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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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Updated: 8 hours 25 min ago

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

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:38

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Can TikTok save baseball?

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Can TikTok save baseball?

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 13:27

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vertical video brings baseball action into focus

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

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

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Daily Show gleefully mocks Trump officials scrambling Signal chat excuses

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:53

As much as they're probably hoping it'll blow over, the story about Trump officials accidentally adding a reporter to their Signal group chat about bombing Yemen isn't going away anytime soon.

The Daily Show has already taken aim at the leak itself, but in the clip above host Ronny Chieng goes after the excuses that are now being made by members of the Trump administration trying to cover their backs — starting with national security advisor Michael Waltz alleging he had Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg's details saved under a different contact name in his phone.

"People don't have a contact with, like, a phone number for a different person unless they're having an affair," responds Chieng. "Maybe try not making that mistake when you're planning for a war? And why are you shitting on Jeffrey Goldberg? He's a loser, he sucks, this guy's dishonest. He didn't do anything! All he did was wake up in the morning and you added him to your group chat!"

Chieng also has some thoughts on defence secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly claiming that nobody was texting war plans.

"OK, look, just because you write in all caps, 'THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP,' doesn't mean they're war plans!"

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ncuti Gatwas TikTok creator obsession is our TikTok creator obsession

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:51

Celebrities, they're Just Like Us, fiending for Kardashian impressions on TikTok by creator Bomanizer.

At least that's what Ncuti Gatwa revealed to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, during an interview about all things Doctor Who, Barbie, and their first acting role with Brian Cox on Bob Servant.

In particular, Gatwa spoke about an excellent way to pass time on the Doctor Who set between takes with co-star Millie Gibson.

"Very long days on set and you start goofing off. In between battling the Boogeyman and robots, you just chill for a bit,” they told Fallon. “Me and Millie got obsessed with this influencer called Bomanizer."

Content creator, actor, and writer Boman Martinez-Reid aka Bomanizer has gained fame and 2 million followers on TikTok with some truly excellent Kourtney Kardashian impressions, often acting with friends who hilariously impersonate the rest of the family.

"In between takes we’d just be like, 'I’m the Doctor,'" said Gatwa on The Tonight Show, in full Kourtney Kardashian mode. "How are we going to stop the Daleks? How will we stop the Cybermen?

"We never learned to stop doing the accent and so sometimes they’ll just start going [on set] and we’re doing the scene in Kourtney Kardashian."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score Beats Studio Pro headphones for under $200 in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:37

SAVE $170.04: As of March 27, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $179.95 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's 49% off their list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170.04 Get Deal

Plenty of great deals have already dropped since the start of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, and headphones are very much in the mix. If you've been looking for some new headphones to enjoy all of your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts on, there are plenty on sale right now. One of our favorite offers is on the Beats Studio Pro headphones, which are down by 49% on list price.

This has dropped their price from $349.99 to $179.95, which allows you to pocket $170.04. You can score the black, deep brown, matte white, navy, and sandstone Beats Studio Pro headphones at this price. The dune and moon colors are also on sale for a few cents higher at $179.99.

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

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer powerful sound complete with personalized spatial audio so you can feel completely absorbed in the sounds of whatever you're listening to. They also feature fully-adaptive Active Noise Canceling and a Transparency mode, so you can choose to either block out the sounds around you or remain more aware of your surroundings. On top of that, they offer up to 40 hours of battery life, so you can listen for far longer between charges.

There's no better time than now to upgrade your headphones. Don't miss out on 49% off the Beats Studio Pro headphones at Amazon.

This isn't the only worthy headphone deal that's popped up during the sale event. Have a look through our roundup of headphones and speaker deals live from Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see even more of our favorites.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Google Pixel 9 Pro has hit its lowest-ever price in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:33

SAVE $300: As of March 27, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is on sale for $919 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro $919 at Amazon
$1,219 Save $300 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is the perfect excuse to upgrade your smartphone. During this event, you'll see lots of great discounts on smartphones, but we love this latest deal on the Google Pixel Pro 9. Just check out our review to see why we're such big fans.

Not only is it on sale, but the 512GB model has never been priced lower than this. As of March 27, the Google Pixel Pro 9 is reduced to $919 from $1,219. This deal is specific to the 512GB option but is available across all three colorways: obsidian, porcelain, and hazel.

SEE ALSO: The best live deals on tablets in Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025

It's a super-smart smartphone with a 6.3-inch Super Actua display with vibrant colors as well as the latest Google Tensor chip for fast, non-laggy performance. It benefits from triple rear cameras, making it the most powerful pixel camera yet, so you can enjoy high-quality video and even enhance your videos up to 8K with the video boost tool.

This model also features Gemini, Google's next-generation AI technology. It offers assistance with tools including advanced photo editing such as Magic Editor, enhanced voice recognition for dictation, and Google Assistant capabilities.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Target Circle Week is live: Shop all of the best deals right here

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:07
The best Target Circle Week deals at a glance: BEST DEAL OVERALL Peacock Premium free for 3 months (save $23.97) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL Spend $50 on household essentials get a $15 Target gift card Get Deal BEST TECH DEAL Beats Solo Buds (Target-exclusive Arctic Purple) $49.99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST TOY DEAL Select Lego sets save up to 30% Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Bissell Little Green Max portable carpet cleaner $89.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST BOOK DEAL Select books, movies, music Buy 2 get 1 free Get Deal

It's almost been a year since Target launched its Target Circle 360 membership. What better way to celebrate than with a sale?

Unsurprisingly, this one-year anniversary celebration happens to fall alongside Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Coincidence? Never. We knew the mega-retailer wouldn't pass up the chance to compete with Mr. Bezos. Enter: Target Circle Week.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Target Circle 360 with our best Target Circle Week yet," said Cara Sylvester, Target's executive vice president and chief guest experience officer, in a press release. "Target Circle members will receive the biggest deals on thousands of items from the latest in spring style to everyday favorites that are always on the checklist."

Target Circle Week is an exclusive savings event for Target Circle members, held multiple times a year. Non-coincidentally, it tends to occur at the same times as major shopping events at Amazon, like Prime Day and Black Friday. Here's everything you need to know about the competing spring sale at Target.

When is Target Circle Week?

As a shock to nobody, Target Circle Week will overlap with the Amazon Big Spring Sale (which runs March 25 to 31). Circle Week officially kicked off on March 23 at 3:00 a.m. ET and runs through March 29, delivering seven days of exclusive deals. The discounts will be available to Target Circle members on the Target app and website, as well as in stores.

How to sign up for Target Circle

Target Circle Week requires a membership to shop, but unlike Prime or Walmart Plus, Target Circle is free to join. Here's how:

  1. Head to Target.com/circle and choose "Create account."

  2. Enter your full name, email address, and phone number.

  3. Choose whether to use a password or passkey (fingerprint, face ID, or pin) to sign in.

  4. Select "Create account." You are now a Target Circle member and are free to shop the savings event when it goes live.

Early access for Target Circle 360 members

For the first time, Target Circle 360 members will get early access to select deals 24 hours before they open to all Target Circle members.

Target Circle 360 members can shop the following deals before anyone else: 

Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that offers unlimited same-day delivery from Target, access to a curated marketplace of other retailers and grocers via Shipt.com, free two-day shipping on eligible items, and other exclusive benefits and experiences. Typically $99 for the year, memberships are on sale for just $49 from March 16 through 29. That's 50% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle 360 one-year membership $49
$99 Save $50 Get Deal Best Target Circle Week deals

Target Circle Week will feature deals on "must-have spring items," which coincidentally encompasses just about everything from home essentials and beauty products to books and toys. Mashable's shopping experts will be following the Target Circle Week sale closely and updating this list with any new noteworthy deals that drop through March 29. Here's a look at some of the best featured deals.

Peacock Premium deal

Another first for Target Circle Week: three free months of Peacock Premium. Thanks to a special, limited-time partner perk, new and returning Peacock subscribers can sign up for the ad-supported tier at no cost from March 9 through March 29. Conveniently, Wicked started streaming on March 21 on Peacock — just saying.

Of course, once the three-month promotional period expires, you'll be charged full price (currently $7.99 per month), and your subscription will auto-renew monthly. You can cancel anytime to avoid further charges.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium Get 3 free months free with Target Circle Get Deal Target's Deal of the Day

As stated in the press release, Target Circle Week will bring back the customer-favorite "Deal of the Day." Limited-time unique deals will pop up (and then disappear) for members to shop. Similar to Amazon's Lightning deals, they'll only stick around for 24 hours. Keep an eye out for these exclusive discounts each day of the sale. So far, we've seen the Instant Pot 7-in-1 Rio Wide down to $79.99 from $129.99 and 25% off Hearth & Hand with Magnolia home products.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the upcoming deals:

  • Dyson V8 Origin cordless stick vacuum (March 25)

  • 30% off women's denim (March 25)

  • BOGO 50% off pet toys and accessories (March 26)

  • 40% off rugs (March 26)

  • 40% off select jewelry and accessories (March 27)

  • 50% off Brightroom Y-Weave storage items (March 27)

  • 40% off sandals & shoes for all (March 28)

  • 30% off Gigglescape toys (March 28)

  • 30% off swimsuits for all (March 29)

  • 30% off All In Motion fitness items & water bottles (March 29)

Gift card reward dealsBest Target Circle Week tech dealsBest Target Circle Week toy dealsBest Target Circle Week home dealsEven more deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale — shop PlayStation, Nintendo, and more

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:04

2025 is going to be a huge year for gaming. That's fantastic news, but it also means that you're probably going to be spending a lot of money on gaming-related things over the next few months, whether it's individual titles, accessories, or even new consoles. You know what we're going to say next: That's why it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for a big sale to give your bank account a break.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Thankfully, Amazon is swooping in to save the day with yet another Big Spring Sale. Taking place from March 25 to 31, the sale features tons of deals on mostly spring essentials and outdoor products, but gaming discounts are also making an appearance in a big way.

Read on for a list of our favorite gaming deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below, including price cuts on consoles, games, accessories, and plenty more.

PlayStation game dealsPlayStation hardware deals

Headsets

Accessories

Xbox game dealsXbox hardware deals

Consoles

Controllers

Headsets

Best Nintendo Switch game dealsNintendo Switch hardware deals

Controllers and accessories

Memory cards

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best gaming deals during Amazons Big Spring Sale — shop PlayStation, Nintendo, and more

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:03

2025 is going to be a huge year for gaming. That's fantastic news, but it also means that you're probably going to be spending a lot of money on gaming-related things over the next few months, whether it's individual titles, accessories, or even new consoles. You know what we're going to say next: That's why it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for a big sale to give your bank account a break.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Thankfully, Amazon is swooping in to save the day with yet another Big Spring Sale. Taking place from March 25 to 31, the sale features tons of deals on mostly spring essentials and outdoor products, but gaming discounts are also making an appearance in a big way.

Read on for a list of our favorite gaming deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below, including price cuts on consoles, games, accessories, and plenty more.

PlayStation game dealsPlayStation hardware deals

Headsets

Accessories

Xbox game dealsXbox hardware deals

Consoles

Controllers

Headsets

Best Nintendo Switch game dealsNintendo Switch hardware deals

Controllers and accessories

Memory cards

Categories: IT General, Technology

25+ of the best live book deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 12:01
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale book deals at a glance: Best overall book deal 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.40) Get Deal Best sci-fi book deal 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 (save $6.02) Get Deal Best non-fiction book deal 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $9.66 (save $17.34 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best fiction book deal 'God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 (save $13) Get Deal

Amazon sales are notorious for offering steep discounts on robot vacuums, Apple devices, tablets, and headphones. We're seeing plenty of sweet discounts in these categories now that the Amazon Big Spring Sale is underway, but we're also jazzed to see so many great deals in other categories — including books.

Nothing compares to the joy that comes from sitting in the warm spring air with a good book. Plus, these sale prices make this the perfect time to stock up on books for summer vacation.

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

Check out these great book deals at Amazon if your bookshelf is feeling a bit bare after winter hibernation. The Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 through 31, so we'll update the list with any new deals that drop throughout the week.

Best overall book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Scholastic Press 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $8.40 Get Deal Why we like it

The 50th annual Hunger Games is about to begin, and we're here for it. The latest novel in the saga, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, is the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, which just released on March 18.

A beloved character from previous novels, this latest story in the realm takes us along with Haymitch Abernathy as his name is called to serve as tribute for District 12. Get ready for 400 pages back in the Panem universe by grabbing Sunrise on the Reaping for $19.59 in hardcover, down from the list price of $27.99.

Best sci-fi book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ballantine Books 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 at Amazon
$20 Save $6.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Ryland Grace wakes up feeling groggy and confused. Once he figures out what his name is, he might be able to progress in figuring it all out. Anyone who enjoyed Andy Weir's hit sci-fi book The Martian is bound to love Project Hail Mary. The paperback version is on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale for just $13.98, down from the standard price of $20.

Grabbing this title now is a great idea since you'll want to read Project Hail Mary before the motion picture starring Ryan Gosling hits theaters in 2026.

Best non-fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $9.66 at Amazon
$27 Save $17.34 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

Although Atomic Habits isn't a brand new title, it's worth a read anytime — or a re-reading. Since the hardcover version is 56% off in the Amazon sale, there's no excuse not to add this title to your bookshelf. Author James Clear uses the 320 pages to dive into bad habits, good habits, change, goals, and more. If 2025 is your year of change, Atomic Habits is a great place to start.

Best fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Riverhead Books 'The God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 at Amazon
$30 Save $13 Get Deal Why we like it

One of the best-selling thriller books of 2024, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, is 43% off at Amazon, bringing the hardcover book down to just $17. Moore takes us back to summer camp in 1975 when early one morning a counselor realizes someone is missing from their bunk. It's not an ordinary camper. The missing teen is Barbara Van Leer — the daughter of the family that owns the camp. The complex thriller takes us down many storylines that weave together into the perfect thriller that's nearly impossible to put down.

More fiction book dealsMore non-fiction book deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals under $25 from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:56

UPDATE: Mar. 26, 2025, 7:20 p.m. EDT This post has been updated with even more deals under $25 from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best deals for under $25 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Lego deal Lego sunflowers $8.15 (save $6.84) Get Deal Best security camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best book deal Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 (save $17.34) Get Deal

In case you haven’t noticed, life has become expensive. From eggs to gas to pretty much everything in between, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many of us feeling the pinch. Luckily, even as inflation squeezes our budgets, there are still opportunities to find great deals, especially with Amazon and its never-ending sales.

We’re covering the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which officially started on March 25. While the main event is underway, there are tons of deals under $25 that are worth grabbing.

Here are our picks for the best items to scoop up during the sale:

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego sunflowers $8.15 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $6.84 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone who's ever fallen down the Lego rabbit hole knows it's not the cheapest hobby out there. While none of the popular Lego Botanicals have dropped in price on Amazon so far, this simple sunflower set is on sale for under $10, making it the second-cheapest deal on this list. They're the perfect way to ring in spring all season long.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whenever I leave my apartment, I prop up a tiny off-brand camera to keep an eye on my pups. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to give me peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a more reliable indoor security camera, the TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera is only $14.99 at Amazon. That’s 35% off the sticker price and just a few cents off the all-time low.

The Tapo camera can send you instant push notifications whenever movement, a person, or a crying baby is detected. It has night vision, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video. And at under $15, it's a budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 at Amazon
$27 Save $17.34 Get Deal Why we like it

We’re usually all about gadgets, but sometimes, it's nice to take a break from screens and dive into a good old-fashioned book.

The hardcover version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is only $9.66 right now (with an on-screen coupon), down from its usual $27 list price. That’s way cheaper than what you’ll find it for on the shelves. If you prefer the Kindle edition, that’s on sale for $12.99.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular self-help books of the last few years, with over 20 million copies sold. It’s all about building better habits, one tiny change at a time — the perfect read if you're trying to make improvements in your life.

More deals under $25
Categories: IT General, Technology

Ive tested lots of smartwatches, and my favorite Fitbit is reduced in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:55

SAVE $40: As of March 27, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $159.95 at Amazon. That's a 20% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $159.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $40 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartwatch with fitness and lifestyle tracking? Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here, so it's the perfect time to look. Over the next few days of discounts, you'll find names such as Garmin and Apple reduced, but if you prefer a Fitbit, then you'll love this latest deal on the Fitbit Versa 4.

And as of March 27, you can find the Fitbit Versa 4 reduced to just $159.95 at Amazon. This deal can be found in all color options: black, pink sand, and waterfall blue.

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

This is my favorite watch in the Fitbit range, and one I've spent a lot of time testing. In my opinion, it's an excellent all-rounder fitness tracker. Whether you're hoping to run a 5K or want to get some insights into your sleeping habits, this watch has a bit of everything.

There are over 40 sports tracking modes that include running, swimming, cycling, and general workout features. However, it's worth noting that the battery life isn't as long-lasting for long-distance activities as the likes of Garmin or Coros.

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

Other features of the Versa include heart rate monitoring, sleep tracking, and built-in GPS so you can head outside for activities without your phone. And style-wise, the Versa 4 ticks all the boxes. It has a bright AMOLED display with vibrant colors and images and is touchscreen-controlled so it's easy to use as well as stylish on your wrist.

Head to Amazon to grab this deal before the sale runs out.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Kindle deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale 2025

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:52
Best early Kindle deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Scribe Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe $364.99 (Save $85) Get Deal Best kids deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best Kindle Scribe bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $449.97 (save $60) Get Deal Best Kindle Colorsoft bundle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Essentials Bundle $327.97 (save $35) Get Deal

After weeks of anticipation, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally here, running from March 25-31. This seasonal sale brings deals on springtime favorites for a little refresh as we exit winter.

As expected, this sale is bringing discounts on Amazon's flagship devices. Our favorites, as always, are Amazon's Kindles. Having tried nearly every model in the line-up, we can safely say that Kindles are fantastic e-readers, well suited for anyone, whether you're an avid annotator or shopping on a budget.

But let's temper your expectations. The deals are good but unexpected. We're seeing no deals on our preferred Kindles, the basic model, Paperwhite, and Paperwhite Signature Edition. Instead, Amazon has marked down its Kindles with a little more flair, like the Colorsoft and Scribe. And while the sale is more limited than expected on Kindles, we can say that the deals are great. Like lowest price ever great.

Here are the best deals on Kindles to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Kindle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $55 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to buy a Kindle during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the best savings are on the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. This is the first color Kindle, which debuted in late 2024. While we've yet to test this e-reader, we have high hopes for the device as the rest of the Kindle line-up is stellar.

This will be a particularly good e-reader for graphic novel readers, who want the convenience and portability of the device, but still want to enjoy every detail in color. It has some great specs, including 32GB of storage, auto-adjusting warmth and brightness, and wireless charging, in the same vein as the Paperwhite Signature Edition.

The Colorsoft is 20% off during the spring sale, bringing it down to $224.99. That's the lowest price the Kindle Colorsoft has reached, saving you $55.

More Kindle bundle deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Big Spring Sale has some amazing deals on stick vacuums

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:46
A peek at the best stick vacuum deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best under $200 Dreame R10 149.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal Shark Clean & Empty $299.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal

There are two types of spring cleaners in the world: The ones who wish they could unwind while the job is done for them, or the ones who classify a deep clean as their ideal unwinding activity. In terms of floor care, the latter group is probably eyeing up a manual vacuum over a robot vacuum, and Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a great time to get one on sale.

SEE ALSO: The Roborock Saros 10R aces one thing that most other robot vacuums can't

Amazon's selection of stick vacuum deals exemplifies the diversity of solid, affordable options in between the rinky-dink Dyson dupes on TikTok and pricey Dysons themselves. Amazon actually isn't a great place to find Dyson vacuums on sale — Walmart or Dyson's own website are way better bets for Dyson, while brands like Shark, Samsung, and Tineco flood Amazon.

Below, I'm tracking the best cordless stick vacuum deals through the end of the Big Spring Sale, which runs March 25 to 31. (Though if you're open to automating this chore, I'd recommend considering the robot vacuum deals at Amazon, too.) Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best stick vacuum deal from Amazon's Spring Sale Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Clean & Empty cordless vacuum with auto-empty system $299.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Self-emptying robot vacuums are way more common than self-emptying stick vacuums, but that doesn't mean they don't exist. After all, you shouldn't be saddled with the task of manual dustbin emptying just because you happen to prefer manual sweeping. Shark gets that, even if Dyson still doesn't.

This Shark Clean & Empty is like a diet version of the Shark PowerDetect and Shark Detect Pro cordless vacuums that I've tested. Like those slightly pricier models, it automatically adjusts suction power based on floor type and automatically empties its debris into the docking station where it charges. It also comes with a motorized hand tool — a crucial addition if you'll also be cleaning pet hair off of furniture.

More stick vacuums on sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite Garmin is heavily reduced in Amazon’s Big Spring Sale

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:45

SAVE $82: As of March 27, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $217 at Amazon. That's a 28% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $217 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $82.99 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally underway, and the beloved Garmin vívoactive 5 has been discounted even further. As of March 27, you can now buy it for $217, saving you 28%. This is one of my favorite Garmins — it does a bit of everything.

This model was released in late 2023, bringing a heavy upgrade from the vívoactive 4. Unlike its predecessor, the 5 benefits from a bright AMOLED display, making colors incredibly vibrant and much more noticeable. It also has a much-improved battery life, boasting 11 days when in smartwatch mode.

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

For stats and tracking, it is packed with advanced health features, including heart rate monitoring, SpO2 tracking, stress tracking, and in-depth sleep insights. The sleep insights have also had an upgrade from the previous model, now featuring sleep coaching. Sports tracking includes running, cycling, swimming, and more.

So if you like something a bit more than entry-level fitness tracking, useful lifestyle features, and a touch screen interface, this is the watch for you.

It is worth noting that if you're looking for more advanced fitness features, such as training status and training readiness, you'll need to look at higher-end Garmin watches, including the Forerunner range. But if these aren't important to you, this is a fantastic option full of useful stats and tracking abilities.

Head to Amazon to grab this great Garmin deal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I didn’t know I needed a smart floor lamp until this $50 eufy deal showed up

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:39

SAVE $50: As of March 27, eufy E10 RGBWW Smart Floor Lamp is available for $49.99 during Amazon’s Spring Sale. That’s 50% off its regular $99.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy eufy E10 RGBWW Smart Floor Lamp $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

I’m not usually the type to get excited over a floor lamp, but this eufy E10 is doing things I didn’t know lamps could do — and it’s only $49.99 during Amazon’s Spring Sale. That’s half off. For something that’s part mood-setter, part light show, and part futuristic room accessory, that’s a ridiculous value.

This isn’t your average dim corner light. The E10 packs RGB and white LEDs into one sleek setup, delivering up to 1,700 lumens of customizable brilliance. I’m talking smooth transitions between 16 million colors, preset lighting modes for holidays like Christmas or Halloween, and even AI-powered “themes” that adapt to your mood. If your lamp can’t do that, it’s officially basic.

SEE ALSO: The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

I think the best part is how smart it is. You can control everything through the eufy Life app or just yell at Alexa or Google Assistant to change the vibe. No switches, and no stretching from the couch. Want your room bathed in relaxing blues while you sip wine and judge Netflix’s algorithm? Done.

  • Price: $49.99 $99.99

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Brightness: Up to 1,700 lumens

  • Color Options: RGBWW (16 million colors)

  • Voice Control: Works with Alexa, Google Assistant

  • Smart Features: App control, 80+ lighting themes, AI-curated scenes

  • Design: Hexagonal, freestanding with silicone strip

  • Style: Modern

  • Use Case: Living room, bedroom, office, gaming setup

And the design? A modern hexagonal shape with a silicone strip that feels nice, resists dust and doesn’t look like it came from your dorm room. I could see this fitting in a living room, a bedroom, or even behind a gaming setup without missing a beat.

In my opinion, $49.99 for this much tech and ambiance is wild. If you’ve ever wished your lighting felt less like a utility and more like an experience, this is your moment. Just don’t be surprised when you want one for every room.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Insignias 70-inch F50 Series 4K Smart TV is $350 in Amazons Spring Sale, and Im seriously considering it

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:35

SAVE $150: As of March 27, the Insignia 70-inch F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is available for $349.99 during Amazon's Spring Sale. That's $150 off its regular price of $499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: insignia Insignia 70-inch F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $349.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $150 Get Deal

A 70-inch 4K TV for under $350? Yes, please. Amazon's Spring Sale has slashed the price of the Insignia 70-inch F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV by $150, bringing it down to a tempting $349.99. For a screen this size with these features, that's a deal worth considering.​

This Insignia model boasts 4K Ultra HD resolution, delivering crisp and detailed visuals that make movies and shows come alive. The integration of Fire TV provides seamless access to a vast library of streaming content, ensuring you're never short of entertainment options. Plus, with the Alexa Voice Remote, navigating through apps and channels is as easy as speaking your command.​

SEE ALSO: The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

Gamers will appreciate the TV's low input lag, which ensures responsive gameplay — a crucial factor for fast-paced gaming sessions. It's worth noting that while the TV supports HDR content, its peak brightness may not make HDR highlights pop as much as on higher-end models. But for casual viewing and gaming, it delivers a solid performance.​

  • Price: $349.99 $499.99

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Display: 70-inch LED, 4K UHD

  • Smart TV: Fire TV integration

  • Voice Control: Alexa Voice Remote

  • Audio: DTS Studio Sound

  • HDR Support: Yes (HDR10)

  • Refresh Rate: 60Hz

  • Connectivity: Bluetooth, Wi-Fi

  • Dimensions: 3.25"D x 61.66"W x 34.35"H

Audio-wise, the TV features DTS Studio Sound, providing a decent audio experience. While it may not replace a dedicated sound system, it offers clear and immersive sound for everyday viewing.​

A $150 discount on a 70-inch 4K Smart TV is not something you see every day. If you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup without breaking the bank, this deal is worth a serious look.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Webb telescope captures weird auroras on Neptune for the first time

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:30

Even at Neptune's incredible distance from the sun, astronomers have long suspected it has auroras, though they had never seen them until now. 

The James Webb Space Telescope, a collaboration of NASA and its Canadian and European space agency counterparts, has finally captured clear images of these magnificent Neptunian light shows. 

"As a long-time Neptunophile, anticipation of these images was one of the key reasons I became a JWST Interdisciplinary Scientist," said Heidi Hammel, a Neptune expert, in a post on X. "Kudos to the team for realizing my dream!"

But Webb's observations didn't just provide new pretty pictures of the ice giant planet's greenish-blue splotches. It revealed how odd Neptune's auroras are compared to other planets', glowing over its midriff rather than its poles. The new research was published in Nature Astronomy.

SEE ALSO: Webb reveals that's no star over there. It's an entire freaking galaxy. With Hubble and the James Webb space telescopes' data combined, right, Neptune's auroras are revealed in greenish-blue splotches. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI / Heidi Hammel / Henrik Melin / Leigh Fletcher / Stefanie Milam

Neptune, at some 3 billion miles from the sun, is a dark, blustery world, whipped by winds faster than the speed of sound. As the most distant planet in the solar system, it only receives a dim twilight's worth of sunshine at its high noon. It takes about 165 years for the ice giant to make one loop around our star, and it's not visible to the naked eye from Earth. 

For three decades, scientists have studied how Jupiter, Saturn, and Uranus interact with space by looking at light emitted from charged molecules in their upper atmospheres. When the sun blasts out radiation, charged particles travel along a planet's invisible magnetic field lines. When these particles strike gases, they heat up and glow. The results are colorful light displays. 

On Earth, the colors differ depending on the type of atmospheric gas and its altitude. Oxygen glows red or blue, while nitrogen can create green, blue, or pink. The recent strong solar storm conditions — a byproduct of the sun being at solar maximum — are causing auroras around the North Pole to sprawl, allowing people who live farther south to see them. 

Similar to storm seasons on Earth, the sun experiences a weather pattern that repeats every 11 years. At the beginning and end of this cycle, the activity is at its calmest. But solar activity increases, climaxing in the middle of the cycle and causing the sun to roil with giant eruptions.

NASA's Voyager 2 mission, the only spacecraft to visit Neptune, was unable to get a clear picture of the planet's auroras in 1989. Credit: NASA illustration

NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft found hints of auroras on Neptune in 1989, but scientists couldn’t get a clear picture then. Using Webb’s near-infrared instrument in June 2023, they not only got the shots but also discovered the key molecule found in auroras of the other gas giants, called trihydrogen cation. That detection confirms the same processes are occurring on Neptune. 

Webb has filled in many gaps left by Voyager 2, the only spacecraft to visit the planet. In 2022, the telescope captured Neptune's ghostly rings and revealed a band of clouds around a known vortex at the planet's south pole for the first time.

But the Voyager 2 mission did discover the strange nature of Neptune's magnetic field, tilted at a steep angle. Unlike Earth’s steady magnetic field, Neptune’s shifts and twists. Because auroras occur where magnetic fields converge with a planet's atmosphere, Neptune's are far from its poles. 

"Neptune's aurora shines over latitudes comparable to South America on Earth," Hammel said. "This is because Neptune's magnetic field is seriously tilted from the planet's rotation axis (by 47 degrees!) and offset from the center of the planet (by half a planetary radius!)."

The James Webb Space Telescope is advancing astronomers' knowledge of Neptune, such as revealing the planet's ghostly rings in 2022. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / STScI

Voyager 2 also took Neptune's upper atmosphere temperature. Webb scientists were surprised to learn that the planet has cooled over the past 34 years by hundreds of degrees. It's now about half as warm as it was in 1989. 

This extreme plunge may have something to do with why Neptune’s auroras have been so hard to detect. Scientists had assumed they would be as bright as those on some other planets, but the colder atmosphere likely made them fainter. The finding also suggests that Neptune's atmosphere changes more frequently than its seasons, which last about 40 years, and perhaps even the solar cycle. This means some other mysterious forces are at play that they'd like to get to the bottom of. 

Astronomers plan to use Webb to continue studying Neptune over a full solar cycle. They hope to figure out why Neptune's magnetic field is so tilted and what caused it.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 27

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:23

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

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

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

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

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Thrown by a pitcher

  • Green: Where baseball teams play

  • Blue: Most championships in baseball

  • Purple: Share a first word

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

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

  • Yellow: Baseball pitches

  • Green: MLB stadium names

  • Blue: Teams with the most World Series titles

  • Purple: Batting _________

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #185 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • Baseball pitches - CHANGEUP, EEPHUS, SLIDER, SPLITTER

  • MLB stadium names - ANGEL, CHASE, TARGET, WRIGLEY

  • Teams with the most World Series titles - ATHLETICS, CARDINAS, RED SOX, YANKEES

  • Batting _________ - AVERAGE, CAGE, ORDER, PRACTICE

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for March 27

Thu, 03/27/2025 - 11:22

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 27 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 27 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Playing the field

The words are baseball-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are singular versions of MLB team names in the same league.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is NationalLeague.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 27

  • Brewer

  • Pirate

  • Giant

  • Brave

  • Dodger

  • Marlin

  • NationalLeague

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

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