Technology

A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale AirPods deals: Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99 (save $30) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $49) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $449.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal

It's official: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back and delivering another batch of deals for shoppers. If you're itching to see what the retailer has available for this year's event, the good news is that its officially live right now (it runs from March 25 to 31). We've already spotted quite a few offers worth checking out, including some stellar deals on Apple AirPods.

The AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 (both with and without ANC), and first-gen AirPods Max are already on sale at Amazon. If you've been looking to score new earbuds or headphones to pair with your Apple tech this year, we've gathered up our favorite early AirPods deals below.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Note that no AirPods have hit their lowest prices on record yet, so there's always a chance they could get cheaper. We'll be sure to update this page if new deals go live throughout the week.

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

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99 at Amazon
$129 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

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

If you had your eye on the AirPods 4 with ANC, the good news is those are also on sale right now. They are currently marked down to just $148.99 at Amazon, or about $30 off their original list price of $179. So no matter which option you choose, you can save some cash right now.

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

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

Boasting great sound quality and noise-cancelling features, alongside a hefty battery life that can last up to eight hours (with ANC) on a single charge, these AirPods are a nice upgrade indeed. Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, they're marked down to $199.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $449.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $99.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Premium noise-canceling headphones from brands like Sony and Bose are a much better value, but AirPods Max are a popular pick nonetheless. (If nothing else, they're super stylish.) Apple announced the AirPods Max 2 with better ANC and smart features earlier this month, and now the first-gen models with USB-C charging are on sale on Amazon for $449.99. That's about $100 off their regular retail price of $549.

Read Mashable's full review of the first-generation Apple AirPods Max.

TL;DR: BrowserCopilot brings AI directly into your browser, helping you write, research, and respond faster — without switching tabs — for a one-time $24.65 (reg. $204).

Opens in a new window Credit: BrowserCopilot AI BrowserCopilot AI: Lifetime Subscription (Basic Plan - 500 Queries per Month) $24.65
$204 Save $179.35   Get Deal

Using AI tools often comes with a bit of friction — opening a new tab, copying content, pasting prompts, and then bringing the results back into your workflow. BrowserCopilot is designed to eliminate those extra steps by bringing AI directly into your browser.

Available as a lifetime subscription for $24.65 (reg. $204) through March 29 with code MARCH15, BrowserCopilot works within Google Chrome, allowing you to interact with AI tools without leaving the page you’re on.

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Whether you’re drafting emails, reviewing documents, or researching content, the assistant operates in context, pulling from what’s already on your screen.

One of its more practical features is the ability to create custom AI copilots. These can be tailored to specific workflows, writing styles, or recurring tasks, helping produce more consistent outputs without starting from scratch each time. Over time, this can help reduce repetitive work, especially for users handling similar types of content daily.

BrowserCopilot also integrates with your email, enabling quick replies that reflect your tone and context. For content-heavy tasks, it can summarize articles, rewrite text, or analyze documents, including PDFs and images. The platform supports multiple AI models, giving users flexibility depending on the task — whether it’s writing, reasoning, or working with multimedia inputs. There’s also a screenshot-based “AI Vision” feature, which allows you to capture part of your screen and ask questions about it instantly.

For users who rely on AI regularly, the biggest advantage here is simplicity — and this limited-time price. Get lifetime access to BrowserCopilot AI’s Basic Plan for just $24.65 (reg. $204) through March 29 with code MARCH15.

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

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, March 25, 2026:

AcrossInstrument in bluegrass music

• The answer is Banjo.

Publication with the headline "C.I.A. Realizes It's Been Using Black Highlighters All These Years," with "The"

• The answer is Onion.

Cut-off point for cropped jeans

• The answer is Ankle.

Hilarious person

• The answer is Riot.

Place to hibernate

• The answer is Den.

Down"Tens across the ___!"

• The answer is Board.

1982 film in which Carol Burnett played Miss Hannigan

• The answer is Annie.

Japanese camera brand

• The answer is Nikon.

Sudden shock

• The answer is Jolt.

Final number in a countdown

• The answer is One.

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

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

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

We finally have an idea of how Stephen Colbert will be spending his time when The Late Show ends this spring.

In the video above, the host joins director Peter Jackson to announce that he's co-writing a new Lord of the Rings movie with his son, Peter McGee.

"You know what the books mean to me, and what your films mean to me," says Colbert in the clip. "But the thing I found myself reading over and over again were the six chapters early on in The Fellowship that y'all never developed into the first movie, back in the day. It's basically the chapter 'Three is Company' through 'Fog on the Barrow Downs'. And then I thought, 'Oh wait, maybe that could be its own story that could fit into the larger story."

According to Variety, the movie will follow Sam, Merry and Pippin fourteen years after Frodo's death as they retrace their adventure. The chapters Colbert references in the video feature Tom Bombadil, a powerful character from the books that wasn't featured in Peter Jackson's trilogy.

The best Kindle deals from the Amazon Spring Sale: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best Kids Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids $189.99 (save $80) Get Deal Kindle Paperwhite Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Kindle Scribe Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is officially here. The seasonal sale runs March 25 through 31, marking down everything you need to get ready for warmer weather. If you're planning on heading out on some spring and summer adventures, but still trying to hit your reading goals, it's time to get an e-reader.

Leading up to the sale, we weren't sure what to expect for Kindle deals considering this isn't Amazon's flagship Prime Day or Black Friday. Luckily, we're pleased to see great savings. Not all of the devices are down to their lowest price ever, but the deals are still worthy of your attention.

The highlights of the Kindle deals include the Kindle Colorsoft and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids, so if you're ready for a color e-reader that can fit thousands of books on it and is waterproof for your beach and poolside reading, this is the sale for you.

But there are more Kindles to shop during the Big Spring Sale, including the Paperwhite and Scribe, so here are all the best Kindle deals.

Best Kindle Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Usually, the Kindle Colorsoft is way too expensive for our liking, but once it goes on sale, all is forgiven. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the Kindle Colorsoft is marked down in a big way. Right now, grab the Kindle Colorsoft for just $169.99. That saves you $80 off its $249.99 list price.

The big draw of the Kindle Colorsoft is its color displays. The e-reader has a color resolution of 150 ppi and a black and white resolution of 300 ppi. Even with the addition of color to the Kindle Colorsoft, it remains a speedy device. Plus, it comes with no ads. Temper your expectations around color with the Colorsoft, the hues tend to be more muted than what you get on a TV or tablet. Plus, it should be mentioned the Kindle Colorsoft is waterproof, so you can take it to the pool or beach. If you're looking for a color e-reader, this is a deal to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

More Kindle deals

Kindle devices

• Amazon Kindle — $99.99 $109.99 (save $10)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite — $134.99 $159.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Kindle Scribe (previous generation) — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

Kids Kindles

• Kindle Kids — $109.99 $129.99 (save $20)

• Kindle Kids Paperwhite — $154.99 $179.99 (save $25)

• Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids — $189.99 $269.99 (save $80)

Kindle Bundles

• Amazon Essentials Bundle — $132.97 $161.97 (save $29)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle — $166.97 $216.97 (save $50)

• Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition Bundle — $206.97 $281.97 (save $75)

SAVE $20.01: As of March 25, the DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) is on sale for $58.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX) $58.99 at Amazon
$79 Save $20.01   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally here and the discounts are flowing. Whether you're looking for a robot vacuum to make life easier or a new TV for movie nights, chances are you'll find a great deal on what you need. And that includes the cult-favorite DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX). This wireless mic setup is an absolute must for anyone who creates content in any form.

In the Amazon Spring Sale, this popular mic setup is down from $79 to $58.99. This deal saves you over $20 — it's the best-ever price for this product according to price tracker camelcamelcamel.

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This DJI Mic Mini is compact and lightweight, ideal for shooting content on the go. In fact, each transmitter weighs just 10 grams, meaning it's discreet on camera too. It delivers high-quality audio with a transmission range of up to 400 meters, and is designed to remain stable even in busy outdoor environments. It even benefits from two levels of noise cancellation, along with automatic limiting to prevent clipping and maintain consistent audio quality.

If you're a DJI fan, the system supports direct connection to compatible DJI devices via OsmoAudio, so it removes the need for a receiver in certain setups. And for runtime, the battery life will give you up to 10 hours of use for both the transmitter and receiver, so it's still a great choice for long days of content creation.

Get this DJI deal in Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) listed for $130.43, which is $16.93 off the listing’s $147.36 typical price.

Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) deals Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) $130.43 (save $16.43) Pre-Order Here Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) $139.35 Pre-Order Here Best TCGplayer deal Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir) $179.49 Pre-Order Here

In the Pokémon TCG world, poster collections do not always get the same attention as Elite Trainer Boxes or Booster Bundles, but they can still be one of the better sealed buys when the pack count is high enough. At a time when Ascended Heroes prices are all over the place, this is one of the new best ways to get boosters — just in time for the start of Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, alongside other Pokemon deals, gaming deals, and plenty more. 

As of March 25, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG: Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection (Mega Gardevoir edition) up for preorder at $130.43. Against its listed typical price of $147.36, that works out to a saving of $16.93 on list price.

It is also arriving right up against the collection’s March 27 release date. So if you’ve missed out on the first waves of low-priced ETBs and Booster Bundles, this is the next best way to secure Ascended Heroes booster packs for a decent price tag.

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Inside the box, you are getting one foil promo card featuring Mega Gardevoir ex, one double-sided poster measuring just under 27 by 39 inches, 10 Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes booster packs, and a code card for Pokémon TCG Live. Even before you factor in the promo and poster, the price comes to about $13 per booster pack, which makes the extras feel like excellent added value.

For more Spring Sale Pokémon TCG savings, Amazon also has the Mega Charizard X ex Ultra-Premium Collection on offer at over $60 off. Meanwhile, you can still preorder the Pokémon TCG’s Perfect Order Booster Bundle for under $59 at Amazon. 

SAVE OVER $500: The TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV is down to just $997.97 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's over $500 off and close to the best-ever price for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV $997.97 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $502.02   Get Deal

We think 65 inches is the perfect TV size for most people. Our top pick for this category of TVs is the TCL QM8K TV, and it's on sale for over $500 off in the Amazon Spring Sale.

We're already seeing a bunch of TV deals go live in the early hours of the Amazon Spring Sale. You can find discounts on Hisense, Samsung, LG, and many more top brands. TCL is always a popular choice during these shopping events, and the TCL QM8K TV deal will be tough to beat. As of March 25, the TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV is down to just $997.97 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's over $500 off and close to the best-ever price for this model.

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This TV offers highly impressive brightness and stellar picture quality, contrast, and shadow detail. Mashable's TV expert Leah Stodart notes that, "While this intensity of brightness makes the QM8K a solid choice for watching TV in daylight, its more-precise-than-usual backlights keep details crisp in a dark room. The new anti-halo effect is an effective fix for some of the blooming its predecessor experienced."

Looking to upgrade your TV over the Amazon Spring Sale? Why wait? Score the TCL 65-inch QM8K Mini LED QLED 4K TV for under $1,000 right now.

Apple's Siri is becoming an app.

If that may sound strange to you, consider that Apple's smart assistant has always been available at the touch of button or a voice command, but it never really had the "body" of a standalone app you can launch and interact with. This, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, is changing in iOS 27.

The report claims that Apple is "testing" a standalone Siri app, as well as a new "Ask Siri" feature, which will be available across Apple apps.

The idea is to make Siri (which is codenamed Campo) more like chatbots from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic, which are all available as apps you can chat and interact with in other ways.

In particular, users will be able to keep a conversation with Siri through text and voice, just like you can with, say ChatGPT or Claude. Siri will also be able to use your personal data, including messages, emails, and notes, to fulfil user requests, as well as complete tasks within apps, search the web, and access the news.

Apple is reportedly planning to unveil the new features during the opening WWDC keynote on June 8. Apple itself said the keynote will introduce "AI advancements" on Apple platforms, without going into detail.

SEE ALSO: Apple WWDC 2026 is official, with iOS 27 and 'AI advancements' on the menu

Gurman previously said that Apple initially didn't intend to turn Siri into a chatbot with its own app, opting instead to weave Siri into its apps and services. But the popularity of chatbots, including those integrated into Android phones from Google, Samsung, and others, made Apple reconsider and go for a standalone Siri app.

As excellent as open earbuds are at letting you stay aware of the world while listening to music, they do come with the major trade off of offering no active noise cancellation. That is, until now.

Soundcore debuted the AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds at CES in January, marking the introduction of the first dual-form earbuds. Depending on the wear position, they let the user experience an open-ear bud or a noise-cancellation bud. In essence, they're the "¿Por qué no los dos?" of the earbud world.

SEE ALSO: The best open earbuds in 2026: These picks stay put, sound great, and keep you aware of the world

Of course, versatility can still come with trade-offs of its own. Namely, rather than excelling in one area, a product can be just OK in multiple areas. While I found that these Soundcore buds fell somewhat into that trap, the brand undeniably deserves its flowers for figuring out a way to combine an open and noise-cancelling earbud.

While they won't be for everyone, I do think there are people who will want to invest in this early iteration of an innovative design. Before we get into it and why, let's break down what these buds bring to the table.

Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro: Price and specs The AeroFit 2 Pro buds aren't like other open ear options out there. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Soundcore loves to make a quality product for a relatively affordable price, and the AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds are no exception. Through March 2026, they're available for a special intro price of $149.99, which will bump up to $179.99 following March 31.

Spec-wise, here's what you'll get:

• Battery life: Seven hours in open mode (34 hours in case), five hours with ANC mode (24 hours in case)

• ANC: Adaptive active noise cancellation

• Drivers: 11.8 mm composite material drivers

• Equalizer: 8 bands

• Spatial audio: Yes

• IP rating: IP55 water and dust resistance

• Connection: Bluetooth 6.1

• Mics: Four mics with AI

• Colors: Matte black, matte purple, gloss white

How dual-form open earbuds work

Dual-form earbuds sound like an obvious and great idea in principle, but how do they actually work in practice? Honestly, better than I expected.

The Soundcore companion app offers instructions on how to best wear the buds. Credit: Screenshot: Soundcore

The basic mechanism that makes these earbuds possible is an adjustable ear hook. In the first and second position, the body of the earbuds sits slightly above the ear canal, making them feel like a somewhat less obtrusive classic AirPods design. The ear hook helps keep them relatively secure in their position. When you're ready to switch to noise cancellation mode, you switch the ear hook into the four or five wear position, which brings the buds more flush against the ear canal.

At that point, they're still not a true in-ear bud — Soundcore calls them semi in-ear — but they're enough of one that active noise cancellation is actually possible. As such, the number three position for the ear hook can float the buds between being used in open or ANC mode.

Open versus... Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable ...in-ear wear looks almost indistinguishable. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The ear hook helpfully clicks into place, but I never quite got to the place where I could make these adjustments without thinking too hard. Still, at the longest, and the lowest point of my learning curve, it took all of roughly 45 seconds to get the earbuds into place. They felt slightly more secure in the ANC modes than the open ear modes, but they never straight-up fell out of place.

Surprisingly great sound

At this point, I've had my share of being pleasantly surprised by the sound quality on open earbuds, so while my expectations weren't low, I did have a couple of initial hesitations about this particular pair. For one, if the earbuds sounded markedly better on the ANC mode, I anticipated that contrast might reveal too many flaws in the open earbud mode, and using them in both forms would be less appealing

There was also the matter of the semi in-ear wear for the ANC mode, which made me feel less confident in the ability of these buds to produce robust, well-rounded sound that I would expect of $180 earbuds.

Thankfully, I was wrong on both counts. While the ANC mode is clearer and richer, it's also not so much better as to put the open ear mode to shame. When listening solely on the ANC mode, I found the quality to be solid out of the box, and even better once I started playing around with the companion app. Soundcore took a page out of Sony's book with an equalizer preference test that lets the user adjust to their preferred equalizer settings without having to know what each band on the custom EQ might be doing. As the open ear mode and ANC mode are slightly different listening experiences, Soundcore also lets you set custom EQs for each.

The ANC versatility comes with a catch

For all my unfounded worries about the sound quality, I did come into this testing experience with higher hopes for the ANC. After all, I've tested Soundcore products before, and found that their ANC often stacks up against much pricier brands.

Unfortunately, the noise cancellation most showed that the AeroFit 2 Pro buds are Soundcore's first attempt at a dual-form earbud. That's not to say it's bad — it's there, and it does the job — but it's not going to compare to ANC buds in a similar price range, or even more budget-friendly buds like the $80 Raycon Everyday Earbuds or $80 (and frequently on sale) EarFun Air Pro 4 earbuds.

SEE ALSO: Don't break the bank: The best budget earbuds, tested by our audio experts

The main culprits of this ANC's lackluster status are a noticeably loud hissing sound and a fairly narrow limit on what it can block. While sitting on a patio with the ANC activated and no music playing, I could easily make out birds chirping, the sound of my own typing, and every word in a conversation taking place about 10 feet away from me. With music, naturally, more noise was dulled, but not completely blocked out. They still performed better at blocking out sound than the noise reduction feature of the Shokz OpenFit Pro, but didn't quite match up to most other noise-cancelling buds I've tried.

Still, it was convenient not having to carry around two different kinds of earbuds. If high-level noise cancellation isn't a top priority for you, the versatility of these buds does still carry a lot of mileage in how impressive they are.

Let's talk about the design

While the design is undeniably innovative, it's not seamless just yet. If you don't love the way standard AirPods wear (not the Pros with the silicone tips), you probably won't be a huge fan of these. It doesn't matter so much in the open earbuds mode, but when worn in their ANC positions, these earbuds don't provide that perfect seal.

To be fair, they don't claim to — as I mentioned above, Soundcore says these have a semi in-ear fit. The ear hook helps fight any annoyances with them falling out, but for true noise cancellation and the most secure wear possible, I prefer the ear hook/in-ear design of the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2.

Finally, the case on these earbuds is large. It's to be expected with this design, but even compared to other ear hook models, the case will have some bulk to it, which is something to be aware of if you were planning on slipping it in your pocket or taking it on the go.

The AeroFit 2 Pro (right) case is larger than their non-Pro counterpart. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable An excellent value

Regardless of their flaws, these earbuds wowed me, especially on the value front.

For comparison, Soundcore's regular AeroFit 2 buds — one of our favorite pairs of open earbuds (that feature zero noise cancellation) — run for $129.99. With the AeroFit 2 Pro priced at $179.99, the only way you could get a similar deal is by buying the older Soundcore AeroFits and $50 ANC buds. And you'd still lose out on the convenience factor of having a two-in-one product. Despite their middling ANC, I still consider these earbuds to be better than a $50 pair of ANC buds in their combination of sound performance, noise cancellation, and convenience.

The AeroFit 2 (left) vs the AeroFit 2 Pro (right). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The next closest point of comparison is probably the noise-reducing Shokz OpenFit Pro, which will run you $249.95, while the viral Bose Ultra Open buds cost $299.99. And those aforementioned Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 earbuds? $249.99.

Are the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro earbuds worth it?

For anyone interested in open earbuds, not quite ready to give up ANC buds altogether, and can't reasonably see themselves carrying around two pairs of earbuds, the Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pros are the best option available.

Sure, you make some concessions: the ANC won't be the best, and you're locked into an ear hook design. At the end of the day, I can't remember the last time I wore a pair of earbuds that felt this versatile — and I've tried my share of earbuds. While the early bird pricing of $149.99 is an absolute steal, I would still recommend these earbuds at their $179.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore AeroFit 2 Pro $149.99 at Soundcore
$179.99 Save $30   Get Deal

What should be included in spring cleaning?

Most people can agree that a spring cleaning goes deeper than what's covered in a weekly tidying routine, even if there are differences in approach on a more granular level.

The list of corners in the home that haven't been touched in a while gets long quickly, and getting overwhelmed by your cleaning to-do list is a recipe for giving up on all of them. To avoid checklist decision paralysis, the first order of business in a spring cleaning is to clean up the checklist itself.

SEE ALSO: 'Why does my robot vacuum suck now?' Well, when's the last time you cleaned it?

Start by simply picking a task or two in each room that you know you've been putting off. The crusty inside of the microwave? The cat puke stain on the couch? The space underneath any piece of furniture? It could be as simple as de-cluttering your chaotic cabinet of cleaning products so that grabbing a cleaning spray or sponge isn't a big task in itself.

Astronomers are watching the birth of a solar system unfold right before them. 

A young nearby star has revealed a second giant planet forming inside its dusty space surroundings. Scientists confirmed the new exoplanet around the star, known as WISPIT 2, using powerful telescopes, including the European Southern Observatory, and advanced imaging techniques. 

The discovery adds to earlier evidence reported last year that the system already hosted one massive Jupiter-like gas giant. Together, the two worlds, WISPIT 2b and WISPIT 2c, sit inside a wide disk of gas and dust marked by bright rings and dark gaps — the kinds of features scientists often link to planet formation.

Directly spotting planets while they are developing is extremely difficult. By observing WISPIT 2, just 5 million years old, scientists have a case study to better understand how planetary systems — including our own — begin and evolve. Each new detection helps researchers test ideas about how giant planets grow and shape their environment.

"WISPIT 2 is the best look into our own past that we have to date," said Chloe Lawlor, lead author of the research at the University of Galway in Ireland, in a statement.  

SEE ALSO: Pilot didn't mind NASA's experimental plane doesn't have a front window

Following the discovery of PDS 70 and its orbiting worlds, WISPIT 2 is only the second system known where multiple giant planets are forming. 

In most cases, astronomers detect distant planets indirectly, by measuring how they tug on their stars or block starlight. Here, researchers can actually observe the planets themselves and study the light coming from them.

Astronomers have discovered a second exoplanet, WISPIT 2c, orbiting the young star, as shown in the inset image. Credit: ESO / C. Lawlor / R. F. van Capelleveen et al. composite image The discovery of WISPIT 2c

WISPIT 2c lies much closer to its star than the previously known planet. While the first planet sits at a distance roughly 57 times farther than Earth's distance from the sun, the second appears at about 14 times that distance. Even so, both remain far from their star compared to planets in our solar system.

They're also much heftier than anything in our own cosmic backyard. WISPIT 2b is five times more massive than Jupiter, and WISPIT 2c is double that, according to the new research, published in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.  

To confirm WISPIT 2c as a planet, the team used the Sphere instrument on ESO's Very Large Telescope in Chile, which captured an image of the object, then followed up with the Gravity+ instrument on the VLT Interferometer: By splitting the planet's light into each color of the rainbow — a technique known as spectroscopy — scientists identified which gases were present.

The researchers saw signs of carbon monoxide, according to the paper. This chemical signature, along with the overall shape of the light spectrum, suggests the object is a young giant planet. It also makes it unlikely that what scientists have detected is just a random clump of cosmic dust.

Tracking the planet's position over time helped scientists rule out the possibility that it is a background object simply lining up by chance. Early measurements even hint at its movement, though more observations will be needed to confirm its orbit around the star.

"Finding two planets at such an early stage at the same time is almost like witnessing a rare twin birth," said Frank Eisenhauer, project leader of GRAVITY+, in a statement. "This shows that planetary systems do not develop one after the other, but in parallel — much like our own solar system once did."

Solar system in the making

The broader disk around WISPIT 2 adds to the intrigue. Multiple bright rings, gaps between them, and a central cavity all suggest that more planets could still be in the making. Some scientists speculate that systems like this may represent an early stage in the development of complex planetary families.

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Researchers have noticed giant planets in several young systems seem to form at similar distances from their stars. This pattern raises the possibility of a Goldilocks region — i.e., not too hot or cold — where conditions favor the growth of massive worlds. For now, that idea remains tentative.

But future giant telescopes are expected to monitor WISPIT 2 closely, tracking planetary orbits, probing atmospheres, and watching the dusty disk's changes. A smaller gap farther out in the disk is another tempting place to look, Lawlor said.

"We suspect there may be a third planet carving out this gap," Lawlor said, "potentially of Saturn mass, owing to the gap's being much narrower and shallower."

TL;DR: Unblock Jerkmate from anywhere in the world with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

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Cheers to BenDavid Grabinski. The writer/director of Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice takes a bold swing, combining elements of gangster movies and time-travel adventures to craft a comedy that's wildly unique. And he created the perfect way to introduce such an unexpected subgenre mash-up, with a high-energy performance from Ben Schwartz. 

The improv comedian reteams with his Sonic the Hedgehog co-star James Marsden in this dark sci-fi comedy. But the two won't share any scenes together. Instead, Schwartz channels his irrepressible verve into a full-throated performance of an undersung gem: "Why Should I Worry?" the Billy Joel single from Oliver & Company. Yes. This movie about gangsters and time travel begins with Ben Schwartz bopping around a warehouse, doing some sort of science-y stuff while singing his heart out to an upbeat track from the 1988 Disney adaptation of Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist, which reimagines all the characters as cats and dogs, most of them strays. 

Why? I had no idea. And that's actually the pleasure of Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice's opening. Even though I had a rough idea of the plot, I couldn't guess why this was the scene that kicked things off. It's inexplicable and funny. That was enough. And then the tone of the film shifts abruptly with a bit of jolting violence, and off we go on an adventure that is defiantly outside the box, and all the more thrilling for it. 

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a love-triangle thriller too.  Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eiza González in "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice." Credit: 20th Century Studios

Without any explanation of who the character played by Ben Schwartz is, this comedy surges forward to the welcome-home party for Jimmy Boy (Scream 7's Jimmy Tatro). The adored son of kingpin Sosa (Keith David) has just been released from a several-year stint in prison. But amid the festivities, resentments and secrets are festering. 

Mob wife Alice (I Love Boosters' Eiza González) tries to nuzzle up to her hitman husband Nick (Vince Vaughn), but he offers back only a low snarl. Little wonder she'll be ditching the party to hook up with Nick's longtime colleague Quick Draw Mike (Marsden). But their tryst will be interrupted by a surprise guest: Future Nick (Vaughn). You see, Present Nick has set in motion a plan for revenge that involves a masterful frame job and a hired gun known for eating his victims. But Future Nick regrets his choices, and so traveled back in time to prevent himself from committing this brutal payback. However, it's not just the aforementioned cannibal hitman that Nick and Mike and Alice have to face off against. It's also a legion of Saso's mobsters, and Present Nick, who is at best an inconsistent ally. 

BenDavid Grabinski shakes up a typical gangster tale with a smart application of science fiction.  Vince Vaughn, James Marsden, and Eiza González in "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice." Credit: 20th Century Studios

This is perhaps less surprising considering that Grabinski developed Scott Pilgrim Takes Off alongside comic author Bryan Lee O'Malley. That sensational Netflix show used a time-travel plot twist to spin the familiar narrative of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World into a series of curious and hilarious alternate plot lines that uncovered unexpected aspects of the franchise's beloved and loathed characters. 

Now, in gangster dramas jealousy and infidelity are major themes, popping up in The Godfather Trilogy, Goodfellas, The Sopranos, The Departed, Gangs of New York, Casino, and many, many more. Within the genre, male mobsters are expected to have molls on the side. But if their wives even consider stepping out on their wedding vows, the assumed punishment is death and probably being buried in an unmarked grave.

Through the time-travel device, Grabinski not only inverts the standard plotline but also gives Nick space to face the consequences of his actions. What if playing into these macho ideas of revenge isn't actually what he wants? This brings an unexpected sense of reflection to the mobster tale, turning an internal conflict into an external one. Where Future Nick is looking to heal and not hurt others, Present Nick is still very in the feelings that push him into a murderous betrayal of his wife and friend. Vaughn plays both parts elegantly, bringing a scorching viciousness to Present Nick and a high-energy humility to Future Nick. There are moments where he is a one-man comedy duo, colliding with comedic conflict. 

Marsden and González take a back seat to Vaughn's double-act but offer terrific supporting turns. For Marsden, that means playing an adorable dum-dum who argues that "chloroform" is a too-fancy term for "the wet rag thing." When pitted against Vaughn in comically confusing fight scenes, Marsden masterfully matches his energy, turning each pratfall into a punchline. González's role is less ripe for comedy, as Alice too often becomes the nagging wife, poking holes in plans or snarking at bad logic. But González has great chemistry with Marsden, which elevates simple-on-paper scenes, like a meet-cute flashback that leads to a charming dance number. 

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is stuffed with stellar supporting players.  Jimmy Tatro as Jimmy Boy in "Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice." Credit: 20th Century Studios

On top of his singing non sequitur setting up the buck wild nature of this comedy, Schwartz's opening scene also teases that Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice will deliver a terrific slate of comedy stars. Tatro is solidly funny as a dopey gangster whose fashion icon is Dwayne Johnson from his throwback fanny-pack era. David is delicious as a seething kingpin. Schitt's Creek's Emily Hampshire pops up as a dirty — and dirty-minded — cop, while Lewis Tan scores some laughs as a kinetic goon called Roid Rage Ryan. Arturo Castro, who stole scenes in Jake Gyllenhaal's Road House remake and Tron: Ares, is absolutely hilarious as a rambling mafioso, rightly nicknamed Dumbass Tony. Consummate character actor Stephen Root joins the fun for some mirthful mayhem, and even Dolph Lundgren pops by for a sprinkle of comically rich intensity. 

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Altogether, this crackling cast makes for an outrageous good time. Grabinski's screenplay smartly sets up not a familiar framework, but a sandbox where his ensemble is invited to play. What they collectively come up with is an action-comedy that delivers on laughs and thrills, but also does much more. The sci-fi elements shake up the standard gangster drama, allowing for mind-bending reveals and a surprisingly sophisticated psychological self-awareness about regret, grief, and love. By breaking from the typically stern tone of a gangster story, Grabinski is able to fold in unexpected and silly pop culture references, like Oliver & Co. and a prolonged debate about The Gilmore Girls. Rather than feeling random, these allusions build the world of Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice as one that's rich with possibility. So even as the final act takes an arguably cheap shot to a happy ending, you may well shrug it off with a "why not?" because it's just that fun. 

Debuting out of SXSW, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice played to critics among an array of audacious films, including the I Love Boosters, Hokum, and Ready or Not 2: Here I Come. Yet it stood its ground by smoothly blending genres to create a crowd-pleasing romp that's twisted, hilarious, and truly surprising.

Reviewed out of SXSW, Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice debuts on Hulu on March 27. 

Have a Visa gift card that you keep forgetting to use? 'Tis the season to break that bad boy out. You'll be able to squeeze way more out of those free funds if you shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially runs from March 25-31 in 2026. With major deals on everything from Amazon devices and Apple gadgets and TVs to laptops, you can stretch your Visa gift card and get more bang for your buck. But how do you actually use it to shop on Amazon?

Adding a Visa gift card on Amazon isn't the process that you'd expect. While it is technically a gift card, it can't be registered as a gift card like an official Amazon gift card would. Instead, you'll have to register the gift card like you would register a legit Visa debit or credit card to start using it as a payment method. If you're unsure how to go about it, we've got your back.

SEE ALSO: How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance How to add a Visa gift card to make purchases on Amazon

The process might seem complicated, but follow these simple steps and you should have no issues:

1. Go to Amazon on your phone, tablet, or computer and find your Account tab. On the mobile app, your Account lives in the little person icon at the bottom of the screen and in the three horizontal lines at the bottom right side of the screen. On a web browser, hover over Accounts & Lists at the top right corner of the webpage, then select Account from the dropdown menu that appears.

2. Once there, scroll to find the Your Payments tab. This option will take you to your digital wallet where you can view your added payment methods.

3. Click on Add a payment method. Because the gift card is a Visa, it functions like a regular debit or credit card, so scroll down to the credit or debit cards category to add the new card.

4. You'll then be prompted to add the necessary card information like the card number and expiration date.

5. Then, it'll ask for the Billing Address. Prepaid Visa gift cards aren't tied to a name or address, so you won't actually receive a billing statement. You can add your own address to be quick, or call the customer service number to get the card issuer's address.

SEE ALSO: Walmart vs. Amazon: Which retail giant has the best deals?

There are a few caveats to consider when using a Visa gift card on Amazon. First, not all Visa gift cards may work as debit or credit cards on Amazon. Some may require users to use a CVV to authorize a purchase. Since Amazon doesn't ask for this information while adding payment methods, these Visa gift cards might not go through.

Also, Amazon doesn't allow users to combine multiple cards for a single transaction. This means that you can't cover your total with two Visa gift cards, or use up the remaining gift card balance as a partial payment and cover the rest with another credit or debit card. Be sure to keep an eye on your cart total as you chip away at it during your Black Friday shopping. Your total order cost (including shipping and taxes) can't exceed the gift card balance.

There is, thankfully, a workaround for tracking that Visa gift card balance. You can use the Visa gift card to add or reload funds on an Amazon gift card, which you can then apply toward future Amazon purchases. Once you add a Visa gift card as an Amazon payment method to your account by following the steps above, you can purchase an Amazon gift card for the full amount of the Visa gift card balance (taking into account any fees the Visa card may deduct upon use), or follow these steps to access your existing Amazon gift card balance and reload funds.

Opens in a new window Credit: Visa Add a Visa gift card to your Amazon account   Learn More

TL;DR: Get any model of the Apple iPhone 17 for free from T-Mobile when signing up for an Experience More plan and trading in an eligible device.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple T-Mobile: Free Apple iPhone 17   Get Deal

This has been such a big month for Apple. We got new iPhones, game-changing MacBooks, and upgraded iPads. And with any new releases, new deals are dropped to tempt shoppers into an upgrade.

T-Mobile is doing exactly that with a number of iPhone deals live right now. You can sign up for almost any T-Mobile plan and get a free iPhone 17e with no trade-in required. Alternatively, you can score the iPhone 17 Pro for free when signing up for 24 months of an Experience Beyond plan and trading in an eligible phone. It's worth noting that T-Mobile will charge taxes on these "free" deals and a $35 device connection fee.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone Fold may come later than we thought

Apple has employed the A19 chip in the new iPhone 17e. This provides improved performance and AI compatibility. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder reviewed the iPhone 17e and said, "The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years."

You don't get much for free these days, so this free iPhone 17 from T-Mobile offer is something to carefully consider. If you're not impressed, check out our roundup of the best unlocked phone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale. There's something for everyone in that breakdown, including more free giveaways from other carriers.

I test new robot vacuums on a regular basis and compare them to the top performers from previous months, with all my evaluations taking place in my own home on various rugs, tile, and hardwood floors. As I test each robot vacuum and tweak its settings for optimal performance, I keep notes on its overall suction power vigor, scrubbing efficacy (if it's a robot vacuum and mop combo), pet hair pickup, the convenience of its automatic emptying and self-washing mopping pads, accuracy of smart mapping and small obstacle avoidance, and the overall user experience. But the final boss here is cost efficiency — I'll be the first one to point out when a cheap robot vacuum actually works well for the price, or when a high-end robot vacuum is actually worth the splurge or not.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line When do robot vacuums go on sale?

Regardless of what you're aiming to spend, the pool of vacuums in your price range is bound to grow during Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale. No, it's not just a spring cleaning-centric sale, but robot vacuums are a major deals category for any major Amazon sale — every robot vacuum in this guide will likely see a new record-low discount. In fact, many spring robot vacuum deals were already live at Amazon ahead of the spring sale's official window: March 25 through 31 this year.

Recent changes to this guide

March 2026: I added the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow as the best roller mop robot vacuum, replacing the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller. Though the Dreame has more powerful suction on paper, the Curv 2 Flow demonstrated better edge mopping and comparable vacuuming. I also replaced the Eufy X10 Pro Omni with the Eufy C28 and shifted it to my budget roller mop pick. The X10 Pro Omni is two years old at this point, and the new C28 offers more advanced cleaning and obstacle avoidance.

January 2026: I added the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Aqua10 Ultra to the best roller mop robot vacuum. The Roborock Saros 10R, which was listed as the best option for corner cleaning, has been removed from the list. It costs nearly the same amount as the X60 Max Ultra Complete, which has near-identical corner mopping abilities and much stronger suction power.

December 2025: I added a disclaimer to the pick for best Roomba value in light of iRobot's bankruptcy news.

October 2025: I added the Dreame Aqua10 Ultra Roller as the best robot vacuum right now and shifted the Roborock Saros 10R (previously named the best robot vacuum right now) to the option for best corner cleaning.

July 2025: I removed the Shark Matrix Plus 2-in-1 robot vacuum from this guide. While it was a solid budget mopping robot vacuum for its first year or so on the market, it's now a little bit too basic compared to other newer budget robot vacuums.

As of March 2026, Apple users have a great new budget pick in the MacBook Neo. It has a fully aluminum chassis, and it's just as fast as a last-gen MacBook Air when running simple tasks like web browsing.

If you prefer Windows, the Acer Aspire 16 AI is super easy to recommend. It has a big, buttery smooth display, an impressive battery life, a backlit keyboard, a good mix of ports, and a healthy amount of RAM. It's the fastest sub-$900 laptop for multi-core tasks like video editing.

For those who can spend a little more, the ultraportable Asus Zenbook A14 is my favorite laptop under $1,000. Conversely, if you're trying to spend less than $500, go for the Acer Chromebook Plus 516.

What's new

In March 2026, I replaced the 13-inch M4 MacBook Air with the newer and significantly cheaper MacBook Neo. I also added the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 as a new top pick for the best cheap Chromebook.

I've removed the Acer Chromebook Plus 516 GE from this guide because it's no longer available in new condition. It used to be our top cheap gaming laptop; I'm currently hunting for its replacement.

SAVE $80: As of March 25, the Kindle Colorsoft is on sale for $169.99 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has officially kicked off and there are deals aplenty to be found, including on Amazon's own devices. There are plenty of great Kindle deals live right now (like this one on the classic Paperwhite), but if you've been eyeing up the Colorsoft, you're in luck.

As of March 25, this Kindle has dropped in price from $249.99 to $169.99. That's a saving of $80 on list price, and the lowest price this model has ever been. This price is for the black, 16GB Kindle, and it comes without any ads.

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This Kindle features a 7-inch high-contrast display designed for reading in color (as the name might suggest), as opposed to black and white like other devices. It has a paper-like finish that makes book covers and pages look as close to real as possible, while still remaining easy on your eyes.

It supports color highlighting in multiple shades, allowing you to mark your favorite passages and quotes as you read. The display can also be adjusted from white to amber to make reading comfortable in both bright and low-light conditions. One charge can last up to eight weeks, and because it's waterproof, it is safe for use in the bath or by the pool.

Get this Kindle deal at Amazon now.

At this point, iPads can do (almost) anything your laptop can do thanks to iPadOS 26. Not to mention, the iPad Air with M4 just got a memory boost up to 12GB, putting it a tier above some laptops. Whether you want to stream, browse the internet, illustrate, or edit videos, you can do it on the iPad. Recent developments in the Pro and Air models also set them up as gaming devices.

The rapid pace of Apple's update schedule makes shopping for a tablet all the more difficult. So, we tested every model to help you find the best iPad for you.

Which iPad model should I buy?

The right iPad for you depends purely on your needs. Do you want something that has enough storage and speed for streaming? Do you want to use it to read? Do you want to use a tablet as your primary workstation? Your answers should factor into your decision.

To get you started, we believe the best iPad for most people is the new M4 iPad Air (2026). It has exceptional performance but is also in the middle range for both price and capability.