Technology

Were tracking the best Apple deals in the Amazon Spring Sale — new lows on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 17:07
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $749 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third consecutive year, with deals running across the site through March 31. The retailer began rolling out wide-ranging discounts earlier this week, with more to come as prices drop on such items as robot vacuums, TVs, and your daily essentials. And if there's one thing we can always guarantee, it's that this sale features a raft of much-welcome Apple deals.

Apple has kept us very busy so far in 2026. We've been hard at work testing the first-ever budget Neo MacBook, as well as the upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, and the iPhone 17e. Next on our Apple to-do list: the upcoming AirPods Max 2.

With so many new Apple products, we're seeing a bunch of first-time discounts during the Amazon Spring Sale, as well as new record-low prices on last-gen models like the Apple Watch SE 2 and M4 MacBook Air. What more could you want from a major sale event? Just keep in mind that many of the older models are selling out fast at Amazon. If the model you want is no longer available, be sure to check the stock at Best Buy and Walmart. These retailers are matching many of the best Spring Sale deals.

We'll be tracking prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads between now and March 31, so keep checking back on this page for info on the lowest-possible prices across Apple products.

Best AirPods 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

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025.

The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the new AirPods Pro 3, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this Amazon spring sale discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 at Walmart
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-pack of Apple's Bluetooth trackers keeps going in and out of stock on Amazon, but luckily, Walmart's stock has stayed consistent. Right now, get a 4-pack of 1st gen AirTags for just $59.99, the lowest price ever on the bundle. You wind up paying just $15 per AirTag. As of March 29, this pack of AirTags is out of stock at Amazon, but still available at Walmart and Best Buy.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $746.50 at Amazon
$799 Save $52.50   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $84.50 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $746.50 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Best Buy
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Best Buy. Amazon had the same deal at the start of the Big Spring Sale, but it's since gone out of stock multiple times and jumped up to $999.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch dealsApple Pencil deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

I thought my SATA SSDs were useless until I found these 6 jobs for them

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 17:00

Not too long ago, I urged you not to buy SATA SSDs as they're borderline obsolete. I stand by that: I don't think buying a new SATA SSD makes sense right now. But what if you already have one, or a bunch, just collecting dust inside your home?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Im a tech editor. I found 45+ tech deals Id actually buy in the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:58

As Mashable's tech editor, it's my job to test the latest and greatest products from brands like Apple, Samsung, and DJI. But I also get to test cool under-the-radar finds and random gadgets that only true tech nerds know about. For the Amazon Big Spring Sale, I hand-picked a fresh batch of tech deals that are actually worth shopping. I've also included some deals from competing retailers — if they have a better price.

Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals: Best of the best Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Charger Deal Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Budget Headphones Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones $48 (save $21.99) Get Deal Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best Drone Deal DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 (save $50) Get Deal Best Fitness Tracker Deal Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Creator Deal DJI Mic Mini $45 (save $14) Get Deal Best Streaming Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 (save $25 with code FTVSELECT) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 265GB SSD) $899 (save $100) Get Deal

Between inflation, a global memory shortage, and overall economic anxiety (trust me — I'm feeling it, too!), you don't want to miss a chance to save some money.

I've personally tested many of these products, and I'm only recommending products with genuine discounts, because we all know big retailers like to play fast and loose with the definition of the word "deal."

Finally, a word of warning — Apple deals are moving fast. We've already seen the M3 iPad Air, AirTags, AirPods, and select MacBooks go out of stock.

Kindles starting at $94.99

I don't know what I'd do without my Kindle. As an avid book collector, I have literally run out of space to store books, and so I depend on my Kindle Paperwhite. And just like during Black Friday, you can grab my beloved Kindle on sale for $134.99, with the base Kindle available for under $100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $94.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal More Kindle dealsGrab Sony Headphones on sale

During the Big Spring Sale, you can shop wireless Sony headphones starting at just $48. On day five of the savings event, Sony's flagship cans, the famous XM6 headphones, are also discounted to $398, their best-ever price. I loved these headphones, and as I wrote in my review, "The ANC in the XM6 is as good as or better than any I've ever heard."

However, if you're looking for something in the mid-range, you can also grab the bass-heavy Sony ULT Wear Headphones on sale for $148, another Mashable Choice winner, at a 41% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear $48 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal Select MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches are all at record prices

Amazon always delivers solid Apple discounts during its big sales, and this time around, you can score record-low prices Apple Watches and newly released MacBook Pro laptops. Early shoppers cleaned up on the M4 MacBook Air and M3 iPad Air, which are almost completely out of stock — womp, womp.

Pro tip: If you're looking for the AirPods Max headphones, they're in and out of stock at Amazon but still available at Target and Walmart — for now.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 at B&H Photo & Video
$1,199 Save $300   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal More Apple dealsA smart Anker charger with a smile

Anker makes my favorite fast chargers, and I literally use the company's GaN USB-C chargers every day of my life. However, the next Anker charger I want to try is this little phone charger, which comes with a smart display and fun colors (you can match it to your iPhone, if you're into that sort of thing).

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano 45W GaN Smart Charger $27.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal DJI drones on sale starting at $149

Yes, technically, DJI drones are banned in the United States, but they're still widely available from third-party sellers at Amazon. (It's complicated.) If you're a creator, real estate professional, or wedding photographer who wants to take beautiful aerial videos in 4K — or just an aspiring pilot looking to have some fun outdoors — these drones are by far the most popular choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal More deals on drones

Please note: Due to the ongoing DJI drone ban, all DJI drones are sold through third-party sellers at Amazon. Do your research into the seller and shop accordingly.

Amazon Echo device deals

As per usual, some of the best deals of the spring Amazon sale are on Amazon's own products, particularly in the Echo lineup. I was at the fall 2025 event where Amazon unveiled its new Echo smart home products, which include refreshes to the popular Echo Dot and Echo Show devices. You can also grab Fire TV Sticks starting at just $14.99, letting you stream movies and enjoy cloud gaming at home.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Use code FTV Select Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Show 11 $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal More Echo device dealsBose headphones on sale

We've been waiting for this one: Our favorite Bose headphones are finally discounted for the Amazon Spring sale. The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2), the brand's current flagship, are supremely comfortable. In fact, our reviewer called them the most comfortable headphones in the world, full stop. And if you need something a little more affordable, their younger sibling is also on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) $399 at Amazon
$449 Save $50   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort wireless headphones $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal TV deals

During Prime Day, you can grab TVs starting at just $99. However, I recommend spending a little more than that. You can grab a 55-inch Fire TV at a very reasonable price, or a 65-inch Samsung QLED TV, released last year and now getting its first big price cut.

Unfortunately, I'm still waiting for good deals on my favorite TV: The Frame art TV from Samsung. Strangely, The Frame is more expensive during the big Amazon sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4 Series $279.99
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-Inch Q8F 4K QLED Smart TV (2025) $597.97 at Amazon
$897.97 Save $300 Lowest-ever price Get Deal More TV dealsDJI creator deals

For the Big Spring Sale, Amazon is going hard with DJI deals, and you can find massive discounts on the brand's popular line of creator gadgets. I personally use the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal when shooting videos for Mashable (check our Instagram story to see my latest).

But let me also call your attention to the cult-favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging camera, which almost never goes on sale like this. Pro creators and YouTubers are obsessed with this camera (in my review, I wrote, "it should replace whatever vlogging camera you're using now"), so grab it before it goes out of stock again!

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Gimbal Camera $439 at Amazon
$499 Save $60   Get Deal More DJI creator dealsShark vacuums are 60% off

Spring cleaning is a big theme during the Big Spring Sale, and one of our all-time favorite Shark vacuums is currently marked down to just $149. The Mashable-tested and approved Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a pet hair hero, but you can also save on the brand's popular robot vacuums, now up to 60% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $450   Get Deal Save on Dyson stick vacuums

Looking for a more premium cleaning machine, preferably one with lasers? Then you need a Dyson Detect stick vac. For the Big Spring Sale, you can grab one of the latest Dyson Detect vacuums, complete with the dust-illuminating laser attachment, while it's on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum $599.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $250   Get Deal JBL Bluetooth speakers — save 27%

I'm a big fan of JBL's Bluetooth speakers. In my testing, they've beaten out more expensive Bluetooth speakers from brands like Bose and Sonos. They're also extremely portable, super easy to use, and totally waterproof, i.e., perfect for spring and summer hangouts.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Flip 7 Bluetooth Speaker $109.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $40.00   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Xtreme 4 Portable Bluetooth Speaker $299.94 at Amazon
$379.95 Save $80.01   Get Deal HEPA air purifiers for allergy season

Have you heard the bad news? Climate change is making seasonal allergies worse, which I can attest to firsthand. So, if you want to add some fresh air to your apartment or home, get a HEPA air purifier that can remove 99.98% of allergens, bacteria, and other microscopic particles. This Shark model is currently 45% off for Prime members, which is probably why it's almost sold out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark HEPA Air Purifier — Large $179.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $150   Get Deal A cloud gaming bundle

If you want to play games like Borderlands 3, Fallout: New Vegas, and Hogwarts Legacy without buying an expensive console, try this bundle from Amazon. It includes a Fire TV streaming stick and a Luna gaming controller, letting you play games right on Fire TV.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus + Luna Controller $64.98 at Amazon
$119.98 Save $55   Get Deal Fitness trackers on sale

If you're coming out of a winter funk and looking for some workout motivation, strap on a fitness tracker. You can pick up Fitbit step counters for under $70, and the Google Pixel Watch 4 (our reviewer called it "a true runner's watch") for under $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.96
$99.95 Save $29.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel Watch 4 $289.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $60   Get Deal SEE ALSO: We found the best Apple Watch deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale — deals start at $189 The Brick phone blocker

Have you heard of the viral gadget, The Brick? This humble little device blocks you from using your phone during set times so you can break your doomscrolling and screentime addiction — and it works! In her review, Mashable's Sam Mangino wrote that the Brick is "the only thing that cuts my screen time in half."

Opens in a new window Credit: Brick The Brick $47.20 at Brick
$59 Save $11.80   Get Deal Our favorite portable power stations

We've been testing a lot of power stations lately. These versatile devices can help you keep the lights on in an emergency, but they're also helpful for camping, festivals, and creators. One of our favorite Mashable-tested power stations from Anker is 46% off for sping, and you can pick up a bundle from Jackery that includes solar panels, also 46% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station $428.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $370.01   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Solar Generator 1000 v2 + 200W Solar Panel $698.99 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $600.01   Get Deal An affordable foldable phone

If you're an Android user on the fence about getting a foldable phone, this deal could help you decide. The Motorola Razr Ultra was the most underrated phone of 2025, and I was impressed by its battery life, display, and design during testing. If you miss flip phones that slip easily into your pocket, then you'll appreciate this one.

During the Amazon Spring Sale, this trendy little flip phone is $500 off at Amazon. It's far more affordable than Samsung's Z Flip 7, too.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola Razr Ultra, Unlocked $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500   Get Deal SEE ALSO: I've been testing phones for 20 years. Check the top unlocked phone deals in Amazon Spring Sale.
Categories: IT General, Technology

I use this trick to control Home Assistant without a smart speaker, and it’s better than an Amazon Echo

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:45

Got a house full of smart devices but no smart speaker? Don’t fancy paying an additional fee to add Google Assistant or Amazon Alexa to your Home Assistant setup? You can do it on the cheap and reap some big privacy benefits.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The next social media ban? Austria looks to block kids under 14 from social media

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:38

Less than 4 months ago, Australia banned social media for kids under 16, sparking a wave of similar proposals from governments around the world. The latest effort to ban social media for children now comes from Austria. In a press release, the Austrian government announced that a bill will be introduced by the end of June to ban social media use for children under 14.

According to the press release, a mandatory minimum age of 14 for social media would only be one part of the bill seeking to address child safety online. The bill would also introduce media literacy in schools to help young people "recognize disinformation and radicalization."

SEE ALSO: Pinterest CEO says ban kids under 16 from social media

The Austrian government said these measures would be taken in order to address the issues children have faced as a result of social media, such as cyberbullying, addiction, and mental health problems.

While the press release doesn't provide many details, it does mention that any bill introduced would address data privacy concerns related to age verification methods, ensuring that users' information is protected.

Many social media platforms have policies requiring users to be a certain age to join. However, these rules are implemented by companies themselves, with little to no incentive to uphold them. At the government level, however, as in Australia's first such bill, these bills slap social media companies with hefty fines for allowing users under age to join their platforms. The U.S. may be joining soon, as a bipartisan group of Senators proposed a bill earlier this year that would ban social media for children under 13.

The U.S. also recently saw social media companies like Meta and YouTube lose two separate trials regarding social platforms harming young people's mental health. It will be interesting to see how U.S. lawmakers go forward with their age limit proposals following those verdicts.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 third-party tools I replaced for free with PowerToys

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:30

Even if you're the biggest Windows fan out there, you'd have to admit that Microsoft left lots of gaps in Windows functionality for third-party software makers to exploit. Or did they?

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop struggling with quiet streaming dialogue and just buy a soundbar

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:15

Modern televisions don't have space for the large, front-firing speakers that you used to find on CRT TVs. If you're lucky, you'll get halfway decent speakers pointing down or out of the back of the TV. None of the arrangements make for a good listening experience, especially if you need to hear dialogue.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your 3D printer's hotend is a ticking time bomb if you've never replaced it

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:00

When you're chasing those perfect 3D prints, you probably focus a lot on dialing in slicer settings, getting your flow rates just right, and picking out cool filaments. But you might be overlooking a really fundamental, and possibly dangerous, part of your machine: the hotend.

Categories: IT General, Technology

8 ways to delete a file in Linux—and when to use each

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 16:00

When a file is no longer serving a purpose, it’s time to delete it, and you probably know at least one way of doing so. But there may be more ways than you realize, and each has its own advantages, quirks, and things to teach us.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for March 29, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:59

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 29, 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 29, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for March 29 Pips

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for March 29 Pips

Greater Than (1): Everything in this space must be greater than 1. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

Less Than (4): Everything in this red space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Less Than (4): Everything in this orange space must be less than 4. The answer is 0-0, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 4. The answer is 1-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this green space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for March 29 Pips

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-6, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-6, placed horizontally; 4-0, placed vertically.

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

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

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

Greater Than (10): Everything in this space must be greater than 10. The answer is 4-5, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this space must add up to 1. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this green space must be equal to 2. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 0. The answer is 1-0, placed horizontally; 0-0, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 2-0, placed vertically.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 6-4, 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

We found the best Apple Watch deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale — deals start at $189

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:54
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 11 Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Ultra Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is now well underway and will run all the way through March 31. For Apple users, these sale events are always super exciting — it's a rare chance to snag a device for significantly less. Indeed, we're seeing discounts on everything from MacBooks to AirPods. So, if you've been hoping to get your hands on a brand-new smartwatch but refuse to pay full price, several Apple Watch models are on sale right now, with savings of up to $300.

While Apple's Series 11 and SE 3 are getting attention for being the newest models, a few last-generation models deserve a spotlight during this Big Spring Sale. This is because you can pick up the Apple Watch SE 2 for just $189 (save $60), or the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $499 (save $300). If you don't mind an older model, they might be the way to go.

We're keeping this page updates with the live deals all weekend and through March 31. The following models are the best Apple Watch deals you can shop today (and they're all still in stock). However, we're seeing low stock alerts on a few models, so it's best to hop on these soon. So far, Amazon has the best prices, but we're also checking Best Buy, Target, and Walmart in case we see price drops that rival the current best deals on the market. We've got you covered for the best Apple Watch deals through the Big Spring Sale.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

A $100 discount on the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 drops it to a record-low price, making it the perfect time to grab what our Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, calls the "Best Apple Upgrade." Mashable's Stan Schroeder agrees, noting the battery life alone is worth the jump. "Even if you already have a Series 10, which has nearly all the same features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t require you to charge it mid-day in order to keep it going through the night," he writes.

More Apple Watch dealsBest Apple Watch SE deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you just want a reliable smartwatch without paying for features you won't use, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the way to go. We named it the "Best for Most People" in our smartwatch guide because it packs the exact same S10 chip as the Ultra 3 and the same water resistance as the Series 11 — "all for $150 less than the Series 11."

Now that the Big Spring Sale is in full swing, the 40mm model is down to $219, saving you $30. It’s also not the only configuration on sale right now. We've rounded up a few other discounted SE 3 models below so you can pick your preferred setup and still save some cash.

More Apple Watch SE dealsLast-generation Apple Watch deals

Looking for smartwatches that don't fall under the Apple umbrella? Check out our full list of Big Spring Sale fitness tracker deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My beloved air fryer is down to a new best price ever during Amazons Spring Sale

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:45

SAVE $56: As of March 29, the Our Place Wonder Oven is on sale at Amazon for only $129 instead of its usual $185. That's a savings of 30% and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven (13-quart) $129 at Amazon
$185 Save $56   Get Deal

My air fryer bit the bullet at the end of 2025, which led me on the surprisingly overwhelming journey of choosing a new one. The market is overflowing with options, but I had a few priorities in mind on my search: non-toxic materials, a compact build that won't waste counter space, and an aesthetically pleasing design that matches my colorful kitchen. One of the only air fryers that checked all the boxes was the Our Place Wonder Oven.

I received the Wonder Oven as a gift, but honestly, it's one of the few appliances I'd gladly spend my own money on. Especially now that it's dropped to a new record-low price during the Big Spring Sale. It typically retails for $185, but you can pick it up in any color for just $129. That's a total steal for an air fryer that can also toast, reheat, roast, bake, and broil.

The Wonder Oven comes with three different trays you can swap out depending on what you're cooking — a chromed steel air fryer basket and wire rack, and an aluminum bake pan with non-toxic ceramic coating. There's also a chromed steel crumb tray to slide in at the bottom to keep the oven from getting too messy. You can also easily slip all three inside for storage when you're not using the oven.

It takes up just a sliver of counter space compared to other air fryers, yet it can fit a whole chicken up to 4.5 pounds. I was honestly concerned with how tiny it is when I opened it for the first time, but it's actually a perfect size to feed two people.

Did I mention this air fryer oven is actually cute? Its retro-inspired design features manual knobs instead of digital controls. So it doesn't just look like a hunk of tech on my counter; it looks like a tiny oven from the '70s.

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale running through March 31, you still have a few days to snag the Our Place Wonder Oven for its best price ever. If you're in the market for an air fryer, I urge you to consider this one.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 29, 2026

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:40

Today's Connections: Sports Edition is for people who watch women's soccer.

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: Around the bases

  • Green: Houston

  • Blue: Women's soccer legends

  • Purple: Sounds 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: Parts of a cycle

  • Green: Houston Sports Teams, In Singular Form

  • Blue: Former U.S. Women's National Team Soccer Players

  • Purple: Ends in an MLB Team in Singular Form

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 #552 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Parts of a cycle - DOUBLE, HOME RUN, SINGLE, TRIPLE

  • Houston Sports Teams, In Singular Form - ASTRO, COUGAR, ROCKET, TEXAN

  • Former U.S. Women's National Team Soccer Players - FOUDY, HAMM, LILLY, SOLO

  • Ends in an MLB Team in Singular Form - COMET, INTERNATIONAL, STRANGER, STRAY

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 today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test laptops for a living — here are the best MacBook deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:37
A quick look at the best MacBook deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $300) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,799 (save $100) Get Deal Best MacBook Neo deal (that's barely a deal) Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best New Release Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,049 (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon's third annual Big Spring Sale is live through March 31. The event mainly revolves around seasonal essentials like cleaning supplies and outdoor gear, but it's also hosting some very attractive deals on must-have tech — including flagship Apple products like MacBooks. As Mashable's resident laptop expert, I'm on the case.

Apple actually just refreshed its MacBook lineup earlier this month, announcing updated MacBook Airs and Pros in addition to an all-new budget MacBook Neo. Most configurations of these new releases are seeing their very first (tiny) discounts during the Big Spring Sale, while their predecessors are priced to move at up to $300 off.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is surprisingly good: We found 111+ deals on Apple, DJI, Sony, and Dyson

Keep in mind that Apple has discontinued its last-gen MacBooks, which means they'll only be available on the refurbished market once third-party retailers' inventories dry up. If you see a good deal on an M4 MacBook Air or Pro at Amazon this week, don't wait too long to add it to your cart. A few configurations are starting to go in and out of stock, and I think they'll sell out long before this summer's Prime Day sale. As of Sunday morning, we're seeing a few steeper price drops on MacBook Pro models compared to the first part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That means today could be a great day to buy.

I'll continue to monitor Amazon's Big Spring Sale MacBook deals as the sale continues into next week, so check back if nothing catches your eye just yet. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price. Deals with a strikethrough are no longer available at the time of writing.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $1,099 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $300   Get Deal Why I like it

The M4 MacBook Air may be a last-gen laptop, but it's still an incredibly capable ultraportable. (In our testing, it proved much faster than much pricier Windows laptops.) It has the same 12MP Center Stage webcam, Liquid Retina display, and 18-hour battery life as its new M5 counterpart, which just offers slightly faster performance and newer wireless connectivity. This 15-inch configuration with 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage has never been cheaper.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More MacBook Air dealsBest MacBook Neo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $9.01   Get Deal Why I like it

Nine bucks off barely counts as a discount, but this is the best MacBook Neo deal I've seen outside of the Apple Store itself. (You can get $100 off there, but only if you're a college student, a parent of one, or school faculty.) This colorful little laptop has the same premium aluminum build as any other MacBook, and it boasts incredibly impressive single-core performance; in basic everyday tasks like web browsing, it's just as fast as an M4 MacBook Air. This particular model comes with Touch ID.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Neo.

Best MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,799 at Amazon
$1,899 Save $100   Get Deal Why I like it

A MacBook Pro has more ports and a brighter, smoother display than a MacBook Air. It's also better at handling heavier workloads (like video editing) over a long period of time since it has fans. I recommend it as an upgrade pick for power users like content creators and developers. This current-gen M5 model is well future-proofed with 24GB of RAM and 1TB of storage. It's only $50 away from its record-low price from December.

Another configuration with an older, but more powerful M4 Pro chip is still in stock at the same price, though it comes with half the storage.

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M5).

More MacBook Pro deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop buying mini PCs for your home server—5 reasons an old Dell OptiPlex actually wins

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:25

A mini PC is a solid option for a home server. They're small, relatively cheap, and low-power. I use a mini PC as a home server, but there are several things that my old Dell OptiPlex PC does better.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why your old Excel spreadsheet is "legacy code" (and how to fix it)

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 15:00

Every Excel spreadsheet eventually starts to rot. If your workbook relies on ancient file formats, hard-coded values, and formulas that look like massive, multi-line blocks of text, you're running legacy code that's slowing you down. And if you don't future-proof it, it's a ticking time bomb. Here's how to spot the rot and modernize your datasets.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This old Samsung phone doubled as a projector, and I’d pay anything for a new version of it

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 14:46

Samsung leads the world in making phones with screens that fold. Long before that, there was a time Samsung made a phone shaped like a point-and-shoot camera. There was also an even weirder time, when Samsung made a phone that was a projector—the Galaxy Beam. The early 2010s were not quite the right time for this phone. 2026 is.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle is under $50 at Amazon — buy for close to market value

Mashable - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 14:36

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available to buy for $49.95 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle $49.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now

Navigating the launch of Perfect Order has been tricky for Pokémon TCG collectors, with prices fluctuating wildly. With that in mind, we're delighted to see Perfect Order Booster Bundles back in stock at a competitive price on Amazon.

As of March 28, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle listed for $49.95 in the Big Spring Sale. Each Perfect Order Booster Bundle contains six booster packs from the new Perfect Order expansion. Every pack includes 10 cards, one Basic Energy, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card.

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It's important to note that this Amazon price is not down to market price. That has been falling steadily over the last few weeks. Does this mean the Amazon price will continue to drop? It doesn't work like that. Anything close to market value is a good deal on Amazon.

The Perfect Order expansion features fan-favorites like Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, and Mega Starmie ex. Now that the set has officially released, we expect prices to finally stabilize.

We're keeping tabs on all the live Pokémon deals dropping in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — check out out favorite deals here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The terminal tricks nobody talks about (but everyone should know)

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 14:30

The best thing about working with the terminal is just how efficient it can be. Imagine if someone gave you a thousand documents and told you to replace specific patterns of text inside those files. You could spend days opening those files in an editor and manually replacing the text inside them. Or you could run a single "sed" command and be done in a few seconds. It genuinely feels like a superpower the more I learn about it and practice it. Here are 6 things I learned that made the terminal less frustrating for me and sped things up at the same time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

9 slicer defaults I consider before every 3D print

How-To Geek - Sun, 03/29/2026 - 14:15

The settings you use in your 3D printer’s slicer can massively influence the quality of your print. If you’re having trouble with failed prints, underwhelming print quality, or prints that are weaker than you expected, you should consider changing a few of these settings.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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