Technology

Google’s Find My Device is arguably the best way to track down a lost Android device or supported accessories like a smartwatch. If your phone never got lost, chances are you were never really interested in Find My Device, but a new feature may change that. 

The new feature grants you the ability to track a contact’s location in real time through the app. Google announced the new feature as part of its March Pixel Drop announcement.

"The new location-sharing feature in the Find My Device app lets you share and receive live locations with trusted contacts, providing a sense of security for both everyday check-ins and emergencies," the company said in the announcement.

Sharing your location with a trusted contact in Find My Device works about how you would expect. Once you and your loved one enable the feature, you’ll be able to open Find My Device and it’ll show you where they are located. You’ll also be able to share your location with multiple contacts at once.

There appear to be multiple configuration options as well. For example, you can share your location for "today only" if you’re keeping track of a friend during a day trip or even as low as one hour for shorter excursions. There is another option to customize the longevity of the sharing as needed.

Once it’s configured, it works almost identically to the location-sharing feature already available in Google Maps. Admittedly, the version in Find My Device is much easier to find and use since the Find My Device app is not nearly as complex as Maps. As Endgadget notes, this allows for a more streamlined location-sharing experience versus Google Maps, which isn’t set up as well to handle this sort of thing.

It also pairs well with Find My Device’s other features. In 2024, Google added the ability to share tracked items with your friends, along with support for tracking tags and other useful functions. Google and Apple both worked rather hard to reduce the risk of being tracked with tags through these same apps.

Bluesky is working on giving users a little more control over their privacy. The company published a proposal on Github outlining the changes the company is thinking of making to that end. 

“This draft describes how atproto accounts (eg, Bluesky users) could declare ‘intents’ (aka, preferences) about certain categories of reuse of their public content. The mechanism and expectations are similar to robots.txt files on the web: a machine-readable format, which good actors are expected to abide, and does carry ethical weight, but is not legally enforceable”

That is quite a bit of technical speech, but the meaning is pretty clear. Robots.txt is a file most websites have—including this one—that tells robots that scrape the Internet what they can and cannot do with the data they find along the way. Bluesky would implement settings that would allow users to tell those same bots what they can and cannot do with their Bluesky data. 

SEE ALSO: Can stan Twitter be recreated on Bluesky? Swifties think so.

It gets a little sticky because robots.txt is a suggestion rather than a hard rule. However, as it stands right now, Bluesky is a public website, and as such, generative AI platforms and other forms of data scraping, like Google Search, have free reign over what they find there. 

Bluesky head honcho Jay Graber talked briefly about this at South by Southwest last week, but the discussion got more attention when Graber posted about it on Bluesky on Friday. Per Techcrunch, some users were initially alarmed until Graber explained the situation more succinctly. 

"Gen AI companies are already scraping public data from across the web, and everything on Bluesky is public like a website is public," Graber said. "But in the history of the open web, standards like robots.txt emerged that most search engines came to respect. This is a proposal to create a new, similar standard."

Companies scraping the World Wide Web for use in training generative AI is a controversy as old as the technology, and many digital denizens have been trying to prevent AI from learning based on their content. Some companies, like Meta, have been accused of using untoward methods of training AI models, up to and including piracy.

It’s a reality that Graber has been staunchly against. Last week at SXSW, Graber wore a T-shirt that read Mundus sine Caesaribus ("A world without Caesars" in Latin), taking a dig at a similar T-shirt Mark Zuckerberg wore that read Aut Zuck aut nihil ("Zuck or nothing").

Bluesky sold Graber's Mundus T-shirt on its website, which sold out in minutes.

Owners of the Amazon Echo have long had the option for the device to process requests locally, thereby keeping their information off of Amazon’s servers. That functionality is going away starting on March 28. 

The company sent out emails to customers to explain the changes. 

"We are reaching out to let you know that the Alexa feature ‘Do Not Send Voice Recordings’ that you enabled on your supported Echo device(s) will no longer be available beginning March 28, 2025," the email reads. "As we continue to expand Alexa’s capabilities with generative AI features that rely on the processing power of Amazon’s secure cloud, we have decided to no longer support this feature."

SEE ALSO: Amazon's AI-powered Alexa+ is real and it's coming this year

Per Ars Technica, the changes don’t stop there. Users who have the "Don’t save recordings" feature enabled will also lose access to Voice ID, a feature that allows Alexa to share user-specific things like calendar events, music preferences, and more. Thus, in order to keep that functionality, users will have to manually change that setting as well. 

In short, everything you say to your Echo devices after March 28 will be sent to Amazon’s cloud, and there isn’t anything anyone can do about it. If users continue to make Amazon delete recordings, they will also lose access to features their devices had by default when they were purchased. 

Amazon attempts to assuage security concerns by telling users in the email that "Alexa voice requests are always encrypted in transit to Amazon’s secure cloud, which was designed with layers of security protections to keep customer information safe."

However, as Ars points out, once the information gets there, it’ll be used by Amazon and its employees to do as they please. 

The announcement has not gone over well, with many Alexa users storming Reddit over the weekend to voice their displeasure. 

The news comes a couple of weeks after Amazon’s announcement of Alexa+, a subscription service that adds AI enhancements. The retail giant had delayed the release of Alexa+ due to a severe setback, but it seems to be on pace to release the service this year. Amazon says Alexa+ will offer a more seamless and context-aware experience and also work with other Alexa-enabled devices like Ring video doorbells and other tech.

I recently found myself wondering how big various man pages are. Some are so long, they seem impenetrable, while others have very little detail at all. What can their size tell us about the Linux or macOS system they are on?

So, you've heard people talking about ADB and that you should enable it on your Android phone. Why though? Here are three reasons to enable ADB on your smartphone right now.

What is the one crucial aspect of the smartphone that matters a lot but often gets ignored by regular users and enthusiasts alike? It's the battery's lifespan. While constant usage degrades your Galaxy S25's battery health, the Battery Protection feature can help preserve it.

If you use Gmail on your Android device, you’re probably familiar with the basics—sending emails, archiving, and searching your inbox. However, the Android app offers several powerful features that can save you time, keep your inbox organized, and help you manage emails more efficiently.

Ryobi tools might not be the "best" by professional standards, and you've probably seen videos on social media of them getting pitted against other big names, but that doesn't mean they're not highly capable. My Ryobi tools aren't the fanciest, and you know what? That's fine with me. Here's why I love my Ryobi tools and keep adding more to my collection.

Have you ever tried to search for underrated, niche music on Spotify but given up since you found it difficult to break away from your recommendations? You're not alone. Finding niche music can be tricky but not impossible. Here's all you need to know.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, March 16, 2025:

AcrossThe "J" in PB&J

• The answer is Jelly.

Nimble

• The answer is Agile.

"Look at this guy coming through when it really matters!"

• The answer is My man.

Fluffy toy dog, informally

• The answer is Pom.

Org. with a Known Traveler Number option

• The answer is TSA.

DownRush hour annoyance

• The answer is Jam.

Its national soccer team is nicknamed the Pharaohs

• The answer is Egypt.

Big cars with minibars, say

• The answer is Limos.

Animal that fills both blanks in the kids' book "___ ___ Holiday Drama"

• The answer is Llama.

Money in Japan

• The answer is Yen.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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.

5G mmWave is the fastest mobile network technology we have, hitting speeds of up to 10Gbps in the real world. Let’s explore what it actually is and learn how cellular networks work in the process. I know some of it sounds like Physics 101, but I promise this will help us get a deeper understanding.

Without a protective case, your brand-new iPad Air 13-inch is vulnerable to drops, scratches, bumps, and spills. Safeguarding your tablet gives you peace of mind. And, with a range of great-looking cases to choose from, you can upgrade aesthetics, too.

For streaming your collection, Plex is an excellent tool, but it can do even more by acting as a middleman to your streaming services. It's so handy that you'll find yourself opening Plex more than the other apps.

Can you enjoy Netflix with your friends without upgrading your subscription plan to support more people? Yes, there are a few ways you can make streaming a social experience without shelling out extra money. Here's all you need to know.

I might spend money on random networking equipment I don't need, but when it comes to my cell phone plan, I save money at every turn. This includes switching to a family phone plan instead of being on my own.

I’ve reviewed my fair share of robot vacuums over the last few years, and the Roborock Saros 10R is the best of the bunch, bar none. With its next-level cleaning capabilities and numerous in-app customizations, my upright vac has finally been able to take some vacation days.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

TL;DR: Learn something new daily with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills, now just $19.97 through March 30.

Who couldn't use more flexibility? Whether you're a student, a business owner, a freelancer, or a stay-at-home parent, it can be hard to fit extra courses into your schedule. Online courses offer just that flexibility, letting you chip away at topics on your own time. 

If you've been meaning to learn a new skill, dive deep into a topic, or make a total career change, EDU Unlimited by StackSkills is ready to help. And you can score lifetime access to this wealth of over 1,000 online courses for just $19.97 (reg. $600) if you purchase before March 30. 

Make learning fit your busy schedule

Learning new things has never been more convenient in the digital age. Instead of heading back to the classroom, sign on to StackSkills and start absorbing new content. Its easy-to-use interface and progress-tracking features make it easy to jump right in (and hop out if needed) without any deadlines. 

With beginner to advanced course options, StackSkills is filled with more than 1,000 courses. Lifetime access puts them all at your fingertips, so starting a side hustle, earning a promotion, or switching to a totally new field is possible... and for less than the price of a textbook you'd need at a community college.  

There are courses on blockchain, iOS development, graphic design, finance, business, IT, marketing, and more. They're taught by over 350 highly rated, elite instructors who are all experts in their respective fields. 

Tackle as much or as little as you'd like with this lifetime access online learning deal, which also includes the new courses added monthly. 

Learn for life with lifetime access to EDU Unlimited by StackSkills, now $19.97 (reg. $600) through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Outfit your PC with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $54.97 (reg. $219.99) through March 30. 

There's a reason the Microsoft Office apps have had such amazing staying power — they really work. The same tools you used as a kid growing up in the '90s on that bulky desktop are still helping you tackle work tasks on your laptop at the office. 

If you've been without the fleet of helpful apps, you've probably already run into numerous scenarios where you needed them. Give your PC the gift of these eight go-to's with a lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows for just $54.97 — that's 75% off the usual $219.99 price tag. 

Fall in love with the Microsoft Office apps all over again

Lifetime access to Microsoft Word for less than $7? Microsoft Office Professional makes that a possibility, including favorites like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Newer apps like Access, Teams, OneNote, and Publisher round out this deal. 

Don't be deceived by the year 2021 in its name; this older Microsoft Office Professional version still has all the tools you need — and at a lower price. It offers a more budget-friendly way to enjoy these apps, offering them at a low one-time price instead of Microsoft 365's monthly subscription costs. And a 2021 version offers three more apps than the most recent 2024 license. 

Microsoft Office Professional 2021 also offers familiar interfaces. There are no AI integrations like in later versions, so there's no extra tech knowledge required. And once you install the apps, you can easily work offline from anywhere, making this a great option for travelers. 

Make sure your computer's operating system is updated to Windows 10 or 11 prior to purchase. Once you buy, you'll receive an instant delivery and download, so you can get started working with these apps right away.

Let this lifetime license to Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows make life a little easier, now at less than $7 an app with this $54.97 deal running through March 30. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Scan anything, anywhere, with this lifetime subscription to iScanner, now $24.99 (reg. $199) with code SCAN through March 30.

Raise your hand if you've had to drive to your parent's house to borrow their printer. If most of us don't have the space for clunky printers, chances are we also don't keep a scanner at home. That's what iScanner is for: transforming your iPhone or iPad into a handy scanning machine. 

Right now, a lifetime subscription to this convenient way to scan is just $24.99 wide code SCAN, saving you $175 if you act fast and purchase before March 30. 

This multi-tasking app saves you serious desk space

Even if you're one of the few with a physical scanner still in your presence, you can now clear some counter space thanks to iScanner. And while you're at it, you can throw away that dusty old filing cabinet, too. 

iScanner is the number one US-based scanning and document management tool, letting you knock items off your to-do list from anywhere. Need to save a receipt for taxes? Do you have a contract you need to digitize? You can scan any document using just the phone on your iOS device. 

Students, entrepreneurs, educators, and stay-at-home moms alike will all find endless uses for a scanner in your pocket. The AI-powered tools ensure your documents' borders are detected and automatically adjusted while also straightening scan pages and ditching curves and skews. 

Thanks to AI, you can also use iScanner to help you solve complicated math problems. Or put its OCR technology to the test and let it help you decipher text in up to 20 languages.

Once things are scanned, the app becomes a full PDF editor and file manager. Edit your scans, including signing them, adding text, or auto-filling them with custom templates. Then, use the file manager's folder via drag and drop to keep them safe and organized. 

Scanning something confidential? You can also protect files and folders by locking them with a PIN. 

Secure iScanner for life with code SCAN, bringing the price down to $24.99 through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: iScanner iScanner App: Lifetime Subscription $24.99
$199.99 Save $175 Get Deal