IT General

SAVE $70: As of March 6, the Amazon Fire TV 40-Inch 2-Series is on sale for $179.97 at Amazon. This deal saves you 28% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series $179.97 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $70.02 Get Deal

Do you want to upgrade to a smart TV, but don't want to spend crazy amounts of money? Well, we've found the perfect deal for you. As of March 6, you can buy the Amazon Fire TV 40-inch 2-Series for under $200. Down by 28%, it is now reduced to just $179.97 (specific to the TV-only option). As far as smart TVs go, this one is a stellar option, and not just because of the price.

Like most Amazon devices, this Amazon TV has Alexa voice control. You might not see this as a standout feature for a TV, but trust us, it comes in handy when you need to search through multiple streaming platforms for your favorite show. You can also use Alexa to search the internet and control some of your other smart home devices like speakers or robot vacuums.

SEE ALSO: Listen up! Grab Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $80 off at Amazon.

For entertainment, the TV runs on Amazon's Fire OS, so you'll have access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more. It also features two standard HDMI inputs and one ARC input, making it easy to connect gaming devices. And it supports Dolby Audio for even better sound quality. Image quality is great too, with an HD 1080p resolution to enjoy.

And if you have another Fire TV device in your home, you'll be able to watch seamlessly between each, as all stay synced to each other.

Head over to Amazon to secure this limited-time deal.

SAVE $250: As of March 6, the LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV is available for $349.99 at Best Buy. That's a $250 discount from its regular price of $599.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV $349.99 at Best Buy
$599.99 Save $250 Get Deal

This might be your golden opportunity if you’ve been waiting for a budget-friendly 4K TV upgrade. Best Buy has the LG 65-inch UT70 Series 4K Smart TV on sale for $349.99, a massive $250 discount from its usual price of $599.99. A 65-inch TV under $350? That’s not something you see every day.

This TV doesn’t just bring size to the table; it’s loaded with LG’s α5 AI Processor Gen7. It enhances brightness, sound, and picture detail for a more immersive viewing experience. HDR10 Pro ensures improved contrast, so your favorite shows and movies pop off the screen with deeper blacks and vibrant colors. And if you’re a cinephile, FILMMAKER MODE lets you watch content exactly as the director intended. No weird motion smoothing to mess with the visuals.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

Gamers aren’t left out, either. The LG Game Optimizer puts all your gaming settings in one place so you can tweak performance on the fly. GeForce NOW support lets you stream games without needing a console, making this a solid pick for cloud gaming.

On the audio side, AI Sound 5.1 up-mixes 2-channel audio into virtual 5.1 surround sound, making action scenes feel more intense without needing a separate sound system.

• Price: $349.99 $599.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Display: 65-inch LED, 4K UHD

• Processor: α5 AI Processor Gen7

• HDR: HDR10 Pro

• Gaming Features: Game Optimizer, GeForce NOW support

• Audio: AI Sound 5.1 (virtual surround sound)

• Smart TV OS: webOS with 300+ free LG Channels

• Software Updates: Up to 5 years

• Included Accessories: Standard remote, tabletop stand, power cable, remote batteries

For streaming, webOS provides access to all the big-name apps like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Hulu. LG Channels gives you access to 300+ free channels, so you’ll never run out of things to watch. With up to five years of software updates, this TV is designed to stay fresh for the long haul.

A 65-inch 4K smart TV for under $350 is a rare deal, so if you’re thinking about upgrading your home theater setup, now’s the time.

SAVE 50%: As of March 6, Sennheiser Accentum headphones are on sale for $99.95 at Amazon. That's 50% off their regular price of $199.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sennheiser Sennheiser Accentum Headphones $99.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $100.00 Get Deal

When it comes to premium audio, Sennheiser is one of those brands that audiophiles swear by. Usually, that kind of quality comes with a hefty price tag, but today, Amazon has slashed the price of Sennheiser Accentum wireless Bluetooth headphones to just $99.99, 50% off their usual price of $199.95. If you’ve been looking for a high-quality pair of noise-canceling headphones without wrecking your budget, this deal sells itself.

So, what makes the Accentum worth your money? Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) lets you fully immerse yourself in your music by blocking out background noise. But if you need to stay aware of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets external sounds in with a simple toggle.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

On the audio side, Sennheiser’s HD stereo sound delivers a rich, well-balanced listening experience. You can even tweak the EQ to match your preferences. Fancy extra bass or crisp highs, built-in five-band equalizer, and customizable sound modes? These bad boy cans let you perfectly fine-tune your audio.

One of the biggest selling points is battery life, a staggering 50 hours on a single charge. That’s more than enough to get you through multiple workdays, long-haul flights, or an entire weekend of binge listening. And if you’re in a hurry, fast charging gives you five hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

• Price: $99.95 $199.95

• Retailer: Amazon

• Noise Cancelling: Hybrid Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

• Sound Mode: HD Stereo with customizable EQ

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, optional USB-A/USB-C dongle

• Battery Life: Up to 50 hours

• Fast Charging: Yes (5 hours of playback from 10-minute charge)

• Microphone: Yes (clear voice pick-up for calls)

• Color Options: Black Copper, Black, White

• Smart Features: Transparency Mode, on-device controls

For those who want seamless device pairing, the ACCENTUM headphones support Bluetooth connectivity with both PC and Mac, and there’s even an optional USB-A/USB-C dongle for a more stable wireless connection with computers. On-device controls let you manage music and calls effortlessly; no need to reach for your phone every time you need to pause or skip a track.

At under $100, this deal is ridiculous for a pair of high-end ANC headphones from a reputable brand like Sennheiser. If you’re looking for crystal-clear sound, long battery life, and effective noise cancellation, grab this deal while it lasts.

SAVE $150: As of March 6, Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones are on sale for $199.99 at Best Buy, down from their regular price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $150 Get Deal

I refuse to pay full price for a good pair of headphones when I know deals like this exist. Right now, Best Buy is offering Beats Studio Pro wireless noise-canceling headphones for just $199.99, a massive $150 discount from their regular price of $349.99. If you’ve been hunting for premium sound without the premium price tag, this might be your sign to grab a pair.

So, what makes these headphones worth considering? For starters, active noise canceling (ANC) continuously adapts to your environment, blocking out distractions so you can stay immersed in your music, podcast, or that true crime audiobook you pretend isn’t keeping you up at night. If you still need some awareness of your surroundings, Transparency Mode lets in external sounds with the press of a button.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo Edge robot vacuum is down to its lowest-ever price

On the audio front, Beats didn’t hold back. Dolby Atmos sound ensures a fully immersive experience, while Personalized Spatial Audio with dynamic head tracking adjusts to your movement and feels like the sound is following you. Deep in a gaming session or just vibing with your favorite playlist? This tech makes everything sound rich and dynamic.

Comfort-wise, the UltraPlush leather ear cushions are designed for long listening sessions without feeling like your head is trapped in a vise. And speaking of long listening sessions, the 40-hour battery life (or 24 hours with ANC on) means you won’t constantly be tethered to a charger. Need a quick power boost? Fast charging gives you four hours of playback from just a 10-minute charge.

• Price: $199.99 $349.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Noise Cancelling: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC)

• Sound Mode: Dolby Atmos

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, USB-C, 3.5mm audio input

• Battery Life: Up to 40 hours (24 hours with ANC on)

• Fast Charging: Yes (4 hours of playback from 10-minute charge)

• Microphone: Yes (voice-targeting mics for clear calls)

• Ear Cushion Material: UltraPlush engineered leather

• Smart Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Transparency Mode

Another major perk? Unlike some headphones that are clearly optimized for Apple devices, these work seamlessly with both Apple and Android. You’ll get one-touch pairing, deeper ecosystem integration, and multiple connectivity options including USB-C audio and a 3.5mm headphone jack for old-school wired listening.

At under $200, this deal is about as good as it gets for premium ANC headphones. Beats Studio Pro delivers when upgrading your setup, traveling, or wanting to block out the world for a bit.

Samsung's phones are well-known for the excellent quality of their cameras. This includes a selection of filters in the Camera app, which allow users to jazz up their snaps by choosing preset adjustments to contrast, saturation, and other such settings.

However, if none of these filters are quite what you're after, Samsung also allows you to create your own custom camera filter based on an image in your camera roll. Simply choose a picture, and your phone will emulate its colour and style in a new camera filter.

SEE ALSO: Behold, the Samsung Galaxy S25 Edge

Here's how to create and save a custom camera filter on your Samsung phone.

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• Samsung phone

Step 1: Open your Camera app.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 2: Swipe to Photo mode.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 3: Tap the three overlapping circles in the top right corner to open the filter menu.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 4: Tap the plus symbol (+) next to the filter options.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 5: Choose an image from your camera roll to use as the basis for your custom filter.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 6: A camera view demonstrating your filter will appear, with your chosen image below it.

Tap and press the camera view to see it without the filter, and release to turn the filter back on. You can tap your chosen image and then drag the corners to redefine the reference area if you would like the filter to only be based on a certain section. You can also tap the filter name to rename your new filter, then select "Rename" to confirm it.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Step 7: Tap "Done" to finalise and save your filter.

Samsung currently doesn't allow you to create a custom filter by manually adjusting settings such as the colour temperature, contrast, and saturation via a slider. There is a way around this though, as you can tweak these settings on a preexisting filter. Simply select the filter you want to edit, tap the value you'd like to change in the bar beneath the filter's name, and drag the arrow to alter it.

The Camera app will save these changes to your filter, so you don't have to readjust it whenever you want to take a new photo. You can also tap the reset button by the filter's name to undo them.

Credit: Amanda Yeo / Mashable

Samsung states that you can create up to 99 of your own filters, which seems like way more than you could ever need or realistically manage. The filter feature doesn't work on all resolution and aspect ratio settings, though. If your filter icon is greyed out, try lowering your camera resolution to fix it.

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get lifetime access to FastestVPN PRO on 15 devices for just £31.01 (reg. £465.24) — a 93% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: FastestVPN FastestVPN PRO: Lifetime Subscription (15 Devices) £31.01 at the Mashable Shop
£465.24 Save £434.23 Get Deal

Online security and privacy are extremely important for internet users, so having a reliable virtual private network (VPN) is always a smart idea. Whether you’re conducting online banking, working with sensitive data, or just want some added privacy, you could benefit from using a VPN.

FastestVPN PRO offers a comprehensive solution that not only helps protect your digital life but also enhances your online experience with a plethora of advanced features. And right now at the Mashable Shop, you can get a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO for up to 15 devices while it’s on sale for £31.01 (reg. £465.24) — that's just £2.07 per device.

FastestVPN PRO lives up to its name by providing lightning-fast speeds with a 99.9 percent uptime guarantee. With access to over 350 high-speed servers globally, users can enjoy seamless browsing, streaming, and downloading without any lag or buffering. Whether you're accessing the internet from your Windows PC, Mac, iOS, Android, Smart TV, or router, FastestVPN ensures a smooth and uninterrupted connection.

Using the WireGuard protocol, users experience secure and unhindered speeds of up to 10 GBPS on the fastest available servers. The inclusion of double VPN servers adds an extra layer of protection, encrypting your data twice for enhanced privacy. Plus, the Internet Kill Switch feature ensures that your IP address remains hidden even if your connection drops unexpectedly, preventing any potential breaches.

The inclusion of a NAT firewall and ad blocker ensures that your device is shielded from potential threats and intrusive advertisements. Additionally, the AES 256-bit encryption safeguards your data with military-grade protection, giving you peace of mind knowing that your information is secure.

This VPN is very user-friendly, making it accessible to users of all levels. The intuitive interface allows for easy navigation and setup, while the multi-device login feature enables you to protect up to 15 devices simultaneously.

Head to the Mashable Shop to grab a lifetime subscription to FastestVPN PRO on sale for £31.01 (reg. £465.24).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

FREE CUPCAKES: On March 7, anyone who identifies as a woman can get a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes from Baked by Melissa. Check participating locations here.

Opens in a new window Credit: Baked by Melissa Baked by Melissa: Free 3-Pack of Cupcakes Learn More

How does International Women’s Day make you feel? Do you feel pride? Do you feel motivated? Do you feel hungry?

On March 7 (the day before International Women’s Day), anyone who identifies as a woman can visit any Baked by Melissa (check participating locations here) to pick up a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes. This free giveaway is only available while supplies last and no qualifying purchase is necessary. Simply stop by and eat for free.

SEE ALSO: Lego is giving away an exclusive Steering Wheel for free. Here’s how to get yours on March 9.

And that's not all, because Baked By Melissa is partnering with Girls With Impact to release a limited-edition Women’s History Month 25-pack (costing $37). For every box sold, $5 will go directly to Girls With Impact, helping them reach their goal of empowering 50,000 young women by 2028. This partnership is running until the end of the month.

Celebrate International Women’s Day by picking up a free three-pack of bite-size cupcakes on March 7.

DISNEY+ BUNDLES: Disney+ is offering bundle deals so you can stream the best of its library at a lower price.

The best Disney+ deals and bundles in March 2025: Best Bundle Deal Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Best Basic Bundle Deal Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal

Whether you're looking to jump into the latest superhero saga or journey to a galaxy far, far away, Disney+ is the streaming service for you.

Home to Marvel, Star Wars, Pixar, and so much more, Disney+ offers a library that's chock-full of shows and films to keep both adults and kids entertained. This includes the latest Marvel show, Daredevil: Born Again, which we said, "stakes its claim as one of the MCU's strongest TV entries" in our review.

If you've had this streaming service on your radar but are unsure which plan is the best fit for you, we've got you covered with a selection of Disney+ streaming deals.

SEE ALSO: Rate your favorite smart home gear for a chance to win a $250 Amazon gift card

There are quite a few bundle deals to check out with Disney+ right now, including the Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle. This is a great investment for those who already own the other two streaming services and are looking to cut down on costs. And with streaming prices on the rise (Disney+ even increased its prices just last year), now's a great time to jump on a bundle like that.

We've detailed all of the available bundle deals below, alongside basic information on Disney+ plans if you just want the House of Mouse's service on its own.

Best Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle $16.99/month with ads, $29.99/month ad-free Get Deal Why we like it

The Disney+, Hulu, and Max bundle is one of the best available at the moment. Starting at $16.99 per month, you can have three excellent streaming services right in the palm of your hand, which is a great offer to take advantage of given streaming service prices keep going up. The $16.99 per month option is for the With Ads plan, but if you'd prefer to watch your favorite content without ads, the No Ads plan comes to $29.99 per month. Compared to what you'd pay for each of these on their own, you're saving 43% with the ad-supported plan and 42% with the ad-free plan.

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (with ads) — $16.99 per month (save 43%)

• Disney+, Hulu, Max Bundle (no ads) — $29.99 per month (save 42%)

Best Basic Bundle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Disney Disney Bundle Duo Basic Disney+ and Hulu with ads for $10.99 per month Get Deal Why we like it

If the Disney+, Hulu, and Max mega bundle feels like a bit too much, there are smaller bundle deals to check out instead. One of the most affordable bundle options the service has is the Duo Basic bundle. This brings together Disney+ and Hulu (With Ads) for $10.99 per month. This is a great way to gain access to both of their libraries for only $1 more than what you'd pay for their ad-supported plans on their own.

• Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $10.99 per month

If you'd rather spring for the ad-free version of that bundle, Duo Premium is what you need. This offers both Disney+ and Hulu without ads for $19.99 per month instead. Disney+ also has Trio bundles that throw in ESPN+. The Trio Basic plan, which has ads, runs for $16.99 per month, and the Trio Premium plan without ads costs $26.99 per month.

• Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $19.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $16.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $26.99 per month

Disney+ monthly plans

Disney+ offers two standard plans if you just want the service on its own. The Disney+ Basic ad-supported plan comes to $9.99 per month while the ad-free Disney+ Premium plan will set you back $15.99 per month or $159.99 per year if you'd rather pay annually.

• Disney+ Basic (With Ads) — $9.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium (No Ads) — $15.99 per month, $159.99 per year

Disney+ has also created an "extra member" plan for people using your account that live outside of your household as they crack down on password sharing. If you're looking to add another person onto your account, you're only allowed one extra profile and can choose from the following add-on plans:

• Disney+ Basic — $6.99 per month

• Disney+ Premium — $9.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Duo Basic — $7.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Duo Premium — $10.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Basic — $11.99 per month

• Disney Bundle Trio Premium — $14.99 per month

There's a wealth of shows and films to check out on Disney+ after you sign up. If you want some help finding something to watch, check out our roundups of the 12 best TV shows for adults on Disney+ and the 20 best movies on Disney+ to start building out your watchlist.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

We've been living in the next generation — by which we mean next gen gaming — for several years now. So whether you're a PS5, Xbox Series X, or souped-up PC gamer, a 4K TV is pretty much mandatory — a crucial companion for your console.

Most 4K TVs come with gaming-friendly features built-in, but not all gaming TVs are made equal. There's spec for every type of gamer. It's a matter of navigating the jargon and finding a 4K TV that will best suit you and your gaming sessions. Most 4K TVs are also loaded with smart features, which are great for when you want to take a break from games, or for when your roommates fancy a good old binge-watch.

With top TV brands updating their TV tech on an annual basis, you can upgrade at pretty much any time. We've done some research to point you towards the best models. Which means you can spend less time reading up online and more time gaming. Here's some useful information and a selection of the best 4K TVs for gaming right now.

What is 4K?

4K is a fancy way of saying ultra-high definition. A 4K TV display has at least 8 million active pixels and a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160 — that's four times the resolution of the HD standard of 1080p. More advanced TVs also upscale regular HD and SD content so it looks as clear and detailed as possible.

Do you need a 4K TV for gaming?

In a word, yes. At least, you do if you want to get the most out of your next-gen console. Not only do the PS5 and Xbox Series X boast 4K content, the current wave of 4K TVs are also packed with other features to meet these consoles’ spec. These include eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel), ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), 4K at 120Hz (High Frame Rate), HGiG tone-mapping, VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and low input lag. These help with smoother gameplay and maximum performance.

How big are 4K TVs?

When it comes to 4K, a bigger screen just makes sense. You sure want to make the most of that 4K resolution. The smallest size in 4K is usually 48 inches, with sizes going up to 55, 65, 75, and even 80+ inch screens. That's a whole lotta TV.

What is low input lag?

This is tech jargon for how long it takes your TV to turn the data it's receiving into an actual image on the screen. The lower the input lag (counted in milliseconds) the better. This means the gaming action will be as up-to-speed as possible, without lagging behind what’s happening on the control pad or your opponent’s screen. What good is it if your trigger and target are out of sync? Milliseconds might not sound like something to worry about, but just 100ms can make a huge difference.

What is ALLM?

This stands for Auto Low Latency Mode. It’s a nifty bit of tech which automatically detects a gaming signal and switches your TV to gaming mode. This essentially shuts down any surplus picture processing power, which in turns speeds up the gaming performance and cuts down on the dreaded input lag. For gamers who like the path of least resistance — i.e. getting into the game with minimal effort — it eliminates the need to switch your TV to its gaming mode before firing up the console.

Do you need HDMI 2.1?

For the PS5 and Xbox Series X, you absolutely need HDMI 2.1. Both consoles use HDMI 2.1 to output games at up to 120fps (frames per second). HDMI 2.1 supports an increased bandwidth of 48Gbps, which means higher resolution, faster refresh rates, and better HDR. HDMI 2.1 also supports eARC for transmitting high-quality audio.

While TVs come with multiple HDMI ports, not all ports will be HDMI 2.1 (2.0 is often included as standard — anything under 2.0 won’t be able to handle 4K resolution at anything higher than 30 frames a second). Fortunately, most of the latest crop of 4K TVs will include at least one HDMI 2.1, which is all you need. This is unless you want to have both a PS5 and Xbox Series X plugged in at once. The PS4 and the last Xbox will happily make do with HDMI 2.0 — as will the Nintendo Switch.

What does 120Hz mean?

This is the refresh rate — how many times the screen refreshes per minute. The higher the refresh rate the smoother the handling of motion and gameplay is. With the PS5 and Xbox Series X pumping out games at 120fps, you want a 4K TV that can handle that with 120Hz. Thankfully, most do. You’ll also find some TVs equipped with VRR. This means Variable Refresh Rate, which keeps pace with sudden changes in a game’s fps output to prevent stuttering within gameplay.

What is the best gaming TV?

From high-end options to more wallet-friendly picks, these are the best gaming-friendly 4K TVs that deliver on fast action, quick response, and overall performance.

These are the best 4K TVs for gaming in 2025.

All telescopes aren't created equal, but how do you find a good one? Here's what I now look for when trying to decide between one telescope and another.

Regardless of whether you use Google Wallet to make payments, it's worth using the app to consolidate your various membership and gift cards. Doing so is easier than you might think.

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro for A$88 through 30 March — boost productivity and upgrade your OS with one affordable bundle.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft The Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle AU$88 at the Mashable Shop
AU$702 Save AU$614 Get Deal

When productivity meets practicality, you get the Ultimate Microsoft Office Professional 2021 + Windows 11 Pro Bundle. This two-in-one deal is tailored for professionals, students, and anyone looking to upgrade their workflow while keeping costs low. With lifetime access, no subscription fees, and seamless integration, it’s a must-have for anyone working smarter, not harder.

Microsoft Office 2021 Professional includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, giving you everything you need to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and more. With tools like advanced co-authoring and Smart Compose, collaborating with teams or family has never been easier. Plus, its redesigned ribbon interface and customization options make every project efficient and visually stunning. Whether you’re drafting reports or designing creative presentations, Office 2021 ensures you stay on top of your game.

Pair that with Windows 11 Pro, a cutting-edge operating system designed to boost productivity and enhance security. Features like Snap Layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing simplify multitasking, while advanced encryption and biometric logins keep your data safe. Gamers will appreciate DirectX 12 Ultimate for next-level visuals, while professionals can access Azure AD, BitLocker, and Hyper-V for streamlined workflows. And with AI-driven Copilot, you can optimize tasks like never before.

This bundle saves you the headache of recurring fees and ensures you have the tools to tackle your day — from running your business to staying secure online.

For a one-time payment of A$88 until 30 March at 11:59 p.m. PT, it’s time to invest in efficiency, creativity, and peace of mind with this combo of a lifetime license to Microsoft Office 2021 and Windows 11 Pro.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

YouTube’s Time Watched feature shows how much time you spend on the platform—but does it really? When I checked mine, the numbers seemed off. But after looking closer, I realized a big chunk wasn’t even screen time. Here’s why YouTube’s watch time stats don’t tell the whole story.

SEGA announced a shift in its game development strategy, focusing on fewer new releases but increased investment in its core studios. That means the flagship games won't be affected, but we may see some projects canceled.

PowerToys adds a ton of must-have functionality to Windows 11, including bulk file renaming, window pinning, and multi-device clipboard sharing. Now, with the v0.89 update, PowerToys is kicking it to the next level with a new Advanced Paste media transcoding feature.

The Apollo missions showed exact science at work. Each part needed to be close to perfection from start to finish. NASA succeeded with 1960s tools—a remarkable feat. Though it was still cutting-edge technology at the time.

Apple is set to release a major update to iOS that addresses a critical pain point for electric vehicle owners. Specifically, the upcoming iOS 18.4 update expands EV routing knowledge to include more EV charging locations for compatible cars with adapters.

I don't remember the last time I used a calculator. In fact, I don't even think I own one! That's because I always use Excel to perform my calculations, and you can do the same.

Microsoft released Windows 11 over three years ago, and while many users have upgraded to the latest operating system version, I’m still sticking with Windows 10. If you're unsure whether to upgrade or stay put, here’s why I haven’t made the switch yet.

Trying the new voice assistant from AI startup Sesame is the first time I momentarily forgot I was talking to a bot.

Compared to ChatGPT's voice mode, Sesame's "conversational voice" feels natural, unforced, and engaging, which totally freaked me out.

On Feb. 27, Sesame launched a demo for its Conversational Speech Model (CSM), which aims to create more meaningful interactions with AI chatbots. "We are creating conversational partners that do not just process requests; they engage in genuine dialogue that builds confidence and trust over time," the announcement states. "In doing so, we hope to realize the untapped potential of voice as the ultimate interface for instruction and understanding." 

Sesame's voice assistant is available as a free demo on the site and comes in two voices: Maya and Miles.

Since Sesame unleashed its voice assistant demo, users have reported awestruck reactions. "I've been into AI since I was a child, but this is the first time I've experienced something that made me definitively feel like we had arrived," user SOCSchamp wrote on Reddit.

Reddit

"Sesame is about as close to indistinguishable from a human that I've ever experienced in a conversational AI," user Siciliano777 wrote on Reddit.

Reddit

After talking to Sesame's bot, I was similarly wowed. I talked to the Maya voice for about 10 minutes about the ethics of using AI as a companion and came away feeling like I had a genuine conversation with a considerate, informed person. Maya's speech had a natural cadence, using interjections like "you know" and "hm," and even making tongue clicking and inhaling sounds.

The strongest impression I got from interacting with Maya was that she immediately asked questions, engaging me in the conversation. The bot started our conversation by asking how my Wednesday morning was going (note: it was indeed a Wednesday morning.) In contrast, ChatGPT voice mode waited for me to talk first, which isn't necessarily a good or bad thing, but it intrinsically shaped the conversation as me using ChatGPT as a tool for something I needed.

Maya asked about the risks of AI companions getting "too good at being human." When I told her I was concerned about the rise of more sophisticated scams and people losing touch with reality by replacing humans with bots, she responded thoughtfully and pragmatically. "Scammers are gonna scam, that's a given. And as for the human connection thing, maybe we need to learn how to be better companions, not replacements, you know, the kind of AI friends who actually make you want to go out and do stuff with real people," said Maya.

When I had a similar conversation with ChatGPT, I received a response that felt more like boilerplate language from a school guidance counselor: "That's a valid concern. It’s really important to balance technology with real human interactions. AI can be a helpful tool, but it shouldn't replace genuine human connections. It’s good that you're thinking about these issues."

While OpenAI pioneered voice mode's ability to be interrupted and have a more fluid back-and-forth conversation, ChatGPT still tends to respond in complete sentences and paragraph blocks, which sounds, well, robotic. When using ChatGPT voice mode, I never forget that I'm talking to a bot, and that's reflected in the conversation, which can feel stilted and forced.

By comparison, AI for Humans podcast co-host Gavin Purcell posted a Sesame conversation on Reddit where it's practically impossible to distinguish which voice is the bot. Purcell prompted the Miles voice by telling it to act like an angry boss.

Reddit

A very silly conversation followed about money laundering, bribery, and a mysterious incident in Malta. Miles didn't miss a step. There was no perceptible latency, and the bot remembered the context of the conversation and creatively advanced the improvisational argument by escalating, calling Purcell "delusional," and firing him.

Of course, there are some limitations. Maya's voice glitched a few times throughout our conversation, and it didn't always get the syntax right, like saying, "It's a heavy talk that come."

According to its technical paper, Sesame trained its CSM (based on Meta's Llama model) by combining the traditional two-step process of training text-to-speech models on semantic tokens and then acoustic tokens, decreasing latency. OpenAI similarly used this multimodal approach to training voice mode. However, it has never released a dedicated technical paper on voice mode's inner workings — it only discusses voice mode in the GPT-4o research. 

Knowing this, it's surprising how much better Sesame's model is at conversational dialog. However, Sesame's launch is just a demo, so it merits further scrutiny when the full model comes out. According to the demo announcement, Sesame plans to open source its model "in the coming months" and expand to over 20 languages.