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SAVE UP TO 50%: As of April 9, save up to 50% on select Yankee Candle scents at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Up to 50% Off Select Yankee Candle Scents Get Deal

One of the best ways to make your home smell great is a good candle. Whether you like the scent of freshly-baked cookies or crave a crisp lemon tang wafting through the kitchen, there's a fragrant candle out there for you that can make your home feel even cozier than it already does. And if you're looking to snag one right now, Amazon has an excellent deal you'll want to take part in.

As of April 9, you can save up to 50% on select 22-ounce Yankee Candle scents at Amazon. Choose from scents like Sage & Citrus ($16.88 from $30.99, a 46% discount), Lemon Lavender ($16.89 from $30.99, a 45% discount), and more. There's a variety of options you can purchase at up to a 50% discount, all of which come in glass jars with brightly-colored wax and their signature Yankee Candle scent front and center.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air while it's at its cheapest price to date

These single-wick candles boast a 110- to 150-hour burn time and typically avoid tunneling. Crafted from premium paraffin wax, and you can feel good about using them: they're 100% recyclable. There are some food-centric fragrances to choose from, like Tangerine & Vanilla, as well as classics like Sage & Citrus, so you've got options if you want to give your home some extra oomph in the vibes department.

If you just can't resist adding another candle to your collection, or you just want a cheap, reliable way to make your home smell great, take advantage of this deal before they sell out.

A year after its initial launch, Sony has expanded its ULT speaker lineup. New additions include the ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9. This expansion focuses on middle sizes of the Field variations and a smaller tower speaker.

I was stoked to see Sony expand this line because I adore the Sony ULT Wear headphones, and the ULT Field 1 is my go-to portable Bluetooth speaker. Plus, it’s a much-appreciated departure from Sony’s typical naming nomenclature. 

I got my hands on the ULT Field 3 speaker and have been testing it out for about two weeks, and overall, it’s a great bass-heavy option for people who host or take their music outside.

Sony ULT Field 3 price and specs

The Sony ULT Field 3 speaker retails for $199, which is the same price as its predecessor, the SRS-XE300. It does have some upgraded specs, so it’s nice to see the price go unchanged. Those specs include:

• 7-band EQ (compared to the SRS-XE300’s 3-band EQ)

• 1 woofer, 2 passive radiators, 1 tweeter

• ULT mode for extra bass

• IP67 waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, rustproof

• Multi-speaker connection, with up to 100 paired speakers through Party Connect

• Vertical and horizontal listening orientation

• USB-C device charging

The Sony ULT Field 3 speaker supports horizontal and vertical listening orientation. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Sony ULT Field 3 battery life

The ULT Field 3’s battery is supposed to last up to 24 hours of continuous music playback with ULT Power on. That drops down to five hours if the volume is at max level. The speaker does have quick charging, where a 10-minute charge gives you 120 minutes of playback at volume level 22.

SEE ALSO: The 9 best noise-cancelling headphones we use and love

I haven’t had the chance to do a full battery rundown, but I did charge the speaker to 100 percent before running it for an all-day sewing session and kept it going while I got ready for a night out. In total, I played the speaker for about 10 hours straight at 50 percent volume with ULT Power turned on, and the battery dropped down to 60 percent.

Loud, room-filling sound

If you’re just looking for a casual portable speaker to listen to in the shower or while you work, the ULT FIeld 3 is going to be far more than you need. I suggest opting for the smaller, more affordable ULT Field 1.

The ULT Field 3 is best for parties, the outdoors, larger working spaces, or people who just love to blast loud music. This thing gets loud. 

The speaker has noticeably fuller sound compared to its predecessor. And while I’m always a big fan of Sony’s audio quality, the ULT Field 3 can sound a bit tinny if you’re right next to it and the volume is cranked. However, if you step away a few feet, it sounds perfectly fine. (For your ear drums’ sake, you probably shouldn’t be so close to a loud speaker anyway.) 

I listened to the Sony ULT Field 3 and Bose SoundLink Max simultaneously and back-to-back, and the audio quality is decently comparable between the two. Bose ultimately sounded better, but the SoudnLink Max also costs $200 more, so that was expected. The ULT Field 3 provides generally clear, full sound that can fill a room at a relatively budget-friendly price.

Outside of music, I also listened to a couple of episodes of “The Severance Podcast with Ben Stiller and Adam Scott.” Their voices sounded loud and clear from wherever I went in my 1,000-square-foot apartment.

This speaker is definitely for bass lovers Tap the ULT button to boost the bass up a notch. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

With the ULT Power turned on, the speaker is incredibly bass-forward. If you don’t like heavy bass, the ULT Field 3 is probably not the best speaker for you. You can obviously turn off the extra bass feature, but at that point, you could just opt for a cheaper speaker instead.

Listening to Bad Bunny’s “BAILE INoLVIDABLE,” I felt like I was at a bumping party, even though I was just in my apartment by myself. I could actually feel the bass vibrate while the speaker sat on my desk and I sat in my desk chair.

ULT Field 3 introduced me to background bass that I never even knew existed in “The Last Time (Taylor’s Version)” by Taylor Swift and Gary Lightbody. The speaker is great for punching up your music and bringing out little details you might miss on another speaker.

Portability and ruggedness shine The detachable strap is stylish and great for portability. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

Let me start by saying that this speaker is surprisingly lightweight — it doesn’t feel much heavier than the smaller ULT Field 1 speaker. It also comes with a detachable, adjustable shoulder strap that makes transportation easy. The strap has a cute design with Baggu or Off-White vibes.

The speaker is about 10 inches wide x 4.5 inches high x 3 inches deep, so even without the strap, it’s small enough to fit in a tote or backpack.

As I mentioned above, Sony’s ULT Field 3 is IP67-rated waterproof, dustproof, shockproof, and rustproof. I took a shower with the speaker sitting on the ledge of the tub, and it was totally unaffected by water spraying all over it. The sound still came out great and the speaker itself was unharmed.

I can see this being a really great speaker for outdoor parties, pool days, hikes, or camping. It’s tough enough to withstand any accidents that might happen with dropping or spillage.

The speaker survived getting drenched in my shower. Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable Sony Sound Connect app

Sony used to have separate apps for headphones and speakers, but now they’re all combined under the Sony Sound Connect app. This is where you can customize your 7-band EQ for the ULT Field 3 or connect the speaker with other Sony speakers. You can also see the speaker’s battery life and swap between other Sony devices in the app. I did have trouble getting the speaker to connect to the app, and then I wasn't able to connect my ULT Field 1, so I couldn't try out the Party Connect between the two speakers. I'm hoping that was just a fluke that will get sorted out.

The app also has DJ Control, where you can isolate audio or add in DJ sound effects like an air horn or record scratch. I found this feature to be very funny and not something I would ever seriously use, but maybe an aspiring DJ who’s more well-versed in the effects would find it more useful.

Where the ULT Field 3 falls in the Sony ULT lineup

When the Sony ULT lineup launched in 2024, it started with the ULT Wear headphones, ULT Field 1 small portable speaker, ULT Field 7 large portable speaker, and ULT Tower 10 large tower speaker. The 2025 launch includes the ULT Field 3, ULT Field 5, and ULT Tower 9.

The smaller ULT Field 1 (left) with the medium-sized ULT Field 3 (right). Credit: Miller Kern / Mashable

The ULT Field 3 sits toward the smaller end of the lineup, larger than the ultra-portable ULT Field 1 but smaller than the ULT Field 5 or 7, which are technically portable but would be better for more stationary uses like house parties. The Field 3 also gets significantly louder than the ULT Field 1. However, it doesn’t have the fun party lights of the ULT Field 5 or Field 7.

Is the Sony ULT Field 3 worth it?

The Sony ULT Field 3 speaker is worth it for someone who loves to hear the bass in their music and needs a speaker to fill a large space — or someone who listens to music outdoors often, like at the beach or on a hike.

It’s a decently priced mid-size speaker from one of our favorite audio brands, so I don’t think anyone would regret purchasing it. It has great audio quality (as long as you’re not right next to the speaker), a good battery life, and can withstand tough conditions.

Sony ULT Field 3 Bluetooth speaker $199.99 at Amazon
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SAVE UP TO 30%: Amazon has several versions of TurboTax tax software on sale for up to 30% off and H&R Block software for up to 23% off — get max deductions and file before the April 15 deadline in 2025.

Best 2024 tax software deals Best overall TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal Best deal for self-employed folks TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $95.99 (save $34) Get Deal Best deal for business owners TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) $143.99 (save $46) Get Deal Best deal for investors TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $82.99 (save $32) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for Amazon shoppers H&R Block Deluxe + State Tax Software (federal and state) $45.97 (save $14.02) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for self-employed folks H&R Block Premium Tax Software (federal and state) $72.97 (save $12.02) Get Deal Best H&R Block deal for business owners H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software (federal and state) $85.97 (save $14.02) Get Deal

The sun is setting later, we're frolicking in spring flowers, and we're planning summer vacation. Spring is a wonderful time that gives us all fresh air and a renewed lust for life. But there's a dreaded event tucked in there: Tax Day.

This year we're all on the hook for the Tuesday, April 15 deadline, which means we have less than one week left to get all our paperwork gathered and start crunching numbers. Instead of having a mini freak-out session on April 14, why not get taxes done today or even this weekend?

SEE ALSO: Tax season is here: All the details on IRS Free File

Thankfully, Amazon has digital versions of TurboTax software up to 30% off, and H&R Block on sale for up to 23% off. That means you'll not only be filing before the deadline this year, you'll be getting an impressive discount on the software to make it happen (correctly).

Here are the best tax software deals to shop at Amazon today.

Best overall deal Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Deluxe 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal Why we like it

At 30% off, Turbo Tax Deluxe is ideal for anyone who owns a home, has tax-deductible charitable donations, paid high medical expenses, or those who need to file both state and federal returns in 2025 for the 2024 tax year. Normally, TurboTax Deluxe costs $79.99, but Amazon has it discounted to just $55.99 for a digital version of the software that's suitable for both PC and Mac.

This version of TurboTax is designed to get you the maximum refund possible, including over 375 potential deductions and credits. You'll be able to import W2 forms, investments, mortgage information, and more from participating companies which will streamline the process.

Keep in mind that this deal gives you five federal e-files and one state file, meaning you can share the federal filing option with family members or friends to get their taxes done this week, too.

Best deal for self-employed folks Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $95.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $34.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Filing taxes as a freelancer or self-employed person can get complicated. Instead of feeling overwhelmed, pick up TurboTax Home & Business 2024 Tax Software (federal and state). This version focuses on filing for contractors, small business owners, sole proprietors, and other self-employed folks.

Typically, TurboTax Home & Business comes in at $129.99, but the software is on sale at Amazon for $95.99. This version of TurboTax is well-equipped to deal with new business start-up costs, refinances, business expenses, and rental property income, making the task of filing much less daunting. There's also protection that checks your return for audit triggers, helping you sleep better after filing.

Best deal for business owners Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) $143.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $46 Get Deal Why we like it

Feeling nervous to file your 2024 return as a business owner? Understandable, but enlist the help of TurboTax Business 2024 Tax Software (federal) and you'll be taking major steps in the right direction. With easy-to-navigate guidance, TurboTax helps business owners with maximizing industry-specific credits and deductions. It'll also let you create K-1 forms electronically.

TurboTax recommends opting for this version if you own an S- or C-Corp, have a partnership, manage a trust, or have a multi-member LLC.

Best deal for investors Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state) $82.99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $32 Get Deal Why we like it

Taxes can get tricky if you're active in trading stock or bonds. Instead of worrying about your investments when working on your 2024 tax return, opt for the guidance of TurboTax Premier 2024 Tax Software (federal and state). The software usually sells for $114.99, but Amazon has it discounted to $82.99.

This version is also ideal if you're a trust beneficiary or you own rental property. Plus, it can handle returns for those who sold employee stock in 2024.

TurboTax Premier scans your return for over 375 potential deductions and credits, plus it has additional help for retirement tax and includes IRA tools.

Best H&R Block deal for Amazon shoppers Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Tax Software Deluxe + State (federal and state) $45.97 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $14.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone who shops often at Amazon can benefit from this H&R Block tax software deal. For starters, this bundle offers both federal and state tax filing, offering one state program and five federal e-files, plus it's 23% off.

H&R Block focuses on taking the stress out of tax filing by offering the ability to easily upload W-2 forms, 1099s, 1098s, and information from your 2023 tax return. That even includes importing from TurboTax and Quicken.

But the most unique offering with this H&R tax software deal is the potential for a larger refund. When you snag this deal at Amazon and select to get your tax refund on an Amazon gift card, you could be eligible to get an extra 2% bonus on the gift card.

Best H&R Block deal for self-employed folks Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Premium Tax Software (federal and state) $72.97 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $12.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Being self-employed is hard enough, then come the complicated taxes. Take some of the pressure off thanks to H&R Block Tax Software that helps self-employed people by offering advanced Schedule C guidance which can maximize deductions. Like all H&R Block software, it comes with easy-to-follow steps and free in-person audit support should that become necessary.

This deal is also great if you expect a refund and shop at Amazon. With this deal, you can select to receive your tax refund in the form of an Amazon gift card, which comes with an additional 2% bonus refund.

Best H&R Block deal for business owners Opens in a new window Credit: H&R Block H&R Block Premium & Business Tax Software (federal and state) $85.97 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $14.02 Get Deal Why we like it

With support for business owners, H&R Block Premium & Business comes with great features, and it's on sale at Amazon for $85.97. H&R Block recommends this version of e-filing to business owners who are filing corporate or S-corporation taxes. LLC, estate, and trust taxes are also well-supported with this version.

You might also be eligible to get an extra 2% bonus refund if you choose to get your refund in the form of an Amazon gift card.

In a last-minute scramble, tech heavyweights like Apple, Dell, and Microsoft have been fast-tracking shipments of phones and laptops to the U.S. ahead of sweeping new tariffs on Chinese goods.

SEE ALSO: Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we know

The report comes via Japanese outlet Nikkei, which says these companies are leaning hard on their Asian suppliers to pump out as much inventory as possible before the new rules land. Unfortunately, the slapdash nature of the tariff rollout has complicated those efforts. "The biggest challenge is that we don't have so many components and materials in stock," one exec told Nikkei. "There's only so much we could ship less than a week before the new tariffs begin."

The tariffs officially hit on April 9, slamming Chinese exports with a staggering 104% hike — made up of a 20% levy already in place, the 34% tacked on last week, and a fresh 50% added by Trump after Beijing refused to walk back its own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods.

The Trump administration says its goal is to push American companies to bring manufacturing back home. But here's the catch: the supply chains, factories, and skilled labor needed to build devices at scale in the U.S. simply don’t exist at the moment.

While some tech companies have been rushing to refresh their inventory ahead of the tariff rollout, others are hitting pause. Nintendo has delayed preorders on the Switch 2, while Razer Blade laptops disappeared altogether from the company's online store on April 8.

How will President Trump’s tariffs affect you? Keep checking Mashable.com as we cover the latest impacts on the tech and shopping worlds, from how tariffs delayed Nintendo Switch 2 preorders to iPhone 16 panic buying.

It's important to have a great antivirus software package that can protect your PC from threats while you browse online. Viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats are all potential dangers when you're online, even if you think you're being careful. New threats are emerging every day, which is why many antivirus software manufacturers take a holistic approach, protecting your system from all kinds of potential threats, not just the obvious ones.

There are plenty of options out there, so it's important to find the right one for you. While free apps are available, they typically offer fewer features. Generally, you get what you pay for, so it's important to choose the antivirus software that's best for you.

SEE ALSO: The best free VPNs we've tested

A dangerous virus or piece of ransomware can lock you out of your system. You could lose banking details, private documents, and personal photos that can never be recovered. Fortunately, if you install the right paid antivirus software, you won't have to worry. 

There are a lot of options out there, but we've picked out top packages that we feel are the best on the market. Find our picks for the best antivirus software below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We've updated this story to remove Kaspersky following the US government's ban of the software.

GET 19% OFF: As of April 9, the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV is on sale at Amazon for $138, down $169.99, saving you $31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Vizio Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV $138 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $31.99 Get Deal

If you're in need of a new TV, then you're in luck, for the moment, there are still deals to be had on products like the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV. With President Trump implementing tariffs up to 104% on China, and China responding with 84% tariffs on US goods, prices on consumer goods are likely to change very quickly.

As of April 9, you can still get the Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV for $138, down from $169.99, and save $31 for 19% off. That's its lowest price ever.

SEE ALSO: The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 with RTX 4060 is $400 off — nab it before tariffs take hold

The Vizio 40-inch 1080p Smart TV is a high-tech, modern television priced for less. Compatible with Alexa and Google Cast, you'll easily be able to link it to your smart assistant and stream your favorite shows.

With HD resolution and a 60Hz screen refresh time, this TV is as well-equipped for gaming as it is for movies and TV. It uses active pixel tuning with full array LED backlighting, lighting and darkening zones to create rich contrast.

Whether you're upgrading your home theater before hopping into an Avowed playthrough, or you're just trying to replace an aging TV before Trump tariffs decimate global trade, this deal is a great time to buy.

If you've played Fortnite recently, then you've probably been bombarded by, of all people, Sabrina Carpenter.

The pop star is taking center stage as the headliner for Fortnite Festival Season 8, a rhythm-based game that feels like Guitar Hero’s wild little cousin. But don’t think it’s just about playing music — Sabrina’s influence is everywhere. Among the treasures up for grabs this season are a slew of Sabrina-themed goodies, including a Carpenter skin complete with multiple outfits. For those who don’t live and breathe video games, that just means you can deck out your in-game character to look like the "Espresso" singer herself.

And it’s causing quite the buzz. Scroll through social media, and you’ll find an endless stream of screenshots and clips featuring players who’ve decked out their avatars as Sabrina Carpenter. From epic dance moves to full-on Carpenter takeovers, it seems like Fortnite is now Sabrina’s world, and we’re all just living in it.

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As those posts demonstrate, some folks playing as Carpenter are less focused on fighting and more into dancing or just vibing out.

"Dance-related stalemates are on the rise since @SabrinaAnnLynn arrived in Fortnite," the Fortnite account posted on X. "[Battle Royale] is all vibes now."

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It's a fun addition to the game, but if you're planning to play, just "Please Please Please" get ready for some dance breaks.

SAVE $90: As of April 9, get the Blink Outdoor 4 (2-Pack) for $89.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's a discount of 50%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Blink Outdoor 4 (2-Pack) $89.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Do you know what's going on outside your home when you close the door? With the right smart home tech, you can see everything that's happening by glancing at your phone thanks to wireless security cameras. There's a great deal at Amazon right now that should make keeping a watchful eye a breeze.

As of April 9, get the Blink Outdoor 4 (2-Pack) for $89.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $179.99. That's $90 off and a discount of 50%.

SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Upgrade to the M4 MacBook Air while it's at its cheapest price to date

You get two Blink Outdoor 4 cameras here for less than $100, which is a great deal, especially since these wireless cameras can be placed just about anywhere. They come with their own mounting kit and two AA batteries, which will last about two years per camera.

You can view up to five camera feeds from your phone, with 1080p HD recordings, infrared night vision, and two-way communication so you can live chat with anyone on the other end of the camera. You can also connect your cameras via Alexa-enabled devices to control and view your feeds from there. Since these cameras are for outside use, they're weather-resistant, meaning you can truly set them up and forget them.

In this issue:

We introduce a new dataset designed to assist renewable energy infrastructure planners, a new method for denoising MRI imagery, and an AI tool for analyzing distant galaxies. Check out our latest research and other updates. 

NEW RESEARCH Global Renewables Watch: A Temporal Dataset of Solar and Wind Energy Derived from Satellite Imagery

Siting renewable energy infrastructure requires careful consideration of the potential impact on ecosystems, cultural and historical resources, agriculture, and scenic landscapes. To help policymakers, researchers, and other stakeholders assess strategies for deployment, researchers from Microsoft, The Nature Conservancy (opens in new tab), and Planet (opens in new tab) present a comprehensive global temporal dataset of commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) farms and onshore wind turbines.

The researchers built the dataset by training deep learning-based segmentation models on high-resolution satellite imagery and then deploying them on over 13 trillion pixels of images covering the world. The final spatial dataset includes 375,197 individual wind turbines and 86,410 solar photovoltaic installations. For each detected feature, they estimate the construction date and the preceding land use type, and aggregate their findings to the country level, along with estimates of total power capacity.

Read the paper NEW RESEARCH SNRAware: Improved Deep Learning MRI Denoising with SNR Unit Training and G-factor Map Augmentation

This research proposes a new training method, SNRAware, to improve the ability of deep learning models to denoise—or remove unwanted random variations—from MRI images. MRI images can suffer from high levels of noise when scanning is accelerated with parallel imaging or when data are acquired using lower cost, low-field MRI systems.  

The researchers tested SNRAware on 14 different models, including ones based on transformer and convolutional architectures. The proposed training scheme improved the performance of all the tested models. This broad applicability means that the method is flexible and can be applied to different kinds of models without redesigning them. The testing showed SNRAware significantly improves the quality and clinical utility of MRI images while preserving important diagnostic details.

Read the paper NEW RESEARCH Can AI unlock the mysteries of the universe?

Analyzing the physical properties of individual galaxies is a fundamental skill in astronomy. It requires a thorough understanding of galaxy formation theories and the ability to interpret vast amounts of observational data. However, even for seasoned astronomers, this process can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. To help astronomers accelerate this fundamental process, researchers from Microsoft and external colleagues introduce Mephisto, research designed to analyze extremely distant galaxies observed by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST).

Mephisto analyzes photometric data from distant galaxies, proposing physical models and interacting with Code Investigating Galaxy Emission (opens in new tab), a commonly used galaxy spectral simulation program. Mephisto can detect discrepancies between models and observational data, identifies potential instrumental errors or limitations in the models, iteratively adjusts parameters, and generates multiple explanations for the observational data.

Read the article APPLIED AI Japan Airlines’ new AI app will make it easier for cabin attendants to report inflight events with Microsoft’s Phi-4 small language model

Japan Airlines (JAL) is using technology developed by Microsoft Research to deploy an AI app that helps flight crews communicate more effectively with ground staff when something unexpected comes up during a flight.

The JAL-AI Report is being developed using Microsoft’s Phi-4 small language model (SLM), which requires less computing power than the large language models (LLMs) most generative AI tools run on, so it can be used offline on a device for specific tasks.

Cabin attendants who have tried it say it can slash the time for writing operation reports by up to two thirds, say, from one hour to 20 minutes, or from 30 minutes to 10 for simpler cases.

Read the story Microsoft Research | In case you missed it AI weather forecast project eyes access through desktop computers 

Financial Times | March 20, 2025

Aardvark Weather uses AI to deliver accurate forecasts in just minutes from a desktop computer. Developed by scientists at the University of Cambridge, with support from the Alan Turing Institute, Microsoft Research, and the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts, this technology is tens of times faster than existing methods and requires only a fraction of the computing power.

Director of Microsoft Research talks AI for science (what it really means) 

The Deep View | March 11, 2025

Chris Bishop, Director, AI for Science, Microsoft Research, discusses what AI is doing for science. This interview dives into how AI is accelerating discovery of new techniques and findings, the benefits of foundation models like Aurora, MatterGen’s capabilities, and AI’s impact on scientists.

Microsoft’s Christopher Bishop: Scientific discovery is AI’s killer application 

Financial Times | April 3, 2025

Christopher Bishop runs Microsoft’s AI for Science research unit, which applies the powerful technology to the natural sciences. Bishop sees the mission of the lab, which was founded in 2022, as accelerating scientific discovery using the technology.

In this conversation with the Financial Times’ AI editor Madhumita Murgia, he explains why he believes scientific discovery will prove to be the single most important application of the technology.

Innovation to Impact (ft. Dr M – DGTL Voices with Ed Marx) 

DGTL Voices with Ed Marx | March 12, 2025

Matthew Lungren, Chief Scientific Officer, Microsoft Health and Life Sciences, and Jonathan Carlson, Managing Director, Microsoft Health Futures, discuss AI’s transformative impact on radiology and the importance of collaboration in research and product development. They highlight how healthcare organizations can leverage Microsoft’s resources for innovation, emphasizing Microsoft’s progress in developing radiology-specific multimodal models and its broader work in healthcare.

Tech Life – The doctor will see you now 

BBC Sounds | March 4, 2025

An update from the live trials in Ghana of Microsoft Research’s Holoportation 3D telemedicine technology. BBC’s Tech Life speaks to lead researcher Spencer Fowers, as well as a patient and doctor benefiting from the portable kit.

Related video: 3D telemedicine offers help to sick Ghanaians in remote locations

Microsoft Unveils New AI Model to Edit Video Games 

IEEE Spectrum | March 11, 2025

Lead researcher Katja Hoffman discusses Microsoft’s Muse, a transformer model with 1.6 billion parameters trained on 500,000 hours of player data that can generate gameplay examples from a single screenshot.

National University of Singapore collaborates with Microsoft Research Asia to advance AI research and cultivate computing talent 

NUS News | April 2, 2025

The National University of Singapore (NUS) has signed a five-year collaboration agreement with Microsoft Research Asia for a Joint PhD Supervision Program, bringing together NUS’s academic and research excellence with Microsoft Research Asia’s global leadership in AI, computing research, and industrial applications to cultivate talent. As part of this collaboration, NUS and Microsoft Research Asia will nurture PhD students through the Industrial Postgraduate Program, supported by the Singapore Economic Development Board (EDB). This initiative will help to cultivate interdisciplinary, high-caliber tech professionals and drive the integration of AI technology across industries.

How Microsoft made it through 50 years 

The Verge | April 4, 2025

A lot has changed since Microsoft was founded, but in many ways, the company’s core business model and ethos remain the same: make software that everyone needs and get it installed everywhere. Adapting to change, including the ongoing AI transformation, has always played an important role in the company’s success.

View more news and awards Opens in a new tab

The post Research Focus: Week of April 7, 2025 appeared first on Microsoft Research.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 9: OUR TOP PICK Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAL Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 (save $40) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Video Doorbell $29.99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST STYLUS DEAL Apple Pencil 2 $109 (save $20) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH SPEAKER DEAL Bose SoundLink Flex $119 (save $30) Get Deal

With tariff talk causing tech prices to jump and purchases to skyrocket, we're all desperately in need of some deals. We don't encourage panic-buying, but if you're seeking some specific tech and don't want to spend an arm and a leg, we've found a few discounts at Amazon we think are worth grabbing as of April 9.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are catching your eye, be sure to check out our selections from April 7 and April 8. Many of those deals are still live, including 40% off the Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet and the lowest price to date on the Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker.

Our top pick: Apple 15-inch M4 MacBook Air Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 15-inch MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,139 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $60 Get Deal

The brand-new 15-inch Apple MacBook Air with an M4 chip has dropped to its lowest price to date — just $1,139. That's only a $60 discount, but considering the laptop has only been out for a month, that's pretty impressive. A Mashable Choice Award-winner, earning 4.5 out of 5 stars, it's practically a no-brainer purchase if you're looking to upgrade. Mashable's reviewer, Stan Schroeder, dubbed it "the best-buy Apple laptop, period," specifically shouting out its "impressively powerful" and silent performance and improved FaceTime camera.

Read our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Fitbit Charge 6 Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $40.00 Get Deal

The Fitbit Charge 6 checks all the boxes for a top-notch fitness tracker. It features a seven-day battery life, 40 different exercise modes, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, built-in GPS, and a sleek, slim design. You'll also get a six-month Fitbit Premium membership to kickstart your new health and fitness routine. It's usually a $159.95 purchase, but as of April 9, it's on sale for $119.95. That's 25% in savings.

Blink Video Doorbell Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Video Doorbell $29.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

If you don't want to drop hundreds on a home security system, but still want some peace of mind when you're away, the Blink Video Doorbell is a great investment. On sale for just $29.99 — 50% off its usual cost — this smart doorbell lets you see who's at your door even when you're far away with a 1080p HD live view and two-way audio, plus infrared night vision when the sun goes down. Pop in two AA batteries and it can last for up to two years before needing new ones.

Apple Pencil 2 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil 2 $109 at Amazon
$129 Save $20 Get Deal

The Apple Pencil is a game-changing iPad accessory, whether you're a creator hoping to make digital masterpieces or just want to jot down some notes or doodles. The second-generation stylus gives you the luxury of magnetic charging by just hovering it close to the edge of a supported iPad. Plus, it offers pressure sensitivity that makes note-taking or drawing fine details feel like using an actual pen or pencil, as well as double-tap gestures that let you switch tools effortlessly. It's typically $129, but you can slash $20 off as of April 9 at Amazon.

Bose SoundLink Flex Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Flex $119 at Amazon
$149 Save $30 Get Deal

Not all portable speakers are created equal. If you want something small enough to go with you anywhere, yet powerful enough to crank out your tunes for hours, check out the SoundLink Flex by Bose. Our pals at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) celebrated its "outdoor-friendly build and impressive rumble for its portable size," rating it "excellent" with 4 out of 5 stars. It boasts an impressive 12-hour battery life, a rugged design that is not only waterproof, but can float. The latest generation also streamlined the controls and offers customizable EQ in the Bose app, unlocking a better listening experience than its predecessor. Usually $149, you can snag it on sale for only $119 as of April 9. That's 20% in savings on any color.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

SAVE $8.99: As of April 9, the Hoto Electric Screwdriver comes bundled with a Hoto Box Cutter for $43.99, down from $52.98. That's 17% off, and cheaper than buying the Hoto Electric Screwdriver on its own.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hoto Hoto Electric Screwdriver Kit Bundle with Hoto Box Cutter $43.99 at Amazon
$52.98 Save $8.99 Get Deal

Along with spring cleaning comes spring fixing: AC units need to be installed, and yard tools need a tune up. If you're in need of a new screwdriver for your tool chest, now's a great time to buy the Hoto Electric Screwdriver and get an extra handy tool on top.

As of April 9, the Hoto Electric Screwdriver comes bundled with a Hoto Box Cutter for $43.99, down from $52.98. That's 17% off, and $6 cheaper than buying the Hoto Electric Screwdriver on its own.

SEE ALSO: Today only: Spirit Airlines' spring sale has flights from $34

This electric screwdriver comes with 25 S2 steel bits that snap into place magnetically. An extending rod helps you get into tight spaces you couldn't otherwise reach, and built-in LEDs light up nooks and crevices. This battery-powered screwdriver doesn't need to stay plugged in for you to do your work.

Hoto's Box Cutter is imbued with attractive minimalist design. Its anti-rust guide rails ensure it will cut longer without deteriorating. White with a gold thumb adjustment dial, the Box Cutter looks extremely chic.

Whether you're crafting from scratch or restoring appliances and home technology, this Hoto bundle is an excellent combo to have in your tool kit.

Google has started rolling out its Loss of Pulse Detection for the Pixel Watch 3 users in the US.

The rollout started on Tuesday as part of the latest Personal Safety Wear OS app update, version 2025.03.19.x (via 9To5Google). It's a gradual rollout that will become fully available over the next few weeks, so if you're not seeing it yet, keep checking back.

The feature works by using heart-rate sensors on the part of the Pixel Watch that touches your skin. If it detects the absence of a pulse, it will vibrate and send you a message asking if you're okay. If you don't respond within 15 seconds, the Pixel Watch will "play a loud sound and start a countdown," according to the Pixel Watch support page. After this it will call emergency services, sharing an automated message and your location. Loss of pulse can occur from several issues, including "cardiac arrest, respiratory or circulatory failure, overdose, or poisoning," the page read.

If you don't respond, the Pixel Watch will place a call to emergency services. Credit: Google

Loss of Pulse Detection for the Pixel Watch 3 received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in February and was initially slated for release in late March. It has been available in the EU since September of last year.

To enable Loss of Pulse Detection, go to the Google Pixel Watch app on your phone then tap Safety & Emergency. From there, tap Loss of Pulse Detection to set up the feature. Your Pixel Watch 3 must be updated to the latest version for this to work.

This is one of several health and safety features Google has developed for the Pixel and Pixel Watch. Previously, it launched fall detection and irregular heartbeat monitoring.

SAVE $60: Amazon and B&H Photo have the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M4) on sale for just $1,139 as of April 9. That's 5% off its $1,199 sticker price and its best price yet.

Quick links: Amazon Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal B&H Photo Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $1,139 (save $60) Get Deal

Coming in $100 cheaper than its predecessor, Apple's new M4 MacBook has garnered high praise for its competitive pricing. (To quote Senior Editor Stan Schroeder: It's "the best-buy Apple laptop, period.") But President Donald Trump's new tariffs have thrown that into limbo.

Experts are torn on whether the tariffs will make MacBook prices skyrocket, according to several who spoke with our sister site, CNET. In the worst-case scenario for shoppers, Apple could raise its prices directly in line with the latest 104% total tariff rate on goods imported from China, where most of its tech is made. In a better-case scenario, Apple could eat some of the tariff costs and bump its prices by about 10% to stay competitive. There's also a slim chance that MacBook prices could eventually drop if consumer demand is low enough amid price hikes.

All of that being said, now is an especially good time to buy a new M4 MacBook (if you were already thinking about upgrading, that is — don't panic-buy). You're not just getting ahead of possible tariff-related price changes: You can also lock in one of the M4 MacBook's best prices since launch.

As of April 9, the 15-inch midnight model with 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage is on sale for just $1,139 at Amazon and B&H Photo — a new all-time low that saves you $60. That beats its price during last month's Amazon Big Spring Sale by $10, for what it's worth.

SEE ALSO: Apple M4 MacBook Air review: A really good deal

The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is our newest Mashable Choice Award-winner, earning a 4.5/5 rating from Mashable's Schroeder, who tested a configuration with 1TB of storage. It "put my 16-inch MacBook Pro to shame in so many ways that I'm wondering if I should just switch to the Air the next time around," he said, calling out its upgraded 12MP Center Stage camera and its quiet yet "impressively powerful" performance. Its M4 chip notched a Geekbench 6 multi-core score of 14,992, which makes it the fourth-fastest laptop we've ever tested after the 14-inch M4 MacBook Pro ($1,599), the 16-inch M4 Pro MacBook Pro ($1,799), and the Lenovo Legion 9i ($4,485).

Open-lid support for two external displays is another notable M4 Air upgrade. Its M3 counterpart also worked with two monitors plugged in, but you couldn't use the laptop itself at the same time.

Amazon doesn't specify an end time to its discount, but note that B&H Photo's deal is only live through 11:59 p.m. ET on Thursday, April 10.

Market analysts braced for a potential repeat of "Black Monday" over the weekend — a crash of such magnitude it was being compared to the infamous 1987 global financial meltdown. While President Trump’s tariffs continued to weigh on the stock market, a full-blown crash never materialized.

Interestingly, one key factor in averting disaster may have been misinformation from an obscure account on Elon Musk’s X.

Walter Bloomberg

When the stock market opened on Monday, it was heading straight for a decline — but then, a sudden 10 percent surge defied expectations. Analysts were left wondering: What caused this turnaround?

The answer seemed to lie in reports that the White House was considering a 90-day pause on President Trump’s tariffs. The initial claim was attributed to Trump’s economic advisor, National Economic Council Director Kevin Hassett, but no one could verify where he had said it. Instead, the report appeared to have gained traction through a post on X by an account named Walter Bloomberg, which has over 850,000 followers.

"Trump is considering a 90-day pause in tariffs for all countries except China," Walter Bloomberg posted in all-caps alongside an alarm emoji.

It turns out that this wasn't true. The White House quickly dispelled these reports, calling them "fake news."

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Despite the correction, the damage was done: the market had reacted to the false report, sparking the unexpected rally.

Walter Bloomberg, who is unaffiliated with the financial media company Bloomberg, is known for posting Bloomberg Terminal-style headlines throughout the day on his X account @DeItaone (note: the third letter in his handle is a capital "I," not a lowercase "l"). With a paid blue checkmark and a rapidly growing following, many users appear to have mistaken Walter Bloomberg for a legitimate news source.

It remains unclear where Walter Bloomberg got his information. In a reply to another user on X, he claimed to have seen the news on Reuters, but as Guardian journalist Robert Mackey pointed out, the timing didn’t add up — Reuters’ story was published after Walter Bloomberg’s post.

Hammer Capital

While the Walter Bloomberg post was likely the biggest misinformation spreader, numerous reports, like one from CNN, found that the first mention of this false news came from the X account @yourfavorito, which goes by the name Hammer Capital. The account has less than 1,000 followers. However, it does have the paid blue checkmark, which likely led some users to believe it was a credible source. In response to inquiries, Hammer Capital claimed to have gotten the story from CNBC, but again, the timing of CNBC’s headline did not match the original X posts.

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

So how did this all start? The most plausible explanation is that the misinformation stemmed from a misinterpretation of an interview with Hassett, who appeared on Fox News earlier that day. Reporter Aaron Rupar had clipped a portion of the interview, and in the rush to report it as news, X users may have misunderstood the quotes. Notably, the full clip didn’t leave room for the same misinterpretation.

It’s also possible that these X accounts fabricated the misinformation entirely. Since Musk’s acquisition of Twitter (now X) and the subsequent changes to the platform's verification system — allowing anyone to purchase a blue checkmark for $8 per month — the platform has become a hotbed for misinformation.

Regardless of the origin, the impact of this fake news was undeniable. The false tariff report played a significant role in reversing the market’s trajectory on Monday.

Smart has just revealed its most powerful model to date, and it’s a bold statement in electric performance. The new Smart #5 Brabus made its world debut as the brand's flagship electric SUV, and it’s anything but ordinary.

Framework, the company making slick yet modular and repairable laptops, is finally ready for you to get your hands on the all-new Framework Laptop 12. In an effort to make small entry-level laptops great, pre-orders are live starting today, April 9th, but we have some bad news.

Snap and other social media platforms have joined a diverse group backing the controversial Take It Down Act, intended to tackle the ongoing spread of non-consensual intimate imagery (NCII) and deepfakes online.

"This law is a critical step not only in helping to protect people from having their private images shared without permission, but also in limiting the distribution of AI-generated intimate images that can be just as damaging," wrote the social media company. "The TAKE IT DOWN Act aligns with and complements our ongoing efforts to stop bad actors from distributing NCII and child sexual exploitation and abuse imagery (CSEAI) online."

Roblox co-founder David Baszucki, also announced the platform's support of the bill. "The ability to rapidly share images and videos is one of the reasons the internet can be a complex and dangerous place for children," he wrote. "This content is incredibly sensitive, and we need greater government oversight for apps that allow image and video sharing. Currently, Roblox does not support this functionality."

SEE ALSO: Instagram will restrict teens from going Live, as Teen Accounts expand to Facebook and Messenger

The bipartisan act was introduced by Senator Ted Cruz last June and passed a vote in the Senate in February. The legislation makes publishing or threatening to publish nonconsensual explicit imagery a federal crime, including images generated by AI. Social media companies are implicated in the bill, as well, required to remove the original content and any duplicates within 48 hours. And the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) would gain new powers to sure non-compliant platforms.

In March, First Lady Melania Trump came out in support of the bill, as well.

Take It Down Act spurs concerns about privacy and censorship

Despite its bipartisan and celebrity support, free speech and privacy advocates have vocally opposed the bill, including the Electronic Frontier Foundation, SIECUS: Sex Ed for Social Change, and the Woodhull Freedom Foundation, which sent a letter to the Senate in opposition. According to the organizations, the bill's current notice and takedown (NTD) mechanism would have rippling consequences on content that isn't NCII, including creating a potential censorship pathway for legal pornography, journalism, and political speech.

Such actions would be unconstitutional, advocates argue, and could additionally threaten user privacy — including the efficacy of end-to-end encryption — if platforms invest further in automatic detection technology and other tools to monitor users' messages.

The Take It Down Act isn't the only piece of legislation attempting to forge legal and civil pathways for victims of NCII, either, including the 2024 Defiance ("Disrupt Explicit Forged Images and Non-Consensual Edits") Act spearheaded by Senate Judiciary Chair Dick Durbin, Republican senator Lindsay Graham, and Democratic representative and co-leader Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. In addition, companies like Roblox have signed on to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) 2.0, an update to an existing bill that, among other expansions, would extend online data privacy protections to children under 17 years old.

Electric vehicles are slowly but surely becoming more mainstream. However, one thing continues to be a concern for the average buyer, range. If you’re looking for an affordable EV, chances are that you want to pick from a list of models with the best overall range.

Apple's AirTags are great, but they're expensive and don't work well with Android. If you're looking for an excellent alternative, the Chipolo One is a solid choice. Right now, you can get a four-pack of these little Bluetooth trackers at an all-time low price.

SAVE $7 MONTHLY: As of April 9, get 3 months of Apple TV+ for $2.99 per month, down from the original monthly price of $9.99. That's $21 in savings total, or a discount of 70%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Get 3 months of Apple TV+ for $2.99/month $2.99 at Apple TV+
$9.99 Save $7 Get Deal

Can't find anything to watch? There are tons of streaming services out there to choose from, but Apple TV+ is one that you may not have tried yet. And even if you have, you may have decided to cancel and come back later to save some of that hard-earned cash of yours. If you're ready to come back while also getting a great discount, now's the time to pounce.

As of April 9, get Apple TV+ for just $2.99 per month for three months. That's $7 off its usual monthly price of $9.99 for $21 in savings total, and a discount of 70%. This deal is open to new and returning subscribers and is available until April 24, though it's only open to anyone who is a direct subscriber, not a member through Apple TV+ provided through a bundle. After the three months are over, the subscription will renew at its $9.99 price until it's canceled.

SEE ALSO: Save $20 on the Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) at Amazon

There's a wide selection of TV shows and movies to choose from on Apple TV+, from the wildly popular Severance to the affable Ted Lasso and tons in between. The new Jon Hamm series Your Friends & Neighbors premieres this week as well. But don't forget to peruse the back catalog, which includes hits like For All Mankind and Mythic Quest.

Snag your subscription while it's discounted, and catch up on all the shows and movies you've been meaning to. This is a great offer that you won't see often, so it's a good idea to get it while you can.