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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
Updated: 7 hours 3 min ago

No, Home Depot is not charging for parking

Thu, 04/03/2025 - 09:03

News broke on Wednesday that 12-foot skeleton supplier Home Depot would begin charging customers for parking, inciting ire amongst some U.S. DIY enthusiasts. Fortunately, astute customers were quick to remember that this unwelcome report had arrived on a significant date: April 1

Home Depot itself has since confirmed that this reported paid parking plan was nothing more than an April Fools' Day prank by an unaffiliated hardware publication.

SEE ALSO: Live, laugh, LifeEyes™️: How the 12-foot Home Depot skeleton became a perennial hit

"[T]his is an April Fools' post from a tool review website," Home Depot wrote on X, responding to someone criticising the ostensible change. "We do not charge for parking."

Specifically, the rumour originated from an article published by Pro Tool Reviews on April 1. Using the byline "PTR Editorial Staff," Pro Tool Reviews claimed that Home Depot would begin charging up to $5 for a full day of parking from next month. The publication called this apparent change an "unconventional response to rising inflation," and even made up a fake Home Depot spokesperson, economist, customers, and angry social media users to "quote."

As such, there was little in Pro Tool Reviews' article to tip off the casual reader that something was amiss. The main giveaway was a link at the bottom, which stated that it led to the "original" Home Depot press release. In actuality, it led to a Pro Tool Reviews page declaring, "APRIL FOOLS! GOTCHA!" Pro Tool Reviews also has its article tagged "april fool's [sic]" a time of writing. 

Still, the clarification is easy to miss, leading many people to take Pro Tool Reviews' report at face value. Some even directed angry posts to Home Depot's social media accounts, threatening to take their business elsewhere due to the reported parking changes. Home Depot has directly replied to multiple disgruntled commenters to clarify the situation, though it seems not everyone has gotten the message. One must imagine that their social media manager is more than slightly exasperated at this point.

To be fair, this particular nugget of April Fool’s disinformation isn’t completely outside the realm of plausibility. Paid parking lots are far from uncommon, and with the economy going the way it is, it wouldn't be surprising to see businesses scrounging around for new revenue streams.

Some people noted that they first encountered Pro Tool Reviews' prank article via their Google News feed, which led them to believe that it was true. However, the mere fact that something is "on Google" is not an indicator of its accuracy, regardless of whether you found it via search or News.

According to Google, articles featured in your News feed are automatically chosen by an algorithm that is personalised to each user, with articles ranked according to factors such as relevance, authoritativeness, and the individual's interests. No humans are involved in the selection process. As such, this system appears ill-equipped to deal with otherwise trustworthy sources pulling pranks.

This Home Depot parking prank is a good reminder that you should always be vigilant on the internet, and double check information before reacting (and especially before lashing out). This is true at all times, but it's even more so on April 1, a day on which everyone has apparently decided it’s OK to lie without fear of reprisal from God or Santa.

Check sources, check your gut, and never browse with your brain turned off. Slowing down and taking a few seconds to look a little deeper can save you a lot of upset and embarrassment. And if all of that sounds like too much work, then maybe it’s time to take a break from the screens. Go outside, have a picnic, smell a flower. You'll probably be happier for it. Don't worry, the collapse of society will still be here when you get back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Banish ‘cloud storage full’ notifications with a lifetime storage plan

Thu, 04/03/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: For a limited time, save £54 on 10TB of lifetime cloud storage with Internxt using code STORAGE20 at checkout (reg. $349.99).

There are few things more annoying than getting hit with ‘Storage Full. Upgrade now.’ notifications when you’re just trying to upload a few more files. Sure, you could pay for more space, but then you’re getting sucked even deeper into the subscription world. Here’s a new option: lifetime cloud storage.

Not only will you never have to worry about monthly or yearly subscription costs, but you can purchase storage plans from Internxt so high, you’ll probably never fill them up. How does 10TB of cloud space sound? Secure it for life using code STORAGE20 at checkout, dropping the price from £215.70 (reg. £269.63) this week.

(Almost) unlimited storage

With 10TB of cloud storage, you can fit about two million photos, 100,000 videos, or 20 million documents (depending on their exact size, of course). That amount of space would be a challenge to fill up on your own, so it’s a good thing you can share it with an unlimited number of devices.

More about Internxt

Internxt may not be as popular as a name like Dropbox, but that’s not a reason to write off this deal. Your photos and files are end-to-end encrypted, meaning they’re broken up into tiny pieces so they can’t be read by prying eyes. 

The company also makes its source code open to the public, so programmers and tech nerds can analyse it and ensure there are no vulnerabilities. That’s a lot more honesty than you’ll get from big-name brands.

Use code STORAGE20 at checkout to get an Internxt 10TB cloud storage lifetime subscription for £215.70 (reg. £269.63) for a limited time at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 10TB Plan £215.70
£269.63 Save £53.93 Get Deal


Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix online for free

Thu, 04/03/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Watch the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for free on ORF. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2025 F1 season has started with a lot of unpredictable racing and entertaining moments. The McLaren team look in super strong form, but there's a crowd of drivers just waiting to pounce if they're anything less than perfect. Lando Norris leads the standings after two races, but all eyes will be on Yuki Tsunoda in his Red Bull debut in Japan.

If you're interested in watching the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix?

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix takes place over 53 laps of the 5,807-kilometer Suzuka Circuit. The full schedule can be found here:

  • Practice — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. JST on April 4

  • Practice 2 — 3 to 4 p.m. JST on April 4

  • Practice 3 — 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. JST on April 5

  • Qualifying — 3 to 4 p.m. JST on April 5

  • Race 2 p.m. JST on April 6

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix without spending anything.

How to watch the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for free

The 2025 Japanese Grand Prix is available to live stream for free on ORF.

ORF is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can access free live streams of F1 from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ORF from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in Austria

  4. Connect to ORF

  5. Watch the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix from anywhere in the world

Please be aware that Formula 1 take the view that the use of a VPN to watch content from another territory may be a breach of the relevant broadcasters’ terms of service and may constitute copyright infringement. It is your responsibility to ensure that your use of a VPN is legal and Mashable does not encourage any illegal use of a VPN.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading services do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch F1 live streams without actually spending anything. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can stream the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming F1 live is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for F1?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for live streaming F1 for free, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Austria

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

  • Fast streaming speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2025 Japanese Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for April 3, 2025

Thu, 04/03/2025 - 06:00

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

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

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

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

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

A tropical wood.

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

BALSA

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Decay.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

ERODE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

An aquatic predator.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for April 3 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

SHARK

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Popular in skincare.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3 Hurdle Word 4 answer

SERUM

Final Hurdle hint

A divine being.

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

DEITY

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

The Dimension 20 cast chooses their ultimate Intrepid Heroes squad

Thu, 04/03/2025 - 00:11

The Dimension 20 cast (Brennan Lee Mulligan, Ally Beardsley, Lou Wilson, Siobhan Thompson, and Zac Oyama) locked in to draft their ultimate teams of characters from Intrepid Heroes campaigns.Which PC will be the first pick?

Which cast members betray each other in order to get the characters they want? And most importantly, which of these teams do you think will prevail in a no-holds-barred battle royale?

The new season of Dimension 20, Dimension 20: Titan Takedown, premieres Apr. 2 at 7 p.m. ET on Dropout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streamline your workday with a collection of AI tools you only have to pay for once

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 22:53

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1min.AI's Advanced Business Plan, which offers a collection of almost all the major AI models for only A$158 (reg. A$856).

There's been talk about AI taking people's jobs, and we're here to say you should let it — at least when it comes to your own time-consuming and tedious busy work. Rather than using your time writing rejection emails or proofreading sales reports, AI could do it for you. All you need to have AI become your new favorite coworker is to grab this 1min.AI subscription for A$158 (reg. A$856).

Here's what you'll get with 1min.AI:

  • Lifetime access to GPT, Gemini, Llama, Midjourney, and more AI models with a one-time payment.

  • User-friendly interface: This makes it easy to dive in and start creating, whether you're familiar with or new to AI tools.

  • PDF manipulation tools: Edit, merge, or split PDFs with ease — perfect for organizing documents.

  • Content generation: Speed up your workflow with AI tools for writing, designing, presentation creation, etc. 

  • Use one of the AI models to join virtual meetings, code, or even edit videos.

  • No need to bounce between multiple AI models ever again since all of them are neatly organized in 1min.AI.

  • With the credits you get with this 1min.AI plan, you can use them to generate AI content. The Advanced Business Plan lets you generate 1.1 million words or 1,100 images every month, and your credits renew monthly.

Offload your least favorite (or time-consuming) day-to-day tasks to AI with this 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription, now just A$158 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1min.AI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription AU$158
AU$856 Save AU$698 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

A Minecraft Movie review: The sandbox game successfully respawns as a film

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 21:00

Alfred Hitchcock had blondes, MacGuffins, and director’s cameos. Spike Lee has dolly shots, New York settings, and fourth-wall breaks. And Jared Hess has tots, llamas, and frequent use of “friggin.’” 

I’m not saying that the Napoleon Dynamite director is on the level of those two auteurs. However, it’s impressive that despite being an adaptation of a juggernaut of a video game, A Minecraft Movie still feels like a Jared Hess movie at its core, even down to its setting in Idaho (when it isn’t set in the world of Minecraft, that is).

Jack Black as Steve, Danielle Brooks as Dawn, and Jason Momoa as Garrett in “A Minecraft Movie." Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

A Minecraft Movie could have simply been driven by its mammoth video game origins, content to drop in-jokes and references inscrutable to those who haven’t dived into playing Minecraft and delightful to those who have. That would have been the safe route — and it’s one that most IP adaptations are OK with taking — but oddly, Warner Bros. and game studio Mojang appear to be fine with Hess putting his own quirky stamp on this universe. 

Maybe it’s not so odd after all. From my limited understanding of the game (very limited as a childfree adult who googled “Minecraft explainer” on my way to the theater), creativity and making the world your own are valued within Minecraft gameplay. And even if I hadn’t done five minutes of pre-screening research, A Minecraft Movie is vocally explicit in espousing imagination as a key to success in the Minecraft land of Overworld.

The plot of A Minecraft Movie is a lot — and also not the point. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

The plot of this family-friendly adventure is challenging to explain succinctly; whether that’s my fault as a Minecraft noob or has to do with the five credited writers (Chris Bowman, Hubbel Palmer, Neil Widener, Gavin James, and Chris Galletta) is up for debate. Mine-obsessed Steve (Jack Black) accidentally discovers a portal (in a mine, naturally) that leads to Overworld, an animated universe filled with blocky animals, trees, and structures. Steve masters building and crafting in Overworld and decides to stay, especially after he bonds with a cube-shaped dog that he names Dennis. 

Later, that same Overworld portal also sucks in former video game champion Garrett “Garbage Man” Garrison (Jason Momoa), realtor/mobile zoo entrepreneur Dawn (Danielle Brooks), and two young siblings, Henry (Sebastian Hansen) and Natalie (Emma Myers). They discover the rules of Overworld by trial and error, learning how to build structures and craft tools during the day and simply trying to stay alive at night, also by building and crafting, amidst attacks from zombies, spiders, and creepers. Their experience basically echoes the game’s mods: in Create, players focus on constructing their own world, while Survive finds them attempting to not die with each nightly assault from creepy creatures.  They go on a quest for the movie’s MacGuffin — the cube-shaped Orb of Dominance — where they encounter more creations that made the kids in my screening lose their little minds with excitement. Meanwhile, they try to avoid the invading hordes from a hell-like underworld populated by beefy, blocky pigs and ruled by the sorceress Malgosha (voiced by Taika Waititi–favorite Rachel House). 

Beyond all of … that, A Minecraft Movie also features a wholly unnecessary subplot about a cubist Overworld citizen who stumbles into our world and encounters Henry’s daffy, oversharing vice principal, played by Jennifer Coolidge. These scenes could have been cut out entirely without affecting anything else on screen, but a credits sequence offers payoff. It’s hard to be too mad at its inclusion because it exists as a vehicle for Coolidge, who also starred in Hess’s Gentlemen Broncos, and is very much on the same comedic page as the filmmaker.

Jason Momoa and Jack Black are at their comedic best. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

Leads Momoa and Black are also on Hess’s weirdo wavelength. Momoa stars as the has-been video game king with a wardrobe of fringed jackets and a glorious curly shag haircut, and his deadpan delivery is the most hilarious the Aquaman actor has ever been. Hair-metal-loving Garrett is desperately trying to recapture his previous glory, and Momoa speaks in the oh-so-serious-but-oh-so-funny cadence that will be familiar to anyone who watched Napoleon Dynamite on repeat. 

Similarly, Black has his trademark exuberant energy that borders on obnoxiousness, and it’s the perfect fit for this perfectly silly movie and its young audience. Some adults may not find Black entertaining, but they are old and boring. For his second round with Hess, following Nacho Libre, Black gets that the director doesn’t want naturalistic performances steeped in Stanislavski. A Minecraft Movie isn’t attempting to be subtle; it’s the bigger, the better, and Black understood the assignment.

In her first film appearance post-Oscar nomination for 2023’s The Color Purple, Brooks isn’t given a ton to do. However, if everyone in the cast were operating at the over-the-top level of Momoa, Black, and Coolidge, A Minecraft Movie would be overwhelming and exhausting, a fate it somehow skirts despite everything going on here. Hansen and Myers, the two young actors playing brother-and-sister duo Henry and Natalie, are charming enough and comical when they’re required to be, but it’s easy to get lost amidst the bigger performances and the backdrop of blocky animated sheep.

All those weird right angles and the oddly inorganic shapes of the organic things of Overworld mean that the animation and special effects don’t have to — and shouldn’t — convince the audience they’re real. Minecraft itself looks pretty low-fi, and the visuals of Hess’s film work well within that established style. Yet it doesn’t look cheap; it’s as though Warner Bros. didn’t mind spending a little money in anticipation of the pile of money the film will likely make.

Napoleon Dynamite’s Jared Hess brings his signature silly style. Credit: Warner Bros. Pictures

While I don’t love that IP rules the box office, Hess’s tater-tot-grease-stained fingerprints are all over A Minecraft Movie. It feels like it was made by a human — and a wonderfully weird one — rather than simply churned out by a studio or media conglomerate to take advantage of their property. It’s fun and funny, fully engaged with the spirit of the game, in which creativity and imagination rule. It doesn’t feel like it’s pandering to kids, but, as evidenced by the giggles at my screening, they were enjoying it. For adult viewers who require logic in their storytelling, however, mileage may vary. 

“This place makes no sense,” Natalie says at one point with a tinge of exasperation, and she is speaking for all of us uninitiated. While it is largely coherent, A Minecraft Movie is all over the place. But no one in the audience is here for the plot. They’re either watching A Minecraft Movie for their love of the Minecraft world or because they love someone who loves it and isn’t old enough to drive themselves to the movie theater. As far as video game adaptations and children’s films go, A Minecraft Movie is so much better than it needs to be. 

Parents will likely find this film more entertaining than listening to their kids talk about Minecraft for the equivalent amount of time (101 minutes, for the record). A Minecraft Movie might also provide a deeper understanding of the universe (Minecraft’s, not the real one) for those who haven’t experienced it firsthand before. It’s a good primer for the game that never feels like homework.

A Minecraft Movie opens in theaters nationwide and in IMAX on April 4.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Sketch trailer: Tony Hale takes on a kids monster drawings that have come to life

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 20:28

A child's fanciful drawings coming to life sounds like the start of a sweet adventure. But what if said child's drawings were of monsters with foreboding names like the Blood Eater?

That's the hook of the upcoming film Sketch, directed by Seth Worley, which sees 11-year-old Amber's (Bianca Belle) imagination literally running amok. She's the artist behind such creatures as the Blood Eater, which "eats blood and pukes the blood back onto people," as well as other strange, often one-eyed beings.

Her drawings cause concern in everyone around her, including her widowed father Taylor (Tony Hale, The Decameron). Yet he at least tries to understand where Amber is coming from, telling his sister Liz (D'Arcy Carden), "She's working through some stuff."

When a magic mishap brings Amber's creations into the real world, Taylor finds himself swept up in an adventure alongside her, Liz, and his eldest son Jack (Kue Lawrence). Check out the trailer above for glimpses of the film's colorful creatures, which promise to bring tons of fuzz and glitter to the big screen.

Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko praised Sketch in her review out of the Toronto International Film Festival, calling it "a fantastically fun and heartwarming movie with a slathering of weird that makes it a real treat."

Sketch hits theaters Aug. 6.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Best Buys offer on Nintendo Switch games is great, but heres why you should wait to shop

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 20:16

SPEND $150, GET $20: As of April 2, Best Buy is offering a $20 reward for every $150 you spend on Nintendo Switch games, gift cards, and select accessories. The deal is available to all My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members until Aug. 3, so we recommend waiting until some Nintendo Switch 2 game preorders pop up before shopping.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch games, gift cards, select accessories Spend $150, get $20 (exlcusive to My Best Buy Plus and Total members) Get Deal

Amongst all the Nintendo Switch 2 excitement, Best Buy has announced a big promotion to commemorate the upcoming launch of the iconic gaming company's newest handheld console. From April 2 to Aug. 3, My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total members can get a $20 credit for every $150 they spend on select Nintendo Switch games, accessories, and gift cards. It's a great opportunity to stock up on all the Nintendo goodies you want ahead of the Switch 2 launch, but just be aware that this offer does not apply to Nintendo Switch hardware, so you won't be able to use it for any console purchases or preorders.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo announces 'Hollow Knight: Silksong' for Switch 2

But before you start shopping, hear us out: We think you should wait. Well, not too long — just until some of those Nintendo Switch 2 titles go up for preorder. The promotion will most likely include some of those marquee games like Mario Kart World and Donkey Kong Bananza when they're available to buy, and we wouldn't want you to miss out on that. So, be patient and have your Switch 2 shopping list at the ready. (If you don't plan to upgrade to the Switch 2, go nuts.)

There's some other fine print you'll want to keep on your radar, too. You'll only be able to receive a maximum of five $20 vouchers (which you'd get for spending $750 total), and each voucher needs to be used within 30 days of issuance. Nothing too extreme, but we'd hate to see you miss out on your free money because you didn't spend it quickly enough. Once you finish shopping, your credit should show up in your Best Buy account approximately 15 days after your purchase.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your Netflix alternative is here, and it’s only A$23 for a lifetime

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 19:00

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to BitMar’s content finder for A$23 through 27 April only with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238).

Here’s a challenge: cut the cord with your streaming services. Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, all of them. You’re likely paying hundreds each year in subscription fees and, chances are, you still can’t find the one movie you want to watch on any of them.

All of these reasons are probably why so many people are turning to BitMar, a streaming service alternative. You know how you can find some free movies or TV shows available online if you dig hard enough? This powerful search engine does that for you. And, for a limited time, you can get it for A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238).

Wait…how does it work?

BitMar is powered by the Bing search engine, but it only has eyes for free streaming content. You’ll use a far more user-friendly interface to plug in a channel, genre, actor, or a specific movie or TV show you have in mind, then this content aggregator scours the web to find it.

Is it legal? Yes. BitMar is fully compliant with copyright laws — and it’s simply locating content already available on the web.

If you’re wondering why you wouldn’t just spend the time searching for it yourself, that’s the reason right there — it saves you time. BitMar also filters out the garbage to leave you with high-quality, ad-free content.

Enjoy no subscription streaming with a BitMar lifetime subscription at A$23 with code BITMAR5 at checkout (reg. A$238). This coupon code expires after 27 April.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription AU$23
AU$238 Save AU$215 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is reportedly trying to buy TikTok

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:55

TikTok could soon be a part of Amazon.

On Wednesday, the New York Times reported that Amazon had bid to purchase TikTok before the potential ban deadline on April 5. The Times noted, however, that the offer might not be the most likely to go through.

The paper reported:

"Various parties who have been involved in the talks do not appear to be taking Amazon’s bid seriously, the people said. The bid came via an offer letter addressed to Vice President JD Vance and Howard Lutnick, the commerce secretary, according to a person briefed on the matter."

TikTok has until April 5 to find a U.S. buyer, a date set by President Donald Trump after giving the China-owned app an extension upon taking office. A host of rumored suitors have been named, including Oracle, Microsoft, Project Liberty, and several more billionaires.

Breaking News: Amazon made a last-minute bid to acquire all of TikTok as the app approaches an April deadline to be sold by its Chinese owner or face a ban in the U.S., people familiar with the offer said.

[image or embed]

— The New York Times (@nytimes.com) April 2, 2025 at 12:18 PM

This story is developing and will be updated with more information.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker for 41% off at Amazon

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:31

SAVE $89: As of April 2, you can get a Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker for just $129.99, down from $219. That's a 41% discount and an $89 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Maker $129.99 at Amazon
$219 Save $89.01 Get Deal

If you’re tired of schlepping to your local coffee shop every morning for a caffeine fix, dealing with coffee grounds, and cleaning your machine, it might be time to invest in a pod-based coffee maker. Specifically, a coffee and espresso machine that can do it all right on your kitchen counter.

As of April 2, you can get the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker for $129.99 at Amazon. That’s a 41% discount and $89.01 in savings (enough to cover a few weeks of lattes).

SEE ALSO: The best coffee machines for modern kitchens

The Nespresso Vertuo machine is designed to brew single-serve coffee and espresso using Nespresso Vertuo capsules. Bonus: If you go online and create a Nespresso account, you can get a pre-labeled recycle bag to fill with your used capsules and ship it back to Nespresso to recycle.

This machine heats in just 25 seconds and includes an extra-large 54-ounce water tank, so you can fill it and forget it (for at least a few days). You’ll also get a complimentary starter set of Nespresso capsules with your purchase.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $200 on a new Google Pixel Tablet at Woot

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:27

SAVE $200: As of April 2, get the Google Pixel Tablet for $299.99, down from its usual price of $499.99, at Woot. That's a discount of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Woot Google Pixel Tablet $299.99 at Woot
$499.99 Save $200 Get Deal

Sometimes you need more screen real estate than a phone can provide you with. Whether you want something to watch your favorite shows and movies with on the go or a better way to handle multitasking while you work on your morning commute, a tablet is always a good option. You can get a tablet that fits all your needs without spending an arm and a leg too, all without skimping on quality. Thanks to this Woot deal, you can save big time on a new Google Pixel Tablet.

As of April 2, get the Google Pixel Tablet for $299.99 at Woot, down from its usual price of $499.99. That's a discount of 40%.

SEE ALSO: The best live deals on tablets in the Amazon Big Spring Sale 2025

We named the Google Pixel Tablet as an honorable mention in our list of the best tablets available, and for good reason. The Google Pixel Tablet is powered by the Google Tensor G2 chip with 8GB of RAM and 8MP cameras on both the front and back. It boasts a crisp 11-inch screen with 256GB of storage and a battery life of 12 hours, depending on usage. Best of all, it's quite attractive and lightweight.

One of the best things you can do is add the charging speaker dock, which turns the tablet into a second monitor with excellent audio. This deal doesn't include the dock at this price, but it's something to keep in mind to make this purchase even better.

If you're ready for a new tablet that can handle whatever you need on a daily basis, this one is worth scooping up.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Take $300 off the Sonos Arc soundbar and upgrade your home theater

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:16

SAVE $300: The Sonos Arc soundbar (white) is on sale for $599 at Amazon, down from the usual price of $899. That's a 33% discount and the lowest price we've ever spotted at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc soundbar (white) $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

Some movies are meant to be experienced in the theater. There's something magical about a massive screen with great sound and complete darkness. But it takes a little extra when you want to recreate that movie magic at home. Close the curtains, turn off all the lights, and turn on this soundbar that's on super sale at Amazon.

As of April 2, the Sonos Arc soundbar in white is on sale for $599, marked down from the normal price of $899. That's a 33% discount that takes $300 off the price. It also happens to be the best price we've ever seen Amazon offer.

SEE ALSO: The Arlo Video Doorbell is still 54% off after the Amazon Big Spring Sale

With a focus on fantastic sound quality and a user-friendly design, the Sonos Arc is a great upgrade to your home TV setup. If we're being honest, most TVs come with built-in speakers that fall flat in terms of performance. Incorporating the Sonos Arc to your entertainment center means you'll be getting something with a much higher sound quality and a better overall experience.

Mashable contributor Timothy Beck Werth tested out the premium Sonos Arc Ultra and awarded it with a Mashable Choice Award. Compared to the standard Sonos Arc, the Ultra is equipped with more drivers (14 instead of 11), but tons of the features are identical.

When it comes to a theater-like experience, the review notes, "While a single soundbar can't compete with the booming speakers you'll hear in a movie theater, this speaker gave me the closest match to that experience I've ever had in my living room."

Werth noted the Sonos Arc Ultra excels in offering great but balanced sound. He also mentioned a pro as the ability to use the soundbar as a smart speaker, which is also the case with the standard Sonos Arc. It utilizes Dolby Atmos which aims to give you a 3D sound experience, so long as your TV can support Dolby Atmos.

The Arc is also great for hearing crisp and clear dialogue, which is a major complaint with many speakers that come built into TVs. Plus, you can enable Speech Enhancement in the Sonos app.

To prep for summer movie nights, upgrade to the Sonos Arc soundbar. With today's deal at Amazon, you'll save $300 when upgrading to a 100% worthy soundbar that'll be a huge step up from your TVs built-in speakers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo Switch 2 specs unveiled: Bigger screen, better performance, and more

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 18:01

Eight years after the first Nintendo Switch, we finally have the Nintendo Switch 2. And by all accounts, it was largely worth the wait.

On Wednesday's Nintendo Direct livestream, the gaming company announced the new console with several massive improvements and new features in its typically unfussy fashion. There wasn't much fanfare, letting the Nintendo Switch 2 newness speak for itself. But the rapid-fire succession of news during the tight hourlong event also meant we were thrown a lot of information at once.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 release date, price announced

In case you missed it, here's a roundup of all the Nintendo Switch 2 specs shared during the livestream:

All the Nintendo Switch 2 specs you need to knowThe important stuff
  • 7.9-inch display compared to the OG Switch's 6.2-inch display, with the same 13.9mm thickness

  • 1080p resolution with an LCD screen

  • 120 fps (frames per second) support and HDR support

  • 256 GB of storage compared to 32 GB of storage for the original Switch

  • Two USB-C ports

Frame rate support has increased to a whopping 120 fps. Credit: Nintendo Featured Video For You Nintendo Switch 2 Direct Live Recap Joy-Con 2 controllers
  • Magnetic attachment to the display with a release button to detach

  • Bigger SL and SR buttons for easier play when using them horizontally

  • Larger control sticks

  • Each Joy-Con 2 controller can be used as a mouse for certain games

Joy-Con 2 controllers connect magnetically with a pleasing snap. Credit: Nintendo Audio
  • Built-in mic for GameChat, with noise-cancelling technology

  • 3D audio functionality, even without a surround sound system

Other hardware features
  • New kickstand to hold the Switch 2 at any angle

  • The new dock supports 4K compatibility when connected to an external display. It also has a built-in fan to keep the system cool.

The new kickstand holds the Switch 2 at any angle. Credit: Nintendo
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: The Sonos Arc soundbar is cheaper than its ever been

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 17:48
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 2: OUR TOP PICK Sonos Arc $599 (save $300) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) $419.99 (save $180) Get Deal BEST BUDGET SOUNDBAR DEAL Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 (save $60) Get Deal BEST ROBOT VACUUM DEAL Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo $254.99 (save $145) Get Deal BEST APPLE DEAL Apple iPad Mini (128GB, WiFi) $399 (save $100) Get Deal

Despite the Amazon Big Spring Sale wrapping up on Monday, there's tons of deals still sticking around. We're talking all-time lows on gadgets from top brands like Sonos, Samsung, and Apple. If you missed out on the official sale, we've got you covered with the best deals still live we think are worth grabbing.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 2. None of these catching your eye? Check out our picks from yesterday, April 1. Many of those are still hanging around as well, including the Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker for 59% off.

Our top pick: Sonos Arc Opens in a new window Credit: Sonos Sonos Arc $599 at Amazon
$899 Save $300 Get Deal

What kept the Sonos Arc off of our list of the best TV soundbars was its steep price tag of $899. But as of April 2, it's down to a much more approachable $599 or 33% off at Amazon. That's cheaper than it was during the Big Spring Sale and a new best price ever. While we tested the fancier Arc Ultra, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) reviewed the Arc and gave it the coveted PCMag Editors' Choice award, thanks to its fantastic audio profile, crisp dialogue, thumping bass, and deep Dolby Atmos-bolstered layers. To sum it up: "The impressive Sonos Arc takes the best parts of the company's other soundbars and combines them into one Dolby Atmos-compatible package."

Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB, WiFi) $419.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $180 Get Deal

The budget-friendly version of the Galaxy Tab S9+ just got 30% cheaper. It's usually just $599.99 for the S9 FE+ with 128GB of storage and WiFi connectivity, but as of April 2, it'll only cost you $419.99. Though it boasts similar features to the S9+, like an IP68 dust- and water-resistant rating, a 12.4.-inch screen, 20 hours of battery life, and an included S Pen, it differs in the display, CPU, and price. Mashable reviewer RJ Andersen writes, "At a mid-range price, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ is a great tablet for casual users who still want a high-quality, reliable device."

Check out our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

Fire TV Soundbar Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus $189.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $60 Get Deal

If the Sonos Arc is still out of your price range on sale, check out this Amazon Fire TV Soundbar Plus deal instead. Usually $249.99, it's down to just $189.99 as of April 2 — that's 24% in savings. The Soundbar Plus features three full-range speakers, three tweeters, and a built-in subwoofer (unlike the basic Fire TV Soundbar), so it can pump out sound in every direction. It also offers Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, and DTS TruVolume support, making it an all-in-one sound system for immersive audio. Already own a Fire TV Stick? You can even use the same remote to control it.

Dreame D10 Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo $254.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $145 Get Deal

The Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo isn't going to compete with the fanciest models around, but for the price, it'll hold its own. It packs pretty standard 6,000Pa suction power, a 150ml clean water tank with three flow settings, and a battery life of 285 minutes. Plus, it's equipped with smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, voice assistant support, and a self-emptying base that can hold up to 90 days' worth of debris before needing your attention. And the best part is that it'll only cost you $254.99 while it's still on sale post-Big Spring Sale. That's 36% in savings.

Apple iPad Mini Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Mini (128GB, WiFi) $399 at Amazon
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Released last fall, the iPad Mini features a handful of welcome (although predictable) upgrades. It packs a new A17 Pro chip, more starting storage at 128GB, a boost in RAM, and Apple Intelligence compatibility. "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice," Mashable reviewer Stan Schroeder writes. He adds that it's not the most exciting upgrade, but it's great for streaming, reading, and casual scrolling. As of April 2, the base model is back down to just $399, saving you 20%.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Take $31 off the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium and get ahead of the summer heat

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 17:40

SAVE $31: As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium for just $218.99 at Amazon. That's 12% off the list price and a $31 discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: ecobee ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium $218.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $31 Get Deal

One thing I loved about my old apartment was that it came equipped with a smart thermostat. If I was too cold to get out of bed, I just turned on the heat with my phone (same deal for the AC in the summer). A smart thermostat is a small luxury worth the investment, and right now, you can get your own smart thermostat for $31 off.

As of April 2, you can get the ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium at Amazon for $218.99, down from $249.99. That's $31 off, or a discount of 12%. This isn’t the lowest we’ve seen for this smart thermostat, but it’s still a solid deal if you’re trying to beat the summer heat (especially if you’d like to control your thermostat from your phone, like I did).

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Echo Show 10 is one of our favorite smart home devices

The ecobee Smart Thermostat Premium features an air quality monitor that alerts you when your air is dry or has elevated levels of pollutants. It’ll also remind you to change your furnace’s air filter and alert you whenever your home reaches a dangerously low temperature. Bonus: There’s a built-in smoke alarm and alert system for possible break-ins (when your system is armed).

Like other smart thermostats, the ecobee auto-adjusts the temperature in your home to reduce hot and cold spots. The manufacturer says the thermostat can save you up to 26% on annual energy bills, and you can control it from anywhere using your phone. It also comes with a smart speaker and your choice of voice assistant (Alexa or Siri), which you can then use to adjust the temperature or play music.

All in all, this is a quality thermostat with a ton of features that will keep your home safer and more comfortable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Donkey Kong Bananza announced at Nintendo Switch 2 event

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 17:36

A new-look, modern Donkey Kong is here. Nintendo announced a new game — Donkey Kong Bananza (get it...like bananas) — featuring the classic character.

The new game is the first 3D Donkey Kong release since 1999's Donkey Kong 64. It's been a long wait for fans of Donkey Kong and they finally got the news at Nintendo's event on Wednesday that debuted the Switch 2. Nintendo dropped a high-energy trailer for Bananza during the event that showed Donkey Kong running, bashing, and chasing down bananas.

The game is scheduled to be released on July 17. It's just one of a number of exciting games previewed at Wednesday's event. Perhaps most exciting was Mario Kart World, a new version of the classic racing game. While Nintendo dropped lots of details on Mario Kart World — you can drive off course and the weather will change, for instance — we're still waiting on further details about the actual gameplay for Donkey Kong Bananza. It's safe to assume there will be some fun bashing involved, at least.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo drops surprise FromSoftware game The Duskbloods

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 17:31

With Nintendo kicking off its live Direct event, the gaming giant is giving a first glimpse into its much-anticipated 2025-2026 lineup, finally announcing an official release date for the new Switch 2.

Along with confirmations of expected game releases, like the latest entry in the Mario Kart lineup, Nintendo had a few surprises up its sleeve, including a new multiplayer RPG from Dark Souls and Elden Ring developer FromSoftware. Titled The Duskbloods, the steampunk fantasy game promises a lot of lore and an action-packed lineup of monsters.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 Nintendo Direct today: See the latest updates from the April 2 event

Assuming the role of some kind of vampire-like creature, players navigate a combat-filled, industrialized city and a myriad of foes, including a nightmare sewer creature, a suite of evil-looking weaponed opponents, and what appears to be a shapeshifting dinosaur. Don't worry: Guns exist in this universe, too.

The game's moonlight-dependent characters and monster transformations reminded many fans of the popular 2015 Bloodborne, another FromSoftware game which features Lovecraftian horrors and an atmospheric Victorian-inspired city setting. Bloodborne 2 might not be happening, but now we have The Duskbloods.

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The game will be exclusive to the Switch 2 and is expected to release in 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirTags are now cheaper than their Amazon Big Spring Sale price

Wed, 04/02/2025 - 17:28

SAVE 31%: A 4-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale at Amazon for $67.99, down from the list price of $99. That's a savings of $32 and a price that beats the Amazon Big Spring Sale deal by $2.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-pack) $67.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $31.01 Get Deal

Vacation vibes are in the air. Now that we're dethawing from winter with warmer temps, spring break and summer holidays are in the works. If you have travel plans, tucking a Bluetooth tracker into your bags is a must these days. For those who could use a few trackers, check out this deal at Amazon.

As of April 2, a four-pack of Apple AirTags is on sale for just $67.99, marked down from the standard price of $99, at Amazon. That works out to a 31% discount and a savings of $32.

Apple AirTags were discounted during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which technically ended on Monday. The four-pack was on sale for $69.99, which means today's sale price of $67.99 beats the previous sale by $2.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Last chance to save on MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches

Four Apple Bluetooth trackers for $67.99 means each tracker costs just $16.99. Considering a single Apple AirTag is currently on sale for $24, this four-pack is well worth the investment. Having a few around the house is certainly not a bad thing, since you can use in your work backpack, one on your key ring, one on the dog's collar, and another in your suitcase.

In Mashable's review of the best Bluetooth trackers for travel and lost luggage, the Apple AirTag gets top marks as the ideal option for iPhone users.

If you need to restock your stash of Apple AirTags, today's sale price is a great opportunity to check that off your to-do list before summer vacation. Grab the four pack at Amazon for just $67.99 and always keep tabs on your important belongings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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