IT General

3 must-watch Paramount+ shows to stream this weekend (March 20-22)

How-To Geek - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 13:00

Cheers to the weekend. While some of you will be tuning in for March Madness, others might be trying to catch up on some of their TV shows. If Paramount+ is one of your streaming services, then this guide is for you. Paramount+ features original programming and shows from broadcast television.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming deals to shop ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:38
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale gaming deals: Best Console Deal ASUS ROG Xbox Ally $549.99 (save $50) Shop Now Best Video Game Deal NBA 2K26 (PS5) $19.93 (save $50.06) Shop Now Best Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) $799.99 (save $500) Shop Now Best Gaming Mouse Deal Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse $26.99 (save $23) Shop Now

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is almost here, but the gaming deals are already live.

We’re already seeing discounts spread across some of the biggest gaming categories, including PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch titles, gaming monitors, headset, and more accessories. Just like with our roundups of Pokémon deals, Lego deals, and TV deals, we’ll be updating this guide as more Big Spring Sale gaming deals go live. Expect more discounts on consoles, video games, monitors, mice, and more gear in the days ahead.

Best gaming console deal Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Xbox Ally $549.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $50   Get Deal

Handheld gaming PCs are still far from cheap, but Amazon has already shaved something off one of the newer Xbox-branded options. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is down to $549.99 from $599.99, which knocks $50 off the list price.

That’s the best price we've seen for this system so far (confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel), so this is an impressive price cut on a portable system that blends Xbox branding with the flexibility of a Windows handheld. You're getting a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz touchscreen, AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription bundled in.

This handheld model supports Xbox Game Pass, but you can also run games on Steam, Epic Games, and other Windows titles. That gives it a lot more versatility than a locked-down console-style device.

Best video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: 2K NBA 2K26 (PS5) $19.93 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $50.06   Get Deal

As for cheaper games, though, NBA 2K26 is down to just $19.93 from $69.99 on PS5 — its lowest price ever, as confirmed with camelcamelcamel, as well. That’s 72% off the full game that includes ProPLAY-enhanced gameplay, MyCAREER, MyTEAM, and MyNBA modes, giving basketball fans plenty to dig into whether they mostly play solo or jump online with friends.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale gaming deals

PlayStation games

Nintendo Switch 2 games

Xbox games

Gaming mice

Gaming headsets

Gaming monitors

Categories: IT General, Technology

BTS fans, youve got to see Googles trivia quest

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:33

Google Search added a little trivia quest to mark BTS' release of Arirang, the K-pop icons' first album in four years. And we're talking we're talking lachimolala level knowledge required.

If you type "BTS" into the Google search bar, you'll see a little animation pop up with the album icons. However, it doesn't stop there, as you'll notice a small ship in a bottle sitting at the bottom of the screen.

SEE ALSO: BTS' 'SWIM' video is already tearing up YouTube

If you click the ship — a nod to the video for BTS' lead Arirang single "SWIM" video — you'll either be prompted to scan a QR code with your smartphone or if you're already on mobile, you'll be sent to a "Scavenger Hunt" game in which you can answer BTS trivia questions to unlock cards to build a song deck. They're not easy questions (the emoji question had me pacing) and if you're stuck, there's already a whole Reddit thread happening.

At the time of writing, over 16 million quests have been solved by Google users. That's a lot of BTS knowledge.

You know you could crush this, ARMY. Credit: Google / Mashable screenshot.

It's a big day indeed for ARMY (BTS fans), with the release of the group's 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.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Love your power tools? Here's why you need a 3D printer

How-To Geek - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:30

Power tools are key to getting the most out of raw materials like wood and metal, while 3D printers allow you to do the same with plastic filament. So why not combine these two superpowers and get more from your power tools with a 3D printer? That’s exactly what many people have already done.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Pokémon deals to shop ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Trading cards at record lows

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:20
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale Pokémon deals: Best Mega Charizard deal Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $190.67 (save $59.33) Shop Now Best Preorder Deal Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 $59.99 Shop Now Best Collector Chest Deal Pokémon TCG Collector Chest Fall 2025 $47.30 (save $10.69) Shop Now Best Mega Evolution Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes 2-Pack Blister $28.45 (save $1.50) Shop Now Best Perfect Order Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $260 (save $19.99) Shop Now

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is right around the corner, but Pokémon fans do not need to wait for the official kickoff on March 25. Amazon already has a handful of early discounts and preorder price cuts live across the Pokémon category, covering everything from collector-focused TCG boxes to discounted Switch games — along with gaming deals, TV deals, Lego deals, and much more.

Best Pokémon deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection $190.67 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $59.32   Get Deal

The Pokémon TCG Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection is one of the best early Pokémon deals already live ahead of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale — down to $190.67 from $249.99, saving you $59.32 on a premium collector box with tons of packs and extra collectibles. It's now close to TCGplayer's market price value of $188.91.

This set includes 18 booster packs,, foil promo cards of Mega Charizard X ex and Oricorio ex, plus sleeves, a playmat, deck box, metal coin, dice, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. That makes it more of a centerpiece purchase than a casual pickup, but for collectors or Charizard fans, it is one of the more eye-catching early deals live right now.

You'll get four packs of Phantasmal Flames, four Mega Evolution, four Destined Rivals, four Journey Together, and two Surging Sparks with this limited-time offer.

Best Pokémon preorder deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 $59.25 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

The second option is less of a markdown and more of a strategic preorder for anyone trying to get ahead of the rush. The Pokémon TCG: First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available to preorder for $59.25 and is set to release on March 20. 

This set, along with a booster pack each of Phantasmal Flames and Mega Evolution, includes one booster pack containing three of nine illustration rare-style promo cards themed around first partner Pokémon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, or Alola regions, plus a sticker sheet. 

Currently, this sits over $10 above its market price on TCGplayer, but Amazon's listing is still cheaper than most listings when shipping costs are considered. Because this is a limited collection, we expect the value of the First Partner Illustration Collection to go way up once there’s less availability after its release date. 

More Pokémon deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

BTS SWIM video is already tearing up YouTube

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:11

Whatever the hell you're doing today, make sure it involves BTS' absolutely exquisite return album, Arirang.

The K-pop superstars' first album in four years is out with crisp lead single "SWIM" already clocking up 14 million views on YouTube in six hours (at the time of writing). That's some hectic ARMY effort right there, and it's sure to keep on sailing.

From Ukrainian director Tanu Muiño (who's behind Lil Nas X's "Montero (Call Me by Your Name)" video), the "SWIM" video sees Lili Reinhart wandering around a maritime museum before we're whisked off to a ship helmed by a reunited RM, Jin, SUGA, j-hope, Jimin, V, and Jung Kook. It's a dreamboat full of dreamboats.

Want to tune into BTS The Comeback Live | Arirang live? Here's Mashable's guide.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 great Netflix shows you should watch this weekend (March 20-22)

How-To Geek - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 12:00

This weekend on Netflix, all eyes will be on Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man, one of the most anticipated movies of 2026. The film marks the return of Cillian Murphy as the iconic Tommy Shelby. We understand that the Peaky Blinders movie will be a priority for many Netflix users. Afterward, we have three shows that should be next in your queue.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop using DOC: Your old Word files are fragile, risky, and slow

How-To Geek - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:30

If your digital archives still house rows of DOC files, you're essentially keeping a fleet of 1998 Honda Civics in your garage. They were reliable back in the day, but they lack the airbags, fuel efficiency, and security of a modern ride. It's time to trade them in for the DOCX standard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 20, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:22

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people knowledgeable about college basketball.

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.

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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.

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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: A separation

  • Green: Fancy footwork

  • Blue: Bracket climbers

  • Purple: Same first word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Part ways

  • Green: Types of kicks in soccer

  • Blue: Last year's Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four

  • Purple: Miami ____

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 #543 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Part ways - AXE, CAN, FIRE, SACK

  • Types of kicks in soccer - BICYCLE, CORNER, INDIRECT, PENALTY

  • Last year's Women's NCAA Tournament Final Four - BRUINS, GAMECOCKS, HUSKIES, LONGHORNS

  • Miami ____ - DOLPHINS, GRAND PRIX, HEAT, REDHAWKS

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

Apples iPhone Fold may come later than we thought

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:17

We might have to wait a little longer than anticipated for Apple's iPhone Fold.

Analyst Tim Long said so in a new research note for Barclays (via MacRumors), claiming that the shipments for the iPhone Fold will likely begin in December 2026, a few months after iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max hit the shelves.

SEE ALSO: Apple responds to DarkSword spyware, the hacker tool targeting iPhones

This doesn't necessarily means the iPhone Fold will not launch in September alongside other flagships. But Apple might announce it in September and actually release it a few months later, just like it did with the iPhone X.

We've previously seen reports that all three iPhone flagships will launch in Apple's usual September timeframe; this is the first time we've heard about the Fold arriving a few months later.

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Long also said he expects Apple's base model, the iPhone 18, to launch in March 2027, which would mean Apple would skip it entirely in 2026. We've heard that before, but Long also said Apple plans to launch two other phones alongside the iPhone 18: the iPhone 18e, as well as either an upgraded iPhone Air, or an iPhone 18 Plus.

Apple's iPhone "Plus" model has gone away in 2025, with Apple effectively replacing it with the super-thin iPhone Air. This is the first time we've heard about the possible resurgence of an iPhone Plus instead of a new iPhone Air, and while it does seem unlikely that Apple would flip-flop between models like that, rumors that iPhone Air isn't selling too well do lend some credibility to this idea.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for March 20, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:15

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 20, 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 20, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 20 Pips

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

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 20 Pips

Equal (5): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 1-0, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 20 Pips

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

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

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

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

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

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 2-5, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this purple space must add up to 6. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically; 1-1, placed vertically.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Your travel prep should include learning the language with Babbel

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get Babbel Language Learning Lifetime Access for $159 (reg. $646.20) with the StackSocial code LEARN and study 14 languages with short, practical lessons designed for real-world conversation.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $159
$646.20 Save $487.20   Get Deal

Is there a big trip on the horizon? You’re probably thinking about flights, hotels, and restaurant reservations. But there’s one piece of travel prep that often gets overlooked: learning a bit of the local language.

Even knowing a few phrases can make a big difference. Ordering dinner, asking for directions, or greeting someone properly tends to go much more smoothly when you’re not relying entirely on translation apps.

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You can currently grab lifetime access to Babbel Language Learning for $159 (reg. $646.20) with the StackSocial code LEARN.

Babbel focuses on practical, real-world conversations, which makes it especially useful for travelers. Lessons cover situations like dining out, shopping, navigating a city, or making small talk. And because each lesson only takes about 10–15 minutes, it’s easy to squeeze in practice before your trip.

The platform includes 14 languages, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Portuguese, Swedish, and more. You can learn on your phone, tablet, or computer, and your progress syncs across devices automatically. Babbel also includes speech recognition technology, so you can practice pronunciation and get feedback while you’re learning. There’s even an AI conversation partner designed to help you practice forming sentences naturally.

Whether your next adventure is in Europe, South America, or somewhere closer to home, knowing the language — even just a little — can make the experience richer and more memorable. Get lifetime Babbel access for just $159 (reg. $646.20) when you use the StackSocial code LEARN at checkout.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The M4 MacBook Air is $250 off ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale — score the best-ever price

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:48

SAVE $250: As of March 20, the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $949 at Amazon. That's a 21% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M4 $949 at Amazon
$1,119 Save $170   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale officially gets underway next week (March 25-31), but if you're already in the market for a bargain, early discounts have started to drop. From big ticket items like portable power stations, to everyday essentials that can save you a few dollars, there's something for everyone. And Apple products are very much in the mix, like this latest deal on the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air M4.

As of March 20, this MacBook (voted our best MacBook for most people in 2026) is down to just $949 from $1,199. That's $250 off the list price and the best-ever price for this popular model.

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This laptop is seriously fast and capable of slick multitasking thanks to the powerful M4 chip. It also gives you up to 18 hours of battery life, so even if you have a heavy workload, this MacBook will cope all day long.

The 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display is incredibly sharp and supports up to one billion colors. You'll also get a 12MP Center Stage camera, three microphones, and a six-speaker system so all your video calls are high quality. Connection-wise you'll get two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe charging, a headphone jack, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 5.3, and support for up to two external displays, ideal if you prefer an extended work setup.

Get this great MacBook Air deal at Amazon now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals this week, according to Mashables team of shopping experts

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:44

We're always looking for new and inventive ways to hit you with big savings on popular items. We cover hundreds of deals every month. You can find these deals on site, on socials, and on our newsletter. We've also launched a Mashable Deals text group. The daily deals that we send to this group are researched and assessed by the team with the same level of care that we dedicate to the rest of our shopping content.

You can find a live hub for those deals right here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 20, 2026

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:18

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, March 20, 2026:

AcrossCable channel that airs March Madness games

  • The answer is TBS.

Rapper with the 2026 #1 album "The Fall-Off"

  • The answer is J Cole.

Review thoroughly, as taxes

  • The answer is Audit.

"Darn it!"

  • The answer is Crap.

Annoying things to realize you've left in the house

  • The answer is Keys.

DownYesterday, tomorrow

  • The answer is Today.

Radar screen dots

  • The answer is Blips.

"On your marks … get ___ …"

  • The answer is Set.

Playing card historically called a knave

  • The answer is Jack.

Medical success

  • The answer is Cure.

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta reverses course, will keep metaverse partially VR after all

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:14

Earlier this week, Meta announced that its VR app Horizon Worlds would no longer be available in virtual reality (VR) after June 15. It looked like a significant setback to the tech giant's grand VR metaverse vision, with Meta refocusing its efforts on the Horizon Worlds mobile app instead.

Now it seems as though Meta has partially reversed its decision, with CTO Andrew "Boz" Bosworth citing feedback from users who "encouraged [it] to reconsider." Announcing the change on Wednesday, Bosworth stated that while no new Horizon Worlds games will come to VR, Meta will now continue to support those that already exist.

SEE ALSO: Meta's VR Metaverse takes one more step into the grave

"We have decided — just today, in fact — that we will keep Horizon Worlds working in VR for existing games," Bosworth said in an Instagram story responding to Meta users' questions. "The Horizon Unity Runtime games, they're not gonna work on mobile, they'll just be working on VR. We're not bringing new games, again, most of our energy is going toward mobile and the Meta Horizon engine there. The reason for that is because that's where most of the consumer and creator energy already was, and so we're kind of leaning into that."

"But for people who already have games that they like, that they're using in Horizon Worlds, they'll be able to download the Horizon Worlds app and use it for the foreseeable future."

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Released in 2021, Meta's Horizon Worlds is a massively multiplayer online space which allows users to create and share games. Though initially a strictly VR experience only accessible via virtual reality headsets such as the Meta Quest or Oculus Rift, Meta subsequently rolled out mobile and desktop versions of Horizon Worlds in 2023.

Last month, Meta acknowledged that the robust VR industry it had predicted "hasn't grown as much or as quickly as [it had] hoped," prompting the company to readjust its approach and focus on Horizon Worlds as a mobile platform. 

Even so, Bosworth has stressed that he still believes in the future of Meta's metaverse. Posting to Threads, the Meta executive noted the distinction between VR and the metaverse. 

"I’ve said it before, will keep saying it, the metaverse is not just Horizon or VR," Bosworth wrote. "It's the blending of the digital and physical that will define the next computing platform. We can experience it on VR and AR sure but we also see it on mobile platforms. The future is here, it is just not evenly distributed."

Though the terms "virtual reality" and "metaverse" are frequently used in conjunction, they are two different technologies. A metaverse is a virtual world that users explore using digital avatars, allowing them to work, play, shop, socialise, and theoretically do almost anything else they're able to in real life. In contrast, virtual reality is a technology that enables users to immerse themselves in 3D digital environments, displayed via a VR headset.

As such, Bosworth is correct in that virtual reality technically isn't necessary for a metaverse to exist. Still, it is considered a significant element. Most people envisaging a metaverse-heavy future likely picture an immersive Ready Player One experience rather than playing Roblox on a phone screen.

Meta laid off over 1,000 employees from its VR-focused Reality Labs division in January, Bosworth telling ACCESS podcast that the company is investing less in the technology due to its slow growth. Reality Labs has reportedly lost over $70 billion since 2021, the year Meta changed its name from Facebook and announced it was going all in on becoming "a metaverse company."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Chromebooks for 2026

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:12

Mashable staff and contributors have tested nearly a dozen popular Chromebooks over the course of the past two years, and as of March 2026, there are four I recommend in particular. My top pick for most people is the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14, a high-end Chromebook with a speedy processor, a fanless aluminum build, a clacky backlit keyboard, great battery life, and a beautiful OLED display. It starts at $649.99 (or $749.99 as tested), which is pricey for a Chromebook, but it's super future-proofed and worth the hassle of hunting down on sale.

My complete guide to the best Chromebooks includes other picks for budget shoppers and kids, so keep scrolling. (And if you aren't sure whether a Chromebook is right for you, check out my explainer on how they're different from regular Windows laptops and MacBooks.)

What's new

I made a couple changes to this guide in March 2026. The Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14 is now our No. 1 pick overall, replacing the Lenovo Flex 5i Chromebook Plus, which has been out of stock for several weeks. Additionally, I've decided to crown the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 the best option for gaming. It's dethroned the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE, which is no longer available in new condition.

What's on deck

Acer, Asus, HP, and Lenovo all announced new Chromebooks for 2026 at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in early January. None of them have set pricing or release dates for their devices yet, but we plan on testing them as soon as they're available. Here's the full lineup:

  • The 15-inch Acer Chromebook 315 will be powered by MediaTek's new Kompanio 540 chip, a lesser version of its powerful Kompanio Ultra 910 chip (as seen in the Acer Chromebook Plus Spin 514 and the Lenovo Chromebook Plus 14).

  • The Asus Chromebook CM14 and CM15 are clamshell-style models that will come in six color options, though not all of them will be available in the U.S. They'll run on the Kompanio 540 chip, too.

  • The Asus Chromebook CM32 Detachable has a 2.5K 120Hz display, a removable keyboard, and that same Kompanio 540 processor. I saw this one in person at CES and thought it looked a lot like an iPad.

  • The HP Chromebook 14 and Chromebook Plus 14 are entry-level options with 2K displays and basic Intel processors. The HP Chromebook x360 14 and Chromebook Plus x360 14 are their convertible counterparts. These will probably be some of the cheapest options available.

  • Lenovo Chromebook Plus 15 i is a 15-incher with an Intel Core i3 processor (hence the "15 i" in its name). It will have a 2K display, a 5MP webcam, and a fingerprint reader, making it a higher-end variant.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships online for free

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:06

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free on SBS On Demand, CBC Gem, or BBC iPlayer. Access these free streaming platforms from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The best athletes from around the world are heading to Poland to compete in the World Athletics Indoor Championships. Some of the biggest names in track and field will compete, including Mondo Duplantis, Keely Hodgkinson, Cole Hocker, and Julien Alfred. It's going to be a special display of athletic prowess, and you can follow all the action without spending anything.

If you want to watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What are the World Athletics Indoor Championships?

The World Athletics Indoor Championships are a biennial indoor track and field competition that serves as the global championship for this version of the sport.

When are the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships?

The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships will take place from March 20-22. This event will take place at the Kujawsko-Pomorska Arena Toruń in Poland.

How to watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free

The 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships is available to live stream for free on a number of platforms:

These streaming platforms are geo-restricted, but anyone can access for free with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites from anywhere in the world.

Access free World Athletics Indoor Championships live streams by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access

  4. Visit SBS On Demand, CBC Gem, or BBC iPlayer

  5. Live stream the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for live sport?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • 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).

Watch the 2026 World Athletics Indoor Championships for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Two weeks in isolation: The quiet routine before Artemis 2 blasts off

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:00

As NASA rolled the mega moon rocket to the launchpad Thursday night, the astronauts preparing to ride it watched the spectacle from screens in their quarantine facility.

As of Wednesday evening, the Artemis II crew — Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch, and Canada's Jeremy Hansen — reported to Johnson Space Center in Houston to begin their mandatory two-week isolation. 

It's a milestone moment for any space mission, but one the foursome has already experienced twice before for launch dates that came and went. Mission managers have been trying to launch the 10-day lunar voyage since February, but crews keep finding problems requiring repairs. Now they're shooting for a launch window that begins April 1. 

No one yet knows whether the third quarantine is the charm for Artemis II, but the policy protects the crew and their spaceflight from being derailed by everyday germs. After all, Wiseman, Glover, Koch, and Hansen will share extremely tight quarters in a sealed spacecraft as they journey around the moon. The Orion capsule, which they've named Integrity, is about the size of a studio apartment. Even a mild virus could spread quickly among them. 

"We choose to isolate the crew for 14 days before a launch because most infectious diseases take 10 to 14 days to be transferred from one person to another," said Dr. Raffi Kuyumjian, the Canadian Space Agency's flight surgeon, in a video. 

SEE ALSO: NASA's Hubble telescope just saw the space version of a white whale

Medical teams test astronauts when they enter quarantine and again just before liftoff to try to catch any warning signs of illness.

If the idea of that long isolation sounds bleak, know that the quarantine rarely involves astronauts alone. Medical staff, support crews, and technicians who work closely with them often join the protective bubble so they don't pass anything on either. Family members may also join.

NASA quarantine history

Agency policies have come a long way since the Apollo era. Astronauts used to have to go into quarantine before and after returning from the moon. Those pioneers would remain isolated and monitored for 21 days after splashing down on Earth, in case they had been exposed to any microorganisms in the lunar environment. 

Their Mobile Quarantine Facility was made out of a modified Airstream camper. The vehicle was carefully filtered so that it couldn't vent anything harmful into the air.

It wasn't until 1971 that NASA ended the post-flight quarantine procedures, following a recommendation from the Interagency Committee on Back Contamination.

NASA discontinued using the modified Airstream campers as post-flight quarantine facilities after Apollo 14. Credit: NASA The Artemis 2 crew quarantine

A week before launch, the crew will move to group facilities at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida, for the final stretch of quarantine. There they keep training but mainly focus on relaxing. They run through last checklists, sit down with flight directors for final briefings, and complete their last medical exams. They also spend what time they can with family before heading to the launchpad.

"They need to be well-rested because the mission will be very busy," Dr. Kuyumjian said.

But the quarantine is really just one layer of defense to protect crew health. The astronauts and support staff receive vaccines, such as for the flu and COVID-19, to lower the risk of those viruses boarding the spacecraft.

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Launch delays can complicate the system. If the schedule slips by a day or two, astronauts generally stay in quarantine until the new launch time. But if a mission is pushed back by several weeks or longer, they come out of quarantine and then start a fresh 14-day isolation before the next attempt.

On the rare occasions when someone has gotten sick in quarantine, it has usually involved mild respiratory infections that did not end up changing the mission. Only if the illness is serious do mission leaders consider delaying the launch or swapping astronauts. 

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That's an option rarely used, though Jack Swigert is a famous example of a last-minute substitute for Apollo 13. Just three days before the mission, NASA pulled astronaut Thomas Mattingly from the mission because of his exposure to the German measles. As history would show, Mattingly never ended up getting sick — but also didn't end up on that ill-fated flight, which nearly killed the crew.  

"It didn't take an awful long time for me to get rid of my hostility for doctors," Mattingly said in a 2001 oral history project interview. "They [had] done me a really good favor." 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon sales are notorious for these classic deals — shop early deals on Amazon devices, robot vacuums, AirPods, and more

Mashable - Fri, 03/20/2026 - 10:00
The best early classic deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle $202.97 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best Bluetooth tracker deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4 pack) $63 at Amazon (save $36) Get Deal Best Fire Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $21.99 at Amazon with code SAVE254K (save $28) Get Deal Best Apple AirPods deals Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

We're gearing up for the first major Amazon sale of 2026. The Amazon Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25, giving us the opportunity to shop the retailer's best spring deals through March 31. During a time when the price of simply breathing seems to get more expensive by the day, we're looking forward to shopping deals next week.

Amazon is notorious for offering a selection of classing deals during major sale events — sales that we see pop up every Prime Day sale. These include Amazon devices, Apple products, Ninja kitchen appliances, and plenty more.

The sale doesn't begin until March 25, but we're already seeing some nice discounts. Not everything we're hoping for is on sale quite yet (looking at you, LifeStraw). But if past sales trends hold true, we just need to be patient. In the meantime, Amazon has plenty of great classic deals on offer that are worthy of shopping ahead of the sale. Here are some of the best options to buy today.

Best Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle $202.97
$222.97 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

The standard Amazon Kindle Paperwhite with 16GB storage comes with a list price of $159.99 but during Black Friday and Cyber Monday in 2025, we saw that drop to $124.99. We hope to see that sale price again next week during the Amazon Big Spring Sale event, but in the meantime, Amazon has the Kindle Paperwhite Bundle on a discount. The Paperwhite (Mashable's favorite Kindle), a plant-based leather cover, and a power adapter is on sale for $202.97, marked down from the normal price of $222.97.

The Kindle Paperwhite is the perfect spring break accessory since it's lightweight enough to pack along and it's waterproof. Plus, a single charge can last for up to 12 weeks.

Best Bluetooth tracker deal 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

Apple AirTags are a staple feature during Amazon sales. Will we see the first-ever discount on the second generation AirTags? We'll have to wait on that one, but for now, you can snag a four-pack of first generation Apple AirTags for only $63. That's just one cent away from matching the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon. At $63 for the bundle, each Apple Bluetooth tracker costs just $15.75. The timing for this deal couldn't be better since we're all-eyes on spring break and we're booking summer travel since airfare prices have no bounds these days.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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