Blogroll

Get 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for less than 3 bucks

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 16:14

SAVE $41.88: New subscribers can get their first three months of Audible Premium Plus for just $0.99 per month (a grand total of $2.97) during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Usually $14.95 per month, that saves you $41.88 total.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible 3 months of Audible Premium Plus $0.99/month (save $13.96/month) Get Deal

About a year ago, Audible ran a deal that piqued my interest. I had never listened to a single audiobook before, but I decided to sign up for a three-month membership at a discount. Now I'm hooked. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale (which runs through March 31) and beyond, Audible is running that same deal.

Through April 30, new subscribers can get three months of Audible's Premium Plus membership for just $0.99 per month. Regularly $14.95 per month, that saves you $13.96 or about 93% monthly. A Premium Plus membership unlocks access to hundreds of Audible Original audiobooks, a credit you can use each month to purchase titles in the premium collection (regardless of the price), and exclusive access to members-only sales. Just last week, members could snag two titles for a single credit in an exclusive BOGO sale.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025

Feeling skeptical? Audiobooks use the same part of your brain as reading physical books, so they definitely count towards your reading goal for the year. Not to mention, they give you the freedom to multitask while you devour endless pages. In other words, they don't tie you down to one spot on the couch like physical books. I regularly listen while I work out, clean, walk, drive, and cook.

Books aren't cheap. This three-month deal essentially gets you three premium titles, plus an abundance of free titles, for less than $3. It's hard to beat that price. Just remember that once the promotional period ends, you'll automatically be charged the full price of membership ($14.95/month) unless you cancel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Video Games That Let You Choose Your Own Adventure

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 16:00

Some games put branching narratives and player agency at the center of the experience, ensuring that every playthrough is different from the last (even if the core story remains the same).

Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite portable power station is on sale for over $300 off in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:59

SAVE OVER $300: As of March 27, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 44% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jacker Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $449 at Amazon
$799 Save $350 Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is delivering strong discounts across a number of popular categories, including AirPods, Kindles, speakers, and tablets. We're also seeing low prices on portable power stations. We haven't yet seen anything that beats Black Friday, but the prices are very close to record-low levels.

As of March 27, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 44% on list price. The only time this model was cheaper was over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so if you're looking to buy a portable power station for the summer, we recommend making the most of this discounted rate.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station offers a 1,500W AC output and a 3,000W surge peak, meaning it can power multiple appliances including AC units, fridges, and electric pots. With a 1,070Wh capacity and a lightweight build of only 23.8 lbs (with a foldable handle), it's an excellent option for outdoor camping, road trips, or emergencies. It's the first thing I pack.

Save over $300 on the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station in the Amazon Spring Sale. For more outdoor deals, check out our running list of the best offers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the best deal on Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:50

SAVE $79: As of March 27, Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are on sale for $169.99 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That’s a 32% discount from the usual $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal

I think we all deserve better earbuds. Mine currently sound like they’re being strangled in a sock drawer. That’s why I’m eyeing this Amazon Spring Sale deal: Apple AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C) are down to $169.99, saving you $79 off the regular $249 price. That’s the lowest I’ve seen in months, and for something this good, it feels like a steal.

These are not your average AirPods. Apple threw its best H2 chip inside, giving them punchier bass, clearer calls, and that fancy Personalized Spatial Audio thing that makes it feel like the music is swirling around your head. And let’s not forget about Adaptive Audio, which is like having a superpower that makes loud crowds magically disappear. Noise cancellation is solid, transparency mode is eerie in a good way, and Conversation Awareness is there to save you from screaming “WHAT?” every time someone tries to talk to you.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

In my opinion, these are some of the smartest earbuds on the market. They double as a hearing aid with iOS 17, and they’re sweatproof, dustproof, and Lifeproof enough to handle my chaotic commute. Apple includes four silicone tip sizes, which is great for anyone (me) whose ears reject standard buds like a bad Tinder date.

  • Price: $169.99 $249

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Earbuds Type: In-Ear Wireless

  • Chip: Apple H2

  • Charging Port: USB-C

  • Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio

  • Water Resistance: IP54 (dust, sweat, and water resistant)

  • Audio Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos support

  • Smart Features: Conversation Awareness, Touch Control, Siri Interactions

  • Fit Options: Four silicone tip sizes (XS, S, M, L)

Charging with USB-C is a personal win for me. I’ve already sent all my Lightning cables to that great junk drawer in the sky. The sound is crisp, the bass hits, and the fit stays put even when I’m pretending to run. As for the feature set, it's giving overachiever, but in a charming, straight-A student kind of way.

I want these. You probably do too. If your current earbuds are clinging to life or just making every playlist sound like it’s underwater, this deal is your graceful exit strategy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Save over $500 on this versatile power station in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:34

SAVE OVER $500: As of March 27, the Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 55% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $449 at Amazon
$998.99 Save $549.99 Get Deal

We've been flagging the best deals on just about everything in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, including AirPods, Kindles, speakers, and tablets. But something that hasn't had much love are the deals on portable power stations, so we should change that.

We've checked out everything on offer in the Amazon Spring Sale, and we're pleased to announce that there are a lot of discounted options. It's worth checking everything out because there is a lot to consider, but if that sounds like too much work, we can help by pointing you in the direction of the Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

This absolute beast is available for $449 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale, saving you over $500 on list price. It's not the cheapest it has ever been, but it's very close to a record-low price. So if you've been patiently waiting for the right moment to shop, this could be it.

The Anker SOLIX C1000's SurgePad technology delivers a massive 2400W output, enabling 99% of appliances to be powered through 11 versatile ports. This versatile power station should be top of your shopping list for RVs and outdoor camping trips..

Save over $500 on the Anker SOLIX C1000 in the Amazon Spring Sale. For more outdoor deals, check out our running list of the best offers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best outdoor deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on Solo Stove, Coleman, LifeStraw, and more

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:18
The best Big Spring Sale outdoor deals at a glance: Best portable speaker deal Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 (Blue) $129.99 (save $70) Get Deal Best camp lighting deal Mpowered Luci Solar String Lights $32.97 (save $21.98) Get Deal Best cooler deal RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler $108.49 (save $51.50) Get Deal Best hydration deal LifeStraw Go Series Water Bottle (22 ounces, clear) $33.71 (save $11.24) Get Deal Best portable power station deal Anker Solix C1000 Portable Power Station $499 (save $569) Get Deal

As spring flowers bloom and temperatures rise, Amazon is celebrating with its second annual Big Spring Sale. The sale officially kicked off on March 25 and runs through the 31, with tons of great discounts popping up daily. These price drops are the perfect time to make sure your summer backyard setup has all the essentials for a great season. It's also time to grab the camping gear that's been packed away for months to check on what needs to be replaced for this coming season.

If you're shopping for outdoor deals this spring, Amazon has you covered. From coolers to tents to solar-powered fairy lights, you're in for some sweet discounts that are sure to make this a memorable and super functional outdoor season. Check out some of our favorites — we'll be updating this list throughout the week.

Best portable speaker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ultimate Ears Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 (Blue) $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

Every outdoor adventure could use a portable Bluetooth speaker. Whether you prefer to jam out to classic rock ballads around the campfire or chill out with jazz in the morning, the Ultimate Ears Megaboom 4 packs in mighty sound that comes with some major benefits when it comes to life outdoors. For starters, the speaker can get up to 20 hours of battery life before it needs a recharge, which can be great for long weekends at the cabin. The 147-foot range is also ideal for bringing sound to the party, while drop protection up to three feet ensures its durability.

It truly shines when it comes to being not only waterproof but floating. Ultimate Ears considers the Megaboom 4 to be "virtually indestructible," which feels worthy of bringing it along on summer's outdoor adventures. The speaker usually costs $199.99, but the blue option is down to just $129.99 during the Big Spring Sale.

Best camping deal Opens in a new window Credit: Mpowered Mpowered Luci Solar String Lights $32.97 at Amazon
$54.95 Save $21.98 Get Deal Why we like it

There's something so satisfying about charging with the power of the sun and reaping the benefits of free power. The Mpowered Luci Solar String Lights are the perfect campsite or backyard addition this summer, with a solar-powered battery that can last for up to 20 hours. The 18-foot string usually sells for $54.95, but for the Amazon Big Spring Sale, it's down to just $32.97. That's a 40% discount.

Since the Mpowered Luci lights can be used both indoors and out, they're designed with waterproof and weatherproof materials. The 18-foot strand features 20 lights that can display in four different light modes. The lights also serve as a power bank, so you can harness the solar-powered battery to recharge your devices via the USB port.

Best cooler deal Opens in a new window Credit: RTIC RTIC Ultra Tough Soft Cooler $108.49 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $51.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Hydration is key when it comes to warm spring and summer adventures spent outdoors, which is why a solid cooler is always needed. Enter the RTIC Ultra-Tough Soft Cooler with storage capacity for up to 40 cans. The insulated bag is great for summer days spent at the lake or the pool or for packing along a picnic for the day. The leakproof design uses a waterproof zipper and RTIC mentions this cooler can keep foods chilled for up to two days with correct use. In part, that's thanks to the 1.5-inch thick insulation made with closed-cell foam.

More outdoor deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo Direct March 27 livestream: How to watch live today

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:14

For better or worse, no one does it like Nintendo.

While we've spent the past three months heavily anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2-themed Nintendo Direct livestream that's happening on April 2, the mothership decided to announce another surprise Nintendo Direct for Thursday, March 27 at 10 a.m. ET. It's set to be about 30 minutes long, and you can watch it on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition' review: A forgotten classic is back with a vengeance

As for what to expect in this stream, it's basically anyone's guess. However, be warned that there will be no Switch 2 information in this Direct whatsoever. It is going to be entirely focused on OG Switch games, and since there are no upcoming first-party Switch games with firm release dates right now, there's a lot of mystery around this stream. I would not be surprised at all to see Metroid pop up here in one form or another, whether it's a bigger reveal for the upcoming Metroid Prime 4 or another remaster of an older Metroid game to whet your whistle until Prime 4 comes out.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 release date, price and everything else we expect from Nintendo Direct

But really, outside of that, it's very difficult to even speculate about what we'll see. That's what makes it fun, I suppose.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nissan Vows to Keep ICE Alive With Ambitious Model Expansion

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:13

Nissan is making a major shift. The automaker has just unveiled plans to launch over 10 new and updated models in the U.S. and Canada by 2027.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:05
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

We're in the midst of March Madness with the Sweet 16 games starting this week. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing about the intense matchups. We’re getting down to the wire and closer to finding out who will win it all.

The third Sweet 16 game is not one to miss — the Duke Blue Devils will take on Arizona’s Wildcats in a long-awaited match. Duke is arguably the most complete team this season, but Arizona has been killing it. All eyes are on Duke’s leading scorer Cooper Flagg and Arizona’s Caleb Love.

If you want to watch Duke vs. Arizona for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Duke vs. Arizona?

Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats starts at 9:39 p.m. ET on March 20. This game takes place at the Prudential Center.

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona for free

Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats airs on CBS. It is possible to access CBS with a range of streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Fubo (seven-day free trial) — CBS

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Paramount+ (seven-day free trial) — CBS

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Duke vs. Arizona. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Duke vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Duke vs. Arizona for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

xMEMS' New Micro Speaker Will Power Next-Gen Earbuds

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:00

Solid-state speaker technology is growing less expensive with the introduction of xMEMS' Lassen tweeter. The new micro-speaker, which is smaller and more accurate than a conventional tweeter, should debut in earbuds later this year or early next year.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 Reasons Why Jupiter Is My Favorite Planet

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 15:00

Representing thunder, justice, and divine authority, Jupiter was the king of gods. The Romans named the largest planet visible to the naked eye after him, reflecting its status as ruler of the skies. Let’s look at why the Jovian world is my favorite planet, and why it should be yours too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:55
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

March Madness is well underway, and we’re down to the remaining 16 teams looking to duke it out for the championship title. We’re inching toward the Sweet 16 matchups this week, and we’ll know who secured spots in the Elite Eight games this weekend.

A game that’s sure to have everyone tuned in is Florida vs. Maryland. Florida is the top seed this season, and all eyes are on the Gators to see if they’ll take out the fourth seed in Thursday’s matchup. Players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin have been shining this season, but Maryland’s Derik Queen has been on fire, leading the team in average points and rebounds. 

If you want to watch Florida vs. Maryland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Florida vs. Maryland?

Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins starts at 7:39 p.m. ET on March 27. This Sweet 16 game takes place at Chase Center.

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland for free

Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins airs on TBS. It is possible to access TBS with streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Flordia vs. Maryland. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Florida vs. Maryland from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Florida vs. Maryland for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:52
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

March Madness is in full swing, and we're down to the Sweet 16. The matchups have been nothing short of eventful so far, with many college basketball diehards disappointed that their favorite teams didn't advance. We've had upsets and triumphs, and fans are on edge as they wait to see who will come out on top.

Sweet 16 games will kick off with a highly-anticipated matchup between Alabama and BYU. The second and sixth seeds will go head-to-head in a game that’s sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats. Alabama fans will get to see more of star players Mark Sears and Labaron Philon, while BYU’s star players Richie Saunders and Egor Denim will get plenty of time to shine.

If you want to watch Alabama vs. BYU for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Alabama vs. BYU?

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars starts at 7:09 p.m. ET on March 27. This Sweet 16 game takes place at the Prudential Center.

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU for free

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars airs on CBS. It is possible to access CBS with a range of streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Fubo (seven-day free trial) — CBS

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Paramount+ (seven-day free trial) — CBS

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Alabama vs. BYU. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Alabama vs. BYU from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

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

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Alabama vs. BYU for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

A tiny shapeshifting robot could be the next big thing in biomedicine

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:39

Developed by a team of scientists at Seoul National University and Gachon University in South Korea, PB, or the Particle-armored liquid roBot, is designed to behave the way cells do, and imitate biological forms and functions.

The morphing bot can ooze around tiny pillars, skim across water to reach a dry surface without bursting, merge with another PB, and swallow a glass bead, all without compromising structural integrity. The robot is still in the research stages, but the promising results so far raise hopes that PB could potentially help advance drug delivery and even tumor cell destruction in the future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Buy 2, get 1 free at Amazons Spring Sale on books, movies, and music

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:38

BUY 2 GET 1 FREE: As of March 25th, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is offering 3 for the price of 2 on select movies, music, and books.

Opens in a new window Credit: Chappell Roan / Miles Davis / Nosferatu Amazon's Big Spring Sale buy 2 get 1 free deal Get 3 books, movies, or albums for the price of 2. Shop Now

If you've been loading up your recommendations list, now is a good time to bring in the haul.

As part of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the retailer is offering a buy 2 get 1 free deal on media, including books, movies, and records (Target is running the same type of deal during its Circle Week sale). Take advantage of the deal to load up on new films like Nosferatu, classic records like Abbey Road on vinyl, and acclaimed novels like Percival Everett's James.

SEE ALSO: Headphones and speaker deals live from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Save on Sony, Bose, Sonos, and more

Whether you're looking to scoop a bunch of bestsellers for less, you want to nab some film classics on disc, or you're expanding a record collection (digital music works too), this sale has you covered.

The vinyl roster includes contemporary award winners like Chappell Roan's The Rise And Fall Of A Midwest Princess on double vinyl and genre definers like Miles Davis' Kind of Blue. Beyond vinyl, we're stoked on this Akira Movie 4k Steelbook 4K UHD set.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan debunks the wildest Season 3 theory

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:30

The White Lotus Season 3 star Michelle Monaghan can't tell us much about the HBO show's upcoming finale, but she did make a point, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, of ruling out one theory about who pulled the trigger we hear in the show's opening episode.

"I've just gotta debunk a theory out here, guys," said Monaghan. "The monkeys did not do it."

Elsewhere, Monaghan also reveals that nobody knows what kind of show her actor character Jaclyn is famous for back in the U.S, explaining that she even asked creator Mike White the question directly after dinner one night. His response?

"I don't f***ing know, she's fabulous."

The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max with new episodes weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How Cel-Shading Is Bringing Style Back to 3D Graphics

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 14:00

After years of endless waves of realistic-looking games, stylish 3D graphics are finally making a comeback with cel-shaded visuals. Cel-shading isn't anything new for 3D games, but there's a reason its resurgence has produced some of the best-looking games of all time.

Categories: IT General, Technology

MLB wants you to buy snacks with your face at the ballpark

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:38

As Major League Baseball’s 2025 season kicks off, the league is expanding its use of facial recognition tech — not just to get fans through the gates faster but to change how they buy food and drinks at the ballpark.

SEE ALSO: Here's how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry system, already in use at nine stadiums, lets fans enter without pulling out their phone or scanning a ticket. After uploading a selfie in the MLB Ballpark app, a fan’s face is converted into a unique numerical token. At the gate, a live scan checks for a match — and if the fan has a valid ticket, they’re allowed through. The image itself is discarded after enrollment.

An MLB spokesperson told Mashable through email that the system allows fans to enter 2.4x faster than traditional lanes. This year, MLB is expanding that tech to concessions.

SEE ALSO: Stream MLB games with Bally Sports+ Season Pass

Starting on Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Guardians will pilot different "purchase experiences" to see how the Go-Ahead Entry tech can be applied to concessions. Part of that is a partnership between the MLB and Mastercard for a digital wallet inside the Ballpark app.

The idea is similar to Amazon’s Go stores, which use computer vision, sensors, and thousands of overseas laborers to track purchases. MLB’s version is still in testing, and fans can choose not to participate or delete their data at any time.

The expansion of the Go-Ahead Entry system is part of MLB's broader push to modernize the fan experience.

SEE ALSO: Can TikTok save baseball?

The league is also rolling out My Daily Story, a personalized highlight feed "powered by AI from Google Cloud." It will launch on March 28 and automatically generate game recaps tailored to individual fans. The Ballpark app has also been overhauled with smarter maps, dynamic content cards, and real-time updates tied to a fan’s location and ticket status.

Whether these upgrades feel helpful or intrusive may depend on how comfortable fans are with AI and facial recognition becoming a bigger part of their day at the ballpark.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Can TikTok save baseball?

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:27

As the new Major League Baseball season kicks off, baseball feels more relevant than it has in years. The culture is louder, new rules have made the game faster, and the clips? They’re going viral. Against all odds, short-form social media content might just be giving baseball the ease of access it's been needing for a while now.

Once the uncontested king of American sports, baseball has spent the last few decades grappling with the flashier, faster-moving worlds of basketball and football. With its slow pace, long stretches of idle time, and an absolutely bonkers 2,430 games played every season, baseball doesn’t exactly make it easy for the average viewer to casually tune in. It’s not just a sport — it’s a commitment.

But baseball’s charm has always been in its simplicity: a pitcher, a batter, a field full of players waiting for something to happen. That elegant structure made it perfect for the early 20th century — easy to follow on the radio and scan in a newspaper box score.

SEE ALSO: Stream MLB games with Bally Sports+ Season Pass

On TV, though, that simplicity didn’t exactly translate. As Bailey of the YouTube channel Foolish Baseball argues in his video "Widescreen Ruined Baseball," television elevated the drama in other sports — but for baseball, it only highlighted the downtime.

"To a non-fan, baseball comes across as a slow-paced sport where little of consequence happens for large portions of the game," Bailey said in an email to Mashable. "But when the action gets going, it really gets going. And short content on TikTok captures those thrilling moments for non-fans."

Vertical video brings baseball action into focus

Strangely enough, baseball might be the sport best built for vertical screens. The one-on-one drama between pitcher and batter already unfolds in a tight, centered frame — no need for sweeping pans or chaotic wide shots like in football or soccer. The action happens in bursts, perfectly snackable, and the quiet tension before a pitch plays surprisingly well on a phone screen. It’s cinematic in its own way — less Marvel movie, more A24 slow burn.

It's working, too. According to MLB stats, social engagement during the 2024 World Series surged — with TikTok alone pulling in 6.6 million engagements, a 136% jump from 2023, and over 72 million views (+36%). Since launching its account in 2019, MLB has grown to 7.9 million followers on the platform. For comparison, on X, the MLB gained 7 million of its 12.3 million followers in only the last ten years.

SEE ALSO: Here's how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

The Show's numbers are nowhere near those of the NFL (17.9M) or the NBA (24.9M), but it's a growing game again, and the numbers prove that.

None of this is to say that watching baseball — or any sport, really — in a vertical format is actually good. But we’re deep in the era where short-form video is king and attention spans are measured in seconds, not innings. For creators like Bailey and MLB itself, the hope is that these bite-sized, second-screen dopamine hits might eventually lead casual viewers back to the long-form game — or at least keep them from scrolling past it entirely.

"Even if only 1% of people who enjoyed a short video convert to regularly watching full broadcasts and attending games, the other 99% are still part of the ecosystem," Bailey said. "For the majority of viewers, it's just a few fleeting seconds of hype and then scrolling to the next thing, but that's still better than if they were never exposed to baseball at all."

Categories: IT General, Technology

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