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NYT Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 1 hour 26 min ago

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 25, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.

Greater than (11): Everything in this space must be greater than 11. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 0-0, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed horizontally.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed horizontally; 1-1, placed vertically.

Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this orange space must add up to 5. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, and Kindle deals

Mashable - 1 hour 26 min ago

Amazon is running a huge sale from March 25 to 31. No, we're not talking about another Prime Day. We're talking about the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

This event might not carry quite the same weight as Prime Day or Black Friday, but it's still one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar, and this year's deals are surprisingly good. This spring-themed event will go hard on outdoor equipment like drones and power stations, spring cleaning essentials like robot vacuums, and everything else shoppers are looking to buy at this time of the year. Our professional deal hunters have already spotted record-low prices on Apple, Fire TVs, Kindles, and Sony headphones.

We've lined up all the best deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest live updates, price drops, and news from the Mashable shopping team.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 1 hour 40 min ago

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who are ready for Opening Day.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Hitting meatballs

  • Green: HR leaders

  • Blue: The minor leagues

  • Purple: Spelled like an MLB team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Slang for Home Run

  • Green: MLB Home Run Leaders in 2025

  • Blue: Minor League Baseball Leagues

  • Purple: Anagrams of MLB Teams

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #549 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?
  • Slang for Home Run - DINGER, HOMER, JACK, ROUND-TRIPPER

  • MLB Home Run Leaders in 2025 - JUDGE, OHTANI, RALEIGH, SCHWARBER

  • Minor League Baseball Leagues - CAROLINA, INTERNATIONAL, PACIFIC COAST, TEXAS

  • Anagrams of MLB Teams - BUCS, PARTIES, SPREAD, STEM

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Train Leaders to Better Understand Employee Sentiment

Havard Management Tip of the Day - 3 hours 48 min ago

Even strong strategies fail when leaders are out of sync with their teams. You can’t lead change if you can’t see how people are experiencing it, and when you mistake silence for alignment, small disconnects quickly turn into disengagement and stalled momentum. Your job as a senior leader is to close the gap between perception and reality.  Diagnose the gap early. Assess how accurately the leaders […]

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Categories: Management

Hurdle hints and answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 3 hours 50 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Small drums.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

BONGO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A landscaper's tool.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MOWER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A thicket.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

COPSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A stringed instrument.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BANJO

Final Hurdle hint

What old stairs might do.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CREAK

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 26

Mashable - 3 hours 50 min ago

The Moon is now more than half lit, which means we're in the final phase before its full phase. The Moon will appear more illuminated each night until it is full, meaning there's plenty opportunity for spotting features on the its surface.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, March 26, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 56% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

And there's plenty to see, even without visual aids you can spot the Mares Fecunditatis, Crisum, and Vaporum. With binoculars, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Posidonius Crater, Alps Mountains, and the Appennine Mountains. Also, with a telescope, you'll be able to spot even more, including the Rima Ariadaeus, Descartes Highlands, and the Caucasus Mountains.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why is OpenAI like this?

Mashable - 4 hours 37 min ago

If messy drama was something you could sell, OpenAI would have turned a profit already.

That much is clear from the bizarre way the ChatGPT company killed off Sora, its shortform video app — just one of multiple dramas that seem to be playing out in tandem at Sam Altman's company. So much so that you'd be forgiven for wondering whether there is any method to this madness.

The Sora shuttering could not have burned more bridges with partners and creators if it tried. The rumored face-saving announcement that Sora was being folded into ChatGPT? Didn't happen. OpenAI had just announced new Sora safety standards the day before — so why bother if it's on the outs?

Disney, meanwhile, had not yet finalized its $1 billion, three-year deal with OpenAI over character licensing in Sora. The House of Mouse was so blindsided, according to a Reuters report, that executives had a meeting discussing what Disney could do with the Sora deal yesterday... just 30 minutes before OpenAI announced its death via a post on X.

ChatGPT ads are a bust

There are also unforced errors in OpenAI's ad division, according to a scoop from The Information. It seems an early test of ChatGPT ads (the company's big revenue-hunting pivot from two months ago) burned bridges with the advertisers who participated. Those advertisers bought more than $200,000 of ads apiece, premium table stakes for the industry. But they didn't get the data they need to know if their ads — which played minimally — are paying off.

Ironically, considering how much OpenAI's products promise to automate the world, the ad industry titans said they had to call or email the company to place ads.

And where is OpenAI's CEO in all this? Not tweeting through it; at time of writing, Altman hasn't posted on X since the Sora announcement. Nor is he blogging through it; his last two blog posts were written six months ago, and are both about Sora. "People are generating much more [video] than we expected per user," Altman wrote in his most recent post.

"We are going to have to somehow make money for video generation," the CEO said, noting presciently: "please expect a very high rate of change from us."

No kidding. So where is the money going to come from, if it isn't coming from Disney and it isn't coming from ads? Shuttering Sora won't make up OpenAI's revenue shortfall, estimated at roughly $1 billion a month. Running ChatGPT for 900 million people per week, all but 40 million of whom aren't paying for it, costs a lot!

Nor is the money coming from the Instant Checkout shopping feature OpenAI announced in 2025, which was supposed to attract a million merchants. The company announced Tuesday that Altman is dumping that as well.

OpenAI's race to its IPO

So what is Altman doing, exactly? He told OpenAI staff on Tuesday that he's no longer running the company's safety and security teams, according to a separate Information report. Instead, Altman reportedly told them that he's focused on raising more money and building more data centers.

"Things are moving faster than many of us expected," Altman added, though in which direction they're moving wasn't clear.

Altman, according to the report, is renaming the company's product group "AGI deployment." A ballsy marketing move, given that GPT-5 is nowhere near AGI (Artificial General Intelligence, also known as digital superintelligence) — and OpenAI is still feuding with its partner Microsoft about how we would define such a thing if it did arrive.

That's no mere academic debate, given that Amazon reportedly stands to invest another $50 billion in the company on the condition that it goes public, or AGI is achieved.

In the absence of actual AGI to deploy — and there are no signs that OpenAI's next model, codenamed "Spud," will get there either — there's nothing left for Altman to do but prepare for the IPO. OpenAI and its chief rival Anthropic, which makes Claude, are both supposedly on course for their public offerings this year. As public companies, they'll be able to raise funds more easily.

But what if there's only room for one winner?

Anthropic, while it's still (sort of) battling the Pentagon and coming up with its own creative revenue estimates, is widely seen as the more successful company when it comes to solid, dependable business. Not for them the flashy Disney deals; they're selling targeted AI services to other companies. Right now, the perception among customers is that Claude is for coding and making AI agents, while ChatGPT is more for the masses.

It isn't going to be easy for Altman to turn that perception around. But it'll probably be easier if OpenAI isn't trying to be a media company that sells ads and lets you make cute Disney character shorts. And in that context, Altman's latest moves start to make a lick of sense. Whether he can convince business customers that he's a dependable figure — pay no attention to those burning bridges! — will be another drama altogether.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch F1 live streams online for free

Mashable - 4 hours 50 min ago
How to live stream 2026 F1 for free at a glance: Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now

This season of F1 could be special. Every season of F1 has a number of fascinating storylines to follow, but due to a major set of regulation changes, there's so much uncertainty right now. And uncertainty can lead to exciting racing.

Lando Norris secured an incredible title victory on the final day of last season. Now the pressure is on McLaren to defend that title against a long list of talented drivers and motivated teams. Expect the likes of George Russell, Kimi Antonelli, Charles Leclerc, and Lewis Hamilton to challenge for race wins this season. Mercedes look like the team to beat this season, with George Russell and Kimi Antonelli leading the standings after the opening race weekends.

If you are interested in watching F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is F1?

Formula One (F1) is the highest class of international racing for open-wheel single-seater formula racing cars. A season consists of a series of races (Grands Prix) that take place in multiple countries and continents on either purpose-built circuits or closed public roads.

Lando Norris is the defending champion. McLaren won the Constructors Championship in 2025.

When is F1 in 2026?

The 2026 F1 season is the 77th edition of the championship. This year's championship features 24 Grands Prix events held all over the world between March and December:

  1. Australian Grand Prix — March 8

  2. Chinese Grand Prix — March 15

  3. Japanese Grand Prix — March 29

  4. Bahrain Grand Prix — April 12

  5. Saudi Arabian Grand Prix — April 19

  6. Miami Grand Prix — May 3

  7. Canadian Grand Prix — May 24

  8. Monaco Grand Prix — June 7

  9. Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix — June 14

  10. Austrian Grand Prix — June 28

  11. British Grand Prix — July 5

  12. Belgian Grand Prix — July 19

  13. Hungarian Grand Prix — July 26

  14. Dutch Grand Prix — Aug. 23

  15. Italian Grand Prix — Sept. 6

  16. Spanish Grand Prix — Sept. 13

  17. Azerbaijan Grand Prix — Sept. 26

  18. Singapore Grand Prix — Oct. 11

  19. United States Grand Prix — Oct. 25

  20. Mexico City Grand Prix — Nov. 1

  21. São Paulo Grand Prix — Nov. 8

  22. Las Vegas Grand Prix — Nov. 21

  23. Qatar Grand Prix — Nov. 29

  24. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Dec. 6

It's important to note that these dates are only for race days. The Chinese, Miami, Canadian, British, Dutch, and Singapore GPs will host a sprint race.

How to watch F1 for free

In the U.S., F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV. An Apple TV subscription costs $12.99 per month or $99 per year, but it's possible to gain access to Apple TV without spending anything.

Apple TV Opens in a new window Credit: Apple TV Apple TV (7-day free trial) Apple TV comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. This is a sneaky trick, but you could sign up to watch the next F1 race and then cancel your subscription before you need to spend anything. This obviously isn't a long-term fix, but it does give you the opportunity to live stream select F1 race weekends for free. Shop Now Apple TV Prime Video Channel Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel (7-day free trial) Already an Amazon Prime member? You're in luck. You can sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. This lets you watch select F1 races live with the Prime Video app. The subscription typically costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch select races without actually spending anything. Shop Now Apple One Opens in a new window Credit: Apple One Apple One (30-day free trial) Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial. Time it right and this trial could provide access to up to four race weekends for free. You do need to be a new or returning subscriber to each of the included services to get the free trial. Shop Now

It's worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, or Apple TVs. This special offer goes live for 90 days after the new device is activated — that's a good chunk of the season.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Im watching the Japanese GP for free this weekend — how to live stream F1 for free

Mashable - 5 hours 20 min ago

TL;DR: Sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels to watch select F1 races live. Watch the Japanese GP for free with the Prime Video app.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple TV Prime Video Channel Watch the Japanese GP for free with a 7-day trial Shop Now

Does anyone really know where we stand with this new season of F1. Some fans and drivers seem to like this new style of racing. Others think it's the end of the sport. Whichever camp you find yourself in, you can't deny that it has been entertaining to watch.

What has become clear after the first two races in Australia and China is that Mercedes is fast. After the opening race weekend, some people were already crowning George Russell as champion. Kimi Antonelli's stunning performance in China has made those early predictions look a little foolish. It's looking like we're going to get a real battle between the Mercedes teammates this season. Can anyone else compete? At this stage, it looks unlikely.

If you want to watch F1 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the Japanese GP?

The Japanese GP is the third race of the 2026 F1 season. Here's the full schedule from the Suzuka Circuit:

  • Practice 1 — 10:30-11:30 p.m. ET on March 26

  • Practice 2 — 2-3 a.m. ET on March 27

  • Practice 3 — 10:30-11:30 p.m. ET on March 27

  • Qualifying — 2-3 a.m. ET on March 28

  • Race — 1 a.m. ET on March 29

It's possible for fans to follow all the action from this race weekend without spending anything.

How to watch the Japanese GP for free

I'm a paid-up member of Amazon Prime. I subscribe for the fast shipping, exclusive Prime Day deals, and access to Prime Video. That Prime Video access is not something I usually care about greatly, but it's absolutely crucial for this season of F1.

It's now possible to sign up for a 7-day free trial of Apple TV+ through Prime Video Channels. F1 is now exclusive to Apple TV in the U.S., so by accessing this free trial, you can watch select races for free this season. The subscription usually costs £9.99 per month after the trial ends, but you can cancel at any time. That means you can watch the Japanese GP for free this weekend and then back out before needing to pay anything.

I already pay for Amazon Prime, so you could argue that I'm not really watching for free. I get that, but Amazon Prime does offer a 30-day free trial period if you're new to the service. By signing up for this free trial and then gaining access to Apple TV through Prime Video Channels, you can truly watch select races without spending anything.

If you've already used this method to watch the Australian GP or Chinese GP, I suggest you go direct to Apple TV. This popular steaming service comes with a 7-day free trial for new subscribers. Alternatively, Apple One bundles Apple TV with Apple Music, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus, and 50GB of iCloud Storage for $19.95 per month after a one-month free trial.

It's also worth noting that the best Apple TV free-trial offer comes with purchases of new Apple devices. New subscribers can get three months of Apple TV for free after purchasing any eligible Apple product. There are loads of live Apple deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, so this could be the best moment to upgrade.

How to live stream 2026 F1 for free in 2026 Best Apple TV Deal Apple TV 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Prime Video Deal Apple TV Prime Video Channel 7-day free trial Shop Now Best Apple One Deal Apple One 30-day free trial Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 5 hours 50 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a registered voter.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Farming

  • Green: Motor City players

  • Blue: Used on Election Day

  • Purple: Nuts and ___

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Food procurement methods

  • Green: Member of a Detroit sports team

  • Blue: Features of a classic voting booth

  • Purple: They have bolts

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1019 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Food procurement methods: AGRICULTURE, FISHING, GATHERING, HUNTING

  • Member of a Detroit sports team: LION, PISTON, RED WING, TIGER

  • Features of a classic voting booth: BALLOT, BOOTH, CURTAIN, LEVER

  • They have bolts: FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER, HARDWARE STORE, LIGHTNING, LOCK

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 5 hours 50 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a musician.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I blew it!

The words are related to music.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things you blow into.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Wind Instrument.

NYT Strands word list for March 26
  • Recorder

  • Flute

  • Harmonica

  • Wind Instrument

  • Oboe

  • Clarinet

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026

Mashable - 5 hours 50 min ago

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a good fit.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Suitable.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BEFIT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on cooling sheets, air purifiers, and top robot vacuums

Mashable - 6 hours 21 min ago
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale home deals at a glance: Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best bedding deal Buffy Cloud Eucalyptus Cooling Comforter $159 (save $41) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon (save $60.99) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

It's time for another seasonal Amazon sale event: The third annual Big Spring Sale is on for a full week from March 25 to 31. The sale technically spans all product categories that you'd see during Prime Day, but there's a natural focus on products to help us transition to warmer weather.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 12 products that'll make it easy to keep things pristine year-round

For your home, this means clean floors, clean air, and anything else that screams "spring refresh," with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, spring cleaning essentials, and summer-ready bedding.

We rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Blueair, Shark, and more.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale home tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand.

The Amazon Echo Spot smart alarm clock packs everything you love about an Amazon Echo into a bedside device. It wakes you up but also helps you wind down. You can program it to start your day with a weather report and your favorite music.

During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $49.99 and save $30 off its $79.99 list price.

More home tech dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.99   Get Deal

Warmer weather means you can put away your heavy winter coats and pull out the antihistamines because spring allergies are on their way. If you're already getting the pollen-induced sniffles, you can do one thing to protect your home air: get an air purifier.

Smoke, dust, and pet hair don't stand a chance against the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. It cleans up to 1,858 square feet in just one hour, plus it does so quietly. For Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the air purifier is down to $169, saving you $60.99 off its $229.99 list price.

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy

Read Mashable's review of the Eufy C28.

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out last month. At $499.99 for the Big Spring Sale, the Eufy C28 is not only the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season, but the best budget robot vacuum and mop combo period.

If you're jaded from a bad mopping robot vacuum experience in the past, it's probably because it smeared dirty water more than it scrubbed. Stodart thinks that this Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop will change your mind. Its fluffy material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water multiple times per second. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

Robot vacuum and mop combo dealsBroom, mop, and cordless vacuum dealsStain remover tool and upholstery deep cleaner dealsBedding, kitchen, and more home dealsSheets, comforter, and pillow dealsSteamers
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Big Spring Sale is here and surprisingly good: We found 100+ deals on Apple, DJI, Sony, and Shark

Mashable - 6 hours 40 min ago
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.00 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon (save $25 with code FTV4K) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best TV deal Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.96 at Amazon (save $1,102.03) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station $428.99 at Amazon (save $370.01) Get Deal Best Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon (save $25 ) Get Deal Flagship headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon (save $61.99) Get Deal Best beauty deal Dyson Supersonic Nural $349.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Alexa Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 at Amazon (save $10) Get Deal Budget headphones deal JLab JBuds Lux ANC $37.79 at Amazon (save $42.20 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

The sun is rising, flowers are beginning to bloom, and pollen is in the air. This all means spring is finally here, and Amazon is ready to celebrate in its customary fashion: with deals.

On March 25, the third annual Amazon Big Spring Sale finally started, with discounts running through the end of the sale on March 31, just like last year's sale.

The deals featured in this sale reflect the spirit of the season: Outdoor gear and yard care supplies, spring cleaning supplies from disinfectant sprays to robot vacuums, spring fashion, and other household essentials will be the major featured deals that scream "spring." However, there's no shortage of deals on QLED TVs, flagship Sony headphones, Apple devices from MacBooks to iPads, Shark and Dyson hair tools, and of course, Amazon's devices like Kindles. If it's on sale during Prime Day, it's probably on sale during the Big Spring Sale.

SEE ALSO: How to recycle Amazon packaging from your Big Spring Sale purchases (yes, all of it)

Each day of the Big Spring Sale will also feature daily deal drops on categories from spring cleaning to beauty. Mashable's shopping team will be keeping an eye on the best deals from before sunrise to midnight, so keep checking back to be the first to hear about the latest discounts.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

According to our review, Apple's AirPods Pro 3 are an "easy buy" if you've been looking for a new pair of AirPods. It's easy to see why: They have excellent ANC, eight hours of listening time per charge, a built-in heart rate monitor, and live translation features. While they hit a lower price of $184 back in February, this markdown is still worth checking out.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

AirPods dealsAirTag dealsMacBook dealsiPad dealsApple Watch dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux ANC $37.79 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $42.20 Requires on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

The JBuds Lux ANC are the best budget headphones we've tested in recent memory, offering decent noise cancellation, a long battery life, and balanced sound. (Just note that their fit can be hit or miss.) They're a great value at their regular price of $80, but a coupon on their Amazon product page bumps them down to just $37.79 — a 50% savings. We saw them dip to $27 at Walmart on Black Friday, but this is their lowest-ever price on Amazon. Choose from four colors: graphite, cloud white, mauve, or sage.

More headphone dealsEarbud dealsBest robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy Why we like it

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out last month. At $499.99 for the Big Spring Sale, the Eufy C28 is not only the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season, but the best budget robot vacuum and mop combo period.

If you tried a cheap mopping robot vacuum in the past that smeared more than scrubbed, let the Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop change your mind. Its fluffy bath towel material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water as it's mopping. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

Robot vacuum dealsCordless vacuum and wet-dry vacuum dealsBest Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25   Get Deal Why we like it

The newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup, the 4K Select, was one of Mashable readers' (and editors') favorite deals from Black Friday. We saw it drop to a wildly low price of $9.99 during that sale, but right now you can grab it for $14.99 using the code FTV4K. It offers support for Alexa+, HDR10+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN, and it's already more than 50% off.

Fire TV dealsEcho device dealsKindle dealsBest outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station $489.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $309.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Weighing in at just under 25 pounds, Anker's Solix C1000 Gen 2 portable power station makes an excellent camping companion. The power station can keep your devices juiced up and even has enough oomph to power up some cute fairy lights or whip up a quick meal in the air fryer. It can also recharge in under 50 minutes, which can really come in handy when you're off the grid. Mashable's reviewer called it "the perfect model for taking on a weekend camping trip or keeping around the house for occasional power outages."

More outdoor dealsBest DJI deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

The Neo is the perfect starter drone for people just venturing into the drone hobby for the first time — and not just because of the low price. This camera offers a 4K camera for shooting gorgeous aerial videos and a 12MP camera. It can take off from the palm of your hand, and it's super portable. For creators and hobbyists, it's a great entry point.

More DJI dealsBest TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 75-inch U7 Mini LED QLED 4K TV $897.96 at Amazon
$1,999.99 Save $1,102.03   Get Deal Why we like it

Hisense's 2025 U7 TV combines mini LED backlighting with a 165Hz refresh rate and Dolby Atmos to pack a major punch with a not-so-major price tag. At least, now that it's considered a last-generation model. The 2026 version of the same TV (just unveiled on March 6) will run you $1,999.99 for the 75-inch model. If you opt for last year's version instead, it'll only cost you $897.96. Not only is that over 50% off, but it's about $100 cheaper than it was just last month for President's Day.

43-inch TVs and under50- to 55-inch TVs65-inch TVs 75-inch TVs and upBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,069.99 at Amazon
$2,399.99 Save $330 Includes free download code for "Crimson Desert" Get Deal Why we like it

If you're an on-the-go gamer, the Asus ROG Flow Z13 should make your shortlist. It has a 180Hz display (so smooth), a detachable keyboard, and an AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip that offers RTX 4060-level graphics performance. GTA V star Ned Luke he uses one when he travels, and he told us it's "an animal." The model with 32GB of RAM and a terabyte of disk space is $330 off on Amazon, and it comes with a free copy of Crimson Desert. It's never been cheaper before. (Best Buy is price-matching it, but doesn't throw in the free game code.)

More Windows laptop dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Ice Cream Maker $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30 Includes free $20 Amazon credit Get Deal Why we like it

We're happy to report that the bestselling Ninja Creami is just as great as TikTok says it is. Once you fill and freeze its pints with the base of your choice, "It makes ice cream, gelato, frozen yogurt, sorbet, and smoothie bowls with just the press of a button," writes Mashable's Samantha Mangino. It's marked down to $199.99 during the Big Spring Sale (or $30 off), which matches deals at Best Buy, Target, and the SharkNinja website. However, Amazon one-ups them all by throwing in a free $20 credit on top of that discount; you save $50 total there.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Ninja Creami.

More ice cream maker dealsAir fryer and multicooker dealsBlender dealsCoffee and espresso machine dealsMixer dealsBest Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree (#10348) $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

Lego's Botanicals sets are always a delight to have up on display, and this Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree is sure to add a lovely pop of red, orange, and green into your home. At the moment, it's on sale at Amazon for $47.99, which is just pennies away from its lowest-ever price point of $47.95, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. What better time to scoop up this 474-piece set if its caught your eye?

More Lego dealsBest beauty deal Dyson Supersonic Nural $349.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Laifen hair dryer that Mashable's hair tool expert, Bethany Allard, named as the best Dyson Supersonic dupe is on sale for the spring sale. But maybe you won't be as hard-pressed to find a good dupe when the fanciest Supersonic is at a new record-low price.

The Supersonic Nural's main flex over the regular Supersonic is a system of sensors that automatically lower heat near your head, preventing a sizzling scalp. The Nural can also remember your preferred settings just based on the attachment being used, and knows to pause airflow when you set it down.

More hair tool deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ deals on Breville, Ninja, Nespresso, and more kitchen essentials are live in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 6 hours 49 min ago
The best kitchen deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best blender deal Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Our Place Wonder Oven $129 (save $56) Get Deal Best espresso machine Breville Bambino $249.95 (save $50) Get Deal Best ice cream maker deal Ninja Creami bundle $249.98 (save $30) Get Deal

It's spring cleaning season, and Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here to help you celebrate.

While stocking up on the classic cleaning tools, like home cleaning supplies and robot vacuums, is a good option, we also recommend taking a look at your kitchen lineup. With the deals live now, there's plenty of potential to fill any holes in your kitchen's arsenal (or replace any tools on their last legs).

SEE ALSO: Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle deals

The week-long sale officially started March 25, and there are great deals on Ninja's appliances, Breville espresso machines and toaster ovens, Nespressos, rice cookers, and more. You'll want to catch them before the sale ends on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT. Check out our top picks below:

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're generally a fan of kitchen multitaskers (and who isn't), this may just be the blender for you. In addition to the full-size pitcher you'll get with most blenders, this model of the Ninja Kitchen System comes with two 18-ounce cups and an eight-cup food processor bowl, so you're sure to be covered for all your motorized chopping and blending needs. Down to $129.99 all the way from $219.99, it's at its lowest price ever — and even cheaper than budget models with fewer attachments.

More blender dealsBest air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven $129 at Amazon
$185 Save $56   Get Deal Why we like it

Another Spring Sale, another deal on the Our Place Wonder Oven — except this year, the air fryer/countertop oven combo is just $129, beating last year's sale price by $16. Mashable's Samantha Mangino is a big fan of the air fryer, writing in a post about it last year, "While I originally received it as a gift, I would buy it 10 times over with my own money." It's cute and functional, with settings to toast, reheat, bake, broil, and air fry, and comes with three different trays: air fryer basket, baking tray, and toasting rack.

More air fryer and multicooker dealsBest ice cream maker deal Ninja Creami bundle $249.98 at Amazon
$279.98 Save $30.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Another Ninja deal, but the Ninja Creami is a favorite of ours (and the internet's) for a reason. Easy ice cream at home is an especially welcome treat during the warmer months, so this bundle arrived just in time. Included with the Creami are four family-sized 24-ounce tubs so you can be sure you always have a frozen sweet treat on hand.

Check out our full review of the Ninja Creami.

Coffee and espresso machine dealsMixer dealsMore kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

These beauty deals show Amazons spring sale is a great time to stock up on skincare and K-beauty favorites

Mashable - 7 hours 1 min ago
Best beauty deals live for Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best hair care deal Shark FlexStyle $299.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best skincare deal Paula's Choice Resist Sunscreen (SPF 50) $31.20 (save $7.80) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is officially here, and the mega-retailer is showing out with plenty of beauty deals.

Deals on the Shark FlexStyle, T3 tools, and one of the best Dyson Supersonic dupes — the Laifen Swift — are just a sampling of what's available during the weeklong sale that wraps up on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Hair tools aren't the only feature of this sale: Amazon has a ton of markdowns on K-beauty favorites like Medicube, Anua, and Dr. Althea. You'll also want to double-check what's available before you restock at Sephora: Sunday Riley, Ouai, Pureology, Paula's Choice, and Topicals are just some of the brands offering discounts on their most beloved products.

As Mashable's beauty expert, I combed the available markdowns to choose 40 of the best deals live so far — but I'll be updating this post as availability shifts over the next week.

Best multistyler deal Shark FlexStyle $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

It's not that I'm a Dyson Airwrap hater; it's just that I know you can get essentially the same experience for less than half the price with the Shark FlexStyle. Though options for multi-stylers and Airwrap alternatives have expanded over the past few years, Shark remains one of the best, offering a great selection of attachments, versatility (especially with the twistable base), and innovation. This Black Cherry model is still $50 away from its record-low pricing of $249.99, but it doesn't go on sale often, making this still a great price to nab it at.

Hair tech dealsBest skincare deal Opens in a new window Credit: Paula's Choice Paula's Choice Resist Sunscreen (SPF 50) $31.20 at Amazon
$39 Save $7.80   Get Deal Why we like it

Sunscreen is a non-negotiable, whether or not you're into skincare. A daily (if not more) application habit is easier to build up with a formula that a) offers great protection and b) is lightweight and comfortable. This Paula's Choice pick is suited toward normal to oily skin, with less of a dewy finish than other options on the market. Still, it provides plenty of moisture, so you won't have to balance sun protection and feeling like a husk at the end of the day.

More skincare dealsSkincare tech dealsMakeup dealsHaircare deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Im a tech editor, and I found 37 Big Spring Sale tech deals at Amazon Id actually shop

Mashable - 7 hours 32 min ago

As Mashable's tech editor, it's my job to test the latest and greatest products from brands like Apple, Samsung, and DJI. But I also get to test cool under-the-radar finds and random gadgets only true tech nerds know about. With the Amazon Big Spring Sale kicking off today and running through the end of March, I hand-picked a fresh batch of tech deals that are actually worth shopping.

Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals: Best of the best Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Budget Headphones Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones $48 (save $21.99) Get Deal Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best Drone Deal DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot Max $74.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Creator Deal DJI Mic Mini $45 (save $14) Get Deal Best Streaming Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 (save $25 with code FTVSELECT) Get Deal

Between inflation, a global memory shortage, and overall economic anxiety (trust me — I'm feeling it, too!), you don't want to miss a chance to save some money.

I've personally tested many of these products, and I'm only recommending genuine deals, because we all know big retailers like to play fast and loose with the definition of the word "deal."

So, whether you have an old laptop that needs replacing or want to check out last-chance deals on last-gen tech, check out my guide to the best Big Spring Sale tech deals.

Kindles starting at $94.99

I don't know what I'd do without my Kindle. As an avid book collector, I have literally run out of space to store books, and so I depend on my Kindle Paperwhite. And just like during Black Friday, you can grab my beloved Kindle on sale for $134.99, with the base Kindle available for under $100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $94.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal More Kindle dealsGrab Sony Headphones on sale

During the Big Spring Sale, you can shop wireless Sony headphones starting at just $48. On day one of the savings event, Sony's flagship cans, the famous XM6 headphones, are also discounted to $398, their best-ever price.

However, if you're looking for something in the mid-range, you can also grab the bass-heavy Sony ULT Wear Headphones on sale for $148, a 41% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear $48 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Select MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches are all at record prices

Amazon always delivers solid Apple discounts during its big sales, and this time around, you can score record-low prices on M4 MacBook Airs, our favorite iPad Air, previous-generation Apple Watches, and even some of the newly released MacBook Pro laptops. See also: AirTags and AirPods.

Pro tip: If you're looking for the AirPods Max headphones, they're out of stock at Amazon but still available at Target and Walmart — for now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal More Apple dealsDJI drones on sale starting at $149

Yes, technically, DJI drones are banned in the United States, but they're still widely available from third-party sellers at Amazon. (It's complicated.) If you're a creator, real estate professional, or wedding photographer who wants to take beautiful aerial videos in 4K — or just an aspiring pilot looking to have some fun outdoors — these drones are by far the most popular choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal More deals on DJI dronesAmazon Echo device deals

As per usual, some of the best deals of the spring Amazon sale are on Amazon's own products, particularly in the Echo lineup. I was at the fall 2025 event where Amazon unveiled its new Echo smart home products, which include refreshes to the popular Echo Dot and Echo Show devices. You can also grab Fire TV Sticks starting at just $14.99, letting you stream movies and enjoy cloud gaming at home.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Use code FTV Select Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal

More Echo device deals:

TV deals

During Prime Day, you can grab TVs starting at just $99. However, I recommend spending a little more than that. You can grab 55-inch Fire TVs at a very reasonable price, and Hisense has a good 65-inch QLED TV for just $377.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4 Series $279.99
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $376.97 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $173.02   Get Deal More TV dealsDJI creator deals

For the Big Spring Sale, Amazon is going hard with DJI deals, and you can find massive discounts on the brand's popular line of creator gadgets. I personally use the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal when shooting videos for Mashable.

But let me also call your attention to the cult-favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging camera, which almost never goes on sale like this. Pro creators and YouTubers are obsessed with this camera, so grab it before it goes out of stock again!

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $569 at Amazon
$629 Save $60   Get Deal More DJI creator dealsShark vacuums are 50% off

Spring cleaning is a big theme during the Big Spring Sale, and one of our all-time favorite Shark vacuums is currently marked down to just $149. The Mashable-tested and approved Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a pet hair hero, but you can also save on the brand's popular robot vacuums, now up to 60% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $450   Get Deal Save on Dyson stick vacuums

Looking for a more premium cleaning machine, preferably one with lasers? Then you need a Dyson Detect stick vac. For the Big Spring Sale, you can grab one of the latest Dyson Detect vacuums, complete with the dust-illuminating laser attachment, while it's on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum $599.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $250   Get Deal JBL Bluetooth speakers — save 27%

I'm a big fan of JBL's Bluetooth speakers. In my testing, they've beaten out more expensive speakers from brands like Bose and Sonos. They're also extremely portable, super easy to use, and totally waterproof, i.e. perfect for spring and summer hangouts.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth Speaker $109.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $299.94 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $80.01   Get Deal HEPA air purifiers for allergy season

Have you heard the bad news? Climate change is making seasonal allergies worse, which I can attest to firsthand. So, if you want to add some fresh air to your apartment or home, get a HEPA air purifier that can remove 99.98% of allergens, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. This Shark model is currently 45% off for Prime members, which is probably why it's almost sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HEPA Air Purifier — Large $179.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $150 Almost sold out! Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Shark UV Reveal robot vacuum came out less than a month ago. Its already on sale for Amazons spring sale.

Mashable - 7 hours 34 min ago

SAVE $250: As of March 25, the brand new Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum is on sale for the first time ever during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The $949.99 sale price is 27% off its usual $1,299.99.

Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Shark

The new Dyson robot vacuum with a laser would have been much more exciting if the robot vacuum itself were more reliable — or if Shark hadn't released a better robot vacuum with a UV light a few weeks before. Plus, the Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 is on sale for the first time: Grab it for $949.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

That's an impressive $350 drop from its $1,299.99 MSRP (and a $250 difference from the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai). This is just one of several Amazon spring sale vacuum deals on elite 2026 robot vacuums that are hot off the press. But having just come out on March 3, I definitely wasn't expecting a Shark UV Reveal discount this early.

SEE ALSO: Shark's new scrubbing-centric robot vacuum finds stains with a UV light. I tested it against other top robot mops.

But since everyone is stocking up on their favorite disinfectant sprays for spring cleaning, it feels very correct for a robot vacuum with this level of sanitation to be in the mix. I've personally witnessed the UV light find two separate dried cat hairball splatters that the AI stain detection cameras of premium Dreame and Roborock robot vacuums missed that week.

The UV Reveal mopped my hardwood floors extremely thoroughly. Look at that shine. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

When the UV light lights up a stain, the vacuum's glow turns turquoise. The Shark then drives back and forth over the stain from multiple angles while its vibrating mopping pad scrubs. The whole process is quite thorough — we're talking up to 30 seconds spent from each direction.

During a more casual vacuuming and mopping session, the Shark UV Reveal is still very detail-oriented. Its mopping pad can extend out past the vacuum's circular body, allowing much closer edge mopping than previous mopping Shark vacuums I've tested. Its small obstacle avoidance technology has also improved majorly.

I'll note that the Shark UV Reveal 2-in-1 isn't the best choice for keeping up with pet hair on carpet. But for pet hair on hardwood floors or tile floors, it's stellar.

Categories: IT General, Technology

New Tinder users in the UK will now need to scan their faces

Mashable - 7 hours 49 min ago

If you're signing up for Tinder in the UK, you'll now need to undergo a facial scan.

Today, Tinder announces that it's launching the facial verification feature, Face Check, in the country. This follows Tinder requiring all new U.S. users to do the same as of Oct. 2025, following a test in California.

New Tinder users must now complete a facial scan in the U.S., Canada, Australia, India, and countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East, according to Tinder.

SEE ALSO: Tinder drops a slew of updates, including an AI way to 'cut through dating fatigue'

Users start by taking a video selfie on the app, and Tinder scans it to check if it matches their profile photos. If it's a match, users receive a Photo Verified badge. The feature can also apparently detect if a user has multiple accounts.

Tinder first launched photo verification in 2021 and video verification in 2023. Then, in 2024, Tinder began requiring ID checks if users wanted a verification checkmark.

Face Check comes at a time when identity verification is increasing in various spaces online, especially in the UK, given the Online Safety Act. The law requires age verification if a site or app hosts content that might be "restricted to adults." Days before the Online Safety Act went into effect in July 2025, major dating apps, including Tinder, announced that they'd install age checks.

Recently, dating apps have also been under increased scrutiny for multiple reasons, including the presence of scammers, which Face Check seeks to reduce. Sixty-three percent of 18-24-year-olds say scams are harder to spot than ever, according to an Aug. 2025 survey of 2,000 singles in the UK.

Internal Tinder data shows an over 60 percent decrease in exposure to "potential bad actors," including spam, scam, or fake profiles, and over 40 percent decrease in bad actor reports.

Dating apps have also been criticized for other safety reasons lately. In Dec. 2025, several women filed a lawsuit claiming that Match Group (which owns Tinder, Hinge, and other dating apps) allowed a serial rapist on its platforms.

In Feb., Mashable reported that Match Group's other offering, Hinge, is also planning to start testing compulsory facial scans.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle deals

Mashable - 8 hours 9 min ago

Amazon is running a huge sale from March 25 to 31. No, we're not talking about another Prime Day. We're talking about the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

This event might not carry quite the same weight as Prime Day or Black Friday, but it's still one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar, and this year's deals are surprisingly good. This spring-themed event will go hard on outdoor equipment like drones and power stations, spring cleaning essentials like robot vacuums, and everything else shoppers are looking to buy at this time of the year. Our professional deal hunters have already spotted record-low prices on Apple, Fire TVs, Kindles, and Sony headphones.

We've lined up all the best deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest live updates, price drops, and news from the Mashable shopping team.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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