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These are the 5 coolest things I've automated with Home Assistant

How-To Geek - 6 hours 42 min ago

Home Assistant can help you to do useful things, such as turning lights on and off or controlling your heating, but not every automation has to be completely practical. These are some of the coolest things I've done using Home Assistant.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found 20+ noise-cancelling headphones to shop in Amazons Spring Sale: Last chance to save on Sony and Bose

Mashable - 6 hours 43 min ago
Best noise-cancelling headphones deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Overall Bose QuietComfort $249 (save $100) Get Deal Best flagship headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $243 (save $156.99) Get Deal Best budget Headphones Deal JLab JBuds Lux ANC $41.99 (save $38) Get Deal Best AirPods Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best Budget Earbuds deal Nothing Ear (a) $58.99 ($50.01) Get Deal Best preorder deal Apple AirPods Max 2 $529 (save $20) Pre-Order Here

As a headphones reviewer who's also covered the past two years of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, I knew that the seasonally themed sale could bring some decent tech savings, even if they weren't quite Prime Day-worthy.

Still, I didn't expect the noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds deals to be as good as they are. On the final day of the weeklong Amazon sale, a new markdown on the last-gen Sony WH-1000XM5s has joined existing deals on Bose QuietComfort headphones, the Apple AirPods Pro 3, and the JLab JBuds Lux ANC, our favorite budget cans. (Plus, Amazon has revived its preorder discount on the new AirPods Max 2.) If you haven't added anything to your cart just yet, you still have plenty of options.

SEE ALSO: Live updates on Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Record-low prices on Apple MacBooks, DJI drones, Sony headphones, and Kindles

That said: The Big Spring Sale ends at 11:59 p.m. PT tonight (March 31), so time is running out. For some buying guidance, I've rounded up my absolute favorite noise-cancelling headphone and earbud deals below.

Best noise-cancelling headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

They may not be the flashiest headphones from the brand, but the regular QuietComforts feel like quintessential Bose. They're comfortable, have sound quality on par with more expensive headphones, and excellent ANC. They lack the spatial audio features or fancier design of their Ultra counterparts, but at $249 on sale, they're also about $200 less, making them an excellent option if you want something nicer than budget headphones, but don't want to drop $400 or more. When Mashable's Sam Mangino tested them for our guide of Bose headphones, she wrote, "I was pleasantly surprised at just how incredible they are." As a bonus, they have replaceable ear cups, making them great for future proofing.

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

The Fitbit Inspire 3 is down to its lowest-ever price in Amazons Big Spring Sale — last chance to save $30

Mashable - 6 hours 50 min ago

SAVE $30: As of March 31, the Fitbit Inspire 3 is back to its lowest-ever price of $69.95 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That's $30 off its list price of $99.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Inspire 3 $69.95 at Amazon
$99.95 Save $30   Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is entering into its final day, but don't let that get you down. There are still plenty of great discounts to check out, even with the sale event clock counting down. For those searching for fitness trackers, brands like Fitbit have some excellent offers still available. Even our favorite budget fitness tracker, the Fitbit Inspire 3, is on sale right now.

The Fitbit Inspire 3 has returned to its lowest-ever price of $69.95 at Amazon. Since it usually retails for $99.95, this deal saves you $30 overall. Plus, every available color is on sale at this price, so you can find the model that best suits your personal taste.

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The Fitbit Inspire 3 packs quite a lot of helpful features into its compact build. There's a reason it earned the spot as the best budget fitness tracker in our roundup of the best fitness trackers: "It has a comprehensive suite of health and fitness tracking features, a slim, low-profile design, and a straightforward user interface that makes it a great pick for most people."

So what are some of those features? Well, the Fitbit Inspire 3 can help you out with all-day activity tracking, boasts a 24/7 heart rate monitor, 20+ exercise modes, wellness tracking, a daily Stress Management Score, automatic sleep tracking, and much more. That's a whole lot for just under $70.

This deal is part of the Big Spring Sale, and may not stick around after today. If it has caught your eye, now is the time to pick it up and save.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals in Home Depots Spring Sale — score free power tools from Ryobi, DeWalt, and Milwaukee

Mashable - 6 hours 52 min ago
A quick look at the best Home Depot Spring Sale deals: Best cordless power tool deal DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 9 Tool Combo Kit $649 at Home Depot (save $350) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Home Depot (save $30) Get Deal Best BOGO tool deal Ryobi One+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless String Trimmer $299 plus free gift worth up to $129 at Home Depot Get Deal Best camping deal Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless 3-Tool Campers Kit $69 at Home Depot (save $64.79) Get Deal Best backyard deal Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill $1,601 at Home Depot (save $178) Get Deal

The Home Depot doesn't hold competition sales for any of Amazon's seasonal sales as reliably as Target or Walmart do. That doesn't mean that there aren't any good spring deals to be found at the Home Depot during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. You just have to scroll a little bit.

SEE ALSO: I test new vacuums every month. Here are the robot vacuum deals I think are worth it at Amazon's spring sale.

So far, the Home Depot is once again giving away some free power tools with select purchases — reminiscent of the BOGO cordless tool promo we saw during Black Friday. (But hurry, some of the free DeWalt deals have sold out already.) The Home Depot is also quietly competing with Wayfair's Big Outdoor Sale with discounts on outdoor furniture, as well as up to 40% off in other home categories, from mattresses to wallpaper to area rugs from big brands like Safavieh.

Best Home Depot cordless power tools deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 9 Tool Combo Kit $649 at Home Depot
$999 Save $350   Get Deal Why we like it

Spring home improvement projects just got a major upgrade. The nine-piece DeWalt 20V Max Combo Kit is loaded with essentials to tackle home projects this spring and summer, and it comes with two 20V 2.0Ah batteries and charger. A well-trusted brand in the industry, the DeWalt cordless power tool kit includes a compact drill driver, impact driver, reciprocal saw, circular saw, and even more. Plus, it has a few extra accessories like an LED work light, durable Bluetooth speaker, and two contractor bags for all your new tools.

More cordless power tool dealsBest Home Depot BOGO dealsBest Home Depot Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Home Depot
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Home Depot might not seem like a retailer that would stock your favorite Amazon devices, but here we are. Matching the record-low sale price at Amazon during its Big Spring Sale, you can snag the new Amazon Echo Spot from the Home Depot for $49.99, down from the list price of $79.99. This compact bed-side device can server as your alarm clock, Bluetooth speaker, personal weather expert, schedule keeper, and more. Plus, it's a great clock which means you won't reach for your phone in the middle in the night to check on the time and then accidentally scroll Instagram for an hour.

More Amazon device dealsBest Home Depot backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Napoleon Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill $1,601 at Home Depot
$1,779 Save $178   Get Deal Why we like it

With summer coming up quickly, it's time to consider the backyard barbecue. If the sad grill you used last year it's gonna make the cut this year, the Home Depot's Spring Sale is here to offer some upgrades. One of the best deals is on the Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill which comes with a massive cooking area of 625 square inches. You'll be able to flip 39 burgers on the surface and it can heat to 400 degrees in just six minutes. Plus, it comes with a 15-year warranty.

More backyard dealsOther Home Depot spring deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Optical audio is killing your soundbar's best features—switch to HDMI instead

How-To Geek - 6 hours 57 min ago

Speaker technology moves a bit more slowly than our other gadgets, but that doesn't mean that their connections lag behind. Optical cables were sufficient 30 years ago, but these days, they're holding your sound system back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Red alert: Apples brand-new AirPods Max 2 are $20 off for Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 7 hours 5 sec ago

SAVE $20: Amazon has the all-new Apple AirPods Max 2 headphones discounted to $529 (normally $549) during its Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max 2 $529 at Amazon
$549 Save $20 Choose from midnight or starlight Get Deal

That was fast: The new Apple AirPods Max 2 are already on sale. Thank Amazon, which is offering the deal amid its third annual Big Spring Sale.

The midnight and starlight variants are both marked down to $529, which is $20 off their normal retail price of $549. (Suffice to say, they've never been cheaper.) They were still stuck at full price at other major retailers like Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.

SEE ALSO: The best AirPods deals to shop in Amazon's Big Spring Sale — AirPods 4 and AirPods Pro 3 on sale

Apple surprise-announced the AirPods Max 2 last week, a small but long-awaited update to its supremely stylish over-ear headphones; they're set for release on April 1. We have yet to test them, but Apple promises that they offer better noise cancellation than the original AirPods Max, which it launched in 2020 and updated with USB-C charging in 2024.

The new AirPods Max 2 also support more smart features, including Adaptive Audio, Conversation Awareness, Voice Isolation, Live Translation, Siri head gestures, and a camera remote. (If you have your camera app pulled up on a paired iPhone or iPad, pressing the AirPods Max 2's Digital Crown takes a picture.) They run on the H2 chip like the AirPods Pro 3.

This is the first-ever discount for the new AirPods Max 2 headphones, and you can only find this preorder offer at Amazon

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — cooling sheets, air purifiers, and robot vacuums on sale

Mashable - 7 hours 2 min ago
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale home deals at a glance: Best bedding deal Buffy Cloud Eucalyptus Cooling Comforter $159 (save $41) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $168.99 at Amazon (save $61) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best Kitchen Deal Nespresso Vertuo Next Espresso Maker $137 (save $92.95) Get Deal Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

The third annual Big Spring Sale is in its final day, officially wrapping up tonight, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. PT. While the sale spans all the usual product categories you'd expect to see during Prime Day, there's a natural focus on gear to help us transition into warmer weather.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 12 products that'll make it easy to keep things pristine year-round

For your home, this means scoring last-minute discounts on clean floors, clean air, and anything else that screams "spring refresh," with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, spring cleaning essentials, and summer-ready bedding.

We rounded up the best remaining deals from Amazon, Blueair, Shark, and more before prices jump back up tomorrow.

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

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand.

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

More home tech dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $168.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $61   Get Deal

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

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

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy

Read Mashable's review of the Eufy C28.

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out last month. At $499.99 for the Big Spring Sale, the Eufy C28 is not only the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season, but the best budget robot vacuum and mop combo period.

If you're jaded from a bad mopping robot vacuum experience in the past, it's probably because it smeared dirty water more than it scrubbed. Stodart thinks that this Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop will change your mind. Its fluffy material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water multiple times per second. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

Robot vacuum and mop combo dealsBroom, mop, and cordless vacuum dealsStain remover tool and upholstery deep cleaner dealsBedding, kitchen, and more home dealsSheets, comforter, and pillowsEspresso machines, coffee makers, and kettles Air fryers, crockpots, and other small appliances SteamersHome fitness equipment and recovery deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia online for free

Mashable - 7 hours 4 min ago

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

We've been treated to some truly special international fixtures over the last week, and they keep coming as teams look to build momentum before this summer's World Cup.

Brazil lost out to France last week, and now they face Croatia at the Camping World Stadium. Croatia are coming off an impressive 2-1 victory over Colombia, so they'll be coming into this clash with a lot of belief.

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

When is Brazil vs. Croatia?

Brazil vs. Croatia kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on March 31. This fixture takes place at the Camping World Stadium.

How to watch Brazil vs. Croatia for free

Brazil vs. Croatia is available to live stream for free on ITVX.

ITVX is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on ITVX from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Brazil vs. Croatia 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 the UK

  4. Visit ITVX

  5. Stream Brazil vs. Croatia 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 Brazil vs. Croatia 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 ITVX?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • 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 Brazil vs. Croatia for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Airbnb now lets you book a ride to your accommodation

Mashable - 7 hours 6 min ago

Airbnb will now let you book private car pickups, mirroring longtime offerings from competitors like Expedia, Tripadvisor-owned Viator, and Booking.com.

Announced Tuesday in a blog post, the travel company has paired up with Greek company Welcome Pickups to allow Airbnb users to pre-book airport and station transfers through the app.

It's not a groundbreaking, earth-shattering update, just pretty unwelcome news for Airbnb's competitors.

SEE ALSO: The 'Heated Rivalry' cottage is available to rent on Airbnb

If you book accommodation with Airbnb, you'll be prompted with the option to pre-book transfers, in a similar manner to other travel sites that throw add-ons at you after you've dropped the big budget allocation on your bed for the night.

For arrivals, you'll supply your flight number in the app for drivers to monitor delays and sync the pickup time, then you'll need to look for the driver waiting with your name on it at the airport or station. For departures, you can add your accommodation details and preferred time through the app just like a ridesharing platform like Uber, Lyft, etc. — the process will just be more streamlined as your address will already be in the Airbnb app.

Featured Video For You How prediction markets got people betting on nuclear war

According to the company blog post, the private car service was successfully tested in early 2026 to positive reviews. Pickups will be rolled out in 125 cities in Latin America, Asia, and Europe — North America has not yet been added, although Welcome Pickups has operated in U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago since 2021.

Airbnb said there will be "more cities to come in these regions throughout 2026," but for Heated Rivalry fans going to the cottage, Canada's not on the list yet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch USA vs. Portugal online for free

Mashable - 7 hours 10 min ago

TL;DR: Live stream USA vs. Portugal in a 2026 International Friendly for free on RTP Play. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

It can only get better for USA. They are looking to bounce back after losing 5-2 to Belgium in their last fixture, but facing off against Portugal is going to be a tough task. Portugal tied 1-1 with Mexico last week, but they possess the talent to beat any team. Expect the likes of Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes to give the USA problems at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

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

When is USA vs. Portugal?

USA vs. Portugal kicks off at 7 p.m. ET on March 31. This fixture takes place at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

How to watch USA vs. Portugal for free

USA vs. Portugal is available to live stream for free on RTP Play.

RTP Play is geo-restricted to Portugal, 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 Portugal, meaning you can access free live streams on RTP Play from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream USA vs. Portugal 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 Portugal

  4. Visit RTP Play

  5. Stream USA vs. Portugal 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 USA vs. Portugal 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 RTP Play?

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

  • Servers in 105 countries including Portugal

  • 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 USA vs. Portugal for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon is clearing out last-gen tech during the Big Spring Sale: Apple and Sony on sale

Mashable - 7 hours 21 min ago
Last-chance deals on last-gen tech: Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best audio deal Sony WH-1000XM5 $243 (save $156.99) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 1TB) $979 (save $120) Get Deal Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $300) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $429.99 (save $270) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 50-inch Fire TV Omni QLED Series 4K TV $379.99 (save $90) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station $429.99 (save $369.01) Get Deal

Got spring cleaning on your mind? So does Amazon: The retail giant is putting last-gen tech on sale at deep discounts during the Big Spring Sale, its main seasonal savings event, to clear out its remaining inventory.

Older versions of some of our favorite gadgets are currently on sale for record-low prices (or close to them). The zippy M4 MacBook Air? Up to $100 cheaper than the iterative M5 version Apple announced this month. The superb Sony WF-1000XM5 headphones? Only $248. Older Amazon devices? Grab the 2022 Echo Dot smart speaker for 20% off.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Spring Sale is still live: We found 100+ deals on Apple, Kindle, Bose, and Sony

We've rounded up our top past-gen picks from the Big Spring Sale below. Today (March 31) is the final day of the event, so consider these last-chance deals.

Amazon Echo dealsHeadphone and earbud dealsSmartwatch and fitness tracker dealsTablet and e-reader dealsLaptop dealsMiscellaneous tech deals

Keep checking back for more Amazon Big Spring Sale deals on past-gen products. The Mashable Shopping team is working overtime to cover this shopping event, so don't miss out!

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best AirPods deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — score AirPods Pro 3 for under $200 while you still can

Mashable - 7 hours 22 min ago
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale AirPods deals: Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $114.95 (save $14.05) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $399.99 (save $149.01) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale ends tonight (March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT), and the deals on Apple AirPods are still hanging around, for the most part. The AirPods Pro 3 are still on sale for under $200, while the first-generation AirPods Max are still marked down to $449.99 — though if you venture beyond Amazon, you can find them for even cheaper.

The standard AirPods 4 (both with and without ANC) have gotten slightly more expensive since dipping by $30 at the start of the Big Spring Sale last week, but they're not back up to full price just yet. And Amazon still has the best prices on them anywhere; they're matched at Walmart and B&H Photo, but more expensive at Target and Best Buy.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is almost over — snag these AirPods and MacBooks on sale while you still can

If you've been looking to score new earbuds or headphones to pair with your Apple tech this year, we've gathered up our favorite AirPods deals for you into one place.

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! Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $114.95 at Amazon
$129 Save $14.05   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not looking to drop a ton of cash on new earbuds, the AirPods 4 without active noise cancellation have dropped to $114.95 at Amazon, saving you $14.05 on list price. (They were $99.99 earlier in the sale, FYI.) We think these are the best budget earbuds for Apple users. They sound nice, fit well in most people's ears, and offer up to five hours of listening per charge.

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

The AirPods Pro 3 are some of our favorite earbuds for Apple users, earning spots on both our lists of the best headphones and best earbuds. Our review had high praise for them, with writer Adam Doud calling them, "a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor."

Boasting great sound quality and noise-cancelling features, alongside a hefty battery life that can last up to eight hours (with ANC) on a single charge, these AirPods are a nice upgrade indeed. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, they're marked down to $199.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $399.99 at Woot
$549 Save $149.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Premium noise-canceling headphones from brands like Sony and Bose are much better value, but AirPods Max are a popular pick nonetheless. (If nothing else, they're super stylish.) Apple announced the AirPods Max 2 with better ANC and smart features earlier this month, and now the first-gen models with USB-C charging are on sale on Amazon for $449.99, or $100 off. But don't buy them there: We spotted them on sale for just $399.99 at Woot, Amazon's daily deals site. That matches their record-low price on Amazon itself.

Read Mashable's full review of the first-generation Apple AirPods Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test new vacuums every month — these are the robot vacuum deals worth buying on the final day of Amazons Spring Sale

Mashable - 7 hours 23 min ago
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 at Amazon (save $340.09) Get Deal Best roller mop robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal 3i G10+ $199.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

I have seven robot vacuums in my apartment right at this moment, and those are all just models that have come out in 2026. Perhaps that gives you an idea of how many robot vacuums I test at home on a yearly basis — and why I'm always super confident in telling readers which robot vacuum deals are worth it during any Amazon sale event.

So, I'm back with an updated list of robot vacuum recommendations for Amazon's 2026 Big Spring Sale, which ends today. A good robot vacuum is a staple in my general spring cleaning starter kit because automating your floor care quite literally frees up some time to focus on the chores you don't do as often.

SEE ALSO: The Shark UV Reveal robot vacuum came out less than a month ago. It's already on sale for Amazon's spring sale.

A ton of solid robovacs across all price points are up to 50% off, significantly expanding the number of options that fall within your ideal budget. Even the fanciest flagship Dreame, Roborock, and Shark robot vacuums that just came out are already seeing discounts. But this is your last chance to snag a robovac at these prices, with the clock now ticking on Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

(Looking for the best cordless vacuum deals or the best spring cleaning deals to restock kitchen, bathroom, and laundry products? We've kept tabs on those, too.)

Best robot vacuum on sale overall Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy

Read Mashable's review of the Eufy C28.

While I'm stoked that the most powerful robot vacuums of the year are actually seeing decent discounts, they still cost more than $1,000 on sale. So the more realistic route for my "best robot vacuum deal overall" pick is the Eufy C28, now under $500 (compared to its usual $799). It's still a 2026 premium robot vacuum and mop combo that rocked during my testing, and it's likely the most affordable mainstream roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season.

If you're jaded from a bad mopping robot vacuum experience in the past, it's probably because it smeared dirty water more than it scrubbed. I think that this Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop will change your mind. Its fluffy material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water multiple times per second. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

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+.

In search of a cheap robot vacuum that doesn't suck? The $149.99 Shark Ion robot vacuum that probably popped up first at Amazon is far from the best robot vacuum under $200 during this sale. Instead, I'd point you to a more niche budget pick that wowed me during testing. Last year, I said that the 3i G10+ was "the most impressive robot vacuum under $500" (and that you've probably never heard of it). Now, it's on sale for a record-low $199.99.

The G10+ uses a unique dust compression system to keep you off dustbin emptying duty for 60 days, but without requiring space for a traditional self-empty dock. This means that the G10+ can live under relatively low-clearance furniture like a couch or TV stand. In this price range, I was blown away by its small obstacle avoidance capabilities and livestream pet camera. The Shark Ion doesn't even have smart mapping for cleaning specific rooms on command.

If you don't want to shell out that extra $50, you can spend the same $149.99 on the Roborock Q7 M5. That still secures mopping, room or zone cleaning through LiDAR smart mapping, and 10,000 Pa of suction power, beating the Shark Ion by a long shot.

SEE ALSO: The best air purifier deals to shop in Amazon's Big Spring Sale — save on Dyson, Sharp, and more More robot vacuum dealsRobot vacuums that don't mopRobot vacuum and mop combosRobot vacuum mop combos with self-washing mopping pads
Categories: IT General, Technology

The VS Code alternative that every developer should try in 2026

How-To Geek - 7 hours 27 min ago

If you are reading this, there is a 90% chance you have VS Code installed. It is the industry standard for a reason. It has an extension for everything from Kubernetes management to a pet cat that walks across your status bar, but as we move through 2026, many of us have started to notice the "Electron Creep" and the lag it brings. The reality is that VS Code is essentially a web browser pretending to be a text editor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your PC is out of RAM? Try these 3 Windows tricks before buying more

How-To Geek - 7 hours 27 min ago

RAM prices have soared in the last year, and what used to be an inexpensive component to upgrade now can cost as much as a GPU used to. If your PC is running low on RAM, there are a few things you can do to mitigate the problem.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance: Dreames flagship X60 robot vacuum hits lowest ever price — save $340 in Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 7 hours 29 min ago

TL;DR: For the final day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum is marked down to $1,359.90, a record-low price on this flagship robovac. That's 20% off the list price of $1,699.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum $1,359.90 at Amazon
$1,699.99 Save $340.09   Get Deal

It's your last chance to clean up in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. And we mean that quite literally with some of the deals on robot vacuum cleaners, which have been going strong since the beginning of the sale last week. With just hours to go before the seasonal sale wraps up for another year, we've spotted an elite robovac enter the fray at the last minute: The Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete, a robot vacuum and mop combo that boasts the strongest suction power you can buy right now and AI-assisted navigation, as we noted in our first impressions review last month.

On the final day of the Big Spring Sale, the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum is priced at $1,359.90. That's a total saving of $340.09 from the list price of $1,699.99 — a super discount for such a new model and its lowest price so far.

SEE ALSO: Review: Is the Antigravity A1 drone the DJI replacement we've been hoping for?

The big sell of the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete is its immense 35,000 Pa suction, but there's more to it than power. Our reviewer said it was "outstanding" on capret. It also has advanced small-obstacle avoidance capabilities, using AI cameras that can recognise and navigate around more than 280 objects on your floor. It can climb up obstacles of 3.4in, such as rugs and door tracks, and gets deep into corners with dual flex arms.

Our reviewer also rated its mopping performance and relatively quiet operation, especially considering the power this robo-vac is packing. It comes with a charging and emptying dock that holds up to 100 days of dust. All you need to do is program it via the Dreame app and let it do your dirty work.

Don't miss your last chance to get the Dreame X60 Max Ultra Complete Robot Vacuum at its lowest ever price of $1,359.90 — a $340.09 discount for the final day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test headphones and earbuds — heres what you can still buy during Amazons Spring Sale

Mashable - 7 hours 31 min ago
Best Big Spring Sale headphones and earbuds deals Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort $249 (save $100) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Technics EAH-AZ100 $247.99 (save $52) Get Deal Best budget headphones deal JLab JBuds Lux ANC $41.99 (save $38) Get Deal Best open earbuds deal EarFuns Clip $48.98 (save $21.01) Get Deal Best sleep earbuds deal Soundcore Sleep A30 Special $179.99 (save $20) Get Deal

As a shopping reporter, trust me when I say I understand better than most that Amazon's sale schedule can feel fatiguing. However, as a headphones reviewer, I also can't deny that this year's Big Spring Sale offers a great opportunity to upgrade your audio game on the cheap.

Having spent the last few years testing the latest in noise-cancelling tech, open earbuds, and even sleep earbuds, I was curious to see what this week's sale would bring. Honestly, Amazon isn't messing around this time.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on the top deals

Now that it's the final day of the sale, some deals are expiring. Sony's latest flagship headphones are no longer marked down, but luckily, Bose finally dropped prices on its QuietComfort headphones, QuietComfort Ultra 2 headphones, and Ultra Open earbuds.

The Big Spring Sale officially wraps up today, March 31, at 11:59 p.m. PT. If you see a pair you've been eyeing, now's the time to grab them.

Just a heads up: If you see a deal crossed out below, it means it has either sold out or the price has gone back up.

Best headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort headphones $249 at Amazon
$349 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The gulf between budget headphones and premium headphones feels like it gets smaller with every new release, and nowhere does that feel more apparent than with the mid-tier Bose QuietComfort headphones. (To be clear, that's not a knock against premium headphones — the cheaper models are just getting that good). Though they don't have the absolute best comfort or spatial audio of their $449 QuietComfort Ultra 2 counterparts, they do come awfully close in that first category. And if you're not big on spatial audio anyway, it's not worth shelling out the extra cash for the flagship option.

The QuietComfort headphones live up to their name, and for $249, do it at a much more accessible price point than other options on our list (even with sale prices taken into consideration). While this isn't their lowest price ever — that would be $179 — this is still a solid get for the Spring Sale.

Read more about the Bose QuietComfort headphones.

More headphones dealsBest earbuds deal Technics EAH-AZ100 $247.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $52   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Technics Why we like it

If you're chasing the absolute best audio fidelity in a wireless package, the Technics EAH-AZ100 are the new buds to beat. Right now, they're down to $247.99 at Amazon, saving you a solid $52 off their usual price.

Our tech editor, Timothy Beck Werth, says these buds deliver "richer, fuller, and more detailed sound" than any other earbuds he's ever tested. Thanks to their proprietary Magnetic Fluid Driver, you get incredibly clear bass and can distinctly hear individual layers in complex tracks without the notes blurring into each other.

You're also getting adaptive active noise cancellation, seamless switching between three devices, and clever AI tech that blocks out background noise for both you and whoever you're talking to on the phone. Just keep in mind that they might make your ears a little sore if you keep them in for more than a few hours at a time. Still, if you're an audio nerd looking for reference-class sound, this is a pretty good deal.

Check out our full review of the Panasonic Technics EAH-AZ100 earbuds.

More earbuds deals Best open earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: EarFun EarFun Clip $48.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Open earbuds are convenient — they let you have the best of both worlds experience of enjoying your music privately while still getting to stay aware of the world around you. Where they may lose some convenience points, however, is in the fact that most people probably already own a pair of earbuds, and won't be too jazzed at the idea of dropping $100 or more on new ones just for some extra awareness.

Enter: the EarFun Clip. No, the sound quality won't quite match up to that of the Bose or Sony options, but at $48.98, they're also about one-sixth and one-fourth the price of those buds, respectively. I've spent time using them, and for their price point, they have well-rounded sound and minimal noise leakage compared to other open earbuds. If you've been open earbud-curious but less inclined to drop a ton of cash, this is the deal for you.

More open earbuds deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 31, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 34 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you like sea raiders.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 31, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: A lack

  • Green: "Arrgh"

  • Blue: Undergarments

  • Purple: Small and furry

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Shortage

  • Green: Parts of a pirate ship

  • Blue: Kinds of bras

  • Purple: Starting with baby animals

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1023 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Shortage: ABSENCE, CRUNCH, DEFICIT, PINCH

  • Parts of a pirate ship: CANNON, CROW'S NEST, JOLLY ROGER, PLANK

  • Kinds of bras: PLUNGE, PUSH-UP, SPORTS, WIRELESS

  • Starting with baby animals: CALF RAISE, CHICK FLICK, FRY COOK, KIT KAT

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 31, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 31, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 35 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you believe in magic.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, 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 31, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: While you were sleeping...

The words are related to a mythical creature.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a children's tradition.

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 Tooth Fairy.

NYT Strands word list for March 31

  • Wings

  • Exchange

  • Tutu

  • Wand

  • Coin

  • Note

  • Pillow

  • Tooth Fairy

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

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 31, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 35 min ago

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you live in the south.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 31, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 31, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Muddy waters.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

SWAMP

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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 Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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