IT General

Amazon is clearing out last-gen tech for the Big Spring Sale: Save up to $300

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 19:19
Last-chance deals on last-gen tech: Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best deal for parents Amazon Fire 7 Kids (16GB) $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best audio deal Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds $248 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) $549.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best e-reader deal Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $429.99 (save $270) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 50-inch Fire TV Omni QLED Series 4K TV $379.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Got spring cleaning on your mind? So does Amazon: The retail giant is putting last-gen tech on sale at deep discounts during the Big Spring Sale (March 25 to 31), its main seasonal savings event, to clear out its remaining inventory.

Older versions of some of our favorite gadgets are currently on sale there for record-low prices (or close to them). The zippy M4 MacBook Air? Up to $150 cheaper than the iterative M5 version Apple announced this month. The superb Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds? Only $248. Previous-generation Echo devices? Grab the 2022 Echo Dot smart speaker or Echo Show 5 smart display for 20% off.

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

We'll be updating this list of past-gen tech deals with more offers as Amazon's Big Spring Sale continues, so check back soon. In the meantime, this is your opportunity to clean up with last-chance deals on last-gen gadgets.

Amazon Echo dealsSmartwatch and fitness tracker dealsHeadphone and earbud dealsTablet and e-reader dealsLaptop dealsMiscellaneous tech deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Meta, YouTube found guilty of negligence in history-making social media addiction trial

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 19:10

A Los Angeles jury has ruled that social media giants Meta and Google-owned Youtube are guilty of negligent platform design that resulted in harm to a young user's mental health.

The ruling came after several days of deliberation in a personal injury lawsuit that industry experts say will have rippling effects on Big Tech.

SEE ALSO: Meta loses major child safety trial, ordered to pay $375 million

The jury agreed with the plaintiff that the platforms' design features were a "substantial factor" in causing mental health-related harms and that company leaders knew their products could be dangerously addictive. The companies were ordered to split compensatory damages of $3 million, with Meta paying 70 percent and YouTube 30 percent.

The jury later announced an additional $3 million in punitive damages. YouTube's lawyer apologized to the plaintiff in court, the New York Times reported, saying: "We are sorry for the things you have suffered. We at YouTube truly hope there have been things at YouTube that have enriched your life and allowed you to express yourself.”

Meta says it is exploring legal options to appeal the decision.

"Today, a jury saw the truth and held Meta and Google accountable for designing products that addict and harm children," said court-appointed plaintiff counsel Lexi Hazam and Previn Warren, in a statement following the decision. "Top tech executives took the stand, and their own internal documents were put before a jury, revealing that company leadership knew their platforms were hurting kids and repeatedly chose profits over children's safety. This verdict sends an unmistakable message that no company is above accountability when it comes to our children." 

Nonprofit Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA) called the decision "long overdue validation" for families of children who had been hurt or died by suicide after engaging with harmful content online. "Now, our elected officials must build on the momentum from this ruling by passing legislation that requires online platforms to be safe by design and ends Big Tech’s efforts to addict kids to their dangerous products," founder and executive director Julie Scelfo wrote.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg both testified in front of the jury last month. Other social media platforms were also named in the lawsuit, brought forth by a young user referred to as K.G.M and her mother. K.G.M. accused the platforms of knowingly investing in site features that led to addictive behavior, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, even after safety warnings were flagged by internal employees — it's the first of a consolidated group of lawsuits filed by more than 1,600 plaintiffs, known as a watershed case. TikTok and Snapchat both settled with K.G.M. prior to the jury trial.

"Social media giants would never have faced trial if they had prioritized kids' safety over engagement. Instead, they buried their own research showing children were being harmed, and used kids and society as guinea pigs in massive, uncontrolled, and wildly profitable experiments," wrote James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of child safety nonprofit Common Sense Media.

Hours before the K.G.M decision was announced, a different jury announced another guilty verdict for Meta, which ordered the tech giant to pay $375 million in damages for misleading users about its platform's safety features and endangering young users. The case was brought forth by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, amid a wave of similar state-level lawsuits against social media platforms over the last few years.

In a statement sent to the media following the Los Angeles ruling, Torrez said that the jury recognized Big Tech's ongoing "deception" of the public. "In the next phase of New Mexico’s trial, my number one priority remains changing [Meta]’s longstanding and dangerous practice of prioritizing profits over children’s safety," said Torrez.

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2026, 5:14 p.m. This story was updated again to include the jury's decision to award punitive damages to K.G.M.

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2026, 2:37 p.m. This story was updated with additional statements from the New Mexico Attorney General and Mothers Against Media Addiction.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Super Mario Bros. Wonder has a little bit for everyone

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 19:08

I'm going to get one thing out of the way first: The full, official title for this game is Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park. I'm saying this now because I don't want to ever type all of that out again.

Anyway, that's the name for the $20 Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade (or $80 if you don't already own the original game) for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a rather excellent 2D platform adventure for Nintendo's venerable mascot that came out a couple of years ago on Switch. Nintendo's "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" experiment has yielded fascinating and inconsistent results so far; some games like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition got barebones $5 graphics upgrades, while Wonder is getting a whole slew of new stages, modes, and boss fights for $20.

I've gotten to play some of this new version of Wonder and while it's not all for me, I do think there's roughly $20 worth of fun to be had here for almost any kind of player. I don't think all of it is super great, but as a de facto DLC add-on for an already very good game, it's hard to complain.

SEE ALSO: Hands-on: 'Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream' is perfect for a daily dose of laughs Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Switch 2 is a grab bag of varied activities I love the Koopalings. Credit: Nintendo

When Nintendo first announced a paid Switch 2 upgrade for Wonder, my mind immediately went to "oh, they're going to add a bunch of new levels, awesome!" That's not exactly what happened here.

Instead, the contents of this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition do a pretty nice job of remixing and reusing what was already there to add several hours worth of gameplay on top of the existing adventure. On the single player side of things, the Toad Brigade has arrived in Wonder's world with seemingly several dozen "training exercises" that are actually really cool little challenge levels to test the skills of anyone who has already played a decent amount of Wonder.

SEE ALSO: A cool 'Pokémon' GameCube game is now on Nintendo Switch 2, but there's a catch

There are a handful of different variants here. Some levels ask you to collect a certain amount of coins within a time limit, others ask you to do the same but for defeating enemies instead of collecting coins, while my favorite category challenges the player to get to the end of the level without ever losing the power of an invincibility star. Even as a lifelong, veteran Mario platformer fan, I found these levels appropriately challenging, and surprisingly some of the early ones actually made me sweat a bit. Like the optional late-game challenges in Wonder's base game, I imagine the later Toad Brigade challenges are legitimately extremely hard.

The other main pillar of Wonder's new solo content on Switch 2 is a series of boss fights against the Koopalings. Each one shacks up in a different part of the game's overworld map, waiting for Mario to come challenge them. While there's a short, pretty basic level before each boss, the main appeal here is the fights themselves. Each Koopaling uses the power of Wonder Seeds (which made every level wild and wacky in the base game) to transform into some kind of nonsensical, unpredictable form for Mario to fight. Without spoiling them, as there are only a handful of these fights in the game, they're genuinely pretty neat and give Wonder some fun and creative boss fight juice the original release didn't really have.

I'll admit that I was initially pretty turned off by these single-player offerings (some of which can also be played in local co-op, though I didn't get to try that). In my mind, a Switch 2 Edition of Mario Wonder should've provided maybe a whole new world with new music and backgrounds, rather than remixed challenge levels. However, after actually playing this stuff, I can't say with any honesty that it's bad at all. The Toad Brigade challenges in particular are meaty enough to satisfy Wonder fans, I reckon.

There's also some multiplayer stuff It can get pretty chaotic. Credit: Nintendo

The "Meetup in Bellabel Park" part of that gargantuan title I referenced earlier refers to a new area on the map called, well, Bellabel Park. It's essentially a hub for a whole gang of new local and online multiplayer activities, meaning those who prefer solo play like me will get next to nothing out of it. Bummer!

Still, having said that, my limited experience in playing these modes at press events and during the review period was still fairly fun. Most of them are some variant of "race to the end of the level before everyone else," though obviously with some fun modifiers for each mode. Different races use different power-ups, stage features, and badges to create unique experiences for different skill levels. It's pretty fun when you get a GameChat session of 12 people together, though I can't speak to the local experience, as I am a single man with no children.

I'm simply not the target audience for the multiplayer side of Wonder on Switch 2 and that's fine. If I had kids, I could easily see getting hours of playtime out of this part of the game. It's basically a series of Mario Party minigames that play better and don't have a bunch of random board game nonsense between each round.

Overall, I don't quite think Wonder on Switch 2 is an incredible standard-bearer for Nintendo's Switch 2 Edition release strategy, but for $20, you could do a lot worse. If nothing else, you get native 4K resolution in TV mode, and it looks fantastic. That's going to be worth the money by itself for some people.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your current GPU is going to have to last you a lot longer than you think, and Nvidia's to blame

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 19:00

As I’m writing this, NVIDIA is the largest company in the world, with a market cap exceeding $4 trillion. Team Green is now the leader among the Magnificent Seven of the tech world, having surpassed them all in just a few short years.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Top 10 YouTube channels with the most subscribers

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:31

YouTube is the go-to platform for vloggers, content creators, musicians, and anyone who loves to share their life through the art of video.

The most-followed channels on the platform have amassed huge subscriber counts, well into the millions, showing just how many of us enjoy sitting back and relaxing with a good YouTube video. From celebs to entertainment giants, influencers to creators, these channels dominate YouTube with viral videos, dedicated fan bases, and massive viewership.

SEE ALSO: YouTube channels to help keep your mind calm

But have you ever wondered who holds the acclaim of top spot for the most subscribed channel? Wonder no more, here are the 10 YouTube channels with the most subscribers, according to Social Blade.

1. Mr Beast - 472 million subscribers

MrBeast’s YouTube channel is known for its over-the-top challenges, massive cash giveaways, philanthropy, and jaw-dropping stunts, making it one of the platform’s biggest and most influential channels.

2. T-Series - 310 million subscribers

T-Series is India's largest Music Label & Movie Studio, and the YouTube channel features a vast collection of Bollywood music videos, movie trailers, and songs.

3. Cocomelon - Nursery Rhymes - 200 million subscribers

Cocomelon Nursery Rhymes' YouTube channel is a favorite among parents, featuring colorful, educational animations and catchy songs for young children. Engaging colors and fun storytelling aim to help toddlers learn letters, numbers, and life lessons.

4. YouTube Movies - 197 million subscribers

The YouTube Movies channel is the go-to spot for renting and streaming new movie releases, shorts and trailers. You can choose between renting, buying, or watching select titles for free with ads.

5. SET India - 188 million subscribers

SET India’s YouTube channel offers full episodes, clips, and promos from Sony Entertainment Television’s popular Indian shows. Featuring drama series, reality shows, crime thrillers, and comedy programs.

6. Vlad and Niki - 149 million subscribers

Vlad and Niki’s YouTube channel is a popular kids’ channel full of imaginative playtime adventures, toy reviews, and family-friendly challenges. The channel tells the stories of two brothers through educational content and exciting adventures.

7. Kids Diana Show - 138 million subscribers

Kids Diana Show’s YouTube channel features fun, colorful videos of young Diana playing imaginative games, reviewing toys, and other family-friendly adventures. This channel focuses on storytelling, games, and learning.

8. Stokes Twins - 137 million subscribers

The Stokes Twins' YouTube channel features a mix of pranks, challenges, comedic skits, and vlogs. Run by Alex and Alan Stokes, the pair have become known for their stunts and antics.

9. Like Nastya - 131 million subscribers

Like Nastya's YouTube channel is another family-friendly account that follows the exciting adventures of a young girl named Nastya. Videos include fun toy reviews, imaginative games, and educational content.

10. 김프로KIMPRO - 131 million subscribers

김프로KIMPRO is run by cousins Kim Dong‑joon and Yu Baek‑hap. Their channel features both videos and shorts. The content varies from cooking and mukbang videos to challenges and everyday scenarios.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The content creators with the most TikTok followers - see the top 10.

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:29

With billions of users worldwide, TikTok is one of the most popular social media platforms on the planet. Viral trends, trending sounds, and popular dances, there's no limit to what can kick off on TikTok.

TikTok has been with us through a lot, from the lockdown dance days to the recent threats of a ban. But throughout all the ups and downs, some creators have managed to rack up millions of loyal followers. Check out our list of the top TikTok content creators with the most followers, according to Social Blade.

1. Khaby Lame – 160.4 million followers

TikTok's most followed account is none other than the king of the deadpan facial expression, Khaby Lame. His video content primarily involves duets and stitches to over-complicated life "hacks."

2. Charli D'Amelio – 156.5 million followers

Charli D’Amelio rose to TikTok fame during lockdown for her viral dance videos. She very quickly became one of the platform’s most-followed creators and is still holding strong today.

3. MrBeast – 124.7 million followers

Also one of the most subscribed YouTube accounts, MrBeast holds the number three position for TikTok. His content is full of crazy challenges and huge giveaways. His over-the-top generosity has amassed him millions of followers. He also recently went viral for offering to buy TikTok amid the recent ban in America.

5. TikTok – 93.4 million followers

Taking the 5th spot on the most followed accounts is TikTok's own account. It posts celeb interviews and tips and tricks videos.

5. Bella Poarch – 92.6 million followers

Bella Poarch skyrocketed to TikTok fame during the 2020 lockdown when her lip-sync video to M to the B became the platform’s most-liked video. Since then, she has remained popular on the app, even releasing her own single in 2021, Build A B****.

6. Addison Rae – 88.2 million followers

Addison Rae is another TikToker who blew up during the 2020 lockdown. Her viral dance videos made her one of the platform's biggest stars, a position she still holds strong today. She's now better known for her hit songs, releasing her debut single, Obsessed, in 2021.

7. Willie Salim - 85.7 million followers

Willie Salim is an Indonesian TikToker known for his large-scale giveaways and viral challenges. He often shares videos highlighting acts of generosity.

8. Zach King – 84.4 million followers

Zach King's content is a must-watch if you love magic tricks, optical illusions and clever editing. One of his videos even became the most viewed. The video made it appear as if he was flying on a broomstick. It became the most-viewed TikTok video in 2019.

9. Kimberly Loaiza – 83.7 million followers

Kimberly Loaiza is a popular Mexican influencer with tens of millions of followers across not just TikTok, but also YouTube and Instagram. Loaiza has also branched out into music, releasing multiple singles and touring.

10. domelipa - 75.9 million followers

Number 10 on the list of most-followed content creators is domelipa. She mostly shares content of choreographed dances, lip-sync videos, and other snippets of her lifestyle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple Watch deals to shop during Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on Series 11 and SE 3 models

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:29
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 11 Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299.00 (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219.00 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Series 9 Deal Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + Cellular, 41mm) $299 (save $400) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Series 10 deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS + Cellular, 46mm) $449 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is officially live now through March 31. For Apple users, this is a pretty exciting occasion. We're seeing discounts on everything from Apple Watches to AirPods. So, if you've been hoping to get your hands on a brand-new smartwatch but refuse to pay full price, several Apple Watch models are on sale right now.

The Series 11 and SE 3 are the newest shining stars in Apple's lineup, but a few last-generation models are stealing the spotlight during the Big Spring Sale. If you don't mind not having the latest model, you can pick up a Series 9 with both GPS and cellular connectivity for only $299 or a 46mm Series 10 for only $449.

Of course, we'll be updating this page as new deals drop, but here are the best Apple Watch deals you can shop right now. Looking for smartwatches that don't fall under the Apple umbrella? Check out our full list of Big Spring Sale fitness tracker deals.

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Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, but Prime members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

A $100 discount on the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 drops it to a record-low price, making it the perfect time to grab what our Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, calls the "Best Apple Upgrade." Mashable's Stan Schroeder agrees, noting the battery life alone is worth the jump. "Even if you already have a Series 10, which has nearly all the same features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t require you to charge it mid-day in order to keep it going through the night," he writes.

More Apple Watch Series 11 dealsBest Apple Watch SE 3 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you just want a reliable smartwatch without paying for features you won't use, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the way to go. We named it the "Best for Most People" in our smartwatch guide because it packs the exact same S10 chip as the Ultra 3 and the same water resistance as the Series 11 — "all for $150 less than the Series 11."

Now that the Big Spring Sale is officially live, the 40mm model is down to $219, saving you $30. It’s also not the only configuration on sale right now. We've rounded up a few other discounted SE 3 models below so you can pick your preferred setup and still save some cash.

More Apple Watch SE 3 dealsLast-generation Apple Watch deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 25

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:22

Tonight's Moon phase is the First Quarter. This is when half of the Moon that faces Earth is lit up. It comes halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon phases.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, March 25, the Moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 44% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Tonight, without any visual aids, you can see the Mares Fecunditatis, Crisum, and Serenitatis. With binoculars, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. Also, with a telescope, you'll be able to spot even more, including the Apollo 11 landing spots, the Rupes Altai, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

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

What are Moon phases?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Walmart just launched its own Spring Sale — save on Apple, Shark, Ninja, and more top brands

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:14
The best Walmart Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Max (first generation) $449.99 (Save $99.01) Get Deal Best tech deal Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best headphones deal JLab JBuds Lux Headphones $41.99 (Save $38) Get Deal Best Home Deal Dreo 42-inch Tower Fan $79.99 (Save $63.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle $24.96 (Save $13) Get Deal

Now that Amazon's Big Spring Sale has kicked off, we're watching all the savings roll in. And deals are going far beyond Amazon — other retailers are joining in too. Target and Best Buy got in on the savings early and now Walmart is catching up.

Walmart's deals are admittedly the least impressive of all the retailers running spring sales. We've found some gems, including one of the best deals on AirPods Max headphones, but Walmart is only matching Amazon right now. So if Walmart is your preferred retailer, it's time to get shopping. We've rounded up all the best deals to shop during Walmart's Spring Sale.

Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (first generation) $449.99 at Walmart
$549 Save $99.01   Get Deal

Apple just dropped the AirPods Max 2 today which of course means the previous generation is on sale. With Amazon leading the charge on spring savings, it's actually Walmart who has the best price on the first generation of Apple AirPods Max headphones.

Right now, you can find the Apple AirPods Max (USB-C) for just $449.99. That saves you $99.01 of its lists price of $549.

However, if you want the latest product, you can now preorder the Apple AirPods Max 2, but you won't get the sweet savings you'll find on the Apple AirPods Max at Walmart.

More Apple deals

AirPods

iPad

MacBook

AirTag

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Walmart
$349 Save $50   Get Deal

Walmart is matching Amazon's price on the Apple iPad. The 2025 iPad features the A16 chip and 128GB of SSD. It has a gorgeous liquid retina display that's responsive to a room's color so you always have the best viewing experience. Plus, it's compatible with iPadOS, which now features multi-window multitasking.

It's the latest version of Apple's base iPad and right now you can grab it for $299, saving you $50 off its $349 list price.

More tech dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux Headphones $41.99 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $38.00   Get Deal

Our favorite budget headphones are the JLab Lux headphones, which bring excellent active noise cancellation and 70 hours of battery life. While they won't deliver the best sound you've ever heard, it is going to be clear, well-balanced sound.

Plus, when the JLab headphones are on sale, they offer unbeatable value. Right now, score the JLab Lux headphones for $41.99 and save $38 on the over-the-ear headphones.

More headphones dealsBest home and outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreo Dreo 42-inch Tower Fan $79.99 at Walmart
$143.98 Save $63.99   Get Deal

With spring in full swing, warmer temperatures are underway. If things are getting too hot, it might be time to reconsider your cooling setup. A fan is more than a quick fix, but an essential way of keeping cool. Dreo makes our favorite tower fan, which is powerful but safe with its bladeless design.

During Walmart's Spring Sale, get the Dreo 42-inch tower fan for $79.99. That saves you $63.99 off its $143.98 list price.

More home and outdoor dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beautiful Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle $24.96 at Walmart
$37.96 Save $13   Get Deal

Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection at Walmart earns its name with affordable yet stunning appliances and furnitures. During Walmart's Spring Sale, grab the Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle for just $24.96, saving you $13 off its list price.

This kettle catches your eye right away with its vibrant tomato red color. But it also has a sleek design of a kettle that's far more expensive than $25.

More kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

5 weird things you can plug into your Phone's USB port

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:05

These days, most smartphones have a USB-C port that you only use for one thing: charging. And while we've recently explained that the USB-C port on an iPhone, Galaxy, or Android can do a lot more than that, it can also power all sorts of wild gadgets. Here are five things you probably didn't know you could plug into your phone's USB port.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Lawsuit against Elon Musk threatens DOGE actions, survives early court challenge

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:00

An attempt from the Trump administration to squash a lawsuit against Elon Musk for illegally exercising executive-level power as the head of DOGE has failed.

A federal judge dismissed the U.S. government's dismissal request earlier this week.

“Defendants appear to make the extraordinary argument that an individual who holds an important office and wields immense power is not subject to the Appointments Clause so long as the office was unlawfully created, and the power was unlawfully seized,” US District Judge Tanya Chutkan said in her memo dismissing the request.

DOGE's actions could be reversed

Why is it significant that this lawsuit goes ahead? If the Plaintiffs win the case, this lawsuit could result in a reversal of all of Musk's and DOGE's actions, including federal cuts.

“If Plaintiffs prevail on their claim that Musk was not constitutionally appointed and therefore lacked authority to exercise the power of a principal officer, the court could vacate Musk-initiated policies or cuts that are causing Plaintiffs ongoing harm,” wrote Chutkan.

The lawsuit against Musk, DOGE, and President Donald Trump was filed last year by a group of non-profits that claimed that Musk was illegally exercising powers under the Appointments Clause or powers similar to those of a Senate-confirmed Cabinet official, even though Musk was not confirmed by the Senate for a position within the administration. 

The plaintiffs say that DOGE cut federal grants, fired federal employees, and shut down government agencies “despite lacking lawful authority.”

The lawsuit was later combined with a similar lawsuit filed by a group of 14 state attorneys general led by New Mexico.

According to Judge Chutkan, "the head of DOGE is not merely an influential advisor who counsel the President and then communicates the President’s decisions to government officers.“ In fact, Chutkan wrote, the head of DOGE "makes decisions and issues directives on matters as weighty as the termination of federal grants, contracts, and workers."

Musk's own social posts cited

The lawsuit frequently uses Musk's own posts on his social media platform X against him.

"USAID is a criminal organization," Musk posted on Feb. 2, 2025. "Time for it to die."

"What is this 'Department of Education' you keep talking about?" Musk said in a reply on X on Feb. 7. "I just checked and it doesn’t exist."

"CFPB RIP," Musk published on X in another post that same day.

Judge Chutkan also pointed out that DOGE officials publicly bragged about terminating government contracts and shutting down agencies.

All of these posts are cited in the lawsuit against Musk, DOGE, and Trump to help bolster the case that Musk was unlawfully calling the shots.

Chutkan decided in favor of the Trump administration on two claims in the lawsuit regarding the violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and violations of the constitutional separation of powers.

Musk said he was stepping down from DOGE in May 2025 and then had a public falling out with President Trump shortly after. However, the two appear to once again be on good terms.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why the AI boom is driving up the price of your next car: Inside RAMageddon

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 18:00

The automotive industry is staring down a structural threat that mirrors the 2021 semiconductor crisis, but this time the root cause may be more permanent. While the previous shortage was a byproduct of pandemic-era logistics and supply chain hiccups, the "RAMageddon" phenomenon is a result of strategic capacity reallocation.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 new Makita products coming soon that aren't power tools

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:45

If you're a fan of Makita's expansive power tool ecosystem or deploy it daily on a jobsite, you likely have a huge collection of tools and battery packs. For those who have all the tools they'll ever need, Makita is set to release several capable new accessories in 2026 that are worth waiting for.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streaming deals anyone? The best Big Spring Sale deals on Paramount+, Spotify, Starz, and more.

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:43
The best Big Spring Sale streaming deals at a glance: Best streaming deal Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Best music streaming deal Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best deal for readers Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for three months (save $34.98) Get Deal

With the now regularly recurring price hikes across the board, we could all benefit from some discounts on streaming services. While the best time of year to score a great streaming deal is hands down Black Friday season, any major sale or shopping holiday tends to offer at least a few discounts. And Amazon's Big Spring Sale (officially running March 25-31 in 2026) is holding true to that notion. While the overall number of streaming deals is no match for Black Friday, we'll certainly take any discounts we can get.

I'll be keeping an eye out throughout the Big Spring Sale for any new deals that pop up and will update this story with the latest. For now, here are the best streaming deals live during the sale. I've also included deals on streaming devices like Fire TV Sticks, as well as some evergreen streaming deals I think are worth grabbing.

Best streaming deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Why we like it

On the surface, this is the same offer as the streamer's Black Friday deal. However, because Paramount Plus hiked its prices in January, this Big Spring Sale discount actually saves you more money. It now costs $13.99 per month for the ad-free Premium plan and $8.99 per month for the ad-supported Essential plan. Through March 31, you can lock in two months of either plan for only $2.99 per month. That saves you $22 if you choose the Premium plan (why wouldn't you?). Both new and ex-subscribers are eligible for this deal and its valid on Paramount+ as a standalone service or on the Prime Video add-on.

Psst. It's also worth mentioning that an extra discount code is floating around that could potentially knock the price down to just 99 cents per month for two months. However, it appears to work for some folks and not others. Try adding the additional promo code BG2L7M at checkout to see if you're one of the lucky ones.

Best music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never tried Spotify Premium before, you can snag three free months of the music streaming service through March 31. Typically, it costs $12.99 per month, so you'll keep nearly $40 in your pocket with this deal. A Premium account unlocks ad-free listening, the ability to download music for offline listening and collaborate with friends in real time, 15 hours of audiobook time, and lossless audio. Plus, you'll get weekly listening stats and, should you choose to keep your subscription, access to the famous Wrapped stats.

Already tried Spotify Premium? Amazon Music Unlimited is also offering three free months of its streaming service through March 31. It regularly goes for $11.99/month for Prime members and $12.99/month for non-Prime members, so you can save up to $38.97 with this deal. Besides unlimited music streaming, you'll also get access to one audiobook per month.

Best streaming device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The newest Fire TV Stick, the 4K Select, is the first streaming device in Amazon's lineup to shake things up in awhile. While it still offers the same plug-and-play design you know and love, it features a brand-new operating system called Vega. Given how laggy the previous operating system could be on Fire TV Sticks, we're pretty excited about this change. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN, and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support. During the Big Spring Sale, it's already down to just $17.99 instead of $39.99. It's worth noting that we saw this streaming stick drop to a surprisingly low $9.99 in the past.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming dealsMore Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming device dealsEvergreen streaming deals worth grabbing
Categories: IT General, Technology

5 things your Android phone's buttons can secretly control (besides volume and power)

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:30

Most of us use our Android phone’s side buttons only to adjust the volume or lock the screen—but that barely scratches the surface of what they can do. With the right setup, those side buttons can launch your digital assistant, activate Emergency SOS, and perform other useful tasks.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I highly recommend grabbing Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents during the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:27

SAVE $34.98: As of March 25, the first day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. It usually costs $11.99 per month, so you'll save nearly $35 across three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for 3 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal

I'm doing some digital spring cleaning this season, and several streaming services and digital subscriptions have been cut from my lineup after astronomical price hikes (looking at you, Peacock). One that remains unscathed? Kindle Unlimited. I cannot recommend it enough if you're looking to get back into reading or just read more in 2026. And signing up during the Big Spring Sale is a smart move, as it'll only cost you 99 cents.

One of our favorite deals from Cyber Week is back for Amazon's third-annual Big Spring Sale. As of March 25, new and eligible returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. That's the next-best thing to free. Usually it's $11.99 per month ($35.97 total for three months), so you'll save about $34.98.

Kindle Unlimited basically gives you unlimited access to as many books as you want. Technically, you can only borrow up to 20 books at once. But at any time, you can return those and borrow more. Plus, there's no wait times or due dates like Libby (the beloved free library app).

The Kindle Unlimited library is brimming with excellent reads, from new releases to bestsellers to classics. Currently, you can find popular titles like Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden, Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and The Wedding People by Alison Espach, as well as recent book-to-screen adaptations Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover and His & Hers by Alice Feeney.

The best part? You don't even need a Kindle to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited (although several Kindle devices are discounted during the Big Spring Sale). You can download the app onto any device and read from wherever.

Of course, after your three-month promotional period ends, you'll automatically be charged the full $11.99 per month until you cancel. Though, you might find that Kindle Unlimited is one of the rare subscriptions that's worth its entry fee.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:26

Apple released iOS 26.4 on Tuesday, bringing a wide range of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and numerous security patches.

The release touches nearly every corner of the operating system — from the Music and Podcasts apps to the kernel — and includes changes that will be noticeable to casual users and security-conscious ones alike. The update is available for iPhone 11 and later and iPad models going back to the iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation, iPad 8th generation, and iPad mini 5th generation.

Here's what to know.

Apple Music gets smarter

Music lovers have a few reasons to update. A new Playlist Playground feature lets Apple Music generate a 25-song playlist from a text prompt, with the option to refine the results with follow-up prompts. The feature is currently available only in the US.

Apple Music has also added a "Concerts Near You" section, powered by a Ticketmaster partnership, that surfaces local show info directly in the app. And song recognition — think Shazam-style identification — now works offline, queuing up results to deliver once you're back on a network.

Additionally, the Podcasts app now supports video podcasts, bringing it in line with platforms like YouTube and Spotify that have offered the format for some time.

Security and privacy improvements

One of the more meaningful changes in iOS 26.4 is that Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, rather than requiring users to opt in. The feature, which adds biometric requirements for sensitive actions when your iPhone is away from familiar locations, is now on by default for everyone.

On the security patch front, Apple addressed dozens of vulnerabilities across the OS. Notable fixes include a Siri flaw that could have allowed someone with physical access to a locked device to view sensitive information, a Keychain vulnerability that could have given a local attacker access to stored credentials, and several WebKit issues that could have enabled cross-site scripting attacks, sandbox bypasses, or Content Security Policy circumvention when visiting malicious websites.

Multiple kernel-level vulnerabilities were also patched, including issues that could have allowed apps to corrupt kernel memory or leak sensitive kernel state.

New features across the system

iOS 26.4 brings a handful of additions scattered across the operating system. The Messages app has new animations, and a new ambient music widget has been added for the home and lock screens. Freeform now includes a Creator Studio for subscribers, offering access to high-quality graphics, photos, and illustrations not available to free users.

The Reminders app now includes an Urgent section for high-priority tasks. In the Health app, a new average bedtime metric helps users better understand how their sleep schedule affects overall sleep quality, and the Vitals section now shows blood oxygen levels on its line graph overview.

For accessibility, a new "Reduce Bright Effects" option minimizes bright flashes from interface elements, and the existing Reduce Motion setting now more reliably damps down liquid glass animations.

Camera, CarPlay, and more

The Camera app gains Audio Zoom, which focuses recorded audio on the subject when you zoom in — the feature can be turned off in settings. In CarPlay, AI assistants, including Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT, are now accessible for hands-free questions, though none require a wake word to activate.

Rounding out the update: a new Set Charge Limit action has been added to Shortcuts, and Apple says it has addressed a longstanding keyboard bug that caused characters to be dropped during fast typing.

To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best unlocked phone deals during the Amazon Spring Sale — iPhones starting at $287

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:23

From March 25 to 31, Amazon will be discounting a wide range of products as part of its annual Big Spring Sale. That includes some offers on unlocked smartphones. However, as professional deal hunters, we have to tell you that you'll find the absolute best offers on phones right now are at carriers like T-Mobile, which is offering a free iPhone 17 or iPhone Air for new customers.

So, if you need a new smartphone, check out the best offers available at Amazon and beyond.

Unlocked phone deals: Best Google deal Google Pixel 9a $399 (save $100) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE $623.24 (save $336.75) Get Deal Best Apple Deal iPhone 14 (Renewed Premium) $287.76 (save $51.85) Get Deal Best Carrier Deal Get a free iPhone 17 at T-Mobile Normally $799 (Free with Experience Beyond or Better Value plan) Get Deal Editor's Pick Motorola Razr Ultra $799.99 (save $500) Get Deal

Robot vacuums, drones, TVs, and a whole lot more will be discounted, so it's a great excuse to upgrade your tech for less. The same goes for mobile phones. If you've been hoping to get a great price on a phone you can buy outright, Amazon already has some great deals live on unlocked phones. From Samsung, Google, and Apple, here are some of the best early deals we've spotted.

Best Apple unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 14 (Renewed Premium) $287.76 at Amazon
$339.61 Save $51.85   Get Deal Why we like it

Have you been dying to switch to iPhone but don't have an extra $1,000 to spare on a new iPhone 17? There's a better way. You can buy an unlocked, Premium Renewed iPhone 14 direct from Amazon for under $300. While you'll miss out on the newest Apple Intelligence features and cameras, you'll still get that sweet blue chat bubble your friends have been so annoying about.

Best Google unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9a $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Almost sold out! Get Deal Why we like it

When we reviewed this smartphone last year, we called it the budget smartphone to beat in 2025, and it's still a great option in 2026. (The Pixel 10a was very underwhelming.) This phone was on sale ahead of the Spring Sale, but the price just dropped even lower, which is probably why it's almost sold out. This budget Pixel has premium features like a 48MP wide camera and the Google Tensor G3 processor.

Best Samsung unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE Cell Phone $666.89 at Amazon
$959.99 Save $293.10   Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE brings back the era of flip phones in the best way. It's a compact, foldable phone with a 50MP camera and FlexMode functions that let you shoot hands-free without needing a tripod. And despite its size, it’s incredibly powerful, thanks to its strong processor and long-lasting battery.

Best Motorola phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500 Editor favorite Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's tech editor Timothy Werth says the Motorola Razr Ultra was the most underrated smartphone of 2025, and not just in the foldable category. During our testing, we found that this flagship foldable phone had an unbeatable battery that lasts over 24 hours, plus a surprisingly good camera array, a speedy Snapdragon 8 Elite processor, and a full suite of AI features. During the Spring Sale, you can pick up this trendy flip phone for a lot less than other premium foldables.

Best locked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Switch to T-Mobile and get a free iPhone 17 or Air $0 at T-Mobile
$799 Save $799 Free with Experience Beyond or Better Value plan Learn More Why we like it

Okay, so this isn't exactly an unlocked phone deal, but it is one of the best offers you'll find on a new iPhone. New customers who switch to T-Mobile can get a new iPhone 17 or iPhone Air for free with a qualifying Experience Beyond or Better Value plan. Plus, there's no trade-in required and you can keep your phone number. You'll want to read the fine print, but if you're open to switching carriers, don't miss this iPhone deal, available now through the end of the Amazon Spring Sale at T-Mobile.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best laptop deals live during Amazons Big Spring Sale: Its a MacBook show so far

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:16
A quick look at Amazon's best Big Spring Sale laptop deals: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199.99 (save $500) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $2,069.99 at Amazon (save $330 + free code for "Crimson Desert") Get Deal

Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale is now live through March 31. The event is themed around seasonal goodies like spring cleaning supplies, outdoor gear, and warm-weather apparel. But it's also sparking some great deals on tech — including laptops.

So far, the bulk of Amazon's best laptop deals involve MacBooks, MacBooks, and more MacBooks. Almost every configuration from the past two years is on sale, if it's still in stock, with the biggest price cuts going to 2025's M4 MacBook Airs. They're all $200 to $300 off, making them significantly cheaper than their iterative M5 replacements, which Apple announced earlier this month. (Those are also on sale already, but only for about $50 off.)

Things are less exciting on the Windows side, but I managed to find a Samsung Galaxy laptop and an Asus gaming convertible on sale for record-low prices. Feel free to add those to your cart now. Several Microsoft Surface Laptop 7s are up to 26% off, but since all of them have been much cheaper before, I'd wait to see if their prices drop further later this week.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more

As a reminder, I don't endorse buying laptops from any third-party sellers on Amazon. (The bulk of its laptop listings comes from them.) They can have different customer service policies than Amazon itself, and they might be advertising misleading specs. This isn't to say they're all scammers doing something illegal, and Amazon has a guarantee that covers delivery or item condition issues. Still, I wouldn't take a chance on a big purchase like a new laptop. The Shipper/Seller should be "Amazon.com" (below the orange "Buy Now" button).

I would also recommend shopping around a bit at other retailers, especially Best Buy. It has a much better selection of Windows laptops than Amazon, and its pricing is competitive where their inventories overlap.

Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.

Best MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

The 2025 MacBook Air is basically identical to its successor, save for its wireless chip and processor. (You're not missing out on much there: In our performance tests, the M4 version was only about six percent slower than the M5 model in both single- and multi-core workloads.) It features a vibrant Liquid Retina display, a backlit keyboard, two Thunderbolt 4 ports, and a 12MP webcam with Center Stage support. At $949, this 13-inch configuration has never been cheaper.

Read Mashable's full review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Windows laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,199.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $500   Get Deal Why we like it

This premium hybrid laptop features a crisp 16-inch AMOLED touchscreen with a slick 120Hz refresh rate. (At 3.73 pounds, it's pretty light for a device of its size.) Samsung has rated it for up to 25 hours of battery life per charge and throws in a free S Pen stylus for note-taking. Amazon is offering a Big Spring Sale discount of $500, which brings it down to a record-low price of $1,199.99. It's still full price at Best Buy and on Samsung's website, so don't bother buying it anywhere else.

More Windows laptop dealsBest gaming laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Flow Z13 (AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) 🔥 $2,069.99 at Amazon
$2,399.99 Save $330 Includes free code for "Crimson Desert" Get Deal Why we like it

The Asus ROG Flow Z13 is a zippy gaming convertible with a detachable keyboard and a buttery 180Hz display — GTA V's Ned Luke is a fan. This configuration is powered by a high-end AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 chip with integrated graphics that performed on par with an RTX 4060 GPU when we tested it in another Asus laptop. Amazon has it marked down to $2,069.99, which is 14% off its MSRP and its best deal to date. (Ignore Amazon's deflated list price; it actually retails for $2,399.99, according to Asus' website.) It also comes with a free PC download code for Crimson Desert, Pearl Abyss' huge new fantasy-action adventure game.

This ROG Flow Z13 deal is price-matched at Best Buy, but it doesn't include the Crimson Desert code there.

Gaming laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying family SUVs: 4 reasons this sedan makes more sense

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 17:15

Family SUVs have become the default choice for modern households, offering space, versatility, and a commanding driving position. But as prices continue to climb and fuel costs remain a concern, they’re not always the most practical or cost-effective option. In many cases, a well-designed sedan can deliver everything a family needs, while costing less to buy and own.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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