Technology

I use a Samsung Galaxy phone plugged into a monitor with DeX mode as my primary computer. This means when I shop for a new phone, I'm also shopping for a PC. The details I pay attention to are different from most. If you're interested in this same setup, here's what to look out for.

Smart homes are supposed to make life easier, but you might know that’s not always the case if you’ve yelled at a speaker that misunderstood a simple command. Following last month’s major update to Gemini for Home, the company is rolling out Google Home v4.2, focusing on fixing these small but frustrating experiences, along with some improvements to smart home controls.

Are you looking for fun (or unique) pieces of software to expand your homelab with? I’ve been on the hunt for new software lately, and found 10 tools that everyone should try at least once. In no particular order, here are tools that have (or will) change how I run my homelab.

NASA is poised to return to the Moon over 53 years after Apollo 17, and this time you don't need a TV to follow along. The Artemis II mission is scheduled to launch from the Kennedy Space Center on April 1st as soon as 6:24PM ET—here's how to watch as astronauts make history.

You've likely been sitting on automation potential right in your pocket or attached to your keys. While Apple AirTags started out as a way to find lost luggage or misplaced wallets, they've quietly evolved into the coolest and most versatile Home Assistant accessory out there right now. They are devices that give you precise locations, but they can easily be used in a smart home. Location tracking doesn't have to be as simple as we make it. Using just a cheap tag, you add more features to your home without much effort.

Google first unveiled Gmail to the public on April 1, 2004. Now, 22 years later, Google is finally letting some Gmail users change their account's username while retaining everything else in their account.

The ability for Gmail users to change their username was first teased by Google late last year. And now, as of Tuesday, every Gmail user in the U.S. can officially change their username — that's the part that comes before the "@gmail.com" – to whatever they want, as long as the new username is available.

Aside from the username, everything else with the account remains the same. All emails and files associated with the old username will continue to exist in the account for the new username.

What happens to your old Gmail address? Google says it will retain that username for the user so that emails sent to that old address continue to arrive to the new username's inbox. 

So, are you ready to change that Gmail username you created while you were still in high school? Here's how to do it.

How to change your Gmail username

If you're a Gmail user in the U.S., the option to change your Gmail username while retaining the same account is now open to you.

To change your username, simply go to your Settings while signed into your Google account. Next, go to Personal info, followed by Email, and then Google Account email.

Eligible accounts will then see a button labeled "Change Google Account email" on this page. Tap that button and then pick a new username.

Please note, Gmail users can only change their username once every 12 months. So, once you pick a new username, you're stuck with it for at least a year. But that might sound like a pretty short timeframe if you were one of the unfortunate users stuck with your previous Gmail username for 22 years.

Subaru just pulled the wraps off its newest SUV, and it’s a pretty big deal for the brand. The all-electric 2027 Getaway is its first three-row model—and also its most powerful yet.

Free Lego deals this week at a glance Best holiday offering Lego Cute Easter Bunny free at Lego with $40 purchase (save $4.99) Get Deal Best Star Wars offering Lego Star Wars Kamino Training Facility free at Lego with $160 purchase (save $29.99) Get Deal

It's not easy to come by something for nothing in 2026, let alone something good. But Lego offers free deals fairly regularly, with purchase, of course. This week's free deals include something perfect for Easter and a fun build for Star Wars fans. Both of these free offerings expire on April 5, so hop to it.

Best holiday offering Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Cute Easter Bunny $0 at Lego
$4.99 Save $4.99 with $40+ purchase Get Deal Why we like it

Lego named this build "Cute Easter Bunny" and we agree on its cuteness. It's a mini-build designed for those ages 6 and up. It includes 66 pieces to build the bunny, carrot, and three colorful Easter eggs. Plus, the heart-shaped nose could not be cuter. The Lego Cute Easter Bunny build comes free with online purchase of $40 or more at Lego.

SEE ALSO: Spend $50 at Amazon on Easter candy, toys, and games to get $10 off Best Star Wars offering Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Kamino Training Facility $0 at Lego
$29.99 Save $29.99 with $160+ purchase Get Deal Why we like it

Even the best need training. The Lego Star War Kamino Training Facility is free with purchase of $160 or more online at Lego through April 5. It's a 190-piece build that includes three Clone Cadets from Star Wars: Attack of the Clones. There's also the KE-8 Enforcer floating patrol vehicle with it's cockpit that opens. The Star Wars build is about 10 inches tall and 3.5 inches wide.

Building PCs is hardly anything new, but it's definitely an enthusiast thing, and that can create a lot of myths and misconceptions. You've probably heard myths, such as that liquid coolers are dangerous and can flood your entire PC, or that SSDs are less reliable than HDDs.

I don’t know about you guys, but I’ll be spending a lot of time on HBO Max in April after seeing all the new shows and movies streaming this month.

Kia has introduced the US version of its EV3 crossover, and it's poised to deliver strong range and charging capabilities for a small electric SUV.

Amazon Big Spring Sale last-minute deals Best floorcare deal Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop $148.93 (save $11.06) Get Deal Best spot cleaning tool deal Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner $139.99 (save $20) Get Deal Best tech deal MacBook Pro (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1799 (save $100) Get Deal Best beauty tech deal Drybar "You Had Me at Blowout" Kit $116.25 (save $38.75) Get Deal Best skincare deal philosophy hope in a jar glow water cream face moisturizer $38.98 (save $13.02) Get Deal Best sexual wellness deal LELO Smart Wand 2 (Medium) $138.58 (save $30.42) Get Deal

I've been writing for Mashable for four years, and in that time, I've tested hundreds of products — including tons of vibrators. While my niche is sexual health and wellness, my actual everyday life consists of wrangling two unruly beagles, working from literally wherever, and trying to get my hair done in under 10 minutes.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is over, but these 110+ deals are still live: Last chance to save on Apple, Bose, Lego

So, when my editors asked me to round up the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals that are miraculously still live today, I realized my version of "essential tech" looks a little different than the gadgets Mashable's Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, already covered.

From my favorite steam mop to the blowout kit I use every single day, here are the lingering deals I'm telling my friends to buy before they disappear for good.

Shop a steam mop that'll keep your floors spotless sans chemicals Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop $148.93 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $11.06   Get Deal at Amazon

As you know, I have two beagles. And even though I love them to bits, they can be messy, unruly, and demanding — especially if I'm not giving them enough attention (which usually leads to an on-purpose accident to get it). That's why I love this thing.

The Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop is a literal lifesaver when they've gotten up in the middle of the night and left me a surprise glued to the floor by morning. Of course, I take them out, and they have puppy pads in the house, but sometimes real accidents happen.

SEE ALSO: The PetSafe ScoopFree is a budget Litter-Robot alternative if your cat hates enclosed litter boxes

This steam mop is unlike other wet mops I've tried (and hated because they stink even after I clean them); it's super easy to use, cleanup is quick and easy (I just throw the washable mop pad in the washer), and it doesn't use harsh chemicals or leave a nasty, wet dog smell in my apartment like most wet mops do. It relies on steam and heat to get the job done, and it works! It also features a removable Lift-Off pod and comes with 13 attachments, so you can clean other surfaces like baseboards and the shower, too.

Get the Bissell PowerFresh Lift-Off Pet Steam Mop for $148.93, down from $159.99 (save $11.06) at Amazon.

More floor care deals

• Shark Steam & Scrub Mop — $119.99 $159.99 (save $40)

• Roborock Q7 M5 — $149.99 $239.99 (save $90)

• Shark Pet IX141 — $149 $299.99 (save $150.99)

• Roborock Q7 M5+ — $249.99 $329.99 (save $80)

• Roborock Q10 S5+ — $279.99 $549.99 (save $270)

• Mova P10 Pro Ultra — $399 $499 (save $100)

• Roborock Qrevo Series — $399.99 $649.99 (save $250)

• Eufy E28 with portable carpet cleaner — $649.99 $999.99 (save $350)

Spot clean your couch and other delicate fabrics with this discounted portable carpet cleaner Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner (Gray/Blue) $139.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $20   Get Deal at Amazon

Bissell is one of my favorite brands for pet parents because it's affordable and effective. Whenever I need to spot-clean something, I use the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner. It's loud, but it works, and this deluxe version comes with a three-inch Tough Stain Tool, a Stain Trapper Tool, and trial-size formulas to get you started.

Get the Bissell Little Green Pet Deluxe Portable Carpet Cleaner for $139.99, down from $159.99 (save $20) at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: What is the best robot vacuum for pet hair? After testing, my cats and I chose 4 top picks for 2026 so far. Give your WFW (work from wherever) setup an upgrade with a new-ish MacBook Pro MacBook Pro (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,799 at Amazon
$1,899 Save $100   Get Deal at Amazon

Whenever I'm not on my iMac, I work on my 14-inch MacBook Pro (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD). The M4 is a 2024 laptop, but it still works just fine even after putting it through hell day after day (I'm sure my log time is in the hundreds of thousands). It's not on sale right now, but the 2025 model is. You can still get $100 off the 14.2-inch MacBook Pro (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) at Amazon. (It's not a shocking deal, but $100 is $100, right?)

Get the MacBook Pro (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $1,799, down from $1,899 (save $100) at Amazon.

More Apple deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $114.95 $129 (save $14.05)

• Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) — $155.99 $179 (save $23.01)

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) — $299 $349 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods Max (2nd Gen) — $529 $549 (save $20)

• Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) — $649.99 $699 (save $50)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $999.97 $1,199 (save $199.03)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049 $1,099 (save $50)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,449.99 $1,499 (save $49.01)

• Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M5, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,649 $1,699 (save $50)

Get Zoom-ready, or just ready to go out with your besties, with the Drybar 'You Had Me at Blowout' Kit Drybar "You Had Me at Blowout" Kit $110.44 at Amazon
$155 Save $44.56   Get Deal at Amazon

If there's one personal item I have to take with me anytime I'm staying overnight, it'd be the Drybar "You Had Me at Blowout" Kit. I got this gift set for Christmas last year, and I literally use it every single day.

This little device is super handy for anyone who hates doing their hair or just doesn't want to spend hours in the bathroom getting ready (my sister takes forever to put her makeup on). With this tool, you can style your hair in minutes and be on your way to wherever way before your friends realize that you're not actually on the train yet.

SEE ALSO: I tested the best Dyson Airwrap dupes under $300: The Shark FlexStyle isn't your only option

It comes with the Double Shot blow dryer brush, plus Detox Dry Shampoo, Prep Rally Detangler, Triple Sec texturizer, and Final Call. It claims to give you extra volume that lasts for eight hours, and honestly, it delivers.

Get the Drybar "You Had Me at Blowout" Kit for $116.25, down from $155 (save $38.75) at Amazon.

More beauty tech deals

• CHI Lava Ceramic 1-inch Flat Iron Hair Straightener — $59.98 $107.99 (save $48.01)

• BaByliss Pro Porcelain Ceramic Carrera Hair Dryer — $80.49 $114.99 (save $34.50)

• Dreame Pocket Hair Dryer — $89.99 $129.99 (save $40)

• Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System — $219.99 $379.99 (save $160)

• Dyson Supersonic Nural — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100)

• Dyson Airwrap i.d. — $541.52 $649.99 (save $108.47)

Don't forget to moisturize — my fave water cream is finally on sale, and you should definitely buy it Opens in a new window Credit: philosophy philosophy hope in a jar glow water cream face moisturizer $38.98 at Amazon
$52 Save $13.02   Get Deal

OK, so hydration is super important, and so is staying moisturized because glowing skin is happy skin. I cannot recommend this moisturizer enough. I put this on my face every time I get out of the shower. (I also love, love, love philosophy's face mask.) The formula includes hyaluronic acid and pineapple extract, which provide up to 72 hours of hydration. It's super lightweight, gives you a gorgeous natural glow, and works as a great primer if you wear foundation (I don't, and it still makes my skin dewy).

But here's the real tea: This stuff is never (I repeat, never) on sale, so you should definitely grab it while it is!

Get philosophy's hope in a jar glow water cream face moisturizer for $38.98, down from $52 (save $13.02) at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Is this $45 red light gua sha a promising Solawave dupe? Keep your stress levels low with my all-time favorite wand vibrator LELO Smart Wand 2 (Medium) $138.58 at Amazon
$169 Save $30.42   Get Deal at Amazon

I couldn't write a deals roundup without including a vibrator — sexual wellness is an essential part of your overall routine. I have the large version of the LELO Smart Wand 2, and it was my very first favorite wand vibrator. (Until I met the VIM by Fun Factory, which was, unfortunately, discontinued.) Right now, the medium version is on sale, and it's the perfect size if you want something a bit more manageable to hold (or pack in a weekend bag).

It has a super-chic design, is 100% waterproof for the bath or shower, and offers 10 different vibration patterns. The charge also lasts practically forever, so you don't have to worry about it dying right when you need to release some tension.

Get the LELO Smart Wand 2 (Medium) for $138.58, down from $169 (save $30.42) at Amazon.

More sexual wellness deals

• Tracy's Dog OG Dual-vibe — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• plusOne dual rabbit vibrator — $33.97 $39.99 (save $6.02)

• Tracy's Dog Bumpa 3-in-1 anal vibrator — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• Tracy's Dog Passion Kit — $45.99 $49.99 (save $4)

Inbox Zero sounds like a dream for many. However, in reality, it’s a daily challenge to go through newsletters, bills, and important emails. Now, Google is taking aim at this frustration with a feature called AI Inbox that was announced as a part of Gemini-powered updates to Gmail earlier in January this year.

People fall into two distinct camps when it comes to phone chargers: those who religiously unplug them when they're done, and the rest of us who leave them plugged in indefinitely. If you belong to the latter camp, allow me to offer a few compelling reasons why unplugging your charger is the smarter move.

Apple is rolling out a new patch for old iOS versions to protect users from the widespread hacking exploit known as DarkSword. Apple is releasing this new update for iOS 18 users today—anyone on the latest iOS 26 release is already safe.

SPEND $50 TO SAVE $10: Amazon's "Fill your Easter basket" event takes $10 off a purchase of $50 or more on select Easter candy, toys, and games.

Eligible Amazon "Fill your Easter basket" items at a glance Lindt Gold Bunny $4.99 at Amazon Get Deal Hello Kitty Heart Pail $11.99 at Amazon (save $8) Get Deal Crayola Scribble Scrubbie Jumbo Pet $12.29 at Amazon (save $3.60) Get Deal

Easter is coming up quickly. If you don't have Easter basket goodies sorted out yet, Amazon is here to save the day. Spend $50 on select Easter candy, toys, and games at Amazon to save $10 on your purchase. Maybe best of all, plenty of these items will arrive with overnight shipping, depending on your location. Since Easter is just four days away, this quick shipping is a major benefit.

The Amazon Easter Basket event includes great candy options from Lindt, Reese's, Sour Patch Kids, Nerds, and more. For non-sweet treats, snag fresh spring art supplies from Crayola. Even a few Squishmallows and Gund stuffed animals are included in the deal. Games include the favorite Bananagrams and even Catan is included in the sale, which is sitting at a sale price of $43.99 instead of the list price of $54.99.

It's best to hop (sorry) on this offer quickly since Amazon doesn't list a time or date when the deal ends. Browse the entire list of eligible items to pick your favorites for this year's Easter baskets.

AI chatbots such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini allow you to upload files and photos or paste large chunks of text. You can then do things such as summarizing documents or turning your selfies into Studio Ghibli-style images. The danger is that you can end up uploading personal information that you really shouldn't be sharing.

Plex Media Server, the software known for turning any PC or NAS into a personal streaming service, is officially ending support and updates for 32-bit versions of Windows. Plex's decision comes in response to Microsoft's decision to end support for Windows 10 back in October 2025.

The problem with announcing any kind of news on April 1 is that absolutely nobody will believe you.

Case in point: On Wednesday morning, KitKat announced that customers could use a special online tracking tool to figure out if their purchased confectionery goods were part of the massive 12-ton KitKat heist that's gotten the internet's attention over the past few days.

The KitKat heist tracker was advertised on the official KitKat X account, and whoever runs the account is ardently insisting, both in the original post and in the replies, that this is real and not an April Fool's joke.

SEE ALSO: A 12-ton KitKat heist is breaking the internet This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Taking a look at the tracker itself, it's hard to parse fiction from reality. It appears to be a pretty straightforward tracker with a text input for an 8-digit batch code on the back of each KitKat package. I don't personally have any KitKats on hand to test this out with, but I typed in a random 8-digit number and was told that it wasn't part of the stolen batch.

So, at the very least, the tracker is actually checking for something. It's just impossible to say what would happen if you happened to type in a "correct" batch code.

Whether or not the tracker is a hoax, the heist was very real. More than 400,000 KitKat bars were stolen from a delivery truck going between Italy and Poland, prompting plenty of The Fast and the Furious memes (and some genuine concerns for the public supply of KitKats ahead of the Easter holiday).

For what it's worth, the company, Nestle KitKat, says there is no threat to the chocolatey supply chain at this time.