Technology

Like you, I had to sit through years of those "You wouldn't steal a car" anti-piracy videos on DVDs that I had paid for. Ironically, people who actually pirated their DVDs didn't have to see any of that, but that's a conversation for another day.

A year and a half after releasing the Arrow Lake CPU lineup, which earned middling reviews, Intel is slated to launch its Arrow Lake Refresh CPUs (also known as Core Ultra 200S Plus) on March 26, 2026.

The best unlocked phone deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best Google deal Google Pixel 10 Pro XL $1,299 (save $250) Get Deal Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip7 FE $666.89 (save $293.10) Get Deal

From March 25 for a whole week, Amazon will be discounting a wide range of products as part of its Big Spring Sale.

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're 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 Motorola, here are some of the best early deals we've spotted.

Best Google unlocked phone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 10 Pro XL $1,299 at Amazon
$1,549 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a seriously powerful phone with a 6.8-inch Super Actua display, next-gen Tensor G5 chip, and built-in Gemini AI. It has a pro camera system that gives you sharp 50MP photos and 8K video as well as a 100x zoom. And if you're a regular phone dropper, this one should withstand most bumps and drops thanks to its durable aluminium and Gorilla Glass Victus 2 build.

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.

More unlocked phone deals

• Motorola Moto G Play — $109.99 $149.99 (save $40)

• Samsung Galaxy A17 5G — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Google Pixel 9a — $439.99 $499 (save $59.01)

• Google Pixel 10 — $549 $799 (save $250)

• Samsung Galaxy Z Fold7 — $1,809.99 $1,999.99 (save $190)

Your homelab is the perfect place to learn about both the good and bad sides of networking and server infrastructure. On the one hand, a homelab is an extremely useful tool for any tinkerer. On the other hand, it’s a security nightmare if not set up properly. Here are four privacy settings that most homelabbers get wrong, and how to fix them.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available to preorder at Amazon for under $60. That's close to market value ahead of the March 20 release date.

Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 $59.75 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon

The challenge in the trading card game is finding new products for anything close to market value, and that goes double for Pokémon. It's tough out there, so we'll take what we can get right now.

The good news for collectors is that the Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 is available to preorder at Amazon for under $60. No that's not market value, but it's close and you're getting that sweet convenience of buying from Amazon. For a lot of buyers, that makes all the difference.

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This preorder celebrates the bond between Trainer and Pokémon with a booster pack containing three of nine illustration rare-style promo cards. This consists of first partner Pokémon from the Kanto, Sinnoh, or Alola region. Buyers will also get two more Pokémon TCG booster packs and a fun sticker sheet featuring first partner Pokémon friends. You're getting a lot for around $60.

Score the best Pokémon TCG First Partner Illustration Collection Series 1 preorder deal at Amazon. For more Pokémon deals ahead of Amazon's Spring Sale, we've lined up everything on offer in a helpful hub page.

Stephen Colbert may spend the majority of his time unpacking serious stories about politicians' deleted tweets and gratuitous defense department spending, but that doesn't mean he has no time for some occasional monkey news too.

The Late Show host has already embraced Punch, the viral monkey from Japan's Ichikawa City Zoo, purchasing the same IKEA orangutan Punch famously uses for emotional support — and in the clip above, he discusses an intriguing new simian development.

"Rumors are swirling that Punch the monkey has a girlfriend," says Colbert. "Which means this update isn't merely ooh-ooh ahh-ahh, it's ooh-ooh la-la."

"News of the monkey romance started spreading when folks caught Punch and Momo-chan sharing a smooch," continues Colbert. "Boy, I hope somebody taught him how to put a condom on a banana."

Want more of the best of late night? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

Have you ever heard that ol’ country song “Who gets the family bible when two grownups lose heart?”

Well, we may need a new version for the Gen Z era, because according to a litigation strategist I met at SXSW 2026, it’s actually the family TikTok account creators should be worried about.

That's right, TIL that creators should consider adding TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram accounts to their prenups.

Attorney Michelle May O’Neil said exactly that during a SXSW panel she hosted, “Who Owns Me? Legal War Over Identity in the Creator Economy.” O’Neil is a nationally recognized lawyer and expert on NIL (name, image, likeness) topics, and she warned creators to take proactive steps to protect their identities, including prenuptial agreements.

SEE ALSO: How creators can protect their identity in an age of AI clones

This isn’t a hypothetical situation, either.

O’Neil highlighted the case of Kat and Mike Stickler, married influencers who ended up in a bitter custody feud, not over their children, but over their followers — all 4 million of them. In covering the case, the Wall Street Journal asked, “Who Gets the TikTok in the Divorce?” (FWIW, Kat ultimately retained ownership of the original TikTok account and has gone on to amass an even larger following as @katstickler.)

And if your TikTok or Instagram accounts do become the subjects of a contentious divorce like the Sticklers, don’t expect family court to provide a solution, O’Neil said during her SXSW panel.

“We don't have case law authority. There's no legal doctrine for this. So their individual identity became joint property, and nobody thought about what it looked like to divide it.”

Here’s another worrying scenario: What if you’re romantically involved with a creator and appear occasionally in their content? Eventually, you break up or get divorced. Does your ex then retain the right to keep using your likeness however they see fit?

“I think it's a really good idea to have a clause in prenups that says that each spouse maintains the exclusive right to their name, image, likeness, and does not, by virtue of marriage, transfer their rights over to the other spouse because of marriage. And the reason for that is my experience representing high-profile people."

So, what else can creators and public figures do to protect their digital likeness?

In addition to creating a prenup, O’Neil advised creators to create an LLC or other legal entity to protect their core asset — their identity.

“This is another reason to have an entity structure before marriage, but if you're making money on your image, name, likeness, voice, whatever, before you get into a marriage, it's a pretty good idea to put that in the prenup…And I don't really know of a lot of lawyers that actually do this in prenups,” O’Neil said at SXSW.

Prenups are the kind of safeguard you hope you never have to use. But if you and an ex ever get into a legal battle over social media assets or NIL issues, you might be glad you have it, O'Neil said.

"That one clause in a prenup that says I have license, I have the rights, I own my name, image, likeness, my voice, my writings, everything that comes from me. I still own it, it's my property, and just because I marry you, I'm not giving you license to use it."

This article and the quotes in it are not legal advice. Talk to your own legal representative before making any decisions.

SAVE $500: As of March 19, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1,099 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $500   Get Deal

The ban on DJI imports it naturally causing stock to drop, but it's still possible to find popular models on Amazon (for now). And you can still find deals on some of the best drones from the brand, including the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo. This bumper bundle has hit a record-low price on Amazon .

As of March 19, the DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That's $500 off the list price for a limited time.

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We have seen this low price before, but we don't know how long this sort of deal will stay live. Stock is going to dwindle at some stage. At that point, prices will surely jump. Until we reach that moment, we're going to take every opportunity we can get to shop.

This bundle includes the DJI Mini 5 Pro drone, the DJI RC 2 camera-drone remote controller, a set of filters, three DJI Mini 5 Pro Intelligent Flight batteries, three propeller sets, a shoulder bag, and more. You're getting everything you need to start flying and capturing footage in one convenient package.

The DJI Mini 5 Pro features a one-inch CMOS camera with 4K HDR filming at 60fps. You can opt for 4K 120fps for slow-motion filming, and night flying is a possibility thanks to the 360 degree Nightscape Omnidirectional Sensing and Nighttime return-to-home function.

It's a truly stellar option for content creators and anyone looking to capture epic footage.

Score the best-ever price on the DJI Mini 5 Pro.

The best drone deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best overall drone deal DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 (save $140) Get Deal Best budget drone deal Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best Premium Drone Deal DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo $1099 (save $500) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 kicks off next week (March 25). This shopping event will see hundreds (if not thousands) of products drop in price, with everything from robot vacuums to Apple products getting heavy discounts.

Drones will also get the same treatment, so if you've been eyeing up a particular model for some time, keep a close eye on this sale. And some standout models have already dropped in price, so if you're eager to buy before the sale gets underway, we've lined up our favorite live deals.

Best overall drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 at Amazon
$449 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

Despite the recent ban on DJI imports, there's still a chance to buy existing stock in the U.S. And this DJI bundle is a great option for everyone. It's a lightweight drone that shoots sharp 4K video with a 3-axis gimbal. It’s beginner friendly and can cope with strong wind resistance. This bundle includes the drone, three batteries (up to 93 minutes total flight time), a two-way charging hub, a shoulder bag.

Best budget drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Holy Stone Holy Stone HS110D FPV RC Drone $39.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $50.00   Get Deal Why we like it

This is a great, beginner friendly option that won't break the bank. It has a 1080p HD camera with a 120° wide-angle lens and is designed for easy flying. It has altitude hold and headless mode to help it remain stable, and app controls add extra features like gesture shooting, voice control, and trajectory flight. And on top of the $50 discount, there's also an extra 10% off coupon that can be applied at the basket.

More drone deals

• DJI Mini 4K — $209 $299 (save $90)

• DJI Mini 4K Camera Drone Combo — $269 $389 (save $120)

• DJI Mini 3 — $379 $549 (save $170)

• Skyrover S1 Mini Drone Combo — $399 $499 (save $100)

• DJI Mini 3 Fly More Combo — $499 $719 (save $120)

• DJI Mini 5 Pro Fly More Combo — $1,099 $1,599 (save $500)

Windows Search is one of those features I want to like more than I actually do. It's built into the operating system, it's always one keypress away, and in theory it should be the fastest way to get anything done on your PC. In practice, it's often slow, inconsistent, and weirdly unreliable. I've had it miss apps that are clearly installed, ignore files I just opened, and hang long enough that I end up clicking around manually instead. At some point, you stop trusting it.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deals at a glance: Best budget air purifier deal Sharp Smart Air Purifier for XL Rooms (FXJ80UW) $299.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best premium air purifier deal Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 (save $160.99) Get Deal

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is nearly here, but if cleaner indoor air is already high on your shopping list, you do not need to wait for the official kickoff date of March 25 to 31 to start saving. A couple of standout air purifier deals are already live at Amazon, including one option built for extra-large rooms and another premium model that doubles as a heater and fan.

There’s also already early spring sale deals on Amazon Echos, budget TVs, and even robot vacuums. In the meantime, though, whether you are dealing with spring pollen, pet dander, smoke, or just want to freshen up a stuffy room before allergy season really ramps up, these early offers are already top contenders worth your time, considering, at the very least. 

As of March 18, the Sharp FXJ80UW is the better pure value pick, while Dyson’s Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 makes more sense if you want an all-in-one appliance that can stay useful beyond spring — though there are also plenty of other offers from a wide variety of brands below as well.  

Best budget air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sharp Sharp Smart Air Purifier for XL Rooms (FXJ80UW) $299.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

At $299.99, this Sharp model is discounted by 40%, which chops a full $200 off its $499.99 list price. That is a serious drop for a purifier designed for extra-large spaces, with coverage of up to 2,430 square feet in one hour and an AHAM suggested room size of 502 square feet at 4.8 air changes per hour.

Sharp is giving you a lot for the money here, as the FXJ80UW pairs a washable pre-filter, activated carbon deodorizing filter, and True HEPA filter that captures 99.97% of particles 0.3 microns and larger, while also adding Plasmacluster ion technology for more active air cleaning. It also works with the Sharp Air app and supports Alexa and Google Assistant, which makes it feel a lot more premium than its new under-$300 price would have you believe. 

Even better, Sharp says its HEPA and carbon filters can last up to two years, depending on the environment, which could help soften long-term upkeep costs.

Best premium air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $160.99   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want something more versatile, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is down to $499 from $659.99, saving you $160.99 — which price tracker camelcamelcamel also confirms is its lowest price ever. While this is more of a premium investment, it’s easier to justify when you remember this is not just an air purifier — but effectively a room heater and air conditioner, too. 

The HP1 combines HEPA and activated carbon filtration with whole-room heating and fan cooling, so it can stay in use year-round instead of being dragged out only when allergy season hits. Dyson says it captures 99.97% of microscopic allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, while also removing 97% of odors such as cooking smells, pet odors, and smoke. 

You also get app controls, voice compatibility, auto mode, night mode, and oscillation up to 350 degrees, which makes it a sleek option for shoppers who want cleaner air without adding yet another appliance to the room.

More air purifier deals

• Levoit Vital 100S-P Air Purifier — $113.95 $139.99 (save 26.04)

• Shark Air Purifier (HP071BRN) — $123.49 $159.99 (save $36.50)

• WINIX 5510 Air Purifier — $135.99 $179.99 (save $44)

• WINIX 5520 Air Purifier — $139.99 $189.99 (save $50)

• KNKA Air Purifier (APH4000) — $139.99 $259.99 (save $120)

• Coway Airmega AP-1512HH(W) True HEPA Purifier — $153.99 $229.99 (save $76)

• Levoit Vital 200S-P Air Purifier — $159.99 $189.99 (save $30)

• BLUEAIR Blue Pure 311i Max Air Purifier — $169.99 $229.99 (save $80)

• BLUEAIR Blue Pure 211i Max — $249.99 $349.99 (save $100)

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Samsung deals at a glance: Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch 128GB WiFi Android Tablet $499.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Samsung TV deal Samsung 65-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED Smart TV (2025 Model) $1597.99 (save $500) Get Deal

While Amazon’s Big Spring Sale hasn’t even started yet, Samsung shoppers do not need to wait until March 25 for the official kickoff to start saving. A couple of early standouts are already live at Amazon as of March 18 — including not only discounted gaming deals, Amazon Echo deals, Dyson deals, and MacBook deals — but also hefty discounts on Samsung’s art-forward 2025 Frame Pro TV and a solid price cut on the new Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ tablet.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Samsung tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ 13.1-inch 128GB WiFi Android Tablet $499.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

With its best-ever price on Amazon, confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel, Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE+ is available for $499.99, down from $649.99. That is a 23% discount and $150 in savings on a big-screen Android tablet that looks especially appealing for note-taking, streaming, and casual multitasking.

The Tab S10 FE+ gives you a 13.1-inch display, Exynos 1580 processor, IP68 water resistance, 90Hz refresh rate, and an included S Pen. Samsung also says it supports features like Circle to Search, Handwriting Assist, and Math Solver, which make it feel a little more versatile than a basic entertainment slate. Add in up to 21 hours of battery life, and this is the kind of early spring sale deal that makes you understand while it’s currently selling fast — so grab yours before stock runs out. 

More Samsung tablet deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE 128GB WiFi Android Tablet — $299.99 $499.99 (save $200)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Android Tablet + 128GB SD Card — $413.98 $529.99 (save $116.01)

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Class The Frame Pro LS03FW 4K Neo QLED Mini LED Smart TV (2025 Model) $1,597.99 at Amazon
$2,097.99 Save $500.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung’s 65-inch The Frame Pro LS03FW is down to $1,597.99 at Amazon, which knocks 24% off its $2,097.99 list price and saves you $500.

That is a pretty appealing cut for a 2025 model, especially one built to double as décor. Samsung boasts that this set as a TV that transforms into a personal art gallery when it is not in use, with Art Mode, a matte display, customizable bezels, and a slim wall-friendly design. It also packs Mini LED lighting, Samsung’s NQ4 AI Gen3 processor, and support for VRR gaming up to 4K 144Hz, so it is not just about looks.

More Samsung TV deals

• Samsung 55-Inch Class Crystal UHD U8000F 4K Smart TV (2025 Model) — $298 $347.99 (save $49.99)

• Samsung 55-Inch Class The Frame LS03F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025 Model) — $897.99 $1197.99 (save $300)

More Samsung deals

Samsung phones

• Samsung Galaxy A17 5G Smart Phone (128GB) — $179.99 $199.99 (save $20)

• Samsung Galaxy S25 FE Cell Phone (2025, 256GB) — $668.29 $709.99 (save $41.70)

Samsung smartwatches

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 (40mm) — $195 $249.99 (save $54.99)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic (2025) (46mm) — $369.99 $499.99 (save $130)

Samsung gaming monitors

• Samsung 32-inch Odyssey QD-OLED G8 (G81SF), 4K, 240Hz, Gaming Monitor — $899.99 $1,299.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 43-inch Odyssey Neo G7 Series 4K UHD Smart Gaming Monitor — $699 $999.99 (save $300.99)

A quick look at the best early Amazon Spring Sale AirPods deals: Best AirPods Pro Deal AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best AirPods 4 Deal AirPods 4 (Without ANC) $99.00 (save $30) Get Deal

It's official: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back and ready to deliver another batch of deals for shoppers. If you're itching to see what the retailer has available for this year's event, the good news is you don't have to wait for its start date (it runs from March 25-31). Already we've spotted quite a few offers worth checking out, including some stellar deals on AirPods.

AirPods Pro 3 and AirPods 4 (both with ANC and without ANC) are already on sale at Amazon. If you've been looking to score new earbuds to pair with your Apple tech this year, we've gathered up our favorite early AirPods deals below. As we get closer to the sale event's start, we'll be sure to update this page as new deals go live.

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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 early AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Pro 3 are some of our favorite earbuds for Apple users, earning spots on both our lists of the best headphones and best earbuds. Our review had high praise for them, with writer Adam Doud calling them, "a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor."

Boasting great sound quality and noise-cancelling features, alongside a hefty battery life that can last up to eight hours (with ANC) on a single charge, these AirPods are a nice upgrade indeed. Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, they're on sale for $199.99.

Best early AirPods 4 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods 4 (Without ANC) $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not looking to drop a ton of cash on new earbuds, one of our favorite early deals is on the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation. These AirPods have dropped to just $99 at Amazon, saving you $30 on list price.

If you had your eye on their noise-canclling siblings, the good news is these AirPods 4 are also on sale right now. These are currently marked down to just $148.99 at Amazon, $30.01 off their original list price of $179. So no matter which option you choose, you can save some cash right now.

More AirPods 4 deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple AirPods 4 (With ANC) $148.99 at Amazon
$179 Save $30.01   Get Deal

The Windows user interface is very mouse-oriented, but if you're willing to learn a few shortcuts, the keyboard can save you time and effort. These are some of the shortcuts I use daily.

If you're single in your 40s, you're probably aware that dating isn't what it used to be. On one hand, there's a lot of beauty to dating at this age: You have wisdom, you generally know who you are, and you don't sweat the small stuff as much. You know what your dealbreakers are — whether you're looking for someone who matches your active lifestyle, respects your career, or understands the beautiful chaos of co-parenting.

Even so, dating at this age can be exhausting. A quick scroll through the r/datingoverforty subreddit is enough to scare anyone off the apps for good. Plus, by the time we reach our 40s, everyone comes with a little baggage, from past marriages to kids, and managing those dynamics requires real emotional maturity. (Remember that show where people aired their literal Baggage on television? And, of course, Jerry Springer was the host.)

It makes perfect sense if you find yourself deleting and redownloading your profiles. According to a 2026 report by SSRS, while 53 percent of adults ages 30 to 49 have used a dating app at some point, only 8 percent are currently active on them. Taking a break is standard practice. However, when you're ready to jump back in, the data offers a major silver lining: The vast majority of people using these platforms (58 percent) say their main goal is to find an exclusive romantic partner.

SEE ALSO: A controversial dating app uses credit scores to create matches

But meeting those people means picking the right platform. That's where my expertise comes in. As a dating and relationships writer who's spent the last several years extensively testing dating apps for Mashable, I know exactly which apps are actually built for mature connections. I've personally evaluated the current market to find the platforms that offer smart filters and prioritize safety. Whether you're looking for a serious second act or a fun weekend date, here are the best apps for dating in your 40s.

TL;DR: Explore educational games that keep kids curious and calm with a lifetime subscription to Pok Pok for just $44.97 with coupon code PLAY until March 22 (reg. $250).

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $44.97
$250 Save $205.03   Get Deal

Screen time doesn’t have to come with guilt or frustration. Pok Pok is a Montessori-inspired app that turns your child’s device into a safe, engaging, and stress-free playground for ages 2 to 8. Designed with low-stimulation, ad-free experiences, Pok Pok helps kids explore, learn, and develop foundational skills in STEM, language, problem-solving, and numbers — all while having fun.

With this lifetime subscription available for $44.97 using promo code PLAY until March 22 (reg. $250), you can give your child an educational playtime upgrade that keeps them entertained on the go.

Pok Pok offers a diverse range of activities for every curiosity:

• Space adventures and interactive exploration

• Counting games and Number Journey challenges

• Shapes and tinker-friendly abstract worlds

• Dress-up fun with endless outfit possibilities

• Dinosaur explorations in the Late Cretaceous Era

• World Puzzle games that create new landscapes

• Interactive Radio for music and rhythm play

• Island adventures and much more

Every experience is open-ended with no rules or levels, encouraging children to experiment, problem-solve, and discover at their own pace. Crafted in collaboration with early childhood experts, Pok Pok supports social, emotional, and cognitive development while fostering creativity and independence. The app is designed to be simple enough for kids to navigate on their own, yet offers optional caregiver participation for shared learning moments.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in guilt-free screen time. A lifetime subscription to Pok Pok can provide your child with opportunities to learn, explore, and grow — all for $44.97 with code PLAY through March 22.

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.

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 Thursday, March 19, 2026:

AcrossGhost's word

• The answer is Boo.

Magician's "And just like that, it's gone!"

• The answer is Poof.

With 7-Across, it's full of stars

• The answer is Night.

White bills in Monopoly

• The answer is Ones.

See 5-Across

• The answer is Sky.

DownScore of 4 on a par 3

• The answer is Bogey.

___ and aahs

• The answer is Oohs.

Frequently, in poetry

• The answer is Oft.

Like the sands of Harbour Island, Bahamas

• The answer is Pink.

Dissenting votes

• The answer is Nos.

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.

iPads are not the end-all be-all of tablets. There's a wide world beyond iOS, and Android tablets are just as suitable for all your streaming and work needs. OnePlus, purveyor of Android smartphones and smartwatches, also makes tablets.

The brand's latest, the OnePlus Pad Go 2, is a tablet under $500. On the surface, it looks a lot like Apple's iPads, but how do they compare under the hood? Well, that's where the differences come to light.

I tested the OnePlus Pad Go 2, a tablet for students and creatives alike, to see how it stacks up.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 specs and price While it doesn't have the best computing power for creatives, you can still draw and doodle away on the OnePlus Pad Go 2. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is the brand's approachable tablet. It doesn't quite have the computing power and memory we'd expect in a laptop, but it still has more than you'll get in a phone.

• Price: $399.99

• Processor: MediaTek Dimensity 7300-Ultra

• Memory: 8GB RAM

• Storage: 128GB ROM

• Display: 2.8k resolution, 900 nits brightness, and 120Hz refresh rate

• Ports: 1 USB-C port

• Camera: 8MP front and rear camera

• Audio: 4 speakers

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo review: I think Apple's going to sell millions of these Ideal interface for those switching over from iOS

After testing a variety of Android tablets, I declare the OnePlus Pad Go 2 the most iPhone-user-friendly. Upon turning on the OnePlus Pad Go 2, I was pleased to see how familiar the home screen looked, with its widgets and sleek display. The biggest difference is that Apple uses square app icons, while OnePlus tablets use round ones. The gestures are essentially the same, too, pulling down to access menus or swiping up to close apps.

Compared to other Android tablets I tested, it felt far more intuitive. It's not quite fair to credit it only for being similar to iOS, since the OnePlus Pad Go 2 has plenty of features that iPads don't. On the bottom app bar on the Pad Go 2, there's a directory so you can quickly browse your apps alphabetically rather than swipe through all your display pages.

Split screen feature is lacking The Pad Go 2's split screen feature isn't nearly as functional as other tablet's multi-window functions. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The hot feature on tablets is multi-window displays — now available on iPads and Samsung Galaxy Tabs. Rather than true adjustable windows, on the OnePlus, you can use split-screen displays that split the screen in half, though you can slide the divider to adjust the split. What you can't do is move organic windows around to create a fully customizable workspace.

You can also use OnePlus's floating window feature; however, the windows still lock to one side of the screen, so you don't have total freedom to move them around. The OnePlus Pad Go 2's split-screen function is good in a pinch, but not quite as usable as other tablets' multi-window functions.

High-quality streaming with just OK speakers The tiny speakers on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 deliver disappointing audio. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I spent a lot of time streaming on the OnePlus Pad Go 2; it became my companion while I was working or cooking in the kitchen. I was never once disappointed by the streaming quality. It's a quick processor that never buffers, leaving me on an unintended cliffhanger. Its 2.8k resolution and 900 nits of brightness result in clear, bright picture quality.

What I was less impressed with on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 was its speakers. The tablet has four speakers, but I found the audio wasn't very flattering. It sounded similar to a smartphone speaker, mostly clear but a little fuzzy and tinny.

Disappointing computing power

For daily use, I found the OnePlus Pad Go 2 to be a speedy, well-equipped device. It loads pages easily and requires very little buffering. I expected it to be on par with the Apple iPad with the A16 chip, but I was surprisingly disappointed.

On the Geekbench 6 test, the OnePlus Pad Go 2 scored 3,030 in the multi-core test. That's less than half of the iPad's score of 6,233. That score isn't weighing the Pad Go 2 down; for light activities like streaming, reading, mobile games, and internet browsing, it has plenty of power. But I wouldn't use this tablet for photo or video editing or any other high-demand tasks.

Extensive battery life

One of the most impressive features of the Pad Go 2 is its battery life. Performing a battery rundown test, it lasted 13 hours and 57 minutes. That's an impressive amount of time, meaning you won't have to charge it every day, and it can keep you company on long-haul flights.

The cameras aren't flattering anyone — human or animal Front-facing camera Feeling a little washed out with the front-facing camera. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Rear camera The OnePlus Pad Go 2 Camera made my dog Milly look a little oversaturated. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

I'm only side-eyeing you a little if you're taking photos with your tablet. But hey, there's a time in the place. The front and rear cameras on the OnePlus Pad Go 2 leave a lot to be desired. I know it's winter, but when I took a selfie, I felt pale and washed out. The rear camera isn't any better. I went to take a picture of my pup, Milly, and I found it didn't do her much justice — the photo still came out washed out and grainy.

Should you buy the OnePlus Pad Go 2? The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is good enough Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

The OnePlus Pad Go 2 is a pretty good tablet. For basic tasks, it performs well. I had no trouble while using it for streaming and browsing. For a budget Android tablet, it definitely gets the job done. That said, there's still room for improvement with its camera, computing power, and speaker.

I do recommend the basic iPad over the Pad Go 2. It's nearly identical in shape and interface; however, it has a higher Geekbench 6 score and is $50 cheaper (and often on sale for even less).

But if you're not down with iOS, the Pad Go 2 is a comparable, although less powerful, Android option.

OnePlus Pad Go 2 $399.99 at Amazon
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For practically as long as NASA's Hubble Space Telescope has circled Earth, astronomers have wanted to use it to see a comet as it's breaking apart. 

Many researchers have proposed such observations in the past, but because comet breakups are hard to anticipate, no one had achieved it — until now. By a stroke of luck, a team of scientists has, at long last, caught one in the act. 

The researchers looked at the comet, C/2025 K1 (ATLAS), only because there were some technical issues preventing them from observing their first choice. When John Noonan, the co-investigator on the study, saw the images Hubble had taken, he was in for the ultimate surprise. Instead of one space snowball, he saw four. 

"We knew this was something really, really special," said Noonan, a research professor at Auburn University, in a statement. 

Astronomers have sought a fragmenting comet for years because it's one of the few opportunities they have to see what's hidden inside these ancient icy objects. Such observations could be compared to a geologist taking a core sample of the early solar system. 

SEE ALSO: Space-traveling microbes? An unusual experiment shocked skeptics.

Comets formed about 4.6 billion years ago, when planets were still developing around the sun. Scientists think of these relics as time capsules because their interiors can still hold relatively unchanged ice, dust, and chemicals from that era. 

Scientists are tracking over 4,000 known comets, but countless others are likely flying in orbits beyond Neptune in a disk known as the Kuiper Belt or from an even more distant realm about 50 times farther, referred to as the Oort Cloud. The region remains a theory because the comets there have been too faint to be directly observed.

Astronomers normally only observe the outside of a comet, which has seen the abuse of heat and radiation. That makes it difficult for them to know whether they're looking at primitive properties from the solar system's birth or properties changed by time and environment. 

"By cracking open a comet, you can see the ancient material that has not been processed," said Dennis Bodewits, also a professor at Auburn and the lead investigator. 

In the new Hubble images, each of the fragments of the comet, called K1 for short, had its own glowing halo of gas and dust — a coma — that forms when sunlight heats the icy surface and instantly turns the material into gas. 

The telescope observed K1 over the course of three consecutive days in November. That was about one month after the comet swung closest to the sun — even closer than Mercury. The team's findings were published in the journal Icarus. 

Before K1 shattered, it was probably a bit larger than an average comet, perhaps the size of Key West, Florida, or the Los Angeles International Airport.

​​The inner edge of the main part of the Oort Cloud, a theorized region surrounding the solar system, could be as close as 1,000 astronomical units from the sun, with one astronomical unit equal to the distance between Earth and the sun. The outer edge is estimated to end about 100,000 AU away from the sun. Credit: NASA Goddard infographic

The team believes the breakup began roughly eight days before Hubble's first image, then caught another chunk splitting as it happened. 

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The timing revealed a new mystery. Telescopes on Earth saw the comet brighten later than predicted. The delay may happen because a comet's brightness is more closely linked to sunlight reflecting off dust rather than on newly revealed ice. Scientists think fresh ice may need time to warm up, build pressure below the surface, or accumulate a dusty cover that eventually blows away in space.

Early measurements also suggest K1 contains unusually low amounts of carbon compared with other comets. Further studies of its gases could help explain why. 

"Sometimes the best science happens by accident," Noonan said.

Now reduced to scattered bits about 250 million miles from Earth, K1 is heading out of the solar system and will probably never return.

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