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The priciest Roomba and Shark robot vacuum mop combos are both under $800 on the last day of Amazons spring sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 22:13
The Shark and Roomba flagship models on sale Premium Roomba robot vacuum and mop deal iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $799 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal Premium Shark robot vacuum and mop deal Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro $799.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal

The other top robot vacuum brands can release as many models as they want, but the "Shark vs. Roomba" debate isn't leaving the Google search bar anytime soon.

There's always an even bigger spotlight on the feud when comparing their deals during various sale events, and the last day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale is seeing a big showdown between Shark and iRobot's two most expensive robot vacuum and mop combos: The Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro and iRobot Roomba Combo Max + AutoWash Dock are both down from their over-$1,000 prices to $799.99 ($799 for the Roomba, so you'd technically be saving almost a dollar extra).

SEE ALSO: Robot vacuum deals are going hard at Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Both can wash and dry their own mopping pads whereas the models right below each in the family tree, the Roomba Combo j9+ and Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch (no Pro) only refill their water tanks, but need you to throw the pads in the washing machine. The self-washing situation is definitely worth the upgrade in my eyes.

I've tested both of them, and have some intel as to who should pick the Shark and who should pick the Roomba. (Though if you're going to spend that much on a robot vacuum during this sale, I'd ultimately tell you to buy the Roborock Qrevo Master that's also on sale for $799.99 — it was my favorite robot vacuum from all of 2024.)

iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo 10 Max + AutoWash Dock $799 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it

If you care more about meticulous small obstacle avoidance, go with the Roomba Combo 10 Max. iRobot's PrecisionVision technology consistently has the best track record when it comes to dodging things like chargers, extension cords, socks, and towels in my home. And personally, this level of self-sufficiency has become a non-negotiable for me — it's just nice to be able to start a cleaning whenever without worrying that the robot vac will suck up a random object and get stuck for hours.

After the unveiling of the $799.99 Roomba Plus 405 and $999.99 505 Combo models earlier in March, the Combo 10 Max is no longer the only Roomba vacuum and mop that can wash and dry its own mopping pads. Compared to those models, aside from a total design overhaul, the main difference is that the Combo 10 Max still retains the auto-lifting mopping arm that iRobot was trying to push (compared to spinning mopping pads on the other two).

But with the $999.99 Roomba Plus 505's release being pushed back to April, the Combo 10 Max is currently the only Roomba out there that can deal with its own mop, refill its own tanks, and avoid cords, laundry, and pet waste. And $799.99 is the cheapest it has ever been, Black Friday 2024 included.

The Combo 10 Max doesn't come in white and the Shark PowerDetect does, and maybe your decision will boil down to which color better matches your decor. But I'll say that, aesthetically, the Combo 10 Max looks much chicer in person. If you'd like to mitigate the risk of a giant hunk of technology ruining your cozy aesthetic, the Roomba is the choice here.

Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro Shark PowerDetect NeverTouch Pro $799.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $400 Get Deal Why we like it

If you care more about quick, straightforward spot cleaning, go with the Shark PowerDetect Pro. As basic as it is, there's something to be said about how easy the Shark app makes the spontaneous cleaning process. All you have to do is drag and drop a square in the room you want the PowerDetect to clean, compared to the iRobot app, which makes you take the extra step of naming an official zone before cleaning (even if it'll be a one-time thing).

The PowerDetect's small obstacle avoidance situation isn't so streamlined — Shark hasn't perfected that technology yet. So while it can totally be relied on to make it to the right room while navigating around furniture, I'd still pick phone chargers off the floor and scoot slippers and shoes to the edges of the room.

Cleaning performance-wise, the PowerDetect is the most powerful Shark vacuum and mop. Like iRobot, Shark doesn't disclose suction power in Pascals, but the PowerDetect was quite reliable on various rugs in my home, and actually did a better job at picking up kitty litter and food crumbs around wall or cabinet edges than the Combo 10 Max did.

If it sways your decision at all, Shark does more to nail the "just cleaned" scent to go with your sparkling floors. The dock is equipped with a filter (I think it smells like laundry) that puffs after each auto-empty whoosh to combat any potential dust bag smell. A bottle of hard floor cleaning solution is also included.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Yahoos Vidya Nayak wants more women in tech

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 22:07

Vidya Nayak, Head of Product Design at Yahoo Search, is aware it’s not easy to be a visible female tech executive. She also knows talking about her experiences as a woman in the industry makes a difference.

“Sharing my own stories honestly and authentically encourages other women in the room to come forward and share theirs,” Nayak tells Mashable. “This creates a sense of community and solidarity where women feel seen, heard, and empowered to navigate their day-to-day boldly.”

Nayak has a big job at Yahoo, which ranks as the U.S.’s second most-visited website. Nayak was a major part of the team that recently introduced an AI chatbot and AI-powered summaries within Yahoo search. Logged-in users can take advantage of the new offerings, which mark a big step for the 31-year-old company’s effort to regain a bigger presence in Search after being swamped by Google over 20 years ago.

“We’re definitely taking a more forward-looking approach to how Yahoo search evolves with the conversational interface and even the AI summaries,” Nayak says. “We’re creating an experience that helps users make decisions faster, be more productive, and, in the end, [have search be] more intuitive for them.”

SEE ALSO: The end of remote work doesn't work for women

Before joining Yahoo in 2023, the graduate of San Francisco's Academy of Art University held leadership roles at Disney Interactive, Rodale, iWin, and News Corp., where she led the launch of the first mobile apps for Fox News and Fox Business. At her most recent pre-Yahoo position, Nayak served as Design Director for bank giant SoFi, streamlining the company's apps and helping guide overall corporate strategy. Nayak is candid about what that view from the top looked like.

"I wouldn’t say I’m the only woman in the room [at these companies], but, yes, it is definitely male-dominated," the mother of two says. "Tech has significantly made strides, but globally it still remains male-dominated. Things are shifting, however, very slowly. Tech companies are slowly recognizing the value female leaders bring to the organization, so you see a lot more women at the C Level and in leadership roles and manager roles."

Vidya Nayak credits female mentors for helping her succeed in the industry. Credit: Yahoo

Nayak encourages companies to continue to invest in mentoring women through in-company programs and internships.

"We must create opportunities to develop technical and soft skills with clear progression paths [and] actionable feedback that will help women then take those steps forward," she says. "I think mentorship and critical role model functions are key to opening doors and more opportunities for women."

Even though this presidential administration has painted diversity as a bad word, especially on the collegiate level, bringing girls and women to the forefront would appear to make good business sense for the entire industry. A product created with the input of different minds and experiences will appeal to a larger cross-section of customers, believes Nayak.

"It’s important to recognize this [gender] gap exists at all levels, but particularly the education level," Nayak says. "That needs to change. More men are often encouraged to pursue STEM programs and enter the tech space. Right from the get-go, at the foundational levels, if we make those changes, women will feel more welcome [in the industry]."

SEE ALSO: The best movies made by women on Disney+

Nayak believes in opening doors of opportunity behind her, especially since many were opened for her.

"I was very fortunate to have strong female role models early in my career when I just started working and during my graduate school days," she says. "They inspired me and showed me I could achieve anything and [helped me] navigate these challenges that women face. Learning from the best is crucial."

Networking and "building a community of women" is mutually beneficial for all women in the industry, Nayak says.

"It’s also important to celebrate each other’s accomplishments," she adds. "I remember a quote from Chelsea Handler: 'I never blew out someone’s candle to make mine brighter.' We need to be each other’s cheerleaders."

Categories: IT General, Technology

A New Version of CachyOS Has Arrived: Here's What's New

How-To Geek - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:51

CachyOS, the Arch-based Linux distribution that's been getting a lot of attention from Linux gamers has an updated "March 2025" ISO available for download. It comes with a new Linux kernel and a bevy of other improvements.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I blow dry my hair every day with the Shark FlexStyle. Its on sale during Amazons Big Spring Sale.

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:44

SAVE $60: As of March 31, shop the Shark Flexstyle for just $239, giving you $60 off for 20% savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $239 at Amazon
$299 Save $60 Get Deal

Historically, I haven't paid much attention to my hair. For a long time, I used the Revlon One-Step as a quick way to blow out my hair at home. It was fine but sometimes smelled like a toaster burning the ends of my hair. So as I started gearing up for my 2025 nuptials, with the ambitious goal of doing my own hair and makeup, I started to take my hair a bit more seriously. That's why at the recommendation of my Mashable colleagues, I sprung for the Shark FlexStyle during Black Friday 2024.

My favorite type of deal to write about is one that I've purchased myself, which is why I'm stoked to see the Shark FlexStyle marked down during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Right now, you can find this multi-styler and hair dryer for $239. That saves you $60.99 for 20% off. Sure, we've seen some better discounts on the FlexStyle, but right now, it's only $20 short of its lowest price ever.

In the months since procuring the Shark FlexStyle, I've had fun playing around with the attachments, trying to perfect my own styling. While it can be a little awkward adjusting to the shape and style of the FlexStyle from a traditional blow dryer, it's ultimately incredibly easy to use. It's foolproof and much easier to use than a blow dryer and brush combo, making it a great product for hair styling novices like myself. I don't consider myself to be a natural hair stylist, but the oval brush helps create sleek styles with lots of volume. After using it, I'm left with sleek, shiny layers. Plus, I'm usually styled and ready to go in under 15 minutes with the FlexStyle.

While this model comes with a starter set of attachments, Shark has a slew of attachments that you can purchase for your hair needs, whether that be a diffuser for curls or the FrizzFighter to fight flyaways. You can read my colleague's full rundown of the the Shark FlexStyle or her comparison of the device to the Dyson Airwrap, for more in-depth details, but the TL;DR is: Jump on this Shark FlexStyle deal before the Big Spring Sale ends.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to Equalize Your Audio for Different Genres

How-To Geek - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:30

While some people swear by a flat EQ for everything, preferences for equalizing audio vary from person to person and genre to genre. Here's how to adjust your EQ for some of the most popular genres.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This 2TB Xbox Storage Card Is 44% Off Today

How-To Geek - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 21:15

The Seagate Storage Expansion Card 2TB C34 is currently 44% off on Amazon. If you're running out of space on your Xbox Series X or S, this is one of the best ways to get more storage for games, screen recordings, and other data.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Nutribullet is more than just a personal blender — get it for $99.99 during the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:49

SAVE $30: As of March 31, get the Nutribullet full-size blender combo for just $99.99. That saves you $30, or 23% off its $129.99 price tag.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nutribullet Nutribullet full-size blender combo $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Spring Sale is coming to a close. On the final day of spring deals, we're hunting for all the last-minute deals to carry you into the next season. Kitchen deals have been plentiful during this sale, and as things are wrapping up, we're looking for standout deals.

Case in point: You can get a full-size Nutribullet blender for just $99.99.

While you might think that Nutribullets are only for personal blending, think again. This Nutribullet combo set comes with a full-size pitcher that can hold up to 64 oz. of liquid, so you can make smoothies for a group or a steaming bowl of creamy soup. However, if you still want a personal-sized smoothie, it comes with two smaller cups you can take to go. Plus, you can blend among five different settings, rather than the OG Nutribullet's single setting.

While I haven't tested this specific Nutribullet model here at Mashable, I can testify that the brand's products are long-lasting. My Nutribullet blender has lasted me a decade, surviving dorm living and multiple moves.

On the last day of the Amazon sale, you can find the Nutribullet full-size blender combo for $30 off. That saves 23% off its normal $129.99. Get it for $99.99 while you can.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Morgan Wallen, Gods country, SNL memes take over the internet

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:43

Country star Morgan Wallen has taken over the internet — though perhaps for a reason he may not love. His recent Saturday Night Live appearance and subsequent post about returning to "God's country" has become a meme of sorts, most of which are poking fun at Wallen.

In case you missed it, Wallen appeared to storm offstage as the credits rolled on the sketch show. He later posted a picture of a private jet to his Instagram stories, captioning it, "Get me to God's country."

me when i leave west hollywood after a night out

[image or embed]

— valentine (@dozygay.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 2:56 PM

All of this was read by many as a slight aimed at some combination of SNL, New York City, or East Coast liberals in general. Wallen has a complicated history with SNL — his first appearance was cancelled over violating COVID protocols. Not long after that controversy, Wallen faced major backlash when footage of him saying the N-word surfaced. But he's since become even more popular, especially among right-wingers, who revere him as a sort of martyr figure.

That context makes a bit more clear what Wallen means when he says "God's country:" He's seemingly yearning to return to the conservative parts of the country where he has more fans.

In response, folks online started poking fun at the post, showcasing what they feel is the real "God's country."

Get me to God's country

[image or embed]

— Hayden Clarkin (@thetransitguy.com) March 30, 2025 at 9:22 PM

Get me to God's country

[image or embed]

— Merriam-Webster (@merriam-webster.com) March 31, 2025 at 1:10 PM

get me to god's country

[image or embed]

— Cult Papa (@cult-papa.com) March 30, 2025 at 10:51 PM

going to god's country (my gaming pc)

— Fredo Fabrucci: The Poster's Poster™ (@fredo.bsky.social) March 30, 2025 at 1:15 PM

It's a funny meme that is not necessarily directly making fun of Wallen — but it does zoom in on the absurdity of an impossibly rich musician complaining about The Big City as he climbs into a private jet.

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If anything, the meme shows we all have our personal God's country. Mine? Pal, it's a Buffalo Wild Wings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Last chance for kitchen deals during Amazons Big Spring Sale: Shop Ninja, Nespresso, and more

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:36

UPDATE: Mar. 31, 2025, 2:19 p.m. EDT We updated all links to reflect current prices.

Top kitchen deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best coffee maker deal Nespresso Vertuo with milk frother $159.99 (save $109.96) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Our Place Wonder Oven $145 (save $30) Get Deal Best blender deal Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender $589.98 (save $109.97) Get Deal

In case you haven’t heard, Amazon’s hosting its first big sale of the year: The Amazon Big Spring Sale, which officially kicked off on March 25. It’s basically like Prime Day, but everyone can take advantage of the deals, not just Prime members. Plus, it's a week long.

SEE ALSO: Amazon Prime members can save $10 on two Grubhub orders of $20 or more with this promo code

As you'd expect, the sale is chock-full of discounted products across a wide range of categories, including kitchen and home goods. From high-end espresso machines to air fryers and everything in between, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is a great opportunity to upgrade your kitchen setup or snag some early Mother's Day gifts.

Here are our top picks for the best kitchen deals to shop for during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo with milk frother $159.99 at Amazon
$269.95 Save $109.96 Get Deal Why we like it

Your daily coffee habit may not be the reason you can't afford a house in this economy, but it does add up over time. If you're looking to make coffee at home but aren't quite ready to jump into the territory of the $500 Breville espresso machines all over your FYP, the Nespresso Vertuo offers plenty of flexibility at a fraction of the cost. The Vertuo makes both coffee and espresso machines with Nespresso pods, which can be recycled. The addition of a milk frother is great for any espresso drinks you may want to jazz up, and the machine's thin profile means it takes up less space than a traditional coffee maker.

More coffee maker and espresso machine dealsBest air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven $175 at Amazon
Get Deal Why we like it

Admittedly, we're not huge fans of Our Place's famous Always Pan, but that doesn't mean you should count everything from the brand out. Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino owns and loves this air fryer, and while it was originally gifted, shares that she would've bought it at full price. Why? It doesn't just air fry: it can toast, reheat, bake, broil, and has a compartment to add water and steam your bakes (not unlike the internet-famous Balmuda toaster). Along with all that versatility, you'll get an air fryer basket, baking tray, and toasting rack — plus a cute retro design that makes the countertop space it takes up feel more earned.

More air fryer dealsBest blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Vitamix Vitamix A3500 Ascent Series Smart Blender $589.98 at Amazon
$699.95 Save $109.97 Get Deal Why we like it

Smoothie season is just around the corner, making it the perfect time to invest in a high-quality blender. Vitamix blenders are known for their ability to blend basically anything, plus their long life spans (hence, the higher price tag). This Ascent model hasn't dipped below $600 since December, making it the first time this year it's hit this price. The smart blender not only comes with five programmable settings but also a base that can detect the container size and adjust those settings automatically.

Stand mixer dealsInstant Pot dealsBlender dealsWater bottle dealsMore kitchen deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

10+ Ninja kitchen deals from the last day of Amazons spring sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:30
Best Ninja deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Ninja blender deal Ninja Mega Kitchen System $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ninja coffee maker deal Ninja Pod & Grounds Specialty Single-Serve Coffee Maker 79.95 (save $20.05) Get Deal Best Ninja countertop oven deal Ninja Double Stack XL countertop oven and air fryer $249.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Ninja is behind some of the most innovative and useful kitchen appliances that make meal prep so much easier. The internet has fallen in love with the Ninja Creami's and Ninja Slushi's ability to make frozen treats on-demand at home. Most recently, we all have eyes on the brand new Ninja Swirl and the potential for soft serve on demand this summer.

But before all the sweet tooth-centric contraptions, Ninja was solidifying its spot in just about every other part of your kitchen routine with staples like blenders, air fryers, and coffee makers. Multiple versions of all three are on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale running through March 31. We're tracking the best deals below:

Best Ninja blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Mega Kitchen System $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Mega Kitchen System is the queen of versatility. It's a full-size blender with a 72-ounce capacity pitcher, a personal smoothie maker, and a powerful food processor. This do-it-all model is perfect for anyone who has a small kitchen, not much storage space left, or anyone who prefers uncluttered countertops. The Ninja Mega Kitchen System usually sells for $199.99 but ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, it's on sale for just $139.99.

The blender's 1500 watt base works great for blending, pureeing, and crushing. The included food processor bowl can hold up to eight cups of ingredients which means it's great for making fresh salsa, homemade pesto, mixing cookie dough, and blending nut butters.

For quick breakfasts before heading out the door, the included 16-ounce Nutri Ninja cup is perfect for making a single-serving smoothie. The to-go lid is also convenient for taking breakfast on the road.

More Ninja blender and food processor dealsBest Ninja coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Pod & Grounds Coffee Maker $79.95 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.04 Get Deal Why we like it

No one needs to deal with a coffee maker that's on the fritz every morning. You can upgrade for less than $100 without sacrificing versatility with Ninja's Pod & Grounds machine, which is on sale for $79.95 during the Big Spring Sale — 20% off its usual $99.99.

The Ninja DualBrew can make your morning coffee via a K-Cup pod or ground coffee. It'll produce everything from a single cup to a full carafe of drip coffee. The built-in frother adds a coffee-house touch to your coffee creations, but it neatly tucks into the side of the machine for easy storage. There's also a hot water button which works great for tea drinks, hot chocolate, or adding hot water to your morning's bowl of instant oatmeal.

More Ninja coffee maker dealsBest Ninja countertop oven deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Double Stack XL $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

We're getting into warmer months, and that means you might be less inclined to turn on the oven for dinner, risking heating up your home even more. The summer is an especially great time to take advantage of electric countertop ovens like the Ninja Double Stack XL. This model features two different cooking areas and 12 cooking options. The double oven option gives extra versatility when cooking and baking at different temperatures and on different timers. The 12 options include bake, broil, reheat, keep warm, toast, bagel, air fry, pizza, oven roast, and more. There's even a convection bake setting, which is great for making cookies.

Ninja says this model can fit up to six salmon filets, a 4.5-pound chicken, or six slices of bread. This deal includes the countertop oven, two sheet pans, two wire racks, an air fryer basket, and a crumb tray. While the Ninja Double Stack XL usually sells for $349.99, it's discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale to $249.99, which means you'll be saving $100.

More Ninja air fryer, countertop oven, and outdoor grill deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Every potential TikTok buyer we know about

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 20:28

The fight to ban TikTok is far from over.

It started in 2019, when U.S. legislators first started banning TikTok from government devices, but it reached a fever pitch in 2024 when then-President Joe Biden signed a bill into law that would ban TikTok unless it divested from its parent company, ByteDance. This all happened because of a fear that TikTok poses a national security threat since its parent company is based in China and subject to Chinese intelligence laws, which could theoretically force ByteDance to give its data to the Chinese Communist Party, a U.S. adversary. 

SEE ALSO: As TikTok faces a ban, creators brace for an uncertain future

The ban eventually made its way to the Supreme Court, with First Amendment Rights activists swarming to oppose it, since Americans have a First Amendment right to receive information from abroad, including propaganda. The Court eventually ruled to uphold the TikTok ban in a unanimous decision. And the ban did go into effect (for about 12 hours). That is, until now-President Donald Trump said he would extend the period of time before the law goes into effect. Now, the app is running and back on App Stores — at least, until Trump's extension runs out on April 5.

TikTok says it likely won't sell, but the only way to stop a U.S. ban now is for another company to step up and buy it. Most of the details about these talks aren't public, and we won't know for sure who's at the helm of the short-form video app until the deal is signed, but that doesn't stop rumors from flying. For instance, for a while, we all thought Elon Musk, the CEO of X, SpaceX, and Tesla, was going to buy TikTok, but that was before he came out and said he didn't have any plans.

Here's who might actually be in the talks to buy TikTok:

Reid Rasner

Billionaire Reid Rasner recently joined the gaggle of potential suitors for TikTok. The Wyoming entrepreneur told NBC News on March 6 that the Trump administration is taking his bid "very seriously" and is "prepared to move forward," adding that "there's no holding back."

Oracle

A few weeks ago, it was reported that the software company Oracle, along with a group of other outside investors, would be taking control of the app. According to NPR, which got the exclusive on the deal, it was being negotiated by Trump's White House and would allow ByteDance to retain a minority stake in the company; Oracle would oversee the app's algorithm, data collection, and software updates. Trump later denied he was working on a deal with Oracle, Reuters reported, but maintained that he was working with "very substantial people" about a deal. Trump even said he would "like Larry [Ellison] to buy it," referring to Oracle chairman.

MrBeast

YouTube and TikTok star Jimmy Donaldson, who you probably know as MrBeast, is apparently looking to buy TikTok alongside a group of investors.

“Okay fine, I’ll buy TikTok so it doesn’t get banned,” he posted on X in January. Albeit spelling TikTok incorrectly, his lawyers confirmed to CNN that he was serious.

Project Liberty and Kevin O'Leary

Canadian investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary said he would "love to work with Trump" on a deal to buy TikTok, according to CNBC. He also joined in on a bid along with Project Liberty Founder Frank McCourt on "The People’s Bid for TikTok," which offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash. Alexis Ohanian also recently joined in on the bid.

Steven Mnuchin

Former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin told CNBC in March 2023 that he started an investor group to buy the app but didn't give any details. He helped Trump broker a deal in 2020 that would have Oracle and Walmart take a significant stake in TikTok, but obviously that didn't pan out.

Perplexity AI and the U.S. Government

The U.S.-based search engine Perplexity AI put in an offer to create a new U.S. holding company called "NewCo" and then to merge with TikTok, Reuters reported. The holding company would mean the U.S. government would get up to half of the new company in the future, which could lead to some pretty serious First Amendment concerns.

Microsoft

According to Reuters, Microsoft is also in talks to buy TikTok. The details aren't public.

Bobby Kotick

As IGN reported in March 2024, the former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick reportedly wanted to buy TikTok. The details aren't public, and it's unclear if that reported interest has turned into anything solid.

Rumble

The Twitch rival is also thought to be interested in buying TikTok, and even put in an offer in March 2024.

Amazon

In 2024, Forbes reported — with the assistance of a former TikTok employee — that Amazon was also in talks to buy the app. The details here aren't public.

The U.S. government's sovereign wealth fund

Trump has suggested that a sovereign wealth fund in the U.S. could buy TikTok, the BBC reported. This could lead to some First Amendment concerns with regard to what kind of content is policed on the app. Content moderation is one thing on a private social media app, but it would hold a whole host of issues when the moderators are a government organization.

This article was initially published in February 2025 and has been updated to reflect new potential buyers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazon deal of the day: Last chance to snag the Kindle Colorsoft at its best price ever

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 18:49
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of March 31: OUR TOP PICK Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal BEST FITNESS TRACKER DEAl Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 (save $40) Get Deal BEST ECHO DEAL Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $54.99 (save $85) Get Deal BEST FITNESS DEAL Peloton Guide $45 (save $50) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 (save $70) Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale officially wraps up today, giving you one last chance to score some major deals. While there's a chance some of these prices could stick around post-sale, we suggest grabbing whatever you've got your eye on today just to be sure you secure the best price. We've rounded up a few of the best deals we could find — including some top brands like Beats and Kindle.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on March 31. None of these catching your eye? Check out our running list of all the best live deals from the sale.

Our top pick: Kindle Colorsoft Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $55 Get Deal

It's not every day that Kindles go on sale, so when we see a big discount, it's always worth highlighting. The Kindle Colorsoft, which just dropped last fall, in particular is seeing its biggest price drop to date. The first Kindle of its kind after almost 17 years, the Colorsoft is a 7-inch waterproof e-reader with a glare-free display that supports a full spectrum of color. On top of that, it has an auto-adjusting front light, 32GB of storage, wireless charging, eight weeks of battery life, and no lockscreen ads.

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

As far as fitness trackers go, the Fitbit Charge 6 is one of the best. It was also one of our readers' top purchases during Cyber Week 2024. During the Big Spring Sale, it's on sale for $119.95 (25% off), which isn't quite as big of a discount as Cyber Week, but still a total steal. The Charge 6 features a seven-day battery life, over 40 exercise modes, a heart rate monitor, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS. It'll give you solid insight into your health and habits on its own, but you'll also get a six-month Fitbit Premium membership to kickstart your routine.

Amazon Echo Buds with ANC Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with ANC $54.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $85 Get Deal

If you're seeking "a really solid pair of noise-cancelling earbuds that will go easy on your wallet," as Mashable's Alex Perry put it, check out this deal on the Amazon Echo Buds with ANC. Usually $139.99, you can snag a pair for only $54.99 during the Big Spring Sale. That's 61% in savings. These buds offer a comfy design, effective noise cancellation, and solid sound quality. The battery life is just OK, but otherwise, they're pretty hard to beat for the price.

Peloton Guide Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton Guide $45 at Amazon
$95 Save $50 Get Deal

The Peloton Guide is one of the brand's most affordable offers. Designed for strength training, it plugs into your TV to monitor your workouts, help you track your reps and improve your form, and much more. Usually $95, you can get it on sale during the Big Spring Sale for only $45. That's 53% in savings.

Beats Studio Buds+ Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Buds+ $99.95 at Amazon
$169.95 Save $70.00 Get Deal

The Studio Buds+ added a fun new transparent color to the Beats lineup, plus improved the active noise cancelling and transparency mode, bumped up the battery life, and increased the mic size for better call quality. They even support spatial audio and come with a variety of ear tip sizes to choose from, allowing you to get a snug fit and enjoy the ANC to its fullest. During the Big Spring Sale, they hit a brand-new best price ever of $99.95. That's 41% in savings. Grab 'em before the sale ends to secure the price.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best cordless power tool deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 18:34
Best cordless power tool deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best power drill deal Craftsman V20 Cordless Hammer Drill Kit $89 (Save $40) Get Deal Best reciprocating saw deal Black + Decker 20V MAX Cordless Reciprocating Saw Kit $64.99 (Save $5) Get Deal Best circular saw deal DeWalt 20V MAX Circular Saw $99 (Save $60) Get Deal

Planning on doing some home improvement for the spring? Well, you're probably going to need more than a basic screwdriver and some leftover hardware from the IKEA couch you built years ago. Time to get some tools that'll actually help you get the job done.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a fantastic time to start building out that power tool arsenal, because they have a pretty sweet selection of cordless tools that are heavily discounted. From drills, to sanders, to circular saws, they have a little bit of everything. Be quick, though, because March 31 is the final day of the Big Spring Sale, and we don't know if all (or any) of these deals will continue after the conclusion of the event.

SEE ALSO: The Amazon Big Spring Sale has some great smart home deals — check out what we've found

Below, check out the best deals on cordless power tools that we could find during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian for $169 less at Amazon

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 18:27

SAVE $169: As of March 31, you can get a pair of Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian headphones for $179.99. That's a 49% discount and a $169.96 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian Headphones $179.99 at Amazon
$349.95 Save $169.96 Get Deal

Today’s the last day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — it officially ends at 11:59 p.m. PT — and if you’re looking for a deal on headphones, we’ve spotted a good one: The Beats Studio Pro x Kim Kardashian noise-cancelling headphones are marked down to $179.99.

As of March 31, you could join the KUWTK club for just $179.99. This price (which is $169 off) will get you the Beats Studio Pro in the Kim-favored hues of dune, deep brown, matte white, moon, and sandstone. You’ll need to pay about $60 more if you want the power adapter.

SEE ALSO: For gym rats and picky audiophiles alike, these are the 8 best headphones of 2025

The Beats Studio Pro can play for up to 40 hours on a single charge. You’ll also get an additional four hours of playback with a 10-minute Fast Fuel charge. In addition to active noise cancellation, these headphones have a Transparency Mode that lets you tune in and out of the world around you.

You can use them to take calls or hold meetings, too. The voice-targeting mics can filter out background noise to make sure your voice is crystal clear.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Hydro Flask 40-ounce water bottle is 50% off during the last day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 18:21

SAVE 50%: The 40-ounce Hydro Flask wide-mouth water bottle is just $25 in the Stone colorway at Amazon, down from the usual price of $49.95. That's a savings of $24.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hydro Flask Hydro Flask wide-mouth water bottle (40 ounces, Stone) $25 at Amazon
$49.95 Save $24.95 Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is packed with some great deals on tech gadgets, Apple products, and home goods if you're going for a spring refresh. But if you're in more of a personal improvement mood, check out this great deal that's part of the sale.

As of March 31, the 40-ounce Hydro Flask wide-mouth water bottle is on sale for just $25 in the Stone colorway, marked down from the usual price of $49.95. That works out to a 50% discount that saves you $24.95.

Before we get into the depths of sweaty summer weather, it's time to hone in on proper hydration. Doing so now means you'll be better prepared for guzzling down the ounces during the hot summer months. Staying hydrated with a Hydro Flask is magically easier than snagging a cup here and there from the kitchen faucet.

The 40-ounce capacity makes this Hydro Flask perfect for taking along to work, the gym, or the park. It's also a great companion for traveling and since spring break is upon us, this is an ideal time to snag this deal.

Hydro Flask mentions this model can keep drinks cold for up to 24 hours or it can keep your coffee warm for up to 12 hours. This is all thanks to the double-wall insulation made with pro-grade stainless steel. This material means there's no taste transfer, so you can enjoy an iced coffee in the morning and lemonade in the afternoon with the coffee taste lingering in the lemonade. The water bottle is also dishwasher friendly.

One of the worst feelings is when a water bottle leaks, so Hydro Flask ensured we wouldn't have to endure a wet tote bag by using the Hydro Flask Flex Cap, which is leak-proof.

Since the Amazon Spring Sale ends tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT, snag this Hydro Flask for 50% ASAP. Your hydration levels and wallet will be thankful for this deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Space calendar 2025: Here are the moments you wont want to miss

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 18:01

Though 2025 won't mark the return of astronauts into deep space as NASA had hoped, launchpads still will be scorching-hot from a procession of robotic spacecraft attempting to land on the moon

How many of these moon landings will succeed? Will the number top the two-ish (one of which made a heckuva comeback) last year? 

Giant commercial rockets, such as SpaceX's Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn, will likely also have several uncrewed orbital test launches as they iron out the kinks in their hardware. And while people await scientific missions to distant solar system destinations, a few probes will send home close-up pictures of planets as they snag gravitational boosts from flybys. 

Here's a round-up of space missions and cosmic events just around the bend. Bookmark this calendar and look for updates from Mashable throughout the year. 

SEE ALSO: NASA leader doubts Elon Musk will push Trump to axe moon rocket BepiColombo makes final Mercury flyby: Jan. 8

Mercury is the closest planet to the sun, but it's perhaps the most overlooked of the rocky worlds in the solar system. Hot and harder to reach than Saturn, it hasn't enjoyed the level of study that other worlds have.

But BepiColombo, a joint mission of the European and Japanese space agencies, seeks to change that. The spacecraft makes its sixth and final flyby on Jan. 8 before returning to enter orbit around the planet in late 2026. Closest approach will take the spacecraft just 160 miles above the surface of Mercury. Mission controllers will release images of the event on Jan. 9.

Two moon landers on one rocket: Jan. 15

Two small uncrewed spacecraft, one of which is carrying several NASA instruments, will try to land on the moon with a boost from the same rocket. 

Both Firefly Aerospace and Japan's ispace will ride a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket slated to leave Earth as early as 1:11 a.m. ET Jan. 15. Firefly's Blue Ghost lander was originally scheduled to lift off in late 2024, and the launch will mark its maiden voyage. The spacecraft is slated to travel for 45 days before trying to touch down in early March. 

Firefly's flight will be the first Commercial Lunar Payload Services mission of the year. The NASA program has recruited vendors from the private sector to help deliver instruments to the moon and send back crucial data.

Ispace's new Hakuto-R mission will be its second try, after it ran out of fuel and crashed on the lunar surface in April 2023. The Resilience lander, a partnership with Japan's space agency JAXA, is taking a long way to the moon to save on fuel, arriving about four to five months after launch.

Blue Origin's first flight for New Glenn: Jan. 16

Amazon founder Jeff Bezos will soon get a chance to see his giant rocket New Glenn launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida. 

His aerospace company Blue Origin started a countdown on Jan. 13, but launch controllers waved off the opportunity when a technical issue arose. The company will try again no earlier than Jan. 16, targeting a three-hour launch window that opens at 1 a.m. ET.

Blue Origin's goal is to reach orbit, and the company will also try to land its booster on a barge in the Atlantic Ocean so that it can be reused on future flights, though executives admit doing so would be "ambitious" on the first try. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. SpaceX tests upgraded Starship: Jan. 16

SpaceX is preparing to launch another uncrewed Starship test, this time with an upgraded spacecraft and 10 mock satellites to practice a payload deployment in space. 

This SpaceX launch would mark the seventh Starship test and feature a reused engine from the booster returned from the fifth test. Weather-related postponements have made it possible that Starship and Blue Origin's New Glenn will lift off for these tests on the same day. Starship's one-hour launch window opens at 4:00 p.m. CT.

NASA moon rover and orbiter delivery: Feb. 26

Intuitive Machines made history last year as the first company to reach the moon intact — though its lander, Odysseus, broke a landing leg and touched down tilted

The Houston-based company is now gearing up for a second moon landing — this time with the Athena lander. The mission, referred to as IM-2 or PRIME-1, will carry a NASA rover. The spacecraft will test a drill and mass spectrometer, a device that identifies the kinds of particles in a substance. Liftoff is targeted for a four-day launch window that opens no earlier than 7:02 p.m. ET Feb. 26.

Another spacecraft, NASA's Lunar Trailblazer, will also hitch a ride on this flight. The small satellite will orbit the moon to map out the locations of lunar water. 

Europa Clipper flies by Mars: March 1

After a successful October 2024 launch, the Europa Clipper spacecraft has been hurtling through space. It's on schedule to make its first flyby of Mars on March 1, where it will get a gravity assist to continue its journey. Its closest approach to the Red Planet is expected at 12:57 p.m. ET, when it will zip 550 miles above the Martian surface. The probe won't arrive at Europa, one of Jupiter's moons, for its mission until 2030. 

Scientists are intrigued by Europa because they believe it could hold double the water held by Earth's oceans. Could this small world in the outer solar system have conditions capable of supporting life? If NASA finds that Europa is a habitable place, a second Europa mission could return to determine if there are indeed any inhabitants. 

Firefly attempts moon landing: March 2

Following a successful launch in January, Firefly Aerospace will target a robotic landing in the Mare Crisium region of the moon, an ancient hardened lava flow, no earlier than 2:34 a.m. CT on March 2. Prior to descent onto the surface, NASA and Firefly intend to broadcast commentary, starting at 1:20 a.m. CT that morning. However, the broadcast will not include a live video stream of the spacecraft.

"Our available bandwidth will be dedicated to critical descent operations during landing," Firefly officials said on X, formerly called Twitter. 

Landing on the moon remains onerous. The moon's exosphere provides virtually no drag to slow a spacecraft down as it approaches the ground. Furthermore, there are no GPS systems on the moon to help guide a craft to its landing spot.

Blue Ghost shared a ride on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket with the Japanese company ispace, which will try to land on the moon after a failed attempt in 2023. Its Resilience lander is taking a longer route than Blue Ghost to save on fuel, arriving in May or June. 

Intuitive Machines attempts moon landing: March 6

On the heels of Firefly Aerospace's moon landing attempt, competitor space company Intuitive Machines will try to touch down just four days later.

The landing is slated for 11:32 a.m. CT on March 6. Intuitive Machines will provide live event coverage, starting at 10:30 a.m. CT / 11:30 a.m. ET. The company's lander, Athena, will attempt to descend on Mons Mouton, a plateau at the moon's south pole. Before landing, the spacecraft is expected to orbit the moon for about one week.

SpaceX tests Starship following explosion: March 6

Coming off the heels of a Starship test that ended in an explosion and a scrubbed launch on March 3, SpaceX will try to fly the rocket and empty spacecraft again as early as 5:30 p.m. CT March 6. 

The upcoming launch will be the eighth for Starship and feature several hardware changes following January's mishap. During the previous test, two flashes occurred near one of the ship's engines shortly after booster separation. A post-flight investigation determined that strong vibrations led to fuel leaks that were too much for the ship's vents to handle, leading to fires that eventually triggered the flight termination system. 

Launch of new astrophysics observatory: March 11

NASA intends to launch an astrophysics observatory to create a map of the entire sky in 3D. The mission, SPHEREx (Spectro-Photometer for the History of the Universe, Epoch of Reionization and Ices Explorer), will orbit Earth while studying hundreds of millions of stars and galaxies, showing them in 102 invisible "colors." 

One of the main goals of the mission is to learn more about cosmic inflation, a brief but crucial phase of the Big Bang that contributed to the universe's expansion. It will launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Vandenberg Space Force Base in California as early as 11:10 p.m. ET on March 11. Live launch coverage will begin at 10:15 p.m. ET. NASA’s PUNCH (Polarimeter to Unify the Corona and Heliosphere) probe is hitching a ride on the same rocket and will be the first to image the sun’s corona and solar wind together to better understand them as a connected system.  

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. European spacecraft Hera flies by Mars: March 12

Back in 2022, NASA deliberately crashed a spacecraft into a harmless asteroid to practice thwarting a space rock, should a hazardous one ever be on a collision course with Earth.

The European Space Agency is providing a follow-up to that test, known as Hera. The mission's spacecraft launched in October 2024 and will rendezvous with Dimorphos, the slammed asteroid, in 2026. But this March, it will also have a quick pop-in with Mars, closest approach at 7:51 a.m. ET, and one of the Red Planet's two moons, Deimos. Mission controllers will use the opportunity to collect data on the Martian moon. The agency plans to host a webcast image release from the flyby at 6:50 a.m. ET the next day, March 13.

Boeing astronaut crew returns home: March 18 NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been waiting for their ride since the space agency decided not to send them home on Boeing's Starliner spaceship. Credit: Joe Raedle / Getty Images

Two astronauts whose eight-day visit to the International Space Station turned into a more than eight-month layover are expected to return to Earth in March. 

NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams have been waiting for their ride since the space agency decided not to send them home on the spaceship they rode in on. That test vehicle, Boeing's Starliner, landed empty without any problems, but NASA hadn't wanted to risk it after the capsule experienced propulsion issues in space. 

The pair was supposed to return in a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February, but NASA announced at the end of 2024 that the flight would likely be pushed back to March. Wilmore and Williams, who were integrated into Crew-9, will fly back to Earth after the next crew arrives at the space station, allowing for a brief hand-off period. Crew-10 launched from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on March 14. Due to weather concerns later in the week, NASA has decided to move up the Crew-9 return. Their spaceship is expected to undock at 1:05 a.m. ET on March 18. A splashdown landing would follow at about 5:57 p.m. ET that evening.

Katy Perry and others head to space: April 14

Blue Origin will send an all-female crew to the edge of space in its next civilian astronaut mission. The flight will be the eleventh carrying passengers on the New Shepard rocket to the Kármán line, where Earth's atmosphere and outer space meet.

Katy Perry, CBS Mornings' Gayle King, and Jeff Bezos' fiancée Lauren Sánchez will join former NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics scientist and social activist Amanda Nguyen, and fashion designer-turned-film producer Kerianne Flynn on the trip. The NS-31 mission will target liftoff from the company's private West Texas launch pad at 8:30 a.m. CT / 9:30 a.m. ET on April 14. Check back here for details about the webcast as the launch approaches. 

Private astronauts fly to ISS: no earlier than spring

Private astronauts will launch to the International Space Station for Axiom Space's fourth such mission. The four crew members are awaiting approval to fly to the orbiting lab and will launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida, no earlier than this spring. 

When Axiom flew its first private mission in 2022, it redefined the word "astronaut." For decades, that title was reserved for government space pilots and crew. More recently, uber-rich space tourists earned the distinction by breaching Earth's atmosphere. But with Axiom's private mission came a third possible description: Someone privately trained and sent into space to perform commercial scientific research. Axiom crews receive 750 to over 1,000 hours of training. 

Twin spacecraft go to Mars: no earlier than spring The Escapade mission will involve two Mars orbiters built by Rocket Lab. Credit: Rocket Lab

A NASA-funded science mission seeks to get to the bottom of how solar radiation strips away the tattered Martian atmosphere. Called Escapade, the mission will involve two Mars orbiters built by Rocket Lab.

The flight was previously scheduled for October aboard Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket, which would have been its first launch. But, as rockets are wont to do, the inaugural flight was delayed. NASA and Blue Origin are now in talks for a new launch date for that mission, no earlier than spring 2025.

Lucy spacecraft flies by asteroid: April 20

NASA launched the Lucy spacecraft on a grand 12-year asteroid tour last fall with plans to fly by several space rocks that share Jupiter’s orbit. On April 20, Lucy will encounter a small main-belt asteroid, Donaldjohanson, as a sort of test sequence before it visits seven Trojan asteroids. The asteroid, called DJ for short, is only 2.5 miles wide, with an extremely slow rotation that takes more than 10 days to complete. 

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Peak of Lyrids meteor shower: April 21-22

Meteor showers happen every year or at regular intervals as Earth passes through the dusty wake of previous comets. Each time a comet zips through the inner solar system, the sun boils off some of its surface, leaving behind a trail of debris. When the planet intersects with the old comet detritus, the result can be a spectacular show, with sometimes up to hundreds of meteors visible per hour. The debris that creates the Lyrid meteor shower originates from comet Thatcher. The Lyrids, best viewed from the Northern Hemisphere, will be active from April 17 to 26.

Peak of Eta Aquariids meteor shower: May 3-4

The Eta Aquariids meteor shower, best viewed from the southern tropics, produces strong "persistent trains" of shooting stars. The shower is the first of two each year created by Halley's Comet debris. The celestial event will be active from April 20 to May 21.

Perseids meteors streak across the sky over Bishop, California, in 2024. Credit: NASA / Preston Dyches Japanese company attempts moon landing: June 5

After a failed attempt in April 2023, Japan's ispace will try to land an uncrewed robotic spacecraft on the moon and deliver a rover to its surface. 

The Hakuto-R mission is gearing up for a landing near the center of Mare Frigoris at 3:24 p.m. ET on June 5. If conditions change, the company has identified three other potential sites for its lander, dubbed Resilience. The alternative locations have different landing dates and times. 

Peak of Delta Aquariids meteor shower: July 29-30

The Delta Aquariids are another shower best observed from the southern tropics. Conditions will be favorable for viewing meteors in the morning. Astronomers suspect the interacting debris causing the event came from the strange Comet Machholz. The event will be active from July 18 to Aug. 12. 

Peak of Perseids meteor shower: Aug. 12-13

The popular Perseids, made up of remnants of comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, is usually a spectacular show for the Northern Hemisphere. The meteor shower is active from July 17 to Aug. 23. But don't get your hopes up this year: Experts say the waning gibbous moon, more than 80 percent full, will allow only the brightest meteors to be seen. 

Europe's Juice spacecraft flies by Venus: Aug. 31

The European Space Agency's so-called Juice mission is scheduled to fly by Venus on Aug. 31, though exact times and distances will be determined closer to the event. "Juice" is a wonky acronym for Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer.

The mission will study Jupiter's moons, including Europa, Callisto, and particularly Ganymede. These moons have intrigued scientists for years because they're thought to have liquid oceans trapped beneath icy shells. Before reaching Jupiter, the spacecraft will make flybys of Earth and Venus to get enough energy to slingshot to the outer solar system, reaching Jupiter in 2031.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. Astrobotic attempts moon landing, again: fall

Astrobotic Technologies tried to become the first commercial company to land on the moon last year, but it lost its chance just a few hours into the flight because of a fuel leak. The company will try again this fall with its Griffin lander. 

Originally, this mission was supposed to carry a NASA rover to drill for ice at the lunar south pole. But VIPER — short for Volatiles Investigating Polar Exploration Rover — was canceled due to cost overruns. Griffin will still launch without the rover as a flight demonstration of the lander and engines.

Peak of Orionid meteor shower: Oct. 22-23

The Orionids meteor shower marks the return of activity caused by Halley's Comet debris. In recent years, the displays have been pretty lackluster, but a waning crescent moon rising near dawn means moonlight won't obscure the shower in 2025. The celestial event will run from Oct. 2 to Nov. 12.

Peak of Southern Taurids meteor shower: Nov. 3-4

The Southern Taurids make up a complex meteor shower. Usually, the displays are weak, but Taurid meteors are more numerous sometimes. Known as a "swarm year," 2025's event could offer more fireballs as Earth plows through a group of pebble-sized fragments from the Comet Encke. But given the moon's phase, there's a good chance moonlight will interfere with viewing most Taurids. Activity will go from Oct. 13 to Nov. 27. 

A Dream Chaser spaceplane, Tenacity, is expected to launch to the International Space Station in 2025. Credit: Sierra Space Peak of the Leonids meteor shower: Nov. 16-17

The Leonids are some of the fastest-moving meteors, traveling up to 44 miles per second. The debris that causes the show comes from Comet Tempel-Tuttle, but the displays are usually pretty weak. The exceptions are years when the showers become so-called "meteor storms," but that won't likely happen again until perhaps 2035. The shower will be active from Nov. 3 to Dec. 2. 

Peak of Geminids meteor shower: Dec. 12-13

Widely regarded as the best meteor shower of the year, the Geminids can be seen from most any part of the world, especially the Northern Hemisphere. The Geminids are denser meteors, allowing stargazers to see them as low as 29 miles above ground before the cosmic dust burns up. The shower will be active between Dec. 1 and 21.

This year the moon will have a waning crescent phase, which rises around 2 a.m. local time. Prior to that, views should be moon-free. You could glimpse bright meteors by facing a direction with the moon at your back, according to the American Meteor Society.

Peak of Ursids meteor shower: Dec. 21-22

The Ursid meteors are caused by debris from Tuttle's Comet, which orbits every 13 years. This shower, often overlooked because of its close timing to Christmas, can only be observed in the Northern Hemisphere. Because of a new moon at the shower's peak, moonlight won't interfere with the show. The event will be active from Dec. 16 to 26. 

Other possible missions in 2025
  • Sierra Space has been working on a spacecraft with the nostalgia of NASA's space shuttle program. Dream Chaser, a cargo space plane capable of runway landings, is set to launch for the first time to the ISS for a resupply mission sometime this year

  • Following Intuitive Machines' second mission in early 2025, the company will shoot for another later in 2025 or early in 2026. If successful, the lunar landing mission, IM-3 or PRISM, will deploy rovers and study a so-called "lunar swirl."

  • NASA is teaming up with India's space agency on a mission to study Earth's land and ice, involving the NISAR satellite, which will scan all of the planet's surfaces twice every 12 days to measure changes. The satellite will launch from the Indian Space Research Organisation's space port, the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, on India's southeastern coast. It was supposed to liftoff this spring, but neither agency has provided an update on the mission's status.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Shelved Coyote vs. Acme will finally get a theatrical release

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:45

Scrapped Looney Tunes movie Coyote vs. Acme will officially see the light of day, as Ketchup Entertainment has reportedly bought the worldwide rights to the film from Warner Bros.

Announced by the film production and distribution company on Monday (per Deadline), the news marks a happy ending for a grim entertainment saga that kicked off back in November 2023, when Warner Bros. scrapped the completed movie in favor of a tax cut. The same fate befell other completed Warner Bros. films like Batgirl and Scoob!: Holiday Haunt, setting a grim precedent for the entertainment industry.

Ketchup Entertainment has not yet posted the news on its own social media accounts or website.

SEE ALSO: Will Forte sends love to cast and crew of scrapped 'Coyote vs. Acme'

In Feb. 2024, The Wrap reported that Warner Bros. was looking to sell the film to other companies like Netflix and Amazon, only to reject their offers. Coyote vs. Acme's new home, Ketchup Entertainment, was also behind the release of 2024's The Day the Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie, another Looney Tunes film that Warner Bros. decided to shop around instead of releasing.

Coyote vs. Acme, now reportedly set for a 2026 release, blends animation and live-action, with actors like Will Forte and John Cena starring alongside animated Looney Tunes characters. Directed by Dave Green and written by May December screenwriter Samy Burch, the film centers on Wile E. Coyote's quest to sue the Acme Corporation for selling him shoddy products.

"We’re thrilled to have made a deal with Warner Bros. Pictures to bring this film to audiences worldwide," Ketchup Entertainment CEO Gareth West said in a March 31 statement, published by Deadline. "Coyote vs. Acme is a perfect blend of nostalgia and modern storytelling, capturing the essence of the beloved Looney Tunes characters while introducing them to a new generation. We believe it will resonate with both longtime fans and newcomers alike."

Categories: IT General, Technology

I bought my dad the Bird Buddy Pro, and he loves it — now you can get it for 33% off

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:43

SAVE $100: As of March 31, you can get the Bird Buddy Pro solar smart bird feeder for just $199 at Amazon. That's a 33% discount and a $100 price cut. It's also the lowest price we've seen for this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bird Buddy Bird Buddy Pro Solar Smart Bird Feeder $199 at Amazon
$299 Save $100 Get Deal

This past Christmas, I went a little off-script and decided to get my dad something that wasn’t Playstation or Lego-related — I bought him a smart bird feeder, more specifically, the Bird Buddy Pro, and he loves it.

And right now, you can get one for yourself (or a loved one) for 33% off. The Bird Buddy Pro solar smart bird feeder is currently $199 at Amazon, which is the lowest price we’ve seen it at, dropping down from $299.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of experts

The Bird Buddy Pro Solar smart bird feeder looks like a little house. It’s equipped with a solar-powered camera (designed to capture birds, not the surrounding area), and it comes with an app that identifies the type of birds in your backyard or wherever you decide to mount it.

It’s also super simple to set up. Just charge the camera, download the app, pair your device, connect it to WiFi, mount it, add your birdseed, and you’re ready to go.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurry to snag the Samsung Galaxy Ring with a free $100 Amazon gift card

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:33

GET A FREE $100 AMAZON GIFT CARD: The Samsung Galaxy Ring is $399.99 at Amazon, which is the standard retail price, but it comes with a free $100 Amazon gift card as part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung / Amazon Samsung Galaxy Ring + $100 Amazon gift card $399.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Amazon sales are always worth shopping, since they're an opportunity to get record-low prices on great tech and home items. The Amazon Big Spring Sale is in its final day: it ends tonight (March 31) at 11:59 p.m. PT. That means you still have most of today to shop. If you've been contemplating a smart ring, you'll want to listen up about this deal.

As of March 31, the Samsung Galaxy Ring comes with a free $100 Amazon gift card. The ring is priced at $399.99, which is the standard MSPR, but this deal includes a free $100 gift card to spend at Amazon.

If you're not interested in a smart watch, the Samsung Galaxy Ring is a really great alternative. Instead of a watch counting your steps or tracking your sleep, the Galaxy Ring takes care of those stats. With a lightweight design and a sleek style, the Galaxy Ring won't need to come off for sleeping or that fancy event. Plus, it's water resistant, so it'll also be invited along to spring break at the beach.

It's worth mentioning up front that the Samsung Galaxy Ring is not compatible with iOS devices, so you'll only want to snag this deal if you (or a very lucky gift recipient) have an Android device.

Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon wore the Samsung Galaxy Ring for a week and realized it outperformed her Apple Watch Series 9. Her review of the ring also mentions its awesome battery life, which she found to last about six days.

"Yes, the Apple Watch delivers a wealth of other utilities like Tap-to-Pay, Walkie Talkie, and staying 'in the know' with notifications, texts, and calls. However, long battery life is such a great selling point for me, so I'd forgo those incredible features for a survivor like the Galaxy Ring," Gedeon explained in the review.

In terms of other benefits, the Samsung Galaxy Ring can track the following: heart rate, sleep, physical activity, steps, stress, blood oxygen level, and menstrual cycle. It can also keep track of your water and food intake, but you'll need to input those manually, as is the norm with smart watches.

Since this deal expires tonight (March 31) hurry to get the impressive Samsung Galaxy Ring with a completely free $100 Amazon gift card. That's a bundle deal we love to see.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 31

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 17:26

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, 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 the latest 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 Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. 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.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Equipment

  • Green: Where the game is played

  • Blue: Championship winners

  • Purple: Color-specific teams

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Protective gear

  • Green: Fields of play, familiarly

  • Blue: Last 4 NBA champions

  • Purple: Teams that wear purple

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 Sports Edition #189 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Protective gear - GLOVES, HELMET, MOUTH GUARD, PADS

  • Fields of play, familiarly - DIAMOND, GRIDIRON, HARDWOOD, RINK

  • Last 4 NBA champions - BUCKS, CELTICS, NUGGETS, WARRIORS

  • Teams that wear purple - KINGS, NORTHWESTERN, RAVENS, ROCKIES

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.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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
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