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Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
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PS5, PS5 Pro price hikes announced as Sony blames economic pressures

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 16:39

If you spent $500 on a PlayStation 5 at launch in 2020, you can take some solace in knowing that's the cheapest one of those things will ever get.

Sony announced on the PlayStation Blog that PS5 consoles are getting price increases in basically every major global market, including the U.S., effective April 2. In the blog post, Sony vaguely blamed current economic conditions for the price hikes, which any eagle-eyed reader will recognize as Sony most likely pointing the finger at both Donald Trump's tariff policies and the global AI arms race that's driving up prices for all electronics.

SEE ALSO: The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for 'Super Mario Bros. Wonder' has a little bit for everyone

The new prices in USD are as follows:

  • Base PS5: $649.99

  • PS5 Digital Edition: $599.99

  • PS5 Pro: $899.99

This price hike, combined with another PlayStation price hike that took place last August, means these devices all cost anywhere from $150 to $200 more than they did at launch. The PlayStation Portal device also got a price jump to $249.99 as part of this announcement. Separately, Xbox consoles also increased in price last year. So far, the Nintendo Switch 2 has been unaffected by this, but that console has only been on the market for a little less than a year. It would not be a shock to see Nintendo join in on this trend at some point.

It's definitely worth noting that this is far from normal in the world of video game hardware. For my entire life, the price of consoles has gone down over time, not up. Companies usually release cheaper hardware revisions as a console's lifespan goes on, so more and more people can get in on the fun. Thanks to tariffs and AI, however, that seems to no longer be the case.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Kindle deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — Kindle Colorsoft, Paperwhite, and Scribe

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 16:21
The best Kindle deals from the Amazon Spring Sale: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 (save $80) Get Deal Best Kids Kindle Deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Kids $189.99 (save $80) Get Deal Kindle Paperwhite Deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Kindle Scribe Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe $249.99 (save $150) Get Deal

I read a lot and it's not just because I love it — which I obviously do — but it's also my job. I feel like the luckiest girl in the world that every day, I get to research and test e-readers. After years of testing, I'll confidently tell you that Amazon's Kindles are the best e-readers. My beloved Paperwhite is a true companion. It comes with me to the gym so I can read on the ellipitical. It's always in my beach bag in the summer. And you know I'm already loading up my Paperwhite's library for my upcoming trip to Greece.

If I've convinced you to jump on the Kindle train, that's perfect timing, as Amazon's Big Spring Sale is underway. Running March 25 through 31, the retailer dropped prices on its e-readers. The deals are a bit of a mixed bag. Some devices, like the Kindle Colorsoft and the Kindle Colorsoft Kids, are marked down to their lowest prices ever. Meanwhile, the rest of the line-up is on sale, but I've seen better deals.

That being said, if you want a Kindle for all your warm weather reading adventures, now is the time to buy. I've rounded up and explained the best Kindle deals of the moment so you can make an informed purchase.

Best Kindle Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft $169.99 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Usually, the Kindle Colorsoft is way too expensive for my liking, but once it goes on sale, all is forgiven. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the Kindle Colorsoft is marked down in a big way. Right now, grab the Kindle Colorsoft for just $169.99. That saves you $80 off its $249.99 list price.

The big draw of the Kindle Colorsoft is its color displays. The e-reader has a color resolution of 150 ppi and a black and white resolution of 300 ppi. Even with the addition of color to the Kindle Colorsoft, it remains a speedy device. Plus, it comes with no ads. Temper your expectations around color with the Colorsoft: the hues tend to be more muted than what you get on a TV or tablet. The Kindle Colorsoft is waterproof, so you can take it to the pool or beach. If you're looking for a color e-reader, this is a deal to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

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Kindle devices

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Castfishing is the latest scam, and its scarily like sextortion

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 16:18

When my partner, actor and writer Tom Ward-Thomas, applied for the Amazon series The Power, he was asked to send in an audition tape, commonly referred to as a "self-tape." The role called for a character to strip and perform a humiliating dance. The nudity was implied, not shown — yet the "production" wanted him to strip down for the audition.

"I did the tape, head and shoulders only, and removed my top. They loved the tape but now wanted a full-body shot and told me, 'Feel free to go all the way.' I said I was happy to go down to underwear, not naked," Ward-Thomas recalls. "I never heard from them again."

SEE ALSO: How to avoid getting scammed online in 2026

More recently, in Dec. 2025, Ward-Thomas was contacted directly, not via his agent, with another opportunity, in exchange for an "audition" requiring a 30-second clip involving full frontal nudity, which he spotted as a scam.

"I wasn't sure from the beginning whether it was above water, but when he was insisting on a naked self-tape, I realised it was not above board."

The rise of this practice, which we're coining "castfishing," has become a plague on the industry. Mashable spoke to actors and other experts about these scammers and who they're exploiting.

What is the 'castfishing' scam?

Castfishing is the offer of a big break in exchange for a nude video.

An anonymous former actor who left the industry told Mashable they've experienced more than one scam casting call with characters in sexual situations. In one experience they described, the character had a bloodthirsty and insatiable lust and spent most of the film luring others into having sex.  

"The 'self-tape' was expecting my own interpretation…and was without lines. Nudity was fine to be included! The production notes at the bottom of the treatment said 'no acting experience necessary,'" they say.  

While catfishing — pretending to be someone else online — isn't new, what's different here is the entry point, says Anna Rowe, founder of romance fraud education site Catch the Catfish and fraud centre and think tank LoveSaid. 

"Instead of romance or flirtation, offenders are exploiting ambition, authority, and the power imbalance in the creative industries. They're grooming victims under the guise of professionalism, using industry language, fake opportunities and implied expectations to normalise increasingly inappropriate requests," says Rowe.

By the time nudity is introduced, Rowe went on, the victim doesn't feel like they're being exploited, but evaluated.

"That's what makes this so dangerous," she says. "It removes the internal alarm system people usually have with sextortion, because it doesn't feel like a sexual interaction. It feels like a career opportunity, which can be rare."

Exploitative practices encouraging nudity predate the rise of the self-tape, with one Redditor sharing their own experience of a sham in-person audition requiring full nudity on tape. 

The arts have long been plagued by abuses of power, with scandals continuing to make headlines. The multiple allegations of abuse from Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, which catapulted the #MeToo movement in 2017, are just a handful of examples.

But now that self-tapes are more common, so is castfishing.

Self-tapes are the new norm in Hollywood

There was a shift towards self-tapes that happened just before COVID, and it became a massive trend afterwards, actor and agent Lydia Piechowiak told Mashable.

"Technology has expanded opportunity, but it's also expanded opportunity for bad actors," says actor Jona Xiao, who at 12 years old first experienced a scam audition, looking for monetary gain.

The rise of self-taping democratized access, she says. Actors don't have to live in LA or New York to audition anymore, and that's powerful. But, "it's also created new vulnerabilities. It's easier than ever for someone to create a fake breakdown [summary of the project and roles], request tapes, or present themselves as legitimate without in-person accountability."

Equity, the leading British performing arts trade union, recognised a spike in complaints when surveying about self-tapes in 2020. Actors found their time exploited, auditioning and never knowing if it was watched, needing to develop their own filming skills, and often needing a scene partner. Despite this, the self-tape boom has continued, both for good and bad.

An industry standard to prevent the exploitation of actors' time and otherwise has been established, thanks to multiple organisations representing or working with actors, but the standard must be upheld. 

In 2023, a group of UK actors came together to publish their own self-tape best-practice document, hoping to regulate a practice they called "the main route to work." Speaking to Variety, the group stated, "If we're going to have self-tapes, they need to be done in a way that's transparent, regulated and fair."

It's easier than ever for someone to create a fake breakdown, request tapes, or present themselves as legitimate without in-person accountability. - Actor Jona Xiao

"Often they'll [casting directors] say, if it's a scene requiring you to be topless, 'please don't film this topless' or will say, 'please don't submit actors [who] are not comfortable with this,'" says Piechowiak from her experience as an agent. 

However, unrepresented actors may not have this level of protection, or actors may be contacted directly. 

Real-life audition scandals

Joey Gugliemelli, better known as Sherry Pie, a would-be contestant on the twelfth season of RuPaul's Drag Race, made headlines in 2020 after five young actors came forward with accusations that Gugliemelli had exploited them while posing as a casting director via e-mail.

Gugliemelli reportedly encouraged actors to remove clothing on camera, even going as far as to encourage one man to masturbate on camera, according to BuzzFeed News. The scheme was apparently in-depth and pitted actors against each other, encouraging them to strip while insinuating that other auditioners were doing the same thing. 

VH1 swiftly disqualified Sherry Pie from Drag Race after the accusations came to light, and she was mostly edited out of the season. Despite admitting to inappropriate behavior, she's still performing drag as of this year.

Another public example of castfishing is former Doctor Who actor Noel Clarke, who was accused of recording nude auditions and showing them to others in 2021, as reported by The Guardian. Clarke later lost a libel case against The Guardian, with the Court finding allegations of sexual misconduct "substantially true."

"We have, anecdotally, received several of these types of cases over the last few years," says a representative for the Revenge Porn Helpline, which supports UK adults who have been affected by intimate image abuse.

The representative told Mashable these have mainly been fake modeling opportunities, which entailed contacting women and asking for fully-clothed and nude images to "create a portfolio." Once the extorters receive this content, they blackmail the women to not share it or request more intimate content. In some circumstances, the representative says, the extorter will block the woman, leaving her concerned about what might happen. "The purpose of this is unknown," the representative says. 

"Abusers are excellent at manipulating not just their victims, but also people and institutions that should be enforcing the safety rules. Once a predator finds an environment where he or she can get away with minor infractions, the misconduct usually escalates," says Mick Grewal, a lawyer with expertise in cases of sexual abuse. He represented over 100 survivors of Larry Nassar in a $500 million settlement case against Michigan State University.

How to spot castfishing or other scams

"Your instincts are usually right. Trust yourself," recommends Grewal.

"If you believe a crime has been committed, you can contact law enforcement. A lawyer can help you navigate the justice system and discuss civil remedies like restraining orders and injunctions, invasion of privacy claims, and seeking accountability through compensation for economic and non-economic damages," Grewal continues.

Equity's self-tape guidelines (and SAG-AFTRA's in the U.S.) prohibit nudity in self-tapes, Equity's TV official Natalie Barker told Mashable. But legitimate casting processes may continue to ask for nudity. In 2022, intimacy director and actor Katrina Stelk wrote that the guidelines are a good step, but that casting directors may not be aware of them.

Multiple UK-based sources Mashable spoke to confirmed that another Equity guideline, a three-day window for self-tape return, is often not followed, even via an agent. This again represents an abuse of power by influential decision makers in the industry.

Outside of this, it can be down to the directors to ensure actors are protected.  

"Because the context is so different in a self-tape, you have to provide constructive guidance to facilitate an actor [to do] the work," says Ellie Heydon, actor and director of BBC's Outrageous.

"If we're sending off a scene, even with a kiss in, I'll usually write an accompanying note that says don't worry about the physical intimacy, or rub that bit out, and then you're not leaving it up to the actor to then interpret it," Heydon says.

Without enforcement and proper regulation, there is still a long way to go. "The industry hasn't eliminated exploitation. It's just evolved," says Xiao on bad actors focusing on self-tape auditions. 

"We would always advise members to consult our casting vetting guidelines and do due diligence — make sure it's a reputable production company/casting director; ensure nudity is required for the role; that if they do decide to send a video or images containing nudity, they do so via a secure data transfer service and that there is an explicit safeguarding policy around how the data will be kept confidential and deleted,"  says Barker.

However, until we see more regulation, especially in the age of AI, it'll take time to ensure protection against fake casting calls — and maybe even longer before it's enforced.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 15:58

Amazon is running a huge sale from March 25 to 31. No, we're not talking about another Prime Day. We're talking about the Amazon Big Spring Sale 2026.

This event might not carry quite the same weight as Prime Day or Black Friday, but it's still one of the biggest sales events on the shopping calendar, and this year's deals are surprisingly good. This spring-themed event will go hard on outdoor equipment like drones and power stations, spring cleaning essentials like robot vacuums, and everything else shoppers are looking to buy after a long, cold winter. Our professional deal hunters have spotted record-low prices on Apple, Fire TVs, Kindles, and Sony headphones.

We've lined up all the best deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Keep scrolling for the full schedule of events and the latest live updates, price drops, and news from the Mashable shopping team.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPads are selling out fast in Amazons Spring Sale: Grab iPads starting at $299

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 15:33
Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple iPad deals: Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) $709 (save $50) Get Deal Best iPad Pro deal Apple iPad Pro, 13-Inch (M4, WiFi, 256GB) $1,099.99 (save $199.01) Get Deal Best budget pick Apple iPad, 11-inch (A16, WiFi, 128GB) $299 (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which runs through March 31, is going from strength to strength. But only while stocks last. We've been keeping tabs on all the top items — including all the best Apple products — and the iPads are selling out fast, with the last-gen version of the iPad Air 11-inch (with M3 chip) already gone.

But if you have been eyeing a new iPad, there are still discounts to be found elsewhere in Apple's tablet lineup — even the M4 iPad Air, the souped-up successor to the above model. We’ve pulled together the best live deals to make things easier. Note: Offers marked with a 🔥 have dropped to an all-time low.

Best iPad deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M4, WiFi + Cellular, 128GB) 🔥 $709 at Amazon
$749 Save $40   Get Deal Why we like it

We consider the iPad Air to be the best Apple tablet for most people: It's great for everyday activities like streaming and reading, but it's also powerful enough to use like a laptop. This latest 8th-gen version is powered by Apple's M4 chip, compared to the (now sold out) M3 previous version. You can get $50 off the Apple iPad Air 11-inch with M4 and Cellular as part of the Big Spring Sale. Or you can get the non-cellular iteration for $559, marked down from the list price of $599.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple iPad Air (M4).

iPad dealsiPad Air dealsiPad Pro dealsiPad mini deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Mashable-approved Shark Pet cordless vacuum is half off in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save over $150

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 15:00

SAVE $150.99: The Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $149, down from the list price of $299.99. That's a 50% discount and just $1 more than the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $150.99   Get Deal

You never know when your life will change forever. For Mashable Associate Editor Tim Marcin, a seemingly normal unboxing of a vacuum cleaner led to a major change. If you, too, have a pet that sheds and have been searching for a cleaning solution, listen in.

As of March 27, the Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $149, down from the list price of $299.99. That's a 50% discount and just $1 more than the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

A dog is arguably the most important character in a household. They make important decisions like what's for dinner, who's allowed which spot on the couch, and what time everyone should be going to bed. Unfortunately, they're not good at housekeeping. Paired with the shedding issue, us humans have to take over.

Thankfully, Editor Tim Marcin has found a solution for us all in the Shark Pet Cordless Vacuum. He explained in his review, "This vacuum has proven to be a game-changer for my household. It'll run for 40 minutes on a charge, has tremendous suction, and attachments for hard-to-reach spots It can also detach completely to turn into a handheld vacuum. The vacuum is light and features a sleek build that's easy to store."

SEE ALSO: Stick vacuums on sale in Amazon's Spring Sale: Shark is dunking on Dyson so far

This suction power Marcin refers to is the Shark Hypervelocity suction which is designed to tackle pet hair or messes with ease. Plus, its low-profile makes this model great for getting under furniture or under the bed.

As an added bonus on today's 50% off discount, Amazon is tossing in a free credit worth $6.51 that you'll be able to spend on a future purchase.

If you have pets at home and have been looking for an affordable stick vacuum, the Amazon Big Spring Sale's price on the Shark Pet offers a great value.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple AirTags have never been cheaper — $15 per tracker in Amazons Spring Sale

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 14:50
The best Apple AirTag deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best AirTag Bundle deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen) 4-Pack $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal

Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is officially underway, and we’re already seeing some pretty promising price drops across multiple categories, including $300 price cuts on MacBooks and $400 off Apple Watches. C'mon, what's not to like?

Of course, we’re holding out to see if Amazon’s going to gift us with additional Apple deals (we're looking at you, MacBook Neo, currently marked down by just $9.01), but there’s one in particular that requires fast action: Apple AirTag 4-packs are now down to their lowest ever price of $59.99, and they're selling fast. We're seeing this deal go in and out of stock as the Big Spring Sale continues, so please grab them now while they're available!

Don't forget: Apple recently released a new generation of Apple AirTags, so we don't know how much longer these trackers will be available, especially at this record-low price. We've already seen M4 MacBook Airs, iPad Airs, and AirPods Max headphones go out of stock, and AirTags could be next.

Best deal overall Apple AirTag Tracker (4-Pack) $59.99 at Walmart
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Best Buy Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

The updated Apple AirTag 2 is still at full price, but you can get a four-pack of first-gen AirTags for just $59.99 right now, or $15 per tracker.

These little trackers are total lifesavers for anyone who's always misplacing their keys or wants some peace of mind by stashing one in their checked luggage. (I use them to keep tabs on my dogs when I'm visiting my parents.) You can track your stuff directly in the Find My app, and if you’re nearby, your iPhone can lead you straight to the exact cushion your wallet is hiding under.

Note: If these trackers go out of stock at Amazon, you can also find them at this price at Best Buy and Walmart.

The best AirTag dealsThe best Apple AirTag accessory dealsThe best Apple AirTag alternative deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Weve found the best AirPods deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale — $99 AirPods are live

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 14:34
A quick look at the best Amazon Spring Sale AirPods deals: Best AirPods 4 Deal Apple AirPods 4 $99.99 (save $29.01) Get Deal Best AirPods Pro Deal Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods Max deal AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $449.99 (save $99.01) Get Deal

It's official: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back in a bit way and will run until March 31. As always with these major sale events, we've been on the case since day one, helping you find the very best deals across all kinds of products. And we've spotted some awesome deals on Apple AirPods — deals that sound as good as Apple audio tech.

The AirPods Pro 3, AirPods 4 (both with and without ANC), and first-gen AirPods Max are on sale at Amazon. They're going fast though: AirPods Max 2 have already sold out with a slim discount.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — save on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

If you've been looking to score new earbuds or headphones to pair with your Apple tech this year, we've gathered up our favorite early AirPods deals for you into one place.

Note that no AirPods (except the just-released AirPods Max 2) have hit their lowest prices on record yet, so there's always a chance they could get cheaper. We'll be sure to update this page if new deals go live throughout the week.

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

FYI: You don't need to be an Amazon Prime member to shop the sale, but members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $29.01   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not looking to drop a ton of cash on new earbuds, one of our favorite deals is on the AirPods 4 without Active Noise Cancellation. These AirPods have dropped to just $99 at Amazon, saving you $30 on list price. We think these are the best budget earbuds for Apple users.

If you had your eye on the AirPods 4 with ANC, the good news is those are also on sale right now. They are currently marked down to just $149.99 at Amazon, or roughly $30 off their original list price of $179. So no matter which option you choose, you can save some cash right now.

Best AirPods Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The AirPods Pro 3 are some of our favorite earbuds for Apple users, earning spots on both our lists of the best headphones and best earbuds. Our review had high praise for them, with writer Adam Doud calling them, "a remarkable upgrade in functionality over their predecessors, with better battery life and ANC, as well as a new heart rate sensor."

Boasting great sound quality and noise-cancelling features, alongside a hefty battery life that can last up to eight hours (with ANC) on a single charge, these AirPods are a nice upgrade indeed. Ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, they're marked down to $199.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro 3.

Best AirPods Max deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max (1st Gen, USB-C) $449.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $99.01   Get Deal Why we like it

Premium noise-canceling headphones from brands like Sony and Bose are much better value, but AirPods Max are a popular pick nonetheless. (If nothing else, they're super stylish.) Apple announced the AirPods Max 2 with better ANC and smart features earlier this month, and now the first-gen models with USB-C charging are on sale on Amazon for $449.99. That's about $100 off their regular retail price of $549. But it's just the purple colorway available at this price for now — the other variants have been snapped up already.

Read Mashable's full review of the first-generation Apple AirPods Max.

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Categories: IT General, Technology

The 65-inch Samsung Class QLED 4K TV just hit a new record low in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save $300

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 14:32

SAVE $300: The 65-inch Samsung Class QLED Q8F 4K TV is $597.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, down from the list price of $897.99. That's a 33% discount and a record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch Class QLED Q8F 4K TV $597.99 at Amazon
$897.99 Save $300   Get Deal

We're on day three of the first major Amazon sale of 2026. Amazon's Big Spring Sale did not sleep on the discounts this year, and we're seeing some excellent offers across plenty of categories like Apple AirPods, outdoor gear, and tons of tech. But if you're looking for a TV upgrade, check out this Samsung deal.

As of March 27, the 65-inch Samsung Class QLED Q8F 4K TV is on sale for $597.99, marked down from the normal price of $897.99. That ends up with a 33% discount that shaves $300 off the price. It's a new record-low price at Amazon by a long shot.

While some folks are excited about spring and summer, others of us are prepping for some chill relaxing time indoors. If you're one to avoid spring's pollen or summer's searing heat, staying indoors with some great shows and epic movies might be your best move. If that's the case, you deserve a nice display. The 65-inch size on the Samsung QLED Q8F makes this model ideal for just about anywhere in your home.

SEE ALSO: I've tracked TV prices for years — the best Amazon Spring Sale TV deals are budget QLEDs

The Samsung Q8F features a Motion Xcelerator 144Hz refresh rate, quantum HDR+ display, and an AirSlim design that gives this TV a modern look. Plus, you'll be in for crisp and vibrant colors in addition to deep blacks.

Since this model just hit a record-low price by a significant amount, there's never been a better time to upgrade to the 65-inch Samsung Class QLED Q8F 4K TV. To pair with your new TV, check out the best streaming deals that are worth jumping on right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I test laptops for a living — these are my favorite MacBook deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale.

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 14:01
A quick look at the best MacBook deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,099 (save $300) Get Deal Best MacBook Neo deal (that's barely a deal) Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 (save $9.01) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,549 (save $50) Get Deal

Amazon's third consecutive Big Spring Sale is running through March 31. And while the sale event mainly revolves around seasonal essentials like cleaning supplies and outdoor gear, it's also hosting some very attractive deals on must-have tech — including flagship Apple products like MacBooks. As Mashable's resident laptop expert, I'm on the case.

Apple actually just refreshed its MacBook lineup earlier this month, announcing updated MacBook Airs and Pros in addition to an all-new budget MacBook Neo. Most configurations of these new releases are seeing their very first (tiny) discounts during the Big Spring Sale, while their predecessors are priced to move at up to $300 off.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is surprisingly good: We found 111+ deals on Apple, DJI, Sony, and Dyson

Keep in mind that Apple has discontinued its last-gen MacBooks, which means they'll only be available on the refurbished market once third-party retailers' inventories dry up. So, if you see a good deal on an M4 MacBook Air or Pro on Amazon this week, don't wait too long to add it to your cart. I think they'll sell out there long before this summer's Prime Day sale. We're already seeing some listings disappear and some sale prices creep back up, so it's best to keep on your toes and snag those bargains while they're available.

I'll continue to monitor Amazon's Big Spring Sale MacBook deals as the sale continues into next week, so check back if nothing catches your eye just yet. Note: Deals marked with a 🔥 have dropped to a record-low price.

Best MacBook Air deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 15-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) 🔥 $1,099 at Amazon
$1,399 Save $300   Get Deal Why I like it

The M4 MacBook Air may be a last-gen laptop, but it's still an incredibly capable ultraportable. (In our testing, it proved much faster than much pricier Windows laptops.) It has the same 12MP Center Stage webcam, Liquid Retina display, and 18-hour battery life as its new M5 counterpart, which just offers slightly faster performance and newer wireless connectivity. This 15-inch configuration has 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage just like the M5 base model, which is going for $100 more. It's worth noting that some 13-inch versions of the MacBook Air have already sold out. Don't miss this one while it's available and marked down by $300.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M4).

More MacBook Air dealsBest MacBook Neo deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $689.99 at Amazon
$699 Save $9.01   Get Deal Why I like it

Nine bucks off barely counts as a discount, but this is the best MacBook Neo deal I've seen outside of the Apple Store itself. (You can get $100 off there, but only if you're a college student, a parent of one, or school faculty.) This colorful little laptop has the same premium aluminum build as any other MacBook, and it boasts incredibly impressive single-core performance; in basic everyday tasks like web browsing, it's just as fast as an M4 MacBook Air. This particular model comes with Touch ID. It's worth noting, however, that the more desirable yellow and pink editions are back at full price today, so you can only get that $9 discount on the silver and indigo versions.

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Neo.

Best MacBook Pro deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro, 14-inch (M5, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,549 at Amazon
$1,599 Save $50   Get Deal Why I like it

A MacBook Pro has more ports and a brighter, smoother display than a MacBook Air. It's also better at handling heavier workloads (like video editing) over a long period of time since it has fans. I recommend it as an upgrade pick for power users like content creators and developers. The base configuration of the M5 MacBook Pro has a bumped-up storage of 1TB, though that version has also bumped back up in price today after being marked down to $1,580. Now it's up to $1,649, which is still $50 the list price. But if you can sacrifice some storage, the 512GB version is at $1,549.

Read Mashable's full review of the 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro (M5).

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Categories: IT General, Technology

Our favorite Apple Watch deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale start at $189

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:50
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple Watch deals: Best Apple Watch Series 11 Deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299.00 (save $100) Get Deal Best Apple Watch SE 3 Deal Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219.00 (save $30) Get Deal Best Apple Watch Ultra Deal Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm) $499 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is now well underway and will run all the way through March 31. For Apple users, these sale events are always super exciting — it's a rare chance to snag a device for significantly less. Indeed, we're seeing discounts on everything from MacBooks to AirPods. So, if you've been hoping to get your hands on a brand-new smartwatch but refuse to pay full price, several Apple Watch models are on sale right now, with savings of up to $300.

The Series 11 and SE 3 are the newest shining stars in Apple's lineup, but a few last-generation models have stolen the spotlight during the Big Spring Sale. If you don't mind an older model, you can pick up the Apple Watch SE 2 for just $189 (save $60), or the Apple Watch Ultra 2 for $499 (save $300).

We'll continue to update this page as new deals drop between now and March 31 — here are the best Apple Watch deals you can shop today. So far, Amazon has the best prices, but we're also checking Best Buy, Target, and Walmart for surprise savings. Either way, we've got you covered for the best Apple Watch deals.

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Note: You don't need to be a Prime member to shop the sale, but Prime members will receive exclusive deals on a variety of items.

Best Apple Watch Series 11 deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

A $100 discount on the 42mm GPS Apple Watch Series 11 drops it to a record-low price, making it the perfect time to grab what our Tech Editor, Timothy Beck Werth, calls the "Best Apple Upgrade." Mashable's Stan Schroeder agrees, noting the battery life alone is worth the jump. "Even if you already have a Series 10, which has nearly all the same features, the new Apple Watch Series 11 doesn’t require you to charge it mid-day in order to keep it going through the night," he writes.

More Apple Watch dealsBest Apple Watch SE deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE 3 (GPS, 40mm) $219 at Amazon
$249 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you just want a reliable smartwatch without paying for features you won't use, the Apple Watch SE 3 is the way to go. We named it the "Best for Most People" in our smartwatch guide because it packs the exact same S10 chip as the Ultra 3 and the same water resistance as the Series 11 — "all for $150 less than the Series 11."

Now that the Big Spring Sale is in full swing, the 40mm model is down to $219, saving you $30. It’s also not the only configuration on sale right now. We've rounded up a few other discounted SE 3 models below so you can pick your preferred setup and still save some cash.

More Apple Watch SE dealsLast-generation Apple Watch deals

Looking for smartwatches that don't fall under the Apple umbrella? Check out our full list of Big Spring Sale fitness tracker deals.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Jimmy Kimmel hits back after getting called out on right-wing media

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:47

Jimmy Kimmel is no stranger to receiving criticism from the right, with most of it coming straight from the president himself — and this week brought more of the same.

In the clip above, the host plays footage of Newsmax's Rob Finnerty slamming Kimmel for making light of the fact that the new Secretary of Homeland Security, Markwayne Mullin, used to be a plumber.

"Let me make this very clear," responds Kimmel. "I'm not upset that the Head of Homeland Security used to be a plumber. I'm upset that he isn't still a plumber."

Kimmel goes on to play footage of various TV reporters on the right making fun of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez for her past work as a bartender.

"Well, on behalf of bartenders everywhere, we anxiously await your apology," says Kimmel.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple kills the Mac Pro and its fancy $700 wheels, too

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:10

Talk about the end of an era: Apple has officially discontinued the Mac Pro.

9to5Mac was the first to notice that the Mac Pro has been removed from Apple's website, and Apple confirmed that the pro-grade desktop machine has been discontinued.

The old Mac Pro page now simply redirects to Apple's Mac homepage, which only offers the Mac mini, Mac Studio, and iMac desktop computers.

The Mac Pro was introduced in 2019 as an incredibly powerful and pricy desktop computer. It was praised for improved thermal management compared to the old, "trash can" Mac Pro, but also ridiculed for its "cheese grater" design.

Besides being a pricy machine in its own right, the Mac Pro also raised eyebrows due to its wheels, which cost $400 as an option and a whopping $699 if you bought them separately. For those of you who were eager to dish out seven hundred bucks for these beauties, we regret to report that the wheels, too, are no longer available for purchase.

No! Not the wheeeeels! Credit: Apple

Joking aside, this is a serious moment for Mac-loving professionals, as Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac it had no plans to offer any Mac Pro hardware in the future.

SEE ALSO: Here's how the MacBook Neo compares to older MacBook Airs

If you need a pro-grade Mac, it'll have to be the Mac Studio, which fortunately is quite a powerful machine, with either an M4 Max or M3 Ultra chip, up to 256GB of memory, and up to 16TB of storage. According to recent reports, Apple plans to upgrade the Mac Studio sometime in mid-2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals in Home Depots Spring Sale — score free power tools from DeWalt, Milwaukee, and Ryobi

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:09
A quick look at the best Home Depot Spring Sale deals: Best cordless power tool deal DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 9 Tool Combo Kit $649 at Home Depot (save $350) Get Deal Best Amazon device deal Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Home Depot (save $30) Get Deal Best BOGO tool deal RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Cordless String Trimmer $299 plus free gift at Home Depot Get Deal Best camping deal Ryobi One+ 18V Cordless 3-Tool Campers Kit $69 at Home Depot (save $64.79) Get Deal Best backyard deal Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill $1,601 at Home Depot (save $178) Get Deal

Home Depot doesn't hold competition sales for any of Amazon's seasonal sales as reliably as Target or Walmart do. That doesn't mean that there aren't any good spring deals to be found at Home Depot during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. You just have to scroll a little bit.

So far, Home Depot is once again giving away some free power tools with select purchases — reminiscent of the BOGO cordless tool promo we saw during Black Friday. (But hurry, some of the free DeWalt deals have sold out already.) Home Depot is also quietly competing with Wayfair's Big Outdoor Sale with discounts on outdoor furniture, as well as up to 40% off in other home categories, from mattresses to wallpaper to area rugs from big brands like Safavieh.

SEE ALSO: I test new vacuums every month. Here are the robot vacuum deals I think are worth it at Amazon's spring sale. Best Home Depot cordless power tools deal Opens in a new window Credit: DeWalt DeWalt 20V Max Cordless 9 Tool Combo Kit $649 at Home Depot
$799 Save $150   Get Deal Why we like it

Spring home improvement projects just got a major upgrade. The nine-piece DeWalt 20V Max Combo Kit is loaded with essentials to tackle home projects this spring and summer, and it comes with two 20V 2.0Ah batteries and charger. A well-trusted brand in the industry, the DeWalt cordless power tool kit includes a compact drill driver, impact driver, reciprocal saw, circular saw, and even more. Plus, it has a few extra accessories like an LED work light, durable Bluetooth speaker, and two contractor bags for all your new tools.

More cordless power tool dealsBest Home Depot BOGO dealsBest Home Depot Amazon device deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Spot $49.99 at Home Depot
$79.99 Save $30.00   Get Deal Why we like it

The Home Depot might not seem like a retailer that would stock your favorite Amazon devices, but here we are. Matching the sale price at Amazon during the Amazon Big Spring Sale, you can snag the new Amazon Echo Spot from Home Depot for $49.99, down from the list price of $79.99. This compact bed-side device can server as your alarm clock, Bluetooth speaker, personal weather expert, schedule keeper, and more. Plus, it's a great clock which means you won't reach for your phone in the middle in the night to check on the time and then accidentally scroll Instagram for an hour.

More Amazon device dealsBest Home Depot backyard deal Opens in a new window Credit: Napoleon Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill $1,601 at Home Depot
$1,779 Save $178   Get Deal Why we like it

With summer coming up quickly, it's time to consider the backyard barbecue. If the sad grill you used last year it's gonna make the cut this year, Home Depot's Spring Sale is here to offer some upgrades. One of the best deals is on the Napoleon Rogue PRO-S 625 5-Burner Propane Gas Grill which comes with a massive cooking area of 625 square inches. You'll be able to flip 39 burgers on the surface and it can heat to 400 degrees in just six minutes. Plus, it comes with a 15 year warranty.

More backyard dealsOther Home Depot spring deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Dirty Laundrys Lily Du and Grant OBrien on the Dropout shows secrets

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 13:04

There's nothing better than a good drink, a great circle of friends, and some piping hot tea.

It's little wonder then that Dropout's Dirty Laundry has been enticing fans for five seasons and counting. Each episode, dazzling host Lily Du and bantering bartender Grant O'Brien gather together four guest stars to share their wildest stories. For added fun, there's a game element: Can you guess whose dirty laundry is being aired?

Following the fifth season, Dirty Laundry's stars brought their gossipy game to SXSW for a live audience to enjoy. But before their big show, Du and O'Brien came by Mashable's SXSW Say More studio for some conversation about cocktails, mocktails, soap opera acting, and much, much more.

The video above features the first chunk of our interview. For more — including Du's thoughts on her Game Changer breast milk taste test and O'Brien's proud representation of chaotic bisexuals — be sure to check out the full episode on YouTube.

And for more Dirty Laundry, check out Dropout.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Our favorite DJI deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Drones, mics, and power stations at record-low prices

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:54
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI deals at a glance: Best DJI Drone deal DJI Mavic 4 Pro Triple Camera Flagship Drone $4,399 (save $829) Get Deal Best DJI Mic Deal DJI Mic Mini (2TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 (save $20) Get Deal Best DJI portable power station deal DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 (save $335) Get Deal Best DJI Gimbal Deal DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal $98.98 (save $30.02) Get Deal Best for Creators DJI Osmo Pocket 3 $439 (save $60) Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has entered day three, bringing a slew of deals across tons of categories. Until March 31, you'll find major savings from the retailer on everything from robot vacuums to Apple Watches and outdoor deals. And we're on the case, highlighting the best deals across the most sought-after categories.

If you're looking to save on DJI products, now's the time to do so. It isn't just a drone company. DJI produces the viral DJI Mic Mini and a number of other content creation tools, including portable power stations, action cameras, and smartphone gimbals.

DJI has emerged as a Mashable reader and editor favorite, and our reporters use DJI products like the Mic Mini in our everyday work. You'll also see DJI products all over TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube, where the company's products are popular with creators.

Please note: Due to the DJI drone ban and ongoing import problems, DJI products at Amazon are usually sold through third-party sellers. We recommend checking the seller's reviews and shopping accordingly (check the "Ships from" and "Sold by" information.)

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI drone deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mavic 4 Pro Triple Camera Flagship Drone $4,399 at Amazon
$5,228 Save $829   Get Deal Why we like it

This DJI drone is in stock right now, so if you've been thinking of a reason to pick one up, it's time to lock in. It's a tri-camera unit with a 100MP 4/3 CMOS Hasselblad camera with a max flight time of 51 minutes. It also comes with three batteries, spare propellers, a charging hub, shoulder bag, and other goodies. Plus, its new gimbal gives you 360-degree rotation with Dutch angles and a 41km range for timelapse and panoramic images.

More DJI drone dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI mic deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini (2TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

This TikTok-famous DJI Mic Mini set is well-loved for a reason. It sounds great, offers up to 48 hours of recording time, and it's perfect for users both new and old thanks to its accessibility and simple setup. It comes with a receiver, two transmitters, a charging cable, phone adapter, four windscreens, two magnetic clips, and a case, so you're all set to start using it immediately.

More DJI mic dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Osmo Mobile 7 Smartphone Gimbal $98.98 at Amazon
$129 Save $30.02   Get Deal Why we like it

This is the smartphone gimbal our tech editor personally uses and recommends for shooting social video at home and at events. DJI recently replaced the 7P with a new model, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8, which is also on sale. However, it's hard to argue with an under-$100 price tag. This handy gimbal lets you shoot steady video and track your face, and it pairs well with DJI wireless microphones.

More DJI camera dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale DJI power station deal Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Power 1000 V2 $364 at Amazon
$699 Save $335   Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the DJI Power 1000 V2.

It's easy to forget that DJI sells power stations, too. But the brand recently revamped its portable power lineup, and the upgraded DJI Power 1000 V2 is practically tailor-made for anyone shooting video. In her recent review, Mashable's Lauren Allain writes: "After testing the upgraded DJI Power 1000 V2, I'm convinced this is a great model for content creators, those who prioritize a super-quiet power station, or anyone looking for exceptional value in portable power."

It has a 1,024Wh capacity and features dedicated SDC ports that can super-fast-charge your DJI drone batteries, so you can get back in the air in about 30 minutes. Plus, when the station itself finally runs out of juice, you can plug it into a standard wall outlet and hit a full 100 percent charge in just 56 minutes.

More DJI power station deals

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Daily Shows Josh Johnson reacts to Melania Trumps robot

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:46

There are some political moments that just lend themselves to comedy, and – as Jimmy Kimmel demonstrated yesterday – Melania Trump's robot-assisted tech summit entrance was difficult to overlook.

In the clip above, Daily Show host Josh Johnson reacts to Melania entering day two of her "Fostering the Future Together" summit alongside a humanoid robot.

"Look, I know this was supposed to be for some kind of technology event, but look at this video," says Johnson. "She's walking out with that robot like they just got married. 'Ladies and gentlemen, for the first time, Mr and Mrs WALL-E'!

"By the way, I like how Melania is flexing on that robot with her walk. She's got a whole runway walk going while that robot is just doing the Biden shuffle."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Were tracking the best Apple deals in Amazons Spring Sale — new lows on AirPods, iPads, and MacBooks

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:44
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale Apple deals at a glance: Best AirPods deal AirPods Pro 3 $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best AirTag deal Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 (save $39.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $749 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (save $100) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is back for its third consecutive year, with deals running across the site through March 31. The retailer began rolling out wide-ranging discounts earlier this week, with more to come as prices drop on such items as robot vacuums, TVs, and your daily essentials. And if there's one thing we can always guarantee, it's that this sale features a raft of much-welcome Apple deals.

Apple has kept us very busy so far in 2026. We've been hard at work testing the first-ever budget Neo MacBook, as well as the upgraded MacBook Airs and MacBook Pros, a new iPad Air, and the iPhone 17e. Next on our Apple to-do list: the upcoming AirPods Max 2.

With so many new Apple products, we're seeing a bunch of first-time discounts during the Amazon spring sale, as well as new record-low prices on last-gen models like the Apple Watch SE 2. What more could you want from a major sale event?

We'll be tracking prices on AirPods, MacBooks, and iPads between now and March 31, so keep checking back on this page for info on the lowest-possible prices across Apple products.

Best AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

We've always been fans of the AirPods Pro, but the third generation really takes them to new heights. Mashable's reviewer called them, "without a doubt, one of the best products of the year" in 2025.

The latest premium buds feature outstanding noise cancellation (twice as good as the Pro 2), a solid eight hours of battery life with ANC on, and new foam-infused tips that come in five sizes to find the perfect fit. Apple also brought the heart rate monitoring tech from the Powerbeats Pro 2 (our favorite earbuds for working out) and Fitness app compatibility to the new AirPods Pro 3, and introduced a live translation feature.

While we've seen the buds drop as low as $184 in the past, this Amazon spring sale discount is still worth grabbing.

More AirPods dealsBest AirTag deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (1st Gen, 4-Pack) $59.99 at Amazon
$99 Save $39.01   Get Deal Why we like it

This four-pack of Apple's Bluetooth trackers keeps going in and out of stock on Amazon, which is hardly surprising: It's never been cheaper there. (It dipped to $62.99 on Black Friday, but the $59.99 sale price is a new record-low price.) You wind up paying just $15 per AirTag. If it sells out, Walmart and Best Buy are both offering the same deal.

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 13-inch (M4, WiFi, 128GB) $749 at Amazon
$799 Save $50   Get Deal Why we like it

Just launched earlier this month, the 13-inch M4 iPad Air is already on sale for $84.50 off. The base configuration with WiFi connectivity and 128GB of storage is now just $714.50 (normally $799). Mashable's tech editor took the M4 iPad Air for a spin and found it pretty impressive — too impressive for the average user, even. "It delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet," he writes in his review.

More iPad dealsBest Amazon Big Spring Sale MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Why we like it

Apple released its new MacBook Air with the M5 chip this month, but honestly, they're not a whole lot different than the M4 Airs. The main differences are the upgraded processor and a new wireless chip. You can save some money by grabbing the M4 model with 16GB RAM and 512GB of storage, which is currently down to just $949 at Amazon. We're keeping our eyes on this laptop, as we expect to see it drop further as the sale nears. But make note that since it is now an older model, it could sell out fast.

More MacBook Air dealsMacBook Neo dealsMacBook Pro dealsBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 11 (GPS, 42mm) $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100   Get Deal Why we like it

The Apple Watch Series 11 offers significant battery improvements over its predecessor. For that reason alone, it's worth the upgrade. It also features a tougher build with durable glass that's twice as resistant to scratches, 5G capability for quicker connectivity, and a Sleep Score and hypertension tool that can flag chronic high blood pressure. It's not a major upgrade (is anything in 2026?), but as Mashable's reviewer put it: "Buy it for the battery life." Now $100 cheaper, it's an even better value.

More Apple Watch dealsApple Pencil deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The LG UltraGear OLED gaming monitor has hit a new low price in Amazons Big Spring Sale — save $400

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:21

TL;DR: Amazon has the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor (27GS93QE model) on sale for $499.99 in the Big Spring Sale, knocking $400 off its $899.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED Gaming Monitor (27GS93QE) $499.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400 Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is dropping major deals on gaming, Apple tech, Samsung products, and much more — and LG is very much still in the mix with all-time low prices going live.

As of March 27, Amazon has the LG 27-inch UltraGear OLED gaming monitor (27GS93QE) marked down to $499.99 in its Big Spring Sale. Against the product’s $899.99 list price, that works out at a saving of $400. That's the lowest price this model has ever been at Amazon — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

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This is a 27-inch QHD 1440p display with a 240Hz refresh rate and a nearly instantaneous 0.03ms response time. In gamer terms, this is exactly the sort of setup that makes sense for fast-paced shooters like Marathon, competitive multiplayer games such as Fortnite, and anyone who wants motion to stay smooth and clean when matches get visually chaotic. It also supports both NVIDIA G-Sync and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, so it is built to play nicely with a wide range of gaming setups.

Beyond speed, LG has leaned into prioritzing picture-quality with this UltraGear model. The panel is VESA DisplayHDR True Black 400 certified, offers a 1.5M:1 contrast ratio, and covers up to 98.5% of the DCI-P3 color spectrum, which should translate to richer color and much deeper blacks than the average LCD gaming monitor — which is great for when playing immersive single-player titles like Resident Evil Requiem

For gamers keen on something bigger, the OLED Samsung Odyssey G9 gaming monitor is down to its lowest-ever price in the Spring Sale. The 32-inch 4K LG UltraGear gaming monitor is also $500 off at Amazon. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nothing (4a) Pro review: a stylish competitor to the Google Pixel

Fri, 03/27/2026 - 12:18

This March, design-centric British company Nothing launched what is arguably its strongest lineup of devices yet. Alongside the budget Nothing Phone (4a) and the Nothing Headphones (a) came a midrange offering — the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro.

This phone is also the closest you'll get to a flagship offering from Nothing in 2026; the company says it'll release no official flagship phone this year. But that's OK. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro still brings a premium experience to a midrange price point.

The design of the phone backtracks on the haphazard look of the Nothing Phone (3). Phone design is subjective, of course, but I'm definitely picking up what Nothing is putting down here. There is a lot to like about this phone, including the $499 price. 

SEE ALSO: Every major MWC 2026 announcement, including Xiaomi 17 Ultra and Honor Robot phone

As with all midrange phones, there are a few compromises — and some might be tough to swallow. At $499, you will not have a perfect phone.

I've been using a Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, provided by Nothing, as my main phone for 10 days, running the company's Android software and using T-Mobile's network in the Chicagoland area. Here's what I thought.

The whole Nothing package Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

Alongside the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, the company launched two other devices. The Nothing Phone (4a) is a budget offering with a slower processor, slightly slower memory, and fewer cameras than its bigger sibling. It's also not available in the U.S.

The other device was the Nothing Headphone (a) — a budget version of Nothing's first over-ear headphones launched last July, the Nothing Headphone (1). For a lower price point, you get a simpler design, but in more colors. But by all reports, they sound just as good and have the same controls as the flagship headphones, making a compelling offering at $199.

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

As for the Phone (4a) Pro, it too is the whole package. Tech specs ahead: It runs on a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor, which is decidedly midrange, but it falls squarely in line with the phone's price range. There's also 8GB or 12GB of RAM along with 128GB or 256GB of storage, all powered with a 5,000 mAh battery. India SKUs add another 400mAh to that. The 6.83-inch AMOLED screen is gorgeous with excellent color reproduction. It refreshes at up to 144 Hz, so everything is quite smooth.

TL;DR on the specs: this phone punches above its weight.

Software is great with some trade-offs Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

Design is at the forefront of Nothing's ethos, and all of the design choices built into its Android skin are intentional.

For example, Nothing has a grayscale icon pack for apps that turns your home screen into a black-and-white version of its former self. I can get behind this in theory — the "digital minimalism" of grayscale apps supposedly helps us have healthier relationships with our phones. Your mileage may vary, but my brain focuses on color much more than shape, so I haven't often switched to the icon pack.

One confounding choice: the inability to turn off the app drawer. I prefer to have all my apps on my home screen, organized into folders. Nothing doesn't allow the easy creation of folders either. Every time I wanted to file an app, I had to go to the app drawer, then drag the app into an appropriate folder. Not a fan of that.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

Then there's Essential Space, a kind of digital notebook activated by the Essential Key on the left side of the phone. This is meant to be a repository of your thoughts and reminders. When you need to remember something, the Essential key lets you grab a screenshot and allows you to add a voice note as well. AI then organizes your thoughts and notes.

I might not be a typical use case here, but generally, I don't remember things with screenshots; it's just not how my brain is wired. There is another design choice I love, however.

Enter the Matrix Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

The Glyph Matrix, which we saw on the Nothing Phone (3), is back on the back of this phone. I adore it. However, Nothing has cut down its functionality.

First of all, the dot matrix itself has larger "pixels" which means lower resolution inside that matrix. That's fine for things like letters and numbers, but it's bad for anything else. The Glyph Matrix has a neat trick where you can use it as a mirror to take a selfie with the main camera, and on the Nothing Phone (3), it worked really well.

On the Nothing Phone (4a), however, the resolution is so low that you can't tell what's in the window when trying to shoot. It's very disappointing.

It's also disappointing that you can only activate the Glyph Matrix when the phone is flipped over on its face. This is likely a cost-saving measure, since there is no capacitive button to press this time. Still, it's a little off-putting.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

You can have a persistent display of the time, or battery level, or a few other options, but the whimsical toys from the Nothing Phone (3) version, like the Magic 8-ball, are nowhere to be found.

Nothing says you can get more toys from the community, but that has real "we can't wait to see what the developers do with it" energy. To borrow a nerdy reference, the Glyph Matrix feels nerfed.

Performance and Battery

The Nothing Phone comes with a Snapdragon 7 Gen 4 processor — a very midrange choice. On Geekbench, the phone yields 1,287/3,906 single/multi-core scores. That means it's fine with most tasks you'll throw at it — opening apps, playing simple games, watching videos.

It will start to get bogged down when playing serious titles like "Genshin Impact," or trying to edit videos. For most people shopping in this price range, that's perfectly fine. 

That also means the phone sips battery like a champ. I regularly got just under two days of light-medium use on a single charge. That's the kind of endurance I like to see out of a phone. If you're a heavy user, you'll easily get through a full day and probably a little more without plugging it in.

Cameras are the main trade-off Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

It doesn't seem, on the surface, like Nothing cut corners with the cameras here. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has two 50-megapixel sensors on the back for its main and 3.5x telephoto lens, an 8-megapixel shooter for ultrawide, and a 32-megapixel camera on the front.

But when you look at the results, it's fairly obvious that these are midrange cameras.

During the day, in good lighting, the phone is a very capable shooter, though the ultrawide leaves something to be desired. Details such as brickwork are lost. That's not surprising considering the small sensor size — but if you're looking for consistency between lenses, you won't find it here. 

Macro shots are similarly blotchy, though the phone uses the main sensor for those macros. Most phones switch to the ultrawide lens for macro shots. Nothing bucks that trend — but as a result, you can't get as close to your subject as you may want.

Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

At night, things fall apart pretty quickly. Light sources are way overblown and darkness is very grainy. Video is not bad — as long as you're not moving. Start walking, and the video quality degrades significantly, with lots of judder following your footfalls. 

Quality photos are possible at night, and they can be fine for social media sharing. But when you try to make photos larger, the flaws are a lot easier to spot.

Nothing Phone (4a) Pro Price and final verdict

Overall, there's a lot to like about the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro. This is a very good midrange offering with the usual corners cut — the camera being the main one. It's not that the camera setup is bad; it's just very midrange. If this phone lived in a vacuum, that would be a good trade.

It's priced at $499, the same as the recently-released Google Pixel 10a. I bring that up because the Pixel 10a is not compromised in camera quality; far from it. The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro has a telephoto that the Pixel 10a lacks, so there's that to consider.

The camera array on Google Pixel 10a. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable The Nothing Phone (4a) Pro camera array. Credit: Adam Doud / Mashable

If you value good shots of far-away subjects, the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro is the better buy. But if you value overall camera quality, get the Pixel 10a.

The two phones are also polar opposites when it comes to design. The Pixel 10a is about as boring as it gets with a flat back and no camera bump. Meanwhile, on the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, you get Nothing's signature transparent design and a sizable camera island.

Your preference will vary, of course, but I much prefer the boldness of the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, and Nothing hardware in general. If you like flair, it doesn't get more flair-y than this. If you want excellent software, Nothing delivers that as well.

If you want something different, that's the Nothing Phone (4a) Pro in a nutshell. This phone is for people who love to stand out and carry a conversation starter in their pocket. It's also for design fans who want a phone that makes a statement. It's a true midrange phone, and it's a pretty good value at $499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nothing Nothing Phone (4a) Pro, Unlocked $499 at Amazon
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