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Stream for less in 2026: Score Spring Sale streaming deals on Paramount+, Spotify, Starz, and more

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00
The best Big Spring Sale streaming deals at a glance: Best streaming deal Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Best music streaming deal Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Best deal for readers Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for three months (save $34.98) Get Deal Best streaming device deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $17.99 (save $22) Get Deal Best Free Streaming Offer New Walmart+ members get Peacock or Paramount+ free $98/year for your first year of Walmart+ (12 months of Peacock or Paramount+) Learn More Best streaming add-on deal Starz (Roku add-on) $2.99/month for 2 months (save $16) Get Deal

The biggest story in the streaming world over the past 12 months (besides the confusing Warner Bros. situation)? Price hikes. So many price hikes. So, we could all benefit from some streaming deals right about now.

Black Friday is the best time of year to score discounts on streaming apps, but any major sale or shopping holiday tends to deliver a few discounts. And Amazon's Big Spring Sale (officially running until March 31) is holding true to that trend. While the overall number of deals is no match for Black Friday, we'll certainly take any discounts we can get.

As Mashable's go-to streaming expert, I'm keeping a close eye out for streaming deals throughout the Big Spring Sale. While things started out slow, we've got some new additions from Roku, including add-ons for popular streaming services like AMC+, MGM+, and Starz. Prime Video add-ons are also starting to ramp up (finally). I'll keep updating this list as any new streamers join the party.

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

Below, I've rounded up the best streaming offers live during the sale. I've also included deals on streaming devices like Fire TV Sticks, as well as some evergreen streaming deals I think are worth grabbing.

Best streaming deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $2.99/month for 2 months (save $22) Get Deal Why we like it

On the surface, this is the same offer as the streamer's Black Friday deal. However, because Paramount Plus hiked its prices in January, this Big Spring Sale discount actually saves you more money. It now costs $13.99 per month for the ad-free Premium plan and $8.99 per month for the ad-supported Essential plan.

Through March 31, you can lock in two months of either plan for only $2.99 per month. That saves you $22 if you choose the Premium plan (why wouldn't you?). Both new and ex-subscribers are eligible for this deal, and it's valid on Paramount+ as a standalone service or on the add-on subscriptions from Roku and Prime Video.

Psst. It's also worth mentioning that an extra discount code is floating around that could potentially knock the price down to just 99 cents per month for two months. However, it appears to work for some folks and not others. Try adding the additional promo code BG2L7M at checkout to see if you're one of the lucky ones.

Best streaming add-on deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz (Roku add-on) $2.99/month for 2 months (save $8/month) Get Deal Why we like it

I think Starz is honestly one of the most underrated streaming services out there. It's home to Lionsgate theatrical hits, so you'll be able to watch recent releases like The Housemaid (starting April 1) and Greenland 2: Migration. Plus, it has its own original series that are worth watching, like the TV adaptation of Lisa Taddeo's book Three Women and the serial killer comedy Sweetpea. For a limited time, Roku users can score a Starz subscription for only $2.99 per month for two months and get a taste of what the streamer has to offer. It usually costs $10.99 per month, so you'll save about $16 on two months of streaming.

Best music streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Spotify Spotify Premium free for 3 months (save $38.97) Get Deal Why we like it

If you've never tried Spotify Premium before, you can snag three free months of the music streaming service through March 31. Typically, it costs $12.99 per month, so you'll keep nearly $40 in your pocket with this deal. A Premium account unlocks ad-free listening, the ability to download music for offline listening and collaborate with friends in real time, 15 hours of audiobook time, and lossless audio. Plus, you'll get weekly listening stats and, should you choose to keep your subscription, access to the famous Wrapped stats.

Already tried Spotify Premium? Amazon Music Unlimited is also offering three free months of its streaming service through March 31. It regularly goes for $11.99/month for Prime members and $12.99/month for non-Prime members, so you can save up to $38.97 with this streaming deal. Besides unlimited music streaming, you'll also get access to one audiobook per month.

Best streaming device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $25 Redeem the code FTVSELECT Get Deal Why we like it

The newest Fire TV Stick, the 4K Select, is the first streaming device in Amazon's lineup to shake things up in awhile. While it still offers the same plug-and-play design you know and love, it features a brand-new operating system called Vega. Given how laggy the previous operating system could be on Fire TV Sticks, we're pretty excited about this change. It also offers support for Alexa+, Amazon Kids+, Amazon Luna, Xbox Game Pass, and NordVPN, and delivers 4K quality with HDR10+ support.

As part of the Big Spring Sale, it's now down to just $14.99 instead of $39.99. Redeem the code FTVSELECT to access this discount.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming dealsPrime Video add-onsRoku Channel add-onsStandalone streaming service dealsMore Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming device dealsEvergreen streaming deals worth grabbing
Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00
Last-chance deals on last-gen tech: Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot $39.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best audio deal Sony WF-1000XM5 Earbuds $248 (save $81.99) Get Deal Best smartwatch deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + Cellular, 49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal Best tablet deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 256GB) $649.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best e-reader deal Amazon Kindle Scribe (16GB) $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 (save $100) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy X10 Pro Omni $429.99 (save $270) Get Deal Best TV deal Amazon 50-inch Fire TV Omni QLED Series 4K TV $379.99 (save $90) Get Deal

Got spring cleaning on your mind? So does Amazon: The retail giant is putting last-gen tech on sale at deep discounts during the Big Spring Sale (March 25 to 31), its main seasonal savings event, to clear out its remaining inventory.

Older versions of some of our favorite gadgets are currently on sale there for record-low prices (or close to them). The zippy M4 MacBook Air? Up to $150 cheaper than the iterative M5 version Apple announced this month. The superb Sony WF-1000XM5 earbuds? Only $248. Previous-generation Echo devices? Grab the 2022 Echo Dot smart speaker for 20% off. Finally, the first-gen AirTags have literally never been cheaper, and this could be your last chance to grab them now that the AirTag 2 has been released.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026: Live updates on Apple, Samsung, DJI, Kindle deals

We'll be updating this list of past-gen tech deals with more offers as Amazon's Big Spring Sale continues, so check back soon. In the meantime, this is your opportunity to clean up with last-chance deals on last-gen gadgets.

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

Keep checking back for more Amazon Spring Sale deals on past-gen products. We're still holding out hope that the Sony XM5 headphones will get a more notable price drop. The Mashable shopping team is working overtime to cover this shopping event, so don't miss out!

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

What home will look like for the Artemis 2 crew headed to the moon

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

Tired of having too much space? Step into Orion, NASA's compact deep-space rental, where you and three carefully selected crewmates — er, roommates — share a single "open-concept floor plan."

Move-in includes white-glove transport on a 322-foot mega-stretch limo from Cape Canaveral, Florida. The 3 to 4Gs along the way are simply part of the… atmosphere.

Your home away from Earth comes with a do-it-yourself toilet awaiting installation on Day 1, a suitcase-size kitchenette, a free-floating gym, a stowage compartment that doubles as a radiation shelter, and six windows. But what this cozy 330-cubic-foot cabin lacks in personal space more than makes up for in actual outer space.

Gravity not included. Serious astronauts only. Must be comfortable hanging a privacy curtain if you don’t quite fit in the bathroom, sleeping in a bag strapped to the wall — and, oh yeah, remembering you're on a 685,000-mile test flight.

"It’s going to feel a lot bigger in microgravity in 3D," said Christina Koch, one of Orion's first occupants. "I’m really counting on that."

In a capsule roughly the size of a minivan, four astronauts — Koch, Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Jeremy Hansen — will spend about 10 days proving the spacecraft can safely sustain human life. The mission could launch as early as this Wednesday, April 1. 

The stakes reach far beyond comfort. Artemis II is NASA's first crewed mission beyond low-Earth orbit in more than a half-century — a critical test before astronauts attempt moon landings later this decade. If Orion cannot function as a reliable flying habitat, the agency's broader moon-return plans cannot proceed.

SEE ALSO: No guarantees: Inside the biggest risks facing NASA's Artemis 2 crew

The spacecraft, dubbed Integrity by the crew, must serve as cockpit, lab, dining room, bathroom, bedroom, and lifeboat all at once. Every bag, laptop, and checklist must justify its place. The astronauts will have over 50 percent more room than their Apollo predecessors — but far less than crews aboard the sprawling, 13,000-cubic-foot International Space Station.

The crew will spend their days running demonstrations and monitoring systems. One thing they won't do is leave the confines of the capsule: The mission will loop around the moon's far side — potentially carrying humans farther from Earth than ever before.

"For me, I actually feel completely 100 percent bought-in when I get in Orion. It's like climbing into my bed, and I'll feel warm and tucked-in." Engineers demonstrate how the Artemis 2 crew will sit for launch inside the Orion spacecraft, using a mock ship at NASA's Johnson Space Center. Credit: NASA / Robert Markowitz Going to the bathroom and eating

Once the launch phase ends, Koch and Hansen will begin transforming the vehicle into living space. They will set up the toilet, water dispenser, and food warmer — and fold away the seats. Afterall, why sit in microgravity when you can float? 

Meals will be simple. A compact hot plate warms food pouches that are rehydrated using water from pressurized tanks in the service module. Menu options tested by NASA's food lab include shrimp, macaroni and cheese, and tortillas.

The toilet occupies about 5 cubic-feet under the floor near the main hatch. Astronauts can close a door or hang curtains for privacy. That may matter: Hansen, a Canadian Space Agency astronaut, is about 6-foot-2. 

The airflow-based system resembles the American toilet on the space station, though Orion lacks its complex water recycling. If it fails — not uncommon in orbit — the crew will rely on backup urine collection bags. They can still use it to dispose of solid waste outside — a poop chute, so to speak.

Thanks to weightlessness, astronauts can use the entire volume of the Orion spacecraft, not just the floor space. Credit: NASA infographic

To Debbie Korth, Orion's deputy program manager, the setup represents progress.

"Much nicer creature comforts than maybe some of the previous lunar exploration missions had," she said.

Exercising on the spacecraft

On Artemis II, fitness is both necessity and experiment. Near the hatch, engineers installed a flywheel device that allows astronauts to row against resistance or perform strength exercises like squats and deadlifts.

The harder they pull, the harder it pulls back. Because each motion pushes against the spacecraft, NASA will study how exercise vibrations affect Orion's steering. Engineers will also monitor how life-support systems handle spikes in carbon dioxide and humidity after workouts.

"Canada did get more than its fair share of the volume on this mission by assigning me," Hansen said. "I'm getting a little bit conscious about my size."

Shelter and survival on Orion

During the four-day outbound journey — when Orion travels beyond much of Earth’s magnetic protection — astronauts will rehearse using a radiation shelter beneath the cabin floor. After clearing storage lockers, they can hunker into a shielded cavity designed to reduce exposure during a solar storm.

For emergencies such as depressurization, the crew will wear new orange survival suits for re-entry. These are essentially mini body-shaped survival shelters, capable of providing food, water, medication, and waste removal for up to 144 hours.

Years of training in confined environments, including practice sleepovers at Johnson Space Center and cramped recovery simulations at sea, have helped the astronauts build a family-like dynamic. Then again, sibling bonds also bring sibling squabbles. 

For most nights, all four of the crew will sleep at the same time, attaching their sleeping bags to Orion's interior walls. Credit: NASA

"For me, I actually feel completely 100 percent bought-in when I get in Orion," said Wiseman, who will command the mission. "It's like climbing into my bed, and I'll feel warm and tucked-in." 

"A metal-and-plastic bed," Glover quipped. 

After parachutes slow Orion for splashdown, Navy divers will open the hatch to assist the crew. When the astronauts emerge, they'll step onto an inflatable raft. 

NASA has a nickname for it: The front porch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Say goodbye to monthly cloud fees with this 100TB lifetime plan

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Lock in enough cloud storage for life with this 100TB lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage, now only $974.97 (reg. $9,900) through March 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage Lifetime Subscription: 100TB $974.97
$9,900 Save $8,925.03   Get Deal

If you’re sick of continuously upgrading your cloud storage and paying a fortune every month, there’s now another way. Internxt Cloud Storage lets you lock in enough space to last a lifetime, and you only have to pay once. Right now, you can secure 100TB lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for just $974.97 (reg. $9,900) through March 31.

If you rely on Apple for your cloud storage, the most space you can rent is 12TB. That sets you back $59.99 a month, or $1,080 every 18 months. Internxt Cloud Storage lets you lock in 100TB of space for life for less than that — and it’s super secure and encrypted.

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Say goodbye to monthly fees and clunky external hard drives, and let Internxt Cloud Storage provide a better solution. Unlike the competitors, who access and profit from your data, Internxt Cloud Storage provides end-to-end encryption, so not even Internxt itself can view anything. The company is also GDPR compliant, audited, and verified by Securitum.

Internxt offers cross-platform compatibility, so it’s easy to transfer data from your existing cloud storage provider. It also has user-friendly apps for Android, iOS, web browsers, and desktop. You’ll also enjoy speed without limits, so you’ll get the best performance out of your connection.

Get this 100TB lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage, now only $974.97 (reg. $9,900) until March 31.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Microsoft Office deal adds AI capabilities to your favorite apps

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get the Microsoft Office suite, complete with AI capabilities, with this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License, on sale now for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through April 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office 2024 Home & Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License $99.97
$249.99 Save $150.02   Get Deal

We all know how much more productive we can be with some help from AI, so imagine what your go-to Microsoft Office apps can do when they’re AI-powered. Right now, you can get a Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License for just $99.97 (reg. $249.99) until April 5.

Whether you need help with work or play, there’s a Microsoft Office app ready to make your life a little easier. This Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business license equips your computer with five helpful tools and works on both Mac and PC devices for ultimate flexibility.

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This lifetime license gives you permanent access to five apps, with no monthly subscription fees required. You’ll get Word to help with document creation, Excel to create spreadsheets, Outlook to manage your emails, PowerPoint to design presentations, and OneNote to elevate your note-taking.

Each app includes AI enhancements, such as text, formatting, and design suggestions, as well as AI assistance for analyzing data, identifying trends, and building better charts and graphics in Excel. A Focus Mode option in Word helps you concentrate on your work, and PowerPoint includes an option to record presentations with voice, video, and closed captions.

Get this Microsoft Office 2024 Home and Business for Mac or PC Lifetime License, on sale now for $99.97 (reg. $249.99) through April 5.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This $60 app makes kids’ screen time easier to feel good about

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get the Pok Pok lifetime subscription for $59.99 (reg. $250) and give kids ages 2 to 8 access to open-ended, Montessori-inspired learning games with no ads or in-app purchases.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pok Pok Pok Pok: Lifetime Subscription $59.99
$250 Save $190.01   Get Deal

Handing a kid a screen is easy. Finding something on it that doesn’t feel like brain rot is harder. If you’re looking for something a bit more thoughtful for your little one, Pok Pok focuses on open-ended, play-based learning, and its lifetime subscription is on sale for $59.99 (reg. $250).

Screen time tends to get a bad reputation, and not without reason. A lot of apps are fast, loud, and designed to keep kids tapping and scrolling for as long as possible. Pok Pok takes a different approach. Built around Montessori principles, it focuses on hands-on exploration, independence, and letting kids learn at their own pace.

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To the uninitiated, Montessori is a child-centered learning approach that encourages curiosity through interaction rather than instruction. Pok Pok translates that to a digital format with a collection of games designed for kids ages 2 to 8, helping build early skills in areas like numbers, problem-solving, cause and effect, and language.

Why Pok Pok stands out:

  • Encourages creativity: Open-ended play lets kids explore without strict rules

  • Calm, low-stimulation design: Handcrafted visuals and sound avoid overwhelming kids

  • Grows with your child: Activities adapt to different ages and stages

  • Learning through play: Supports cognitive, social, and emotional development

  • Inclusive by design: Reflects diverse families and experiences

  • Regular updates: New activities keep things fresh over time

  • Privacy-focused: COPPA-certified, there are no ads or in-app purchases aimed at kids

Unlike many kids’ apps, there are no levels to beat or scores to chase. Kids can simply open the app, tap into an activity, and explore. It’s also built with real-life use in mind, whether that’s keeping kids occupied during travel or just giving parents peace of mind without worrying about what’s on the screen.

With the lifetime subscription, you get ongoing access to a growing library of activities across your family’s devices, along with regular updates over time.

Formerly a $250, a lifetime subscription to the parent-approved Pok Pok is on sale for $59.99.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Verizon is giving away the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for free — how to claim yours this weekend

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

TL;DR: Get the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for free from Verizon when signing up for a new line on the Unlimited Ultimate plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Verizon: Free Google Pixel 10 Pro XL   Get Deal

We know the focus right now is very firmly on Amazon's Big Spring Sale, but can we pull you away from all the Apple, Samsung, and DJI deals for a moment? There's a battle being waged between top mobile carriers to offer you flagship phones for free, and we'd hate for you to miss out.

We've already highlighted free promotions on the iPhone 17 and Samsung S26 Ultra, and now it's Google's time to shine. Verizon has quietly dropped a massive deal on Google's most powerful device: the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL. For a limited time, you can score this powerful model for free. And the best part? This deal does not require a trade-in, making it one of the cleanest ways to upgrade your tech for less.

Here are the steps you need to take to get the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for free this weekend.

How to claim a free Google Pixel 10 Pro XL

To score the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL for free with Verizon, you’ll need to follow these simple steps:

  • Add a new line — this promotion is reserved for new line additions

  • Pick the right plan — select the Unlimited Ultimate plan to qualify for the full credit

  • 36-month credit — the phone is paid via monthly bill credits spread over 36 months

With all these "free" deals, there are some costs to keep in mind. Verizon will still charge for sales tax on the full retail price of the phone upfront, and there is a one-time $35 activation fee.

The Google Pixel 10 Pro XL is an absolute beast, boasting the latest Tensor G5 chip and Google's most advanced AI camera features to date. If you're undecided on whether to go with the Google Pixel 10 Pro XL or Samsung S26 Ultra, Mashable's Adam Doud says "Google has added some useful AI features (which isn't always the case), and the powerful main camera beat out the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra in our head-to-head test."

If you've been wanting to make the switch to Google, this limited-time offer from Verizon could be your best opportunity to upgrade for less.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikToks mindfulness tips are getting better. These 3 worked for me

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

TikTok has long been full of efficiency-driven wellness influencers offering tips on how to become more grounded, more calm, and more mindful. But over the last two years, a new era of TikTok influencing has risen. One that is less perfectionist — and more practical.

Back in 2024, the last time we investigated the state of mindfulness TikTok tips, what we found was a mix of traditional meditation routines, ASMR sound bath videos, and jargon-filled advice on "optimization." If I had followed the advice of the most watched mindfulness videos back then, my day might have looked something like this: 

  • Wake up early. Do guided meditation and/ or yoga. 

  • Breakfast. No external stimulation. Soak up the day. 

  • Get to work, girlboss.

  • Time for a mid-day walk. Remember: No external sounds! Stay present. 

  • Work some more. Check in with your body and do some breathwork at your desk. 

  • Dinner and after work activities. Allotted time for fun starts now.

  • Journal about the day. Junk journaling is allowed, so long as you make it visually pleasing. 

  • Before bed: No screens, sleep sounds on. Nighty night. 

SEE ALSO: 'Not everything needs to be known': How one day with no phone changed my life

This may at least be more achievable than most "biohacking" self-optimization routines that go viral online. But it's still a daunting list. I attempted to follow this routine at the time. According to my notes, this is what I actually managed:

  • Wake up at 8 am. Stretch and do a breathing meditation (via free trials on Open or Moments or Breathwrk). 

  • Try my best to finish all my tasks at work, fueled by at least two coffees and one sandwich. Read during lunch because it's the only time I have. Oh, the sun is gone now. 

  • Cook dinner, something I earnestly love to do. Crash on the couch with my roommate and a movie. 

  • Get ready for bed. Feel weird about journaling because I spent all day writing and what do I have to say about it? Another breathing exercise. Sleep.  

The exhausting effort to match up to TikTok's image of perfection left me pessimistic. I do well with a routine, ask any of my friends, but I simply wasn't interested in the apps and activities TikTok said I should try. Even if they were backed by science, they didn't feel like me.

But that was then. In 2026, TikTok's mindfulness culture (like the world itself) has changed dramatically — and this time, more in need of personal calm than ever, I found three mindfulness trends that actually worked.

Brainrot is the enemy: picking apart 75 Smart 

I may not like TikTok telling me what to do, but I do love feeling smarter. So as the app obsesses over curing "dopamine addiction," combating brainrot, and reclaiming attention, I can get behind trends like friction-maxxing — and I'm not opposed to 75 Smart, a riff on Andy Frisella's controversial "75 Hard" fitness regime that originally began as a simple 30-minute daily reading challenge. 

75 Smart seems to have become a TikTok trend as of December 2025. In the most strict 75 Smart routine, users commit to all of this every single day: two "deep focus" learning sessions, 15 minutes of meta-learning (learning about learning), an "intellectual" creation of any kind, nonfiction reading, and a ban on consuming "low value" dopamine content.  

In looser interpretations of 75 Smart — more akin to my interests — users commit to just one intellectual or creative act every day. Others take a middle ground approach, reconfiguring their daily to-do list around low stimulation goals, like silent 15-minute walks, no social media before and after work, and reading everyday. And this lower-stakes interpretation was what actually triggered small changes for me.

For example, I already read before bed every night. But instead of turning to doomscrolling once I put the book down, I began to read long articles I'd been putting off, or opted for a Wikipedia deep dive on a niche subject. Before long I returned to the breathwork apps I tried in 2024 — trying quick, 5-minute routines, often with moving visualizations so I wasn't going cold turkey on the screen altogether. 

Similarly, I couldn't go for one 75 Smart suggestion, entirely silent days. To me, sound is not an enemy. But I did want to feel more grounded after leaving dreamland, so I swapped out my usual mix of news podcasts, music, and the latest tabletop RPG session for Apple Music's "Sollos" playlists. 

This "audio-wellness venture" was launched in 2025, a collaboration with Universal Music Group, Apple Music, and a team of cognitive scientists to transform their music catalogues into audio experiences that promote focus, relaxation, and sleep. "Songs have been enhanced with auditory beats or colored noise to help encourage specific brain responses," Apple notes — such as Gamma waves and white noise for focus, or Delta waves and pink noise for sleep.

They're not all just sound bowls and ambient music, either. I could listen to radio stalwarts like Selena Gomez, Niall Horan, and Ariana Grande. Popular DJs and some of my faves (shoutout to AURORA) feature on the playlists, too. The idea is to take what people are already listening to daily, and make it a little better. For me, it offered a smoother transition into my busy, sound-filled mornings. I found that I didn't lose as much time to the distractions of podcasts, YouTube videos, and TikToks before starting a long work day.

Credit: Mashable Screenshot / Apple Music Credit: Mashable Screenshot / Apple Music

75 Smart doesn't completely avoid the pitfalls of perfectionism rampant on TikTok, via the same proclivity toward optimization I despised in 2024. Some 75 Smart "corporate girl edition" videos, for example, can be ruthless about "failing" at daily tasks.

So I wasn't going to succeed with a strict 75 Smart routine, but I could boost the things I already did, and add ones that fit in my life seamlessly. 

Stretching like a Chinese auntie

TikTok, according to multiple reports, is at a "very Chinese time in its life." The meme, a spin on the final line of Fight Club, is partly a backlash to the U.S. government's TikTok ban threat, partly widespread interest in Chinese tech and cultural exports. Bolstered by the popularity of the Lunar New Year and Chinese Zodiac discourse, feeds are spilling over with cross-cultural exchange.

Being "spiritually Chinese" — and, yes, it is as reductive as you think it is — has led to multiple wellness trends across the app. TikTok users are hitting up traditional medicinal healing shops; Ginseng 1668 & Herbs Inc. in New York City has become a viral sensation. They're also drinking hot water before bed to get better sleep, and adopting traditional herbal face masks.

And then there's the widespread embracing of our inner Chinese aunties.

During one scroll, I came across the account of yoga practitioner @MindfulnessWithKat, advising her followers how to "stretch like a Chinese auntie." To my surprise, I already did most of Kat's auntie exercises every morning, mainly natural body movements that I know feel good and have done for years to loosen my chronically tight limbs and creaky joints.

Once I followed Kat, my feed filled up with more "auntie" guidance, including tips for more peaceful sleep and videos praising Qi Gong, an ancient movement practice similar to Tai Chi. 

View this post on Instagram

I had long trained my algorithm to avoid fitness and dieting influencers, but this was different. The exercises looked like the way my body was already used to moving. So I locked in, following Kat's frequent uploads for a week, which incorporate the slow pace and tissue stretches of Yin yoga with mindful tension release.

Not a fad, not a joke, just something that works. And I loved every minute of it. 

Let your hands go

My body doesn't easily sit still. I'm always completing a task or doing an errand. If I'm at rest, my hands are twirling through my hair or over a fidget device. Oh, and I don't have a mind's eye. Meditation is hard for me. 

But this year, TikTok showed me that my noisy hands might actually be mindfulness tools in themselves.

Where 2024's trends beelined toward new tech — yoga apps, meditation podcasts on Spotify, the latest wearable — 2026 is all about going back to the days of yore. TikTok users are reviving old crafts in an effort to reclaim our attention spans from screens. They're obsessing over traditional lace work, needlepoint, and intricate beading projects. Fiber artists have become some of the most popular creators online.

Handcrafts are my bread and butter. I love an excuse to build something physical, or to copy art down to the finest detail. I love giving very thoughtful, time-intensive gifts fashioned with sweat and tears. So if the internet tells me I can reclaim my time and mental fortitude with a little crocheting or hand beading? Sign me up. 

After discovering this connection, I rushed to whip out my macrame rope and gathered supplies to needle felt another tiny animal to add to my collection (this time, a lamb finger puppet for my niece's first birthday). I put my phone away. I locked in.

My mind is still when my hands are busy. That internal voice quiets as I hyperfocus on getting the details right. And I am awash in a sense of fulfillment seeing the result of hours of patience held right there in my hands. 

I looked down at the little lamb at the tip of my pointer finger and thought: I could do this forever.

My birthday lamb <3 Credit: Chase DiBenedetto / Mashable

To sum up a week of reevaluation: TikTok's wellness influencers are finally starting to favor curiosity, critical thinking, and reflection over self-optimization. You see it in the promotion of an "anti-hustle" lifestyle, as well as the dumb phones now proliferating among the chronically online. Authenticity, including the failures that come with it, are cool now. 

TikTok, often prone to romanticizing detachment and aloofness, seems to have learned an important lesson over the last two years: Presence is more important than performance. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best hookup apps for 2026: I swiped until my thumb hurt

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 11:00

In the age of on-demand everything, it’s no surprise that we can get "dates" (and I use that term loosely) with the tap of a button. Thanks to classic hookup apps like Tinder and newcomers like Pure, finding a sexy new friend can be as straightforward as ordering a pizza. As for the quality, well, that’s about the same as your pizza — hit or miss, depending on the time of day, where you're located, and how hungry you are.

Fortunately, you’ve got me, your resident dating app expert (though I prefer modern-day Carrie Bradshaw), to guide you to the promised land, aka the best hookup apps.

I’ve spent the past three years (yes, years) researching, downloading, and testing dozens of the top dating apps to find the best ones for all kinds of daters, including the one-night-stand crowd. From discrete sexting apps to dating sites for serious relationships, I've swiped through them all. I also consulted a panel of sex and relationship experts to make sure my picks are solid.

How to get the most out of hookup apps

My number one rule is to be brutally honest about what you’re looking for. You’re here for a good time — so own it. That means staying in your lane; don't go looking for a one-night stand on an app like eharmony.

"Hookup apps help prevent situations where people are on mainstream dating sites with the intention of having a casual hookup but are unclear about these intentions," Suzannah Weiss, resident sexologist for Biird and author of Subjectified: Becoming a Sexual Subject, tells Mashable. "They also give women a space to be openly sexual creatures without judgment."

And here's a little insider secret I picked up from Alexander Liebisch, the CEO and founder of TinderProfile.ai: Timing is everything. He found that people messaging on Tinder's "free tonight" feature after 10 p.m. on a weekend had a 45 percent higher chance of hooking up.

So, whether you're looking for a one-night stand, a regular FWB situation, or just a space to explore your sexuality, I've got you covered. Based on all my hands-on testing and expert consultations, I’ve broken down the best hookup app for every type of person and mood.

Recent updates to this guide

  • Hinge: Hinge just keeps getting better, so I’ve bumped it up higher on my list as of October 2025. Its user base is growing, and my own recent tests on the app have been surprisingly positive.

  • Sniffies (added September 2025): I've added Sniffies, the map-based app for queer men, because it's been gaining a lot of traction. (It got a little too spicy for Apple and was pulled from the App Store, so it's now technically a dating site.) Don't say I didn't warn you about the NSFW content.

  • FetLife (added September 2025): FetLife is my new favorite "Honorable Mention." It's not your typical hookup app; it's more of a social network for the kink community (and, oddly enough, the best hookup app for gamers). Just remember: it's a community, so don't treat it like Tinder.

Why some popular hookup apps didn't make the cut

You might notice a few apps that pop up in ads or other lists are missing here. That’s intentional. I swipe through the good, the bad, and the downright sketchy so you don’t have to. For an app to make my list, it has to be effective, safe, and worth your time.

Here's a shortlist of apps that didn't make the cut this year:

  • Wild: You’ve probably seen ads for this one. On paper, Wild sounds like the perfect casual dating app. In practice, the paywalls are aggressive, the distance filter doesn't work, and you have to pay for anything that's even remotely useful. Unless you're willing to spend serious cash upfront (and hope for the best), the experience feels limited compared to more open apps like Tinder.

  • DOWN: This app (formerly "Bang With Friends") is known for its simple "Get Down" vs. "Get Date" feature. It sounds clever, but in reality, the experience is messy at best. Many users report feeling scammed by subscriptions that don't deliver matches, or finding that the few real people on there are... let's say "odd." It’s hard to recommend an app when the main user complaint is "Is anyone real?" Hard pass.

  • Facebook Dating: Yes, Facebook has a dating section, and it’s surprisingly massive (and completely free, which is huge). While it's a decent option for casual dating, the vibe tends to be a bit more "friends of friends" and "relationship-focused" than the anonymous, no-strings energy you get from apps like Pure or Feeld. (For Mashable's Chance Townsend, signing up was "the most uneventful dating experience" of his life.) It's worth a shot if you're already on Facebook, but it didn't quite crack my top tier for hookups specifically.

Apps I've cut from the list

  • Plenty of Fish (removed January 2025): POF went through a rebrand recently, and honestly, I'm not impressed. My latest tests showed they got rid of key features like free messaging for non-matches, and I kept running into the same old profiles. At the end of the day, it just doesn't offer anything special that other apps aren't already doing better, so it's off the list.

  • Match (removed August 2025): I know some people say they've found casual hookups on Match, but that's not what it's for. Match is where you go to find a serious, long-term relationship, and I still recommend it for that. But for a hookup? You're just fishing in the wrong pond, so I've removed it from this guide to avoid any confusion.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Anker chargers, Casetify cases, and Brick are just some of the best phone accessory deals from Amazons spring sale

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 10:30

We're in the thick of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, and as we sort through all the best home and tech deals, we're seeing plenty of great cell phone accessories on sale.

Whether you're looking to improve your creator setup with a built-in mount, refresh your case, or simply upgrade your ancient cell phone charger, we found something on sale that can help you out.

You'll want to shop these deals before Amazon's Spring Sale wraps up on March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

The Octobuddy Octobuddy Max $14.44 at Amazon
$16.99 Save $2.55   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The Octobuddy is a creator favorite, and for good reason. The adhesive accessory makes mounting your phone basically anywhere a possibility, thanks to the suction cups lining the back of it. This Big Spring Sale discount saves you 15%, bringing the case down to $14.44 from $16.99.

SEE ALSO: The best creator-approved deals to shop in Amazon's Big Spring Sale — DJI drones and mics on sale An affordable Anker MagSafe charger Anker MagSafe Charger Pad $14.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $15.00   See It at Amazon See It at Walmart Why we like it

Don't feel like spending $40 on an Apple MagSafe charger? No problem. You can grab one from Anker for nearly one-third of the price. Thanks to this 50% off Spring Sale deal, Anker's 15-watt MagSafe charger is just $14.99.

A smart charger Anker Smart Display Charger $27.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $12.00   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you don't play about your phone battery's health, investing in a smart charger can be worth it. This one from Anker has a smart display that lets you check charging status, but the real noteworthy feature of this 45-watt pocket-sized charger is that it will automatically adjust its output for your device's specific needs. Grab it for $29.99, saving you $10 off its $39.99 list price.

The most convenient tripod setup Moft Phone Tripod $33.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $6   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Much like the Octobuddy, the Moft phone tripod can be spotted in many a creator's arsenal. The magnetic accessory can be slapped onto the back of your phone to add an instant tripod in basically any situation. Typically, you'd have to shell out $39.99 for the accessory, but for Amazon's Spring Sale, this case is down to $33.99 in a variety of colors.

The Casetify Impact case Casetify Impact case for iPhone 17 Pro Max $51.20 at Amazon
$64 Save $12.80   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

If you haven't owned a Casetify case yourself, you've almost certainly had someone in your life who has. They're pricey, but they're cute and offer 8.2 feet of drop protection. Pick one up over the Big Spring Sale for $51.20, saving you 20% on their usual $64.

The internet-famous Brick Opens in a new window Credit: Brick Brick $47.20 at Brick
$59 Save $11.80   Get Deal Why we like it

Scared of looking at your screen time report each week? Mashable's Samantha Mangino credits the Brick for cutting hers in half. If that's not convincing enough, the Brick is getting a rare deal — you can save 20% on one, nabbing it for $47.20 instead of $59, or 25% on two, grabbing them for $88.50 instead of $118. Note: this deal isn't available on Amazon, only Brick's website, but it was too good not to mention.

An all-in-one Anker charging station Anker Prime 3-in-1 Charging Station $104.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $45.00   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Constantly fumbling for chargers for your earbuds, phone, and smartwatch? Simplify your system with a charging station. This one from Anker is usually $149.99, but is currently all the way down to $104.99 during Amazon's sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get productive with work from home essentials on sale at Amazons spring sale: Standing desks, monitors, more

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 10:15
A quick look at the best work from home deals at Amazon's spring sale: Best noise-canceling headphones deal Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon (save $61.99) Get Deal Best home office deal FlexiSpot Comhar Electric Standing Desk $249.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best monitor deal Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 Curved Monitor $115.99 at Amazon (save $64) Get Deal

Emotionally, working from the comfort of home can be a blessing. But from a physical comfort or productivity standpoint, working from home can turn into a curse without the right setup. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is the perfect time to optimize your home office for getting shit done, even if your home office is just a corner in the living room.

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

One underrated WFH hack is just to keep your space clean. Even if it's not a conscious distraction, a mess in the background (or that weird smell from the washing machine) is hard to compartmentalize when you're at home all day. So, take advantage of Amazon's spring cleaning deals and get your big annual clean out of the way on a day off. And during the week, send the robot vacuum out and throw on some noise-cancelling headphones.

For other classic WFH struggles, we've picked eight work from home essentials on sale at Amazon that'll change the game on a daily basis.

An ergonomic mouse Anker 2.4G Wireless Vertical Ergonomic Optical Mouse $19.98 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $10.01   See It at Amazon Why we like it

An ergonomic mouse (or vertical mouse) looks like it would take some serious getting used to, but you'd be surprised at how natural it feels. These weird-shaped mice keep your hand in a neutral handshake position rather than making you twist your hand to lay flat on a traditional mouse. Relief can be felt all the way from wrist to shoulder.

This wireless vertical mouse from Anker is on sale for less than $20, making it $50 less than the sale price on the popular Logitech Lift Mouse.

A wireless charger Opens in a new window Credit: Twelve South Twelve South HiRise MagSafe Wireless Charger Stand $35.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $44.00   Get Deal Why we like it

On a stressful day, nothing sends you over the edge quite like wrestling with tangled cords when your laptop's about to die. One quick way to de-clutter your space is to switch to a wireless charging station for your phone. This MagSafe stand props your phone up while it charges and can charge AirPods, too. The glacier blue option is more than 50% off during the Big Spring Sale.

A standing desk Flexispot Comhar Electric Standing Desk $229.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $70   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Many WFH-ers accidentally find themselves taking fewer desk breaks than they would at the office, mostly because there are simply fewer reasons to stand up at home. A standing desk offers a physical change of pace from an otherwise sedentary workday. Benefits range from relieving back strain or achy legs to boosting productivity, especially on the days when you're nodding off.

The FlexiSpot Comhar desk can switch from sit to stand mode (46.5 inches) with the press of a button. It also features a built-in drawer and two USB charging ports.

A cervical neck stretcher Restcloud Neck and Shoulder Relaxer $19.99 at Amazon
  See It at Amazon Why we like it

Working location aside, neck and shoulder tension is a pretty universal side effect of staring at a computer for a living. This popular neck stretcher and cervical traction pillow from Restcloud is designed to hug the natural C-shape curve of the neck — the antithesis of tech neck. Lying on it for just a few minutes per day can relieve pressure on your neck muscles and spine.

An air purifier Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max air purifier $169 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.99   See It at Amazon Why we like it

Allergies or not, no one is completely immune to the respiratory irritants naturally floating around in our homes. But pollen season is a great time to grab an air purifier on sale — the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max is our favorite air purifier deal at Amazon's spring sale. Its HEPA filter quietly captures airborne particles known to make us feel crappy, like pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander.

The 311i Max can clean up to 1,858 square feet in an hour (the largest capacity of any purifier on sale for less than $200).

Noise-cancelling headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal at Amazon Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Sony WH-1000XM6.

A $61.99 discount on headphones doesn't seem that exciting if the headphones still cost almost $400. But it's a little different when we're talking about Sony's latest flagship headphones, which have only gone on sale a few times in their 10 months on the market.

The WH-1000XM6 and their pristine active noise cancellation are the best you can buy to get you in the zone at home, whether you need to seal out construction during a meeting or blast your eardrums with a focus playlist. Other upgrades from the 1000XM5 include improved mic and overall call quality. Plus, the whole headset finally folds.

A walking pad UREVO CyberPad Smart Walking Pad with 14% Auto Incline, Brushless Motorized Under Desk Treadmill for Office Fitness, Elegant Speed Lights, Spacious Surface, Digital Controller, AI-Powered App $379.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $70   See It at Amazon

We don't underscore the importance of going for at least a small walk in the sun around here. But since the typical work schedule doesn't block time off for an hour-long daily stroll, a walking pad is a game-changing way to squeeze in extra steps throughout the workday.

Make it an under-desk treadmill if you have a standing desk, or hop on while you listen to a camera-off presentation. If you're actually trying to break a sweat, the Urevo CyberPad can hit up to a 14 percent incline. It's compact enough to be stored under most beds or couches, or can be flipped up to store against a wall.

A curved monitor Samsung 27-inch Essential S3 Curved Monitor $115.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $64.00   See It at Amazon Why we like it

The freedom to work from the couch is certainly a pro of working from home, but hunching over like that for days (weeks? months?) on end can wreak havoc on your body. (Take it from someone who took way too long to curate a legitimate desk setup when working from home during COVID.)

Plus, pairing your work laptop with a monitor that doesn't suck to look at can positively impact productivity. It's much easier to jump between 30 open tabs when they're spread out between two screens, and the slight bend of my curved display really does feel more immersive than a flat screen. The 27-inch Samsung Essential S3 has one of the biggest discounts of all monitor deals during the Big Spring Sale, down 36% from its usual $179.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Lego Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night has hit its best-ever price in the Amazon Spring Sale — save over $30

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 10:12

TL;DR: As of March 28, the Lego Ideas Starry Night is down to $136.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's $33 off the list price of $169.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night $136.99 at Amazon
$169.99 Save $33   Get Deal

Legos don’t often get significant discounts. The prices of these much sought-after building sets tend to hold firm through the year. So whenever there’s a good discount in a shopping event like Amazon's Big Spring Sale — now in its fourth day and running through March 31 — Lego fans have to seize the moment.

One such deal is on the Lego Ideas Starry Night, a 3D wall art recreation of the classic Vincent van Gogh painting. This deal is pretty as a picture, you could say. The Lego Ideas Starry Night is down to $136.99 in the Big Spring Sale. That’s a 10% drop from the list price of $169.99. You’ll save $33 — a record saving on this set.

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This 2,316-piece set, which comes with a minifigure of van Gogh himself, is still full price at Lego.com, where you’ll rarely find any kind of major sale outside of Black Friday. The lowest we’ve ever seen this Starry Night set before is $150. If you haven’t played with Legos since you were a kid, this a chance to find out what being an AFOL (adult fan of Lego) is all about. It's therapeutic fun.

Get artistic for less with the Lego Ideas Starry Night — now marked down to $136.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. A rare 20% saving on the list price of $169.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 28

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 06:00

The Moon is shining brightly tonight, with more than half of its surface lit up. Keep scrolling to find out what you could see tonight.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Saturday, March 28, the Moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 77% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Tonight, without visual aids, you can spot the Tranquillitatis, Imbrium, and Vaporum Mares. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Mare Frigoris, Alphonsus Crater, and the Clavius Crater. A telescope can help you see even more, including the Caucasus Mountains and the Apollo 14 and 16 landing spots.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 28, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 04:00

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a physicist.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 28, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Get on

  • Green: Newton's law

  • Blue: School

  • Purple: Botany

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Step onto, as a vehicle

  • Green: Quantities in mechanics

  • Blue: Textbook images

  • Purple: ___ Plant

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1021 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Step onto, as a vehicle: BOARD, EMBARK, ENTER, MOUNT

  • Quantities in mechanics: ACCELERATION, FORCE, MASS, MOMENTUM

  • Textbook images: FIGURE, ILLUSTRATION, PICTURE, PLATE

  • ___ Plant: FACE, PITCHER, POWER, ROBERT

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 28, 2026

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 28, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 04:00

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're a good communicator.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 28, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Just write

The words are related to communication.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe written communication.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Correspondence.

NYT Strands word list for March 28

  • Email

  • Missive

  • Correspondence

  • Text

  • Postcard

  • Letter

  • Memo

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Strands.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 28, 2026

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 04:00

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're always in the know.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 28, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 28, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Happening.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter O appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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

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

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

AFOOT

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

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

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Its prime time to buy physical media: Shop these Blu-ray, CD, and vinyl deals during the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 02:19
The best Big Spring Sale Blu-ray, CD, and vinyl deals at a glance: Best Blu-ray deal 'Sinners' (Blu-ray + Digital) $13.99 (save $8.99) Get Deal Best 4K UHD deal 'The Housemaid' (4K UHD + Blu-ray + Digital) $25.79 (save $17.20) Get Deal Best CD deal Harry Styles 'Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.' CD $13.99 (save $3.99) Get Deal Best Vinyl deal Taylor Swift 'The Life of a Showgirl' Orange Glitter Vinyl $26.30 (save $10.68) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale (which runs through March 31) has been surprisingly good in the streaming deals department, but they're also limited to new and returning subscribers in most cases. Plus, once the discounted subscription rate expires, you're back to spending an arm and a leg on movies and music each month. Not to mention, the movies you actually want to watch are always on the streaming service you don't have. If you're looking to dive back into the world of physical media, now's a great time to splurge.

Amazon has slapped the Big Spring Sale discount on plenty of Blu-ray and 4K UHD movies, as well as CDs and vinyl. We've rounded up some of the best deals below, but be sure to check out the sale pages for music and movies to get the full scope of the physical media deals at Amazon. There's something about holding a movie or album in your hands that streaming just can't touch. Long live physical media.

Best physical media deal at Amazon Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Movies, Music, and Books Buy 3 for the price of 2 Get Deal Why we like it

While there's plenty of individual deals on movies and music, this buy three for the price of two deal at Amazon is the best way to grab more for your money in the Big Spring Sale. Some of the individual movies, CDs, and records we've rounded up below are actually included in the deal, which means you can save even more — including Harry Styles' Kiss All The Time. Disco, Occasionally.

Best Big Spring Sale 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray dealsBest Big Spring Sale CD dealsBest Big Spring Sale Vinyl deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get writing, image, and video AI tools for $85 with 1min.AI

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 01:00

TL;DR: Get the 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan lifetime subscription for $85 (reg. $540) with code MARCH15 and access a range of AI tools for writing, images, documents, and multimedia in one platform.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1minAI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription $85
$540 Save $455   Get Deal

AI can speed up creative work — but only if your workflow stays manageable. If you’re constantly switching between tools for writing, images, and editing, the time savings start to disappear. 1min.AI aims to simplify that by bringing those tools into one platform, and a lifetime subscription to its Advanced Business Plan is on sale for $85 with code MARCH15.

Whether you’re a copywriter, designer, social media manager, podcaster, small business owner, or just someone experimenting with AI, 1min.AI covers a lot of ground. It pulls from multiple models you’ve likely heard of — ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini,  Llama, and more — so you can handle different tasks without jumping between apps.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

You can draft content, generate visuals, work with documents, and experiment with audio or video, all in one place. It’s not replacing the need for human input, of course, but it can help you move from idea to draft (or draft to something more polished) a bit faster. The platform also rolls out regular updates, adding new features and improvements over time.

How 1min.AI can simplify your workflow:

  • Create content faster: Write, edit, and optimize articles, posts, and marketing copy

  • Handle visuals in one place: Generate and edit images without separate tools

  • Work smarter with documents: Summarize, translate, and extract insights from files and PDFs

  • Produce multimedia content: Turn text into audio or video and edit both with AI support

With the lifetime plan, you get 4 million credits per month, enough for large-scale use, whether that’s generating long-form content, images, or multimedia assets. That roughly translates to 1.1 million words, nearly 6,000 SEO keywords, and over 1,100 images. You can allocate those credits however you like, share access with up to 20 team members, and store your work without limits.

If your current setup involves juggling multiple AI tools (and subscriptions), this is a more consolidated alternative.

Normally $540, grab a lifetime subscription to 1min.ai for $85 with code MARCH15.

Want to see more deals? Visit the shop and use code MARCH15 to save an extra 15% sitewide through March 29. Exclusions apply.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We keep finding new Lego deals at Amazons spring sale, like Tuxedo Cat and van Goghs The Starry Night

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 01:00
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Lego deals Best Lego art deal Lego Ideas Vincent Van Gogh The Starry Night $136 (save $33.99) Get Deal Best Lego Ideas deal Lego Ideas Tuxedo Cat $84.99 at Amazon (save $15) Get Deal Best Lego Botanicals Deal Lego Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree $47.99 (save $12) Get Deal Best Lego Star Wars Deal Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable Model $67.99 (save $17) Get Deal Best Lego Nintendo Deal Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant $41.99 (save $18) Get Deal

Amazon's celebrating the arrival of springtime weather with the return of its Big Spring Sale. If you love finding Legos on sale sets amidst all the deals on tech and spring cleaning essentials, we have good and bad news. The bad: Some of our favorite Amazon Lego deals have already disappeared by day three of the spring sale. The good: New awesome Lego deals keep popping up.

Whether you're searching for a new Star Wars set or a spring-appropriate botanical display that doesn't need to be watered, we're tracking the best live deals on Lego sets at Amazon throughout the weekend:

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up! Best Lego Botanicals Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Botanicals Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree (#10348) $47.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $12   Get Deal Why we like it

Lego's Botanicals sets are always a delight to have up on display, and this Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree is sure to add a lovely pop of red, orange, and green to your home. At the moment, it's on sale at Amazon for $47.99, which is just pennies away from its lowest-ever price point of $47.95, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. What better time to scoop up this 474-piece set if it's caught your eye?

Best Lego Nintendo Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (#71426) $41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal Why we like it

MAR10 Day may be behind us, but The Super Mario Galaxy Movie is on the horizon, so it's a great time in general to be a Mario fan. If you're looking for a fun new set to build ahead of the upcoming film, this 540-piece Super Mario Piranha Plant set is a very fun option to have up on display. It's currently down to $41.99 at Amazon, so you can save $18 during the Big Spring Sale.

Best Lego Star Wars Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Star Wars Millennium Falcon A New Hope 25th Anniversary Collectable Model (#75375) $67.99 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $17   Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of exciting Lego Star Wars sets to piece together, but this Millennium Falcon build is a must for your collection if you're a fan. This 921-piece set sees you recreating the Millennium Falcon, as seen in A New Hope, and it's currently on sale for $67.99 at Amazon. Similar to the Lego Japanese Red Maple Bonsai Tree, this set is also just pennies away from its lowest-ever price of $67.95, so this is an excellent time to pick it up and save.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale Lego deals

Lego Star Wars deals

Lego Disney deals

Other Legos on sale at Amazon

Categories: IT General, Technology

J.K. Rowling controversy explained

Mashable - Sat, 03/28/2026 - 00:46

Thirty-five years ago, British author J.K. Rowling was commuting from Manchester to London when she was struck by divine creativity: She imagined the tale of a young, orphaned wizard who was key to unraveling a magically violent authoritarian uprising. In what would become Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (for American readers), the young mother found her pot of gold. 

The idea behind Harry Potter would scale into a 7-book and 8-movie series, a Broadway show, and amusement park franchise, and eventually a media behemoth valued at tens of billions of dollars. Its latest venture, a multi-season HBO television adaptation, is set to premiere Christmas Day 2026.

The young wizard boy would forever transform the worlds of children's publishing, entertainment, and fandom, birthing multiple generations of fervent readers and a new model for mega-franchises. Similarly, over the next two decades, the woman who was merely filling the hours of a delayed commute would become the preeminent young adult author of her time — and then, to the chagrin of many, morph into the celebrity face of an unrelenting anti-transgender campaign.

SEE ALSO: 75 best LGBTQ films to stream right now J.K. Rowling's pop culture takeover 

The first book in the Harry Potter series was released to UK markets in 1997, with a limited run of just 500 copies. As one rumor attests, Rowling's publisher, Bloomsbury, encouraged the author to change her byline from Joanne to the more gender-neutral "J.K." just before going to print as a way to appeal to young male audiences. Rowling later told the Belfast Telegraph the move was decided long before publishing, to protect against any fallout from her previous marriage.

Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, as it was titled in Britain, won several publishing awards and garnered critical praise in the UK before being introduced to U.S. readers. With the American debut and its translation to global audiences, the book's popularity skyrocketed even further. The first Harry Potter novel occupied the number one spot on the New York Times' bestseller list for two straight years, toppling even adult fiction on the at-the-time combined list. It cumulated in more than 11 million worldwide sales by 2001 and set the record as the fastest-selling children’s book in history. The saga is considered the best-selling fantasy series of all time — the fourth book's audiobook even won a Grammy. First editions of the UK printing of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone have been auctioned off for tens of thousands, even millions, of dollars.

Potterheads had gifted Harry Potter an eternal legacy: the largest fan-powered media conglomerate in the world.

Beyond the dollars and cents, Harry Potter also ushered in modern internet fandom. Avid fans (known as Potterheads) pioneered new digital spaces in the wake of a Y2K transformation and the dot-com bubble, generating the "Potterverse," hotbeds of fan creation and discourse that spilled Rowling's creation onto the internet.

Ten years later, the last novel in the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, hit shelves, setting yet another record as the fastest-selling new release fiction book of all time. Fans lined up for midnight release parties worldwide, decked out in full costume to celebrate and mourn the end of an era (or so they believed). In reality, Potterheads had, perhaps unknowingly, gifted Harry Potter an eternal legacy: The largest fan-powered media conglomerate in the world.

Harry Potter — the entertainment tentpole, not just the children's series — was just getting started. Rowling sold the books' movie rights to Warner Bros. Entertainment, which turned the series into eight blockbuster films released between 2001 and 2011. They netted more than $7 billion, nabbing 12 Academy Award nominations and numerous BAFTA noms. She sold the theme park rights to Universal Studios, which runs several Harry Potter-themed Wizarding Worlds. 

Fans gather at King's Cross railway station in London to celebrate the 2007 release of the final Harry Potter book. Credit: Getty Images / Stringer / Getty Images Entertainment

Five years after the films ended, Rowling published the novel adaptation of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, a theater spinoff of the Harry Potter series co-created with director John Tiffany and playwright Jack Thorne. It was fully produced for audiences on both the West End and Broadway; it's still running. Rowling then turned a series of in-universe Harry Potter textbooks into the three-part Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them film series.

And then there were the numerous Harry Potter video games, including Harry Potter: Hogwarts Mystery and the popular RPG Hogwarts: Legacy.

Rowling also published numerous books unrelated to the Harry Potter Universe, under both the J.K. Rowling name and her masculine pen name, Robert Galbraith. Books with the Galbraith moniker have consistently ranked on UK top-selling books lists since the author's true identity was revealed. Most recently, the Harry Potter franchise launched a series of celebrity-narrated audiobooks and released the first teaser for its HBO-backed Harry Potter TV series.

Rowling, the owner of a $150 million superyacht, has a current net worth of $1.2 billion.

To try to list the full amount of merchandising and licensing endeavors Rowling signed off on to garner that wealth would be impossible. Let's just say she has her own Rule 34: If it exists, there's probably a Harry Potter version of it. For most of her career, Rowling was simply the monarch of this vast magical empire.

Rowling's image sours

The beloved children's book author waded into new waters in the 2010s, dipping her toe into political commentary via her popular X (formerly Twitter) account. Her most circulated posts, shared to 14 million followers, decried racist Brexit campaigns and compared leaders like President Donald Trump to Harry Potter villain Voldemort.

Shortly after, Rowling's political stances became more complicated. She publicly donated to the Better Together campaign against Scotland's proposed independence from the UK, comparing pro-independence rhetoric to Harry Potter's Death Eaters in a remark that generated social media backlash. In 2015, she received pushback for refusing to support the Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement against Israel, although she denounced Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies against Palestinian communities. 

Rowling and the team behind the Fantastic Beasts films faced criticism in 2018 for not depicting a romantic relationship between two male main characters, according to Business Insider, despite Rowling having confirmed that the two men were canonically in love. The series weathered several more controversies involving its star-studded cast, including the hiring of alleged abuser Johnny Depp, whose role was recast with Mads Mikkelsen for Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore.

The scandals continued, but bigger, with Rowling at the center of the tempests.

In a series of X posts in 2019, Rowling attached herself to a group of highly visible and vocal political commentators who target so-called LGBTQ identity politics, specifically trans activism. Responding to criticism, Rowling denied she was part of any far-right movement.

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Rowling, in fact, describes herself as a liberal feminist. But the author has repeatedly criticized what she sees as a culture of "woke," a movement allegedly being forced on the masses by leftist leaders and activists — talking points also adopted by the far right.

Credit: Andrew Aitchison / In pictures via Getty Images

By association, Hollywood icons have become mired in Rowling's political controversy, despite her having little creative input in many of the upcoming projects. Though the Harry Potter franchise is long behind her, Hermione portrayer Emma Watson has been publicly reckoning with Rowling's comments. Celebrities that have more recently signed on to upcoming projects — like the aforementioned audiobooks and upcoming TV series — have waded in, seemingly unprepared, to the discourse.

Keira Knightley, who voices the villain Dolores Umbridge in the 2025 audiobooks, said she was unaware of any fan boycott and hoped we could all "find respect" for people with different opinions. Many fans were incensed at what they felt was her downplaying Rowling's controversial stance. The show's cast, including actor and new Dumbledore John Lithgow, have had to face the music, too.

The Potterverse wasn't prepared for its matriarch to make such a turn. Navigating half a decade of transphobia from Rowling, fans continue to grapple with the issue, including organizing various boycotts of Rowling's beloved properties. Some have divorced themselves only from things that actively generate money for Rowling, like new merchandise, games, and media. Others have rejected it all, fan-made creations included, to try and force Rowling's hand.

Rowling has not yet lost her massive online following, with nearly 14 million followers on X. The world of Harry Potter is nowhere near its end.

A full timeline of Rowling's transphobia2019 - "#IStandWithMaya"

In Dec. 2019, Rowling publicly announced her support, via Twitter, for Maya Forstater. Forstater was a critic of the UK's Gender Recognition Act — which allows trans people to legally change their listed sex via a Gender Recognition Certificate — and was let go from the Center for Global Development following a series of transphobic comments. (Forstater later sued her employer for discrimination and lost, but was later awarded £100,000.) The author said she didn't agree with forcing "women out of their jobs for stating that sex is real."

Rowling's pro-Forstater tweet gained traction after fans recalled Rowling had previously liked and unliked a post referring to trans women as "men in dresses," in addition to other offhanded reposts of transphobic language over the years. The author had also recently followed late YouTuber Magdalen Berns, co-founder of For Women Scotland, a women's rights organization that demonizes trans women.

Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe issued a statement in support of trans and gender non-conforming communities in the post's aftermath. (Radcliffe later became an ardent supporter of the Trevor Project, a suicide prevention organization focused on the LGBTQ community.)

2020 - "Accusations of TERFery"

In mid-2020, Rowling doubled down on her posts with even more X tweets. She criticized an article on menstruation that used the term "people who menstruate" instead of "women." Rowling continued to reiterate her belief in an essential, biological sex in a series of replies.

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Many online called her out for repeating problematic talking points from trans-exclusionary radical feminists (TERFs). Rowling held her stance in a now infamous blog posted to her official website (coinciding with the start of Pride Month), writing that she had "followed the debate around the concept of gender identity" for years and wasn't surprised she was the latest victim of "cancel culture."

Rowling wrote that she believed trans women (but only those who medically transitioned) were vulnerable and deserved protection, but that she wasn't willing to support them at the risk of "making natal girls and women less safe." She rejected the portrayal of TERF ideology among activists, and included her reasons for supporting "gender critical" discussions and not adhering to "woke virtue-signaling."

"Gender critical" activists believe that gender identity is immutable — they often argue that acknowledging trans or nonbinary identities is a threat to women's safety. Rowling began using her support for women's rights and charitable causes, and her fears regarding medical transitioning, as justification for her comments.

While conservative leaders commended her "bravery," many more in Rowling's circles came out against her, including Watson; Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the Harry Potter movies; and Fantastic Beasts lead Eddie Redmayne. Other franchise stars, including Ralph Fiennes (Voldemort), Helena Bonham Carter (Bellatrix Lestrange), and Robbie Coltrane (Hagrid) spoke in her defense.

A group of employees at Rowling's publisher Hachette UK then refused to work on her new children's book, The Ickabog, forcing the publisher to respond in a statement that its clients have the "right to express their own thoughts and beliefs." Four authors then left the literary agency that also represented Rowling, citing the company's lack of action against the author.

Later that year, Rowling was criticized for transphobic plot lines in her new Robert Galbraith novel, according to the Los Angeles Times. She had previously said researching this novel had been the reason she was looking into "gender critical" spaces in the first place. More than 1,500 UK creatives signed and published a letter in support of trans rights following these events.

Rowling repeatedly shared dangerous misinformation about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), youth intervention, and gender dysphoria across her social media platforms throughout this year.

2021 - "Ignorance is Strength."

Rowling leaned further into her online crusade against trans people, specifically criticizing the way trans people are covered in the media, including the use of chosen pronouns. In one X post, for example, Rowling riffed on the political doublespeak found in George Orwell's 1984, adding a new line to mock the way she interpreted news organizations' use of gender-inclusive language.

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She accused trans activists of doxxing her personal address by posting photos outside her home with protest signs — publications, including LGBTQ site Them, reported that the addresses of her historical residences were actually listed online. Following an investigation, Scottish police found there was “no criminality” to the posts featuring her residence, Them reported.

Following continued social media pushback, Rowling repeated her views from 2020, reiterating she was empathetic to trans rights but that she believed in the "sanctity" of a biological sex.

2022 - "She never dropped her flag."

Rowling came out against a Scottish reform bill that would make it simpler for trans people to change their listed gender and obtain new legal documents in 2022, stating that it would "erode women’s sex-based rights."

She posted support of lesbian gender-critical activist Alison Bailey — who sued the UK's Stonewall organization after creating a trans-exclusionary splinter group — and other anti-trans activists.

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The author also responded to a fan boycott of the soon-to-be-released Hogwarts: Legacy game, saying that the action represented the same level of hypocrisy as historic book burnings. At this time, Rowling posted a picture of herself with leaders of the anti-trans lobbying group Get The L Out UK, writing #RespectMySex.

In response to Rowling's postings, the official Quidditch sports league, which organizes more than 600 teams across 40 countries, rebranded to Quadball.

Meanwhile, Russian president Vladimir Putin vocalized his support for Rowling's stances and compared criticism of Russian cultural leaders to those critiquing Rowling. The author tweeted her support of Ukraine in response, refusing to affiliate herself with the world leader.

Rowling then launched a new Edinburgh-based support center for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault that specifically excludes trans women, hoping to silo such support from "political agendas." 

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2023 - "I don't care about my legacy."

Rowling ushered in 2023 by alluding to trans women being "violent, duplicitous rapists."

She was quoted in an episode of The Witch Trials of J.K. Rowling podcast, saying that the modern trans rights movement is "powerful, insidious, and misogynistic" and akin to Harry Potter's Death Eater cult. The podcast was produced by anti-Free Press cofounder and current CBS News editor-in-chief Bari Weiss — herself accused of transphobia by sites like Them — and hosted by former Westboro Baptist Church member Megan Phelps-Roper.

Rowling said she doesn't care or think about her legacy, dismissing fan backlash.

Credit: Wiktor Szymanowicz / Future Publishing via Getty Images 2024 - "Out and proud cheat."

Rowling's online crusade reached new heights in 2024. 

She trained her rage upon Scotland's Hate Crime and Public Order Act, which broadened existing protections to include "age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, transgender identity, and variations in sex characteristics." In a series of X posts, the author attempted to goad Scottish authorities into prosecuting her for online hate crimes, repeatedly misgendering prominent trans figures. She then donated tens of thousands of dollars to Scottish lobbies campaigning against trans-inclusive language in discrimination law. 

She tweeted in support of those accusing Olympic athlete Imane Khelif, a cisgender woman (who would go on to sue the author) of being a biological man who enjoys punching women, according to Yahoo News. She also condemned actual trans athletes, a pattern that would continue over the next year.

She posted numerous threads on single-sex public spaces and protecting women from "predators."

In late 2024, Rowling said she didn't believe that children are born trans and said gender-affirming care for children is worse than performing lobotomies. 

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She attempted to clarify her political stances in a response to an X user who referred to her as a far-right conspiracy theorist:

"I am a left-leaning liberal who's fiercely anti-authoritarian… My values haven't changed; what's changed is the political landscape. What was once my natural home (a pragmatic centre-left party focused on dealing with economic disparity, championing social liberalism and equal rights) is now dominated by an illiberal, identity-based strain of politics I consider elitist, harmful and out of touch with the day-to-day concerns of regular people, particularly women… The reality is that there's currently an assault on women's rights unparalleled in my lifetime, and it's coming from both left and right. If ever there was a time for women across the political spectrum to come together, it is now."

The internet also turned Rowling's new X profile picture into a meme after users pointed out that the yellow wallpaper behind the author's selfie appeared to be infested with mold, which they jokingly contended could be the source of her fixation on trans issues.

"A transphobic mycelium entity corrupting her mind for the past few decades would explain everything," one user wrote.

2025 -"TERF VE Day"

Throughout 2025, Rowling shared criticism of pro-trans legislation and trans inclusivity, arguing that supporting the rights of biological women is a feminist crusade while scoffing at public disavowals of her and her work — including those from Harry Potter stars and directors. 

She celebrated a UK Supreme Court decision limiting Britain's Equality Act to biological sex definitions ("TERF VE Day," she wrote, posting a picture of her smoking a cigar). She posted support for anti-trans writer Graham Linehan after he was arrested on suspicion of inciting violence in a series of transphobic X posts, calling the action "totalitarianism."

On Oct. 30, Rowling lambasted Glamour UK's Women of the Year cover highlighting the "Protect the Dolls" slogan, a phrase advocating for the safety of trans women. "I grew up in an era when mainstream women’s magazines told girls they needed to be thinner and prettier," she wrote. "Now mainstream women’s magazines tell girls that men are better women than they are."

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The author started the J.K. Rowling Women’s Fund and said she would personally give money to women whose sex-based rights are "violated."

She said she would continue to criticize "unevidenced medical experiment on minors," eschewing evidence-based research that proves gender-affirming care saves lives — she joined others in protesting a clinical puberty blocker trial. The author spent the final months of the year debating X users about whether trans women are "real" women and posting repeatedly about campaigns for single-sex bathrooms and changing rooms, writing, "I want my daughters to live in a country where their right to single-sex spaces isn’t under attack from their own government."

On Dec. 18, she posted, "Merry Terfmas everyone 💜🤍💚" and later replied, "Personally I prefer Boxing Terfmas, when all the hard work’s done and you can put your feet up and watch re-runs of classics like 'what about clownfish?' and 'you are committing literal genocide.'"

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Calling her posts "the truth," Rowling denied that she peddles hate, even as experts cite an epidemic of violence against trans women. On the heels of the Human Rights Campaign's declaration of a "national state of emergency" for LGBTQ Americans, GLAAD tracked 2.5 incidents of anti-LGBTQ hate every day in the U.S alone. U.S. leaders have proposed more than 1,000 anti-transgender bills in 2025. UK police reported more than 3,800 transgender hate crimes that same year Globally, those numbers are larger, predominately targeting Black trans women and, increasingly, trans activists and movement leaders. Due to rampant underreporting, the numbers are likely even higher that that.

2026 - "Never give up on your dreams."

Although her posting has become less frequent in the year leading up to the new Potterverse show, Rowling has continued to reshare generally anti-trans sentiments on her public social media pages. More directly, she posted misleading statements about puberty blockers and transitioning youth, and platformed campaigns of Keira Bell, a UK-based detransition activist and gender-affirming care critic.

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Rowling celebrated the verdict of a recent medical malpractice lawsuit, which awarded $2 million to a young person who said she was pressured by therapists and doctors into a double mastectomy. Wrote Rowling in a Feb. 3 X post:

"As more and more detransitioners arrive in court, the public will learn the full extent of the harm done to kids in the name of an ideology. Clinicians performing these 'treatments' will go down in history as barbarous activists who betrayed a sacred oath: to do no harm. But we should never forget how many people outside the medical profession urged these young people on, gleefully assuring them that anyone advising caution was an evil bigot."

The author has remained consistent in platforming trans-exclusionist accounts and brands, too, like sportswear brand XX-XY Athletics. She rejoiced being blocked by India Willoughby, the country's first trans national television newsreader and co-host of Loose Women.

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For fans, Rowling's dogged efforts to demonize trans people have been harrowing. The rift between the universe's creator and its unofficial caretakers has turned into a chasm. There doesn't appear to be an end, nor a bridge, in sight.

In Rowling's second novel, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, the wizarding world's evil is growing stronger. The villains, believers in magic-based eugenics, are getting louder. Even the titular young wizard is being enticed to agree with their bigoted beliefs by the specter of a charismatic young Voldemort.

As the serpentine words slither through his mind, Harry turns to the wise Albus Dumbledore, the master of a fantasy world he has emphatically embraced — until now. The man slips him a simple truth, one that the Harry Potter fandom clings to tightly: "It is our choices, Harry, that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities."

Categories: IT General, Technology
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