy perverts might still find ways around screenshot protections, so act accordingly.)

Paid Grindr customers can make multiple private albums. If you're a free user, choose your dick pics wisely.

Looking for Right Now?

The “Right Now” feature is Grindr’s latest attempt to help you find someone who’s DTF immediately. It opens a map of floating circle profiles (a.k.a. Grindr doing its best Sniffies impersonation) and gives your profile three purple droplets to show you’re ready this instant. In reality, I barely ever see people on it, and I live in a big city. I’m not convinced this feature will survive long-term, but Grindr has kept stranger things alive. I often click it by mistake.

What else can I get from Grindr? Credit: Grindr

Grindr is constantly testing out new features, from fancy new AI tools to original content. Tap on “Grindr Presents” to see uncensored original videos, music, editorials, and playlists that dive headfirst into gay culture and the many flavors of queer existence. It’s new as of 2025, and I’ve literally never once used it. Sorry. However, keep exploring the menu, and you'll find an option to get a free HIV test, read all about Grindr’s safety and privacy, and peep your settings.

SEE ALSO: Grindr's latest updates are wild: Hiding from your ex, verified pics, and faster hookups Should I pay for Grindr?

This is the question every person on Grindr is asking themselves in 2026. I explored this question in my recent piece on Grindr Xtra. It's an undeniable fact that the paid version of Grindr is noticeably better. But I ultimately decided that a recurring subscription to a hookup app just wasn't for me, even if it can be worth it for special occasions.

To quote myself, "Are you touring a new city alone for a week and want your whole cake and to eat it, too? Then, sure — pay for a week-long Grindr XTRA subscription for a little over $2 a day. Go buck wild on your Berlin trip. Are you home on your couch when Pornhub is just a few clicks away in your Safari app? Maybe don’t pay for Grindr XTRA this time. Let it be a little treat every once in a while."

Credit: Grindr Credit: Grindr

Of course, if you choose not to pay for Grindr, you'll have to deal with some really annoying obstacles. For one, the free version of Grindr is riddled with ads that are impossible to avoid. You want to look at a profile? Ad. You want to send a message? Ad. You want to look at someone’s album? Ad. While it has gotten a little bit better in the early weeks of 2026, 2024 through 2025 was an atrocious time to be on Grindr, and the ads made the app borderline unusable. If you pay up, the ads disappear, you get access to way more profiles, and you can filter by tags like a gay detective on a manhunt.

Grindr XTRA starts at $15.99 a week, and honestly, I only recommend springing for it in dire emergencies (like if you’re really horny) or when you’re traveling. You can also opt for Grindr Unlimited, which allows you to see who has been snooping on your profile, slip into Incognito Mode to lurk unnoticed, send unlimited disappearing photos, auto-translate chats, and even use Grindr on your browser, all without a single ad clogging the experience. And, get this, it starts at $9 a day. No thanks.

Is Grindr still worth it?

I have such an insane love/hate relationship with Grindr, and the answer to this question really depends on what you’re currently looking for in life. If you’re hunting for a boyfriend, absolutely not. Run. Run fast and far. (There are plenty of dating apps out there for serious relationships.) But if you’re horny, bored, or trying to dust off your flirting skills? Then Grindr is basically built for that, so get on and have some fun.

And as for your mental health, remember this: you are under zero obligation to be on Grindr. The sheer number of users doesn’t mean everyone is constantly hooking up — that’s just the illusion the grid gives you. If you’re not on the app, that doesn't mean you're missing out on anything. Take care of yourself first. If Grindr starts messing with your head, delete it. You can always come back and make a new account when it feels right.

Ultimately, Grindr is meant to be fun. It’s designed to be exciting. And though those damn ads make everything a little less sexy, Grindr is worth it if you’re looking to have some fun. And, if fun is what you want, let yourself have it.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ian Moore / Mashable / Getty Images Grindr   Learn More

For me, it was a bit nerve-racking to welcome Vic Michaelis to Mashable's Say More couch. The talented comedian appears in a slate of sensational Dropout shows, like Dimension 20: Gladlands, Gastronauts, and Game Changer as well as the new Peacock espionage dramedy Ponies. But Michaelis has also created their own interview parody show, where improv artists wear prosthetics to play Very Important People. 

How do you interview a comedian who has mastered making a bad interview great TV? Well, you can see for yourself in Mashable's full Say More episode with Vic Michaelis on YouTube. But from my perspective, it was truly one of the easiest interviews I've ever done. Where on Very Important People, Michaelis' character (also named Vic Michaelis) is socially awkward and dangerously ambitious, in person they were quick, funny, and game for anywhere the conversation took us — including giving us a taste of the Twisters movie that is their dream project. 

In the interview, we talked about Heated Rivalry, orcas attacking yachts, the groundbreaking "One Year Later" episode of Game Changer, Brennan Lee Mulligan "quitting" Dropout, and their dream guest, Catherine O'Hara, whose passing came days after this conversation took place. But for fans of Very Important People, I wanted to single out all the things Michaelis shared about the creation of the Dropout show that they host and serve as executive producer on. 

So, here's everything Mashable learned about Very Important People from Vic Michaelis. 

When does Michaelis see the full look for their guests?  Vic Michaelis is Vic Michaelis, host of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

As a producer on the show, Michaelis is in on the early conversations about the look that the costume and makeup teams are building for each guest. However, they choose to keep their distance from the reveal room, where comedians like Paul F. Tompkins, Bobby Moynihan, Jeremy Culhane, Nicole Byer, and Anna Garcia discover what prosthetics, wigs, and wardrobe have been applied while their eyes were closed. 

Michaelis explained to me, Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, "So in the pre-production process, I'm down to know everything. Because often it's like, we're dealing with mood boards. We're dealing with reference images and things like that. So it's easy enough to sort of be like, 'Oh, I can sort of see what the idea is.'"

They continued, "I would say on the whole like, I know the improviser's comedy style very well. So like, I'm like, 'Okay, I think that this would help set this person up for success with this for XYZ reasons.' But on the day, as soon as we get to set, I don't want to see finished costumes until they step on set. I don't want to know anything about them. I don't want them to be married to anything that they say in the reveal room."

"Because if it's like, they have an idea, and then as soon as we get on, we start building something, and they're like, 'Oh no, this is a more fun path. Or, like, I want to change it to this. Or I want this to be a surprise, and I want to get your reaction to it.' I just think it allows for some more freedom," Michaelis said, "In general, I kind of view myself as, like, the head of the talent department. Like, my only goal when people get on set is just to make sure that they feel safe and comfortable and confident to take big swings or make choices, or take stuff back if they want to. I just want to make sure that everyone is having a good time, because it is a daunting process."

Very Important People made one big change between conception and the show's debut. Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

Of working on the show, Michaelis said, "It rocks. Genuinely, it really just is the best job in the world. You know, especially in that first season, they really gave us complete free range to do truly whatever we wanted, because they had so many other things going on. And, like, for a long time, Dropout was really, like, all hands on deck. Like, you know, we're gonna do our best." 

Then they revealed how Very Important People was originally intended to have multiple guests and interviews in each episode. "They had initially designed Very Important People to be three episodes in one essentially," Michaelis explained. "So it'd be like they do Anna Garcia's episode ('Princess Emily'), Zac [Oyama]'s episode ('Tommy Shriggly'), and Jacob [Wysocki]'s episode ('Marionette Conqui and Zonton de la Doll'), and that'll all be like one… But then they had so much footage at the end, they were like, it's gonna be three separate episodes."

Vic Michaelis' suit is solo, and maybe staying? Vic Michaelis is on the set of "Very Important People." Credit: Ryan Schude / Dropout

While their guest might wear robes, '90s alt attire, rocks or slime to the set, Michaelis has worn the exact same suit through Seasons 1, 2, and 3. But will this camel suit be a constant?

Asked about the suit's origins, Michaelis asked me what I'd make of a change in wardrobe, and I admitted in my mind this suit is what the character Vic sees as the look for a professional journalist. From there, they admitted that every season it's a discussion. 

"Every season there's talk of like, 'Do we do a new suit? And it ends up looped back to the exact same place," they said, adding, "I love the suit. It's honestly unbelievably comfy. We have the exact same one from Season 1. I had literally brought it home with me, because they were like, 'You can keep the suit after the first season.' Then they decided they wanted the same one for the second season, and I had to bring it back from my house. I'm wearing the pants from that suit in my Smartypants episode. So, you know, it's family at this point.' 

So will there be a change? We'll have to see in Season 4. 

For more from Michaelis on Very Important People, Dimension 20, and the unexpected connection between Game Changer, Heated Rivalry, and Ponies, check out the full Say More episode on YouTube.

Ponies is now streaming on Peacock. Game Changer, Dimension 20: Gladlands, and Very Important People are all streaming on Dropout.

We love to see it — that house on the commute home from work that always has festive decorations lit up to celebrate each holiday. Even on horrible days, seeing that cheery house is a nice feeling. There’s just one glaring issue with having festive lights on your home — it’s a massive pain to actually get them up on the house.

Without fail, it always feels like a sketchy situation to get on the ladder and work with arms overhead and a staple gun. Just ask Clark Griswold. That same inconvenience hits if a bulb burns out and needs a replacement. Luckily, Govee is giving us the ability to keep lights on year-round with bulbs that’ll never need replacing.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism $539.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon A never-ending party

For years now, Govee has made outdoor lights that are designed to be permanent. Just one trip up the ladder and/or onto the roof and the lights can stay up year-round.

But in the fall of 2025, Govee launched the new Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. Unlike previous Govee models, the Prism version has triple-color lighting heads on each light module. In less fancy terms, each individual light consists of three lights that can all display their own individual color. The result looks like the coolest lighting party that your neighbors will envy.

Home is where the celebrations happen, so putting up permanent lights is a top-tier life hack. Holidays, birthday parties, graduation, retirement, backyard barbecues, and every party in between will have a new element of celebratory vibes. Plus, Govee’s app makes choosing your lighting situation incredibly enjoyable. As an added bonus, the lights are awesome for illuminating the front door and your home’s perimeter both for better visibility when walking around and better home security.

A fancy upgrade from the original Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights

As a surprise to no one, Govee does lighting incredibly well and the Prism version of the brand’s permanent outdoor lights are spectacular, in my opinion. The triple-light module makes for an amazing display. I first heard about these lights when I was covering exciting launches at IFA 2025 and I knew they’d be cool, but once I got them up, I was enamored. They’re more than just cool. The triple color effect is really awesome.

You can't deny that's an awesome display. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

Govee went all out with this design, from the lights themselves to the durable build. For starters, they’re safe to use in a massive temperature range from -22 to 140 degrees Fahrenheit which again, plays into the permanent aspect of these lights. They’re also waterproof, carrying an IP68 rating. The power adapter and control box come with an IP67 rating. 

If you like more technical specs, each light has a rating of 60 lumens with a color temperature range between 2,700K and 6,500K. You’ve probably heard of the RGB term (red, green, blue) but these Govee lights operate with RGBWWIC which adds in warm white, and independent control. That means you get 16 million color options to choose from, all with tunable gradients and brightness levels. If that feels intimidating, you can choose from over 100 preset Govee modes.

A playful app

Immediately, I was in love with the look of the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism. I’m a huge sucker for great ambient lighting as well as lighting that helps set the mood and these lights do both in a majorly successful way.

But knowing I was testing these for others, I went deep into the Govee app to see just what these spendy lights were capable of. What happened next was me sitting outside for hours playing with the app and then looking at the lights to say, “Oh this one is the coolest!” over and over again.

I spent hours in this app clicking through the options. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app you’ll use to control the lights offers endless options of lighting vibes for every holiday, celebration, event, mood, and more. When I was testing, Govee even had options to celebrate the new release of Zootopia 2, and then I played around with dozens of pre-set options that covered major sports teams from the NFL, NHL, MLB, and more. That’s an awesome feature to immediately switch your lights to your team’s colors on game days. 

There’s also nature scenes, festivals, and the option to have the lights bop along with your music. And then I found Govee’s “Effects Lab.” Here, I tested out light colors and displays that depict settings from all around the world like Santorini, the Sydney Opera House, and the Tokyo Tower. You can display common colors of the lagoon triggerfish or plants or even pulling colors from famous paintings. 

I actually like the Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0. Credit: Govee app screenshot Get your lights to bop along with your music. Credit: Govee app screenshot

The Govee app is also one of the few instances I can support using AI. The Govee AI Lighting Bot 2.0 was a joy to use, and it crafted me red and white lighting displays after my prompt. But you can also give the Bot 2.0 a vibe you’re going for and it’ll do its best to convey that mood in lighting form. 

What I don’t love

Not everything is 100% perfect with the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism and after having them up for a few weeks, I have two small gripes.

First, the light modules are super spread out. A 100-foot set includes 36 lighting heads. That means there’s about 2.7 feet between each light. I’m gonna assume Govee did this on purpose. Because each light is actually three-in-one and the outer two are angled in such a way to project over a wide area, each light module projects in a fairly wide area. Because of this, I don’t think many people will be upset about the spacing but I wish they were a smidge closer together.

These lights require to get tucked under an overhang. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

The only other negative I see about the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism strands is that they need to be attached under an overhang. You won’t be able to get the right effect from these lights if you string them up on a backyard fence or wind them around a pole, for example. The shining performance of these Prism lights with a triple light effect really requires them to project downward onto a wall.

What’s the lifespan of permanent outdoor lights?

Govee notes the Prism permanent outdoor lights can last for up to 50,000 hours. That equals 2,083 days or about 5.5 years if you never turn the lights off, ever. Assuming you would turn the lights off during daylight hours, we’ll adjust that to keeping them on for 10 hours per day. That equals a lifespan of 5,000 days of use or about 13.7 years. 

So these Govee lights are not permanent in the sense that they'll last a lifetime but rather, they’re permanent in that you won’t have to take them down after each holiday. Thanks to their durability, weather-resistance, and LED light technology, these lights should last an incredibly long time. Certainly long enough to stay up on your roof until you move or you decide to upgrade to newer lights with fancier tech sometime within the next 13 years.

Are the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism worth the price?

The Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism are top-of-the-line and use some of the most advanced technology we have when it comes to lighting. Because of this and their durable build, these lights don’t come cheap. A 100-foot set has 36 lighting heads and comes with a list price of $539.99. Up that to a 150-foot set with 54 lights and the price jumps to $699.99. A 200-foot set with 72 lightning heads comes with a wincing price tag of $859.99.

The permanent aspect will be well worth the price for many homes. Credit: Lauren Allain / Mashable

That’s a lot of money for exterior lights. But put into real-life context, I think it’s well worth the price for many people. It saves you the hassle, questionable safety, and time of getting up on the ladder and/or on the roof each year to hang the Christmas lights and then take them down in sketchy wet weather come January. The price becomes even more warranted if you typically hire someone to hang Christmas lights for you each year, which can often come with an astronomical price. The permanence of the Govee lights is likely well worth it for plenty of homes.

If you’re not thrilled about paying the premium for the Prism version, Govee makes several other outdoor permanent lights that come in at a more affordable price like the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro and the Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2. Both of those options are a downgrade in terms of display options, but they serve the same purpose of getting lights on your house that won’t need to come down for a very, very long time. Plus, they’re awesome, and that counts for quite a bit.

Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights options Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (100 feet) $539.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (150 feet) $699.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Prism (200 feet) $859.99 at Amazon Get Deal Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights Pro (100 feet) $439.99 at Amazon Shop Now Govee Permanent Outdoor Lights 2 (100 feet) $329.99 at Amazon Shop Now

Want to watch college basketball this season? Here are your best options: BEST FOR SINGLE GAME FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Get Deal Best for affordability Sling TV Orange + Blue $23/month for your first month, then $45.99/month Get Deal Best for top weekend games Paramount+ with Showtime $13.99/month or $139.99/year Get Deal BEST FOR SMALL SCHOOL FANS ESPN+ $29.99/month Get Deal Best for Big Ten games Peacock Premium $10.99/month Get Deal BEST for INTRODUCTORY OFFER YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for 2 months (save $99) Get Deal

It’s not quite March Madness but we’re getting close — the college basketball season is heating up and delivering more action than most b-ball fans can keep up with. Among the big games this week is Arizona State Sun Devils vs. tArizona Wildcats. It’s been a tricky season for the Sun Devils so far, while the Wildcats are at the top of the Big 12 and currently ranked No. 1.

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On paper this should be all about the Wildcats, but there’s nothing like a state rivalry to amp up the excitement. Not to mention the fact that their last meeting this month, won by the Wildcats, was a narrow result. Can the Sun Devils upset the favorites?

When is Arizona State vs. Arizona?

Arizona State vs. Arizona takes place at 2 p.m. ET on Jan. 31. This game takes place at Desert Financial Arena.

Arizona State vs. Arizona is broadcast on TNT Sports.

How to watch college basketball in 2025/26

Fans can live stream college basketball on a wide range of recommended platforms, some of which include free trials, allowing you to follow the action without actually spending anything.

ESPN+ (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: ESPN ESPN+ $29.99/month Shop Now

Channels: ESPN+ only

If your favorite team plays in the America East, Atlantic Sun, Ivy League, or Southland conference, then ESPN+ is the only way to watch those teams without going to the games. For many other leagues that don’t have many games on traditional TV channels, ESPN+ is the primary way to watch games.

It's worth noting that an ESPN+ subscription gives you access to ESPN+ only. For the full range of ESPN and sports access, choose an alternative tier.

The ESPN Select tier (for classic content, studio shows, and replays) is priced at $12.99 per month or $129.99 per year. ESPN Unlimited (all ESPN live channels and ESPN+ content) costs $29.99 per month or $299.99 per year.

Peacock Premium (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium $10.99/month Shop Now

The Big Ten Conference will have games exclusively on Peacock this season, so to catch all those conference contests, you’ll need Peacock.

Members of the Big Ten Conference in 2025-26 include Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Michigan, Michigan State, Minnesota, Nebraska, Northwestern, Ohio State, Oregon, Penn State, Purdue, Rutgers, UCLA, USC, and Wisconsin.

There are 58 Big Ten men’s basketball games scheduled to be broadcast exclusively on Peacock. Peacock Premium costs $10.99 per month or $109.99 per year.

FuboTV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV 7-day free trial, then $54.99/month for 1 month Shop Now

Channels: ACBS, FOX, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, FS1, FS2, MSG, NBC Sports Bay Area, NBC Sports Philadelphia, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network, and USA Network. 

FuboTV will be a great option for the college basketball regular season. Its Pro plan at $84.99 per month will give you access to hundreds of college basketball games. There is also a seven-day free trial. 

If you’re a fan of teams in the Atlantic Coast Conference, you’ll want to upgrade to the Elite plan to get the ACC Network. The Elite plan is $104.99 per month. 

The biggest channels missing from the FuboTV lineup are TBS, TNT, and truTV. Those carry a large chunk of games during the NCAA Tournament, and the 2026 Final Four and national championship game are scheduled to be broadcast on TBS. To get those games, you’ll need to go elsewhere such as the B/R Sports add-on with Max. 

Paramount+ with Showtime (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount Paramount + with Showtime 7-day free trial, then $13.99/month Shop Now

Channels: CBS, CBS Sports HQ

CBS mainly shows college basketball games on the weekends, so if you’re mainly a weekend viewer until March, this would work for you.

Paramount+ gives you a seven-day free trial. To live stream CBS on Paramount+, you need the Paramount+ with Showtime tier, and that is $12.99 per month. You can also choose the annual plan at $119.99 per year, and you save about $3 per month. 

Paramount+ also gives students a 25% discount. CBS Sports Network games are not available to live stream through Paramount+ on its own. You'll need the Showtime add-on.

Sling TV Orange + Blue (no free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Season Pass $329 for 5 months Shop Now

Channels: ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN 2, ESPN 3, ESPNews, ESPN U, Fox, FS1, FS2, NBC, Pac-12 Network, SEC Network

If you’re a casual college basketball fan, an option like Sling may be a good fit for you. It's a comprehensive sporting service with a wide range of benefits, but you will need to be careful when selecting your plan. The Orange and Blue packages give you access to FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN, and more in local markets — for $45.99 per month (with an introductory deal of 50% off for the first month) — but for access to ACC Network, SEC Network, Big Ten Network, and more, you'll need the Sports Extra package. We recommend checking your local market to ensure you get access to the channels you actually want.

YouTube TV (free trial) Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV 7-day free trial, then $59.99/month for your first 2 months Shop Now

Channels: CBS, FOX, ACCN, Big Ten Network, CBSSN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, FS1, FS2, SEC Network, TBS, TNT, truTV, The CW, USA Network

YouTube TV offers a 7-day free trial. It is then $59.99 per month for the first two months. That will get you most of the way through the 2025-26 college basketball season. After the introductory rate, the rate is $82.99 per month starting in the third month. 

How to watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

If you're outside the U.S. for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., allowing you to unblock live streams of college basketball from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world 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 U.S.

4. Sign in to your favorite streaming service

5. Watch Arizona State vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free. That means 49% off for a limited time. This plan also 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 $12.95 (which includes a money-back guarantee).

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