Mashable

Syndicate content
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.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 1 day 1 hour ago

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 19

Wed, 03/19/2025 - 04:00

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 19 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Upright and grand

The words are parts of a whole.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are put together to form one instrument.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is PianoParts.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 19

  • Hammers

  • Frame

  • Strings

  • Cover

  • Pedals

  • Keyboard

  • PianoParts

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for March 19, 2025

Wed, 03/19/2025 - 04:00

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

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

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

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

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

A long-necked flute.

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

SITAR

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A military freshman.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 19, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PLEBE

Hurdle Word 3 hint

To move slightly.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 19 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 19, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

BUDGE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An uncool person.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 19 Hurdle Word 4 answer

DWEEB

Final Hurdle hint

A Spanish shawl.

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

MANTA

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stranded NASA astronauts touch down, plucked from ocean

Wed, 03/19/2025 - 01:35

The much-anticipated return of stranded NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station went off without a hitch.

Williams and Wilmore flew home from the ISS along with astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashing down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida just before 6 p.m. ET today. The weather was crystal clear and the Atlantic Ocean described as "glass-like" by NASA's live feed on X.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Speed boats raced to the capsule after the splashdown of the Dragon capsule that carried SpaceX's Crew-9. NASA officials then climbed aboard the Dragon to check on the four astronauts as dolphins swam nearby (visible at the 1:33 mark on NASA's live feed). After a quick check, the capsule was hoisted onto a larger boat, the Megan, and then hosed down to wash off corrosive sea water.

The hatch was quickly opened and Commander Nick Hague was the first to be extracted from the Dragon, followed by Gorbunov, Williams, and Wilmore. Less than an hour after splashdown, all astronauts were extracted and loaded onto stretchers as their muscles needed time to adjust to Earth's gravity.

The return of SpaceX's Crew-9 was notable for many reasons, but the most significant was the fact that Williams and Wilmore were returning to Earth after their initial ISS trip of eight days turned into 286 days, or over nine months, thanks to their Boeing Starliner ship experiencing propulsion problems during their arrival last June.

NASA will provide the media with more updates on Williams, Wilmore, Hague and Gorbunov at a press conference scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

SEE ALSO: NASA dropped a new report. It's a wake-up call.
Categories: IT General, Technology

The popular VPN Surfshark is currently 84% off

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 23:07

TL;DR: Get protection and speed with a three-year Surfshark VPN subscription for A$106 with code SURF20, an 84% savings as of today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Surfshark Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Yr Subscription AU$106
AU$679 Save AU$573 Use code 'SURF20' Get Deal

Whether you're a remote worker regularly using public WiFi networks, a gamer who stays connected 24/7, or just an average Netflix binger, your private data is vulnerable to trackers and hackers every time you sign online. How else would targeted ads match that bizarre product you and your friends were just talking about? It's all good, though. You can easily block those prying eyes and protect your data with a virtual private network (VPN).

If you haven't already armed yourself with a VPN or you're not happy with the one you have, today's your lucky day. This three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN is currently on sale for over 80% off and offers all you need to stay safe online, and then some. It's one of the highest-rated VPNs on the market, earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on TechGadgetCentral and TechRadar and 8 out of 10 on The VPN Lab.

Check it out:

Why do people seem to love it so much? Well, for one thing, it protects not only your data but everyone in your family's data, thanks to an unlimited number of connections — something most VPNs do not offer. You, your family, and your friends can all enjoy connecting to over 500 torrent-friendly servers with an unlimited amount of data, no matter where on Earth you are. Plus, you never have to sacrifice your surfing speed for your security. You can enjoy content faster than before with optimized online streaming and unlimited bandwidth.

Surfshark also uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption to keep you completely secure and a CleanWeb ad, tracker, and malware blocker to boost your browsing freedom. That means you'll never be creeped out by targeted ads while you browse, stream, work, or play ever again.

While it's usually A$679 for a three-year subscription, you can sign up here for just A$106 using code SURF20 through 31 March and save 84%.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10+ self-emptying robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazons spring sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 22:51
A peek at the best early Amazon spring sale deals on self-emptying robot vacuums Budget pick Shark AI Ultra AV2511AE $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal with self-washing and drying mopping padsa Roborock Qrevo Master $1,299.99 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal

Unless you're really trying to save space on the floor, there's little reason to not opt for a self-emptying robot vacuum these days. Automated vacuuming likely means more frequent vacuuming, and more frequent vacuuming means faster dustbin filling. And at this point, that shouldn't be your problem.

Automatic dustbin emptying has become such a mainstream robot vacuum feature that a ton of self-emptying robot vacs are solidly in the sub-$500 range — and even more models join that club when there's a big sale event. The latest one happens to line up perfectly with spring cleaning season: Amazon's second Big Spring Sale is happening between March 25 and March 31. And Amazon is extremely well-versed in robot vacuum deals.

SEE ALSO: iRobot just completely overhauled its lineup with 8 new Roombas for 2025

With multiple new record-low prices already popping up in the week before the sale starts, your budget could wind up covering even more convenience-related features than you originally expected — further minimizing the amount of time you spend doing maintenance-related tasks for the vacuum. If you're set on a robot vacuum that mops, many self-empty docks in the list below also have water tanks and fans for self-washing and drying of the mopping pads after each use.

I'm tracking the best deals on self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Amazon's sale below. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it

When my favorite robot vacuum from 2024 drops to a new record-low price, of course that's the deal I'm going to recommend. But the deal looks even better when put in context with a 2025 Roborock that I'm testing right now. Compared to the 2025 Saros 10R, which goes for $1,599.99, you'd be getting a premium Roborock from 2024 with almost all of the same features for half the price.

The Qrevo Master obviously empties its own dustbin, but it extends that automated maintenance to automatic mopping pad washing and drying (plus automatic water tank refills) in that same dock. In my experience, this self-sustaining mopping pad situation makes me way more likely to actually use the robot mop — because otherwise, I end up forgoing a mopping cycle all together because I don't feel like washing the dirty pad by hand all the time.

The Qrevo Master also brings home premium features like flexible corner and edge mopping, automatic mop lifting when carpet is sensed, and a livestream pet camera. Its 10,000 Pa of suction power isn't as juicy as the 20,000 Pa on the pricey Saros 10R, but it's still more powerful than most other vacuums in this list.

More self-emptying robot vacuums on saleRobot vacuums that mopRobot vacuums that don't mop
Categories: IT General, Technology

Headphones and speaker deals live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Save on Sony, Bose, Sonos, and more

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 22:19
Best headphone and speaker deals ahead of Amazon's spring sale Best headphone deal Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones $261.90 (Save $113.05) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $219 (Save $80) Get Deal Best Bluetooth speaker deal JBL Charge 5 $119.95 (Save $60) Get Deal

It's confirmed: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just around the corner, and we've already got our eyes on the best headphones deals ahead of the official kick-off on March 25.

Though the sale itself focuses on more seasonally-centric items like grilling equipment and gardening supplies, last year we saw plenty of headphones and speakers deals go live during the week-long event. While we don't expect as dramatic markdowns as Amazon tends to offer during Prime Day or Black Friday, most of this sale is open to all shoppers — not just Prime members — making it a decent time to double-check your shopping list, whether you're in the market for a new TV or some Tile trackers.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — it's all about MacBooks so far

So far, we've seen price drops from most major brands, including Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, JBL, and Apple. We'll be updating this list as the sale draws nearer — we keep a close eye on the headphones and speaker markets year-round, so we'll only include deals that are legitimately harder to find.

Best headphones dealsBest earbuds dealsBest Bluetooth speaker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Update: Blueskys Zuckerberg-trolling world without Caesars shirt is back in stock

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 22:16

UPDATE: Mar. 18, 2025, 4:00 p.m. EDT Bluesky has restocked its "A WORLD WITHOUT CAESARS" shirt in sizes small through XXL. Shoppers need to place an order within seven days, the company said. Our original story follows.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluesky Bluesky's "A WORLD WITHOUT CAESARS" shirt $40 at worldwithoutcaesars.com
Shop Now

It was the T-shirt heard around the World Wide Web.

Bluesky CEO Jay Graber made headlines this week for taking the stage at Austin's SXSW wearing an oversized black tee. But it wasn't just any Hanes or Uniqlo basic: The shirt was screenprinted with the phrase "Mundus sine caesaribus," which is Latin for "a world without Caesars" — a clear dig at Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg, who infamously wore a similar shirt referencing a Roman ruler at the company's developer conference last year.

The shirt was a hit with Bluesky users (and Mashable readers). So on Thursday afternoon, Bluesky made Graber's shirt available for purchase for $40 at worldwithoutcaesars.com, with all proceeds going towards the AT Protocol, the open standard its social network is build upon. The shirt sold out in 30 minutes, according to Emily Liu, Bluesky's head of special projects.

SEE ALSO: Bluesky CEO: imagine a 'world without Caesars'

Liu told Mashable that the company isn't sure if it will restock the shirt just yet. We'll update this story if another drop is ever announced.

Graber's shirt was a near copy of the one Zuckerberg donned for Meta Connect 2024 — same design, same typeface, but very different message. The Facebook founder's original shirt read "Aut Zuck aut nihil" ("Zuck or nothing"), a spin on the Latin phrase “Aut Caesar aut nihil” (“Either Caesar or nothing"). Zuckerberg has seemingly spent several years chasing an obsession with the Roman emperor Augustus Caesar.

Mashable reached out to Meta for comment.

the feminine urge to

[image or embed]

— Jay 🦋 (@jay.bsky.team) March 10, 2025 at 5:57 PM

Mashable's Chance Townsend reported that Graber doubled down on her anti-tech exec messaging in her SXSW keynote, emphasizing the value of open-source, decentralized platforms like Bluesky.

"If a billionaire tried to ruin things, [Bluesky] users could just leave — without losing their identity or data," Graber said.

Bluesky launched in 2023 as an invite-only platform and quickly took off as an alternative to Elon Musk's X. As of March 2025, it has over 32 million users.

Categories: IT General, Technology

GM is teaming with Nvidia to produce fleet of self-driving vehicles

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 21:58

At Nvidia’s annual GTC conference, CEO Jensen Huang announced during his keynote session that the company would be partnering with GM to supercharge the latter's autonomous vehicle and manufacturing operations with AI and cutting-edge chips.

GM will integrate Nvidia’s AI-powered computing systems into its next-gen vehicles, using the chipmaker’s Drive AGX platform — essentially an “AI brain” designed to boost advanced driver assistance features and autonomy, according to The Verge. But it’s not just about cars — Nvidia’s Omniverse 3D graphics platform will also help GM streamline its manufacturing processes with digital twins and virtual simulations.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

"AI not only optimizes manufacturing processes and accelerates virtual testing but also helps us build smarter vehicles while empowering our workforce to focus on craftsmanship," GM CEO Mary Barra said in a statement.

The partnership comes at a critical time for GM. The automaker has poured billions into autonomous tech with mixed results—most notably, the costly setbacks of its Cruise robotaxi division, which faced safety concerns and a major funding pullback. Now, instead of betting on a separate AV fleet, GM is shifting its focus to bringing self-driving capabilities to consumer vehicles.

For Nvidia, the deal marks another milestone in its growing push into the auto industry, which Huang sees as a trillion-dollar opportunity by 2028. With partnerships spanning Jaguar, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, the AI giant is making it clear: the future of driving runs on its chips.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Heres how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 21:11

Baseball social media lit up after a jaw-dropping first-inning grab by Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson during an international exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants. But it wasn’t just the play — a routine yet athletic throw to first — that had fans talking. It was the surreal replay angle that followed.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The broadcast showed an ultra-high-tech view of Swanson’s diving grab—so advanced that, for a moment, it seemed AI-generated. However, a Major League Baseball spokesperson offered a simpler explanation in an email to Mashable:

It’s a system called FreeViewpoint developed by Canon. It’s permanently installed in the Tokyo Dome with 160 cameras around the rim of the seating bowl. They essentially stitch video together to create these looks. It’s on the World Feed so every broadcaster will see these clips.

It's so good that fans are clamoring for more.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
Categories: IT General, Technology

Inspired by nature, this robot morphs to overcome almost any obstacle

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 20:53

GOAT is a shape-shifting robot designed to move across almost any terrain by changing its form in real time. It can switch between a flat, rover-like mode for driving and a spherical mode for rolling, saving energy and adapting to different environments. Inspired by animals, GOAT’s flexible design allows it to navigate obstacles without complex sensors, relying instead on simple navigation and its ability to work with the environment. With potential applications in disaster response, environmental monitoring, and even space exploration, GOAT represents a new approach to robotic movement.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The internet is mourning Forever 21

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 19:45

Forever 21? More like Never 21, am I right, fellas?

According to CNBC, the fast-fashion company filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in six years and plans to close all its U.S. stores. People online are devastated. It's the end of an era, and Forever 21 — and the internet — are blaming other fast-fashion retailers like Shein and Temu.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

In a court filing reported by CNBC, the company said Shein and Temu "materially and negatively impacted" Forever 21.

"Certain non-U.S. online retailers that compete with the Debtors, such as Temu and Shein, have taken advantage of this exemption and, therefore, have been able to pass significant savings onto consumers," Stephen Coulombe, the operating company’s co-chief restructuring officer, wrote, according to CNBC. "Consequently, retailers that must pay duties and tariffs to purchase product for their stores and warehouses in the United States, such as the Company, have been undercut."

Of course, despite Forever 21 blaming Shein and Temu, it is also fast fashion. All of these companies exploit labor, have disastrous effects on the climate, and encourage overconsumption. According to Business Insider, the average person bought 60 percent more clothing in 2014 than they did in 2000, but they kept the pieces half as long.

Greenpop reported that about 80 billion pieces of clothing are bought every year, a 400 percent increase from two decades ago. However, according to Human Rights Pulse, the vast majority of those pieces, around 85 percent, end up in landfills, leading to mass human rights violations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best power tool deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 19:34

UPDATE: Mar. 18, 2025, 11:38 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest prices ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best power tool deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Bosch power tool deals Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw $72.06 (save $56.94) Get Deal Best Dewalt power tool deals Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit $124 (save $115) Get Deal Best Cat power tool deals Caterpillar Cat 3.5A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool $118.99 (save $16) Get Deal

Home improvement isn't all sunshine and rainbows — without a superintendent, anything that breaks is yours to fix, whether that's with hired help or by yourself. If you prefer the latter method, you're going to need a decent lineup of power tools on hand to keep you prepared for any surprise issues.

It just so happens that a lot of cordless power tools are on sale at Amazon ahead of its Big Spring Sale, from cordless drills, to nail guns, to circular saws. We'll keep track of all of the best deals in the lead-up to and during the event; we've listed them out below so you can spend less time shopping, and more time planning your next home project.

Best Bosch power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Bosch Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw $72.06 at Amazon
$129 Save $56.94 Get Deal Why we like it

Need to cut down a door after fitting a new carpet? Perhaps your better half wants a new Pergola building just in time for BBQ season? This bad boy will cut through almost anything like butter, even Indian Stone. If you’re looking for a circular saw that can handle serious cuts without feeling like you’re lugging around a cinder block, Bosch has you covered. This beast packs a 15-amp motor that chews through wood like it’s nothing, delivering cuts up to 2-7/16 inches deep at 90 degrees. And at just 10.2 pounds, it won’t leave your arms feeling like jelly by the end of the job. The die-cast magnesium footplate is built for durability, while the high-strength magnesium upper guard keeps things light without sacrificing toughness. It also packs optimized sight lines for better accuracy, bevel louvers to clear dust, and even a saw hook so you’re not awkwardly balancing it between cuts.

Get the Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw for $72.06 at Amazon and save $59.94.

Best Dewalt power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit $124 at Amazon
$239 Save $115 Get Deal Why we like it

This kit will cover nearly every drilling job, from dry walls to hard stone surfaces. The DCD771 drill packs a two-speed transmission (0-450 and 0-1500 RPM), so sinking screws and punching through tougher material is managed by the right level of power at the right time. With 300 unit watts out (UWO), it’s got enough muscle for a wide range of jobs, but its compact, lightweight design means you won’t be fighting to squeeze it into tight spaces. The 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck keeps bits locked in tight, and the ergonomic handle makes sure your hand doesn’t hate you by the end of the day. The DCF885 impact driver keeps things just as efficient with a 5.55-inch front-to-back profile and a weight of just 2.8 pounds—perfect for working in cramped spots. The one-handed loading 1/4-inch hex chuck makes swapping bits a breeze, and the built-in three-LED light ring with a 20-second delay means no more fumbling around in the dark.

Get the Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit for $124 at Amazon and save $115.

Best Cat power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Caterpillar Cat Caterpillar Cat 3.5A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool $118.99 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Why we like it

I can't put into words how handy it is to have a multi-tool near your tool bench. Pretty much anything that can't be cut with a saw because of the angle is super easy with one of these. Powered by a beefy 3.5A motor, this tool cranks out a variable speed range of 11,000-20,000 OPM, giving you total control for cutting, sanding, or scraping jobs. With six adjustable speed settings, you can dial in the precision for whatever job’s in front of you. The lightweight aluminum gearbox isn’t just tough, it’s built to take a beating and keep going. The tool-free universal attachment system makes switching out accessories fast and frustration-free, while the LED work light ensures you’re not guessing in dim conditions. And because comfort matters when you're on the grind, the rubber over mold grip keeps things steady in your hands. With a 10-foot trade-length cord, you won’t constantly be searching for an extension, and it even comes loaded with a full set of blades, sanding sheets, and a slide-lock case to keep everything organized.

Get the Caterpillar Cat 3.5 A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool and save $16.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Assassins Creed Shadows is the best one in years, sometimes in spite of itself

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 19:19

It feels like there’s about a 100:1 ratio of negative-to-positive news headlines around Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Just this week, developers have been told internally to not talk about working on the game, lest they face harassment. At the same time, publisher Ubisoft is desperately fighting off talks of a corporate merger amidst investor troubles. 

I’d prefer not to contribute to that because I think this is the best Assassin’s Creed game in a while, probably at least since 2016’s Origins. After a little more than 30 hours with this gargantuan stabbing simulator, my only real problem with Shadows is that it often feels like a giant boulder being held delicately in place by a single plank of wood. 

This is a big and beautiful game that’s also, unfortunately, buggy enough that I have to write about it. Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t totally upend the series formula and turn it into something else, but its dual-protagonist structure, open-ended design, and series-best stealth mechanics make it a fun tour through history, sometimes in spite of itself.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition' review: A forgotten classic is back with a vengeance Shadows gets back to what matters Naoe is rad. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

As you may or may not be aware by now, the main distinction Shadows has over most other AC games is that it has two playable protagonists. 2015’s Syndicate also did this, but it kinda sucked; one of the playable heroes in that game was a doofus in a top hat who looked like a nerdcore rapper and was, for reasons I cannot imagine, the one you had to play as in most story missions. 

Shadows executes this idea approximately ten thousand times better than Syndicate did. The female shinobi Naoe joins with the African slave-turned-samurai Yasuke (a real historical man, a first for an AC protagonist) to take down all the evildoers who are subjugating the people of 16th-century Japan, and maybe get some revenge along the way. Like the rest of the series, Shadows takes itself pretty seriously in its storytelling and is, in a word, a little swagless. There are times when it tries to include stylistic visual or musical flourishes, which I appreciate, but this isn’t Ninja Gaiden. 

Regardless, once you get past a lengthy (it took me close to 15 hours) opening chapter, Shadows opens up. After that, you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke at will from the pause menu, and play almost any mission as whoever you want. Yasuke is a big brute who can unlock doors by sprinting through them and murder guys with a variety of cool weapons, while Naoe is easily the most lithe and nimble protagonist the series has ever had, making her perfect for sneaking around. 

Yasuke is also pretty rad. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

Allowing players to tackle most objectives with whichever character they want is a big step up from Syndicate, and it also doesn’t hurt that Yasuke and Naoe are both very cool. As a nice bonus, this is the best pure stealth game in the Assassin’s Creed series when you’re playing as Naoe. Ubisoft has added a bunch of fun variables you have to think about: enemies who can see from much farther away, walking surfaces that make more noise than others, dynamic weather that can mask your movements, the ability to go prone, and shadows that can make you invisible in the right circumstances.

All of that combined with Naoe’s fun arsenal of ninja moves and tools makes her an absolute joy to play. Snooping around a big castle while meticulously stabbing everyone in your way is the best it’s ever been here. Yasuke’s alright, too, if you’d rather fight your way through challenges, but that’s not really how I like to play these games. I appreciate that the option is there for other people, though.

I would say the most interesting thing about Shadows from a design standpoint is how freeform it is after that opening chapter. There are suggested story missions for you to do, but you can also do things in basically any order you want. I’ve stumbled onto story missions earlier than I was supposed to, totally by accident, which is awesome. Shadows also doesn’t put specific waypoints on the map for mission objectives; instead, you have to assign scouts to find the objectives based on hints the game gives you. 

The best part of all of this is that a huge amount of missions revolve around assassinating people. In 30 hours, I have not done a single tailing or escorting mission. There are tons of optional targets who provide interesting, fun challenges and give excellent gear as rewards for taking them down. This is the first AC game in a long time (aside from the more focused offshoot Mirage) where assassination is the main thing you’re doing most of the time. It’s cool.

It just doesn’t work all the time I love crawling around. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a very good Assassin’s Creed game, with one very problematic quality: During the review period, it had a bad habit of rendering itself unplayable from time to time. 

To be more specific, Shadows had a nasty problem for me where playing for longer than 60 to 90 minutes at a time made a bunch of weird crap start happening. Load times (which are normally very snappy) became several minutes long in some cases, while the UI would take forever to load once I was back in gameplay. Additionally, all menus slowed to a crawl. At its worst, there was one instance where the act of pausing the game and hitting the save button, which normally takes about 10 seconds, took at least five minutes.

This happened to me during a flashback story mission, which created other problems on top of itself. At one point, a cutscene just decided not to trigger, leaving me perpetually stuck between four invisible walls, unable to continue the game until I reloaded my last checkpoint. 

Yes, you can still do this. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

A couple of caveats are necessary here. First, I’m playing on a PS5 Pro and have no idea if this is a problem anyone else has had on any other platforms. I should also mention the game looks beautiful and runs fantastically in that format aside from this bug. Second, there’s every possibility that by the time regular people have their hands on Shadows, this has been fixed. But I can’t just not mention something so disruptive that’s also so easy to recreate.

I am no software engineer, so I don’t know if this is a quick fix for Ubisoft or not. Given the game’s multiple delays, it really feels like Shadows is coming in a little hot. I don’t think this should be enough to dissuade anyone from playing Shadows by itself, but it’s worth knowing about.

Despite all of that, my first 30 hours with Shadows have been pretty positive. This game feels enormous, like I could potentially play 30 more hours. Maybe it’ll get old before then, maybe it won’t. But I can confirm that the people who are mad because Ubisoft made Assassin’s Creed “woke” or whatever are morons who will be missing out on a good game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 19:07
The best Amazon Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best TCG Deal Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium Collection $73.03 (save $6.96) Get Deal Best Toy Deal Mega Pokémon Building Toy Set (Charizard) $10.53 (save $11.46) Get Deal Best Plush Deal Pokémon Pikachu Sleeping Plush $29 (save $5.99) Get Deal Best Funko Pop! Deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon (Teddiursa_ $8.39 (save $4.60) Get Deal

We're expecting Amazon’s Big Spring Sale to deliver big savings on all things Pokémon from March 25 to 31. That includes plushies, Squishmallows, Funko Pop! figures, and Pokémon TCG products. If your collection could use a boost, this will be a solid time to grab a few favorites without paying full price.

SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go players are actually training a giant AI model

Here, you'll find the best Amazon Spring Sale Pokémon deals we've seen ahead of the event. Be sure to keep checking back, as we'll update this page as soon as new deals go live.

Best Pokémon TCG deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium Collection $73.03 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $6.96 Get Deal Why we like it

Inside, you’ll find a foil promo card featuring Charizard ex, plus foil versions of Charmander and Charmeleon to complete the evolution line. The set also includes a Charizard display figure and a hefty stack of 10 Pokémon TCG booster packs, with a mix of Stellar Crown, Twilight Masquerade, Temporal Forces, Paradox Rift, and Obsidian Flames.

Best Pokémon Mega Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Mega Pokémon Building Toy Set (Charizard) $10.53 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $11.46 Get Deal Why we like it

Standing over four inches tall, this Charizard features poseable wings and flames bursting from its mouth and tail, making it a great display piece or an interactive build. With 223 bricks and pieces, it’s compatible with all Mega building sets and other major brands, so you can get creative with your Pokémon world. The set also includes a Heavy Ball pin!

Best Pokémon Plush Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Pokémon Pikachu Sleeping Plush $29 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Pokémon Sleep players, this one’s for you. The 18-inch sleeping Pikachu plush is the ultimate cuddle buddy, designed in an adorable snoozing pose that makes nap time even cozier. Made from super-soft material, it’s perfect for curling up with after logging your sleep cycles. If Pikachu isn’t your top pick, there are plenty of other sleepy Pokémon to choose from, including Snorlax, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, Psyduck, Scorbunny, Charmander, and Pichu.

Best Pokémon Funko Pop! Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon (Teddiursa) $8.39 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $4.60 Get Deal Why we like it

Funko Pop! Pokémon figures are an easy way to bring your favorite pocket monsters to your shelf, and the latest releases keep the collection growing. We're talking Teddiursa, Pikachu, Charizard, or any of the other fan-favorite Pokémon, these vinyl figures capture their signature looks in that classic Funko Pop! style. With new additions dropping regularly, there’s always another Pokémon to add to your lineup. Grab your favorites, evolve your collection, and give your display a serious Pokédex upgrade with these deals.

Best Pokémon Squishmallow Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Squishmallows Pokémon 14-Inch Teddiursa Plush $24.99 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

Made with ultra-soft, high-quality materials, Teddiura is a perfect addition to any Squishmallows squad or Pokémon collection. If you’re looking to expand your Pokémon Squishmallows lineup, there’s plenty more to choose from. Bellibolt, Marill, Dragonite, Gengar, Pikachu, and more have Squishmallows in various sizes, with the following also being available in the Amazon Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

All the best deals under $25 ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 18:11
Best deals under $25: Best tracker deal Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best security camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $17.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best book deal Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $11.93 (save $15.07) Get Deal

In case you haven’t noticed, life has gotten expensive lately. From eggs to gas to pretty much everything in between, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many of us feeling the pinch.

Luckily, even as inflation squeezes our budgets, there are still opportunities to find great deals, especially with Amazon and its never-ending sales.

Right now, we’re gearing up for the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which is set to start on March 25. But even before the main event kicks off, we're already seeing tons of deals under $25 that are worth taking a look at.

Here are our pre-sale picks for the best items to scoop up ahead of the big sale:

Best tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re going away for spring break, you might want to pick up a Bluetooth tracker to help you keep tabs on your belongings. These handy gadgets can be attached to your keys, bags, wallets, and anything else you want to keep a close eye on.

The Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker is only $17.99 right now, down from its usual $24.99 price tag. That’s 28% off the list price and the lowest price we’ve seen for this model in recent months.

It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices, has a 150-meter (around ~492 feet) Bluetooth range, and a three-year battery life. It’s water-resistant, too.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

Whenever I leave my apartment, I prop up a tiny off-brand camera to keep an eye on my pups. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to give me peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a more reliable indoor security camera, the TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera is only $17.99 at Amazon. That’s 28% off the sticker price and just a few dollars off the all-time low.

The Tapo camera can send you instant push notifications whenever movement, a person, or a crying baby is detected. It has night vision, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video. And at under $18, it's a budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $11.93 at Amazon
$27 Save $15.07 Get Deal Why we like it

We’re usually all about gadgets, but sometimes, it's nice to take a break from screens and dive into a good old-fashioned book.

The hardcover version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is only $11.93 right now (that’s way cheaper than what you’ll find it for on the shelves), down from its usual $27 list price. If you prefer the Kindle edition, that’s on sale for $12.99.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular self-help books of the last few years, with over 20 million copies sold. It’s all about building better habits, one tiny change at a time — the perfect read if you're trying to make improvements in your life.

More deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

Nvidia keynote livestream: Watch CEO Jensen Huang at the GPU Technology Conference today

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 17:53

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is set to deliver remarks on Tuesday. It's widely expected he'll share details on the company's latest chips used in artificial intelligence.

Huang is scheduled to speak 1 p.m. ET. You can watch his keynote address on YouTube or embedded below.

We've covered the latest rumors surrounding Nvidia's forthcoming product releases, but lots more is expected from Huang's remarks at Nvidia's GTC conference on Tuesday. Huang is expected to announced the Blackwell Ultra, a premium version of its flagship AI chip, as well as news about the company's next GPU platform.

The tech world and Wall Street will certainly be interested in Huang's keynote. The sudden rise of China's AI startup DeepSeek sparked a sharp fall in Nvidia's share price at the beginning of this year. The company's plans moving forward could certainly inspire a rise or fall amid that shift in the market.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Roomba deals are bleak at Amazons spring sale so far

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 17:40

Amazon's decision to ghost its acquisition of iRobot in January 2024 hasn't kept Roombas from participating in any of Amazon's big sale events. Its upcoming Big Spring Sale (from March 25 to 31) will probably be no different, though Roomba deals are trickling in slower than robot vacuums on sale from other brands.

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

Either way, Amazon's Big Spring Sale might not be the wisest time to buy a Roomba this year. It just so happens that iRobot casually completely overhauled the Roomba lineup in the middle of March, with a fleet of new Roombas becoming available to purchase just two days before Amazon's sale starts.

This heavily deviates from iRobot's typical release schedule. Could it be an attempt to mitigate iRobot's increasingly bleak financial situation as of late? Unclear, but I do know that iRobot finally closed most of the gaps its previous lineup had, feature-wise and cost-efficiency wise — so opting for one of those may be a smarter purchase, even if they're at full price. Only a few older Roombas on sale now would be a worthwhile purchase over these new packed ones (especially when robot vacuums on sale from Roborock and Dreame have more features for less money).

I'm tracking the worthwhile Roomba deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale below, and will give a specific shout out if any deals pop up that'd be worthwhile over another brand. Note: Any deal marked with a 🔥 has dropped to a record-low price at Amazon.

Best Roomba deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Lego deals of the 2025 Amazon Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 17:38

UPDATE: Mar. 18, 2025, 11:24 a.m. EDT The Amazon Big Spring Sale hasn't started yet, but here are the best Lego deals already live.

The best Amazon Spring Sale deals at a glance: Lego Star Wars R2-D2 $81.99 (save $18) Get Deal Lego Super Mario King Boo's Haunted Mansion $65.99 (save $9) Get Deal Lego Disney Encanto The Magical Madrigal House $131.99 (save $28) Get Deal Lego Marvel Spider-Man Final Battle $93.61 (save $10.77) Get Deal Lego Sonic The Hedgehog Sonic’s Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge $80.99 (save $19) Get Deal Lego Ninjago: Attack of The Morro Dragon $414.03 (save $45.87) Get Deal Lego City Express Passenger Train Set $151.99 (save $38) Get Deal Lego Technic VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 $93.49 (save $16.50) Get Deal Lego Architecture Statue of Liberty $98.99 (save $21) Get Deal

Amazon’s Spring Sale is offering big savings on all things Lego from March 25 to 31. That includes Star Wars, Mario, Disney, Sonic, Marvel, Architecture series and so much more. If your collection could use a boost, this is a great time to grab a few favorites without paying full price.

We're not just talking about the interactive Mario sets by the way, we're talking Boo's haunted mansion and more. Sonic Lego sets are rocking a discount too, which includes the iconic Green Zone Loop which is available for $80.99, saving you $19. If it's a popular IP, chances are that Lego has a kit for you to build. Let's get into it.

SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go players are actually training a giant AI model

Here, you'll find the best Amazon Spring Sale Lego deals we've seen ahead of the event. Be sure to keep checking back, as we'll update this page as soon as new deals go live.

Best Lego Star Wars deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego and Disney Lego Star Wars R2-D2 $81.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $18 Get Deal Why we like it

With 1,050 pieces, this set lets you recreate one of the most iconic droids in the galaxy with epic detail. The best features are the 360-degree rotating head to a detachable third leg (oh dear). It even includes an attachable periscope and tools, making it a very cool display piece that’s more than just for show. You also get a collector’s stand featuring a Lego Star Wars 25th Anniversary logo and an exclusive Darth Malak Minifigure to complete the setup.

Get the Lego Star Wars R2-D2 for $81.99 and save $8.

Best Nintendo Lego Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego / Nintendo Lego Super Mario King Boo's Haunted Mansion $65.99 at Amazon
$74.99 Save $9 Get Deal Why we like it

This 932-piece set includes interactive play features like an elevating sofa, a hidden key in the bookcase, and a treasure chest waiting to be unlocked. Plus, it includes four classic Mario enemies with King Boo, a Yellow Baby Yoshi, Dry Bones, and a Boo included. The mansion opens up for easy access, making it an awesome set to get Mario, Luigi, Peach, and more involved too. Need a bit of guidance? Lego Super Mario app has instructions and creative tips to help you get the most out of your build.

Get the Lego Super Mario King Boo's Haunted Mansion set for $65.99 and save $9.

Best Disney Lego Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego and Disney Lego Disney Encanto The Magical Madrigal House $132.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $27 Get Deal Why we like it

With 1,560 pieces, this detailed playset brings the charm of the Madrigal family home to life, complete with 8 uniquely designed rooms packed with movie-inspired surprises. The set includes 6 Lego Minifigures: Mirabel, Isabela, Dolores, Luisa, Camilo, and Abuela — plus Antonio as a Microfigure and two adorable animal figures.

Save $27 and get the Lego Disney Encanto The Magical Madrigal House for $132.99.

Best Sonic Lego Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego / SEGA Lego Sonic The Hedgehog Sonic’s Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge $80.90 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $19.09 Get Deal Why we like it

This buildable course brings the high-speed action of the classic game to life, complete with a loop-de-loop and a giant ring for Sonic to zoom through using the included speed sphere. The set comes with 9 minifigures, including Sonic, Amy, Dr. Eggman, Badniks Chopper, and Newtron, plus adorable Flicky, Becky, Pocky, and Pecky figures to rescue.

Get the Lego Sonic The Hedgehog Sonic’s Green Hill Zone Loop Challenge for $80.90 and save $19.09.

Best Ninjago Lego Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Lego Lego Ninjago: Attack of The Morro Dragon $414.03 at Amazon
$459.90 Save $45.87 Get Deal Why we like it

This set includes 6 minifigures: Kai, Jay, Evil Green Ninja, Chain Master Wrayth, Ghost Warrior Cowler, and Ghost Warrior Yokai. Each minifigure is also armed with weapons and accessories to recreate intense battles. The massive Morro Dragon is fully poseable with fabric wings, a movable head, and sharp talons. The set also features the legendary Tomb of the First Spinjitzu Master, complete with the Realm Crystal, Aeroblades, and hidden weapons. To up the ante, you also get two ninja jet boards for aerial combat and mischievous Skreemers armed with bananas and sausages. Yes, really.

Snag Lego Ninjago: Attack of The Morro Dragon for $413.92 and save $40.

Best Lego City Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego City Express Passenger Train Set 60337 $151.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $38 Get Deal Why we like it

This remote-controlled bullet train features working, dimmable headlights and Lego Powered Up technology, which allows buyers to control the train with the included remote or a smart device. The set includes everything needed for a bustling railway scene: a train with a restaurant car and passenger coach, a station platform, and 24 track pieces for endless layouts. This set also includes six minifigures including a train driver, a restaurant worker, and four passengers.

Get the Lego City Express Passenger Train Set 60337 for $151.99 and save $38.

Best Lego Creator Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Creator Main Street 31141 $103.18 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $36.81 Get Deal Why we like it

The Lego Creator 3-in-1 Main Street set lets buyers build and rebuild their own bustling city with three different models: a lively street with a hotel, music store, record shop, and café; a stylish four-floor art deco apartment building; or an archway market street. Each design is open at the back, making it easy to access detailed interiors and play out fun city adventures. The set includes six Minifigures: A Hotel receptionist, a coffee shop worker, a singer, a store clerk, a child, and a wheelchair user plus customizable hair and torsos for even more variety.

Order Lego Creator Main Street 31141 for $103.18 and save 26%.

Best Lego Marvel Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego and Disney Lego Marvel Spider-Man Final Battle 76261 $93.61 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $16.38 Get Deal Why we like it

This action-packed build brings together all three Spider-Men: Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man, The Amazing Spider-Man, and MCU Spider-Man alongside iconic characters like Doctor Strange, Green Goblin, Electro, Doc Ock, MJ, Ned, and even a hidden Sandman. With 360-degree playability, this set is loaded with interactive features, including minifigure supports for midair action, a flip-open rear that reveals a portal, and a soft web to trap villains.

Get the Lego Marvel Spider-Man Final Battle 76261 for $93.61 to save $16.38.

Best Lego Technic Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Technic VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 $93.49 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $16.50 Get Deal Why we like it

This advanced build features vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) capabilities, retractable landing gear, and a rotating engine system for epic flight maneuvers. The spaceship also includes a working cargo system, allowing buyers to transport the mini space rover using an extending claw. A grab handle makes it easy to swoop and soar, while the self-leveling cockpit adds a touch of realism to every mission.

Order the Lego Technic VTOL Heavy Cargo Spaceship LT81 for $93.49 and save $16.50.

Best Lego Architecture Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Lego LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty $98.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $21 Get Deal Why we like it

This detailed build captures the essence of Lady Liberty, complete with her flowing robe, seven-ray crown, and upraised arm holding a golden torch. The pedestal features columned balconies, brick detailing, and a decorative nameplate, making it a stunning display piece. Finished in an authentic sand-green and beige color scheme, this set is a very cool project for anyone.

Order the LEGO Architecture Statue of Liberty for $98.99 and save $21.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best kitchen deals to shop ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 17:29

In case you haven’t heard, Amazon’s hosting its first big sale of the year: The Amazon Big Spring Sale, which officially kicks off on March 25. It’s basically like Prime Day, but everyone can take advantage of the deals, not just Prime members. If you're eager to shop the sale, we're already seeing great discounts.

Top kitchen deals ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale Best coffee maker deal Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker $59.99 (save $40) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) $89.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best ice maker deal DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker $49.93 (save $20.06) Get Deal

As you'd expect, the pre-sale is chock-full of discounted products across a wide range of categories, including kitchen and home goods. From high-end cookware to air fryers and everything in between, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is a great opportunity to upgrade your kitchen setup or snag some early Mother's Day gifts.

Here are our top picks for the best kitchen deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best deal for the coffee fanatic Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for a compact coffee maker that’ll get the job done without taking up too much counter space (or breaking the bank), Amazon has the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker on sale for $89.99. That’s a $10 discount on a quality coffee machine from a trusted brand.

It also comes in multiple fun colors, like dusty rose and evergreen. Added bonus: the K-Mini is compatible with any K-Cup pod, so you can use your favorite coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) $102.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $17 Get Deal Why we like it

Air fryers are the new must-have kitchen appliance, and right now, you can score a major deal on the Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141). It’s 14% off, or $102.99 instead of $119.99.

With the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, you can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate a wide variety of foods, from crispy chicken wings to homemade french fries to beef jerky and more. It has a five-quart capacity, an auto-shutoff function, and a chef-inspired 20-recipe booklet to help you get started.

Best ice maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dumos DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker $49.93 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $20.06 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for a portable ice maker, the DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker is exactly what you need, and it’s on sale for $49.93, down from $69.99.

This little ice maker makes nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in just six minutes. All you have to do is fill the water tank, turn it on, and it'll start churning out ice instantly. It's a great appliance for hosting parties, entertaining guests, or just having a steady supply of ice on hand.

More kitchen deals at the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

20+ of the best book deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/18/2025 - 17:22

SAVE UP TO 56%: Ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, thousands of books are discounted by as much as 56% at Amazon, including new releases.

Best book deals at Amazon Best overall book deal 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.40) Get Deal Best sci-fi book deal 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 (save $6.02) Get Deal Best non-fiction book deal 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $11.93 (save $15.07) Get Deal Best fiction book deal 'God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 (save $13) Get Deal

Amazon sales are notorious for offering steep discounts on tech robot vacuums, Apple devices, tablets, and headphones. Ahead of the official start of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, we're seeing plenty of sweet discounts in these categories, but we're also jazzed to see so many great deals in other categories and that includes books.

Nothing compares to the joy that comes from sitting in the warm spring air with a good book. Plus, these sale prices make this the perfect time to stock up on books for summer vacation.

Check out these great book deals at Amazon if your bookshelf is feeling a bit bare after winter hibernation.

Best overall book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Scholastic Press 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $8.40 Get Deal Why we like it

The 50th annual Hunger Games is about to begin, and we're here for it. The latest novel in the saga, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, which just released on March 18.

A beloved character from previous novels, this latest story in the realm takes us along with Haymitch Abernathy's as his name is called to serve as tribute for District 12. Get ready for 400 pages back in the Panem universe by pre-ordering Sunrise on the Reaping for $19.59 in hardcover, down from the list price of $27.99.

Best sci-fi book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ballantine Books 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 at Amazon
$20 Save $6.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Ryland Grace wakes up feeling groggy and confused. Once he figures out what his name is, he might be able to progress in figuring it all out. Anyone who enjoyed Andy Weir's hit sci-fi book The Martian is bound to love Project Hail Mary. The paperback version is on sale ahead of Amazon's big sale for just $13.98, down from the standard price of $20.

Grabbing this title now is a great idea since you'll want to read Project Hail Mary before the motion picture starring Ryan Gosling hits theatres in 2026.

Best non-fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $11.93 at Amazon
$27 Save $15.07 Get Deal Why we like it

Although Atomic Habits isn't a brand new title, it's worth a read anytime, or a re-reading. Since the hardcover version is 56% off ahead of the Amazon sale, there's no excuse to not add this title to your bookshelf. Author James Clear uses the 320 pages to dive into bad habits, good habits, change, goals, and more. If 2025 if your year of change, Atomic Habits is a great place to start.

Best fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Riverhead Books 'The God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 at Amazon
$30 Save $13 Get Deal Why we like it

One of the best-selling thriller books of 2024, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, is 43% off at Amazon, bringing the hardcover book down to just $17. Moore takes us back to summer camp in 1975 when early one morning a counselor realizes someone is missing from their bunk. It's not an ordinary camper. The missing teen is Barbara Van Leer — the daughter of the family that owners the camp. The complex thriller takes us down many story lines that weave together into the perfect thriller that's nearly impossible to put down.

More fiction book dealsMore non-fiction book deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker