IT General
I finally fixed annoying notifications in Android Auto—here's the 5 settings I changed to do it
Let's be honest: Notifications on Android Auto can be super annoying. Between lengthy group messages and random app alerts, it's easy to get overwhelmed while driving. The good news is that there are ways to fine-tune exactly how and which notifications appear on your Android Auto screen.
Apple AirTags are already discounted ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale
Amazon’s Big Spring Sale isn’t officially underway until March 25, but we’re already seeing some pretty promising price drops across multiple categories. Of course, we’re holding out to see if Amazon’s going to gift us with additional Apple deals (we’re seeing $250 price cuts on MacBooks and $100 off Apple Watches, after all), but there’s no denying the Apple AirTag deals are worth jumping on.
Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $63 at Amazon$99 Save $36 Get Deal Why we like it
The Apple AirTag (2nd Gen) is still at full price ($29 each or $99 for a four-pack), but you can get a four-pack of 1st Gen AirTags for just $63 right now. This is a big deal because last year (during the actual sale), this bundle was $69.99. With the current discount, you'll be getting each tag for just $15 a pop.
These little trackers are total lifesavers for anyone who's always misplacing their keys or wants some peace of mind by stashing one in their checked luggage. (I use them to keep tabs on my dogs when I'm visiting my parents.) You can track your stuff directly in the Find My app, and if you’re nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to the exact cushion your wallet is hiding under.
Apple AirTag accessory deals to peruseQyQa Airtag Holder (4-Pack) — $8.98 $9.98 (save $1)
MOLOSLEEVE Airtag Holder Air Tag Case with Keychain (4-Pack) — $9.99 $12.99 (save $3)
Belkin Apple AirTag Secure Holder with Carabiner — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)
SPGUARD AirTag Holder Case with Keychain (4-Pack) — $22.99 $28.99 (save $6)
Ultrabeka Ultra-Thin Wallet Tracker — $15.99 $19.99 (save $4)
UGREEN FineTrack Tracker Tags (iOS Only) (4 Pack) — $19.98 $25.99 (save $6.01)
Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 — $20.99 $29.99 (save $9)
Stop the notification overload: This 1-click Windows trick locks in my focus for hours
When we think of the Clock app, we see it as nothing more than a way to check the time or set alarms. But beyond its obvious purpose, it includes a hidden feature, Focused Sessions, that can help you stay focused. If you’ve missed this feature until now, try it out and work with fewer distractions.
Here are 5 apps I always install when I set up a Linux desktop
If you use modern technology regularly, there are doubtless certain apps difficult to imagine going without. In the world of Linux distributions, there's no universal default set of apps, so you sort of have to forge your own path. After countless Linux desktop setups, here are my software essentials.
How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim online for free
TL;DR: Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Bundesliga action kicks off this weekend with a fascinating matchup between RB Leipzig and Hoffenheim. Only three points separate these sides in the battle for continental qualification. Hoffenheim have been one of the biggest stories of the season — they're only eight points behind Dortmund in second place and they'll go into this clash with a lot of confidence.
A number of exciting players will look to light up this Friday night contest, including the highly-regarded Yan Diomande. Premier League clubs are beginning to circle this talent — can Hoffenheim keep him quiet?
If you want to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim?RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga kicks off at 7:30 p.m. GMT on March 20. This fixture takes place at the Red Bull Arena Leipzig.
How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for freeRB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from the Bundesliga before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream RB Leipzig vs. Hoffenheim in the Bundesliga for free with ExpressVPN.
How to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli online for free
TL;DR: Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The Serie A action kicks off this weekend with a huge clash between Cagliari and Napoli.
The defending champions are nine points behind Inter going into this game, so they need to be incredibly consistent if they stand any chance of bridging that gap. They'll expect to beat Cagliari, but the home team will be desperate to pick up points and move away from the relegation zone. It's going to be a tense contest involving a number of star players, and you can watch all the action without spending anything.
If you want to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Cagliari vs. Napoli?Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A kicks off at 5:30 p.m. GMT on March 20. This fixture takes place at the Unipol Domus.
How to watch Cagliari vs. Napoli for freeCagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.
BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK
Visit BBC iPlayer
Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Cagliari vs. Napoli without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to live stream select fixtures from Serie A before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the UK
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to 10 simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).
Live stream Cagliari vs. Napoli in Serie A for free with ExpressVPN.
Dunkin is giving away free ring boxes on National Proposal Day — how to claim yours today
If there's two things in life that we truly love, it's food and free stuff. Combine those two things together and you're onto a real winner.
If you know where to look, you can find free food promotions all over the place: Dairy Queen gives away free cones, Ben & Jerry's hands out free ice cream, Krispy Kreme offers up free doughnuts, and then there's the long list of promotions tied to significant events like St. Patricks Day or March Madness. This latest giveaway falls into the latter category.
National Proposal Day takes place on March 20. To celebrate, Dunkin' is giving away limited-edition “I Dough” ring boxes at participating locations nationwide (while supplies last). This offer is only available on March 20, so cancel your plans and head to your nearest location. This is your one opportunity to score ring box with a Wedding Cake Munchkins donut hole — a glazed blueberry donut hole topped with wedding cake-flavored sprinkles.
How to get a Dunkin’ "I Dough" ring boxInterested in this limited-time promotion? Here's how to get your hands on the Dunkin' ring box:
Visit a participating Dunkin’ location on March 20 (National Proposal Day)
Order a 25- or 50-count of Munchkins Donut Hole Treats
Receive a complimentary “I Dough” ring box
If you go a step further and actually propose with this ring box (why wouldn't you?), you could win a Vera Wang bridal experience.
From March 20 to April 3, post your proposal video on Instagram or TikTok, tag Dunkin' or Vera Wang, and use the hastag #DunkinVeraWangcontest to be in with a chance of winning a bridal salon experience at Vera Wang’s flagship location in New York City or Beverly Hills. This includes a gown with a custom embroidered detail inspired by your go-to Dunkin’ order. It's something different, at least.
Stop guessing which local LLMs run on your PC—this open-source tool can tell you
Local LLMs can give you a lot of the features of popular AI chatbots without the privacy concerns. The trouble is, not every computer is capable of running every model. The good news is that you can easily find the most capable models that will run on your PC or Mac using a free and open-source tool.
Amazon is launching a phone again
Amazon is launching a phone for the first time in over a decade.
This is according to a Reuters report, which cites four people familiar with the matter. The new phone is internally known as "Transformer," and the company wants to make it a "mobile personalization device" that syncs with Amazon's smart assistant Alexa.
SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold may come later than we thoughtThe idea, according to the report, is for the phone to make interacting with various Amazon services easier. This includes buying from Amazon, watching Prime Video, or listening to Prime Music. Of course, AI would be in the middle of it all, though Alexa may not be the "primary operating system" of the phone. We're not quite sure what that means, but it seems to imply that Amazon might rely on another company's AI to run things on the phone.
If this sounds familiar, you might be thinking of Amazon's Fire Phone, which launched in 2014 and was pulled from the market roughly a year later.
Remember the Fire Phone (pictured)? It barely lasted a year before Amazon pulled it off the shelves. Credit: Christina Ascani / MashableWhile the Fire Phone has been a massive flop for Amazon, things are very different now. The Fire Phone's primary claim to fame was a pseudo 3D user interface, and artificial intelligence was nowhere near as smart as it is these days.
The report says that the new Amazon phone is still in early stages, and may be scrapped by Amazon entirely. The anticipated launch date, price of the phone, or the revenue Amazon hopes to generate selling the phone, are all unknowns at this point.
Featured Video For You Is ChatGPT Changing the Way We Write?Now is officially the worst time to buy a NAS—here's what I'm doing instead
Having a NAS in a homelab is crucial, but 2026 is probably the worst time I’ve ever seen to buy a brand-new NAS. So, instead, I turn to the one place that hasn’t been revenged by supply shortages—the used market.
I miss when Android skins were strange, ambitious, and actually different
Let’s get this out of the way: I’m old. The first smartphone I owned was released in 2009. Back then, Android phones looked wildly different—and not just on the outside. It was a strange time for software design, but I remember it fondly.
How to set Power Query to refresh automatically in Excel
Building a Power Query model in Excel only to refresh it manually is like buying a self-driving car and steering it by hand. While many reach for clunky VBA macros to automate the task, those scripts trigger security warnings and require constant maintenance. Here's the safer, set-and-forget way to do it.
Stop using the cloud to move files: This free tool is faster and has no limits
Moving files shouldn’t feel like a multistep process. Yet most of the tools we use today still rely on the same slow routine: upload the file to the cloud, generate a link, then wait for the other person to download it. The bigger the file, the longer the wait. And the more likely you’ll run into size limits along the way.
The best iPad deals to shop ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale — score new iPads at all-time low prices
Amazon's Big Spring Sale gets underway next week, running from March 25-31. This event typically sees of all kinds of products with heavy discounts, giving you an early-year treat before the major sales events get going later in the year.
The Amazon Spring Sale is a good time to pick up pricier buys, whether that’s a robot vacuum, a TV or an Apple product. And if you’ve been eyeing up an iPad, some models have already dropped in price ahead of next week’s sale. We’ve pulled together the best live deals to make things easier.
Best overall iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 11-inch (A16) $299 at Amazon$349 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it
The 11-inch iPad packs a serious punch thanks to the A16 chip, Liquid Retina display, and fast Wi‑Fi, making it perfect for everything from streaming to editing. We've even ranked it as our favorite budget iPad for 2026. It has iPadOS, support for Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard, and a 12MP Center Stage front camera, so it really is a perfect all rounder.
More iPad dealsApple iPad 11-inch (A16) — $299 $349 (save $50)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro) — $499 $599 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $559 $599 (save $40)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) — $597 $699 (save $102)
Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) — $649.99 $699 (save $50)
Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)
Apple iPad Pro 13-Inch (M4) — $1,299 $1,499 (save $200)
The best Apple deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks
Amazon's Big Spring Sale has been confirmed for its third year, running from March 25-31. The retailer is set to roll out wide-ranging discounts across multiple categories, with prices dropping on items like robot vacuums, TVs, and even daily essentials. And while they didn't come right out and say it, if there's one thing we can all but guarantee, it's that the sale will feature plenty of discounts on top Apple products.
Apple has had a busy month, with the launch of its first-ever budget MacBook, upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, the iPhone 17e, and even AirPods Max 2. This means we could not only see first-time discounts on the new slate of products, but also new record-low prices on the previous generations during the Big Spring Sale. We'll be tracking prices leading up to and throughout the official event, so keep an eye on this page for the latest and greatest deals.
If you don’t want to wait, early discounts have already started to land. We’ve rounded up the best Apple deals you can shop right now ahead of the sale.
Best Amazon Big Spring Sale AirPods 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
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 2s), 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 Pro 3s, and introduced a live translation feature.
While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this discount is still worth grabbing.
More AirPods dealsApple AirPods 4 — $99 $129 (save $30)
Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $148.99 $179 (save $30.01)
Apple AirPods Max — $449.99 $549 (save $99.01)
$799 Save $66.01 Get Deal Why we like it
Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $66 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $732.99 (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 dealsApple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)
Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) — $559 $599 (save $40)
Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) — $549.99 $749 (save $199.01)
Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 1TB) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)
Apple iPad Pro, 13-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) — $1,199 $1,299 (save $100)
$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 Amazon. We're keeping our eyes on this laptop, as we expect to see it drop further as the sale nears. But make note that since it is now an older model, it could sell out fast.
More MacBook dealsApple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $949 $1,199 (save $250)
Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,099 (save $50)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,079 $1,399 (save $320)
Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249.99 $1,299 (save $49.01)
Apple 2025 MacBook Pro 14.2-inch (M5, 6GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399.99 $1,699 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,499.99 $1,699 (save $199.01)
$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 Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) — $219 $249 (save $30)
Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS + Cellular, 40mm) — $269 $299 (save $30)
Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS + Cellular, 42mm) — $399 $499 (save $100)
Apple Watch Ultra 3 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) — $868 $898 (save $30)
Filling your SSD to 100% won't kill it—but it might do this
Filling an SSD to the brim doesn't mean that you'll instantly kill your drive, but it still doesn't mean that it's something I can recommend doing. There are plenty of reasons to give your SSD a bit of breathing room.
The AI Doc producer Daniel Kwan on the future and threat of artificial intelligence
The time to be on the fence about artificial intelligence is over. That's according to Daniel Kwan, co-writer/co-director of Everything Everywhere All at Once, founding member of the Creators Coalition on AI, and producer of the upcoming documentary The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist.
Every day, decisions are being made by the biggest CEOs in the AI space. And it can feel like the everyday folk don't have a say. But that's a common misconception that Kwan and The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist filmmakers, including co-director Charlie Tyrell and producer Ted Tremper, aim to overturn with this Focus Features documentary. While at SXSW, The AI Doc team came by our Say More studio to dig into the film's information and how it's structured to communicate a lot in an actually accessible way.
SEE ALSO: Win tickets to see 'The AI Doc' early at Mashable's advanced screeningsIn my review out of SXSW, I cheered, "The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist compiles a mountain of big ideas, opposing theories, and talking head interviews. But it does so within a personal framing that keeps this discussion deeply human."
Documentarian Daniel Roher interviewed OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, Google DeepMind CEO and co-founder Demis Hassabis, and Anthropic CEO and co-founder Dario Amodei, along with scads of experts and engineers, to explore both sides of the AI debate. But the human thread of the film is about how his fears about becoming a first-time parent inform how he's responding emotionally and psychologically to all he learns.
For more on The AI Doc, look for Mashable's recording of The AI Panel: Or What Being an Apocaloptimist Looks Like, which featured Kwan, Tremper, and co-producer Diane Becker, along with me, Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, as moderator.
And for your chance to see The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist early and at no charge, check out Mashable's advanced screenings in L.A. and New York.
The AI Doc: Or How I Became an Apocaloptimist opens in theaters on March 27. Look for more Mashable coverage out of SXSW.
Fed up with the Spotify Linux app? This custom widget is the fix
I stream music on Spotify as much as the next guy, but regrettably, using the app's Linux desktop client isn't the most wholesome experience. Don't get me wrong; if all you need is basic music streaming, you'll (probably) have no complaints. Sadly, the moment your needs stretch beyond that, you'll quickly notice that Spotify's Linux desktop app still needs some work.
BTS fans, Spotify has a quiz for you
Spotify has launched a quiz for BTS fans to test their knowledge, marking the release of Arirang, the K-pop icons' first album in four years.
Available for Spotify users with a Premium subscription, the BTS Music Quiz is meant to put ARMY to the test — just like Google's own free BTS quiz, also launched today.
SEE ALSO: BTS fans, you've got to see Google's trivia questSpotify's quiz covers album art (make sure you know your Love Yourself: Answer from your Love Yourself: Her), album release strategies, and even which BTS member opens certain songs — so if you can identify RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook by vocals, you'll probably ace this. It runs from easy questions to medium and hard, and you can tap "challenge a friend" to compare scores.
How can you take Spotify's BTS quiz? Easy, medium, and hard. Credit: Spotify / MashableMake sure your Spotify app is updated, log in, and play any BTS track (I'd probably hit one from their new album Arirang, because it's incredible and it's release day, but you can play whatever you like).
Then, tap the track playing to bring up the song page, then scroll down to the music quiz (it should be under related music videos). I couldn't see the quiz on desktop, so it looks like it's mobile only.
It's a big day indeed for ARMY, with the release of BTS' 10th studio album, the first since announcing their reunion in June 2025. BTS called a hiatus in June 2022 in order for members RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook to fulfil South Korea's mandatory military service (which they all completed by June 2025), as well as spend time on solo projects.
Now, they're looking at a colossal, 82-date world tour for Arirang, which will both be livestreamed in cinemas and on Netflix.
Want to tune into BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang live? Here's Mashable's guide.
Featured Video For You How TikTok is Changing the Music IndustryHome Assistant just can't match my favorite things about Samsung SmartThings
My smart home got its start with Samsung SmartThings, and I’m glad it did. Samsung has some of the best support for Matter and, compared to the companies behind the other “big four” smart home platforms, is the most enthusiastic about smart homes. I’ve since experimented with more private alternatives that aren’t dependent on the cloud, but there remain aspects of SmartThings that it has done best.


