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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: 3 hours 19 min ago

You’ve been overpaying for cloud storage — get 1TB for life for £93

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Through 30 March, grab a lifetime of cloud storage from Koofr on sale for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with discount code KOOFR.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £92.86
£626.93 Save £534.07 with code KOOFR Get Deal

So many cloud storage services come with a monthly fee. It may feel cheap at first, but how many of those files are only there temporarily? With every month you pay for cloud storage, the value starts to fade. The cheaper overall alternative is to get cloud storage that lasts for life without needing to pay more than a one-time fee. Take a look at Koofr's offer for a 1TB lifetime cloud storage subscription for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with code KOOFR.

Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly Koofr is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.

And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The Duplicate Finder helps you eliminate unnecessary duplicates, while advanced renaming options let you customise file links. This way, you can keep your files organised and your digital space clutter-free.

Keep your files safe and sound with a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with promo code KOOFR through 30 March at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Categories: IT General, Technology

Headway is your shortcut to success — and just £37 for life

Wed, 03/26/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get lifetime access to Headway Premium for just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) through 30 March using the discount code LEVELUP20. Headway transforms spare moments into powerful learning experiences with insights from the world’s best nonfiction.

We all want to learn, grow, and achieve more, but finding the time to read can feel impossible. That’s why Headway Premium is such a game-changer. And at just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) for lifetime access, it's a good time to check it out.

Headway Premium offers a smarter way to learn by delivering concise, engaging summaries of nonfiction bestsellers in just 15 minutes. This lifetime deal provides unlimited access to an ever-growing selection of summaries, allowing you to absorb key ideas, strategies, and insights without the time commitment of traditional reading.

You’ll have lifetime access to Headway’s extensive collection of over 1,500 expertly crafted summaries, with 30 to 50 new additions every month. Whether you want to sharpen your business acumen, enhance your leadership skills, improve your health, or develop better habits, there’s a summary waiting to guide you.

Unlike other learning platforms that require ongoing subscriptions, Headway Premium lets you pay once and learn forever. This single purchase will unlock unlimited access, so you can continue expanding your knowledge without worrying about monthly fees.

This app’s AI-powered personalisation tailors recommendations to your goals and interests, helping you focus on the topics that matter most. And a gamified approach allows you to track progress, earn achievements, and build a sustainable learning habit.

Professionally narrated audio summaries provide an on-the-go learning option so you can absorb key insights while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. Even offline, Headway ensures that learning never stops.

Don't miss out on this steep savings. 

Get a lifetime of Headway Premium for just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) when you use the discount code LEVELUP20 through 30 March at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £37.14
£232.16 Save £195.02 Use code 'LEVELUP20' Get Deal
Categories: IT General, Technology

Napster was just acquired for $207 million by a 3D tech company

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 23:42

Napster was only around for roughly three years before it shut down in 2002. The company faced multiple lawsuits from major record labels and bands like Metallica, as Napster's users freely shared music and other files online. Yet, despite its short life, the peer-to-peer file-sharing platform changed the music industry forever, altering how consumers acquired music and ushering in what eventually would become modern-day music streaming.

Now, 25 years after its launch, Napster was just acquired for a whopping $207 million by a 3D tech company called Infinite Reality. And the company says it has big plans for the Napster brand.

"With this acquisition, we're expanding and reimagining Napster, empowering artists with new audience monetization and engagement capabilities, underpinned by iR’s immersive technology, AI-powered tools, and audience network," Infinite Reality said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: The early internet kept showing us the future, and we rolled our eyes every time

In a press release, Infinite Reality laid out some of its plans for Napster, including 3D virtual spaces where "fans can enjoy virtual concerts, social listening parties, and other immersive and community-based experiences." Infinite Reality also plans to let artists sell physical and virtual merchandise and event tickets through the platform. Additionally, the company wants to provide brand sponsorship opportunities for artists.

While most internet users know the infamous peer-to-peer version of Napster, the brand has been chugging along for the past decade as a legal, paid music streaming service. Ironically enough, of all the music streaming services, Napster reportedly pays artists the most per play. 

According to Infinite Reality, current Napster CEO Jon Vlassopulos will continue with his role as CEO of the company.

“By acquiring Napster, we’re paving a path to a brighter future for artists, fans, and the music industry at large,” said Infinite Reality cofounder and CEO John Acunto. "I firmly believe that the artist-fan relationship is evolving, with fans craving hyper-personalized, intimate access to their favorite artists, while artists are searching for innovative ways to deepen connections with fans and access new streams of revenue. We’re creating the ultimate music platform where artists can thrive in the next wave of digital disruption.”

Major video game franchises like Fortnite have held virtual in-game concerts with great success over the past few years. Other platforms like Turntable.fm, which went viral in 2011 before shuttering in 2013, failed in their attempts to create communities out of digital music streaming. It'll be interesting to see how Infinite Reality approaches the concept, especially as Mark Zuckerberg's Meta backtracks on their own "metaverse" concept.

Categories: IT General, Technology

As a pro robot vacuum reviewer, this is easily my favorite deal from Amazons spring sale

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 23:33

SAVE $800: As of March 25, the Roborock Qrevo Master robot vacuum is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That's a full 50% off of its original $1,599.99, and its lowest price ever at Amazon.

Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 at Amazon
$1,599.99 Save $800 Get Deal

Amazon never disappoints with robot vacuum deals at its big sales, and the Big Spring Sale is timed perfectly between the Black Friday and Prime Day seasons. A ton of options hit 30% off or more, but as someone who tests robot vacuums for a living, narrowing down my top one or two recommendations for someone is easy. I simply scan the list for my ultimate favorite robot vacuums that I've tested at home.

Lo and behold, the Roborock Qrevo Master (my favorite from all of 2024) is 50% off for the spring sale. Originally retailing at a steep $1,599.99, the Qrevo Master is down to $799.99 — a whole $100 less than its Cyber Monday price a few months ago. Is it still on the premium end of the price scale? Yes. Does it do more than pretty much any other robot vacuum going for $800? Hell yes.

Though the Qrevo Master has been dethroned as the most powerful Roborock I've tested by the new Saros 10R from CES, it's still one of the most solid cleaners you'll find. Its 10,000 Pa of suction is speaking to pet owners keeping up with kibble, kitty litter, or shedding from more than one pet on multiple floor types. I was most psyched about its mopping capabilities, however. The dual spinning mopping design has become my own personal gold standard over a singular flat pad.

This is corner detailing that most Roombas just can't achieve. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable

One of those spinning pads operates on a hinge that can flex the pad out from under the circular vac to mop along edges or in corners. The visual satisfaction is one thing, but the relief of the mystery sticky stuff along my kitchen counter baseboards being taken care of is priceless.

Other premium features packed into the Qrevo Master include self-washing and drying mopping pads, small obstacle avoidance, and a livestream pet camera on the botvac itself.

Categories: IT General, Technology

My favorite kitchen appliance is on sale during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 23:27
Opens in a new window Credit: Our Place Our Place Wonder Oven $145 at Amazon
$175 Save $30 Get Deal

For the longest time, I didn't understand the air fryer thing. If I have a perfectly good oven, why do I need another appliance taking up unnecessary counter space? But things changed when the Our Place Wonder Oven entered my life. While I originally received it as a gift, I would buy it 10 times over with my own money.

I don't love the idea of a single-use appliance, especially as an apartment dweller. If something is going to take up precious counter space, it better earn its keeps. The Wonder Oven truly does, as it can toast, reheat, bake, broil, and air fry. It comes with three different trays — an air fryer basket, baking tray, and toasting rack — to help get your cooking jobs done. And not to mention, it's far cuter than your average air fryer. I love the retro-inspired design, and while I wish it had digital controls, the knobs work well.

I've found the Wonder Oven to be key to getting the crispiest bites. Yes, I use it to air fry chicken nuggets to crispy perfection, like any respectable adult, but it does more nuanced jobs, too. On the left of the Wonder Oven is a compartment to add a splash of water so you can use steam to elevate your bakes. I particularly like this feature when it comes to reheating a stale baguette, which magically tastes fresh from the bakery after a trip in the Wonder Oven.

Not to mention, it's the best way to warm up leftover pizza. When set to the reheat setting, leftover slices have crisp crusts and freshly melted cheese.

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale, I was thrilled to see the Our Place Wonder Oven marked down to $145. That saves 17% off its standard $175. While I'd tell you to buy it at full price, I urge you to buy it when it's $30 off. Plus, with summer coming, it's the perfect way to avoid turning on your oven once the heat rolls in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Samsung deals are live in the Amazon Big Spring Sale — here are the best ones to shop

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 23:22
The Best Samsung deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale Best Samsung tablet deal Galaxy Tab S9 FE $369.99 (Save $150) Get Deal Best Samsung earbud deal Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $75.99 (Save $24) Get Deal Best Samsung TV deal Samsung 43-Inch QLED QN90D Series Neo Quantum HDR Smart TV $1097.99 (Save $200) Get Deal

Samsung is known for producing some of the highest-quality tech around. With offerings that span TVs, phones, earbuds, and more, a Samsung sale means tech for any need.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here and Samsung is majorly on board. Shop Amazon's sale and competing rollbacks to save on Samsung tablets, screens, and more, like the Galaxy Tab S9 FE, which is on sale for $369.99 at Samsung ($150 off). Here are some of the Samsung deals we're most excited about:

Best Samsung tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE $369.99 at Samsung
$519.99 Save $150 Get Deal

The Galaxy Tab S9 FE is built for creativity and fun. With 8GB RAM and 256GB of storage, this tablet is a mini computer built for use by touch and pen — and the pen comes as part of the package.

Use the Tab S9 FE for games, digital drawing, or surfing the web. Don't be afraid to pass it off to a child, too — its IP68 rating for dust and water resistance means it's more than capable of surviving some spilled apple juice or a few wayward crumbs.

Right now, the Galaxy Tab S9 FE is on sale for $369.99 at Samsung, saving you $150. Further savings are available with trade in.

More tablet dealsSamsung watch dealsSamsung phone dealsBest Samsung earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds $75.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $24 Get Deal Why we like it

Not just for music, when connected to a Samsung phone, these earbuds translate. The Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Earbuds are powerful Bluetooth-enabled earbuds designed to fit securely in your ear, even during rigorous activity. A wing tipped design makes them extra stable and snug.

Designed to work with a Galaxy Phone, these buds connect and disconnect simply and even facilitate easy switching from one output to the next. Right now, the Samsung Galaxy Buds FE True Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds are on sale for $75.99, saving you $24.

More earbud dealsBest Samsung TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 43-Inch QLED QN90D Series Neo Quantum HDR Smart TV $897.99 at Amazon
$1,297.99 Save $400 Get Deal

Whether you're getting ready to dive back into a Girls rewatch or crack open Monster Hunter Wilds on your Xbox, the Samsung 43-inch QLED QN90D Series Neo Quantum HDR Smart TV is on sale right on time. This TV is about exceptional picture quality and hyper-responsive motion.

The QN90D provides up to 144Hz screen refresh times that will ace competitive play and bring contemporary titles to life in gorgeously fluid motion. With 4K AI upscaling, even older films and games will look great on this ultra-pixel-rich screen. Deep HDR yields incredible imagery with rich darks and bright pops of color.

Right now, the Samsung 43-Inch QLED QN90D Series Neo Quantum HDR Smart TV is on sale for $897.99 for a savings of $400, or 31% off.

More Samsung TV and monitor dealsMore Samsung deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale
Categories: IT General, Technology

200+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashables team of experts

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 23:00

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2025, 6:15 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (save $170.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounces) $33.75 (save $11.25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $140 (save $129.99) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

Amazon is springing a bunch of seasonal deals on shoppers. The retail giant is hosting its second-ever Big Spring Sale from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, ushering in discounts on "end-of-season winter items" and "springtime favorites" across more than 35 categories, per its press release. Each day of the weeklong sale features "themed daily drops" on top of new limited-time offers.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year — and unlike its flagship summer Prime Day sale, the deals aren't exclusive to Prime members. Most of them, anyway: Prime members get access to a handful of special offers, which are identified with a "Prime Spring Deal" badge.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Dates, deals, and much more

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon throughout the Big Spring Sale. (Our sister site CNET has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

Below, we've got a running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale deals on smart home devices, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances, books, and much more. Check back daily to see what else we find.

Best Kindle dealsBundlesBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE deals

Apple Watch Ultra deals

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

MacsApple accessoriesBest TV deals43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upBest laptop deals

For deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Windows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptopsBest headphone and earbud dealsHeadphonesBest earbuds dealsBest unlocked phone deals Samsung Galaxy phonesGoogle Pixel phonesMotorola phonesBest vacuum dealsRobot vacuumsRobot vacuum mop combosBest home dealsAir purifiersBedding and mattressesEcho smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant PotsRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest Lego dealsBest book dealsFictionNon-fictionBest Pokémon deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Character.AI launches parental supervision feature

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 22:57

Character.AI, a leading chatbot platform facing lawsuits related to youth safety issues, introduced a new supervision tool designed to give parents a peek into how their children are using the product.

The "parental insights" feature is meant for caregivers whose children are younger than 18. The tool is accessible via the child's account preferences. From there, the user must add the adult's email address and then invite them to receive a weekly activity report compiled by Character.AI.

SEE ALSO: American Psychological Association sounds alarm over certain AI chatbots

The report includes daily average time spent on the platform, on both mobile and the web; a list of top characters that the teen engages with frequently; and the time spent with each character. The report doesn't include a transcript of the user's chat with their companions.

If the teen decides to revoke their parents' access to this data, they can do so through their account but that request must be confirmed by the adult.

Character.AI described the feature as a "first step" toward providing parents with information about their child's activity on the platform. In recent months, the company has implemented a number of new safety efforts, including a separate model for teens, as well as disclosures that characters are not real people.

The changes come in the wake of two lawsuits against Character.AI, alleging that the product uniquely harmed children who engaged with it.

In October, bereaved mother Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit after her son, Sewell Setzer III, died by suicide following intense communications with a character on the platform. In December, two mothers in Texas filed another lawsuit against Character.AI alleging that the company knowingly exposed their children to harmful and sexualized content.

The company said in its announcement about the parental insights feature that it would keep refining the tool: "We will continue to listen to teens, their parents, and leading teen safety organizations as we evolve our parental insights tool to most effectively meet our community’s needs."

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Apple deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches are at record low prices

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 22:24

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2025, 5:45 p.m. EDT We updated this post with the latest Apple deals, including a $99 price cut on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

The best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (Save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, during its Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, we're keeping our eyes peeled as even more deals go live. While the sale focuses primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

So far, we have spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Again, while these deals aren't officially tied to the spring sale and can be found at other times of the year, these are still solid prices for any of these items.

We'll continue updating this post as the sale progresses, so check back if you're looking for the best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)🔥 $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Apple just dropped the M4 MacBook Air, and even at full price, we think it's a really good deal. In a divergence from last year's Air pricing, Apple started its 13-inch model at just $999 — with an M4 chip and the RAM upgrades Apple gave all its laptops last fall, this is the best value we've ever seen on an Apple laptop. Amazon slashed another $50 off the price, which, while admittedly not a jaw-dropping discount, helps make a great value even better. The biggest downside to this laptop is that it might be a little short on ports for some users, and then it tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, but if you can work with that, the M4 Air is an excellent deal.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro are an excellent pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, with some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality in the game. As the USB-C Pros near their second year anniversary, we can't say they're without a doubt the best on the market — their battery life could be better, for instance — but their age works in their favor for this price drop down to $169.99, which certainly makes some of their flaws easier to look past. We have seen these earbuds drop to $154 during Black Friday season, but we haven't seen that deal return since, making $170 the next best deal to grab them at.

More AirPods dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB)🔥 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm)🔥 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $100 off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $299 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

The Amazon Big Spring Sale has some great smart home deals — check out what weve found

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 22:05

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2025, 3:45 p.m. EDT This list has been updated to show current deal pricing.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale smart home deals Smart light deals Kasa Smart Light Bulbs $15.99 (Save $9) Get Deal Smart switch deals Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch $21.99 (Save $8) Get Deal Smart security deals Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock with Door Sensor $149.99 (Save $30) Get Deal Smart smoke detector deals X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station $97.49 (Save $42.50) Get Deal Best Fire Stick deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max 39.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal

What goes in your smart home? Today, home tech can be used to automate all sorts of tasks around the house. Smart switches help us control lighting and smart systems in our home, smart lights give us great control over our home's ambience and respond to our commands, while smart scales help us gain a better understanding of our personal health. Most of the time, individual smart tech can be connected to a smart assistant or hub, to give us vocal control and more.

Whatever your automation aims, now is a great time to invest. Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here with a huge offering of smart tech deals for you to scoop up, like $30 off the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock. The Amazon Big Spring Sale lasts from March 25-31. Here are the best smart home deals of the Big Spring Sale:

Smart light deals Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Kasa Smart Light Bulbs $15.19 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $9.80 Get Deal Why we like it

There are few simpler ways to tweak the ambience of your room than to invest in smart lights. Kasa Smart Light Bulbs have vast palettes of available color available and dim to match your needs.

Tweak these using the Kasa smart app or set them to automatically adjust with natural light. As LED bulbs, they use less energy than traditional light bulbs, but with energy monitoring and scheduling tools, you'll be able to tune them to save more by ensuring they're always off when you're out of the house.

As of now, the Kasa Smart Light Bulbs are on sale for $15.19, saving you $9.80, or 39%.

More smart light dealsSmart switch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Kasa Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch $21.99 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $8 Get Deal Why we like it

What if you could talk to your switches? The Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch turns your light switch into a multi-functional control node with access to integrated smart home tech. With a touch, use it to dim your smart lights, or speak to it to turn the lights on when your hands are full. When you're out, you can even interact with the smart switch to control your lights via the Kasa App.

For many, the most useful parts of the Kasa Matter Smart Dimmer Switch will be its simple integrations and its timers. Matter is the smart home protocol that integrates with multiple systems, including Alexa, Google Home, and more, meaning that you can connect this switch to tech from lots of different brands. When you do, its timers and scheduling empower you to ensure your lights and devices are off when you're out of the house, and on when you need them.

Right now, the Kasa Smart Dimmer Switch is on sale for $21.99, saving you $8, or 27%.

More smart switch dealsAmazon Fire Stick deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20 Get Deal

If you're not in the market for a whole ass new TV just yet, you can basically turn any old TV into a smart TV with an Amazon Fire Stick. Just plug it into the side of the TV, click on that HDMI port, follow the WiFi setup instructions and boom: You're perusing Amazon's well laid out interface of streaming apps without cable or a satellite.

The one highlighted here is the 4K Max version, which supports WiFi 6E and unlocks the ability to play Xbox games without a console.

More Fire Stick dealsSmart security deals Opens in a new window Credit: Ultraloq Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock $149.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

Smart locks are some of the most useful smart home technology around. Unlock your door remotely for a house painter, or create a lock code to give out to a BNB guest, smart locks give you many more ways to play with security. The Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock is an 8-in-1 entry pad.

Set up the Ultraloq with a biometric thumb print to come and go with a touch. The Ultraloq might have lots of ways to gain access digitally, but it also includes two mechanical keys that turn in a hidden keyhole behind the biometric scanner.

Right now the Ultraloq U-Bolt Pro WiFi Smart Lock is on sale for $149.99, saving you 17%, or $30.

More smart security dealsSmart alarm deals Opens in a new window Credit: X-Sense X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station $97.49 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $42.50 Get Deal Why we like it

What's the benefit of a smart smoke detector? Immediate notice.

While traditional smoke detectors can be impossible to ignore when you're home, they don't do much if a fire breaks out while the house is empty. The X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station is made to let you know anytime it senses smoke in your home, whether you're there or away. Set it up to get smart alerts on your phone whenever smoke is sensed.

Right now, shop the Amazon Big Spring Sale to get the X-Sense Smart Smoke Detectors with SBS50 Base Station for $97.49 to save 30%, or $42.50.

More smart alarm dealsMore smart home deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Amazons Big Spring Sale has some awesome stick vacuum deals

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 22:00
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

Watch the incredible puppets from A24s The Legend of Ochi in action

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 21:59

A24's upcoming The Legend of Ochi promises a return to handcrafted fantasy adventure films, and the studio has released a first-look featurette to prove it.

The first look opens with a behind-the-scenes shot of the film's hero, Yuri (Helena Zengel), riding a shopping cart down a grocery store aisle. On her back is a small golden-furred creature like something out of Gremlins. This is one of the Ochi, a mystical being from Yuri's home island of Carpathia. It's also a remarkable puppet.

SEE ALSO: 'The Legend of Ochi' trailer unveils the cutest movie monster of the year

"As we were shooting, you could see all five puppeteers standing around in plain clothes, and if you looked at the puppet, you were like, 'That's a real living thing,'" writer-director Isaiah Saxon says in the first look.

The featurette shows more examples of the puppets — and even an Ochi exoskeleton! — in action, as well as a deeper look at the fantastical journey Yuri must undertake to reunite her Ochi friend with its mother.

"There is a slow dial that gets turned up towards fantasy and magic over the course of the film," Saxon says. "Growing up, I felt that the deepest mysteries were found in nature, and I hope to share that same feeling that anything is possible."

The Legend of Ochi also stars Willem Dafoe, Emily Watson, and Finn Wolfhard.

The Legend of Ochi hits theaters Apr. 25.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want to be featured on Mashable?

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 21:48

Have you experienced a moment when technology created a "Good Connection" in your life? We're talking good deeds, long-lost friends and family reunited, and more empowering tales made possible by some sort of digital detail. Share your story below and it could be selected to appear on Mashable.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Robot vacuum deals are going hard at Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 21:01
A peek at the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon Budget pick Dreame D10 Plus Gen 2 with self-empty station 254.99 (save $145) Get Deal Best self-washing and drying mopping pad deal Roborock Qrevo Master 799.99 (save $600) Get Deal

So you didn't buy a robot vacuum on sale during Black Friday. If spring cleaning season — and the past few months of vacuuming by hand — has you regretting that, you're getting another chance with Amazon's upcoming Big Spring Sale.

Running March 25 to 31, the second annual Big Spring Sale has a similar vibe to Prime Day when it comes to deals. The main difference is that most Big Spring Sale deals are open to anyone, regardless of whether you're a Prime member or not. (The ones that are exclusive to Prime members will be marked with a red "Prime Spring Deal" sticker instead of a "Big Spring Deal" one.)

SEE ALSO: Need a robot vacuum that actually works on carpet? These 3 performed the best in my home.

March is inherently an auspicious month for the past year's biggest robot vacuums to hit new record-low prices. That's because many of them have been upstaged by new flagship robot vacuums that were announced at CES in January. This year, iRobot (known for skipping CES) also deviated from its typical release schedule and completely overhauled the Roomba lineup in mid-March — the probable cause behind the few Roombas below being pushed to new record-low prices.

Regardless of your robot vacuum budget, there's definitely something on sale for you this week. I'm tracking all of the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon below, noting when they self-empty, mop, or wash and dry their own mopping pads. All robot vacuums in the list have smart mapping. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best robot vacuums deals ahead of Amazon's spring sale Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Master 🔥 $799.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it

More than 40% off a $1,399.99 robot vacuum just sounds like a good deal without any other context. And that's totally accurate. But my brain framed it in a way that makes it look like even more of a steal: You'd be getting a premium robot vacuum and mop combo that washes and dries its own mopping pads and avoids small obstacles and has a pet camera for half the price of the 2025 Roborock flagship I'm currently testing, the $1,599.99 Roborock Saros 10R.

I'm so psyched to see this new record-low price on my favorite vacuum from 2024. The biggest difference between the Qrevo Master and the new Saros 10R are suction power, as the Saros 10R doubles the Qrevo Master's 10,000 Pa. But the Qrevo Master was still more than powerful enough to do a sufficient job on my hard floors and rugs when I was testing it. However, it earned my top spot because of its attentive mopping. Spinning mopping pads are much more exhaustive scrubbers than one big, flat mopping pad in my book. One pad on the Qrevo Master even swings out on a hinge to mop along edges and in corners.

More robot vacuums on sale

Robot vacuums that mop

Robot vacuums that don't mop

Categories: IT General, Technology

15+ of the best Ninja deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:53

SAVE UP TO 36%: During the Amazon Big Spring Sale, Ninja kitchen appliances like blenders, air fryers, coffee makers, countertop ovens, and more are up to 36% off.

Best Ninja deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Ninja blender deal Ninja Mega Kitchen System $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ninja coffee maker deal Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Ninja countertop oven deal Ninja Double Stack XL countertop oven and air fryer $249.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Ninja makes some of the most innovative and useful kitchen appliances that make meal prep so much easier. A few years ago, the internet fell in love with the Ninja Creami's ability to make frozen treats on-demand at home. Now we have all eyes on the brand new Ninja Swirl which gives us the ability to live in frozen yogurt bliss this summer. In addition to incredible treats, Ninja also makes awesome kitchen appliance staples like blenders, air fryers, and coffee makers.

If your kitchen could do with some fresh small appliances, we're seeing sweet discounts on Ninja products during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

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

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

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

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

More Ninja blender and food processor dealsBest Ninja coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

No one needs to deal with a coffee maker that's on the fritz in the morning. If you're looking for a smooth and easy machine to use each morning that comes with ultimate versatility, check out the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System. This model usually sells for $229.99, but it's on sale ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale for only $199.99 which means you'll save $30.

The Ninja DualBrew can make your morning coffee via a K-Cup pod or ground coffee. It'll produce everything from a single cup to a full carafe of drip coffee. The built-in frother adds a coffee-house touch to your coffee creations, but it neatly tucks into the side of the machine for easy storage.

The machine also has a hot water button which works great for tea drinks, hot chocolate, or adding hot water to your morning's bowl of instant oatmeal.

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

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

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

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

The best Kindle deals in Amazons Spring Sale

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:52
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

Texas bill calls for ID requirement to buy sex toys online

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:44

Age-verification laws have popped up across the United States in the past few years, especially in the South. Typically, they require people to submit proof that they're an adult if they visit a website where over a third of the content hosted is explicit. In January, the Supreme Court heard a case about the constitutionality of age-verification laws, and its decision will likely come down this summer.

That case, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton, began as a challenge to Texas's age-verification law specifically (but SCOTUS's decision will have national ramifications). Coincidentally — or not — a bill calling for age verification for online sex toy sales has just been introduced in Texas, as well.

SEE ALSO: The Trump administration accidentally texted military plans to a journalist. The White House says it's fine.

404 Media first pointed out that Senator Angela Paxton, wife of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, sponsors this bill. Ken Paxton is the Paxton in Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton.

The sex toy bill, S.B. 3003, proposes age-verification methods similar to those used by some states for porn sites, such as requiring users to submit a government-issued ID or using a third-party verification service. Violations of this would subject site owners to a $5,000 fee and a misdemeanor charge.

According to a recent study from New York University, age-verification laws don't work. One reason is that if a site isn't based in the U.S., it may not feel the need to comply. Another is that people can use a VPN to pretend to be in another location. Presumably, the same would be true for this bill.

But, as explained in Mashable's rundown of age-verification laws, these laws aren't just about preventing minors from accessing porn sites. They're about reaching the true goal of Project 2025 (the conservative blueprint for Trump's second presidential term), which is an outright ban on porn. One state, Oklahoma, has already introduced a bill to criminalize porn and imprison its creators.

Free speech advocates who have spoken to Mashable in the past say that the best way to actually prevent minors from looking at explicit sites is through device-level filters.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI announces native image generation in ChatGPT and Sora

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:21

OpenAI has native image generation in ChatGPT and Sora.

In a livestream led by CEO Sam Altman as well as members of OpenAI team, the company demoed new capabilities in image generation that's driven by the GPT-4o model.

SEE ALSO: A new AI test is outwitting OpenAI, Google models, among others

Previously, image generation relied on OpenAI's DALL-E text-to-image model. Now, GPT-4o handles the image generation, meaning it has the world knowledge and contextual understanding to generate images more seamlessly and conversationally. The model's responses will understand contextual prompts without specific reference to an image, can follow prompts for reiterating on a generated image, and OpenAI says it's way better at rendering text.

Text rendering looks to be way better. Credit: OpenAI

With image generation in ChatGPT, OpenAI's goal is to make it more useful rather than just a novelty. That means it can generate diagrams, infographics, logos, social media posts, and other graphics. In Sora, there's now a new section for generating images (in addition to videos) much like the Midjourney interface.

In the livestream, Altman said that the model leans into "creative freedom," saying "what we'd like is for the model to not be offensive if you don't want it to be, but if you want it to be within reason, really let people create what they want."

Altman seemingly tried to clarify this in an X post, saying, "what we'd like to aim for is that the tool doesn't create offensive stuff unless you want it to, in which case within reason it does. As we talk about in our model spec, we think putting this intellectual freedom and control in the hands of users is the right thing to do, but we will observe how it goes and listen to society."

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In case that didn't totally make sense to you either, OpenAI's stance on blocking images that violate its content policy "such as child sexual abuse materials and sexual deepfakes," remains the same.

According to the accompanying blog post, all images have C2PA metadata, which provides invisible watermarks detailing an image's provenance.

Native image generation for ChatGPT is available today for ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Team, and Free users within the chat experience, with access rolling out to Enterprise and Edu users soon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Have you been impacted by a scam or security breach?

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 20:12

Have a story to share about a scam or security breach that impacted you? Tell us your story. Email submissions@mashable.com with the subject line "Safety Net," or use the form below. Someone from Mashable will get in contact directly if your story is selected to be featured.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

Tue, 03/25/2025 - 19:51

Dates for Apple's Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) have officially been announced. WWDC 2025 will take place from June 9 to 13, with the keynote taking place on June 9.

Apple shared the official date on its website on Tuesday, saying the entire conference will be streamed online, with the keynote taking place in person at Apple headquarters in Cupertino, CA. Sessions will be free to all developers. Apple executives also took to X to share the news.

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WWDC is Apple's annual event that showcases new software updates. That means the tech giant will announce iOS 19, iPadOS 19, macOS 16, tvOS 19, watchOS 12, and visionOS 3.

According to Bloomberg, iOS 19 will be "one of the most dramatic software overhauls," in Apple history so expectations are high for new features that will likely put Apple Intelligence at the center. This might also include major advancements to Siri as Apple has promised, although the Siri overhaul is rumored to have run into setbacks.

The iOS 19 update is rumored to have major design changes, including a refresh of icons, menus, apps, and more. Insiders also expect a newly refresh macOS 16 design.

Mark your calendars for June 9.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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