Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 27, 2025

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:08

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for March 27 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Impact

  • Green: Accurate

  • Blue: Bread or cheddar

  • Purple: Same prefix

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Affect

  • Green: You got it!

  • Blue: Slang for money

  • Purple: Objects with the prefix "micro-"

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #648 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Affect: MOVE, REACH, SWAY, TOUCH

  • You Got It!: BINGO, CORRECT, DING, RIGHT

  • Slang for money: CHANGE, GREEN, PAPER, SCRATCH

  • Objects with the prefix "micro-": CHIP, PHONE, SCOPE, WAVE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 27

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

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Vivaldi Is Teaming Up With Proton VPN

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:00

Vivaldi is a browser that constantly tries to break out of the "regular browser" mold with unique features and additions. An in-browser VPN isn't exactly a new concept, but Proton VPN is one of the most reputable VPNs out there, and now, it's coming to Vivaldi.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Switch 2 release date, price and everything else we expect from Nintendo Direct

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:00

On Wednesday, April 2, Nintendo is going to blow the doors off the Nintendo Switch 2 console. But what does that mean, exactly?

Back in January, Nintendo already gave us a brief glimpse at the device and an even more brief glimpse at a new Mario Kart game running on it, but that was all we got. Well, that and a promise that we'd hear more on April 2 at 9 a.m. ET. After three agonizing months, that date is almost upon us. Let's talk about what to expect from the upcoming Nintendo Direct livestream.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition' review: A forgotten classic is back with a vengeance What to expect from the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct livestream

You can watch the Nintendo Direct stream on Nintendo's YouTube channel when the time comes. Here's what we think will be included.

Switch 2 price and release date

The only thing that's a virtual certainty to be in this stream, aside from one game we'll get to a minute, is information about the Switch 2's launch. Nintendo will most definitely tell us when the console is coming out and how much it will cost.

It's hard to be more specific than that until we hear it from the horse's mouth, but we do have some information to work with right now. Insider Gaming reported this week that Nintendo is planning to launch the console in June with a smattering of first-party games right away, with more third-party titles to come in the months to follow.

As for price, a recent Bloomberg report indicated that the console will cost at least $400. This is one of the harder aspects of the Switch 2 to nail down prior to the Direct because of the shifting economic realities of the Trump administration's tariff policies. My bet, personally, is that the console is exactly $399.99, that's just an educated guess.

Switch 2 controllers, new console features

Right now, the main things we know about the Switch 2 hardware that distinguish it from the original Switch are that it's bigger and has more horsepower inside. The widespread expectation is that it will be roughly as powerful as a PlayStation 4 Pro or maybe even a Steam Deck, possibly with the ability to upscale games to 4K using DLSS technology.

Of course, there will probably be more to it than that. The January teaser video teased the ability to use a Joy-Con controller like you'd use a computer mouse, and recently filed patents from Nintendo back this up. It's not really clear what this will be used for yet, but that's what the Direct is for. I would also expect to see a look at the console-level operating system and maybe some glimpses of additional online features, if there are any. There's also a still-unexplained "C" button on the new Joy-Con controller, and it's anyone's guess what the heck that is used for.

Switch 2 launch games

If you've never seen a Nintendo Direct before, they tend to be ruthlessly efficient. When there isn't new hardware to show, they're usually just a series of game trailers with the occasional interstitial bit where a stately looking man in a suit talks to you for a minute or two. Given that this one is dedicated to new hardware, there will almost certainly be a little more "men in suits talking" than the average Direct, but I would still expect this stream to heavily focus on new games for the Switch 2.

Unfortunately, there's only one game we know for certain will be at this event, and that's an unnamed new Mario Kart title. This game was briefly shown during the Switch 2 teaser video in January, and the only thing you can really get from the few seconds of footage in that video is that there are now 24 racers in a race instead of 12. Anything beyond that is speculation. I would expect this to be a launch title for the system.

That's about all we have to work with right now, sadly. All I can do is guess as to what else will be shown during this Direct. There probably won't be a new The Legend of Zelda game because Tears of the Kingdom and Echoes of Wisdom just came out over the past two years, though I wouldn't rule out an enhanced port of an older Zelda title. Metroid Prime 4 is a distinct possibility, perhaps even as a launch title, given its long development history and the fact that we haven't seen it since Nintendo re-revealed it last summer.

Xenoblade series developer Monolith Soft could potentially give us a brief glimpse of its next project for Switch 2, as well. I would also expect to see the next proper 3D Mario game at some point in this Direct, and it wouldn't surprise me if that were a launch title, too. If not, it could still be out in time for this holiday season.

Other than those things, it's really hard to guess what Nintendo will show. There's always the possibility (however slight) that a dormant series like Star Fox or F-Zero gets revived, and it's possible we may hear about the next Fire Emblem and Animal Crossing games, but none of those are guaranteed to be in this Direct.

I wish I could just sleep until Wednesday morning.

Categories: IT General, Technology

U.S. security officials passwords found online, including people in Signal chat

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:50

U.S. security officials' private contact information and passwords have been found online within days of the Signal scandal. If I had a nickel for every time a breach of tech security involving the Trump administration was revealed this week, I'd have two nickels. Which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice.

SEE ALSO: The Trump administration accidentally texted military plans to a journalist. The White House says it's fine.

German publication DER SPIEGEL reports that it has uncovered U.S. officials' private contact details exposed on the internet, specifically information belonging to Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and national security advisor Michael Waltz.

All three officials were also reportedly part of the now infamous Yemen bombing Signal group chat revealed earlier this week, the latter two being central figures in the security incident. On Monday, Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffery Goldberg reported that he had mistakenly been added to a Signal group chat in which U.S. officials planned to bomb Yemen, becoming convinced of its authenticity when the described attack actually transpired.

DER SPIEGEL notes that it's unclear whether the Signal accounts used in the U.S. officials' group chat were linked to private phone numbers. However, its reporters did confirm that the private phone numbers it uncovered belonging to Gabbard and Waltz were linked to Signal accounts.

"It is thus conceivable that foreign agents were privy to the Signal chat group in which Gabbard, Waltz and Hegseth discussed a military strike," wrote DER SPIEGEL.

How did reporters find U.S. officials' passwords?

DER SPIEGEL's reporters found the information on Waltz and Hegseth by first submitting a request to a contact information service, receiving email addresses and phone numbers for both officials. They then used Hegseth's phone number to locate a linked WhatsApp account that had been recently deleted, and used Waltz's email address to find associated passwords from previous leaks. They further used this information to find Waltz's apparent Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and Signal accounts.

While Gabbard's information was blocked in the contact information services DER SPIEGEL tries, its reporters were still able to find her email address on both Reddit and WikiLeaks. They were also able to locate a partial phone number from a previous leak, using it to find linked WhatsApp and Signal accounts.

"Most of these numbers and email addresses are apparently still in use, with some of them linked to profiles on social media platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn," DER SPIEGEL reported. "They were used to create Dropbox accounts and profiles in apps that track running data."

DER SPIEGEL stated that Waltz, Hegseth, and Gabbard did not respond to its request for comment. The National Security Council reportedly since stated that Waltz's relevant accounts and passwords were changed in 2019.

Considering the massive number, size, and frequency of cybersecurity breaches in general — as well as people's habitually terrible password habits — it isn't entirely surprising that U.S. officials' private accounts have been among those impacted in the past. Even so, it isn't entirely reassuring, particularly as these individuals are responsible for U.S. national defence.

The fallout from the Signal chat scandal is still ongoing, with the Trump administration now claiming that no classified information was actually shared in the group. This is despite Goldberg's report that messages included the name of an active CIA official, operational details about planned military attacks, and other information he claimed "could conceivably have been used to harm American military and intelligence personnel."

In response to U.S. officials' statements that none of these messages were classified, The Atlantic has since released further messages from the Signal group chat.

Featured Video For You 7 ways Mark Zuckerberg changed Meta ahead of Trump’s inauguration
Categories: IT General, Technology

2025 Moon Phase Calendar: What Is March 27th's Moon Phase?

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:00

If you're planning on observing the night sky, going for a night hike, or trying to snap a shot of the Moon, the phase is incredibly important. Here's everything you need to know about the current Lunar phase, as well as what you can expect in the near future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to learn piano? AI can teach you faster than private lessons

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Learn to play piano with Skoove Premium Piano Lessons, an AI-powered teacher, now offering lifetime subscriptions for £116.41 (reg. £232.84) at the Mashable Shop. 

Always wanted to learn piano? Nowadays, you don't need a teacher, and you certainly don't need to sit through boring classes. All it takes is a tablet, a keyboard, and your love of music.

Skoove is an AI-powered piano tutoring app that listens while you play and gives you curated feedback and useful resources to improve your skills. Normally, a Skoove lifetime subscription would cost £232.84, but now you can get one for 50% off and pay only £116.41.

Yes, AI can teach you to play piano

Have you seen how much piano lessons with a human teacher cost today? For less than the cost of a few hours of private instruction, Skoove provides virtual piano lessons for life.

You don't need to know how to play to get started. All you need is a piano and a little time. These lessons can be taken at your leisure, so they fit into even the busiest of schedules. And it's compatible with any piano or keyboard so you don't need to buy a new instrument just to get started.

You'll have access to 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos with this Skoove subscription. And you won't just be learning passively — thanks to AI, Skoove can recognise the notes you play and provide real-time feedback as you go. 

Skoove offers a diverse range of genres, so you can learn the music you really love. You can conquer your favourite Beatles tune or learn to bust out some Beethoven. And you'll never have a shortage of song options thanks to the monthly updates that offer new music and lessons. 

More than one million people are already taking advantage of Skoove's innovative piano lessons and sharpening their skills at home. Your lifetime subscription ensures you can continuously improve your playing right alongside them. 

Lifelong access to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons is now just £116.41 (reg. £232.84). 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Skoove Premium Skoove Premium Piano Lessons: Lifetime Subscription £116.41
£232.84 Save £116.43 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get inside the minds of first-time travelers in this new documentary

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 01:10

Traveling to a new place takes us out of our comfort zone and helps us get a new perspective on our life back home. 

But nothing is quite as transformative as your very first trip to a new country. The highs of new sights, smells, people, foods, and experiences leave you changed in a way that’s hard to describe. 

Inner Portrait, a new documentary from Turkish Airlines and media artist Refik Anadol, helps us visualize and articulate the change we feel when traveling, backed by data and technology. It first premiered at Istanbul’s Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) several months ago, and is currently available to stream on Hulu. Here are just a few reasons to catch it. 

Get inspired by four first-time travelers

Inner Portrait features four diverse first-time travelers: Tuikuru, a Brazilian native of the Amazon, who explores the vibrant streets of Tokyo; Esther from Kenya, who uncovers the rich history of Istanbul; Sahar, an Australian, who delves into the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia in Turkey; and Sigurbjörn from Iceland, who discovers the breathtaking beauty of Jordan.

See how travel changes the brain

This documentary does more than capture these first-time travelers' experiences. It uses advanced tech like EEG sensors, and Empatica Watches to capture every feeling and reaction as data points. 

Refik Anadol and his creative team transformed all this data into a beautiful art piece. The result is a stunning visual display that evokes a sense of awe, similar to what you feel when you travel.

Feel connected to the globe

Each first-time traveler featured in the documentary has a different life experience, and they embark on different trips. However, the data captured shows how their brains react to new experiences similarly as a timely reminder that we’re not so different. 

Ahmet Bolat, the Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, said, “[This documentary] highlights that traveling is not only a physical journey but [...] also a profound experience that transforms a person’s inner world. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are committed to connecting the world through the universal language of art and culture.”

Watching Tuikuru, Esther, Sahar, and Sigurbjörn's experiences will remind you not to take travel for granted, inviting viewers to prioritize their next adventure. 

Catch Inner Portrait on Hulu and visit Turkish Airlines to plan your next trip.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You Might Have a Chance to Watch a Star Explode on March 27th

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 00:35

For the cosmos, grand, noteworthy events tend to happen with decades or centuries of downtime between them. For us humans, that means we often only get one chance to see some impressive spectacles. One such opportunity is upon us now—the star T-Coronae Borealis could have a nova soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About the Apollo Program

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 00:00

The Apollo program was NASA's mission to put humans on the moon. Over 11 years, it achieved 6 lunar landings, and its success is deeply embedded in history and pop culture. But I bet there are a couple of things you didn’t know about it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Over 25 beauty deals under $25 to shop during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 23:37

Between inflation and the near constant influx of new product releases, it is way too easy to spend a ton on beauty products.

While the best solution to this is not over-consuming, grabbing things on sale is a great way to restock products or finally check out ones you've been meaning to try. Amazon's Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, gives the perfect opportunity for you to do just that, bringing discounts on classic brands like Urban Decay and Clinique to K-beauty favorites like Round Lab and Beauty of Joseon.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, selected by Mashable's team of experts

As a beauty tech reporter, I'm usually trying out the latest skincare devices and Dyson dupes, but I couldn't miss this opportunity to round up the best beauty deals under $25 I spotted during Amazon's Big Spring sale.

Best beauty deal Opens in a new window Credit: I DEW CARE I DEW CARE Tap Secret dry shampoo $12.59 at Amazon
$18 Save $5.41 Get Deal Why we like it

As someone whose hair gets greasy after one single day, I've tried my fair share of dry shampoos — this unique poof situation from I DEW CARE is by far my favorite. I use the original despite having dark brown hair, and have zero issues with any white cast. Instead, what I get is a controlled application process, noticeably mattified (but not dry-looking) hair, and zero scent. For me, it's the perfect formula, and at $12.59, is way cheaper than other options on the market.

Best hair dealsBest makeup dealsBest skincare dealsBest beauty tool deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The FlexiSpot H7 standing desk is just $100 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 23:25

SAVE 33%: The FlexiSpot H7 adjustable standing desk is on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale for just $99.98, down from the normal price of $149.99. That's a savings of $50.01.

Opens in a new window Credit: FlexiSpot FlexiSpot H7 adjustable standing desk (large) $99.98 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.01 Get Deal

By now, we've all heard that sitting for too long is bad for us. But that contradicts the recommendation that standing for too long can cause circulation problems. That leaves us questioning if we should be making those Excel spreadsheets while sitting or standing? Question no more because this deal at Amazon is the answer.

As of March 26, the FlexiSpot H7 adjustable standing desk is on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale for just $99.98, marked down from the usual price of $149.99. That means you'll be saving $50.01 with the 33% discount.

The FlexiSpot H7 is all about versatility, and it's a bit different from the standard standing desk. While many standing desks get bragging rights of being adjustable, this model of FlexiSpot only has one leg which means you're able to neatly tuck it over your bed or the couch. Sure, we know we're not supposed to work from bed but just having that as an option is awesome — not that we would ever do it.

Of course, it's also adjustable in height so you can use it as a sit-down desk or raise it to a comfortable standing height. The height range of the FlexiSpot H7 measures 26 to 41.7 inches. The discrete rolling casters sit below the desk's stand so you won't have to deal with unsightly wheels that stick out and tend to get in the way.

The large model of the FlexiSpot H7 that's on sale for $99.98 has desktop measurements of 31.5 inches wide and 17.7 inches deep, which makes this a great size for portability.

If you're lucky enough to still be working from home even a few days per month, the FlexiSpot H7 is a great mobile workstation. Use it standing or sitting from anywhere in your house or apartment. Now that it's under $100 at Amazon, it makes for an awesome spring refresh upgrade.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You’ve been overpaying for cloud storage — get 1TB for life for A$190

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 23:17

TL;DR: Through 27 April, grab a lifetime of cloud storage from Koofr on sale for A$190 at the Mashable Shop with coupon code KOOFR.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) AU$190
AU$1,284 Save AU$1,094 Get Deal

So many cloud storage services come with a monthly fee. It may feel cheap at first, but how many of those files are only there temporarily? With every month you pay for cloud storage, the value starts to fade. The cheaper overall alternative is to get cloud storage that lasts for life without needing to pay more than a one-time fee. Take a look at Koofr's offer for a 1TB lifetime cloud storage subscription for A$190 with code KOOFR.

Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly Koofr is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.

To keep your digital life in order, Koofr has some neat organizational features. The Duplicate Finder helps you eliminate unnecessary files, while advanced renaming options let you customize file links. This way, you can keep your digital space clutter-free.

Keep your files safe and sound with a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for A$190 with promo code KOOFR through 27 April.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

More Game Perks Are Coming to Xbox Game Pass Subscribers

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 23:14

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass has received a big upgrade that affects the gaming experiences on all platforms. There are a lot of features that are getting improvements, and subscirbers will see bigger libraries and perks in free games.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches at record-low prices

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 23:00
The best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (Save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, during its Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, we're keeping our eyes peeled as even more deals go live. While the sale focuses primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

So far, we have spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Again, while these deals aren't officially tied to the spring sale and can be found at other times of the year, these are still solid prices for any of these items.

We'll continue updating this post as the sale progresses, so check back if you're looking for the best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)🔥 $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Apple just dropped the M4 MacBook Air, and even at full price, we think it's a really good deal. In a divergence from last year's Air pricing, Apple started its 13-inch model at just $999 — with an M4 chip and the RAM upgrades Apple gave all its laptops last fall, this is the best value we've ever seen on an Apple laptop. Amazon slashed another $50 off the price, which, while admittedly not a jaw-dropping discount, helps make a great value even better. The biggest downside to this laptop is that it might be a little short on ports for some users, and then it tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, but if you can work with that, the M4 Air is an excellent deal.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro are an excellent pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, with some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality in the game. As the USB-C Pros near their second year anniversary, we can't say they're without a doubt the best on the market — their battery life could be better, for instance — but their age works in their favor for this price drop down to $169.99, which certainly makes some of their flaws easier to look past. We have seen these earbuds drop to $154 during Black Friday season, but we haven't seen that deal return since, making $170 the next best deal to grab them at.

More AirPods dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB)🔥 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm)🔥 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $100 off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $299 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best live deals on tablets during Amazons Big Spring Sale 2025

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:58

Get ready, because Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally here. Running from March 25 to 31, the event will mostly feature deals on spring essentials and outdoor items, but that doesn't mean it'll be completely devoid of tech deals. Case in point: A bunch of tablets are on sale during the event, including some fan favorites. So far, we're finding some pretty decent discounts on iPads, Amazon Fire Tablets, and others that we think are worth giving a look.

SEE ALSO: Amazon has a lot of Apple Watch deals ahead of its Big Spring Sale, but shoppers should still wait to buy

If you (or your kid) are in need of a new tablet, check out our favorite deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below. And stay tuned to our coverage throughout the event, because we'll be updating you on all the best deals as soon as they pop up.

iPad dealsAmazon Fire tablet dealsMore tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a Coleman Skydome Tent for under $75 during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:56

SAVE $40: As of March 26, you can get a four-person Coleman Skydome Tent for $74.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and a $40 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Skydome Tent $74.99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $40 Get Deal

Usually, we tout REI for having the best camping gear and sales, but Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has been sneaking in some pretty solid deals, too.

Right now, you can get a four-person Coleman Skydome Tent for just $74.99. That’s a 35% discount and $40 off the list price. That’s an almost unbeatable price for a waterproof tent that can sleep four adults and has nearly 3,000 five-star ratings.

SEE ALSO: The best outdoor deals to shop in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

It’s available in other sizes (two-person, six-person, and eight-person) if you need more space or want something smaller. You can also choose whether you want a tent with PFAS or without — the tent listed in this deal post is the PFAS-free version.

This tent is great for a weekend camping trip or even a backyard campout, and it’s beginner-friendly, so you won’t have too much trouble setting it up. (Setup takes five minutes, according to the manufacturer’s description.) It can also withstand 35 mph winds and features WeatherTec system’s welded corners and inverted seams, just in case you get caught in a storm.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Im an e-reader expert and the only time you should buy the Kindle Scribe is when its on sale — like right now

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:55
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe $339.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $80 Get Deal

I've spent a lot of time with Amazon's e-reader line-up, testing my way through each model. My preferred device is the Kindle Paperwhite, which never leaves my side. Unfortunately Amazon is being conservative with Kindle pricing during their Big Spring Sale. While the Paperwhite isn't on sale right now, the Kindle Scribe is.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a much larger e-reader in the line-up that offers something no other Kindle has: the ability to take notes. With the inclusion of the premium pen, users can jot down thoughts in a notebook or even annotate in the margins of books and PDFs. But it's honesty hour here — is the Scribe worth it?

At its standard retail price of $419.99, the Kindle isn't a great value. Sure the extra ability to take notes is a big draw (literally), but with that comes some downsides. Even in this redesigned model released in December 2024, the Scribe's performance drags. It often lags between pages, and the screen suffers a significant ghosting problem. Combined with the fact that it's the most expensive Kindle, I wouldn't encourage anyone to run out to buy it.

However, my opinion of the Scribe changes when it goes on sale. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the e-reader and note taker starts at $339.99, saving you an abundant $80. At that price, I think the Kindle Scribe is a much better purchase. If you're an annotator at heart or a student looking to mark up readings for class, the Scribe offers the feel of pen on paper with the convenience of a digital device. A price tag of $339.99 is the Kindle Scribe's lowest price ever, and therefore its best savings yet. So as an e-reader expert, I say if you're looking to buy one, let it be now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, selected by Mashables team of experts

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:50

UPDATE: Mar. 26, 2025, 4:50 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (save $170.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounces) $33.75 (save $11.25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $143.58 (save $126.41) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

Amazon is springing a bunch of seasonal deals on shoppers. The retail giant is hosting its second-ever Big Spring Sale from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, ushering in discounts on "end-of-season winter items" and "springtime favorites" across more than 35 categories, per its press release. Each day of the weeklong sale features "themed daily drops" on top of new limited-time offers.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year — and unlike its flagship summer Prime Day sale, the deals aren't exclusive to Prime members. Most of them, anyway: Prime members get access to a handful of special offers, which are identified with a "Prime Spring Deal" badge.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Dates, deals, and much more

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon throughout the Big Spring Sale. (Our sister site CNET has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

Below, we've got a running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale deals on smart home devices, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances, books, and much more. Check back daily to see what else we find.

Best Kindle dealsBundlesBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE deals

Apple Watch Ultra deals

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

MacsApple accessoriesBest TV deals43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upBest laptop deals

For deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Windows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptopsBest tablet deals

For deals on iPads, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Amazon Fire tabletsAndroid tabletsBest headphone and earbud dealsHeadphonesBest earbuds dealsBest unlocked phone deals Samsung Galaxy phonesGoogle Pixel phonesMotorola phonesBest vacuum dealsRobot vacuumsRobot vacuum mop combosStick vacuumsBest home dealsAir purifiersBedding and mattressesRugs
  • Ruggable — save up to 21% on machine washable rugs

Echo smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsBest cleaning supplies dealsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant Pots and multi-cookersRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsHair dryersHot toolsMulti-stylersSkincare techBest pet dealsAutomatic litter boxesAutomatic pet feedersBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest gaming dealsPlayStation gamesPlayStation hardware

Headsets

Accessories

Xbox gamesXbox hardware

Consoles

Controllers

Headsets

Nintendo Switch gamesNintendo Switch hardware

Controllers and accessories

Memory cards

Best Lego dealsBest book dealsFictionNon-fictionBest Pokémon dealsBest digital deals
  • Amazon Music Unlimited — get three months for free

  • Grubhub — save $5 on two $20+ food orders with $0 delivery fees with code HOOP5

  • Starz — add it to Prime Video for $1.99/month for three months (save $9/month)

Categories: IT General, Technology

25 best deals under $25 from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:40

UPDATE: Mar. 26, 2025, 4:28 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with even more deals under $15 from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best deals for under $25 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best tracker deal Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best security camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best book deal Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 (save $17.34) Get Deal

In case you haven’t noticed, life has become expensive. From eggs to gas to pretty much everything in between, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many of us feeling the pinch. Luckily, even as inflation squeezes our budgets, there are still opportunities to find great deals, especially with Amazon and its never-ending sales.

We’re covering the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which officially started on March 25. While the main event is underway, there are tons of deals under $25 that are worth grabbing.

Here are our picks for the best items to scoop up during the sale:

Best tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re going away for spring break, you might want to pick up a Bluetooth tracker to help you keep tabs on your belongings. These handy gadgets can be attached to your keys, bags, wallets, and anything else you want to keep a close eye on. The Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker is only $17.99 right now, down from its usual $24.99 price tag. That’s 28% off the list price and the lowest price we’ve seen for this model in recent months. It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices, has a 150-meter (around ~492 feet) Bluetooth range, and a three-year battery life. It’s water-resistant, too.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whenever I leave my apartment, I prop up a tiny off-brand camera to keep an eye on my pups. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to give me peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a more reliable indoor security camera, the TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera is only $14.99 at Amazon. That’s 35% off the sticker price and just a few cents off the all-time low.

The Tapo camera can send you instant push notifications whenever movement, a person, or a crying baby is detected. It has night vision, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video. And at under $15, it's a budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 at Amazon
$27 Save $17.34 Get Deal Why we like it

We’re usually all about gadgets, but sometimes, it's nice to take a break from screens and dive into a good old-fashioned book.

The hardcover version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is only $9.66 right now (with an on-screen coupon), down from its usual $27 list price. That’s way cheaper than what you’ll find it for on the shelves. If you prefer the Kindle edition, that’s on sale for $12.99.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular self-help books of the last few years, with over 20 million copies sold. It’s all about building better habits, one tiny change at a time — the perfect read if you're trying to make improvements in your life.

More deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

DOGE staffer Big Balls allegedly involved with cybercrime ring

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 22:36

Elon Musk's government project, DOGE, has been extremely controversial, to say the least. While not an official government agency, DOGE has been empowered by the Trump administration to go after so-called government fraud and waste. So far, DOGE has come up empty-handed.

However, that doesn't mean that Musk and his team haven't been busy gutting the federal government. DOGE's cuts to USAID have ended important life-saving programs for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Essential federal employees, such as park rangers, have been fired. And DOGE continues to rifle through sensitive government data in order to put more items on the chopping block, such as Social Security.

But, DOGE's issues lie not just with what it's doing, but who is doing it. 

SEE ALSO: DOGE damage is just getting started, IT experts warn

WIRED reported on many of the names involved with DOGE last month and many of them were young, inexperienced tech workers in their teens and early 20s who idolize Musk. While concerning, this is not disqualifying on its own. However, as more is known about the Musk fanboys that Musk hired for DOGE, the more concerning and disqualifying it gets.

A new report from Reuters has uncovered that one of the young DOGE employees, 19-year-old Edward Coristine, previously was involved with a cybercrime group known as "EGodly." 

Coristine, also known by his online nickname "Big Balls," provided support for cybercriminals through his company DiamondCDN. In fact, EGodly has explicitly thanked Corisinte's company for helping them operate online.

"We extend our gratitude to our valued partners DiamondCDN for generously providing us with their amazing DDoS protection and caching systems, which allow us to securely host and safeguard our website," read a message from EGodly's Telegram channel which was shared with Reuters.

The cybercriminal group had previously claimed responsibility for hijacking phone numbers, hacking into law enforcement email accounts, and stealing cryptocurrency. In one specific incident, the group shared private details allegedly belonging to an FBI agent, including his phone number and photos of his house.

This is just the latest in a string of infractions against DOGE's young team.

In a previous report from Bloomberg, Coristine had been ID'd as a former employee of cybersecurity firm Path Network. Coristine was eventually fired for leaking internal company information to competitors.

But "Big Balls" isn't the only problem at DOGE. For example, another DOGE employee, 25-year-old Marko Elez, resigned from his position after his numerous racist social media posts were discovered. Elez had urged his followers to "normalize Indian hate."

"Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool," Elez said in another post. "You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity." 

While Elez did resign, Musk rehired him just a day later to continue his work at DOGE.

It appears unlikely that Edward "Big Balls" Coristine will face any repercussions for his past actions either.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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