Technology

The Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is down to a record-low price in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save over $20 today only

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:34

SAVE OVER $20: As of March 26, the Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler is on sale for $17.98 at Amazon. That's a 55% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler $17.98 at Amazon
$39.95 Save $21.97   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is well underway and discounts have been kicking off on everything from robot vacuums to everyday essential products. Popular items like the Hydro Flask Travel Tumbler are also on sale, and if color doesn't matter to you all too much, you can get one for its best-ever price.

As of March 26, the Travel Tumbler in the color cascade is reduced to $17.98, a saving of over $20. According to camelcamelcamel, this is the best-ever price for this flask, so you're truly getting a great deal.

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Besides recent TikTok fame declaring this flask a cult favorite (among others like the famed Stanley Cup), this really is a great flask. It has a stainless steel insulated design that keeps drinks cold for hours using double-wall TempShield insulation.

And thanks to its leak-resistant press-in lid, you can carry it with you in your backpack without worrying about spills. The flexible straw is soft on your teeth and easy to sip from, and the handle is comfortable and durable for carrying around. It can also hold water for your whole day, but can still fit in most cupholders.

Get this water flask deal in the sale now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

35+ Amazon device deals in the Big Spring Sale: Echo, Fire TV, Kindle, and Blink

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
The best Big Spring Sale Amazon device deals at a glance: Best subscription deal Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for 3 months (save $34.98) Get Deal Best Echo device deal Amazon Echo Studio $189.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Fire TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal Best Fire TV Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best Kids device deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids $189.99 (save $80) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has arrived and with it, a boat load of discounts on Amazon's own devices. It officially runs from March 25 through March 31 this year and new deals will be dropping daily.

It only makes sense that Amazon would offer the biggest markdowns on its own devices, given that it's an Amazon sale, after all. So far, you can find Black Friday-level record-lows on several Echo speakers and smart displays, as well as Fire TVs. Blink cameras and some Kindles also got the deal treatment this time around. Price drops on Amazon's Fire tablets, on the other hand, are pretty scarce. We'll keep an eye out for any new Fire tablet discounts that may drop during the sale, but don't hold your breath. Also MIA from the sale (and the Amazon site in general) are the popular Echo Buds — usually a staple in major Amazon shopping events.

We're tracking all of the best Amazon device deals throughout the Big Spring Sale 2026 below. For deals beyond Amazon devices, be sure to follow along with all of Mashable's coverage in our Big Spring Sale hub.

Best Big Spring Sale Amazon subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Unlimited Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for 3 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's major sales are always an excuse for the retailer to offer extended free trials or discounted prices for its membership subscriptions. My personal favorite is this three-month Kindle Unlimited membership for just 99 cents. Usually $11.99 per month (an outstanding value, IMHO), that saves you about $35 in total. Kindle Unlimited unlocks instant unfettered access to a massive library of popular series, best sellers, classics, and more. And unlike the beloved Libby app, there's no wait times. You can borrow up to 20 books at once and you can read on any device (though we definitely recommend grabbing a Kindle while they're on sale).

More Amazon subscription dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Studio $189.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon dropped four new Echo devices last fall specifically built for Alexa+, including the new super-powered Echo Studio smart speaker. This is technically the Studio's first update in six years, though it's a much different design than its predecessor. According to Amazon, you "can't find any smart speaker that sounds this amazing at this size." It packs Dolby Atmos and spatial audio into a Death Star-like orb that fits in the palm of your hand. It's even powerful enough to give your TV a boost. The speaker saw its first-ever discount during Black Friday, and that same discount is back for the Big Spring Sale.

More Echo dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.97 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's 4-Series Fire TVs aren't the most advanced in the brand's lineup, but they are the most popular. These TVs are for those who don't require a ton of bells and whistles. If you just want a decent looking TV that's great for streaming, the 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV is an excellent value — especially now that it's back down to its best price ever. It was redesigned in 2025 to sport an ultra-slim bezel, a new quad-core processor for speedy navigation, and Alexa+. It also packs 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, and Omnisense technology that wakes up the TV when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite comfort show.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV Stick 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

Amazon practically gave away the Fire TV Stick 4K Select during Black Friday season, so we're hoping to see a return of the $9.99 discount price during the Big Spring Sale. Even if we don't, its current discount price of $17.99 is still pretty dang great. It's the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, the plug-and-play design you know and love, and a new operating system called Vega. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.

More Fire TV dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale Kindle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal Why we like it

We don't usually recommend the Kindle Colorsoft because the price tag is simply too steep. But now that it's $80 off its $249.99 list price, it's the best value e-reader you can get. It's practically the same device as the Kindle Paperwhite, but adds a full spectrum of color, with a resolution of 150 ppi and a black and white resolution of 300 ppi. Otherwise, it's a speedy, waterproof, seven-inch e-reader with no ads and a battery life that won't quit (up to eight weeks!). Plus, it allows you to actually highlight in color.

More Kindle deals

For more discounts on Kindle devices, check out our full list of Big Spring Sale Kindle deals.

Kids device dealsBlink camera dealsEero deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best power station deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Record lows on Jackery, Anker, and Bluetti

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
Best Amazon Big Spring Sale portable power stations deals at a glance: Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $749 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Anker Solix deal Anker Soloix F3800 Portable Power Station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W Solar Panel $3,498.99 at Amazon (save $3,898.01) Get Deal Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 (save $370) Get Deal Best DJI deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 (save $65) Get Deal

Amazon saw the sun setting later, smelled flowers blooming, and felt warmer temps and decided to celebrate by dropping a bunch of prices. The Big Spring Sale is officially live right now through March 31, which is great news if you're in the market for a portable power station.

A portable power station has become a must-have tech item. It's like your favorite noise-cancelling earbuds — no idea how we survived without them. They'll be a savior during power outages, keeping the refrigerator running, phones charged up, and the WiFi router connected. They're also well worth packing along on upcoming camping trips. Think of movie nights under the stars with a powered-up portable projector and fresh popcorn.

The one snag here is that batteries aren't cheap, and that's especially true of high-tech and long-lasting batteries found in portable power stations. Because of this, shopping for a power station during major sales like the Amazon Big Spring Sale is a wise move. Here are some of our favorite models seeing steep discounts now that the sale is officially live.

Best Bluetti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $749 at Amazon
$949 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a large and in charge power solution, whether in an emergency or going off-grid, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is a fantastic option. It comes with 2,600Wh of battery power, which is more than enough to charge larger items like laptops and small appliances. It's also capable of recharging your phones and keeping the WiFi router on for an extended period of time. If you find that you routinely lose power, this unit is something you'll want to keep on hand to make sure you can charge things up when you need them.

More Bluetti dealsBest Anker deal Anker Solix F3800 $3,498.99 at Amazon
$7,397 Save $3,898.01   See It at Amazon

The massive Anker Solix F3800 is ideal for home backup should the power cut out. On its own, the Solix F3800 comes with 3,8400 Wh of battery capacity to keep your tech running without grid power, but Anker made this deal even better during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The Solix F3800 comes bundled with a BP3800 Expansion Battery and a 400W solar panel. The extra battery brings the total capacity up to 7,680Wh while the addition of a solar panel puts you in line for recharging off-grid.

More Anker Solix dealsBest Jackery deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 at Amazon
$799 Save $370   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a portable power station to take along to the campground this summer, the Jackery Explorer 100 V2 is an ideal model. It's a mix of portability, durability, solid port options, and it's on sale for under $430. This Jackery model comes with 1,070Wh for recharging your phones while camping, keeping the speaker ready to go, and powering up the projector for movie nights. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so you won't have to struggle lugging it around camp.

More Jackery dealsMore portable power stations on sale at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best cordless tool deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale — score record-low prices on DeWalt

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale cordless tool deals at a glance: Best Cordless Tool Deal Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $158.18 (save $20.82) Get Deal Best Cordless Wrench Deal Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $83.25 (save $35.75) Get Deal Best Cordless Screwdriver Deal Hoto Rechargeable Electric Screwdriver $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal

On your mark, get ready, shop! Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for the third year in a row. That means from today (March 25) through March 31, you'll be able to access a variety of discounts across just about every category the store has to offer.

The sale is live now, so you can go ahead and dive in if you're looking for cordless tools. They're great for helping with completing projects around the house or even giving as gifts. There are plenty to choose from right now that you won't want to miss.

Which cordless tools are worth your time? If you're ready to start racking up the deals, keep reading to see our cordless tool picks now that the Big Spring Sale is live.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale cordless tool deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dewalt 20V MAX Cordless Drill Driver Set $158.18 at Amazon
$179 Save $20.82   Get Deal Why we like it

A cordless drill is one of the most important additions to any tool kit you're either building or planning to gift. It's perfect for just about any DIY project, whether you need to mount a TV, build a table, or hang up things around the home. This compact and lightweight drill's brushless motor has tons of applications and delivers up to 300 UWO and an impact driver with up to 1,400 in-lbs of torque. It also comes with a charger, battery packs, and a bag to keep everything in.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale cordless wrench deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Dewalt Atomic 20V Max Cordless Impact Wrench $83.25 at Amazon
$119 Save $35.75   Get Deal Why we like it

You can use an impact wrench for tons of different projects, whether you're working on assembling furniture or repairing a car in your driveway. It offers 1,700 in-lbs of torque and offers a variable speed trigger for better control and precision. It has 3 bright LEDS so you can see what you're doing in darker workspaces, and comes with a removable belt hook so you can keep it with you at all times, too.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale cordless screwdriver deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Hoto Rechargeable Electric Screwdriver $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This electric screwdriver can save you plenty of time and effort since it can handle the tougher jobs without you having to manually turn the electric drill. It has three torque settings, a rubber grip, and it weighs just under a pound. It comes with 12 different bits for you to swap out as well, so no matter what job you end up needing to tackle, you can easily handle it without having to resort to a manual screwdriver instead. That means getting the job done faster and more efficiently.

More cordless tool deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Amazon Echo deals to shop in the 2026 Amazon Big Spring Sale — smart speakers and displays on sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
The best Echo deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Echo deal Echo Show 11 $169.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best budget deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids $29.99 (save $20) Get Deal

I’ll be the first to admit that I rely on my Amazon Echo devices a little too much. But they’re just so convenient for literally everything — from setting cooking timers to checking the weather and even turning off my TV (yes, I'm getting a little lazy these days). Alexa+ has made it way too easy.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuum deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Our Dreame, Roborock, and Eufy favorites on sale

Amazon is notorious for discounting its own tech during major shopping events, and that's especially true for this year's Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Consider it the first major savings event before Prime Day. We had Presidents' Day, sure, but that doesn't hold a candle to what this sale is offering.

Running from March 25 through March 31, the Big Spring Sale will let shoppers snag discounts across just about every category. Last year, we saw markdowns of up to 71% off, and it already looks like this year is showcasing more of the same.

Here are the best Echo deals you can shop during the Big Spring Sale now.

Best Amazon Echo deal Amazon Echo Show 11 $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're looking to upgrade your smart home setup during the Big Spring Sale, the new Amazon Echo Show 11 is our top pick. It has a vibrant 11-inch full-HD touch screen and is designed for Amazon's new, conversational AI assistant, Alexa+. Bonus: It's $169.99 right now, which is the lowest price we've tracked to date. (If you want something a little cheaper, you can get the 8-inch screen for $139.99.)

Over at our sister site, PCMag, Andrew Gebhart dubbed the device the best way to bring Alexa+ to big rooms. Gebhart notes that its 1,900 x 1,200-pixel resolution provides a crisper, better picture quality than Amazon's larger, much pricier Echo Show 15 and 21 models.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Pokémon deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: Perfect Order and Ascended Heroes at record-low prices

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
Amazon Spring Sale Pokémon deals at a glance: Best Collection deal Pokemon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes $133.94 (save $26.05) Shop Now Best Collector Chest Deal Pokémon TCG Collector Chest Fall 2025 $44 (save $13.99) Shop Now Best Pre-Order Deal Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $245.99 (save $34) Shop Now Best Elite Trainer Box Deal Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $102.95 Shop Now Best tin deal Pokémon TCG: Mega Charizard X Tin $35.34 (save $2.59) Shop Now Best Toy Deal MEGA Pokémon Building Toys Set Every Eevee Evolution $55.01 (save $20.58) Get Deal

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has officially begun, and there's plenty are plenty of deals for Pokémon shoppers to hunt down.

Amazon has discounts and preorder price cuts across a wide range of categories — gaming deals, TV deals, Lego deals, and much more — making this a good time to shop if your wishlist includes sealed TCG products, collector boxes, or a couple of first-party Pokémon titles.

That's what we love about these sale events. No matter what you're into, Amazon has you covered. And if Pokémon is your thing, look no further. Wannabe trainers can pick up some great bargains.

Best Pokémon Elite Trainer Box deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $102.95 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

With Pokémon TCG's Perfect Order expansion finally out this week on March 27, we're at the turning point where pre-launch ETBs will start going well above $100 upon release — making this the best time to grab the Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for under $100.

Soon after, we predict the Perfect Order ETB will follow the market's usual trend (like other Pokémon ETBs on Amazon), going well above the $110 mark as availability starts to drop. Now is the best time to jump in before that happens.

The Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box includes nine Perfect Order booster packs, a full-art foil Tyrunt promo card, 65 sleeves, 40 Energy cards, a player’s guide, dice, a coin, a collector’s box, six dividers, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live.

Best Pokémon collection deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokemon Company Pokemon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes $133.94 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $26.05   Get Deal

With Pokémon deals going fast, the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes is one of the best deals in the current Big Spring Sale — down to $133.94 from $159.99, saving you $26.05 on a premium poster box with a nice selection of booster packs. It's now only $14.44 above TCGplayer's market price value of $119.50.

This set includes 10 booster packs, a foil promo card of Mega Lucario ex, and a double-sided poster.

Best Pokémon preorder deal Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box $247.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $32   Pre-order Here

With a new price cut of over $30, pre-ordering the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Display Box (36 booster packs) for $247.99 means you're only paying roughly $6.88 per booster pack; that's almost $5 off compared to buying Perfect Order boosters individually.

So unlike an Elite Trainer Box, you are not getting sleeves, dice, or storage extras. This is more of a straight pack-heavy buy for collectors who want to open a full box at once or chase cards from the new Perfect Order expansion without paying for the added accessories.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00

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

Shark devices on sale in Amazons Big Spring Sale: Stick vacuums, stain removers, and hair tools

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 10:00
A quick look at the best Amazon Shark deals from the Big Spring Sale Best stick vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty $249.00 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best hair tool deal Shark FlexStyle (6 attachments) $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best spot cleaner deal Shark StainForce $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best skincare deal Shark FacialPro Glow with DePuffi $299.00 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum $949.99 at Amazon (save $350) Get Deal

There are few home categories that Shark doesn't have a stake in. Floor care has been its bread and butter for a while, of course. But skincare, hair care, and air care, too? It's Dyson-level variety at this point. But when it comes to deals during major Amazon sale events, there are typically more good Shark deals than good Dyson deals. Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale deals tell the same story.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line

We're tracking all of the best deals on Shark vacuums, Shark beauty tools, Shark air purifiers, and more, live during the sale's March 25 through 31 runtime. A handful of our absolute favorite Shark products are on sale, and we'll be updating this story as more deals on Shark devices trickle in throughout the week. (Fingers crossed for a legit CryoGlow red light mask deal.)

Best Shark vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty BU3521 $249 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

It'll be hard for any spring vacuum deal to beat this Shark Clean & Empty model as the best affordable stick vacuum setup. It automatically empties itself and charges every time you hang it back up on the dock (which also acts as built-in storage). That means you're starting every cleaning session with an empty dustbin, and that means you'll have unmistakable visible proof of the gunk that's been sucked up in the room at hand.

It's not Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum, but it is almost 40 percent cheaper than Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum when it's on sale. Weighing in at just under six pounds, this Clean & Empty model is lighter than most cordless vacuums out there — including 30 percent lighter than the popular Shark Vertex Pro, which doesn't come with an auto-empty dock.

SEE ALSO: Shark FacialPro Glow review: The pore de-clogging is legit, but it may not be right for every skin type Cordless vacuum dealsCorded vacuum dealsBest Shark robot vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Shark Why we like it

Ahead of the Big Spring Sale, the Shark robot vacuums on sale were decent if you really want a Shark, but I was hesitant to hit full send on recommending one unless the PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 went on sale. Well, it has, and it's under $1,000, which I honestly did not expect. The $1,299.99 robot vacuum and mop combo with blacklight stain detect (the best Shark robot vacuum right now) hasn't even been out for a month, and I thought for sure that the chances of it seeing a discount this soon were iffy. I was happily mistaken.

More Shark robot vacuum dealsHair tool dealsSkincare device dealsUpright and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner dealsAir purifier deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

DreamWorks Forgotten Island trailer teases spectacular Filipino-inspired 90s adventure

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 09:41

Dreamworks has released the trailer for Forgotten Island, and it looks like a spectacular, magical tale of friendship and adventure — with an Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind twist.

Forgotten Island follows Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), best friends since childhood. Having just graduated high school, the duo are spending one last night together before Raissa leaves the Philippines to study in the U.S.

However, the friends' farewell plans are unexpectedly derailed after they fall through a portal and land in Nakali, a magical island filled with mythological creatures from Filipino folklore. The pair must now search for a way home before the island makes them forget each other entirely.

Set in the '90s, Forgotten Islands comes from Puss in Boots: The Last Wish's director and producer Joel Crawford and Mark Swift, and features a voice cast including Dave Franco, Lea Salonga, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy, and Ronny Chieng. The trailer also hints at an excellent soundtrack, already making good use of Simple Minds' memorable Breakfast Club anthem "Don't You (Forget About Me)."

Forgotten Island arrives in theatres on Sept. 25.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen review: Marriage is a killer

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 09:01

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen's title is a bit of an undersell. Many very bad things happen over the course of eight episodes, but thankfully the experience of watching the show is not one of them.

SEE ALSO: 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen's bloody ending, explained

From creator Haley Z. Boston (Brand New Cherry Flavor) and executive producers the Duffer Brothers (in their first project since Stranger Things), Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is a deliciously atmospheric horror series that unpacks all the things that could go wrong before an engaged couple walks down the aisle.

What's Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen about? Adam DiMarco and Camila Morrone in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

That engaged couple is Rachel Harkin (Camila Morrone) and Nicky Cunningham (Adam DiMarco), two lovebirds headed to upstate New York for an intimate wedding at Nicky's parents' remote cabin.

The presence of a "remote cabin" in a show called Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen should already be setting off alarm bells. Those will only get louder once you learn that Rachel has never met any of the other Cunninghams, and that she's plagued with feelings of dread about the wedding.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen builds that sense of dread expertly throughout its first episode, directed by Weronika Tofilska (Baby Reindeer). Set almost entirely during Rachel and Nicky's road trip upstate, the episode throws bad omen after bad omen at us: tales of missing dogs, bloody hangnails, a lone baby trapped in a car, a frightening man peering over bathroom stalls... Some of these will return in later episodes; some are more for vibes; all are chilling in the best way possible. Watching it feels like submerging yourself in a murky pond, dipping in one toe after another until you're totally immersed in the unsettling, frigid world Boston and her team are whipping up. Small details, from unfriendly bartenders to haunting local frozen custard chains, turn this cursed wedding destination into a surreal, unique ride.

SEE ALSO: 'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice' review: Time-traveling gangster comedy is a must-see crowd-pleaser

Once Rachel and Nicky arrive at his parents' place, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen begins to tread familiar ground. Nicky's affluent family are an odd bunch, both giving Rachel the cold shoulder and getting claustrophobically involved in every aspect of her wedding, right down to replacing her engagement ring. Between their overbearing behavior and menacing whispers from behind closed doors, it seems like the family is planning something sinister. A Ready or Not-style sacrifice comes to mind, and Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen plays up audience expectations that Rachel's in-laws are downright evil.

However, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen turns those expectations on their head, going in a different direction that focuses more on Rachel's troubled family and her own anxieties about marriage.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen will make you think twice about soulmates. Camila Morrone in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

As Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen draws closer and closer to Rachel and Nicky's wedding day, it unveils a devastating truth about Rachel, complete with a brief, disquieting detour into found footage. No spoilers, but it soon becomes clear that her marriage to Nicky isn't just a commitment she'll be making to someone she loves: It's a matter of life or death.

Here, Boston plays with the terror of marriage and the pressure to get it right with your "soulmate." Rachel must ask herself, over and over, if Nicky truly is the one for her, for eternity. (She's not the only one asking: A spooky interloper, played by a terrifically menacing Zlatko Burić, also takes it upon himself to question the upcoming marriage.) Are she and Nicky together because of fate? Or because of convenience? And how well does she really know him? Morrone is compelling as a woman spiraling before her marriage, while DiMarco continues his hot streak of playing cringe-inducing boyfriends whose nice exterior masks some concerning qualities. (See also: The White Lotus, Overcompensating.)

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With the fear of her wedding day hanging over her, Rachel must go through the motions of pre-marriage rituals: dress fittings, rehearsal dinners, a bachelorette party. Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen adds its own frightening twist to each, be it supernatural, like a séance, or something real, like an earth-shattering revelation about your partner. Each step toward the aisle feels like you're being zipped into a too-tight wedding dress, until you're just as constrained as Rachel.

Unfortunately, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen does begin to lose a bit of steam as the truth of what's happening to Rachel comes to light. These reveals have to happen eventually, yet they rob the show of the same mystique that makes the first few episodes so tantalizing. They also devolve into some repetitive, exposition-heavy discussions of Rachel's core dilemma, which has a few frustrating "solutions" that never get considered.

Still, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is less interested in solving the problem it sets for Rachel and more in watching her panic as she inches closer and closer to the altar. For the most part, it's a captivating success, and even though we know something very bad will go down, that doesn't make the journey there any less perturbing.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happens bloody ending, explained

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 09:01

Well, Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen lives up to its title. Something very bad does, in fact, happen at the wedding between Rachel Harkin (Camila Morrone) and Nicky Cunningham (Adam DiMarco), leaving gallons of blood and countless dead Cunninghams scattered across the reception's dance floor.

SEE ALSO: 'Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen' review: Marriage is a killer

Despite what all the blood might have you think, this ending isn't all bad news for the (un)happy couple, as a last-minute twist leaves Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen on a somewhat hopeful note. Let's dive into it.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen's wedding curse, explained. Zlatko Burić in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

Before we get into the very end of Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen, let's rewind to the show's fourth episode, which lays out a curse that has been plaguing Rachel's bloodline for years. Rachel hears about it from the frightening older man (Zlatko Burić) who approached her in episode 1 with the ominous question, "Are you sure he's the one?" Turns out it wasn't just a creepy question. It was also a warning.

According to the man, the curse began long, long ago, with his great-great-great-great grandparents. They were very much in love, but before the wedding, the groom died in a hunting accident. The bride begged Death to bring him back, which set in motion a tricky bargain. Death agreed to bring the groom back if the bride believed he was her true soulmate. It worked, but with a price: Death cursed all of the bride and groom's children to find and marry their true soulmates, or pay him with their lives.

The curse passed onto the man, who got engaged to his "beloved" Marianne, Rachel's great-great-great-great-great-grandmother. However, when faced with the ultimatum that he must marry his true soulmate by sundown on his wedding day or die, he left his bride at the altar. After that, the curse transferred to her bloodline: Rachel's bloodline. Now, every Harkin must marry their soulmate by sundown on their wedding day. If the person they marry isn't their soulmate, then they die by hemorrhage. If they flee the wedding before getting married, then the curse passes to their betrothed's family.

SEE ALSO: 'Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice' review: Time-traveling gangster comedy is a must-see crowd-pleaser

As for the man, he becomes immortal as a result of his cowardice, and now he must bear witness to every Harkin wedding.

Let's face it: The "soulmate" aspect of the curse is almost impossible to beat. Even if you did believe in the concept of soulmates, the numbers game of actually finding "the one" in a world of billions of people is not favorable. Plus, the curse is basically a self-fulfilling prophecy. Knowing about it will constantly have you second-guessing your impending marriage, leaving you to doubt your love at the altar. And doubt is the death knell for any married Harkin.

What does Rachel choose to do with her wedding in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen? Camila Morrone in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

Armed with the knowledge of this curse, Rachel has to decide what to do on her wedding day. If she gets married to Nicky and he isn't her soulmate, she'll die. If she leaves, she dooms the Cunningham family to live with the same curse. In theory, she could opt for a secret third option and keep postponing the wedding indefinitely. However, since the wedding is also meant to double as one final celebration for Nicky's dying mother, Victoria (Jennifer Jason Leigh), there are external pressures on Rachel and Nicky to make sure it stays on track.

To guarantee her survival, Rachel mixes a potion that will transform her into Nicky's soulmate. She knows it will work because it's how her great-aunt survived her own wedding, where most of the other Harkins perished immediately. At the last minute, though, Rachel decides not to drink the potion. (Meaning she cut off her own toe for nothing!) She's sure Nicky is her soulmate, and she decides to go through with the wedding.

SEE ALSO: 'The Comeback' Season 3 review: Lisa Kudrow warns us of the AI apocalypse

In the end, though, it's Nicky who gets cold feet. After he and Rachel recite their vows and Rachel puts Nicky's ring on his finger, he wonders whether they should get married at all. In the past, Rachel expressed her cynicism with the institution of marriage, but Nicky's brilliant mind decides that the altar is the best place to finally take these thoughts into consideration. Great timing.

Nicky's pause means that the sun sets before the marriage ceremony is complete. With no marriage, the next wave of the curse kicks in, and it transfers to Nicky's bloodline. Here, we learn that the curse won't just impact Nicky's descendants — it's retroactive. That means all the Cunninghams who are married to the person who isn't their soulmate (and let's face it, that's basically everyone) begin to spurt blood and die. Sorry to break it to everyone who was dancing to "I Will Survive" moments before, but they do not, in fact, survive.

How does Jules survive in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen? Karla Crome and Jeff Wilbusch in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

Victoria and Portia (Gus Birney) are among the many Cunninghams who fall victim to the curse in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen. Yet one married Cunningham mysteriously survives: Jules (Jeff Wilbusch), whose marriage to Nell (Karla Crome) has been on the rocks since we've met them. They're even planning on getting a divorce.

Amidst the wedding carnage, Nell wonders aloud why Jules hasn't perished like the rest of his family. In response, he casts her a yearning look, one that implies that, even after everything they've been through, he truly believes he's found his soulmate. His survival is proof that apparently you can live through the curse.

What happens to Rachel in Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen? Camila Morrone in "Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen." Credit: Netflix

When the Cunninghams start dropping like flies, Nicky realizes his error and rushes an unwilling Rachel into completing the marriage ceremony. While he survives, truly believing Rachel to his soulmate, Rachel is not so lucky. After seeing Nicky's cowardice and hearing how he didn't believe her about the curse, she's not willing to lay her life on the line for him. Unfortunately, that's exactly what ends up happening once the wedding rings are on: Rachel dies, just like her mother did years ago.

However, this is not the end of her story. Death, who's been lurking throughout the series as a shadowy POV character, makes one last move. He takes the life of the witness, who's long been hoping for the release of death, and resurrects Rachel. Perhaps he recognizes that Rachel was forced into the marriage and deserves another chance, or perhaps he just wants to inject new blood into the curse.

Now, Rachel will be the witness for future Cunningham weddings. Her late predecessor leaves a helpful note to signal her new role to her: "Your turn," written in blood.

Only one Cunningham is left for her to shadow: Jules and Nell's son Jude (Sawyer Fraser). His marriage — if he even has one, after witnessing this mess — won't be for a while yet, so Rachel has all the time in the world to live a free, unburdened life. (She also gives him ample warning about making sure he's careful about who he marries.)

Of course, the thrill of her immortality may eventually fade and curdle into the quiet menace of the witness who came before her. But for now, as she climbs into the witness' old "Just Married" truck and flings her wedding ring out the window, Rachel feels liberated. Turns out the something very bad she'd been dreading actually wound up being something good for her.

Something Very Bad Is Going to Happen is now streaming on Netflix.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 08:23

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move onto the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible – and common – for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

  • Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

  • Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

  • Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

  • Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

  • Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 25, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

Less than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 2-3, placed horizontally; 2-6, placed vertically.

Greater than (11): Everything in this space must be greater than 11. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically; 2-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 6-5, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 1-5, placed vertically.

Greater than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 26 Pips

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

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 3-2, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

Number (18): Everything in this space must add up to 18. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 2-4, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 4-3, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed horizontally; 6-5, placed vertically.

Less than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 0-5, placed vertically.

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 08:09

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who are ready for Opening Day.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Hitting meatballs

  • Green: HR leaders

  • Blue: The minor leagues

  • Purple: Spelled like an MLB team

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Slang for Home Run

  • Green: MLB Home Run Leaders in 2025

  • Blue: Minor League Baseball Leagues

  • Purple: Anagrams of MLB Teams

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #549 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Slang for Home Run - DINGER, HOMER, JACK, ROUND-TRIPPER

  • MLB Home Run Leaders in 2025 - JUDGE, OHTANI, RALEIGH, SCHWARBER

  • Minor League Baseball Leagues - CAROLINA, INTERNATIONAL, PACIFIC COAST, TEXAS

  • Anagrams of MLB Teams - BUCS, PARTIES, SPREAD, STEM

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 06:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Small drums.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

BONGO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A landscaper's tool.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

MOWER

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A thicket.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

COPSE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A stringed instrument.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

BANJO

Final Hurdle hint

What old stairs might do.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

CREAK

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 26

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 06:00

The Moon is now more than half lit, which means we're in the final phase before its full phase. The Moon will appear more illuminated each night until it is full, meaning there's plenty opportunity for spotting features on the its surface.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, March 26, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 56% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

And there's plenty to see, even without visual aids you can spot the Mares Fecunditatis, Crisum, and Vaporum. With binoculars, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Posidonius Crater, Alps Mountains, and the Appennine Mountains. Also, with a telescope, you'll be able to spot even more, including the Rima Ariadaeus, Descartes Highlands, and the Caucasus Mountains.

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

Why is OpenAI like this?

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 05:13

If messy drama was something you could sell, OpenAI would have turned a profit already.

That much is clear from the bizarre way the ChatGPT company killed off Sora, its shortform video app — just one of multiple dramas that seem to be playing out in tandem at Sam Altman's company. So much so that you'd be forgiven for wondering whether there is any method to this madness.

The Sora shuttering could not have burned more bridges with partners and creators if it tried. The rumored face-saving announcement that Sora was being folded into ChatGPT? Didn't happen. OpenAI had just announced new Sora safety standards the day before — so why bother if it's on the outs?

Disney, meanwhile, had not yet finalized its $1 billion, three-year deal with OpenAI over character licensing in Sora. The House of Mouse was so blindsided, according to a Reuters report, that executives had a meeting discussing what Disney could do with the Sora deal yesterday... just 30 minutes before OpenAI announced its death via a post on X.

ChatGPT ads are a bust

There are also unforced errors in OpenAI's ad division, according to a scoop from The Information. It seems an early test of ChatGPT ads (the company's big revenue-hunting pivot from two months ago) burned bridges with the advertisers who participated. Those advertisers bought more than $200,000 of ads apiece, premium table stakes for the industry. But they didn't get the data they need to know if their ads — which played minimally — are paying off.

Ironically, considering how much OpenAI's products promise to automate the world, the ad industry titans said they had to call or email the company to place ads.

And where is OpenAI's CEO in all this? Not tweeting through it; at time of writing, Altman hasn't posted on X since the Sora announcement. Nor is he blogging through it; his last two blog posts were written six months ago, and are both about Sora. "People are generating much more [video] than we expected per user," Altman wrote in his most recent post.

"We are going to have to somehow make money for video generation," the CEO said, noting presciently: "please expect a very high rate of change from us."

No kidding. So where is the money going to come from, if it isn't coming from Disney and it isn't coming from ads? Shuttering Sora won't make up OpenAI's revenue shortfall, estimated at roughly $1 billion a month. Running ChatGPT for 900 million people per week, all but 40 million of whom aren't paying for it, costs a lot!

Nor is the money coming from the Instant Checkout shopping feature OpenAI announced in 2025, which was supposed to attract a million merchants. The company announced Tuesday that Altman is dumping that as well.

OpenAI's race to its IPO

So what is Altman doing, exactly? He told OpenAI staff on Tuesday that he's no longer running the company's safety and security teams, according to a separate Information report. Instead, Altman reportedly told them that he's focused on raising more money and building more data centers.

"Things are moving faster than many of us expected," Altman added, though in which direction they're moving wasn't clear.

Altman, according to the report, is renaming the company's product group "AGI deployment." A ballsy marketing move, given that GPT-5 is nowhere near AGI (Artificial General Intelligence, also known as digital superintelligence) — and OpenAI is still feuding with its partner Microsoft about how we would define such a thing if it did arrive.

That's no mere academic debate, given that Amazon reportedly stands to invest another $50 billion in the company on the condition that it goes public, or AGI is achieved.

In the absence of actual AGI to deploy — and there are no signs that OpenAI's next model, codenamed "Spud," will get there either — there's nothing left for Altman to do but prepare for the IPO. OpenAI and its chief rival Anthropic, which makes Claude, are both supposedly on course for their public offerings this year. As public companies, they'll be able to raise funds more easily.

But what if there's only room for one winner?

Anthropic, while it's still (sort of) battling the Pentagon and coming up with its own creative revenue estimates, is widely seen as the more successful company when it comes to solid, dependable business. Not for them the flashy Disney deals; they're selling targeted AI services to other companies. Right now, the perception among customers is that Claude is for coding and making AI agents, while ChatGPT is more for the masses.

It isn't going to be easy for Altman to turn that perception around. But it'll probably be easier if OpenAI isn't trying to be a media company that sells ads and lets you make cute Disney character shorts. And in that context, Altman's latest moves start to make a lick of sense. Whether he can convince business customers that he's a dependable figure — pay no attention to those burning bridges! — will be another drama altogether.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 04:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a registered voter.

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.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

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 Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026 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: Farming

  • Green: Motor City players

  • Blue: Used on Election Day

  • Purple: Nuts and ___

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Food procurement methods

  • Green: Member of a Detroit sports team

  • Blue: Features of a classic voting booth

  • Purple: They have bolts

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 #1019 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Food procurement methods: AGRICULTURE, FISHING, GATHERING, HUNTING

  • Member of a Detroit sports team: LION, PISTON, RED WING, TIGER

  • Features of a classic voting booth: BALLOT, BOOTH, CURTAIN, LEVER

  • They have bolts: FRANKENSTEIN'S MONSTER, HARDWARE STORE, LIGHTNING, LOCK

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 26, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 04:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a musician.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: I blew it!

The words are related to music.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe things you blow into.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Wind Instrument.

NYT Strands word list for March 26

  • Recorder

  • Flute

  • Harmonica

  • Wind Instrument

  • Oboe

  • Clarinet

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 04:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a good fit.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. 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 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 26, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Suitable.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BEFIT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 yesterday's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on cooling sheets, air purifiers, and top robot vacuums

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 03:28
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale home deals at a glance: Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best bedding deal Buffy Cloud Eucalyptus Cooling Comforter $159 (save $41) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon (save $60.99) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

It's time for another seasonal Amazon sale event: The third annual Big Spring Sale is on for a full week from March 25 to 31. The sale technically spans all product categories that you'd see during Prime Day, but there's a natural focus on products to help us transition to warmer weather.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 12 products that'll make it easy to keep things pristine year-round

For your home, this means clean floors, clean air, and anything else that screams "spring refresh," with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, spring cleaning essentials, and summer-ready bedding.

We rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Blueair, Shark, and more.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale home tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand.

The Amazon Echo Spot smart alarm clock packs everything you love about an Amazon Echo into a bedside device. It wakes you up but also helps you wind down. You can program it to start your day with a weather report and your favorite music.

During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $49.99 and save $30 off its $79.99 list price.

More home tech dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.99   Get Deal

Warmer weather means you can put away your heavy winter coats and pull out the antihistamines because spring allergies are on their way. If you're already getting the pollen-induced sniffles, you can do one thing to protect your home air: get an air purifier.

Smoke, dust, and pet hair don't stand a chance against the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. It cleans up to 1,858 square feet in just one hour, plus it does so quietly. For Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the air purifier is down to $169, saving you $60.99 off its $229.99 list price.

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy

Read Mashable's review of the Eufy C28.

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out last month. At $499.99 for the Big Spring Sale, the Eufy C28 is not only the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season, but the best budget robot vacuum and mop combo period.

If you're jaded from a bad mopping robot vacuum experience in the past, it's probably because it smeared dirty water more than it scrubbed. Stodart thinks that this Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop will change your mind. Its fluffy material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water multiple times per second. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

Robot vacuum and mop combo dealsBroom, mop, and cordless vacuum dealsStain remover tool and upholstery deep cleaner dealsBedding, kitchen, and more home dealsSheets, comforter, and pillow dealsSteamers
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