IT General

Apple blocks developer from updating Mac app because its similar to a defunct feature

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:18

Mac users mourning the loss of Launchpad have found solace in a few third-party apps that replicate its functionality. However, one popular replacement, AppGrid, is now being blocked by Apple from receiving updates in the App Store.

Why? According to the app's developer, Apple told them it's too similar to Launchpad, which, again, no longer exists on the Mac.

Launchpad was an iPad-like app grid on the Mac, accessible from the dock. Apple released Launchpad alongside Mac OS X Lion in July 2011. When a user clicked Launchpad in the dock, a pop-up filled the screen with all the apps installed on the Mac. Users could curate and order the apps in Launchpad, however they liked.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26.4 available now: All updates, security improvements to know

However, Apple killed off Launchpad with macOS Tahoe, released last September. Launchpad was replaced with a new app called Apps. However, Apps simply lists the Mac's apps in alphabetical order, with no way to sort the app icons. In addition, the search function in Apps is buggy and doesn't always find the app that a user is looking for.

Many Mac users were quite unhappy with Apple removing Launchpad. Third-party developers have since stepped in to replace Launchpad, launching their own apps with their take on the feature.

One of the more popular Launchpad replacements in Apple's official App Store is AppGrid. However, according to its developer, Attila Miklósi, Apple is blocking the app's ability to release new updates in the App Store.

According to Apple's developer guidelines, apps cannot be “confusingly similar to an existing Apple product or interface.” However, Launchpad no longer exists in the latest version of macOS. Apple is essentially blocking developers from creating a feature that no longer exists.

Miklósi says that Apple shared that they would accept updates if AppGrid looked less like Launchpad did when it existed. However, the developer is hesitant to change AppGrid's look, as thousands of users have already paid for the version that looks like it currently does.

While Miklósi has maintained the app with updates through direct downloads on AppGrid's website, the App Store version hasn't been updated since November 2025. 

As Miklósi points out, Apple oddly didn't remove the app from the App Store. Users can still buy the Pro version of the app too, giving Apple its percentage of the App Store revenue cut. However, the AppGrid version in the App Store can't be updated there and is essentially in a "zombie state" due to Apple's policies.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The perfect plug-in hybrid garage—these 4 cars cover everything

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:15

The automotive world is currently split. On one side, there are people who love fully electric vehicles and can’t wait to see manufacturers improve their models. On the other side, there are those who won't even consider a vehicle without an internal combustion engine. Sure, EVs are fast and efficient, but without the sounds and vibrations of a traditional engine, an EV simply doesn’t measure up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Were tracking the best Apple deals in Amazons Spring Sale — new lows on AirPods, iPads, Apple Watches, and MacBooks

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:12
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $746.50 (save $52.50) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third consecutive year, with deals running across the site through March 31. The retailer began rolling out wide-ranging discounts earlier this week, with more to come as prices drop on such items as robot vacuums, TVs, and your daily essentials. And if there's one thing we can always guarantee, it's that this sale features a raft of much-welcome Apple deals.

Apple has kept us very busy so far in 2026. We've been hard at work testing the first-ever budget Neo MacBook, as well as the upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, and the iPhone 17e. Next on our Apple to-do list: the upcoming AirPods Max 2.

With so many new Apple products, we're seeing a bunch of first-time discounts during the Amazon Spring Sale, as well as new record-low prices on last-gen models like the Apple Watch SE 2 and M4 MacBook Air. What more could you want from a major sale event? Just keep in mind that many of the older models are selling out fast at Amazon. If the model you want is no longer available, be sure to check the stock at Best Buy and Walmart. These retailers are matching many of the best Spring Sale deals.

We'll be tracking prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads between now and March 31, so keep checking back on this page for info on the lowest-possible prices across Apple products.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025.

The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the new AirPods Pro 3, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this Amazon spring sale discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-pack of Apple's Bluetooth trackers keeps going in and out of stock on Amazon, which is hardly surprising: It's never been cheaper there. (It dipped to $62.99 on Black Friday, but the $59.99 sale price is a new record-low price.) You wind up paying just $15 per AirTag. Walmart and Best Buy are both offering the same deal; if you can't find it in stock on Amazon, be sure to check there.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $746.50 at Amazon
$799 Save $52.50   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $84.50 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $746.50 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Best Buy
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Best Buy. Amazon had the same deal at the start of the Big Spring Sale, but it's since gone out of stock multiple times and jumped up to $999.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Neo dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch dealsApple Pencil deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite smart glasses are at record prices for the Amazon Spring Sale — prices start at $249

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:07
Products featured in this story: Best for Entertainment TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses $249 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal The Best AR Glasses Overall Xreal One Pro AR Glasses $598 at Amazon (save $171) Get Deal

We're halfway through the Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026, and my favorite AR smart glasses from Xreal and TCL are all on sale.

As Mashable's tech editor, I get to test out (and geek out over) a lot of cool gadgets. This year, I've been focused on a lot of virtual reality and augmented reality products, particularly smart glasses.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on the best deals

I tested a ton of smart glasses at CES 2026, and most recently, I put the new TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses through their paces. And as I mentioned, these futuristic smart glasses are only $249 during the Amazon spring sale. These glasses were just released in late February, and an on-page coupon lets you take $50 off the retail price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: RayNeo TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro AR/XR Glasses $249 at Amazon
$299 Save $50   Get Deal

In my TCL RayNeo Air 4 Pro review, I said that these AR glasses are like an OLED TV you can wear, and they're designed for entertainment and gaming. Wherever you are, they project a 201-inch virtual display into the air. They're the first smart glasses with an HDR display, and they're almost twice as bright as the competition.

While I enjoyed testing (and watching The Lord of the Rings) on the new RayNeo smart glasses, the pair I actually use most often come from Xreal, the market leader in this niche.

Xreal's AR glasses can produce an ultra-wide display that you can anchor in place in your field of view, giving you an extra monitor. I've found they're really useful when working on an airplane or on the go. The Xreal One Pro AR Glasses have way more customization options than the RayNeo and a new AI 3D conversion feature.

Finally, Xreal recently released the Xreal 1S AR Glasses, which offer big upgrades at a lower price. The 1S can project a 500-inch virtual screen. If you want to work, go with the One Pro. If you want to work and watch movies or game, go with the 1S. Both are on sale at record prices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xreal Xreal 1S AR Glasses $448 at Amazon
$529 Save $81   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Xreal Xreal One Pro AR Glasses $598 at Amazon
$769 Save $171   Get Deal Are AR glasses worth it? For early adopters, yes.

Bear in mind that smart glasses are still in their infancy as a product category, and even the best AR glasses have some issues. But if you're an early adopter who wants to explore the augmented world, TCL and Xreal are the brands I'd recommend.

Crucially, none of these glasses feature cameras. Smart glasses with cameras have always felt a bit creepy to me, and as Mashable has reported, creeps do seem to love Meta-Ray Ban smart glasses.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Victim of Jeffrey Epstein files class-action lawsuit against Google

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:01

There's more legal trouble brewing for Google, as a victim of Jeffrey Epstein has filed a class action suit against the world's largest search engine, alleging its AI Mode improperly published personal information about sex trafficking victims.

The problem began with the Department of Justice, whose rollout of the Epstein files, following the passage of the Epstein Files Transparency Act last year, was riddled with hasty redactions, which often protected the identities of alleged perpetrators while the identities of victims were left unconcealed.

SEE ALSO: Jmail creators release Jeffrey Epstein’s calendar as JCal

The DOJ, however, has acknowledged the errors and removed the personal information from its website. The problem now lies with Google, and more specifically, its artificial intelligence, which trawled the initial, unredacted document dump and still hosts the sensitive personal information of sex trafficking victims.

"Even after the government acknowledged the disclosure violated the rights of survivors and withdrew the information, online entities like Google continuously republish it, refusing [the] victim’s pleas to take it down," the lawsuit reads. 

The allegations don't stop there. Not only did Google knowingly refuse to remove the sensitive information, which includes "full name, contact information, cities of residence, and association with Jeffrey Epstein," but the AI also allegedly "generated a hypertext link allowing anyone to send direct email to Plaintiff with the click of a button."

Worse still, for Google: the lawsuit alleges that other artificial intelligence companies did not improperly publish victim information: "Notably, several other publicly available AI tools that generate content by analyzing online sources, such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Perplexity, provided no victim-related information whatsoever in similar repeated testing."

This latest lawsuit comes on the heels of a damning Los Angeles jury ruling that found both Meta and Google-owned YouTube liable for "designing products that addict and harm children," prioritizing online engagement over the well-being of their users. 

At the time of writing, Google has not issued a public statement on the lawsuit, but a verdict in this trial could set important precedents for privacy protections in the age of AI, with implications that would ripple across the tech landscape.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Harbor Freight's tools are finally taking on Milwaukee—here's what's coming in 2026

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:00

You can never have too many tools, right? While all the big-name brands like Milwaukee, DeWALT, and Ryobi are busy releasing new tools for 2026, they're not the only ones. Harbor Freight has capable new tools on the way from its in-house brands, including Hercules, Bauer, and more. If you're on a budget, here are some great tools coming in 2026 that you might want to wait for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I gave up on Kindle and built my own eBook server with Calibre

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 16:00

Have you been searching for a way to ditch Kindle and build your own eBook library? I have, and Calibre makes it easy to self-host your eBooks, read them anywhere, and even still send them to your Kindle—no subscription required.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for March 28, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 15:50

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 28, 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 28, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 28 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

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

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

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 28 Pips

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

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

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically; 3-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed vertically.

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

Equal (6): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 5-3, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 28 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Equal (2): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

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

Equal (0): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 0. The answer is 6-0, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 6-5, placed vertically; 6-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this red space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 4-3, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 1-2, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-3, 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

The $0 Windows "Swiss Army Knife" every developer should install today

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 15:45

As a developer, I constantly run into tiny problems that interrupt my flow. Formatting a messy JSON response, decoding a Base64 string, or testing a quick regex. The usual solution is opening a browser tab and pasting your data into one of countless online utilities, often cluttered with ads and questionable privacy practices.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 28, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 15:36

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who live in Michigan.

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: Teams in the mitten

  • Green: An at-bat

  • Blue: Teams with a similar color

  • Purple: Types of cards

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Michigan Teams

  • Green: Outcomes in an at-bat

  • Blue: "Red" Teams

  • Purple: ____Card

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 #550 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Michigan Teams - LIONS, PISTONS, SPARTANS, TIGERS

  • Outcomes in an at-bat - FIELDER'S CHOICE, HIT, STRIKEOUT, WALK

  • "Red" Teams - RED BULLS, RED SOX, RED STORM, RED WINGS

  • ____Card - BASEBALL, LINEUP, RED, WILD

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Bentley’s new hybrid GT S beats old W12 while offering 50 miles of electric range

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 15:30

Bentley offers many expressions of the Continental GT, from the wellness-oriented Azure to the athletic nature of the GT Speed. Yet the new Continental GT S and GTC S, available as both a coupe (GT S) and convertible (GTC S), might be the most driver-centric variants yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop blaming your internet: Here's why Netflix caps Chrome at 1080p without telling you

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 15:00

One of the big reasons people choose Netflix Premium is the promise of 4K streaming, which gets millions of subscribers to pay a bit more each month for the best picture quality out there. When you, a paying customer, sit down at your desktop computer and see that "Ultra HD 4K" badge on a movie, you'd reasonably expect to get the sharpest, most vibrant visuals possible.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced Google Keep with this free open-source app (and never looked back)

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:45

Keep is one of Google's better products. It has a great UI, and you can capture notes with just one tap. Despite using it for years, however, I have wanted an alternative. So why bother replacing it? I can give you two reasons and a free, open-source app that does what Keep can't.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best drone deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale — DJI drones are hitting best-ever prices

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:42
The best drone deals to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best mini drone deal DJI Neo 3-Battery Combo $219 (save $70) Get Deal Best budget drone deal Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best Premium Drone Deal DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 (save $500) Get Deal Best premium drone deal Antigravity A1 Infinity Bundle $1,599 (save $500) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is officially live now through March 31. The retailer is dropping prices on hundreds (if not thousands) of items, with heavy discounts on everything from robot vacuums to Apple products. Fortunately for all you fliers out there, drones are getting the exact same discount treatment. If you've been waiting for a solid price drop to finally pull the trigger on a new model, now's the moment to land a bargain.

To save you searching Amazon yourself, we've already lined up our favorite deals below.

Best mini drone deal DJI Neo 4K Mini Drone Three-Battery Combo $219 at Amazon
$289 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Despite the recent ban on DJI imports, you can still safely buy existing stock in the U.S. — and you probably should while it's actively discounted.

If you've been holding out for a DJI drone deal, this bundle just hit its lowest price in 90 days. The DJI Neo is a ridiculously beginner-friendly 4K mini drone that weighs just 135 grams, meaning you go from box to sky without worrying about registering it with the FAA. It features automatic subject tracking, takes off and lands right from the palm of your hand without a remote, and comes with full-coverage propeller guards for extra peace of mind.

Bonus: It includes three batteries and a charging hub, bumping your total flight time up to a very solid 54 minutes before you have to go hunting for a wall outlet.

Best budget drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to learn how to fly without the constant fear of immediately destroying an expensive piece of tech, the Holy Stone HS110D is our favorite budget pick. It has a 1080p HD camera with a 120-degree wide-angle lens, but more importantly, it's incredibly forgiving for first-time pilots. Built-in safety nets like altitude hold and headless mode keep things stable while you figure out the controls, and the companion app unlocks extra features like voice control and trajectory flight.

Best premium drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Antigravity Antigravity A1 Drone Infinity Bundle $1,599 at Amazon
$1,999 Save $400   Shop Now Why we like it

The Antigravity A1 is a recently-launched flier that’s been hailed as the world’s first 360° consumer camera drone.  You fly it using a pair of lightweight Vision googles and a one-handed grip control, but this drone also has a 360° camera that films all around itself — which you can view in-flight by turning your head in the goggles. Not only that, it captures footage in stunning 8K. And this particular option comes with a bundle with the goggles, controller, three batteries, a carry case, and more. 

It stands to reason that this premium drone costs a premium price, which is why a $400 discount is not to be missed. We know what we’re talking about here. Mashable’s reviewer had a great time testing out this drone.

Read Mashable's full review of the Antigravity A1

More drone deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Im a tech editor. I found 45+ Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals Id actually buy.

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:36

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. For day two of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, I hand-picked a fresh batch of tech deals that are actually worth shopping. I've also included some deals from competing retailers — if they have a better price.

Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals: Best of the best Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Charger Deal Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 (save $12) 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 Fitness Tracker Deal Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 (save $60) 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 Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 265GB SSD) $899 (save $100) 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 products with genuine discounts, because we all know big retailers like to play fast and loose with the definition of the word "deal."

Finally, a word of warning — Apple deals are moving fast. We've already seen the M3 iPad Air, AirTags, and select MacBooks go out of stock.

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. I loved these headphones, and as I wrote in my review, "The ANC in the XM6 is as good as or better than any I've ever heard."

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, another Mashable Choice winner, at 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 Apple Watches and newly released MacBook Pro laptops. Early shoppers cleaned up on the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air, which are almost completely out of stock — womp, womp.

Pro tip: If you're looking for the AirPods Max headphones, they're in and 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, 256GB SSD) $899 at B&H Photo & Video
$1,199 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal More Apple dealsA smart Anker charger with a smile

Anker makes my favorite fast chargers, and I literally use the company's GaN USB-C chargers every day of my life. However, the next Anker charger I want to try is this little phone charger, which comes with a smart display and fun colors (you can match it to your iPhone, if you're into that sort of thing).

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal DJI 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 drones

Please note: Due to the ongoing DJI drone ban, all DJI drones are sold through third-party sellers at Amazon. Do your research into the seller and shop accordingly.

Amazon 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 dealsBose headphones on sale

We've been waiting for this one: Our favorite Bose headphones are finally discounted for the Amazon Spring sale. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2), the brand's current flagship, are supremely comfortable. In fact, our reviewer called them the most comfortable headphones in the world, full stop. And if you need something a little more affordable, their younger sibling is also on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal 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 a 55-inch Fire TV at a very reasonable price, or a 65-inch Samsung QLED TV, released last year and now getting its first big price cut.

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for good deals on my favorite TV: The Frame art TV from Samsung. Strangely, The Frame is more expensive during the big Amazon sale.

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: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Q8F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025) $597.97 at Amazon
$897.97 Save $300 Lowest-ever price 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 (check our Instagram story to see my latest).

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 (in my review, I wrote, "it should replace whatever vlogging camera you're using now"), 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 Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal Camera $439 at Amazon
$499 Save $60   Get Deal More DJI creator dealsShark vacuums are 60% 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 Bluetooth 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   Get Deal A cloud gaming bundle

If you want to play games like Borderlands 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Hogwarts Legacy without buying an expensive console, try this bundle from Amazon. It includes a Fire TV streaming stick and a Luna gaming controller, letting you play games right on Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus + Luna Controller $64.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $55   Get Deal Fitness trackers on sale

If you're coming out of a winter funk and looking for some workout motivation, strap on a fitness tracker. You can pick up Fitbit step counters for under $70, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 (our reviewer called it "a true runner's watch") for under $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.96
$99.95 Save $29.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $60   Get Deal SEE ALSO: We found the best Apple Watch deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale — deals start at $189 The Brick phone blocker

Have you heard of the viral gadget, The Brick? This humble little device blocks you from using your phone during set times so you can break your doomscrolling and screentime addiction — and it works! In her review, Mashable's Sam Mangino wrote that the Brick is "the only thing that cuts my screen time in half."

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick The Brick $47.20 at Brick
$59 Save $11.80   Get Deal Our favorite portable power stations

We've been testing a lot of power stations lately. These versatile devices can help you keep the lights on in an emergency, but they're also helpful for camping, festivals, and creators. One of our favorite Mashable-tested power stations from Anker is 46% off for sping, and you can pick up a bundle from Jackery that includes solar panels, also 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $498 at Amazon
$799 Save $301   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 + 200W Solar Panel $698.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600.01   Get Deal An affordable foldable phone

If you're an Android user on the fence about getting a foldable phone, this deal could help you decide. The Motorola Razr Ultra was the most underrated phone of 2025, and I was impressed by its battery life, display, and design during testing. If you miss flip phones that slip easily into your pocket, then you'll appreciate this one.

During the Amazon Spring Sale, this trendy little flip phone is $500 off at Amazon. It's far more affordable than Samsung's Z Flip 7, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, Unlocked $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500   Get Deal SEE ALSO: I've been testing phones for 20 years. Check the top unlocked phone deals in Amazon Spring Sale.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Fedora quietly solved Linux's update problem

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:30

Fedora is, for many, one of the best Linux distros out there, if not the best. It's safe and secure, and it's pretty snappy. And perhaps more importantly, the way it manages updates—which is something I personally haven't seen in a lot of other Linux distros.

Categories: IT General, Technology

There are huge deals on Hisense TVs in the Amazon Spring Sale — score $500 off a 100-inch monster

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:15
The best Hisense TV deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best 100-inch TV deal Hisense 100-Inch Class U6 Series Mini LED $1,497.97 (save $500.02) Shop Now Best Frame TV Deal Hisense 75-Inch QLED 4K CanvasTV £1,296.97 (save $401.02) Shop Now Best budget TV deal Hisense 55-Inch E6 Cinema Series $276.97 (save $153.02) Shop Now

There’s just something about major sale events and giant TVs. Maybe it’s all those viral clips of shoppers wrestling over TVs on Black Friday back in the day, but when it comes to a sale extravaganza, there are few products that feel more satisfying to get at a knockdown price than a big-ass smart TV.

Thankfully, the Amazon Big Spring Sale is here — running through March 31 — with knockdown prices on all sorts of categories, from tech and headphones to drones and Apple devices.  And if you are in the market for a new TV, we recommend taking a look at its lineup of discounted Hisense TVs.

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Hisense is known for its budget and mid-range level models, which already deliver a huge amount of bang for your buck. And you'll get even more value with discounts, including $500 off the Hisense 100-inch Class U6 Series, a mega 4K TV with a host of features for a cinema-like movie watching and streaming, sports action that puts you in the stadium, and immersive gaming. 

We’ll keep checking prices as the Big Spring Sale rolls on — we expect more price drops and more products to be added — so keep tabs on this page for updates on the best Hisense TV deals.

Best Hisense TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 100-Inch Class U6 Series (Mini LED) $1,497.97 at Amazon
$1,997.99 Save $500.02   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're going on a new TV, why not go all the way with the Hisense 100-Inch Class U6 Series? Sure, you’ll need a room big enough to fit this absolute beast of a smart TV but there really is nothing like losing yourself in a movie or game on this kind of scale. This TV uses Mini LED display technology and QLED color, as well as AI-powered picture processing and upscaling, to deliver stunning visuals.  

You’ll find all your favorite streaming apps through the Fire TV operating system, plus an arsenal of features for dedicated gamers: A 144Hz refresh rate, a Game Mode Pro, and super low latency. If you’re more of a movie buff, you’ll enjoy its Filmmaker Mode which smartly optimizes the movie to look and sound as the filmmaker intended. There are more modestly sized versions of his TV available in the Big Spring Sale but for sheer value per inch, this one’s hard to beat.

More Hisense TV deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Raspberry Pi projects that can actually save you money

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:15

Looking for the best way to put that old Raspberry Pi to good use? Why not install one of the following open-source projects and use it to save money? Ditch a premium service you’re already paying for or use one of these tools to improve your finances today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 Paramount+ documentaries that are worth your weekend watch (March 27-29)

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 14:00

Paramount+ isn't just Taylor Sheridan's playground for Yellowstone-like dramas, scripted thrillers, and comedies; it's actually an untapped resource for great documentaries and docuseries to enlighten and entertain. You might have to dig a little, but they're there.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This one Linux shell character made me feel like a hacker

How-To Geek - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 13:30

Like many people using Unix-like operating systems for the first time, I was introduced to the concept of the pipeline. Here's how a single character on the command line changed everything.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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