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Printers on Windows have historically required individual drivers on Windows, which causes security vulnerabilities, limited hardware upgrades, and reliability problems. Now, Microsoft wants to replace that with “a fundamentally modern approach,” which includes a slow phaseout for legacy printer drivers.

When you're putting together a toolbox for professional work, the main difference between tools that last just a few years or first time tools, and those that stand the test of time often comes down to choosing what is durable with a clever design.

Anthropic, the AI company behind the popular Claude AI chatbot, received praise last week for standing up to the Trump administration over the U.S. military's use of its AI tools.

However, the company may be reversing course.

According to a new report from the Financial Times, Anthropic and the U.S. Department of Defense have reopened negotiations on how the government can leverage Anthropic tech for military purposes.

The breakdown between Anthropic and the U.S. government began after the AI company received a $200 million contract from the U.S. Defense Department.

However, Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei later wanted guarantees that the U.S. government would not utilize its Claude AI models for domestic surveillance or autonomous weapons. The Trump administration refused this request, saying it would use AI technology for any "lawful" purpose.

SEE ALSO: 'The AI Doc' trailer: Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, and more discuss the precarious future of AI

As talks between Anthropic and the U.S. government broke down, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth even threatened to designate the company as a supply chain risk to national security.

President Trump called Anthropic a "radical left, woke company" in a post on Truth Social and ordered the federal government to cease using Anthropic's technology over the following six months.

The Financial Times reports that Amodei has now re-entered negotiations in hopes of avoiding the supply chain risk designation. Amodei is now discussing terms of a potential deal with Undersecretary of Defense Emil Michael, who called the Anthropic CEO "a liar" with a "God-complex" in a social media post just last week.

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“Near the end of the negotiation the [department] offered to accept our current terms if we deleted a specific phrase about ‘analysis of bulk acquired data’ which was the single line in the contract that exactly matched this scenario we were most worried about," Amodei said in an internal memo to Anthropic employees as reported by The Information. "We found that very suspicious."

Days after talks between Anthropic and the DoD fell apart, OpenAI announced that it had secured a deal with the U.S. government for the use of its AI tools for military use in "classified environments."

OpenAI quickly received blowback from users, forcing CEO Sam Altman to attempt to address concerns. Just days later, an internal memo from Altman leaked, where the OpenAI CEO told employees that it would be amending its agreement with the federal government, as the deal was rushed. Altman stated that the U.S. government assured OpenAI it would not use its technology for domestic surveillance.

Amodei's internal memo reportedly knocked Altman, calling OpenAI and the Pentagon's statements about the issues with Anthropic “just straight up lies." Amodei accused Altman of partaking in “safety theater” regarding his presentation of the deal and stated that OpenAI employees who believed the company were “sort of a gullible bunch.”

If Amodei is successful in securing a new agreement with the federal government, the U.S. military would continue to use the technology, which is reportedly already being used to launch strikes in Iran.

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Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April 2025 filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

You don’t need to be a seasoned woodworker to have battery-powered tools anymore. Whether it’s a simple cordless drill or a powerful leaf blower, there’s a good chance you have a lime green, yellow, red, or blue battery lying around. So why not power your phone with it?

Google is doing away with its 30 percent fee in the Android App Store, which could potentially ease costs for everyday users.

The news dropped this week that Google planned to revamp its app store's inner workings amid a settlement with Epic, the gaming company that makes Fortnite. (Google and Epic have been involved in a years-long legal feud, which ended in Epic's favor.)

Now, the tech giant has announced it's cutting service fees to 20 percent and, in some cases, 15 percent. It also cut its subscription fee to 10 percent. Note that these savings are for developers and companies that make apps and not, necessarily, for the end user.

The cuts were announced a host of other changes within the Android App Store. It's not entirely clear what those changes will mean for everyday users, but we have an idea.

First of all: With Google cutting the service fee, you'd hope the companies on the other end would pass those newfound savings back to users. I wouldn't hold my breath, but it is a possibility.

But Google also noted that developers will be allowed to guide users away from their app store, which could end up creating savings for users in other ways. Cutting out the middleman entirely could allow app developers to offer lower prices via direct sales.

Wrote Google in a blog post:

"Mobile developers will have the option to use their own billing systems in their app alongside Google Play’s billing, or they can guide users outside of their app to their own websites for purchases. Our goal is to offer this flexibility in a way that maximizes choice and safety for users."

So, in short, nothing really changes too much for you, the user, yet. At best, you might be able to save a bit of cash down the line.

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

If you've ever felt lost in a sea of rows and columns in Excel, you're not alone. These hidden navigation tricks changed the way I work, turning clunky scrolling into smooth, lightning-fast sheet hopping. From secret right-clicks to a built-in table of contents, once you try them, you'll immediately notice how much smoother your workflow feels.

I will fully admit that my title up there is a little hyperbolic. USB-C is largely better than the USB types it supposedly replaced, but when it comes to what USB-C promised to give us compared to the reality we got, it almost feels that for every problem it solved, it created two more.

There's a lot to enjoy with an Amazon Prime membership: a plentiful streaming service full of acclaimed originals, same-day shipping, and Grubhub+. But that's just a sampling of the extensive benefits for members. Prime members who also happen to be bookworms can maximize their monthly reading with the Amazon First Reads program.

Similar to Book of the Month, every month, Amazon First Reads drops a new collection of discounted titles. However, unlike Book of the Month, these books are totally free for Prime Members. Here's everything you need to know about Amazon First Reads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon First Reads   Learn More What is Amazon First Reads?

Amazon First Reads is a monthly program in which eight editor-selected books are offered free to Prime members. Members are allowed to choose one book per month, which is then added to their library. Non-Prime members can still join in on the fun, but they have to pay $1.99 per book.

Featured Amazon First Reads books are totally free at checkout for Prime members. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon / Mashable composite

Some months, like Prime Day's July and Black Friday's November, offer two free books. And in others, you can select a free short story with your one free e-book.

To select your book, visit the Amazon First Reads home page to browse the options. As a Prime Member, you'll see the option to "read now for free " when you go to purchase the titles. Once you make your selection, it'll automatically be added to your Kindle library.

Which books are featured in Amazon First Reads?

Among the eight books selected each month, the book editors at Amazon provide a variety of genres for every reader. The books are typically new or soon-to-be-released books — many of the books are published under one of Amazon's publishing imprints, so they're exclusive to Amazon's shelves.

In addition to the eight full-length books offered each month, there's typically a short story available, too, exclusive to read through the Kindle Store. You'll find familiar names in the First Reads collections. Past authors include Abby Jimenez, Rebecca Yarros, Lee Child, Fredrik Backman, Alice Hoffman, and Dean Koontz.

Kindle Unlimited members are able to read most of the previous First Reads picks for free, so if there are multiple each month that you want to add to your digital bookshelf, consider a Kindle Unlimited membership.

March 2026 Amazon First Reads books Amazon's March First Reads collection features nine titles, including a short story from 'Big Little Lies' author Liane Moriarty. Credit: Amazon / Mashable

In March 2026, Amazon dropped eight new books and one short read in the First Reads collection. This month's short read author is none other than Liane Moriarty, author of Big Little Lies and Nine Perfect Strangers. Headlining this month's First Reads collection is As Far As She Knew by Diana Award, part of Mindy Kaling's Book Studio at Amazon. On As Far As She Knew, Kaling says "Diana Awad crafts a thriller that is both heart-stopping and heartbreaking."

Here are all of the First Reads picks for March 2026:

• The Price of Honey by Liane Moriarty

• As Far as She Knew by Diana Award

• In the Great Quiet by Laura Vogt

• Yours Always by Corinne Sullivan

• No Place To Be Single by Felicia Kingsley

• What Happened Next by Edwin Hill

• Maybe It's Fate by Heidi McLaughlin

• The Last Labyrinth by Gwendolyn Womack

• Whispers of Ink and Starlight by Garrett Curbow

Do you need a Kindle for Amazon First Reads?

All of the books selected are technically purchased through the Kindle Store. But does that mean you need a Kindle to read them?

Nope! No Kindle e-reader is necessary to read books collected through First Reads. All books purchased through the Kindle Store are available in the Kindle app, which can be read on a smartphone, tablet, or computer.

However, if you're asking if you should get a Kindle, that's a different question. While a Kindle is not required to enjoy the bounty of the Kindle store, it is our favorite e-reader brand if you're in the market.

Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now at Amazon Shop Now at Best Buy

Long highway commutes demand more than just good fuel economy, they require comfort, stability, and powertrains that can handle hours of steady cruising without fatigue. While many hybrid SUVs are designed primarily for city efficiency, only a select few truly excel when it comes to long-distance driving. These models combine low fuel consumption with quiet cabins and smooth performance that make daily miles easier to manage.

Pre-order new Apple products at Amazon: MacBook Neo (256GB) $599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB, 512GB) $1,099 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Air (15-inch, 16GB, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Pro (14-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,199 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M5 MacBook Pro (16-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,699 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Studio Display $1,599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here Apple Studio Display XDR $3,599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M4 Apple iPad Air (11 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $599 at Amazon Pre-Order Here M4 Apple iPad Air (13 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $799 at Amazon Pre-Order Here

What a week for Apple. We have new MacBooks, iPads, a new budget-friendly iPhone, and fresh Apple Studio Display models. We all have to wait until next Wednesday, March 11 to get these new Apple devices in our hands, but preorders are live.

You have retailer options when to comes to preorders, but if Amazon is your preferred shopping site, you can snag nearly every new Apple product with one-click at Amazon. Here's a quick guide to pre-order new Apple devices from Amazon.

Pre-order the MacBook Neo at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Neo (256GB) $599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

If you're in the market for a MacBook but don't want to spend major dollars, the new MacBook Neo might appeal. With prices starting at $599, it's the least expensive MacBook on the market.

"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," wrote Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel.

The MacBook Neo comes with a 13-inch display and either 256GB or 512GB of storage. Amazon is listing a delivery date of March 12 for preorders.

Pre-order the MacBook Air at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M5 MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB) $1,099 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M5 MacBook Air (15-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB) $1,299 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

This year, the MacBook Air got the zippy M5 chip upgrade. Apple also ditched the 256GB storage option, so the base MacBook Air now comes with 512GB of storage.

Mashable Senior Shopping Reporter Haley Henschel explained one of the biggest shocks with the M5 MacBook Air is the pricing. "The 512GB base models will retail for $1,099 and $1,299, respectively, which is the biggest news here. Those prices represent $100 discounts compared to the M4 MacBook Airs with the same amount of storage. They started with 256GB at $999; that configuration option is no longer available," she wrote.

Pre-order the MacBook Pro at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 14-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,199 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 16-inch, 24GB, 1TB) $2,699 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

More power and quicker processing is essential for professions. The new MacBook Pro line, as expected, brings both of these elements to the party. "Mashable gave the MacBook Pro M5 a stellar review, and these long-awaited MacBook Pros with the M5 Pro and M5 Max are basically just more powerful versions of that device for professional users with advanced computing needs," wrote Mashable contributor Matt Binder.

Pre-order the Apple Studio at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display (27 inch) $1,599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Studio Display XDR $3,599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Apple's fresh 2026 lineup didn't ignore those of us who love monitors. We got an update to the Apple Studio Display and got a brand new Apple Studio Display XDR. "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," explained Mashable Associate Editor Tim Marcin.

Pre-order the Apple iPad Air at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M4 Apple iPad Air (11 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $599 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M4 Apple iPad Air (13 inch, WiFi, 128GB) $799 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

Starting at just $599, the new iPad Air comes with the M4 chip in an 11 and 13-inch size. Mashable Tech Editor Timothy Beth Werth noted, "The M4 processor and enhanced wireless/cellular connectivity will undoubtedly deliver performance upgrades. Apple promises the new iPad Air will be 30 percent faster than the M3 model, with '50 percent more unified system memory.'"

The previous iPad Air with M3 chip is listed as Mashable's favorite iPad. While we haven't tested the new model just yet, we expect to remain a favorite with snappier performance from the updated chip

Between projects like Ted Lasso and Shrinking, showrunner Bill Lawrence has cornered the market on feel-good coming-of-middle-age comedies. His new HBO comedy Rooster, created with Matt Tarses (Scrubs), is the latest entry into that subgenre. It's also the most literal on the "coming-of-age" front, with its college setting evoking ideas of students discovering themselves and their independence.

However, the focus here is not really on the students but on the faculty, including new writer-in-residence Greg Russo (Steve Carell) and his daughter, art history professor Katie (Charly Clive). Just like their pupils, these teachers have a lot of soul-searching to do. Their ensuing stories of college reinvention prove sweetly warm, even if they tread familiar ground by Lawrence standards.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 What's Rooster about? Credit: Patrick Wymore / HBO

A best-selling author of gripping beach reads, Greg never expected to teach. The only reason he visited New England's quaint Ludlow College in the first place was to check in on Katie. Her husband, fellow professor Archie (Phil Dunster), has left her for grad student Sunny (Lauren Tsai)... and everyone on campus knows it. Faced with all this humiliation and scrutiny, Katie has a perfectly reasonable crash out and burns Archie's house down. OK, maybe it's not that reasonable, but it was an accident!

With Katie about to lose her job, college president Walter Mann (John C. McGinley) offers Greg a deal: He'll let Katie keep teaching if Greg teaches a creative writing course for the semester. This way, Ludlow gets a boost from having a best-seller in its classrooms, and Katie's life doesn't implode any further. Greg accepts, hoping to get more involved in Katie's life, while also unknowingly launching himself into the trials and tribulations of modern academia.

SEE ALSO: 'Vladimir' review: Rachel Weisz goes full 'Fleabag' Rooster is a sweet father-daughter comedy. Steve Carell and Charly Clive in "Rooster." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / HBO

Rooster marks a journey of self-discovery for both Katie and Greg.

Katie has to reckon with the trauma of Archie's betrayal, which tanked her self-esteem and sense of place on campus. Her father's new, consistent presence at Ludlow is both a comfort and a claustrophobic reminder of why he came to see her in the first place, resulting in a push-and-pull between exasperation and genuine thankfulness. Clive walks that line perfectly, acting as the slightly prickly foil to Carell's overeager father figure.

Similarly to Jason Sudeikis in Ted Lasso and Jason Segel in Shrinking, Carell's Greg is often enthusiastic to the point of overbearing. Yet his meddling in Katie's life is tempered with just enough sweetness to turn those overbearing qualities endearing, and Carell's performance bursts with warmth and self-effacing charm.

In addition to helping Katie through the roughest of rough patches, Greg also realizes that his new role at Ludlow could be a fresh start for him. He didn't go to college as a young adult, but as Rooster proves, it's never too late to embrace college's transformative power. For Greg, that means a chance to step out of his meeker shell and become more like Rooster, the suave hero of his books. So begins his party era, complete with beer pong with students, hookups with Walter's assistant Cristle (a delightful Annie Mumolo), and a pair of cool guy shades.

SEE ALSO: 'Shrinking' Season 3 review: My heart can't take it

While it's fun to watch Carell cut loose, he and Rooster are at their best when they zero in on Katie and Greg's complicated relationship and Ludlow's departmental shenanigans, brought to life by an incredible ensemble cast. McGinley's gossip-loving Walter is a hoot, taking most of his meetings in a sauna so hot that his colleagues have no choice but to sweat out their emotional hang-ups. Danielle Deadwyler shines as poetry professor Dylan, whose dry wit and experience at Ludlow make her the perfect guide for Greg's first semester. And Dunster exudes nauseating pretentiousness as Archie, the one character who can truly turn Greg venomous. ("You're a bad person, and I hate you," Greg spits at him, recalling Michael Scott's pure hatred of Toby in The Office.)

Elsewhere, Rooster and Tsai focus in on Sunny's aspirations to make her more than just the Other Woman in Katie and Archie's marriage. (While she was not Archie's actual student, I still think he deserves jail time for being the worst to both women!) Even minor characters like Sunny's roommate (Robby Hoffman) and a local cop (Rory Scovel) become instant scene-stealers, and the students we encounter at Ludlow, while often archetypal try-hards or slackers, still feel real enough to give the campus a lived-in feel.

Rooster tackles intergenerational divides on college campuses. Danielle Deadwyler and Steve Carell in "Rooster." Credit: Katrina Marcinowski / HBO

Greg has a tough time adjusting to life on a small liberal arts campus, as students are a lot more vigilant than he is about what is appropriate to do or say. Greg calling a stubborn student his "white whale" as a Moby Dick reference won't fly here. Nor will performing the "Walk Like an Egyptian" dance in an awkward attempt to salvage an embarrassing fall.

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Both these instances result in behavioral write-ups for insensitivity. Yet somehow, Rooster manages to play off this divide between Greg and Ludlow's students in a way that's neither patronizing of the students' social consciousness, nor scolding of Greg's lack of awareness. It lightly ribs all parties involved, while still finding validity in their positions. The students can be too much, but they're also eager to change the world for the better. And Rooster highlights that Greg is coming from a good place of wanting to listen and learn, something he shares with Lawrence's other recent heroes.

To that end, it's hard not to think of Ted Lasso and Shrinking throughout Rooster. Workplace patter-turned-therapy sessions abound, and the often-cheerful Greg is, like Ted and Jimmy, harboring a deeper hurt. His close relationship with troubled student Tommy (Maximo Salas) also feels reminiscent of Jimmy's dynamic with patient Sean (Luke Tennie) in Shrinking.

That familiarity risks feeling cloying at times, but the college satire element gives Rooster just enough bite to set itself apart. It's a charming tale of finding yourself again and helping others along the way, and that's certainly worth crowing about.

Rooster premieres March 8 at 10 p.m. ET on HBO and HBO Max.

When you think of a backyard pool, you probably think of relaxation, cooling off, or maybe a bit of spirited splashing if the kids get involved. It’s generally not the right type of pool if you want to do some serious swim training. Even if you’re lucky enough to have a spacious residential pool, it’s probably nowhere near large enough for training.

There's a point in your drive's life when it will just give out. It's not a question of if, but when—some will only take longer than others.

GET A $100 GIFT CARD: As of March 5, Best Buy kicked off a major savings event on Apple products. The sale includes savings on the recently released MacBook Neo, Air, and Pro models. Right now, get the Apple MacBook Neo for $599 and get a $25 gift card with your purchase.

The best deals from the Best Buy Apple Shopping Event: Best MacBook Neo Deal Apple MacBook Neo (A18, 8GB RAM, 256GGB SSD) Get $25 gift card with purchase of MacBook Neo Get Deal Best MacBook Air Deal Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) Get $50 gift card with purchase of MacBook Air Get Deal Best MacBook Pro Deal Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) Get $100 gift card with purchase of MacBook Pro Get Deal Best iPad Deal Apple iPad (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 (save $40) Get Deal

It's been a big week for Apple. The brand had a week of announcements, dropping six new or upgraded products. Among the new products announced were the iPhone 17e and MacBook Neo, two brand new and budget-friendly devices. To cap off all the excitement, Best Buy is launching a massive Apple sale event (live until March 8), marking down the brand's products across multiple categories.

The deals from Best Buy aren't just on previous MacBook and iPad generations. In fact, there are special savings on nearly all of the devices announced this week. So while Apple's latest products aren't technically available until March 11, pre-ordering now guarantees you some extra savings.

Here are all the best deals to shop during the Best Buy Apple Shopping Event.

Best MacBook Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18, 8GB RAM, 256GGB SSD) $599 at Best Buy
Get $25 gift card with purchase of MacBook Neo Get Deal Why we like it

This week, Apple dropped an array of new devices across categories: iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks. While most of the drop was upgraded existing models, there was one totally new product: the MacBook Neo. With an A18 chip, it's the most affordable MacBook yet, the same starting price as the iPad Air. If you're eager to get your hands on the new budget-friendly MacBook then Best Buy has the best deal.

During Best Buy's Apple sale event, when you purchase the new MacBook Neo for $599, receive a $25 gift card. So while the laptop itself isn't technically discounted, that $25 gift card is basically free money.

More MacBook and Best Buy gift card deals

• Apple MacBook Air (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — Get $50 gift card with purchase of MacBook Air

• Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro, 24GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — Get $100 gift card with purchase of MacBook Pro

Best iPad Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (M4, 128GB, WiFi) $559 at Best Buy
$599 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

This week, Apple finally gave the iPad Air the M4 treatment. Now, its midrange tablet is as powerful as the MacBook Air, just in a more compact device. Unlike the new MacBooks, which Best Buy is running a gift card deal on, the new iPad Air is discounted outright. Apple didn't raise the price of the new iPad Air with M4 chip, so it still starts at $599.

However, during Best Buy's Apple event, you can preorder the new iPad Air with M4 chip for just $559. That saves you $40 off, the new iPad's first discount.

More Apple deals at Best BuyAirPods deals

• Apple AirPods 4 — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods 4 with active noise cancellation — $149.99 $179.99 (save $30)

• Apple AirPods Pro 3 — $219.99 $249.99 (save $30)

Apple accessory deals

• Apple Pencil USB-C — $69 $79 (save $10)

• Apple AirTag 4-pack — $69.99 $99 (save $29.01)

• Apple Pencil Pro — $99 $129 (save $30)

Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular) — $599 $799 (save $200)

iMac deals

• Apple iMac, 24-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,149 $1,299 (save $150)

iPad deals

• Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, 128GB, WiFi) — $329 $349 (save $20)

• Apple iPad Mini (A17 Pro, 128GB, WiFi) — $399 $499 (save $100)

iPhone deals

• Apple iPhone 15 (128GB, unlocked) — $529.99 $629.99 (save $100)

• Apple iPhone Air (256GB, unlocked) — $949.99 $999.99 (save $50)

MacBook deals

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $899 $999 (save $100)

• Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,099 $1,199 (save $100)

Nothing officially announced the Headphone (a) on March 5, at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

The headphones, launched alongside the Phone 4 (a), are the third-ever pair of over-ear headphones from the British tech brand, which made a name for itself with retro-style earbuds and smartphones. Last year, Nothing released its first over-ear model, the $299 Nothing Headphone (1), and shortly followed them with the Headphone Pro from their sub-brand CMF. The brand first teased out the launch of the Headphone (a) earlier this week.

The Headphone (a) stand out for their mid-range price point at $199, and still offers a similar look to the more expensive Headphone (1). They're available for preorder as of March 5, and will be generally available on March 13 in the white, black, and pink colorways. The limited-edition yellow colorway will be available starting April 6.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2026 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Mashable just received a review unit ahead of the official launch. I'll have a full review in the coming weeks, but I've already gathered everything you need to know, including specs, feature comparisons, and my first impressions.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Headphone (a) $199 at Nothing
  Pre-order Here Nothing Headphone (a): Price and specs

The Nothing Headphone (a) cost $199. They feature:

• Adaptive and manually adjustable ANC

• 40 mm RF drivers

• 135-hour battery life without ANC, 75 hours with ANC

• Quick charge with eight hours of playback after five five-minute charge

• Eight band equalizer

• Spatial audio, including concert and cinema mode

• Bluetooth 5.4

• Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC

• Four mics, with two hybrid ANC mics

• IP52 dust- and water-resistance

• Available in white, black, pink, and yellow

Nothing Headphone (a) vs. Headphone (1): What's different?

There's a $100 price difference between the Nothing Headphone (a) and Headphone (1), making it worth understanding whether you'd be satisfied with the newer and cheaper model, or whether the upgrades on the Headphone (1) are worth the extra cash. No matter which you choose, these headphones both have a battery life that outlasts the best headphones in the world.

The Nothing Headphone (a) bear a strong resemblance to the Headphone (1). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The same design, kind of

Out of the box, you can immediately see where Nothing scaled back on the Headphone (a). Instead of the hardshell case found on the Headphone (1), the (a) come with a carrying pouch, which isn't ideal if you plan to travel a lot.

Design-wise, they retain the same iconic rectangular look established by the Headphone (1), but swap some features — a plastic decal replaces the transparent one of the older headphones, with the transparency featuring along the perimeter. The Headphone (1) ditch plastic in their ear cups, offering aluminum CNC components instead, which lends to an overall more premium feel. That said, they are noticeably heavier — 329 grams compared to the Headphone (a) 310 grams. In my experience so far with the cheaper cans, that translated to a slightly more comfortable fit.

Rounding out the design, Nothing kept the exact same tactile designs between the two models, which I am personally thrilled to see. Both myself and Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti were impressed by the Headphone (1) on-ear controls. Consisting of a roller for volume and playback, paddle for changing through tracks, action button, and dedicated Bluetooth button on the inside of the ear cup, these buttons — all found on the right ear cup — feel innovative, incredibly functional, and are hands-down some of the best you can find on a pair of headphones. These controls are maybe the only ones that make me feel like I can truly keep my phone out of reach.

SEE ALSO: Nothing’s new, eye-grabbing headphones are impressive, but not in the ways you expect Listening experience

Beyond design, there's a pretty hefty battery life disparity. The Headphone (1) offer 35 hours with ANC, and 80 hours without. As a reminder, the Headphone (a) offer 75 hours with ANC, and 135 hours without. I should note that's not a typo. These headphones really do promise 135 hours of listening time.

While I haven't had a chance to test how they play side by side just yet, it is worth noting the Nothing collaborated with the hi-fi audio brand KEF on the Headphone (1) to give them an extra boost in performance. That said, I do find the sound to be relatively well-rounded and plenty customizable with the app upon my first couple of listens with the Headphone (a). Like their more expensive counterpart, they also offer manually adjustable and adaptive ANC.

Nothing Headphone (a) first impressions

I've spent less than 24 hours with the Headphone (a), so my opinions are subject to change. That said, I don't remember feeling this immediately impressed with the Headphone (1) when I tried them out last year.

Largely, I contribute to that to not noticing a huge difference in the performance between the two headphones, even though the (a) headphones are $100 cheaper. While great mid-range and budget headphones certainly exist, typically, there's a pretty obvious caveat: the design isn't great, the ANC falters, or the app sucks. So far, I haven't been able to identify the obvious flaw of the Headphone (a). The design is way more unique than I'd expect for this price point, the sound is relatively clear and well-rounded, the ANC and sound profile are customizable, and the app is easy to navigate.

And to top it all off, they have the best battery life I've seen on the market — topping the 70 hours of the Marshall Monitor III and the 55 hours of the significantly more expensive Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (a)

The Nothing Headphone (a) are available for preorder on Nothing's website in the white, pink, and black colorways, and will be available starting March 13. The yellow pair is limited edition, and will be available starting April 6.

Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (a) Nothing.tech Nothing Headphone (a) $199 Pre-Order Here

Milwaukee is one of the most popular and recognizable names in power tools, and users love its extensive collection of M12 and M18 options. We all know its power tools are heavy hitters, but did you know Milwaukee also makes some excellent hand tools?

Remember when phones ditched the headphone jack, and we were all annoyed that phone makers had just taken away such a useful feature? Well, streaming boxes have lost an important connection too, but for some reason people didn't raise the same level of protest.

FREE $100 GIFT CARD: As of March 5, you can get a free $100 gift card when you pre-order the new Apple MacBook Pro with the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip at Best Buy. The premium laptops will begin shipping on March 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Pro) Starting at $2,199 + free $100 gift card Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro (M5 Max) Starting at $3,599 + free $100 gift card Pre-order Here

As you've likely seen by now, Apple had a big week. The company dropped a batch of new products, from the first-ever budget MacBook to an even more powerful MacBook Pro. The latter is pretty darn expensive, but if you lock in a preorder at Best Buy, you'll get a little relief in the form of a free gift card.

As of March 5, when you pre-order the new MacBook Pro with either the M5 Pro or M5 Max chip at Best Buy (in any configuration), you'll get a free $100 e-gift card to spend however you please. The laptops will begin shipping on March 11 and you'll receive an email with your free gift once the laptop is in your possession.

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The new M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros come in two sizes, 14 or 16 inches, and are essentially more powerful versions of the already stellar M5 MacBook Pro. The M5 Pro variants start at $2,199 for the 14-inch laptop and $2,699 for the 16-inch laptop and come with 1TB of base storage. They're built for folks "running complex workflows, like coders optimizing algorithms and photographers processing massive image libraries," according to Apple.

The M5 Max variants are for "those pushing the absolute limits," meaning they're totally overkill for the common laptop user. They start at $3,599 for the 14-inch model and $3,899 for the 16-inch model and come with a base storage of 2TB.

Both the M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros also feature Apple's N1 chip for WiFi 7 and Bluetooth 6 support. Other than that, their specs are virtually the same as their predecessors.

If you want the best of the best when it comes to Apple laptops, these are it. While both models are certainly a pricey investment, the $100 gift card preorder bonus helps to ease a tiny bit of that blow.

If you’re like me, you probably have a wide range of accessories spread throughout your smart home. Chances are, they aren’t all from the same manufacturer either; instead, they come from a mix of different brands.

Everywhere you can pre-order the Apple MacBook Neo: The Apple Store Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 (save $100 with education discount) Pre-Order Here Amazon Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 Pre-Order Here Best Buy Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 + free $25 gift card Pre-Order Here Target Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 Pre-Order Here Walmart Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 Pre-Order Here

Apple finally announced its long-rumored budget MacBook Wednesday, and it's called the MacBook Neo. Its starts at just $599, or $500 less than the latest 13-inch MacBook Air, and preorders are now open. Education buyers save $100 by ordering it directly through the Apple Store. At Best Buy, it comes with a free $25 gift card.

The MacBook Neo will begin shipping on March 11 alongside a slew of other new devices, including new iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Airs, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, and Studio Displays. Apple announced them earlier this week, and their preorders are also live.

We're still waiting to get our hands on a MacBook Neo for testing, but in the meantime, let's take a closer look at its specs. They were heavily leaked ahead of time, so if you've kept up with the rumors, most of what you're about to read will sound very familiar.

Meet the MacBook Neo The MacBook Neo comes in (left to right) blush, indigo, citrus, and silver finishes. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The MacBook Neo is technically Apple's first dedicated budget laptop. It informally succeeds the M1 MacBook Air, which Apple sold through Walmart for around $699 from March 2024 to early this year. But instead of an M-series chip, the MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor inside the iPhone 16 Pro. This is the first time Apple's ever put an iPhone chip inside a laptop.

The MacBook Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness chassis. It's configurable with 256GB of storage or 512GB of storage and Touch ID; both options have 8GB of RAM.

The MacBook Neo includes WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6, two USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. Its aluminum chassis comes in four colors: silver, indigo, blush, and citrus.

The new MacBook Neo is now available for preorder at the Apple Store, Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and Walmart.