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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: 4 min 27 sec ago

18 wireless earbuds deals live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 22:56
Best early earbuds deals before the Big Spring Sale Best overall Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 (save $31.99) Get Deal

Anyone hoping Amazon's Big Spring Sale would feature great earbuds deals, you're in luck.

The sitewide sale for Prime and non-Prime members alike kicks off on March 25 (running through March 31), but a selection of deals is already live and very much worth looking at, including plenty on wireless earbuds. Though the sale is primarily focused on spring savings like camping gear and cleaning supplies, markdowns on plenty of tech are cropping up, even if they're not officially affiliated with the sale.

In the earbuds space, Sony's latest releases like the LinkBuds Clip and WF-1000XM6 are on sale. Apple AirPods Pro 3 are receiving one of their best price reductions to date, and budget-friendly options like the EarFun Clip and Sony WF-C710N are also even cheaper than usual.

Check out all 18 of the best earbuds deals live already:

Best wireless earbuds deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   See It at Amazon See It at Walmart Why we like it

The AirPods Pro 3 are still quite new, having only hit the market this past fall. The earbuds are undeniably the best Apple has released yet, featuring two times the noise cancellation power of the second-gen Pros, a well-rounded sound profile, eight hours of battery life per charge, a built-in heart rate monitor, and live translation features. In his review of the buds, Mashable contributor Adam Doud wrote, "Overall, the AirPods Pro 3 are a remarkable upgrade, even over the AirPods Pro 2, which were already very good."

Check out our full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

More earbuds dealsBest open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

When it comes to open earbuds, it seems more and more options are coming out by the day. While the Bose Ultra Open earbuds are one of the most popular options, Sony's latest release, the Sony LinkBuds Clip, is worth a closer look. Like the Bose buds, they have a clip design built for maximizing comfort. Also like the Bose buds, they have excellent sound quality. Mashable contributor Simon Cohen wrote in his review of the buds, "With the possible exception of Bose’s Ultra Open Earbuds ($299), the LinkBuds Clip are the best [open earbuds] I’ve heard." On sale, they're also over $100 cheaper than the Bose buds, so second-best in sound quality hardly feels like settling here.

Check out Mashable's full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

More open earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The confusing U.S. router ban, explained: Which routers are banned?

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 21:25

The Federal Communications Commission on Monday added all foreign-manufactured consumer routers to its Covered List — the federal government's running blacklist of communications equipment deemed a national security threat. The move effectively bans the sale of new WiFi routers made outside the country.

The ban is sweeping, as virtually every consumer router on the market today is made overseas. However, the FCC also said that previously approved WiFi routers can still be operated and sold.

An FCC communication states that the "action does not impact a consumer’s continued use of routers they previously acquired." Likewise, it doesn't "prevent retailers from continuing to sell, import, or market router models approved previously through the FCC’s equipment authorization process."

It's the same playbook we saw with the drone ban in December 2025, when the FCC blacklisted most consumer drones, even as they remained easy to find.

SEE ALSO: The FCC bans all routers made outside the U.S.

As before, the national security justification, per the FCC, is that foreign-produced routers introduce supply chain vulnerabilities that can disrupt critical infrastructure. In addition, the FCC says that foreign routers have already been exploited in real cyberattacks. The Volt, Flax, and Salt Typhoon attacks — all of which targeted vital U.S. infrastructure — involved foreign-made routers, according to the FCC.

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A quick glance at Amazon and Best Buy shows that popular routers are still widely available, but the situation is confusing. Let's break down what we know about the new rules.

So which routers are banned?

Any equipment on the FCC's Covered List is blocked from receiving new authorization, which is required before a device can be imported, marketed, or sold in the United States. And the FCC's decision adds "all consumer-grade routers produced in foreign countries" to that list.

Effectively, all home router brands will be impacted by the ban. (The only domestically-produced consumer routers Mashable is aware of are made by Starlink for satellite internet.)

The FCC's update applies to any router produced outside the U.S. — and the FCC's definition of "produced" is deliberately broad. It covers not just where a device is physically assembled, but where it was designed, developed, or had any major stage of its manufacturing process completed. So, a router designed in the United States by an American company but assembled in Taiwan would still be banned, for instance.

TP-Link, the Chinese manufacturer that has faced its own separate congressional scrutiny and government inquiries, is an obvious target. But the ban extends well beyond Chinese companies. It also includes Asus, which is Taiwanese; Netgear, which is headquartered in San Jose and manufactures abroad; Eero, which is owned by Amazon and produced in Vietnam; and Ubiquiti, another American company whose hardware is produced overseas. If the router exists in the physical world in 2026, there is a very good chance it was made somewhere other than the United States, and is therefore now covered.

TP-Link, for its part, was characteristically direct. In a statement to PCMag, the company acknowledged the obvious — that router manufacturing is a globally distributed industry, with its own products made in Vietnam — and framed the ruling as an industry-wide reckoning rather than a targeted action. The company said it was confident in the security of its supply chain and welcomed what it described as an evaluation of the entire sector.

Likewise, before DJI drones were banned in December, the company told Mashable the ban was a naked attempt to shore up U.S. manufacturing, rather than a legitimate national security issue.

"This is about forcing the biggest manufacturer of drones out of the market so that American drone manufacturers don’t have to compete with them," said Adam Welsh, DJI’s Head of Global Policy, in an interview with Mashable in December.

What routers can you still buy?

More than you might expect — for now. The critical distinction in the FCC's rules is between new device models and previously authorized ones. Any router that already has an FCC equipment authorization can still be imported, sold, and used. Retailers can continue moving existing inventory. Consumers can continue buying those models. The ban applies to new models seeking authorization going forward, not to the current stock sitting on Best Buy shelves.

If you already own a router, nothing changes. The Covered List does not require consumers to replace or stop using hardware they already purchased.

However, if you need an upgrade, now's the time to do it. The FCC granted a limited waiver on Monday, allowing all previously authorized routers to continue receiving software and firmware updates — security patches, bug fixes, and compatibility updates — at least until March 1, 2027, at which point the agency says it will reassess.

The waiver exists because, without it, the Covered List rules would have immediately stripped those routers of update eligibility the moment they were added to the list, even for devices already sitting in people's homes. The irony here is that the FCC's ban is premised entirely on the security risks of foreign-made routers, which, by its own mechanics, will eventually cut off the security updates that keep those same routers from becoming liabilities.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back: The best deals already live on Apple, robot vacuums, headphones, and more Is there any way back for manufacturers?

There is, but it's a narrow door. The FCC's rules include a "Conditional Approval" pathway, administered by the Department of Defense and the Department of Homeland Security, through which a router producer can apply for an individual exemption if it can demonstrate its product does not pose unacceptable risks.

The application process is extensive: manufacturers must disclose their full corporate structure, ownership, any foreign government ties, a complete bill of materials, country of origin for every component, and all software, and — most significantly — a detailed, time-bound plan to move manufacturing to the United States. Conditional Approvals last no longer than 18 months and come with quarterly reporting requirements. There is no guarantee of approval, and all decisions are final.

Categories: IT General, Technology

30+ deals on Breville, Ninja, Nespresso, and more kitchen essentials are live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 20:51
The best kitchen deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best blender deal Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Crispi $159.99 + $20 Amazon credit (save $20) Get Deal Best espresso machine Breville Bambino $249.95 (save $50) Get Deal Best ice cream maker deal Ninja Creami bundle $249.98 (save $30) Get Deal

It's spring cleaning season, and Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here to help you celebrate.

While stocking up on the classic cleaning tools, like home cleaning supplies and robot vacuums, is a good option, we also recommend taking a look at your kitchen lineup. With the deals already live, there's plenty of potential to fill any holes in your kitchen's arsenal (or replace any tools on their last legs).

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25 this year. Here's how we're prepping for it.

The week-long sale officially starts March 25, and there are already great deals on Ninja's appliances, Breville espresso machines and toaster ovens, Nespressos, rice cookers, and more. Check out our top picks below:

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're generally a fan of kitchen multitaskers (and who isn't), this may just be the blender for you. In addition to the full-size pitcher you'll get with most blenders, this model of the Ninja Kitchen System comes with two 18-ounce cups and an eight-cup food processor bowl, so you're sure to be covered for all your motorized chopping and blending needs. Down to $129.99 all the way from $219.99, it's at its lowest price ever — and even cheaper than budget models with fewer attachments.

More blender dealsBest air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Crispi $159.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

Mashable's Samantha Mangino put Ninja's kitchen lineup through the wringer, and the Ninja Crispi came out as the best option for an air fryer. The detachable glass baskets up the convenience factor on an already convenient appliance, allowing for meal prep and storage to happen in the same container you cook in. When it comes time for cleaning, the glass baskets can be dropped directly in the dishwasher. Though there is the drawback of no manual temperature adjustment, Mangino never found it to really affect the way food cooked, saying that everything came out as crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside as expected.

More air fryer and multicooker dealsBest ice cream maker deal Ninja Creami bundle $249.98 at Amazon
$279.98 Save $30.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Another Ninja deal, but the Ninja Creami is a favorite of ours (and the internet's) for a reason. Easy ice cream at home is an especially welcome treat during the warmer months, so this bundle arrived just in time. Included with the Creami are four family-sized 24-ounce tubs so you can be sure you always have a frozen sweet treat on hand.

Check out our full review of the Ninja Creami.

Coffee and espresso machine dealsMixer dealsMore kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAIs new open-source prompts take aim at sexual content for teens

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 19:39

OpenAI has announced new open-source safety prompts for developers, aimed at launching a mass deployment of policies to protect teens.

The prompt-based safety pack includes model guidance on common teenage risks, developmental content recommendations, and age-appropriate guidelines on topics such as self-harm, sexual content and romantic role play, dangerous trends or viral challenges, and harmful body ideals.

OpenAI said its a more robust alternative to the high-level guidelines previously offered, formatted as prompts that plug right into AI systems.

SEE ALSO: Why friction-maxxing could be good for your tech usage

OpenAI added new Under-18 principles to its Model Spec in December. A few months prior, the company released gpt-oss-safeguard, an open-weight reasoning model designed to assist developers in implementing safety conditions and classifying safe and unsafe content. Unlike traditional safety classification processes, gpt-oss-safeguard can be fed platform safety policies directly, and infers the policy's intent as it distinguishes appropriate outputs.

But "even experienced teams often struggle to translate high-level safety goals into precise, operational rules, especially since it requires both subject matter expertise and deep AI knowledge," said OpenAI in its latest press release. "This can lead to gaps in protection, inconsistent enforcement, or overly broad filtering. Clear, well-scoped policies are a critical foundation for effective safety systems."

The additional developer pack was designed in collaboration with nonprofit Common Sense Media and everyone.ai.

Experts have warned parents about excessive chatbot exposure of vulnerable teens and even young children, as AI companies attempt to get a handle on the ramifications of their models on user mental health. Last year, OpenAI was sued by the parents of teen Adam Raine in the industry's first wrongful death case, with the Raine family claiming that a combination of ChatGPT sycophancy and lax safety policies was responsible for their son's death by suicide. The company has denied allegations of wrongdoing and in response have beefed up its mental health and teen safety features, including age assurance. Even so, third-party developers licensing OpenAI's models have struggled to maintain the same level of safety precautions, including in AI-powered children's toys.

The case against OpenAI followed multiple lawsuits against controversial platform Character.AI and set the stage for a recent wrongful death suit filed against OpenAI competitor Google and its Gemini AI assistant.

Industry-wide, tech and social media companies are facing an onslaught of legal challenges regarding the long-term impact of their products on users. Last month, Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and Meta head Mark Zuckerberg testified before a jury in a watershed case putting social media platforms on trial for their allegedly addictive design principles. A verdict has yet to be reached.

OpenAI said its new safety prompt pack is not a "comprehensive or final definition or guarantee of teen safety." Robbie Torney, head of AI and digital assessments for Common Sense Media said that the new policies can build a "meaningful safety floor across the ecosystem," filling an AI safety gap that has been exacerbated by a lack of operational policies for developers.

Developers can download OpenAI's safety model on Hugging Face and access its new prompt pack on GitHub.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stick vacuums on sale ahead of Amazons spring sale: Shark is dunking on Dyson right now

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 19:17
A quick look at the best cordless vacuum deals ahead of Amazon's spring sale Best vacuum deal for homes with pets Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus Clean & Empty $399.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best budget stick vacuum deal Shark Pet IX141 $149.00 at Amazon (save $150.99) Get Deal Best wet dry cordless vacuum deal Roborock F25 Ace Combo $459.99 at Amazon (save $290) Get Deal

Take it from someone who tests multiple robot vacuums each month: Not even the best robot vacuum AI features are immune to screwing up. If you're inclined to just do the job yourself — or if the concept of a robot vacuum with a camera sketches you out — at least make the chore enjoyable with a good stick vacuum. Amazon has a ton of well-reviewed cordless vacuums on sale ahead of the Big Spring Sale kickoff on March 25.

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuums vs. stick vacuums: Shopping advice from someone who has both

Our favorite cordless vacuum deals so far are all vacuums that someone at Mashable has tested at home and loved. I'll admit that any list of top stick vacuums feels weird without multiple Dyson mentions — Amazon typically isn't a reliable spot to find good deals on Dyson vacuums (even though Amazon's deals on other Dyson products can be quite good.) Most worthwhile Dyson deals simply tend to pop up Dyson.com, like the Dyson V12 Detect Slim on sale for $479.99. Maybe it's delusional, but I'm optimistic about the possibility of a discount on the new Dyson PencilVac Fluffycones.

Below, I'm tracking the best cordless vacuums on sale at Amazon pre-Big Spring Sale, including deals on cordless wet and dry vacuums.

Best Amazon cordless stick vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus Clean & Empty IP3253 $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200   See It at Amazon Why we like it

There are actually two great Shark stick vacuum deals live at Amazon: The $249 Shark Clean & Empty model is probably the most affordable self-emptying stick vacuum you'll find this season. The other, which I'm highlighting here, is probably the most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum you'll find. $399.99 for that title is more than reasonable.

Though I'm constantly recommending the lightweight Dyson V12 Detect Slim for dust and pet hair on hard floors, the Shark PowerDetect is easily the beastliest vacuum I've tested on carpet — you can literally feel the vigorous double brushroll system digging into the floor. The Clean & Empty Sharks automatically empty the dustbin every time they're hung on the dock to charge, so you won't have to deal with emptying the larger dock dustbin for at least 45 days (it's much longer in my experience). Past the mega convenience, an always-empty dustbin provides visible proof of just how much gunk the PowerDetect has sucked up in the area you're currently sweeping.

More cordless stick vacuum deals at AmazonCordless wet dry vacuum deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag some serious DJI discounts before the Amazon Big Spring Sale lands

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 19:00

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI deals at a glance: Best DJI Drone deal DJI Mavic 4 Pro Triple Camera Flagship Drone $4,399 (save $829) Get Deal Best DJI Mic Deal DJI Mic Mini (2TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 (Save $20) Get Deal Best DJI Gimbal Deal DJI Osmo Mobile 7 $59 (Save $16) Get Deal Best DJI portable power station deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 at Amazon (save $335) Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale officially begins tomorrow, bringing with it a slew of deals across tons of categories on the site. From March 25 through March 31, you can expect to see major savings from the retailer on everything from robot vacuums to Apple Watches and outdoor deals. but if you're looking to shop early, there are plenty of deals to be had.

If you're looking to save on DJI products, now's the time to do so. It isn't just a drone company, as you may well be aware of by now, but it produces the viral DJI Mic Mini and a number of other content creation tools, including portable power stations. If you've been looking to get into DJI or pick up a few yourself, now's the time to claim some of the early deals that have popped up.

Below, find some of the best early DJI sale picks you can shop before the Big Spring Sale officially kicks off.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mavic 4 Pro Triple Camera Flagship Drone $5,228 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

This DJI drone is in stock right now, so if you've been thinking of a reason to pick one up, it's time to lock in. It's a tri-camera unit with a 100MP 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a max flight time of 51 minutes. It also comes with three batteries, spare propellers, a charging hub, shoulder bag, and other goodies. Plus, its new gimbal gives you 360-degree rotation with Dutch angles and a 41km range for time lapse and panoramic images.

More DJI drone dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini (2TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This TikTok-famous DJI Mic Mini set is well-loved for a reason. It sounds great, offers up to 48 hours of recording time, and it's perfect for users both new and old thanks to its accessibility and simple setup. It comes with a receiver, two transmitters, a charging cable, phone adapter, four windscreens, two magnetic clips, and a case, so you're all set to start using it immediately.

More DJI mic dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI gimbal deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Osmo Mobile 7 $59 at Amazon
$75 Save $16   Get Deal Why we like it

This three-axis stabilizing gimbal is perfect for content creators, whether they're new or old hat at making videos. It's compatible with both iPhone and Android and uses DJI's stabilization tech to remove stuttering from your videos. It also uses ActiveTrack 7.0 to follow subjects around so you don't have to, no matter the activity. Plus, it boasts up to 10 hours of battery life, with multifunctionality as a tripod if you need a place to rest your phone while you record.

More DJI gimbal deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

iPhone exploit DarkSword has been released in the wild: How to protect yourself

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 18:36

DarkSword, the web-based hacker tool that can be used to steal data from millions of iPhones, has just been published on GitHub for public use. Cybersecurity experts say Russian hacking groups are actively using DarkSword "to fully compromise devices."

Now that the exploit is public, any would-be cybercriminal can just quickly copy and paste the DarkSword code, take a few minutes to set it up on their web host, and deploy the spyware.

Last week, reports about the new hacker tool called DarkSword sparked so much concern in the security world that Apple was forced to issue a quick response explaining how the company is addressing the threat. The reports came from Google’s Threat Intelligence Group and two cybersecurity firms, iVerify and Lookout.

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What is DarkSword?

DarkSword is an exploit that lets hackers steal data from vulnerable iPhones running outdated versions of iOS.

DarkSword has concerned cybersecurity professionals because it doesn't require that the hacker's target download any malware or corrupted files. Hackers can simply download the DarkSword HTML and Javascript and upload it to a compromised website. If a user with an old version of iOS visits the compromised site, their device becomes vulnerable. The hacker can then steal data such as passcodes, emails, private messages, and more from the victim's iPhone.

As Lookout reported last week:

In a tangible example of how attacks are evolving, Lookout Threat Labs has discovered DarkSword, a full iOS exploit chain and payload for iPhones running iOS versions between iOS 18.4 and 18.6.2...DarkSword aims to extract an extensive set of personal information including credentials from the device and specifically targets a plethora of crypto wallet apps, hinting at a financially motivated threat actor. Notably, DarkSword appears to take a ‘hit-and-run’ approach by collecting and exfiltrating the targeted data from the device within seconds or at most minutes followed by cleanup.

Google cybersecurity researchers reported that the notorious hacker group UNC6353, which is suspected to have ties with the Russian government, previously deployed DarkSword on compromised Ukrainian government agency sites to target iPhone users within Ukraine.

iVerify told TechCrunch that the DarkSword exploit that's now in the wild is slightly different but "shared the same infrastructure." According to iVerify, no iOS experience is needed to run the exploit and it will work "out of the box."

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As TechCrunch also reported, another X user shared that they were able to hack their iPad mini 6th gen running iOS 18.6.2 with the DarkSword exploit that was just released in the wild.

Apple previously reported on its developer website that nearly 25 percent of all iPhones are still running iOS 18, meaning hundreds of millions of iOS devices are susceptible to this exploit. The current version of iOS is iOS 26.3.1.

How to protect your Apple devices from DarkSword

Google's Threat Intelligence Group urged iOS users to update their devices to the newest version of iOS, and if that's not possible, to activate the iPhone's Lockdown Mode.

Apple also said that it pushed out a critical security update on March 11 for older iOS devices that can't install the more up-to-date iOS in order to protect these devices from DarkSword. Users with devices running iOS 13 or iOS 14 need to update to iOS 15 to receive these critical protections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

20 noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 18:22
Best noise-cancelling headphones deals ahead of the Big Spring Sale Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Sony WF-C710N $88 (save $41.99) Get Deal

If spring is the season of cleaning and rebirth, why can't that include your old, half-functioning noise-cancelling headphones barely hanging on to half their original battery life?

While Black Friday and Prime Day are generally great times of year to pick up a new pair of headphones, that doesn't mean you're left high and dry in the spring, especially thanks to Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The sitewide sale starts for its third year running on March 25 and goes all the way through March 31. Prime and non-Prime members alike can enjoy savings, and while this sale is more focused on season-appropriate savings like outdoor gear, home essentials, and cleaning supplies, historically we've also seen great deals on tech like noise-cancelling headphones.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25 this year. Here's how we're prepping for it.

The Spring Sale isn't necessarily Black Friday-level, so some early deals are just as good as what you'll see live during the sale. With that in mind, we gathered 20 of the best noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deal live ahead of the sale:

Note: any deals with a strike are no longer available at the time of writing.

Best noise-cancelling headphones on sale Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Sony's flagship WH-1000XM6 headphones may not be the cheapest out there, even on sale for $61.99 off. Still, they're some of the best headphones out there, and certainly one of the best sounding ones, with a great equalizer for fine tuning your listening experience. Add with their solid battery life, excellent ANC, and folding ear cups for some travel portability, and you have some well-rounded headphones. If you're looking for a cheaper option, we recommend the Sony WH-CH720N.

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6.

More early noise cancelling headphones dealsBest noise-cancelling earbuds on sale Sony WF-C710N $88 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

While there are plenty of great noise-cancelling earbuds out there, not all of them can claim to offer a performance that beats that AirPods 4 while costing less than $100. With the Sony WF-C710N on sale for $88, that's exactly the case. While this isn't the absolute lowest price we've caught these earbuds at (that would be $69.99), you'll still save an impressive 32% on them. And, you'll get a pair of earbuds with solid ANC, a comfortable enough fit for at least a few hours of continuous wear, easy to use touch controls, classic well-rounded Sony sound, and 8.5 hours of battery life per charge.

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-C710N.

More early noise-cancelling earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ads may be coming to Apple Maps as soon as this summer, report says

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 18:14

Apple Maps might get a fairly big change soon, and it's one that few people will be excited about.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported this week that Apple will put advertisements in the Maps app on iPhone this summer, with an initial announcement as early as this month. Rather than bombarding users with annoying pop-up ads, it sounds like it'll be more of a "sponsored search results" sort of thing, so you might see an ad for a specific restaurant or Uber Eats as part of a search query, even when that's not exactly what you were looking for.

This idea also came up in a report last year, but it sounds like it's actually happening soon. According to Gurman, the Apple Maps ads would operate similar to ads on Google Maps, with advertisers bidding on search terms like "coffee" or "thai food."

SEE ALSO: Apple WWDC 2026 is official, with iOS 27 and 'AI advancements' on the menu

Nobody likes it when a previously ad-free app gets ads, but in complete fairness to all involved, Google Maps has had sponsored search results for years, and that hasn't stopped it from becoming the go-to navigation app. Users will put up with fairly non-intrusive ads as long as the app does its job, which has sometimes been a problem for Apple Maps over the years.

Despite all of that, though, the reception to the idea on social media has been pretty cold. Frosty, in fact.

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Perhaps people are just tired of constantly being advertised to in every part of their lives.

One reason iOS users might be angry? Apple is already reporting record sales in 2026, with Tim Cook calling the demand for iPhones "simply staggering."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Power stations hit record lows for Amazon Big Spring Sale: Save over 50% on Jackery, Anker, Bluetti

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 18:03
Best early Amazon Big Spring Sale portable power stations deals at a glance Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $399 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal Best Anker Solix deal Anker Soloix F3800 Portable Power Station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W Solar Panel $4,399 at Amazon (save $2,998) Get Deal Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 (save $370) Get Deal

Amazon saw the sun setting later, smelled flowers blooming, and felt warmer temps and decided to celebrate. The Amazon Big Spring Sale is slated to kick off tomorrow, March 25, with big discounts. That's proving to be great news if you're in the market for a portable power station.

A portable power station has become a must-have tech item. It's like your favorite noise-cancelling earbuds — no idea how we survived without them. A portable power station will be a savior during power outages, keeping the refrigerator running, phones charged up, and the WiFi router giving off a connection. A portable power station is also well worth packing along on upcoming camping trips. Think of movie nights under the stars thanks to a powered-up portable projector and with fresh popcorn.

The one snag here is that batteries aren't cheap, and that's especially true of high-tech and long-lasting batteries found in portable power stations. Because of this, shopping for a power station during major sales like the Amazon Big Spring Sale is a wise move. Here are some of our favorite models that are already seeing steep discounts before the sale officially begins.

Best Bluetti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 100 V2 $394.98 at Amazon
$799 Save $404.02   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're hoping to keep phones and small devices charged up during a power outage or while camping, the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 comes with 1,024Wh of battery power. Bluetti mentions this battery power will recharge a phone about 52 times or keep the WiFi router on for nearly 50 hours. Its compact size and weight of about 25 pounds makes it especially easy to pack along on the camping trip or carry around the house during a power outage.

The early Amazon Big Spring Sale price brings the Bluetti Elite 100 V2 down to $399, which is a 50% discount compared to its list price of $799.

More Bluetti dealsBest Anker Solix deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Soloix F3800 Portable Power Station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W Solar Panel $4,399 at Amazon
$7,397 Save $2,998   Get Deal

The massive Anker Solix F3800 is ideal for home backup should the power cut out. On its own, the Solix F3800 comes with 3,8400 Wh of battery capacity to keep your tech running without grid power, but Anker made this deal even better ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The Solix F3800 comes bundled with BP3800 Expansion Battery and a 400W solar panel. The extra battery brings the total capacity up to 7,680Wh while the addition of a solar panels puts you in line for recharging off-grid.

More Anker Solix dealsBest Jackery deal Opens in a new window Credit: Jackery Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 at Amazon
$799 Save $370   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for a portable power station to take along to the campground this summer, the Jackery Explorer 100 V2 is an ideal model. It's a mix of portability, durability, solid port options, and it's on sale for under $430. This Jackery model comes with 1,070Wh for recharging your phones while camping, keeping the speaker ready to go, and powering up the projector for movie nights. Plus, it weighs under 24 pounds, so you won't have to struggle lugging it around camp.

More Jackery dealsMore portable power stations on sale at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

Shark devices on sale ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Stick vacuums, stain removers, hair tools

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 17:36
A quick look at the best Amazon Shark deals ahead of the Big Spring Sale Best stick vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty $249.00 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best hair tool deal Shark FlexStyle (6 attachments) $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best spot cleaner deal Shark StainForce $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best skincare deal Shark FacialPro Glow with DePuffi $349.00 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

There are few home categories that Shark doesn't have a stake in. Floor care has been its bread and butter for a while, of course. But skincare, hair care, and and air care, too? It's Dyson-level variety at this point. But when it comes to deals during major Amazon sale events, there are typically more good Shark deals than good Dyson deals. The early deals of Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale tell the same story.

SEE ALSO: The Shark vs. Roomba debate is stale in 2026, but at least Shark is trying to revive its robot vacuum line

We're tracking all of the best early deals on Shark vacuums, Shark beauty tools, Shark air purifiers, and more, live ahead of the sale's March 25 kickoff. A handful of our absolute favorite Shark products are already on sale, but we'll be updating this story as more deals on Shark devices trickle in throughout the week. (Fingers crossed for a legit CryoGlow red light mask deal.)

Best Shark vacuum deal Shark Clean & Empty BU3521 $249 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

It'll be hard for any spring vacuum deal to beat this Shark Clean & Empty model as the best affordable stick vacuum setup. It automatically empties itself and charges every time you hang it back up on the dock (which also acts as built-in storage). That means you're starting every cleaning session with an empty dustbin, and that means you'll have unmistakeable visible proof of the gunk that's been sucked up in the room at hand.

It's not Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum, but it is almost 40 percent cheaper than Shark's most powerful self-emptying stick vacuum when it's on sale. Weighing in at just under six pounds, this Clean & Empty model is lighter than most cordless vacuums out there — including 30 percent lighter than the popular Shark Vertex Pro, which doesn't come with an auto-empty dock.

SEE ALSO: Shark FacialPro Glow review: The pore de-clogging is legit, but it may not be right for every skin type What about Shark robot vacuum deals?

The Shark robot vacuums on sale so far are decent if you really want a Shark, but I hesitate to hit full send on recommending one unless it's the PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1: The best Shark robot vacuum right now. The $1,299.99 robot vacuum and mop combo with blacklight stain detect hasn't even been out for a month, and the chances of it seeing a discount this soon are iffy. If you have $300 or $600 to spend on a robot vacuum this spring, there are more value-packed robot vacuum deals from other brands live at Amazon.

More early Shark Big Spring Sale deals

Robot vacuums

Cordless vacuums

Corded vacuums

Hair tools

Skincare devices

Upright and portable carpet and upholstery cleaners

Air purifiers

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals under $25 ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on Lego, Fire Sticks, and more

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 17:24

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is nearly here, running March 25 through 31. With the sale on the horizon, deals are trickling in. If you're not looking to drop a ton of cash during this seasonal sale event, we've gathered up some excellent deals under $25 that you can shop right now.

These range from the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus, if you're looking to upgrade your streaming setup this year, to some sweet Lego sets, including the delightfully colorful Lego Botanicals Petite Sunny Bouquet, but there's much more to explore. As the Big Spring Sale gets closer, we'll be sure to update this with even more discounts that cross our radar, too.

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Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, but Prime members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best deal under $25 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Plus $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00   Get Deal Why we like it

2026 has started off strong when it comes to what's available to stream, and if you've been looking to upgrade your setup to enjoy it all in 4K, the Fire TV Stick 4K Plus is worth a look. At the moment, this streaming stick has returned to its lowest-ever price of $24.99 at Amazon, which is 50% off its list price of $49.99. It's a pretty excellent price to pay for what you're getting.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Plus supports 4K Ultra HD picture quality, which helps bring out the colors and crisp details in the shows and films you watch. It also supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and Dolby Atmos audio, which provide a little extra boost to picture and sound as well. And with support for Wi-Fi 6, you'll get to enjoy smooth streaming quality. If it sounds like the streaming package you've been searching for, this early deal at Amazon is well worth jumping on.

More deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

15+ Ninja kitchen deals to shop before the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 17:07
Best early Amazon Big Spring Sale Ninja deals at a glance: Best blender deal Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja 4-in-1 Pro Air Fry $89.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault (30 quart) $149.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best countertop oven deal Ninja Double Stack XL $279.99 (save $169.96) Get Deal Best frozen treats deal Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl $299.99 (save $50) Get Deal

Now that we're celebrating warmer weather and spring flowers, the schedule is getting busier and there's less time to spend making dinner. The phrase "work smarter, not harder" certainly applies to making meals, and Ninja makes some of Mashable's favorite kitchen appliances that help with whipping up excellent meals with little hassle.

If your kitchen could use an upgrade, the Amazon Big Spring Sale is here to help. Like the name suggests, the sale is an opportunity to get major discounts across tons of categories like robot vacuums, Apple tech, kitchen goods, and plenty more. Officially, the sale kicks off on March 25 but like all Amazon sale events, the mega retailer is already dropping prices. Here are some of the best Ninja deals to shop ahead of the sale.

Best blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Kitchen System $129.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $90   Get Deal Why we like it

Serving as a blender and a food processor, the Ninja Kitchen System is a do-it-all appliance. You'll be whizzing up morning smoothies, fresh salsa for barbecues, homemade salad dressings, and even mixing doughs thanks to the powerful Ninja blender. Plus, many of the components are safe to clean in the dishwasher.

The system with blender base, food processor bowl, two serving cups, and a 72-ounce blender pitcher usually sells for $219.99, but it's on sale at Amazon today for $129.99. That matches the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

More Ninja blender dealsBest frozen treats deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl Ice Cream Maker $299.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

There's arguably no better way to celebrate warmer temps than with ice cream. The only thing that could make this better would be if you got to enjoy homemade ice cream with your own custom flavors combinations. Welcome to the wonderful world of the Ninja Creami Scoop & Swirl. This worthy countertop appliance serves up your own scoopable ice cream, soft serve, frozen custard, sorbet, gelato, and more.

In Mashable's review of the best Ninja appliances, the Scoop & Swirl earns the top spot as the best model in the Ninja Creami lineup.

More Ninja frozen treats dealsMore Ninja deals to shop today
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Tablet deals are in full bloom with savings on the latest iPad Air

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:46
Best Big Spring Sale Tablet Deals Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air (M4 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (save $40) Get Deal Best Android tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A11+ (WiFi) $209.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best kids tablet deal Amazon Fire 7 Kids with six months Amazon Kids+ $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicks off on March 25. The seasonal sale, which runs through March 31, focuses on seasonal transition items – think cleaning supplies to freshen up your home and camping supples to get outdoors. However, it wouldn't be a sale without tech deals, too.

Ahead of the sale, we've spotted early savings on tablets, good timing considering Apple just dropped a brand new tablet. The Apple iPad Air with M4 chip just dropped this month, and the good news is, it's already on sale. But if iPads aren't your thing don't worry, there are plenty of other tablet deals to shop.

Here are all the best tablet deals to shop ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Tablet Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M4 chip, 128GB, WiFi) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal

Read our full review of the Apple iPad Air (M4).

Apple's latest iPad drop is the iPad Air with M4 chip. It's one of the retailers speediest, most efficient tablets, scoring 13,176 on the Geekbench 6 test, which puts it ahead of most laptops. When Apple released the new iPad Air, they didn't raise the price, keeping the midrange tablet at $599. However, it already receive a price cut at Amazon.

Ahead of the Big Spring Sale, get the Apple iPad Air with M4 chip for just $559. While that's only $40 in savings and less than 10% off its list price, it's still a great deal considering it's a brand new tablet.

So while we might like this deal best, if you want some bigger savings, there are plenty more deals to shop.

More tablet deals

iPads

Android

Kids tablet

Categories: IT General, Technology

Robot vacuum deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Our Dreame, Roborock, and Eufy favorites on sale

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:35
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals: Best robot vacuum on sale overall Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best roller mop robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $270) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $299.99 (save $250) Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is officially making its comeback for the third year, running from March 25 through to March 31. During this sales event, the retail giant will be reducing thousands of items, from Apple products and TVs to Kindles and kitchen appliances. Robot vacuum deals are also at the heart of any Amazon sale, and the spring refresh vibes of it all make it feel like an extra correct time to vacuum shop.

Plus, this is the first big sale event for many of the best robot vacuum and mop combos of 2026 that were just released in February or early March. In fact, they've already started dropping prices on some of our favorite models ahead of the event. Here are the deals on robot vacuums that are worth your time so far:

Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, but Prime members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best robot vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's review of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete.

I’m starting this roundup with the best of the best because, why not? If you have the cash to burn and you’re looking for an investment piece, Mashable’s vacuum expert and senior shopping reporter Leah Stodart says the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is a “well-rounded premium robot vacuum,” especially for pet owners. It has a livestream pet camera and can clean edges and corners with precision. (Stodart says this vacuum is so good at cleaning corners that it’s dethroned the Roborock Saros 10R for corner mopping.)

“Measuring just over three inches tall, it's also easily the best slim robot vacuum out there — ideal for homes with low-clearance furniture, or expectations for cleaning under cabinets,” she says.

As of March 15, you can get the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,499.99, down from $1,699.99, at Amazon. That's a 12% discount or $200 savings.

Best budget robot vacuum deal Roborock Q10 S5+ $279.99 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $270   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon

Our actual favorite budget pick, the 3i G10+, isn’t on sale (yet!). But the Roborock Q10 S5+ offers a pretty good alternative for anyone who needs a combo vacuum but can’t stomach paying $400+ for one. Stodart ranks this vac as the “Quietest Robot Vacuum” in her roundup of the best robot vacuums for 2026, but she also notes that it’s a surprisingly affordable hybrid cleaner.

“It has reliably completed all missions in my apartment for weeks, and isn't nearly as obnoxious when self-emptying as most other robot vacuums I've tested — it barely reaches 70 decibels, which isn't much louder than competitors while they're just cleaning,” she writes.

What’s even better is that it’s currently at a new record-low price of $299.99, down from $549.99. We’re not sure if this price will hold, but it’s a promising sign for what’s to come as we get closer to the official sale date.

SEE ALSO: Shark devices on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Stick vacuums, stain removers, hair tools More Amazon Big Spring Sale robot vacuum dealsDeals on robot vacuum mop combos with self-washing mopping pads
Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ Amazon device deals live ahead of the Big Spring Sale: Echo, Fire TV, and more

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:27
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Amazon device deals at a glance: Best subscription deal Amazon Music Unlimited $0/month for 3 months (save up to $38.97) Get Deal Best Echo device deal Amazon Echo Studio $189.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Fire TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.99 (save $180) Get Deal Best Fire TV Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is upon us. It officially kicks off on March 25 and runs through March 31 this year, but as always, many deals arrived early to the party. Specifically, some of Amazon's own devices already hit record lows that match Black Friday.

It only makes sense that Amazon would drop the biggest deals on its own devices, given that it's an Amazon sale, after all. While Echo devices, Fire TVs, and Blink cameras are already seeing steep discounts, Kindle, Fire tablet, and subscription deals are still semi scarce. We're excited to see what else the mega retailer has in store as the official sale launches.

We'll be tracking all of the best Amazon device deals throughout the Big Spring Sale 2026 below. Stay tuned for more to come.

Best Amazon subscription deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Music Unlimited free for 3 months (save $11.99/month or 12.99/month) Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's major sales are always an excuse for the retailer to offer extended free trials or discounted prices for its membership subscriptions. While there may be a Kindle Unlimited and/or Audible trial deal during the Big Spring Sale, the only live subscription deal so far is on Amazon Music Unlimited. Through April 16, you can get three free months to test the waters. Beyond unlocking a massive music catalog that you can listen to on-demand and ad-free, you'll also get access to ad-free podcasts and one free audiobook per month. It auto-renews at $11.99 per month for Prime members and $12.99 per month for non-Prime members unless you cancel.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Echo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Studio $189.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon dropped four new Echo devices last fall specifically built for Alexa+, including the new super-powered Echo Studio smart speaker. This is technically the Studio's first update in six years, though it's a much different design than its predecessor. According to Amazon, you "can't find any smart speaker that sounds this amazing at this size." It packs Dolby Atmos and spatial audio into a Death Star-like orb that fits in the palm of your hand. It's even powerful enough to give your TV a boost. The speaker saw its first-ever discount during Black Friday, and that same discount is back for the Big Spring Sale.

More Echo dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $279.97 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $180.02   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon's 4-Series Fire TVs aren't the most advanced in the brand's lineup, but they are the most popular. These TV models are for those who don't require a ton of bells and whistles. If you just want a decent looking TV that's great for streaming, the 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV is an excellent value — especially now that it's back down to its best price ever. It was redesigned in 2025 to sport an ultra-slim bezel, a new quad-core processor for speedy navigation, and Alexa+. It also packs 4K UHD picture quality with support for HDR10, HLG, and Dolby Digital Sound, and Omnisense technology that wakes up the TV when you enter the room to show you artwork or your favorite comfort show.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Fire TV Stick deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon practically gave away the Fire TV Stick 4K Select during Black Friday season, so we're hoping to see a return of the $9.99 discount price during the Big Spring Sale. Even if we don't, its current discount price of $17.99 is still pretty dang great. It's the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's lineup and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support, the plug-and-play design you know and love, and a new operating system called Vega. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN.

More Fire TV dealsFire tablet dealsKindle deals

For more discounts on Kindle devices, check out our full list of Big Spring Sale Kindle deals.

Blink dealsEero deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

40+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale for fresher air and cleaner floors

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:23
Best Big Spring Sale home deals Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon (save $60.99) Get Deal Best vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

It's time for another Amazon sale event. To celebrate the changing seasons, Amazon is hosting its Big Spring Sale from March 25 to 31. The sale highlights warmer-weather products to get your home ready for spring and summer.

For your home, this means clean floors, clean air, and so much more. While the sale doesn't officially start until the 25th, early deals are aplenty, with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, and vacuums.

We rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Blueair, Dreo, Dyson, and more.

Best Big Spring Sale home tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand. During the lead-up to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we spotted early savings on the Amazon Echo Spot.

This smart alarm clock packs everything you love about an Amazon Echo into a bedside device. It wakes you up but also helps you wind down. You can program it to start your day with a weather report and your favorite music.

Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $49.99 and save $30 off its $79.99 list price.

More home tech dealsBest Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.99   Get Deal

Warmer weather means you can put away your heavy winter coats and pull out the antihistamines because spring allergies are on their way. If you're already getting the pollen-induced sniffles, you can do one thing to protect your home air: get an air purifier.

Smoke, dust, and pet hair don't stand a chance against the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. It cleans up to 1,858 square feet in just one hour, plus it does so quietly. For Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the air purifier is down to $169, saving you $60.99 off its $229.99 list price.

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring sale vacuum deal Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $200   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's review of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete.

If you have the cash to burn and you’re looking for an investment piece, Mashable’s vacuum expert and senior shopping reporter, Leah Stodart, says the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is a “well-rounded premium robot vacuum,” especially for pet owners. It has a livestream pet camera and can clean edges and corners with precision. (Stodart says this vacuum is so good at cleaning corners that it’s dethroned the Roborock Saros 10R for corner mopping.)

“Measuring just over three inches tall, it's also easily the best slim robot vacuum out there — ideal for homes with low-clearance furniture, or expectations for cleaning under cabinets,” she says.

As of March 15, you can get the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,499.99, down from $1,699.99, at Amazon. That's a 12% discount or $200 savings.

More robot vacuum dealsMore vacuum dealsMore home deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Sheep Detectives trailer sees a flock of sheep avenge Hugh Jackmans murder. Yes, really.

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:23

Move over, Sherlock Holmes. Quit twirling your mustache, Poirot. Hang up your hat, Miss Marple. There's a new flock of great fictional detectives in town, and they're not even human. They're... The Sheep Detectives.

Screenwriter Craig Mazin (The Last of Us) and director Kyle Balda (Minions) adapt Leonie Swann's novel Three Bags Full in this wooly criminal caper. Hugh Jackman stars as shepherd George, who loves nothing more than reading mystery novels to his sheep. What he doesn't know is that his sheep fully understand the tales he spins them, hanging onto every word of each whodunnit.

However, the flock soon finds themselves in a mystery of their own when their beloved shepherd is murdered. According to his lawyer (Emma Thompson), he left behind $30 million, a fortune that gives several people in his circle the motive to take him out.

Who will get justice for George? Surely not the bumbling local policeman (Nicholas Braun). Instead, George's flock takes it upon themselves to use their mystery novel know-how to pin down his killer. How tough can solving a real crime be?

The Sheep Detectives' latest trailer teases the chaos that awaits our ovine case-crackers, including a serious tendency to want to bash some cars in. Plus, it gives us a better look at the film's stacked cast, be they sheep or human. In addition to Jackman, Thompson, and Braun, The Sheep Detectives stars Nicholas Galitzine, Molly Gordon, Hong Chau, Julia Louis-Dreyfus, Bryan Cranston, Chris O’Dowd, Regina Hall, Patrick Stewart, Bella Ramsey, and Rhys Darby.

The Sheep Detectives hits theaters May 8.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Claude can now keep working on your Mac while youre away

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:15

The dream of someone else working instead of you while you enjoy the finer things in life has just become a bit more real.

Anthropic announced a new feature for Claude Cowork and Claude Code, enabling the smart assistant to use your computer on its own while you're away.

So, if Claude needs a certain tool to finish a task, it can point, click, and navigate on your screen to get what it needs, including opening files, using a browser, and running dev tools.

The feature, which requires no setup, is available in research preview for Claude Pro and Max subscribers, and only on Mac computers.

Anthropic pointed out that the tool works particularly well with Dispatch, a tool that lets you assign Claude (its desktop version, to be precise) tasks from your phone.

This sounds awfully close to the type of automation that's recently been on the rise with tools like OpenClaw becoming immensely popular, but it's far more restrictive than that. While OpenClaw is typically given full reign over a computer, Claude's version will prioritize using connectors to service such as Slack and Google Calendar, and when it decides it has to open an app directly, it will ask for permission before accessing a new app.

SEE ALSO: Claude AI discovered 22 Firefox flaws. Here's how many it figured out how to exploit.

Despite these safety measures, users should be very careful before handing Claude (or any smart assistant) full access to their computers. As Anthropic itself puts it, "Claude can make mistakes, and while we continue to improve our safeguards, threats are constantly evolving." For more detail on what Claude can and cannot do using this tool, go here.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best headphones deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale — Sony leads the pack

Tue, 03/24/2026 - 16:07
Best early Big Spring Sale headphones and earbuds deals Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Sony WF-C710N $88 (save $41.99) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 (save $31.99) Get Deal

If you're in need of an audio upgrade, Amazon's Big Spring Sale has come at the right time. Alongside discounts on products like TVs and Apple products, this mammoth sales event will see a wide range of discounts on both headphones and earbuds.

This will be the third year Amazon hosts the sale, and while the mega-retailer puts emphasis on spring-appropriate deals (think outdoor gear, cleaning supplies, and robot vacuums), the prior two years of the sale show that some tech deals get thrown in the mix.

SEE ALSO: When is Amazon's Spring Sale in 2026? Amazon just announced official dates.

The weeklong sale doesn't officially kick off until March 25, but I've done my combing as one of Mashable's headphones experts to find over 20 deals that, while not necessarily officially tied to the sale, offer Spring Sale-worthy savings a bit earlier.

So far, the best savings are coming from Sony headphones, but you'll also find deals from brands including Sennheiser, Nothing, Samsung, Google, Marshall, and JBL. We'll be updating this post throughout the sale, and any deals no longer available with be marked with a strikeout.

Best headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Sony's flagship headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6, are still relatively new all things considered, meaning that catching them on sale isn't always a given. Granted, even though their sale price of $398 does net you a nice $61.99 price cut, they're still expensive headphones. (If you're looking for a more budget-friendly option, we recommend the Sony WH-CH720N). That said, if you're looking for the best of the best, we think they offer some of the best sound, noise cancellation, and all-day wear available. Plus, unlike their predecessor, their ear cups actually fold. Grab them on sale in any of the available four colorways.

Check out our full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6.

More early headphones dealsBest earbuds deal Sony WF-C710N $88 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $41.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

As much as I love a good pair of premium earbuds, I'm less in love with the idea of paying over $200 for quality ANC and sound when you can get that for much, much cheaper. For day-to-day use, I often find myself reaching for the Sony WF-C710N earbuds. They have great battery life, a compact case for easy portability, really solid ANC, and a rounded sound profile worthy of the Sony name. Bracetti called them the best Sony earbuds you can get for under $100 (when they're on sale), and I'm comfortable saying they're some of the best earbuds under $100, period.

Check out our full review of the Sony WF-C710N.

More early earbuds deals Best open earbuds deal Sony LinkBuds Clip $198 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $31.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

People love the Bose Ultra Open earbuds, but the Sony LinkBuds Clip are just as comfortable, sound at least as good, and at their full price, cost about $70 cheaper than the Bose buds. On sale, they're over $100 cheaper than the Bose Ultra earbuds. Mashable contributor Simon Cohen deemed these earbuds a Mashable Selects winner, which means they're one of our favorite products we've tried. This sale price of $198 marks their biggest discount ever, and the first time they've ever gone below $200. For earbuds that just launched in January, that's not too shabby.

Check out our full review of the Sony LinkBuds Clip.

More early open earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

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