Blogroll

PCIe Gen 5 SSDs are so fast they're melting themselves (Gen 6 will be worse)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 14:01

An SSD is probably not the first component you think to liquid cool. But you'd be surprised by how many times people have actually been forced to do so.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Target Circle Deal Days is coming to an end — shop the best deals from Targets rival sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:58
Best Target Circle Deal Days deals: Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow $849.99 (save $150) Get Deal Best smart home deal Amazon Echo Dot Max $74.99 (save $25) Get Deal

Amazon isn't the only one with a spring sale. To compete with Amazon's Big Spring Sale, Target launched its own sale. Target Circle Deal Days runs now through March 27. While it is a members-only sale, the good news is that Target's Circle membership is free.

This continues the tradition of retailers following in Amazon's footsteps. When Amazon launches a sale, retailers will quickly follow suit. So what's the deal with Target Circle Deal Days? Here's everything you need to know.

What is Target Circle Deal Days?

Target's Circle Deal Days (also known as Circle Week) sale runs from March 25 to 27. The retailer is marking down thousands of items up to 50% off, focusing on the season's coveted items as we transition into Spring. Target Circle 360 members — aka Target's paid membership tier — gained early access to the sale on March 24.

Target's not-so-coincidental sale runs at the same time as Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which spans March 25 through 31.

Do you need to be a Target Circle member to shop the sale?

Yes, to shop Target Circle Deal Days, you need to be a Target Circle member. Luckily, membership is free to join — it's basically just a loyalty program. Joining today costs nothing and may even save you money. Target does have a paid membership tier, Target Circle 360, which offers free shipping, same-day delivery, and more. For Target Circle Deal Days, Circle 360 members got early access to the sale back on March 24.

What's on sale during Target Circle Deal Days?

Now that the sale is officially live, Target's deals are in full swing. The focus of the sale is refreshing for the new season, so expect to see savings on swimwear, activewear, home goods, and toys. Here are the best deals to shop now.

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow $849.99 at Target
$999.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow review.

Our vacuum expert and Lead Shopping Reporter, Leah Stodart, says the Roborock Qrevo Curv 2 Flow is the best roller-mop robot vacuum for people with children or pets. And right now, you can get it on sale at Target for $849.99, down from $999.99.

"The Qrevo Curv 2 Flow is Roborock's first mopping model like that, and it has rocked in my testing at home," she writes, noting that it's become her "go-to" robot vacuum for "any mess bigger than a single droplet."

The Curv 2 Flow features 20,000 Pa HyperForce suction, DirTect technology, and a SpiraFlow real-time self-cleaning mop. It'll reach 167 degrees Fahrenheit during cleaning and 131 degrees during air-drying.

Best smart home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Dot Max $74.99 at Target
$99.99 Save $25   Get Deal Why we like it

The Amazon Echo Dot Max is Amazon's newest smart speaker (released in Sept. 2025). Amazon designed this model specifically to give you a "room-filling" experience for a fraction of the price of an Echo Studio. It's the perfect middle ground if you want genuinely good sound for your kitchen or living room, but don't want to surrender half your counter space to a giant speaker.

As a sweet bonus, this smart speaker comes fully equipped with the upgraded Alexa+ assistant. It's completely free to use if you already have an Amazon Prime membership, making this sub-$75 price tag a total steal for the amount of tech you're getting.

More Target Circle Deal Days markdowns
Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the best-ever price on the Apple Watch Series 10 — save $300 in the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:52

SAVE $50: As of March 26, the Apple Watch Series 10 is down to $499 in the Amazon Spring Sale. That's $300 off the list price of $799.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $499 at Amazon
$799 Save $300   Get Deal

We all want an upgrade for the best price possible. That’s why we love a major Amazon sale event, such as the Big Spring Sale, which is now into its second day and runs through March 31.

Apple devices are especially desirable in sale events because they’re generally fixed at a premium price point. So when it comes to days like these, it’s worth digging deep into the deals. A new iPad? No problem. A marked down MacBook? Look no further. An eye-watching Apple Watch? Well, in that particular case we’ve found a standout bargain on the Apple Watch Series 10. 

The Apple Watch Series 10 is currently marked down to $499, which gives you a full $300 off the list price. It’s usually listed at $799 but a 38% discount brings it down to its new lowest-ever price.

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The Apple Watch Series 10 is generally considered the best pound-for-pound Apple Watch available, thanks to a stacked spec and fluid synchronicity with your Apple devices. Not to mention the fact that this bling-tastic edition looks sharp as a tack with its gold titanium case and gold milanese loop.

You’ll get all the great stuff you’d expect from an Apple Watch including the game-changing double tap control, health and heart monitoring (via an ECG app), on-board Siri, customizable faces, and lots more smart tech. 

Don’t miss this stunning Apple Watch Series 10 with a $300 discount. Now down to $499, its best-ever price, as part of the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 Home Assistant automations that actually saved me money on my energy bill

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:45

Energy prices continue to rise, with bills having increased for most of us in recent years. Using less energy can save you a significant amount of money, and your smart home can help you to do it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Backing up isn’t enough: A modern guide to ZFS on Linux

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:30

By using Linux, you're opening yourself up to a variety of different filesystems, each of them good at their very own thing. One of them is ZFS—and it's a dream for long-term data storage.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Pokémon TCG Destined Rivals Booster Bundle for under market price — save at Amazon and Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:26

TL;DR: Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle listed for $63.48 during the Spring Sale, while Walmart has it even lower at $59.95.

Where to buy Pokemon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundles: Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Booster Bundle (six packs) $63.48 at Amazon Get Deal Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG: Scarlet & Violet - Destined Rivals Booster Bundle (six packs) $59.95 at Walmart ($9.99) Get Deal

With Amazon’s Big Spring Sale pulling more attention towards gaming deals and wider Pokémon discounts, the sealed Destined Rivals Booster Bundle is starting to look more sensible again amid all the hype for Perfect Order and Ascended Heroes.

As of March 26, Amazon has the Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Destined Rivals Booster Bundle priced at $63.48, with Walmart coming in even lower at $59.95. Amazon is still one of the best places to buy during the sale, but Walmart now has the better price. At Amazon’s price, the six-pack bundle comes out to about $10.58 per booster. Walmart drops that to roughly $9.99 per pack.

The best part about these reasonable prices is that they both fall below TCGplayer’s market price of $63.60.

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Whichever retailer you buy yours from, each Destined Rivals Booster Bundle includes six booster packs from the Scarlet & Violet expansion. Each pack contains 10 trading cards and one Basic Energy. The set centers on the latest Team Rocket push, with cards tied to names like Cynthia and Garchomp ex, Ethan and Ho-Oh ex, Arven and Mabosstiff ex, and Giovanni’s Mewtwo ex. 

As for the newest Pokémon TCG expansions, you can also buy the Perfect Order Display Box for under $240. If you’ve missed out on Ascended Heroes, you can preorder the new Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection for around $130.

Categories: IT General, Technology

50+ home deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on cooling sheets, air purifiers, and robot vacuums

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:22
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale home deals at a glance: Best bedding deal Buffy Cloud Eucalyptus Cooling Comforter $159 (save $41) Get Deal Best home air deal Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon (save $60.99) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best Kitchen Deal Nespresso Vertuo Next Espresso Maker $137 (save $92.95) Get Deal Best home tech deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

It's time for another seasonal Amazon sale event: The third annual Big Spring Sale is officially live now through March 31. While the sale spans all the usual product categories you'd expect to see during Prime Day, there's a natural focus on gear to help us transition into warmer weather.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning starter kit: 12 products that'll make it easy to keep things pristine year-round

For your home, this means clean floors, clean air, and anything else that screams "spring refresh," with special attention on Echo devices, air purifiers, spring cleaning essentials, and summer-ready bedding.

We rounded up the best deals from Amazon, Blueair, Shark, and more.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale home tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal

With the clocks springing forward, you may be feeling a little groggy. If you need a boost in your morning, consider upgrading what's on your nightstand.

The Amazon Echo Spot smart alarm clock packs everything you love about an Amazon Echo into a bedside device. It wakes you up but also helps you wind down. You can program it to start your day with a weather report and your favorite music.

During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, get the Amazon Echo Spot for just $49.99 and save $30 off its $79.99 list price.

More home tech dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max $169 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $60.99   Get Deal

Warmer weather means you can put away your heavy winter coats and pull out the antihistamines because spring allergies are on their way. If you're already getting the pollen-induced sniffles, you can do one thing to protect your home air: get an air purifier.

Smoke, dust, and pet hair don't stand a chance against the Blueair Blue Pure 311i Max. It cleans up to 1,858 square feet in just one hour, plus it does so quietly. For Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the air purifier is down to $169, saving you $60.99 off its $229.99 list price.

More air purifier dealsBest cooling dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale vacuum deal Eufy C28 $499.99 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $300   Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Eufy

Read Mashable's review of the Eufy C28.

Mashable's robot vacuum expert, Leah Stodart, tested and loved the Eufy C28 when it came out last month. At $499.99 for the Big Spring Sale, the Eufy C28 is not only the most affordable roller mop robot vacuum you'll find this season, but the best budget robot vacuum and mop combo period.

If you're jaded from a bad mopping robot vacuum experience in the past, it's probably because it smeared dirty water more than it scrubbed. Stodart thinks that this Eufy's self-rinsing roller mop will change your mind. Its fluffy material is already more absorbent than the typical thin mopping pad — but just to ensure liquid spills aren't being smeared around, the C28's roller gets rinsed with clean water multiple times per second. Its self-emptying dock also washes and dries the mop after each cleaning.

Robot vacuum and mop combo dealsBroom, mop, and cordless vacuum dealsStain remover tool and upholstery deep cleaner dealsBedding, kitchen, and more home dealsSheets, comforter, and pillowsEspresso machines, coffee makers, and kettles Air fryers, crockpots, and other small appliances Steamers
Categories: IT General, Technology

Seth Meyers spends 2 minutes ranting about Trumps bizarre paperclip story

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:19

Seth Meyers in full-blown rant mode is always an entertaining spectacle.

In the Late Night clip above, the host reacts to footage of Trump explaining how he came up with the idea of sending ICE agents to airports by comparing it to "the story of the paperclip," telling an unfortunate reporter – somewhat incongruously – that "182 years ago a man discovered the paperclip."

"Now, if you're thinking to yourself, 'Is Trump right that the paperclip was invented 182 years ago?', the answer is yes, he is correct," says Meyers in the clip above. "In fact, Trump went on to explain that in the year 1844, an Icelandic cobbler named Magnus Olsen invented an early prototype of the paperclip, consisting of two wooden triangles fastened with twine— AND OF ****ING COURSE IT WASN'T 182 YEARS AGO!! He's just pulling numbers out of his ass!"

Meyers then returns to the clip to further pick it apart, focussing in particular on Trump's use of the word "discover."

"Nobody discovered the paperclip," Meyers says. "It was invented. Do you think Steve Jobs just found an iPod sticking out of the sand at the beach one day?"

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAIs adult chatbot probably isnt happening

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:18

It's been a busy week shutting things down at OpenAI.

Just days after OpenAI unceremoniously pulled the plug on its video generation app Sora, a new report from Financial Times claims the company has put plans to launch an x-rated chatbot on hold "indefinitely."

Originally promised in the fall of 2025 as an extra feature for verified users, the sex-centered adult mode for ChatGPT was delayed a few weeks back. However, it seemed at the time that the company was still intent to launch it eventually, with a a company spokesperson saying that getting the (adult) experience right would "take more time."

Now, however, it appears that the project has been shelved for good. The company will instead focus on its core products, the report said.

The reasoning behind the move isn't that hard to understand, given the headaches the Grok chatbot recently caused its maker xAI over sexualized images of adults and children.

According to the Financial Times, both OpenAI investors and staff raised concerns about a sexualized AI and its effect on society. Furthermore, there were technical challenges – including the bot's inability to accurately distinguish between adults and minors, with an error rate of over 10 percent.

SEE ALSO: After killing Sora, what OpenAI does next will define it

More broadly, it appears that both the shutdown of Sora and the dismantling of adult mode are part of OpenAI's effort to reduce the number of lawsuits hitting the company. Over the past six months, several lawsuits were filed against OpenAI as young people died by suicide after interacting with ChatGPT, prompting the company to introduce an age prediction system in January.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

You're using the wrong HDMI port on your TV (and why that's a problem)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:15

Nowadays, even bargain-bin TVs come with a bunch of HDMI ports. While the HDMI ports look the same, there's a good chance they are from different generations, thus packing separate capabilities. While plugging your devices into an older HDMI port won't be the end of the world, you might miss out on some pretty important features.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pre-order the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for as low as $90 — save at Amazon and Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:05

TL;DR: Amazon sellers have the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box listed from $94.99 plus $4.49 shipping, while Walmart has it even lower at $89.90.

Where to buy the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box: Best Amazon Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $99.48 (save $9.96) Pre-Order Here Best Walmart Deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $89.90 Pre-Order Here Best TCGplayer deal Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box $153.49 Pre-Order Here

With Amazon’s Big Spring Sale putting more attention back on Pokémon TCG discounts — as well as gaming deals, Apple deals, and wider Pokemon deals in general — Perfect Order preorder prices are getting more competitive again. And the Elite Trainer Box is shaping up as one of the more sensible sealed buys in the set, thanks to new cuts from the trading card game’s biggest retailers. 

As of March 26, Amazon has third-party Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box listings starting at $94.99, with $4.49 shipping. That same listing is marked at 9% below a typical $104.95 price, while Amazon’s more prominent offer sits higher at $102.95. Walmart, however, is the one to beat right now, with the ETB listed online for just $89.90. Walmart’s preorder price also lands almost exactly in line with TCGplayer’s current market value. 

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TCGplayer lists the Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box with an $89.84 market price, and while ETBs there are currently listed as low as $103.49, they come with shipping costs added on. Altogether, Walmart is effectively your best bet for a low-cost ETB right now, but Amazon is a close second and comes with some added convenience.

Inside the box, you're getting nine booster packs from the new Mega Evolution Perfect Order expansion, plus sleeves, Energy cards, damage-counter dice, condition markers, a storage box with dividers, and a code card. 

The expansion spotlights Mega evolutions and other Pocket Monsters that appear in the Pokémon Legends: Z-A video game: including Mega Zygarde ex, Mega Clefable ex, Mega Starmie ex, and Meowth ex. Perfect Order will launch on March 27, though delivery dates for these ETBs will vary by seller.

To save even more money on the new Pokémon TCG expansion, you can also buy the Perfect Order Display Box for under $240 across Amazon and Walmart. As for new products from the last expansion, you can preorder the new Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection for around $130 — on sale at Amazon in the Big Spring Sale. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Streaming for less: Score Spring Sale streaming deals on Paramount+, Spotify, Dropout TV, and more

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:01
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 $14.99 (save $25) 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

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.

While Black Friday is the best time of year to score discounts on streaming apps, any major sale or shopping holiday tends to deliver a few discounts. And Amazon's Big Spring Sale (officially running March 25-31 in 2026) 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'll be keeping a close eye out for streaming deals throughout the Big Spring Sale. For now, here are 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 Prime Video add-on.

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 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 $17.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $22.00   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.

During the Big Spring Sale, it's already down to just $14.99 instead of $39.99 (look for an on-page coupon to get the lowest-possible price). It's worth noting that we saw this streaming stick drop to a surprisingly low $9.99 in the past.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming dealsMore Amazon Big Spring Sale streaming device dealsEvergreen streaming deals worth grabbing
Categories: IT General, Technology

Gemini can now order your food by tapping your phone like a person—here's how it works

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 13:00

We hear it all the time: “AI will make your life so much easier!” Every once in a while, a feature comes along that actually does it. Gemini on Pixel phones recently gained the ability to tap and swipe your screen like a person, and it's the start of something that could be big.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best creator-approved deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale — DJI drones and mics on sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:52
Best creator-approved deals to shop in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best drone deal DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 at Amazon (save $140) Get Deal Best portable mic deal DJI Mic Mini (2 transmitters + 1 receiver) $58.99 at Amazon (save $20.01) Get Deal Best podcast mic deal Logitech Creators Blue Yeti Microphone $98.99 at Amazon (save $41.99) Get Deal Best portable power station deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 at Amazon (save $335) Get Deal Best gimbal deal Insta360 Flow 2 Plus Gimbal $99.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best camera bundle deal DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $531 at Amazon (save $98) Get Deal Best storage deal SanDisk 1TB Extreme Portable SSD $188.79 at Amazon (save $61.20) Get Deal Best Home Studio Light NEEWER Ring Light $93.49 at Amazon (save $16.50) Get Deal

Creators are well known for having an arsenal of great gadgets. From cameras to mics to clip-on lighting options, creator-approved tech makes the job a whole lot easier. Not only does it help with making the process more streamlined, it can level-up the polish on content creations.

SEE ALSO: Snag some serious DJI discounts before the Amazon Big Spring Sale lands

Not all of this gear comes cheap, which is why it's smart to make upgrades during major shopping events like the upcoming Amazon Big Spring Sale (running through March 31). We've found some nice discounts on creator-approved gear, and there's plenty of time for Amazon to drop even more bargains on creator tools. Here are some of the best creator-approved deals available right now.

Best drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo $309 at Amazon
$449 Save $140   Get Deal Why we like it

Finding DJI drones in stock has been an issue since the brand faced an FCC ban late last year. However, not only is the DJI Mini 4K Fly More Combo in stock at Amazon right now, it's down to a new record-low price. Instead of paying the list price of $449 for the combo drone package, it's down to $309 which is a major 31% discount.

The bundle includes the DJI Mini 4K drone, three batteries for a total of 93 minutes of flight time, a carrying case, the DJI RC-N1C remote controller, and plenty more accessories for getting you drone in the air and capturing content.

Best mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 transmitters + 1 receiver) $58.99 at Amazon
$79 Save $20.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Over the last few years, the DJI Mic Mini has become the creator-approved mic. Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out the DJI Mic Mini to see if it lived up to hype and found that it is, indeed, a great asset. She wrote, "If you need any degree of portability with your mic setup, the DJI Mic Mini offers a lot of versatility, and for a great value. That makes it a solid option for making vlogs and TikToks, and for anyone who feels less than confident with their tech skills."

The DJI Mic Mini with two receivers and one transmitter is now on sale for $58.99, marked down from the list price of $79. This sale price matches the record-low at Amazon.

More camera drone dealsMore microphone dealsMore gimbal dealsMore camera deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

I replaced Windows Media Player with this powerful open-source alternative (and it isn't VLC)

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:30

I've never been satisfied with the media player built into Windows, so I went searching for a replacement. After sifting through an enormous number of free media players on the web, and testing more than a dozen, I finally found one that ticked all of my boxes.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best boring (but essential) deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:27
Best boring but essential deals: Best trash bag deal Hefty Ultra Strong Tall Kitchen Trash Bags, Lavender & Sweet Vanilla Scent (80 count) $11.97 (save $4.02) Get Deal Best laundry deal Cleancult Ultra Concentrated Liquid Laundry Detergent Soap, Juniper Sandalwood Scent (192 loads) $24 (save $11.99) Get Deal Best toilet paper deal Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong Toilet Paper (24 count) $20.19 (save $7.60) Get Deal

We all know the drill by now. Amazon's Big Spring Sale kicked off yesterday (running from March 25-31) and suddenly everyone is trying to justify buying another air fryer or a new TV (which, I mean, fair). But if you want to outsmart the algorithm and save money where it counts, you need to refrain from your wants and focus on your needs.

Which means the absolute smartest way to shop this sale: the boring stuff.

You know, the everyday, unsexy household essentials we are literally forced to buy anyway. Why pay full price for trash bags, laundry detergent, dishwasher pods, or paper towels? You're just going to throw them in the garbage or flush them down the toilet eventually.

SEE ALSO: I'm trying the Dyson Spot+Scrub Ai at home — one minute I'm cheering it on, the next I'm cursing it out

Amazon is already dropping prices on a ton of these pantry and closet staples. Just a quick reminder: while anyone can shop the sale, Prime members are the ones who'll get those exclusive "Best Deals." So if you're borrowing an account, now's the time to log in.

Here are the best boring (but entirely essential) deals you can add to your cart right now.

Trash bags and other kitchen essentialsLaundry sheets, detergent, and pods Toilet paper
Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel roasts Melania Trump over her robot companion

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:15

Melania Trump made headlines on Wednesday during the tech summit she's hosting in Washington, D.C., entering the room alongside a humanoid robot — and Jimmy Kimmel had thoughts.

"It was a weird day at the White House today, where our First Lady, Melania Trump, hosted the second day of her global summit, titled 'Fostering the Future Together', which is basically a commercial for AI in education, and she made quite an entrance," says Kimmel, playing footage of Melania and the robot walking towards the cameras side by side. "One of those robots is Melania."

Kimmel goes on to say that things "only got scarier from there", playing footage of Melania announcing that the future of AI is personified.

"Maybe someday we will have a robot president," concludes Kimmel. "Couldn't be worse than what we have right now."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The IKEA smart home isn't working, and it's not IKEA's fault

How-To Geek - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 12:00

In its quest to build a range of universal smart home devices, IKEA has replaced its Zigbee lineup with one that uses Matter over Thread. On paper, this makes a lot of sense. In practice, the vision has yet to be realized.

Categories: IT General, Technology

We found the best Bluetooth speaker deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on JBL, Sony, Bose, and Sonos

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 11:49
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale Bluetooth speaker deals: Best JBL deal JBL Charge 6 $159.95 (save $40) Get Deal Best Sony deal Sony ULT Field 3 $142.95 (save $67.04) Get Deal Best smart home speaker deal Amazon Echo Dot Max $74.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Anker deal Anker Soundcore 2 $29.99 (save $15 ) Get Deal Best Sonos deal Sonos Roam 2 $139 (save $40) Get Deal Best Bose deal Bose SoundLink Micro $89 (save $30) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third year, and the deals have been pretty impressive so far. While we're not seeing Black-Friday-level deals across every category, there are tons of record lows out there.

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

Case in point: portable Bluetooth speakers. Since the weather is finally warming up, it's the perfect time to grab a speaker you can take outside without a worry (well, mostly). From big names like JBL and Sony to some underrated favorites, here are the best Bluetooth speaker deals worth your money right now.

Best JBL deal (for most people) JBL Charge 6 $159.95 at Walmart
$199.95 Save $40   Get Deal at Walmart

We've tested a lot of Bluetooth speakers over the years, but the JBL Charge 6 is still our top recommendation on the market. We ranked it the "Best for Most People" in our best portable Bluetooth speakers roundup, and for good reason.

Even though it is a little bit bigger and about $50 more than its predecessor, its superior sound more than makes up for it. "Even at the lowest volumes, the Charge 6's sound easily filled a living room, but never sacrificed quality for loudness," writes our Lead Shopping Reporter, Bethany Allard. "The companion app also comes with four different equalizer presets and a custom equalizer, so you can adjust the sound to be just right for your ears."

This two-pound speaker comes with a removable handle strap (so it's light enough to take to the beach, backpacking, or wherever else), offers up to 28 hours of playtime on a single charge, and features an IP68 water- and dustproof design. Bonus: it doubles as a portable charger via USB-C.

More JBL Bluetooth speaker deals Best Sony deal (for bass lovers) Sony ULT Field 3 $0 at Amazon
  Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Sony Why we like it

Read our full review of the Sony ULT Field 3 speaker.

Whenever someone mentions Bluetooth speakers, JBL, Bose, and Sonos are probably the first brands that come to mind. And that's totally OK — they're all solid brands! But Sony is a pretty good competitor that people often just lump in with TVs and gaming.

One of my favorite speakers of all-time is the Sony SRS-XB100. I use it all the time, especially when I'm at the beach. It has a little strap on it, so I usually just hang it up in the outdoor shower or on the back of my truck if I have my tailgate down and cooler out. (That speaker is $20 off right now, and I highly recommend it if you're looking for something that's super small but sounds amazing. Looking for something bigger? I bought my dad the SRS-XG500 years ago, and we still use it on the beach every summer.)

If you're looking for bass, our team can't recommend the Sony ULT Field 3 enough. It's lightweight (not as much as the SRS-XB100, obviously), and according to our audio expert, Alex Bracetti, the ULT Field 3 outplays the Beats Pill. This speaker also has a 50-foot range, is IP67 water- and dustproof, and offers 24 hours of battery life, plus an extra 120 minutes of playtime with a quick 10-minute charge.

What's even better? The black colorway is currently on sale for $142.95, which is the lowest price we've seen this model go for to date.

More Sony Bluetooth speaker deals Even more Bluetooth speaker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best air purifier deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save on Dyson, Sharp, and more

Mashable - Thu, 03/26/2026 - 11:41
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale air purifier deals at a glance: Best large room air purifier deal BLUEAIR Blue Pure 211i Max $299.99 (save $200) Get Deal Best premium air purifier deal Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 (save $160.99) Get Deal Best Budget Air Purifier Deal Shark Air Purifier Max $179.99 (save $150) Get Deal

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is here, running through March 31. And if cleaner indoor air is already high on your shopping list, you've come to the right place. There are purifier deals aplenty, with options for different kinds of living spaces and air purifying needs.

Whether you are dealing with spring pollen, pet dander, smoke, or just want to freshen up a stuffy room before allergy season really ramps up, these offers are worth a look — along with big discounts on the likes of Amazon Echos, budget TVs, and even robot vacuums.

Right now, the Shark Air Purifier Max is our pick of the bunch, balancing advanced air-cleaning technology with a budget-level price that will suit most shoppers on the hunt for an affordable, top-of-the-range model. Usually priced at $329.99, it's been slashed to just £179.99 — a saving of 45% on list price.

Keep reading for a roundup of more air purifier deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best budget air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: SharkNinja Shark Air Purifier Max $179.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

At $179.99, this Shark model is discounted by a massive 45%, which cuts a full $150 off its $329.99 list price. That is a major price drop for a purifier that comes from one of the best names in home appliance tech. SharkNinja have already conquered the air fryer world and continue to chase Dyson with vacuum tech. The US-based brand has delivered with this air purifier too, made even better by the Big Spring Sale discount.

The Shark Air Purifier Max is built for large rooms of 1,000 sq ft (though air purifiers for even bigger rooms are available in the Big Spring Sale) and uses Pure Air Microforce technology and an anti-allergen HEPA filter to capture 99.98% of all unwanted nasties — allergens, dust, pet dander, and pollutants. It also works with Clean Sense IQ technology, which continuously tracks the surrounding environment and adjusts the power in real time to deliver optimum air quality.

Best premium air purifier deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 $499 at Amazon
$659.99 Save $160.99   Get Deal Why we like it

If you want something more versatile, the Dyson Purifier Hot+Cool HP1 is down to $499 from $659.99, saving you $160.99 — which price tracker camelcamelcamel also confirms is its lowest price ever. While this is more of a premium investment, it’s easier to justify when you remember this is not just an air purifier — but effectively acts as room heater and air conditioner, too. 

The HP1 combines HEPA and activated carbon filtration with whole-room heating and fan cooling, so it can stay in use year-round instead of being dragged out only when allergy season hits. Dyson says it captures 99.97% of microscopic allergens and pollutants as small as 0.3 microns, while also removing 97% of odors such as cooking smells, pet odors, and smoke. 

You also get app controls, voice compatibility, auto mode, night mode, and oscillation up to 350 degrees, which makes it a sleek option for shoppers who want cleaner air without adding yet another appliance to the room.

More air purifier deals
Categories: IT General, Technology
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