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This device keeps my smart home running when everything else fails
Your smart home going down can be a real pain. There may be automations you rely on daily that suddenly no longer work. If there's a power outage, your smart home doesn't have to give up the ghost.
Apple announces new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR — preorders now live
A day before its "Special Experience" event, Apple announced a new line of premium Studio Display monitors. In a press release, the company dropped details on both the Studio Display and an all-new Studio Display XDR.
The new Studio Display starts at $1,599, while the Studio Display XDR starts at $3,299. Both can be pre-ordered starting Wednesday, March 4, with availability starting on March 11.
Studio Displays are premium monitors designed for creative professionals such as video editors and 3D artists. Apple says the more advanced Studio Display XDR features the "world’s best pro display," and it has a 27-inch 5K mini-LED backlight display.
Introducing the new Studio Displays Credit: AppleThe Studio Display features a 12MP Center Stage camera, improved image quality, a three-microphone setup, and a six-speaker sound system with spatial audio.
“Apple has led the industry in delivering the world’s most advanced displays for pros to do their life’s best work, and today we do that once again with the introduction of the new Studio Display family,” said John Ternus, Apple’s senior vice president of Hardware Engineering, in a press release.
The Studio Display needs to be connected to a MacBook or Mac Mini. Credit: AppleThe new XDR is an even more premium offering with a 27-inch 5K Retina XDR display. Apple noted it had a 120Hz refresh rate, making it more responsive to content in motion.
Ternus called the Studio Display XDR "a huge leap forward for XDR technology," dubbing it the best in the world. In addition to its 120Hz refresh rate, it also has a peak brightness of 2,000 nits for HDR content and more than 2,000 local dimming zones.
The new Studio Display XDR is designed for professional editors, developers, and designers. Credit: AppleThe new Studio Display line is just one of many big announcements from Apple this week. The tech giant has already dropped the details on its new, budget-friendly iPhone and new M4 iPad Air, for instance.
Apple announces the all-new budget MacBook Neo, starting at $599 in 4 colors
The budget MacBook is here. Today, Apple announced the all-new MacBook Neo during "special Apple experiences" in New York, London, and Shanghai. The 13-inch laptop comes in four fun colors and starts at just $599 (or $499 for students), making it $500 cheaper than the MacBook Air. It tees up fierce competition for Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops — a new frontier for Apple.
Preorders for the MacBook Neo opened Wednesday, March 4, ahead of its formal launch on March 11. The new iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Airs, upgraded MacBook Pros, and Studio Displays, which Apple unveiled earlier this week, are also now up for preorder. The company is reportedly anticipating high demand for this wave of new devices.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 at Apple.comPre-order Here
The MacBook Neo marks Apple's first dedicated entry in the low-cost laptop space. It replaces the M1 MacBook Air that Apple started selling through Walmart for $699 in March 2024, then eventually discounted to $649. That model has been out of stock in new condition since early 2026, fueling reports of the MacBook Neo's arrival.
Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableSpeaking of: The MacBook Neo's announcement comes after months of spec leaks and rumors, which were pretty much spot-on. Here's everything we know about it so far.
MacBook Neo specs Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / MashableThe MacBook Neo has an aluminum design and runs on an A18 Pro chip, the same processor powering the iPhone 16 Pro. (It's the first MacBook with an iPhone chip.) In a press release, Apple said it "can fly through everyday tasks, from browsing the web and streaming content, to editing photos, exploring creative hobbies, or using AI capabilities across apps." The company claimed it's 50 percent faster in everyday tasks and up to three times faster running local AI workloads compared to bestselling Windows laptops with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chip.
Here's a closer look at the MacBook Neo's spec sheet. It's only available in two configurations: one with 256GB of storage, and another with 512GB of storage and Touch ID.
Processor: A18 Pro chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU
Memory: 8GB RAM
Storage: 256GB to 512GB SSD
Display: 13-inch 2,408 x 1,506 Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness, 60Hz refresh rate, and an anti-reflective coating
Battery life: Up to 16 hours
Webcam: 1080p camera
Ports: Two USB-C ports and a headphone jack
Connectivity: WiFi 6E and Bluetooth 6
Audio: Dual side speakers with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support
Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with optional Touch ID
Colors: Silver, indigo, blush, and citrus
Weight: 2.7 pounds
Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beck Werth is on the ground at Apple's "special experience" in New York, where Apple is showcasing the MacBook Neo for the first time. Stay tuned for his initial hands-on impressions.
The iPad Air is finally getting the M4 chip: Preorder now
PREORDER NOW: As of March 4, the iPad Air with M4 chip is now available for preorder. Models starts at $599 and ship by March 11. Plus, save $40 on the new iPad Air when you preorder at Walmart for $559.
Where to preorder iPad Air (M4) Apple Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi) From $599 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi) From $599 Pre-Order Here Walmart Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi) From $559 (Save $40) Pre-Order Here Verizon Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi + Cellular) From $749.99 Pre-Order Here T-Mobile Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi + Cellular) From $749.99 Pre-Order Here AT&T Apple iPad Air (M4, WiFi + Cellular) From $749.99 Pre-Order HereA big upgrade is coming to our favorite iPad. The iPad Air, Apple's best blend of performance and price, now comes with the M4 chip. This announcement comes ahead of a "special Apple experience" scheduled for 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, March 4. Apple CEO Tim Cook teased the experience on social media, and he also referred to a Monday, March 2 announcement.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.We now know the Monday announcement was the new iPad Air with M4 chip and iPhone 17e. Previously, the iPad came with the M3 chip, making it a well-rounded device with the potential to compete with any laptop. So, are you ready to preorder the new tablet? Here's how.
When can you preorder the new iPad Air M4?The iPad Air with M4 chip is available for preorder as of Wednesday, March 4 at 6:15 a.m. PT. Preorders are available at Apple, Best Buy, Walmart, Verizon, T-Mobile, and AT&T.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air (M4) Starts at $599 Pre-order Here When does the new iPad Air M4 tablet arrive?While preorders for the new iPad Air are live, the device will be available beginning Wednesday, March 11. Luckily, that means you just have to wait one week between preorder and pickup.
What's the new price for the iPad Air with M4 chip?With a new device, especially one receiving an upgrade like the iPad Air with M4 chip, you'd expect an increase in the starting price. However, Apple is continuing its trend of maintaining its devices' starting prices even with a new generation.
The iPad Air with M4 chip starts at $599, the same price as the current iPad Air with M3 chip.
I only spend $40 a year on Sling TV—here's how
Remember when cord-cutting and canceling cable were all about saving money? It's no secret that streaming services just keep getting more expensive. Sling TV started at $20 per month and now costs double that, and YouTube TV launched at $35 but slowly ballooned to over $80. Last spring, I canceled my service and went a different route that only cost me around $40 for the entire year.
How to preorder the new Apple M5 MacBook Air — preorders live now
Apple has lightly refreshed its MacBook Air with the M5 chip, and it's available for preorder from March 4 ahead of its formal launch on March 11.
The M5 MacBook Air is available in 13- and 15-inch sizes, with starting prices of $1,099 and $1,299, respectively. Those numbers dip to $999 and $1,199 with Apple's education discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Airs (M5) Starting at $1,099 Pre-order HereThe base M5 MacBook Airs come with 512GB of storage, or double that of their M4 predecessors. (The 256GB configuration option is no longer available.) They'll max out with 4TB of storage, up from a limit of 2TB.
Notably, the base M5 MacBook Airs are $100 cheaper than the M4 models with 512GB of storage, making them a better value than before. In the previous generation, you'd pay $1,199 or $1,399 for that much SSD space.
Here's a complete rundown of the new M5 MacBook Airs' spec sheets. Chip and storage aside, their only other upgrade is a connectivity bump to WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6. Otherwise, they're basically the same laptops as the M4 MacBook Airs (which isn't necessarily a bad thing — we loved them).
Sizes: 13- and 15-inch models
Starting prices: $1,099 and $1,299, respectively
Processor: M5 with 10-core CPU and up to a 10-core GPU
Display: Liquid Retina display with 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness
Memory: 16GB to 32GB RAM
Storage: 512GB to 4TB SSD
Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Battery life: Up to 18 hours
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera
Ports: Two Thunderbolt 4 ports, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack
Colors: Sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver
Preorders for Apple's just-announced iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, Studio Displays, and upgraded MacBook Pros will also open tomorrow. Additionally, the company is expected to announce a new budget MacBook that costs around $599 to $799.
How to preorder the iPhone 17e — Apples new budget phone is available to buy now
Apple kicked off its "big week" by announcing the latest budget iPhone, its first with MagSafe, alongside an updated iPad Air. The new iPhone 17e is set for release next Wednesday, March 11, and preorders open from March 4.
The iPhone 17e is priced at $599 with 256GB of storage to start. That's double the base storage of last year's iPhone 16e, which cost the same.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPhone 17e Starting at $599 Pre-order HereApple says the iPhone 17e runs on its A19 chip, the same processor as the standard iPhone 17. It packs its new C1X cellular modem, which is supposedly up to twice as fast as the iPhone 16e's C1 modem. It also features support for MagSafe wireless charging — a first for Apple's budget smartphone line.
The iPhone 17e is the smallest, cheapest, and pinkest member of the iPhone 17 family. Credit: AppleThe iPhone 17e sports the same 6.1-inch OLED display as its predecessor, but an improved Ceramic Shield 2 front cover like its iPhone 17 series siblings. Additionally, it has a new 48MP Fusion rear camera system and a new soft pink finish. It's slightly heavier than the iPhone 16e to accommodate these upgrades (5.96 ounces versus 5.88 ounces).
SEE ALSO: Apple announces new iPhone 17e, a $599 budget smartphone with MagSafeHere's a quick overview of its full spec sheet:
6.1-inch Super Retina XDR display
Ceramic Shield 2 front cover
A19 chip
Up to 26 hours of video playback
12MP TrueDepth front camera
48MP Fusion rear camera system (48MP Fusion Main camera)
Emergency SOS and Crash Detection
MagSafe wireless charging
256GB or 512GB of storage
Rated IP68
Apple Intelligence
Mashable's Stan Schroeder thought the iPhone 16e was "pretty great when compared to other members of the iPhone 16 family," but dinged it for lacking MagSafe and being pricier than the old iPhone SE. (That was Apple's prior budget iPhone offering.) In the iPhone 17e, Apple has made several upgrades that bump its value on top of resolving the MagSafe issue. Stand by for our full review, but on paper, it looks incredibly promising.
Why I run 2 Pi-Hole instances (and how I keep them synced)
If you run a Pi-Hole server, you probably, like me, have experienced downtime when updating or rebooting the server. To fix this, I started running two Pi-Hole instances. Here's how I did it, and how I keep them in sync, too.
4 simple habits that instantly transform Bash scripts into cleaner, more readable code
Whether you're a beginner or a hardened Bash-writing veteran, there's always room for picking up new tips. Some of the best ones take only moments to learn but are so transformative that they change your entire approach. I have four that will unscramble your Bash spaghetti into a well-formatted work of art.
How to preorder the new Apple MacBook Pros with the M5 Pro and M5 Max chips — preorders now live
Apple is launching updated MacBook Pros with new M5 Pro and M5 Max chips and double the starting storage, the company announced Tuesday. The new models will be available for preorder starting Wednesday (March 4) and start shipping March 11; stay tuned for links to their listings on the Apple Store and third-party retailers.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Starting at $2,199 Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max) Starting at $3,599 Pre-order HereThe new MacBook Pros will be available in 14- and 16-inch sizes. The M5 Pro variants will start at $2,199 and $2,699, respectively, with discounts of up to $200 for education shoppers who buy direct. They come with 1TB of base storage. Apple recommends them "for users running complex workflows, like coders optimizing algorithms and photographers processing massive image libraries," according to a company press release.
SEE ALSO: Apple announces new MacBook Pro with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, raises MacBook starting pricesThe 14-inch M5 Max model starts at $3,599 (or $3,299 for students), while the 16-inch size starts at $3,899 (or $3,599 for students). Both models have 2TB of base storage. They're aimed at "those pushing the absolute limits, such as engineers running rigorous simulations," Apple said.
Credit: AppleWhile the starting prices of both new MacBook Pro variants are higher than their predecessors', the latter's base models had half the storage. When configured identically, with the same amount of storage and RAM, their prices haven't changed:
14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199
16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Pro/M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,699
14-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,599
16-inch MacBook Pro (M4 Max/M5 Max, 36GB RAM, 2TB SSD) — $3,899
In keeping with this pattern, Apple has also announced that it's updating the starting configuration of its entry-level MacBook Pro, the 14-inch model with the regular M5 chip (an October 2025 release). It now has 1TB of base storage and a starting price of $1,699. It used to start at $1,599 with 512GB of storage, with a 1TB bump costing $200 extra, so that's actually a better deal than before.
The updated MacBook Pros won't be the only new Apple gadgets that go up for preorder on Wednesday (and launch the following week). We're also getting new M5 MacBook Airs, a new budget iPhone 17e, an M4 iPad Air, and new Studio Displays. A still-unannounced budget MacBook is reportedly joining the party, too. If the rumor mill is correct, it could cost $599 to $799 — giving Chromebooks and cheap Windows laptops some fresh competition.
M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pro specs: What else is new Credit: AppleBoth updated variants of the MacBook Pro feature Apple's N1 chip, which adds support for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6, some newer wireless connectivity standards. Other than that, they're basically identical to their predecessors. Here's a rundown of the M5 Pro models' spec sheets:
Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models
Starting prices: $2,199 and $2,699, respectively
Processor: M5 Pro with up to an 18-core CPU and up to a 20-core GPU
Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish
Memory: 24GB to 64GB RAM
Storage: 1TB to 4TB
Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Battery life: Up to 24 hours of video streaming
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera
Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack
Colors: Space black and silver
And here's a breakdown of the M5 Max variants' components:
Sizes: 14- and 16-inch models
Starting prices: $3,599 and $3,899, respectively
Processor: M5 Max with an 18-core CPU and 32-core GPU
Display: Liquid Retina XDR display with up to a 120Hz refresh rate and 1000 nits of SDR brightness (1,600 nits peak for HDR content); optional nano-texture finish
Memory: 36GB to 128GB RAM
Storage: 2TB to 8TB
Connectivity: WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6
Battery life: Up to 22 hours of video streaming
Webcam: 12MP Center Stage camera
Ports: Three Thunderbolt 5 (USB-C) ports, HDMI port, SDXC card slot, MagSafe 3 charging port, and a headphone jack
Colors: Space black and silver
Your car might have an open safety recall—here’s how to check
National Vehicle Safety Recalls week is March 2nd through the 8th here in the United States, raising awareness of the importance of checking for open recalls on our vehicles. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) organizes the campaign, which coincides with the spring-cleaning season, but it's good practice to check for recalls on your car year-round.
Stop using magnetic USB-C cables, they can kill your device
Magnetic USB-C cables (the kind that use a dongle to connect) sound like the perfect convenience hack for ultra-fast wired charging, especially if you're not on the wireless charging bandwagon or if we're talking about a device that doesn't support it, like a laptop.
Screeching tapes and printed code: The wild analog era of early PC storage
There was a time when saving a computer program sounded like a modem arguing with a fax machine. Before floppy drives were crunching and grinding away in our homes, the humble cassette was an affordable and effective way to sell, store, and record data.
These are the Linux TUI apps I leave open 24/7
One of the easiest ways to up your Linux terminal game without memorizing a ton of commands is just to start using TUIs. These are the ones I keep on virtually all day long while I work on my Linux computers.
How to watch India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free
TL;DR: Live stream India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The stage is set for the 2026 T20 World Cup final. India face off against England for the last place in that showpiece event. We're expecting an incredibly tense and exciting contest between two talented sides.
India strolled through the initial group stage but lost out to South Africa in the Super 8. England were beaten by West Indies in the group stage but topped their Super 8 group that included New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It's difficult to predict the winner from this semi-final matchup. India perhaps have the edge, and playing in front of a passionate home support at the Wankhede Stadium can only help.
If you want to watch India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is India vs. England?India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Wankhede Stadium.
How to watch India vs. England for freeIndia vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.
This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.
Live stream India vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with access
Visit ICC.TV
Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.
If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to 10 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).
Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.
Why the 2026 Lexus UX is the smartest affordable luxury SUV
Affordable luxury SUVs often promise premium style and features, but many fall short when it comes to long-term value and everyday usability. In 2026, one compact luxury SUV manages to deliver upscale design, advanced technology, and strong efficiency without carrying the high ownership costs usually associated with the segment. The Lexus UX stands out as the smartest choice for buyers who want true luxury at an attainable price.
Your smart switches can control more than lights: 4 creative uses you haven't thought of
Smart switches aren't only for controlling lights. These switches can control anything your prior wall switch could, and that means you can have much more fun with a smart switch than you might expect.
Magic The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night preorders hit new low price at Amazon
TL;DR: Preorders of Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night are $86.99 at Amazon ahead of the March 6, 2026 release.
Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night $86.99 at Amazon$119.99 Save $33 Get Deal
If you’ve been eyeing Wizards’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover but didn’t want to commit to a full trading card booster box buy-in, this is the perfect time to jump on a preorder before it releases this week. As of March 4, Amazon has cut the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night box to $86.99, down from the $119.99 list price.
Amazon’s listing also notes the "pre-order price guarantee," so if it dips again before launch on March 6, you’ll get the lowest 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!Not only is this price only eight cents above the TCGplayer market price, it's also the lowest price we've ever seen on Amazon — as confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel.
This is a self-contained kit for a Pick-Two Draft for four players, which keeps things moving faster than a traditional draft and works especially well for kitchen-table nights where you want the fun part (building and battling) to start sooner.
Here is everything you get in the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night:
12 TMNT Play Boosters (14 cards each), with typical Play Booster collation that can include 1–5 rares or higher, plus a guaranteed traditional foil of any rarity in each booster
1 TMNT Collector Booster (15 cards) as the winner’s crown — featuring multiple foils and 5 cards rare or higher, with a borderless signature Kevin Eastman headliner card showing up in under 1% of boosters
90 land cards, so your group isn’t scrounging through deck boxes before the first pick
If you want to pull even more rare cards from TMNT’s MTG expansion, you can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collector Booster Box under market price at Walmart. Alternatively, the MTG Final Fantasy three-pack is now $7 off.
4 mistakes I made setting up my first Jellyfin server
Setting up a Jellyfin server is no small task. While I love my setup now, there are several regrets I have about the way I first installed my Jellyfin server.
Stop trusting online tools with your photos—build this Python background remover instead
Ever uploaded a photo to remove the background and wondered where it is stored, and what will happen to it later on? Online background remover tools are convenient to use, but convenience often trades against control. So, instead of uploading your photos to strangers’ servers, let’s build a background remover that runs entirely on your own computer.


