Blogroll

The Fire TV Stick 4K Select hits its best-ever price in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save $25 with this coupon code

Mashable - 9 hours 34 min ago

SAVE $25: As of March 25, the Fire Stick 4K Select is on sale for $14.99 with the code FTVSELECT. That's a 55% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Use code FTVSELECT at the checkout Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here and it's dropping prices across hundreds of products. And if you've been looking for a new streaming device, there are plenty of deals to be found across Amazon's range of Fire TV Sticks, like this latest deal on the Fire Stick 4K Select.

As part of the sale, the 4K Select is reduced to $17.99, which is already a record low for this model. However, if you add the code FTVSELECT at the checkout, this will bring the price down further to $14.99. This gives you a total saving of $25 on list price.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The 4K Select is the newest Fire TV Stick in Amazon's range, offering 4K streaming with the key features you need, at a lower price. The setup is the same as other Fire Sticks, you simply plug it into an outlet and your TV's HDMI port, and that's all you need to do. When you turn on your TV you'll find you have access to Fire TV OS, with streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video at your fingertips.

It also has Alexa built-in, so you can use your voice to search and launch shows, manage smart home devices, and even ask it to check the weather.

You can find this great streaming deal in Amazon's Big Spring Sale right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Croatia vs. Colombia online for free

Mashable - 9 hours 34 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free on Caracol TV. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2026 World Cup is fast approaching, so leading international sides are busy preparing with a string of high-profile friendly fixtures this week. There are a number of interesting matchups on the schedule, including Croatia vs. Colombia. Both of these sides will be looking to perform strongly in this summer's tournament, so building some momentum here would be a good start.

If you want to watch Croatia vs. Colombia in a 2026 International Friendly for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Croatia vs. Colombia?

Croatia vs. Colombia kicks off at 7:30 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Citrus Bowl.

How to watch Croatia vs. Colombia for free

Croatia vs. Colombia is available to live stream for free on Caracol TV.

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

Lve stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Visit Caracol TV

  5. Stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Croatia vs. Colombia without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select games before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for Caracol TV?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Caracol TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Colombia

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Croatia vs. Colombia for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: Shop PS5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch

Mashable - 9 hours 42 min ago
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale gaming deals: Best Console Deal ASUS ROG Xbox Ally $539.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Video Game Deal Mario Kart World (Switch 2) $51.99 (save $28) Get Deal Best Gaming Monitor Deal Samsung Odyssey OLED G9 (G91SD) $799.99 (save $500) Get Deal Best Gaming Mouse Deal Logitech G305 Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Mouse $26.99 (save $23) Get Deal

We're in the early days of Amazon’s weeklong Big Spring Sale, but we're already seeing some of the best gaming deals we've spotted this year. And that's whether your console of choice is the PS5, Xbox, or Nintendo Switch. Whether you’re shopping for a new handheld console, a discounted game, or an upgrade for your setup, Amazon (and Woot!) is showing out with impressive price cuts.

Alongside our roundups of Lego deals, TV deals, and Pokémon deals, here are the best gaming offers you can find on-site right now.

Best gaming console deal Opens in a new window Credit: ASUS ASUS ROG Xbox Ally $539.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $60   Get Deal Why we like it

Handheld gaming PCs are still far from cheap, but Amazon has already shaved something off one of the newer Xbox-branded options. The ASUS ROG Xbox Ally is down to $539.99 from $599.99, which knocks $60 off the list price, and beats the price we saw heading into the sale by $10.

This is a new record-low price for the ROG Xbox Ally (confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel), making it an especially great deal if you're in the market for a portable system that blends Xbox branding with the flexibility of a Windows handheld. You're getting a 7-inch 1080p 120Hz touchscreen, AMD Ryzen Z2 A processor, 16GB of RAM, a 512GB SSD, and a three-month Xbox Game Pass Premium subscription bundled in.

This handheld model supports Xbox Game Pass, but you can also run games on Steam, Epic Games, and other Windows titles. That gives it a lot more versatility than a locked-down console-style device.

Best video game deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Mario Kart World' (Switch 2) $51.99 at Woot
$79.99 Save $28.00 Save an extra 20% with code 'SAVETWENTY' Get Deal Why we like it

Even for its great big full price of $79.99, Mashable recommends picking up Mario Kart World if you're a Switch 2 owner. Mashable's Alex Perry wrote in his review, "Moving past the value proposition of it all, World is just a ton of fun. It’s fun to look at, fun to win at, and even fun to lose at, if your mindset is properly attuned to it."

Coming back to the value proposition of it all, this Woot! deal brings the game to a record-low price, with a coupon code helping to bring the price a whopping $28 lower than usual at just $51.99 (aka, less than an original Switch game at full price). If you've been waiting to pick up Mario Kart World, this is your time.

Check out our full review for 'Mario Kart World.'

More Amazon Big Spring Sale gaming deals

Note: A selection of these deals is from Woot's video game sale, which is also on through March 31 (or until supplies last). For March 25, you can use the code SAVETWENTY to take an additional 20% off Woot! games. Woot! is owned by Amazon.

PlayStation gamesNintendo Switch gamesNintendo Switch 2 gamesNintendo Switch accessoriesXbox gamesXbox accessoriesGaming miceGaming headsetsGaming keyboards Gaming monitorsMisc. gaming deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago
A quick look at the best Amazon Shark deals from 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 Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 robot vacuum $949.99 at Amazon (save $350) 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 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. Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale deals 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 deals on Shark vacuums, Shark beauty tools, Shark air purifiers, and more, live during the sale's March 25 through 31 runtime. A handful of our absolute favorite Shark products are on sale, and 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 unmistakable 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 Cordless vacuum dealsCorded vacuum dealsBest Shark robot vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 $949.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $350   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Shark Why we like it

Ahead of the Big Spring Sale, the Shark robot vacuums on sale were decent if you really want a Shark, but I was hesitant to hit full send on recommending one unless the PowerDetect UV Reveal 2-in-1 went on sale. Well, it has, and it's under $1,000, which I honestly did not expect. The $1,299.99 robot vacuum and mop combo with blacklight stain detect (the best Shark robot vacuum right now) hasn't even been out for a month, and I thought for sure that the chances of it seeing a discount this soon were iffy. I was happily mistaken.

More Shark robot vacuum dealsHair tool dealsSkincare device dealsUpright and portable carpet and upholstery cleaner dealsAir purifier deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mic 2 is $80 off in the Amazon Spring Sale — score this creator-favorite for less

Mashable - 10 hours 4 min ago

SAVE $80: As of March 25, the DJI Mic 2 is down to $189 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $80 off the list price of $269.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic 2 $189 at Amazon
$269 Save $80   Get Deal

If you’re a content creator or media professional, there are all kinds of helpful devices available — the problem, as always with tech, is that the best stuff isn’t exactly cheap. That’s why we love a sale event like the Amazon Big Spring Sale, because it’s a chase to snap up devices that are usually that little bit too expensive. One device that’s caught our eye — and is sure to catch sound, too — is the DJI Mic 2.

The DJI Mic 2 is currently priced at $189, an overall saving of $80. That’s 30% off the list price of $269. 

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

This DJI Mic 2 bundle includes a set of two high-quality microphones that come with a receiver and charging case. These are perfect for vloggers or anyone who records audio as part of their day job, whether you need to record minutes of a meeting, livestream, or shoot professional video. 

It has intelligent noise cancellation — that means it will dampen out external noise like wind — with 14 hours of audio storage and up to 18 hours of battery with the charging case. And with a range of 820 feet, you’ll have space to move around.

If this deal on the DJI Mic 2 sounds good, just wait until you hear the audio.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The DJI Mini 3 drone hits new low price in the Amazon Spring Sale — save $170 right now

Mashable - 10 hours 4 min ago

SAVE $170: As of March 25, the DJI Mini 3 drone is down to its lowest-ever price of $379 at Amazon. That's $170 off the list price of $549.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 3 Drone $379 at Amazon
$549 Save $170   Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale certainly isn’t short of drone deals, but we’ve landed on the DJI Mini 3 as one of the best options. An intermediate drone equipped with a 4K HDR camera, it flies the line between casual fun and professional photography. It will suit almost all drone enthusiasts — especially those looking for a bargain.

The DJI Mini 3 is currently marked down to $379, which is a saving of $170 from the usual list price of $549. According to camelcamelcamel, that's a record-low price.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

One of the great things about the DJI Mini 3 is the sheer number of shooting options, including vertical video, 4x digital zoom, and one-tap QuickShot modes. 

That’s all bolstered by wind resistance, a 10km transmission range, and an extended battery life of up to 51 minutes. As with other advanced drones, you can rely on the fact that it has an automatic Return to Home function — there’s zero danger of this clever little flyer ever getting away from you. You also get auto-landing and an FPV view via the hand controller — not to mention all the features and extra control via the DJI Fly app.

Don't miss your chance to fly with a record-low deal on the DJI Mini 3.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This AI writing tool for non-fiction books is down to $42

Mashable - 10 hours 4 min ago

TL;DR: Get the Youbooks AI non-fiction book generator lifetime subscription for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15 and turn ideas into structured drafts faster.

Opens in a new window Credit: Youbooks Youbooks AI Non-Fiction Book Generator: Lifetime Subscription $41.65
$359 Save $317.35   Get Deal

Writing a non-fiction book is a great idea — right up until you roll up your sleeves and realize you actually have to write it. Youbooks AI is designed to speed up that process, helping turn ideas into structured drafts, and a lifetime subscription is currently on sale for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15.

On paper, writing non-fiction sounds manageable. You already have the knowledge, the research, or at least a rough idea of what you want to say. But once you actually start, organizing everything into something coherent — and finishing it — is where things tend to stall. That’s where Youbooks comes in. It’s an AI-powered platform built to help turn loose ideas into more structured, long-form drafts you can actually work with.

Think of it as a writing assistant that doesn’t tap out halfway through. Youbooks pulls from multiple AI models — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini, and Llama — to produce more nuanced content rather than relying on a single tool. It’s not doing the thinking for you, but it can help you get from scattered notes to something that looks like a real draft.

Where Youbooks can be useful:

  • Built-in research support: Pulls in up-to-date information as you write

  • Custom tone and style: Helps keep your voice consistent across sections

  • Source integration: Upload your own notes, transcripts, or materials

  • Long-form capability: Generate drafts up to 200,000 words

  • Commercial rights: Keep full ownership of what you create

It’s designed to be relatively simple to use. Provide a topic, set your preferred tone and structure, and the platform generates a draft you can refine. You can export your work in formats like DOCX, EPUB, or Markdown, depending on how you plan to use it.

With the Fan Plan, you get 200,000 monthly credits (roughly one credit per word), along with storage for style samples and source documents. Future updates are included, too.

Get lifetime access to Youbooks AI for $41.65 (reg. $359) with code MARCH15.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get 2TB of secure cloud storage for 50% off

Mashable - 10 hours 4 min ago

TL;DR: Drime Secure Cloud Storage offers 2TB of encrypted storage with collaboration tools for $112.49 (reg. $299) using code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Drime Secure Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $112.50
$299 Save $186.50   Get Deal

If you’re still switching between cloud storage apps, file-sharing tools, and separate platforms just to collaborate on projects, it can slow everything down.

Drime Secure Cloud Storage brings these tools together in one place, combining secure storage with built-in collaboration features. For a limited time, a lifetime subscription is available for $112.49 (reg. $299) with code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Store, share, and collaborate in one spot

Drime comes loaded with 2TB of storage and handles large file uploads without the usual workarounds. Everything syncs across devices automatically, so your work is always up to date and accessible wherever you are.

Projects live in dedicated collaborative workspaces, files can be shared via password-protected links, and access is controlled through customizable permissions. Built-in editing for documents and media means reviewing, commenting, and making changes all happen in one place.

Security is a core focus with Drime. The encrypted Vault uses 256-bit AES and SSL/TLS encryption, with files encrypted locally so they remain inaccessible to anyone but you.

Hosted in Europe and fully GDPR compliant, Drime is a strong fit for anyone who wants real transparency and control over where their data lives.

More than just storage

Drim goes well beyond basic file storage. E-signature collection, 90-day version history, and smooth large-video streaming are all part of the package. Timestamped comments and advanced sharing options keep feedback loops tight and collaboration organized. The setup can make sense for freelancers, teams, or anyone managing multiple projects who wants to keep everything in one place.

If you’re looking for a more private, all-in-one cloud storage solution, you can get Drime Secure Cloud Storage for $112.49 (reg. $299) with code CLOUD through April 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We picked the best Apple deals from Amazons Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 23:05
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $49) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $744 (save $55) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third year, running now through March 31. The retailer is officially rolling out wide-ranging discounts across multiple categories, with prices dropping on items like robot vacuums, TVs, and even daily essentials. And if there's one thing we can always guarantee, it's that this sale features plenty of solid discounts on top Apple products.

Apple has had a busy month, with the launch of its first-ever budget MacBook, upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, the iPhone 17e, and even AirPods Max 2. This means we're not only seeing first-time discounts on the new slate of products for the Big Spring Sale, but also new record-low prices on last-gen models. We'll be tracking prices throughout the entire event, so keep an eye on this page for the latest and greatest Apple deals.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025. The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2s), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the Pro 3s, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-pack of Apple's Bluetooth trackers keeps going in and out of stock on Amazon, which is hardly surprising: It's never been cheaper there. (It dipped to $62.99 on Black Friday.) You wind up paying just $15 per AirTag. If it happens to sell out by the time you go to buy it, Walmart and Best Buy are both offering the same deal.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $744 at Amazon
$799 Save $55   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $55 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $744 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Amazon. We're keeping our eyes on this laptop, as we expect to see it drop further as the sale nears. But make note that since it is now an older model, it could sell out fast.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Neo dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch dealsApple Pencil deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Dropouts Dimension 20: City Council of Darkness trailer has Brennan Lee Mulligan going vampire

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 23:05

Brace yourselves fellow Dungeons and Dragons nerds, because Dropout is coming for the jugular with the next season of Dimension 20. Coming hot on the heels of Gladlands, the next adventure will reunite Game Master Brennan Lee Mulligan with intrepid heroes Emily Axford, Ally Beardsley, Brian Murphy, Zac Oyama, Siobhan Thompson, and Lou Wilson for some role-playing in the realm of Vampire: The Masquerade.

According to the press release from Dropout, the new season, titled City Council of Darkness, will focus on "a brood of flamboyant goth vampires exiled from their ancient castle and forced to assimilate into a painfully wholesome small town, where they unexpectedly find themselves running the local government. Between zoning disputes, bloodthirsty urges, and mandatory bake sales, it’s undead chaos in the quaintest hellscape imaginable."

SEE ALSO: The 'Dimension 20' cast chooses their ultimate Intrepid Heroes squad

Cheers to the intrepid heroes, who will fill the abyss left by the end of What We Do in the Shadows and the gap before the next season of Interview with the Vampire (aka The Vampire Lestat) with weird, wild bloodsucker fun. This trailer gives a taste of the directions the cast will take their vampires in, with inspirations including superhero movies, Vampire in Brooklyn, Lost Boys, and nunsploitation. ("Whimples on, titties out!")

Welcome to Purpee.

Dimension 20: City Council of Darkness will premiere April 8 on Dropout, with new episodes weekly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I cant get excited over the HBO Harry Potter teaser

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 22:33

The first teaser for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, the first season of HBO's Harry Potter series, feels like it was brewed up in a potions lab to induce maximum nostalgia.

SEE ALSO: 7 magic school series to buy young readers that aren't 'Harry Potter'

Look, here's Harry Potter (Dominic McLaughlin) living in the cupboard under the stairs! Here he is meeting Hermione (Arabella Stanton) and Ron (Alastair Stout) on the Hogwarts Express! Here he is unwrapping the Nimbus 2000! All it's missing is "Hedwig's Theme."

I won't lie that my inner child jumped at reentering the storied halls of Hogwarts. But quickly, it became overcome with the frustration that this series exists in the first place. Not only are there more fantasy stories itching to be adapted to the small screen, but Harry Potter's legacy remains tied to its creator's transphobia.

Author J.K. Rowling, who serves as an executive producer on the series, has routinely made harmful, discriminatory comments towards the trans community, with recent behavior including praising the UK's Girlguiding ban of trans girls and attacking Glamour UK for praising trans women in their 2025 Women of the Year issue. In 2025, she also launched the J.K. Rowling Women's Fund, which is devoted to "women's sex-based rights," or further transphobic rhetoric. Rowling is funding this herself with the considerable money she's earned in large part from her Harry Potter empire, which will only continue to grow with the HBO series.

Rowling's discriminatory turn is in stark opposition to Harry Potter's message of inclusion and celebrating differences, and she's only doubled down further in the face of criticism, including some from longtime fans of the franchise. That ugliness hangs like a stain over the teaser for Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, and as much as I'd like to get excited over visiting Hogwarts again, I simply can't.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone premieres this Christmas on HBO and HBO Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Amazon Echo deals to shop in the 2026 Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 22:20
The best Echo deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Echo deal Echo Show 11 $169.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best budget deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best kids deal Amazon Echo Pop Kids $29.99 (save $20) Get Deal

I’ll be the first to admit that I rely on my Amazon Echo devices a little too much. But they’re just so convenient for literally everything — from setting cooking timers to checking the weather and even turning off my TV (yes, I'm getting a little lazy these days). Alexa+ has made it way too easy.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuum deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Our Dreame, Roborock, and Eufy favorites on sale

Amazon is notorious for discounting its own tech during major shopping events, and that's especially true for this year's Amazon’s Big Spring Sale. Consider it the first major savings event before Prime Day. We had Presidents' Day, sure, but that doesn't hold a candle to what this sale is offering.

Running from March 25 through March 31, the Big Spring Sale will let shoppers snag discounts across just about every category. Last year, we saw markdowns of up to 71% off, and it already looks like this year is showcasing more of the same.

Here are the best Echo deals you can shop during the Big Spring Sale now.

Best Amazon Echo deal Amazon Echo Show 11 $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you're looking to upgrade your smart home setup during the Big Spring Sale, the new Amazon Echo Show 11 is our top pick. It has a vibrant 11-inch full-HD touch screen and is designed for Amazon's new, conversational AI assistant, Alexa+. Bonus: It's $169.99 right now, which is the lowest price we've tracked to date. (If you want something a little cheaper, you can get the 8-inch screen for $139.99.)

Over at our sister site, PCMag, Andrew Gebhart dubbed the device the best way to bring Alexa+ to big rooms. Gebhart notes that its 1,900 x 1,200-pixel resolution provides a crisper, better picture quality than Amazon's larger, much pricier Echo Show 15 and 21 models.

More Echo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Reddit addresses bot problems, ID verification

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 22:11

Reddit CEO Steve Huffman caused a stir when he told a tech show that the platform was considering some form of ID verification to combat bots. Now Huffman has officially addressed the issues in a message to Reddit users posted right on the platform itself.

Huffman says Reddit isn't looking to identify its anonymity-loving user base. The company just wants to make sure its users are human.

"Reddit works because it’s human – and we want to keep it that way," a Reddit spokesperson told Mashable in a statement, just as Huffman wrote in another post last year.

Huffman's latest post is summarized in its title, "Humans welcome (bots must wear name tags)." Going forward, the CEO wrote, "good bots" on Reddit will now be labeled as "Apps."

Automation is allowed in certain use cases on the platform, Huffman noted. But bot accounts must not impersonate a human being. Developers will be able to officially register their automated accounts with Reddit; details on how to do so will be shared soon. 

What about ID verification? According to Huffman, Reddit will approach this as "human verification." The platform is not looking to identify specific individuals, just confirm that they are an actual person and not a bot.

There will not be any sitewide verification process for Reddit, in other words. Human verification will be performed on a case-by-case basis, if an account is using automation or engaging in other suspicious bot-like activity. Reddit will use a third-party service for human verification.

"If we suspect a user is running an automation, they’ll encounter a verification prompt," a Reddit spokesperson told Mashable. "This will affect a small number of users. Any verification service we use will not have access to your Reddit activity and username, and we will not have access to your real-world identity."

The company says it has successfully been able to detect and remove bots for more than 20 years — and believes these new moves will provide better visibility and transparency to its user base.

As for AI on the platform — including AI slop — Reddit is taking a wait-and-see approach. "For better or worse, using AI to write is part of how people will communicate in the future (albeit annoying), so our current focus is to ensure there is a real, live human behind the accounts you’re seeing," Huffman wrote.

Subreddit communities will able to make their own rules regarding AI, however — and users can always downvote AI content on the platform.

But Huffman isn't closing the door on a sitewide approach to AI in the future. "Things are changing quickly, and we’ll adapt as best we can," he wrote.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best power station deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: New lows on Jackery, Anker, and Bluetti

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 22:04
Best Amazon Big Spring Sale portable power stations deals at a glance: Best Bluetti deal Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $749 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Anker Solix deal Anker Soloix F3800 Portable Power Station, BP3800 Expansion Battery, and 400W Solar Panel $3,498.99 at Amazon (save $3,898.01) Get Deal Best Jackery deal Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 $429 (save $370) Get Deal Best DJI deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 (save $65) Get Deal

Amazon saw the sun setting later, smelled flowers blooming, and felt warmer temps and decided to celebrate by dropping a bunch of prices. The Big Spring Sale is officially live right now through March 31, which is 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. They'll be a savior during power outages, keeping the refrigerator running, phones charged up, and the WiFi router connected. They're also well worth packing along on upcoming camping trips. Think of movie nights under the stars with a powered-up portable projector and 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 seeing steep discounts now that the sale is officially live.

Best Bluetti deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Bluetti Elite 200 V2 $749 at Amazon
$949 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

If you need a large and in charge power solution, whether in an emergency or going off-grid, the Bluetti Elite 200 V2 is a fantastic option. It comes with 2,600Wh of battery power, which is more than enough to charge larger items like laptops and small appliances. It's also capable of recharging your phones and keeping the WiFi router on for an extended period of time. If you find that you routinely lose power, this unit is something you'll want to keep on hand to make sure you can charge things up when you need them.

More Bluetti dealsBest Anker deal Anker Solix F3800 $3,498.99 at Amazon
$7,397 Save $3,898.01   See It at Amazon

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 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. The Solix F3800 comes bundled with a 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 panel 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

How to recycle Amazon packaging from your Big Spring Sale purchases (yes, all of it)

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:59

As if we all don't order enough Amazon packages on any given day, yet another seasonal Amazon sale is upon us: The 2026 Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 to March 31. In other words, even more packages are about to pile up on doorsteps all over the world. That leaves us with a glaring issue: How do you recycle all those damn boxes, bubble envelopes, and paper bags?

Given the huge variety in packaging, the answer isn't so clear.

SEE ALSO: The 2026 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The reality of Amazon recycling

According to a 2024 report from ocean conservancy organization Oceana, Amazon generated 208 million pounds of plastic packaging waste from U.S. transactions in 2022. Despite a global decline in plastic waste, the number for U.S. shipping saw a 9.6 percent increase. "This amount of plastic, in the form of air pillows, would circle the Earth more than 200 times," the organization says.

Amazon, for what it's worth, does provide guidelines around the topic. U.S. customers whose orders are fulfilled by Amazon can click on any order in the Amazon app and scroll down to the bottom to view recycling or discard instructions. Customers can also ask Alexa or Siri "How do I recycle my Amazon packaging?" and both will direct them to Amazon's guidelines.

But David Pinsky, a senior plastics campaigner at Greenpeace, doesn't think this information's very useful.

"While it is helpful to provide information, Amazon is continuing to place the burden on customers to manage its enormous packaging footprint. As U.S. and global recycling markets collapse, the truth is that very few plastics are still recyclable and, even if they are collected for recycling, most are not recycled. It's time for Amazon to ditch all single-use packaging and transition to reuse and refill systems," Pinsky, who works to make large companies reduce their single-plastic use, wrote in an email.

Large corporations like Amazon need to take responsibility by eliminating throwaway packaging and switching to reuse and refill systems, Pinsky explained.

In a December 2022 blog post, Amazon acknowledged this disparity: "Although the plastic packaging Amazon uses today is recyclable, it generally requires our customers to take the materials from their homes to store drop-off locations. As a company that obsesses about our customers, we recognize it's not the easiest customer experience."

What Amazon is doing for the planet

Amazon does offer a program called Frustration-Free Packaging, which includes products designed to ship in their own packaging without the need for additional Amazon mailers or boxes. According to Amazon, "products in 'Frustration-Free Packaging' offer more sustainable packaging that is right-sized, reduces damages, is made of recyclable packaging materials, and is easier to open." It is also made of 100 percent curbside recyclable materials. And the option is working, to some extent. Since 2015, Amazon has reduced the weight of outbound packaging by 38 percent and eliminated more than 1.5 million tons of packaging material, thanks to programs such as Frustration-Free Packaging.

"In the midst of a rapid increase in customer orders throughout the pandemic, we continued to take steps to reduce single-use plastics in our outbound packaging," the company wrote.

In 2019, Amazon debuted its fully recyclable paper padded mailer. The company had shipped more than 200 million new mailers to customers as of mid-2020 and replaced nearly 70 percent of its mixed material bubble mailers by 2021, offering the same recyclability as Amazon's cardboard box but taking up less space in the recycle bin, says an Amazon spokesperson.

The company also debuted its "Less Packaging, More Smiles" campaign in 2020 as a way to use less packaging materials in its shipments while helping customers repurpose boxes before recycling. For example, you can reuse Amazon cardboard boxes in fun ways — like to build a rocket, fort, or car for your cat or dog — all via a QR code on the box that provides instructions.

In 2021, the company attempted to address the plastic-film concerns and redesigned many of these plastic products to be more sustainable, increasing the recycled content of plastic film bags from 25 percent to 50 percent, and from 15 percent to over 40 percent for its plastic padded bags. The improvements are expected to eliminate more than 25,000 metric tons of new plastic each year moving forward, according to the company. In March 2022, the company also announced its partnership with the BOTTLE consortium, a U.S. Department of Energy research initiative to reduce plastic pollution, to design new modes of plastic chemical upcycling.

The company encourages customers to shop with Amazon Day Delivery in mind to take advantage of flexible options for when and how packages arrive. "On top of making deliveries work for their personal schedule, choosing Amazon Day is a great way to combine multiple orders into one delivery, potentially reducing the amount of packaging they receive. On average, Amazon Day uses 30 percent fewer boxes and Amazon Day users saved 136 million boxes in 2022," Amazon explained.

But these sustainability efforts might not be going far enough. As the Washington Post reported, in an effort to pack more shipments into delivery planes and trucks, Amazon is using more small plastic mailers rather than cardboard boxes.

SEE ALSO: The 2025 guide to recycling electronics, beauty empties, and clothing The long road to plastic-free Prime

Many of the plastic mailers it uses (like its regular and bubble-lined plastic bags) include plastic film.

In its latest report, Oceana estimated that up to 22 million pounds of such plastic packaging waste would end up in the world’s waterways and seas, noting that plastic film is the most common form of marine plastic litter in nearshore ocean areas and the deadliest to marine life.

Amazon notes on its website that some cities have curbside recycling programs for film, and if your city doesn't, Amazon utilizes a directory to find a drop-off location that will take compatible plastic film, wrap, and bags. However, Pinsky says this website isn't exhaustive because it doesn't include a list of complete options for some areas.

There also aren't that many cities with recycling programs that accept plastic film, says Darby Hoover, a senior resource specialist who works on plastic waste issues at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), an environmental advocacy organization. When it comes to recycling centers, even if they do accept plastic film, it can be hard, if not impossible, to process, as they often get caught in the center's machinery, a spokesperson from the recycling, landfill, and compost operator Recology wrote in an email.

To avoid this problem, Recology workers try to manually remove loose plastic film before it enters the machinery, but this doesn't always work. "Amazon packages represent a challenging new packaging trend," a Recology spokesperson explained.

Pinsky still suggests conducting your own research to find drop-off locations and asking your supermarket if they recycle plastic film.

And then there's the paper address label. If it's a self-adhesive label, it's probably not recyclable, Hoover says. "It's pretty upsetting to see Amazon has gone in this direction by putting more single-use plastics on the market," Pinsky says.

Although online shopping has become the de-facto way of living, it shouldn't just be the customer's responsibility to figure out how to recycle. Companies need to step up too, Hoover says.

How to recycle Amazon's packaging

Whether you're planning a big haul during a sale event like Prime Day or are interested for everyday orders, here's how you can do your part to recycle all of Amazon's packaging.

1. Paper padded envelope mailer Amazon's paper padded envelope mailer. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says these paper padded mailers are recyclable, just like cardboard boxes and other paper items.

Paper products should be accepted by most curbside recycling programs, says Pinsky.

2. Bubble-lined plastic bag and plastic bag Amazon's bubble-lined plastic bag. Credit: Amazon Amazon's plastic bag. Credit: Amazon

Some cities offer curbside recycling, Amazon writes on its website. If your city doesn't, Amazon suggests using a directory where you can enter your ZIP code to find a drop-off location that accepts plastic film, which these bags contain.

Still, it's questionable if some drop-off locations will accept bubble-lined plastic bags, Pinsky says. Hoover advises people to check drop-off centers' websites to see what they can recycle.

3. Cardboard box and cardboard folder Amazon's cardboard box. Credit: Amazon Amazon's cardboard folder. Credit: Amazon

Cardboard boxes and folders can be recycled in most curbside recycling, Amazon states on its website. It also says to remove any tape before recycling.

Still, you should check with your local government to see what is recyclable and learn how and if you're supposed to prepare these materials in a particular way, Hoover says.

For example, New York City advises people to flatten cardboard boxes and then tie them together with strong twine before setting them out for recycling.

You can also use your cardboard boxes to start composting.

4. Paper Envelope Amazon's paper envelope. Credit: Amazon

Amazon says its paper envelopes are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs.

5. Give Back Box partnership (for cardboard boxes) Give your Amazon cardboard box another life by donating your stuff with it. Credit: Amazon

If you have an extra box lying around, you can also give it a second life. Just fill a box with items you wish to donate, print out a label for free, and ship it at no cost to you through UPS, FedEx, or USPS. Your old things will be re-homed to charities through Amazon's partnership with Give Back Box, and you can write off the donation on your taxes.

6. Packing paper Amazon's brown packing paper. Credit: Amazon

Packing paper is recyclable through most curbside recycling programs, according to Amazon.

7. Air pillow Amazon's air pillow. Credit: Amazon

Amazon suggests you either recycle its air pillows curbside, if possible, or find a drop-off location that accepts them. Like Amazon's plastic bags, air pillows contain plastic film, which means the packaging is harder to recycle.

When you are able to recycle them, Hoover suggests first popping the air out of the pillow and then bringing it to a drop-off location.

8. Bubble-lined paper mailer Amazon's bubble-lined paper mailer. Credit: Amazon

Paper mailers with air bubble padding are not recyclable and should be put in the trash, Amazon says on its website, though also suggests checking with your local recycling program for more details.

Pinsky, for his part, advises throwing out these mailers.

9. Reusable gift bags Amazon's reusable gift bags. Credit: Amazon

As you've probably guessed by the name, Amazon encourages you to reuse these gift bags. But once they're no longer presentable, you'll have to chuck them in the garbage bin. Amazon says it is "currently transitioning to gift bags made of 100 percent recycled material that will replace this version."

Pinsky advises avoiding these gift bags altogether. Most of the bags will end up in landfills, incinerators, and the environment.

Instead, he says, "get creative with other ways to share gifts that don’t require single-use plastic bags, paper, or other materials."

10. Amazon Fresh paper bag Credit: Amazon

Since they're paper, Amazon Fresh paper bags are recyclable through most curbside recycling programs.

11. Paper ice cream pouch Credit: Amazon

Paper envelopes, including the insulation inside, are recyclable in most curbside recycling programs and also can be used again if clean and dry.

12. Amazon Fresh water bottle Amazon Fresh water bottle. Credit: Amazon

This is just a water bottle and can be recycled in most curbside recycling programs. Amazon states on its website that these water bottles are used to cool items like food, but you can also drink the water, so don't let it go to waste.

13. Produce bag Amazon's produce bag. Credit: Amazon

Again, because the product has plastic film it may be tricky to recycle because the film often gets stuck in recycling centers' machinery. Amazon says some cities offer curbside recycling for its produce bag, but when not available, you can "use designated store drop-off locations where plastic film is accepted."

It's worth checking where you can recycle it first. Amazon provides a website to find a drop-off location to do so, but you should do your own research and ask your supermarket if they accept the film, says Pinsky.

14. Bottom board and paper insulation Credit: Amazon Amazon's paper insulation. Credit: Amazon

Both products are made of 100 percent cardboard. As such, Amazon says you can recycle both in your curbside recycling program.

Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ Amazon spring sale deals on outdoor gear: Owala water bottles, Solix power stations, Solo Stoves, more

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:43
Best Amazon Big Spring Sale outdoor deals at a glance: Best outdoor speaker deal JBL Charge 6 $159.95 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $428.99 at Amazon (save $370.01) Get Deal Best hydration deal Owala FreeSip (32 ounce, select colorways) $29.99 at Amazon (save $5) Get Deal Best camping deal Rumpl Original Puffy National Park Blanket (select colorways) $74.95 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal Best cooler deal Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best camping furniture deal Helinox Chair One $82.46 at Amazon (save $27.49) Get Deal Best backyard deal Solo Stove Bonfire $224.99 at Amazon (save $104.01) Get Deal Best watersports deal Bote 10-foot Breeze Aero Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board $499 at Amazon (save $280) Get Deal

Now that we're officially into spring, we're celebrating by snagging those elusive campsite reservations. Naturally, Amazon's version of celebrating is holding a massive sale — and the 2026 Big Spring Sale could prove quite beneficial to your upcoming outdoor plans.

SEE ALSO: How to recycle Amazon packaging from your Big Spring Sale purchases (yes, all of it)

Amazon sales tend to bring significant discounts to some of our favorite outdoor items like Ninja coolers, portable power stations, Owala bottles, Solo Stoves, and outdoor-ready Bluetooth speakers. If you have some well-loved outdoor gear that deserves to retire, this is a smart week to upgrade.

The Amazon spring sale started on March 25 and runs through March 31. Here are some of the best Amazon Big Spring Sale outdoor deals that we've found so far:

Best portable power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Solix Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 $428.99 at Amazon
$799 Save $370.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Anker Solix C100 Gen 2 portable power station.

If your campsite could use some extra power, consider the major upgrade to a portable power station. The Anker Solix C1000 Gen 2 is well worth inviting along on your weekend in the outdoors — and its sale price has dropped by an extra $61 since we caught it on sale ahead of the spring sale's official kickoff.

Anker went super lightweight with this model and it comes in at just under 25 pounds, making it easy to pack and carry around the campsite. There's also the quick recharging capability. Just 49 minutes of AC wall charging will get the Solix C1000 Gen 2 up to 100 percent charged. It'll keep phones and tablets charged up, as well as giving you the ability to hang fairy lights and even pack along the air fryer.

More power station dealsBest outdoor speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Charge 6 $159.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

Every camping adventure deserves some tunes. In Mashable's review of the best portable Bluetooth speakers, the JBL Charge 6 earns top marks as the best for most people. Its IP68 water- and dust-proof rating makes it especially worthy of adventure, and the battery can give it up to 28 hours of playtime. JBL also added a sturdy handle strap for easier transportation. Plus, the speaker doubles as a portable charger, so you can keep your phone from going dead while also hosting a dance party.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja FrostVault Cooler (30 quart) $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Ninja makes some of our favorite kitchen appliances to use at home, but the brand is also a go-to for keeping food chilled at the campground. The 30-quart Ninja FrostVault Cooler can hold 26 cans while loaded up with 15 pounds of ice or 48 cans with no ice. The handles and lockable latch make this model especially user-friendly. Ninja also added a dry-zone drawer to the design of the FrostVault, which is the perfect place to store road-trip snacks with the assurance they won't end up getting squished or soggy.

More cooler dealsDeals on portable stoves, lanterns, and more
Categories: IT General, Technology

GitHub’s Copilot will use you as AI training data, but you can opt out

How-To Geek - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:38

The generative AI models powering ChatGPT, Copilot Gemini, and other assistants were created with mountains of training data. Now, Microsoft will start using interactions with GitHub Copilot as another source of that information, unless you specifically opt out of the collection.

Categories: IT General, Technology

35 deals under $50 that are live during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:37
Best deals under $50 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Soundcore by Anker Space A40 $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best home deal Dreo TurboPoly Table Fan 315 $49.95 (save $6) Get Deal

It's a great week if you like deals. As of March 25, Amazon is hosting the first major sale event of 2026. The Amazon Big Spring Sale spans almost the entire week, ending Tuesday, March 31.

Like all Amazon sales, there is an abundance of deals to sort through, and that's especially true if you're searching for items that fall into the category of under $50. Maybe you're searching for the perfect birthday gift, thinking ahead to Mother's Day (May 10 this year, FYI), or simply don't want to spend a ton; an under-$50 budget allows for plenty of buying power.

We've compiled a list of our favorite deals under $50 to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Check back as we continue to update this article throughout the week.

Best Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Why we like it

Amazon sales are notoriously one of the best opportunities to snag Amazon devices. From Kindles to Fire TV sticks, Amazon loves to put its own products on huge discounts. If you could use a new bedroom smart speaker and clock, the Amazon Echo Spot has a sale price of $49.99, down from the standard price of $79.99. With a quick glance, you'll be able to check the time, weather, and more without having to check your phone. Plus, you can set it to play your favorite wakeup playlist each morning.

More Amazon devices on saleBest earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore by Anker Soundcore by Anker Space A40 (select colorways) $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Soundcore by Anker Space A40 earbuds usually come with a price of $79.99, but as long as you're cool with navy, black, or white, they can be yours for only $49.99. The Space A40 earbuds are designed to reduce noise by up to 98 percent, and they come with a massive 50 hours of playback time with the included case. Amazon's Big Spring Sale could be the best opportunity to replace earbuds before we head into the summer.

More headphones, earbuds, and audio dealsBest home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreo Dreo TurboPoly Table Fan 315 $49.95 at Amazon
$55.99 Save $6.04   Get Deal Why we like it

It's about to get hot. Maybe not today or tomorrow, but soon enough, we'll be back in sweltering season. This year, head into the warmth with the Dreo TurboPoly Table Fan. Not only does it look great, it has four speeds, an 8-hour timer, and big oscillation power. Dreo says the fan is powerful enough to blow air up to 60 feet, so it'll be ideal for a bedroom or office. Plus, it's a quiet 28 decibels so there's no issue with sleeping with the fan on.

More home dealsBest gaming deal

Note: All of the below gaming deals are part of the Woot! video game sale that also runs through March 31 (or until supplies last). Woot! is owned by Amazon, and all the games are brand new.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Mario Kart World' for Nintendo Switch 2 $51.99 at Woot!
$79.99 Save $28.00 Use code 'SAVETWENTY' at checkout. Get Deal Why we like it

OK, this one is not technically under $50, but it's so close and such a good deal, we couldn't pass up including it here. One of the more controversial parts of the Switch 2 release was the higher game prices, including on the first title live with the console: Mario Kart World. The good news is that if you've been waiting for the $80 game to drop in price, Spring Sale season has you covered. Thanks to this markdown at Woot!, you can pick it up for $64.99. And as of March 25, you can use the code SAVETWENTY at checkout to knock an additional $13 off the game our reviewer called "chaotic, hilarious fun."

Check out our full review of Mario Kart World.

More gaming deals

Nintendo Switch

PlayStation

Categories: IT General, Technology

Melania Trump brings humanoid robots to the White House

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:09

You wouldn't think that being able to stride through the White House's East Wing without stumbling would make headlines. But as Melania Trump made her way down the red carpet lined hallway to a classical music arrangement, the First Lady was flanked not by the typical Secret Service agent you'd expect to see on presidential grounds, but by a humanoid robot.

Yes, robots are in the White House now.

SEE ALSO: Meta, YouTube found guilty of negligence in history-making social media addiction trial

The room was filled with other spouses of world leaders and tech executives, gathered for the second day of the administration's latest AI summit, part of the “Fostering the Future Together” initiative. But details from the public-private networking opp paled in comparison to the event's AI-powered special guest: A robot named simply "Figure 3."

Figure 3 was created by American robotics company Figure, a former partner of Trump backer OpenAI (the arrangement between the AI robotics start up and the AI giant ended last year). TIME named the robot one of the best inventions of 2025, and it's perhaps the closest we've gotten to a real world robot butler. Figure 3 can do household chores like fold towels, load the dishwasher, and pick up detritus — whether or not its done efficiently is debatable.

Figure 3 spoke to White House guests in a young, vocal-fry inflected female voice, similar to the rest of its robotic and AI-powered compatriots, and told the crowd that it was an "honor" to be given a prime speaking engagement at the event.

"I am grateful to be part of this historic movement to empower children with technology and education,” Figure 3 told the room, right after it greeted the space in 11 languages, reported CNN.

The robot didn't stumble once. And for those in the know, that's huge.

The goal of Trump's Fostering the Future Together is to supercharge "advanced technology, including artificial intelligence (Al), to assist children, educators, and parents, while also protecting them from online dangers." This week's summit was convened to connect world leaders (or, in most cases, their spouses) with private tech partners, aligned with Trump's "Be Best" educational initiative, previously launched during President Trump's first term.

In her brief appearance, Trump suggested the future would be filled with AI-powered robot teachers like Figure 3 — a pitch that may be bolstered the of a current wave of AI-only schools peddled by Big Tech and Silicon Valley elite, but has yet to be backed by learning science.

“The future of AI is personified," said Trump. "It will be formed in the shape of humans. Very soon, artificial intelligence will move from our mobile phones to humanoids that deliver utility."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best robot vacuum deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: Our Dreame, Roborock, and Eufy favorites on sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 21:02
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals: Best robot vacuum on sale overall Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete $1,359.90 (save $340.09) Get Deal Best roller mop robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $270) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal 3i G10+ $199.99 (save $50) Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is officially making its third comeback, running now through March 31. During this sales event, the retail giant is marking down thousands of items, from Apple products and TVs to Kindles and kitchen appliances. But since it's officially spring cleaning season, upgrading to a robot vacuum so you don't have to clean your own floors is the smartest move you can make.

Plus, this is the first time we're seeing price drops on the new 2026 robot vacuum and mop combos that were just released in February and March. In fact, they've already started dropping prices on some of our favorite models.

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 $1,359.90 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $340.09   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.

Right now, you can get the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete for $1,359.90, down from $1,699.99, at Amazon. That's a 20% discount or $340.09 savings.

Best budget robot vacuum deal 3i G10+ $199.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $50   Get Deal at Amazon

Read Mashable's review of the 3i G10+.

Amazon's already gifted us with a discount on our favorite budget robot vac, the 3i G10+. Stodart says the 3i G10+ is the "most impressive robot vacuum under $500," and now it's even more affordable at $199.99, down from $249.99.

Not only does this little vac come with a debris compression feature (you can go literal months without emptying it), but it also has a livestream camera so you can check on your fur babies while you're at work or wherever else.

"I've never seen one of these on a robot vacuum that costs less than $1,000, let alone $500," writes Stodart. "It sounds ridiculously unnecessary at first, but I know pet parents understand the appeal of being able to remotely check on their pets."

SEE ALSO: The best air purifier deals to shop in Amazon's Big Spring Sale — save on Dyson, Sharp, and more More robot vacuum dealsMore robot vacuum mop combo deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker