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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.
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Updated: 9 min 54 sec ago

The Anker Nebula Capsule 3 is a 1080p projector just bigger than a can of soda — and its on sale for its lowest price ever

Sat, 03/29/2025 - 03:24

Save $120: As of March 28, you can grab the Anker Nebula Capsule 3 projector for just $379.99 at Amazon. At this price, you'll be saving 24% on the projector's $499.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nebula Capsule 3 $379.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $120 Get Deal

Maybe you don't have the room for a TV or maybe you prefer some portability when deciding where to watch your favorite shows — in either case, you deserve better than using your laptop.

Portable projectors can be a great solution to this problem, but they aren't exactly cheap (especially in comparison to the price of a TV). However, during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, Anker's Nebula Capsule 3 projector is down to its lowest price ever, at just $379.99.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of experts

If you've never used a projector before, you should expectation set that the picture won't be as bright or as a clear as that of a TV — that's normal, especially in the this price range. Specifically, in terms of picture quality, the Capsule 3 supports 4K input and has a native 1080p resolution. However, you can get a much bigger picture that maxes out at 120 inches, and the option to move your projector wherever you like, especially with the Capsule 3, which weighs less than two pounds, and has an on-board battery that can stream up to two and a half hours of video and eight hours of audio.

It's also incredibly easy to turn it on and start streaming content, thanks to its autofocus and auto keystone features, and of course, the built-in Google TV and Netflix. The LED light won't give you the absolute best picture quality you can find on a projector out there, but as our sister site PC Mag (also owned by Ziff Davis) puts it in their review, "Just a little bigger than a soda can, the 1080p Anker Nebula Capsule 3 projector delivers more-than-acceptable quality plus robust audio, making it an excellent mini projector."

Categories: IT General, Technology

X is sold. But Musk is still in control.

Sat, 03/29/2025 - 01:11

X owner Elon Musk announced late Friday that the social media site had been sold ... to xAI, Musk's own Artificial Intelligence company.

"xAI and X’s futures are intertwined," Musk posted on X. "Today, we officially take the step to combine the data, models, compute, distribution and talent ... this will allow us to build a platform that doesn’t just reflect the world but actively accelerates human progress."

xAI purchased X in an all-stock transaction, according to the Hollywood Reporter. The AI company is now valued at $80 billion, with X valued at $33 billion, which includes $12 million in debt.

Musk purchased X, then known as Twitter, for $44 billion in October 2022.

What does this mean to the X user? Likely that AI will be integrated more fully into the X experience. The social media site has aggressively pushed its generative AI chatbot, Grok, on users since it launched in 2023. Musk also changed its terms of service shortly after the November election, requiring users to agree to have AI trained on their tweets.

In announcing the sale, Musk claimed X has 600 million "active users." He didn't say "monthly active users," which experts believe to be almost half that number.

The now-private company has shed millions of users by multiple measures since Musk's purchase, and is projected to lose millions more in 2025.

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This story is developing...

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Shark FlexFusion is getting a rare discount thanks to Sharks sitewide sale

Sat, 03/29/2025 - 00:17

Best Shark FlexFusion deals Best set for the basics Build-your own Shark FlexFusion with Air Styler Straightener Set $279.99 (Save $70 with code SN20) Get Deal Best FlexFusion for the most attachments Shark FlexFusion Air Styler Straightener and Brush Set $319.99 (Save $80 with code SN20) Get Deal

Amazon has brought plenty of beauty tech deals live for its spring sale, but one of the best (and rarest) ones we've spotted this week isn't actually available on the retailer's site.

Coinciding with the Big Spring Sale is SharkNinja week, which allows customers to save 20% on orders over $200 with the code SN20. That means that the Shark FlexFusion, which starts at $349 and goes up to $399 depending on the model, is getting a rare discount. If you've been waiting to catch it on sale, now's a good time to grab it — the promo code is valid through March 31 at 2:59 a.m. ET (and at the time of writing, one model has sold out).

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of experts

If you're not familiar with the Shark FlexFusion, it's essentially an even more versatile Shark FlexStyle that can heat style with and without air. This is especially useful if you want to style day two hair, or hair that's no longer wet, as styles will hold better thanks to the heat element. It is worth noting that Shark FlexStyle attachments cannot be used with the FlexFusion or vice versa — though they're similar, at the end of the day they are different hair tools.

Depending on which model you get, the FlexFusion comes with three or four different attachments. At the time of writing, here are the models that are on sale:

Along with the discount, each of these FlexFusions comes with a free travel case. For an even more in-depth breakdown on the differences between these tools, you can check out our additional coverage on the Shark FlexFusion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexFusion Save up to $80 with code SN20 Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best laptop deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 23:15
The best laptop deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Lenovo Legion 5i (Intel Core i9-14900HX, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070, 32GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,399.99 (save $200) Get Deal

While Amazon isn't normally the best place to score laptop deals on any given day, it tends to beef up its selection and ramp up its discounts for certain sitewide sales it puts on throughout the year. Prime Day and Black Friday are the main ones, of course, but don't sleep on the retail giant's Big Spring Sale, either.

Amazon's seasonal savings event is now on from March 25 to 31. Though the event technically revolves around warm-weather essentials, Amazon is sneaking in a handful of laptop deals starring discounts of up to 30%. That includes record-low prices on the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 with a Snapdragon X Elite processor, our favorite Windows laptop, and the brand-new M4 Apple MacBook Airs, which only just debuted a couple weeks ago.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, selected by Mashable's team of experts

It's not a huge selection, but if the featured models have the specs you need, this is a good time to buy: The next big savings opportunity on the horizon for laptop shoppers is Memorial Day weekend in late May.

Read on for our running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale laptop deals. We'll continue to update it with the latest pricing and availability as the event continues, so check back often. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices, while struck-through deals were sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Best MacBook dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProBest Windows laptop deals2-in-1 laptopsBest gaming laptop deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Only a handful of sex toys are on sale during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 23:13
Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best sex toy deals Best bullet vibrator deal plusOne Bullet Vibrator $12.44 (save $3.55) Get Deal Best clitoral suction vibrator Tracy's Dog Wearable Vibrator $31.99 (save $8) Get Deal Best G-spot vibrator LELO Gigi 2 $77.80 (save $41.20) Get Deal Best male sex toy deal TEGA Spinner $21.58 (save $1.42) Get Deal Best lube deal Überlube Home and Travel Bundle $35.63 (save $1.87) Get Deal

OK, so I wouldn’t usually recommend shopping at Amazon for sex toys, but Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has a few good deals on legit sex toys and products that you can trust. (They're few and far between, but I've included some non-Amazon deals at the bottom of this post.) Most aren’t marked with red “Spring Sale” badges, but the discounts are still worth a look — a discount’s a discount, right?

SEE ALSO: Are vibrating sex toys on the way out?

Some standout brands I found include plusOne, LELO, and Tracy's Dog. Tons of lube is discounted, too, including some from Überlube and Astroglide.

Here are the best sex toy deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale that are worth adding to your cart ASAP:

Best vibrator deal Opens in a new window Credit: plusOne plusOne Bullet Vibrator $12.44 at Amazon
$15.99 Save $3.55 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re new to sex toys, a simple bullet vibrator, like this one from plusOne, is a great place to start.

PlusOne is one of the most affordable sex toy brands out there, and they’re made with body-safe silicone. You can find this brand in just about any drugstore and Target, so you know it’s legit.

The plusOne Bullet Vibrator is waterproof, has 10 vibration settings, and is small enough to bring anywhere. It’s pocket-sized (three inches long) and can fit right in your makeup bag or purse.

It comes with a pin charging cable (you’ll get two hours off a single charge) and a finger sleeve, which may be helpful for people who struggle to hold smaller toys.

More vibrator deals Best male sex toy deal Opens in a new window Credit: TENGA TEGA Spinner $21.58 at Amazon
$23 Save $1.42 Get Deal Why we like it

TENGA is a leader in the male sex toy space. (They’re the company that makes the TENGA Egg, which would be a super cute Easter gift.)

Right now, the TEGA Spinner is on sale for $21.58. That’s not a huge discount, but it’s a good price for a reusable toy with more than 6,000 reviews on Amazon.

Many of the reviewers say that this product helped their marriage, aided in penile sensitivity, and helped with erectile dysfunction. (Tons of reviewers also mentioned that it’s “like the real thing.”) And, there are a surprising number of wives who reviewed the toy, saying it amped up their sex lives.

Note: Lube is a non-negotiable with this toy. So stock up!

More male sex toy deals Best lube deal Opens in a new window Credit: Überlube Überlube Home and Travel Bundle $35.63 at Amazon
$37.50 Save $1.87 Get Deal Why we like it

You can’t really use any sex toy without lube. I mean, you can, but it’s likely going to be uncomfortable, and you can risk damaging your sex toy or your intimate bits, depending on what it’s made from.

If you’re looking for a latex-safe lube that’ll last, the Überlube Home and Travel Bundle is on sale for $35.63. (My favorite lube is SUTIL Rich, but they’re not pushing any deals right now).

This bundle includes one Überlube Silicone Base Lube (55 ml) and one travel-sized Überlube Silicone Lube (15 ml) in a pretty red casing, so no one knows what’s in your bag.

More lube deals Deals that aren’t on Amazon (but are still worth checking out)

While the Amazon Big Spring Sale is our main focus here, there are tons of sex toy sales happening outside of the Bezo-sphere.

Here are the best sex toy deals you can find on the internet today:

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches at lowest-ever prices

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 22:50
The best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (Save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, during its Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, we're keeping our eyes peeled as even more deals go live. While the sale focuses primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

So far, we have spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Again, while these deals aren't officially tied to the spring sale and can be found at other times of the year, these are still solid prices for any of these items.

We'll continue updating this post as the sale progresses, so check back if you're looking for the best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)🔥 $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Apple just dropped the M4 MacBook Air, and even at full price, we think it's a really good deal. In a divergence from last year's Air pricing, Apple started its 13-inch model at just $999 — with an M4 chip and the RAM upgrades Apple gave all its laptops last fall, this is the best value we've ever seen on an Apple laptop. Amazon slashed another $50 off the price, which, while admittedly not a jaw-dropping discount, helps make a great value even better. The biggest downside to this laptop is that it might be a little short on ports for some users, and then it tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, but if you can work with that, the M4 Air is an excellent deal.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro are an excellent pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, with some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality in the game. As the USB-C Pros near their second year anniversary, we can't say they're without a doubt the best on the market — their battery life could be better, for instance — but their age works in their favor for this price drop down to $169.99, which certainly makes some of their flaws easier to look past. We have seen these earbuds drop to $154 during Black Friday season, but we haven't seen that deal return since, making $170 the next best deal to grab them at.

More AirPods dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB)🔥 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm)🔥 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $100 off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $299 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Our No. 1 Windows laptop is on sale for its lowest price ever during Amazons spring sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 22:48

SAVE $600: The 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) is on sale for just $1,399.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale — its lowest price ever. Other Surface devices and accessories are on sale for up to 26% off during the event, which runs through March 31.

The best Microsoft Surface deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale at a glance: Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Elite, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,399.99 (save $600) Get Deal Microsoft Surface Laptop 7, 13-inch (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $901.13 (save $298.86) Get Deal Microsoft Surface Pro 11 (Snapdragon X Plus, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $882.81 (save $317.18) Get Deal Microsoft Surface Pro Keyboard with Slim Pen 2 Bundle $224.80 (save $55.19) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale may be themed around seasonal buys (think cleaning supplies and outdoor gear), but the retail giant seems to be using the event as an excuse to discount a bunch of tech in its inventory, too. I'll allow it: Mashable's favorite Windows laptop has dipped to its lowest price ever in an unprecedented Big Spring Deal.

As of March 28, Amazon has the 13-inch Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 with a Snapdragon X Elite processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage marked down to just $1,399.99, taking 30% off its $1,999.99 MSRP. According to data on the Amazon price-tracking site CamelCamelCamel, this beats its Black Friday price by an easy $100.

What's more, Amazon's Surface Laptop 7 deal trounces competing offers at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store itself, which had the same configuration listed for $1,499.99 at the time of writing. I expect Amazon's discount to hang around until the Big Spring Sale ends on March 31, FYI.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

For some more context, this Surface Laptop 7 configuration is a Mashable Choice Award-winning Copilot+ PC that lays claim to the longest battery life in our laptop testing database at over 23 hours per charge. (It lasted even longer than the M4- and M4 Pro-powered Apple MacBook Pros.) Former Mashable tech editor Kimberly Gedeon gave it a fantastic 4.8/5 rating in her review, applauding its "sleek, urbane design with excellent build quality," its "fun" AI features, and its strong performance. It notched the second-highest Geekbench 6 score out of all the Windows laptops in our database, coming in right after the $4,485 Lenovo Legion 9i, a lavish gaming laptop — super impressive.

For shoppers who'd prefer to spend less than $1,000, Amazon had two entry-level configurations of the Surface Laptop 7 and Microsoft's Surface Pro 11 on sale at the time of writing, too. Their Big Spring Deals put them at $901.13 and $882.81, respectively, taking at least 25% off their $1,199.99 MSRPs to achieve their best prices since Black Friday 2024. (They're also beating competing deals at Best Buy and the Microsoft Store itself, which are selling them for $999.99 apiece.)

Both of these Surface devices sport a Snapdragon X Plus processor with 16GB of RAM and 512GB of SSD storage, making them modest upgrades from their base models with 256GB of storage.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches at lowest-ever prices

For its part, the Surface Pro 11 is a lightweight hybrid CoPilot+ PC with a 13-inch LCD HDR touchscreen, a built-in kickstand, WiFi 7 support, and a rated battery life of up to 14 hours per charge. I'd put the money you're saving from Amazon's deal toward a Surface Pen or a Surface Pro Keyboard for it, both of which are sold separately. Conveniently, you could save 20% by bundling them as part of a Big Spring Deal at the time of writing.

The Snapdragon processors powering these guys are ARM-based CPUs, by the way; the biggest reason not to buy them would be if you foresee compatibility issues with your printer or go-to apps. Microsoft announced Intel versions of both Surface devices in late January, which don't have this problem, but they're pricier business-oriented models, and I haven't spotted any deals on them yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashables team of experts

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 22:45
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (save $170.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Vitamix Propel 510 $499.95 (save $152) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $143.58 (save $126.41) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

Amazon is springing a bunch of seasonal deals on shoppers. The retail giant is hosting its second-ever Big Spring Sale from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, ushering in discounts on "end-of-season winter items" and "springtime favorites" across more than 35 categories, per its press release. Each day of the weeklong sale features "themed daily drops" on top of new limited-time offers.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year — and unlike its flagship summer Prime Day sale, the deals aren't exclusive to Prime members. Most of them, anyway: Prime members get access to a handful of special offers, which are identified with a "Prime Spring Deal" badge.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Dates, deals, and much more

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon throughout the Big Spring Sale. (Our sister site CNET has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

Below, we've got a running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale deals on smart home devices, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances, books, and much more. Check back daily to see what else we find.

Best Kindle dealsBundlesBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE deals

Apple Watch Ultra deals

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

MacsApple accessoriesBest TV deals43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upProjectorsStreaming dealsBest laptop deals

For deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Windows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptopsBest tablet deals

For deals on iPads, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Amazon Fire tabletsAndroid tabletsBest headphone and earbud dealsHeadphonesBest earbuds dealsBest unlocked phone deals Samsung Galaxy phonesGoogle Pixel phonesMotorola phonesBest vacuum dealsRobot vacuumsRobot vacuum mop combosStick vacuumsBest home dealsAir purifiersBedding and mattressesRugs

  • Ruggable — save up to 21% on machine washable rugs

Echo smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsMore home dealsBest cleaning supplies dealsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant Pots and multi-cookersRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsHair dryersHot toolsMulti-stylersSkincare techBest pet dealsAutomatic litter boxesAutomatic pet feedersBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest gaming dealsPlayStation gamesPlayStation hardware

Headsets

Accessories

Xbox gamesXbox hardware

Consoles

Controllers

Headsets

Nintendo Switch gamesNintendo Switch hardware

Controllers and accessories

Memory cards

Best Lego dealsBest book dealsFictionNon-fictionBest Pokémon dealsBest digital deals

  • Amazon Music Unlimited — get three months for free

  • Grubhub — save $5 on two $20+ food orders with $0 delivery fees with code HOOP5

  • Starz — add it to Prime Video for $1.99/month for three months (save $9/month)

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Bob the Drag Queen weaves hip hop and history in his new book

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 22:31

Bob the Drag Queen has wowed us on multiple stages: RuPaul's Drag Race, The Traitors, We're Here, Dimension 20's Dungeons and Drag Queens, and now as a first-time author. Here, he shares the journey of writing his first novel, Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert, which follows what happens when the historical abolitionist collaborates with a modern-day record producer to tell her story through song.

Harriet Tubman: Live in Concert is available now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

PetSafes Litter-Robot dupe is on sale for under $350 at Amazons spring sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 22:16

SAVE $59.99: As of March 28, the PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin automatic litter box has a $59.99 coupon during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, bringing it down to $339.96.

Self-emptying litter boxes of the coveted egg shape typically require setting $600 to $800 aside — a steep ask for the average person when other recurring cat supplies keep adding up.

But there's an affordable hidden gem amongst the Litter-Robots and Leo's Loo Toos of the world. The PetSafe ScoopFree SmartSpin is already much more approachable at $399.95 when it's not on sale, but Amazon's Big Spring Sale has delivered a nice little $59.99 coupon to tack on. Now $339.96, you could technically buy two ScoopFree SmartSpins for less than the price of a single Litter-Robot 4.

That's also $60 cheaper than the next-best automatic litter box deal live during this sale, the Petkit PuraMax 2 for $399.99.

SEE ALSO: As a pro robot vacuum reviewer, this is easily my favorite deal from Amazon's spring sale

Compared to the PetSafe ScoopFree automatic litter box I have, which is still shaped like a flat rectangular litter box, the SmartSpin offers more privacy for your cat (if they like the covered box setup) and a generally less... litter box-y aroma and aesthetic for whatever room it's in.

Though the ScoopFree I have does successfully scoop the solid waste out of sight, the spots where my cats have been peeing become very visible in the dissolving crystal litter after a while. In the hollowed-out egg design, though, the litter tray isn't out in the open at all. Once the cat does its business and leaves, the SmartSpin starts spinning and sifts the soiled clumps into an enclosed bin in the bottom. All you'll have to do is replace the liner about every two weeks, and PetSafe includes three months' worth of replacement liners with your purchase.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons spring sale has a robot vac with self-washing mopping pads for under $400

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 21:27

SAVE $400: As of March 28, the Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni robot vacuum is on sale for $399.99 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. It's a full 50% off of the MSRP of $799.99 after a 38% flat discount plus an extra $100 coupon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni robot vacuum with self-empty and mop-washing station $399.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $400 Get Deal

As fire as my favorite robot vacuum deal at Amazon's Big Spring Sale is, $800 is still kind of steep for a robot vacuum at the end of the day. For those looking to spend less, consider the similar Ecovacs Deebot N30 Omni. Hear me out.

After a combination of a steep flat discount and a casual $100 coupon tacked on, you can secure many of the same high-end specs of my beloved Roborock Qrevo Master for $399.99. That's a full 50% off its usual $799.99, and also a full 50% cheaper than the sale price of the Qrevo Master.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros 10R aces one thing that most other robot vacuums can't

First things first: A robot vacuum and mop combo that not only self-empties, but self-washes and dries its own mopping pads is a rare find under $400. (A quick look at the full list of the best robot vacuum deals at this Amazon spring sale will tell you that.) The fact that the Ecovacs Deebot N30 makes that cut is impressive on its own, as is the fact that the mop design in question consists of dual spinning pads. But there's another huge feat here.

The N30 Omni takes the cleaning efficacy a bit further by clocking 10,000 Pa of suction power. That's identical suction power to the Roborock Qrevo Master I just mentioned ($799.99 on sale, as a reminder) and 3,000 Pa stronger than the Eufy C30, the only other robot vac with a mop-washing station under $400 on that list.

While the N30 Omni doesn't supply the livestream pet camera that the Qrevo Master does, it still offers small obstacle avoidance to steer clear of phone chargers or shoes. If you're on a strict budget, this is the bang for your buck to jump on.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Loftie smart alarm clock for $32 less during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 20:47

SAVE $32: As of March 28, you can get the Loftie smart alarm clock for $127.99 at Amazon. That's a 20% discount and a $32 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Loftie Loftie Smart Alarm Clock $127.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $32.00 Get Deal

If you’re not a morning person or you share a bed with someone who isn’t, you might want to look into getting a smart alarm clock.

Unlike traditional alarms, these little gadgets feature white noise, meditations, and other soothing sounds that can help you fall asleep, and they offer gentler wake-up methods that prevent you from starting the day on the wrong foot. (I actually have the Hatch Restore 2 on my nightstand, and I love it.)

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Big Spring Sale has some great smart home deals — check out what we've found

And right now, you can get the Loftie smart alarm clock for $127.99, down from $159.99. That’s a discount of 20% or $32.

The Loftie smart alarm clock doubles as a sound machine. There are more than 100 free tracks, including breathwork, white noise, nature sounds, and sound baths. What makes it unique, however, is that it has a two-phase alarm system. The first alarm gently lulls you awake, and then, nine minutes later, a second alarm gets you out of bed.

It has other features, too, like a dimmable display, a sleep timer, and a night light. You can also use it without WiFi, which is great if don't want another device connected to the internet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Googles Pixel 9a finally gets a release date

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 20:43

The Pixel 9a now has an official release date.

According to Google, the Pixel 9a will finally hit store shelves in the U.S., Canada, and UK on April 10.

Google officially announced the Pixel 9a, the latest member of its Pixel 9a smartphone lineup, last week. The made-for-AI, camera-bump-less smartphone seems like a real steal at $499. However, there were issues immediately after Google's announcement.

The Pixel 9a was originally supposed to be available for pre-order on March 19 and hit store shelves on March 26. Based on those original dates, the Pixel 9a should've already launched, with early adopters having the device in hand by now.

However, shortly before the Pixel 9a was announced, Google postponed the release date to an unspecific April date and dropped the pre-orders completely. The Verge later confirmed that the delay was due to a "component quality issue" that Google discovered which affected a "small number" of Pixel 9a devices.

The whole issue kind of made for an awkward rollout, as Google was left announcing a new current-generation device that appeared ready for retail but without a release date. Still though, this timeline of events was likely preferably to Google having to fix the component issue with the device already in consumers' hands.

After stumbling out of the gate, Google is getting right back on track with the Pixel 9a. Mashable already has a comparison published between the Pixel 9a and the base Pixel 9 model, and we'll have a hands-on review of the Pixel 9a when it's out. So, stay tuned for more Pixel 9a coverage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

45 products that are 50% off (or more) during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 20:35

UPDATE: Mar. 28, 2025, 2:30 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with current pricing/availability and one new deal.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is its first major savings event of the year, and probably the last one on its calendar until Memorial Day weekend in late May. Knowing that (and the current state of the economy), the pressure is on for the retail giant to offer a slew of deals that translate into serious savings this week.

In its press release, on its homepage, and on its landing page for the event, Amazon has advertised Big Spring Sale discounts of up to 40% — not too shabby. However, Mashable shopping experts have been combing the sale since it started Tuesday, and we've spotted a few dozen products that are at least 50% off.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of experts

We've compiled a list of said deals below. Everything is half off or more, so you're saving at least as much as you're spending. We'll continue to update it as we find more hefty deals, so check back often.

As things currently stand, the biggest tech discount we've seen is on the Roborock Q7 Max, a robot vacuum/mop combo that's sitting at a record-low price of $189.99. (Ignore its $299.99 sticker price on Amazon: According to the Roborock website, it actually retails for $599.99. Shoppers save 68%.) The biggest discount overall has gone to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S copies of NBA 2K25, which are now $19.93 apiece — that's 72% off their $69.99 MSRP.

Note: Struck-through deals were sold out or expired at the time of writing.

Tech dealsEarbudsSmart home devicesTVsVacuum dealsRobot vacuumsStick vacuumsOutdoor dealsTravel dealsFitness dealsGaming dealsPlayStation gamesXbox gamesNintendo Switch gamesBeauty dealsBook dealsFictionNonfiction
Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI responds to criticism of ChatGPTs Studio Ghibli-style images

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 20:33

After ChatGPT-generated images in the style of Studio Ghibli drew criticism online, OpenAI has shared a response addressing the backlash.

OpenAI released native image generation in GPT-4o earlier this week, with a live demo showing CEO Sam Altman and OpenAI staffers using ChatGPT to turn a selfie into an anime-style image that looked a whole lot like the unique and painstakingly crafted animated films of Studio Ghibli. Soon, Studio Ghibli-style versions of memes, selfies, and family photos, all automated by ChatGPT, went viral on X. Altman himself turned his X profile picture into a Studio Ghibli-esque image of himself and directly mentioned the distinct style in an X post, writing, "wake up one day to hundreds of messages: 'look i made you into a twink ghibli style haha.'"

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The viral moment quickly turned into questions of copyright infringement and IP theft as users wondered whether OpenAI trained GPT-4o on Studio Ghibli films without permission. But the larger issue that troubled many users was how the artwork of Hayao Miyazaki's studio, which famously hand-paints almost every frame of their animated films, could be quickly automated and commodified for the purpose of promoting a new OpenAI product.

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This was especially prescient given Miyazaki's stance on AI-generated work based on a clip that went viral where Miyazaki expressed his disgust, saying, "I strongly feel that this is an insult to life itself."

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In response, OpenAI has addressed the criticisms sharing the following statement to Mashable:

Our goal is to give users as much creative freedom as possible. We continue to prevent generations in the style of individual living artists, but we do permit broader studio styles—which people have used to generate and share some truly delightful and inspired original fan creations. We're always learning from real-world use and feedback, and we’ll keep refining our policies as we go.

OpenAI did not address our questions of whether OpenAI had a pre-existing licensing partnership with Studio Ghibli or whether Studio Ghibli films had been included in the training data.

The technical distinction that theoretically lets OpenAI off the hook is that ChatGPT can generate "broader studio styles" but not individual styles of living artists. Indeed, when asking ChatGPT to generate a Hayao Miyazaki-style animation of an uploaded image, ChatGPT denied the request, saying it "violates our content policies." Replacing Hayao Miyazaki's name with "Studio Ghibli" in a new prompt successfully complied with the request.

Asking ChatGPT to create a Hayao Miyazaki style animation gets rejected, but asking for a Studio Ghibli style animation grants the request. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / OpenAI

According to OpenAI's GPT-4o system card, which outlines the model's ethical and safety challenges, "The model can generate images that resemble the aesthetics of some artists’ work when their name is used in the prompt." The section goes on to say, "We opted to take a conservative approach with this version of 4o image generation, as we learn more about how 4o image generation is used by the creative community." But it's unclear how unquestioningly granting requests for Studio Ghibli-style animations is a conservative approach.

The system card section also specifies, "We added a refusal which triggers when a user attempts to generate an image in the style of a living artist."

So, there you have it folks. You can ask ChatGPT to create an image in the style of a studio, but not a living artist. Miyazaki's work can be appropriated if you plug in the name of the studio that he founded, but not his own name.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Facebook is making it easier to connect with friends again

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 20:04

If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

That line of thinking could have saved Facebook a lot of trouble, but the social media site owned by Meta seems to be returning to its roots anyway.

One of the most striking changes Facebook made was to change its famous Feed. Instead of only seeing your friends, it began showing ads and recommended content. Now, years later, the Friends Feed is returning — kind of.

SEE ALSO: The book Facebook doesn't want you to read: What you need to know

"Connecting with friends has been a part of Facebook since it launched," the company wrote in a news release. "Over the years, Facebook evolved to meet changing needs and created best-in-class experiences across Groups, Video, Marketplace, and more, but the magic of friends has fallen away. We’ll be adding several 'OG' Facebook experiences throughout the year, beginning with the revamped Friends tab."

Those "OG Facebook experiences" include a new Friends tab to "make it easier for people to find their friends’ content on Facebook." This tab will only show your friends' stories, Reels, posts, and requests, instead of being mixed in with other recommended content. You can pin the Friends tab so it's easier to access by going to your profile picture, clicking "settings & privacy," navigating to "settings," and clicking "tab bar," before customizing the bar and clicking "Friends" to pin the tab.

"Social media should feel social," Meta wrote. "In that spirit, we’ll be adding more fun, simple experiences to help you connect and share on Facebook throughout the year."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Tons of air purifiers have deep discounts in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — just in time for allergy season

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 19:28

SAVE UP TO 37%: The Amazon Big Spring Sale has air purifiers on sale from brands like Coway, Dyson, LG, Shark, and more.

Best air purifier deals during Amazon's spring sale Best overall deal Coway Airmega 200M (white) $183.99 (save $46) Get Deal Best Dyson deal Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 $399.95 (save $130.04) Get Deal Best air purifier for design LG PuriCare AeroTower $329.99 (save $70) Get Deal

We have plenty to celebrate in the spring, like flowers, warmer weather, sunshine, and great discounts during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which runs through March 31. Unfortunately, spring also comes with a tint of dread for those of us who suffer from seasonal allergies. Equipping your home with an air purifier is one of the simplest ways to cut down on allergens and dust in the air.

Just in time for spring allergy season, Amazon has discounts on some of the best air purifiers during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. You'll be able to find the best model for your home or apartment based on the size of your space and the design you prefer.

Even if you don't deal with spring allergies, an air purifier is great for keeping indoor air clean if the area you live in is prone to wildfire smoke, or you deal with pet allergies. They can also be perfect for getting rid of odors from cooking. Boiled down, every home could benefit from breathing in cleaner air. Here are some of our favorite air purifier discounts to shop during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Coway Airmega 200M (white) $183.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $46 Get Deal Why we like it

The Coway Airmega 200M wastes no time when it comes to cleaning the air. In a 316 square-foot space, the Coway takes under 13 minutes to completely filter the air or under 30 minutes in a space up to 874 square feet. Coway designed this model with three layers of filtration with an initial pre-filter to capture hair and dust mites, which leaves the important HEPA filter cleaner for tasks that include filtering out pollen, germs, viruses, and fine dust.

The Coway Airmega 200M usually costs $229.99, but it's discounted to just $155.87 as part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Be sure to snag the white colorway to score this sale price.

Best Dyson deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 $399.95 at Amazon
$529.99 Save $130.04 Get Deal Why we like it

Dyson is the master of manipulating airflow, making some of the best fans, purifiers, and hair dryers we've ever used. The Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool Gen1 HP10 lives up to the brand's high standards, offering HEPA filtration, a fan for warm nights, and a heater for chilly winter days. This three-in-one model usually sells for $529.99, but it's discounted to $399.95. The 25% discount means you'll be saving an impressive $130.

Aside from incredible performance, the Dyson comes with a remote control, which is one of the most convenient features that not all air purifiers can claim. It also comes with oscillation up to 350 degrees, and the fully sealed HEPA filter gives you reassurance the air is cleaner. Night mode is also great, since it lowers the display lighting and sends the purifiers into its quietest operation mode.

Instead of buying a fan to keep you cool in the summer and a portable heater to warm up a chilly bedroom in the winter, the Dyson is here to do both, and it'll purify the air while keeping you at a comfortable temperature.

Best air purifier for design Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG PuriCare AeroTower Air Purifier $329.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

While plenty of air purifiers come with HEPA filters, not many get high marks when it comes to overall appearance. If you're interested in keeping indoor air clean thanks to a purifier that's also aesthetically pleasing, the LG PuriCare AeroTower is a great option. The tower design makes it look more aligned with an interesting piece of furniture instead of a piece purely for function. Its slim build means it's also great if you don't have much floor space to dedicate to an air purifier.

The LG PuriCare also gets extra credit for being certified Asthma & Allergy Friendly, a program run by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America. This certification means this model is especially great for those who deal with seasonal allergies or asthma. The NanoFiber True HEPA used in this model can trap 99.97% of particles that tend to cause trouble like dust, pollen, and smoke.

More air purifier deals to shop at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

This is the cheapest the Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo has ever been

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 19:08

SAVE $145: As of March 28, the Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo is down to just $254.99 at Amazon during the Big Spring Sale. That's 36% off the usual cost and its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop with self-empty station $254.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $145 Get Deal

The price of a new robot vacuum that also mops can come with a bit of sticker shock. Our favorite model (the Roborock Saros 10R), for instance, costs $1,599.99. But here's the thing: even that expensive combo robovac isn't perfect. If you just want something that can tidy up your floors and you're not picky, we suggest opting for something more affordable, like this Dreame D10 Plus.

Usually pretty reasonable at $399.99, you can pick up the Dreame D10 Plus for even cheaper during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. As of March 28, it's down to just $254.99. That's 36% off and its best price ever. It even beats its Black Friday price by $5.

The Dreame D10 Plus robot vacuum and mop combo certainly isn't the fanciest model around, but it's great for its price. The 6,000Pa suction power is pretty average in this price range. It packs a 150ml clean water tank with three flow settings to select from, so it can give your floors a little scrub after sucking up all the gunk. It's battery life is pretty solid at 285 minutes, plus it's equipped with smart mapping, obstacle avoidance, and voice assistant support. A bonus, particulary at this low price, is that it comes with a self-emptying base that can hold up to 90 days' worth of debris before needing your attention. Once it finishes cleaning, it'll head back to its base to charge and dump any dust, crumbs, or dirt it collected.

While it's not going to wow you like a $1,600 robot vacuum, the Dreame D10 Plus gets you a lot for your money. And if you grab it during the Big Spring Sale, you'll pay the lowest amount possible. Looking for a specific model on sale? Check out our running list of the best robot vacuum deals from the Big Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

If youre sick of Googles AI Overviews, try this genius hack

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 18:53

You can't completely turn off Google's AI Overviews, but users have discovered a profanity-laced workaround.

If you add "fuck" or a variation of the word to your Google search, it turns off the AI-generated summary at the top of the page.

The origins of this hack are unclear, but LA Times reporter Keri Blakinger posted a TikTok about it in early March, saying she had heard about it from an episode of the Scriptnotes podcast.

But it appears to have originated from a Jan. 27 Tumblr post by user flootzavut, who wrote, "Swear in your search request. I know it sounds ridiculous, but the most effective way I've found of it not doing the AI summary is just to add 'fucking' go [sic] my search."

https://www.tumblr.com/andthentheresanne/774090613079621632

I tried it, and it works like a charm. When searching "what's the most expensive car," I got the usual AI Overview response at the top of the search results that I've gotten in the habit of automatically scrolling past. Then I added "fuck" to the end of my query and received a blissfully AI-free results page. I still got the usual mix of featured snippets (written by humans and including site links) and AI-generated summaries in the People Also Ask section of the page, so the hack only turns off AI Overviews. But at least the main results page is rid of AI clutter.

No fucks given. Credit: Google Fucks given. Credit: Google

A note of caution: when using this hack, be careful of how adding the f-word can augment your search entirely. Inspired by my current obsession, season three of The White Lotus, I discovered that adding "fuck" or "fucking" to a search for "the best Thailand resorts" returns verrrry different results than what I was looking for.

The reason why this hack works is likely due to Google Search's safety guardrails, which make AI Overviews a very prim summarizer. Google's AI model Gemini is probably trained not to respond when certain trigger words are included in the search. Users who commented on Blakinger's TikTok post shared that adding "-AI" to your search also works. So, you're essentially telling Gemini not to respond.

While there's no "off" setting for AI Overviews, there are other workarounds too, which Mashable and our sibling site Lifehacker have written about.

But swearing at Google Search is by far the funnest way to do it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Levoit cordless vacuum cleaner is $100 off during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/28/2025 - 18:49

SAVE $100: As of March 28, Amazon Big Spring Sale shoppers can snag a cordless Levoit vacuum for $249.99, or 29% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit LVAC-300 cordless vacuum $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Now that spring is here, it's time to get serious about spring cleaning. Thankfully, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is currently underway, and features plenty of deals and discounts to help you get your home looking spotless for the season.

Any respectable spring cleaning setup needs a good vacuum, and this cordless model from Levoit is on sale for $249.99, down from $349.99 during the Big Spring Sale. That's $100 off, or a 29% discount. Don't wait on this one, because it'll most likely be going back to its regular price once the sale concludes on March 30.

SEE ALSO: Walmart's Super Savings Week is live during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

While Levoit is most well-known for its highly rated air purifiers, the brand also sells vacuums that employ similar allergen-filtration features so you can keep the air in your home fresh. The LVAC-300 is a powerful, multi-surface vacuum that has a built-in HEPA filter for capturing many of the particles at home that could be making your spring allergies act up. It also has a one-hour battery life, and an anti-tangle brush that pet owners will appreciate.

Add one to your cleaning closet for just $249.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, saving you $100.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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