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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.
Updated: 36 min 46 sec ago

What is the total solar eclipse on April 8th and how can you see it?

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 19:06

Just seven years ago, Americans emptied their homes for a chance to witness a total solar eclipse, an astronomical event hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

Back then, you might have heard this was the first to cut across the United States from coast to coast in a century — and it was. But lately, you might have heard there's another total solar eclipse coming. Slicing through North America on April 8, 2024, the total solar eclipse will be on display over a swath of North America, allowing an estimated 31 million people a chance to step outside and see the sun's corona.

Solana blockchain overrun with racist memecoins in latest cryptocurrency trend

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 17:50

By now, you've likely heard of Dogecoin, the popular cryptocurrency named after the popular "doge" internet meme. During the last cryptocurrency boom, buoyed by the few successful examples like Dogecoin and the similarly-inspired Shiba Inu coin, memecoins became pretty popular among get-rich-quick scammers looking to make fast money with quick pump-and-dump schemes.

The memecoin craze is now once-again very popular among the cryptocurrency community, especially on the Solana blockchain. But, over the past few days, the memecoins haven't been based on cute internet animal memes. No, they've been named after incredibly racist slurs and concepts.

SEE ALSO: Watch the Elon Musk interview that probably ended Don Lemon's partnership with Twitter/X

Among some of the new memecoins you can find on decentralized crypto exchanges now? Numerous cryptocurrencies with the n-word, a token called "Jews did 9/11," and "NAZI," which appears on exchanges as just a swastika as its trading symbol.

A listing of some of the racist memecoins on the Solana blockchain. Credit: Mashable screenshot What's happening?

Bitcoin's value rose to a new all-time high this month, soaring past $70,000 for the very first time. Many cryptocurrency tokens have also risen in value alongside Bitcoin over the past few weeks, in a minor crypto resurgence the likes of which hasn't been seen since the market crashed in 2022.

With all of this money moving in the market, some memecoins have also seen a sudden spike in value too, especially those deployed on the Solana blockchain. Solana has raised hundreds of millions in VC funding from firms like Andreessen Horowitz and investors like Kevin Rose. Solana is the network of choice for many of these coins because it's relatively easy to mint a new token on its blockchain. Solana is also popular among NFT-trading communities for the very same reason.

Late last year, a new memecoin called dogwifhat or WIF was minted on the Solana blockchain based on an internet meme showing – you guessed it – a dog wearing a knit cap. The token slowly spread among the memecoin community, landing at around $0.04 shortly after launch. On March 15, dogwifhat hit a high of $3.47.

There are a few other similar examples of niche memecoins like dogwifhat making insiders and a few lucky early adopters easy cash in recent months. And, as always, cryptocurrency is rife with people looking to make a quick and easy buck. For a memecoin to take off, however, it needs to go viral. Quite a few memecoin founders decided that creating memecoins named after racial slurs like the n-word and allusions to white supremacist rhetoric was the way to go. This became a trend among certain crypto communities, and more racist memecoins were created.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Then, crypto traders actually started buying and selling these racist memecoins, pushing them up the trending cryptocurrency charts on major crypto listing platforms.

There has been some blowback from the crypto community, with traders sharing their worries on social media platform X about how this will taint Solana for a mainstream audience. However, leaders of the industry haven't said much or taken any action on the matter.

Tweet may have been deleted


Anatoly Yakovenko, co-founder of Solana Labs, released a statement on X denouncing those who created the racist and antisemitic memecoins.

"F’ these anti-Semitic racist incels," Yakovenko posted.

Tweet may have been deleted

However, it's unclear if Solana Labs is willing or able to take any action to stop the creation of these tokens.

As previously mentioned, the racist memecoins can also be found on most of the major crypto token listing websites. One entity, the decentralized exchange analytics platform DEX Screener did put out a statement saying that they would be "viewing our token profile moderation policy in the coming days." 

Tweet may have been deleted

"We won't be the gatekeepers of what happens on-chain, but we're definitely not here to spread hate," DEX Screener said in a post on X.

According to CoinMarketCap, as of publication of this article, the two top trending tokens on the Solana blockchain are "Jews did 9/11" and Adolf Hitler token.

'Road House' stars Daniela Melchior and Arturo Castro crack each other up playing 'Say Action'

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 16:54

Road House stars Daniela Melchior and Arturo Castro sit down with Mashable for a game of 'Say Action'. Road House is now Streaming Globally on Prime Video.

340+ of the greatest deals from day three of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 16:53

UPDATE: Mar. 22, 2024, 5:00 p.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest Big Spring deals on laptops, including a $257 Acer Aspire 3 for bargain hunters.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $189 at Amazon (save $59) Get Deal Best laptop deal Acer Aspire 3 $256.99 at Amazon (save $73) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal iRobot Roomba j7 $298.98 at Amazon (save $301.01) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best Fire device deal Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best outdoor security camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon (save $51.99) Get Deal Best Bluetooth tracker deal Tile Starter Pack $42.29 at Amazon (save $12.70) Get Deal

Spring temperatures are melting prices at Amazon. The retail giant is hosting a new seasonal savings event this week called the "Big Spring Sale" (very apt), and it's not just another iteration of its flagship Prime Day sale.

Live now through Monday, March 25 at amazon.com/bigspringsale, the Big Spring Sale is a first-of-its-kind event featuring deals that revolve around "seasonally relevant items" and "warm-weather essentials," according to a post on Amazon's blog. That includes sports and outdoor equipment, cleaning and organizing products, and select electronics, from Apple devices to Fire tablets.

SEE ALSO: Walmart is coming for Amazon with a competing spring sale: See the 25+ best deals

In a deviation from Prime Day, Amazon's biggest savings event of the year, the Big Spring Sale isn't entirely restricted to members of its paid Prime subscription service. However, the company's announcement notes that members "will receive access to exciting, exclusive deals" as part of it. If you haven't signed up for Prime yet, you can jumpstart a 14-day trial for free.

Keep reading for the Mashable Shopping team's running list of hand-picked highlights from the Big Spring Sale, and check back often: New doorbusters are being added every day.

Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro USB-C.

"The USB-C AirPods Pro came onto the scene last year, offering a much-needed upgrade with its charging port, while keeping the features we loved on the Lightning Pros. With these earbuds, you get maximum portability, great functionality with Apple devices, and some of the best ANC you can find on a pair of earbuds." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Apple deals

AirPods

Apple accessories

Apple Watches

iPads

Macbooks

Macs

Best Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on MacBooks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 3 $256.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $73.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"After going on sale for $299.99 earlier in the Big Spring Sale, the Acer Aspire 3 is now even cheaper (at $73 off), putting it just $7 away from last November's record low. You don't really have a right to complain about mediocre specs at this entry-level price point, but this guy's hardware is above-average compared to most other sub-$300 laptops: There's an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor from late 2022, a healthy 8GB of memory for light multitasking, 128GB of SSD storage, and a 15.6-inch HD display. It's a fine pick for basic tasks like sending emails and watching YouTube." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop deals

Traditional laptops

2-in-1 laptops

Gaming laptops

Best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba j7 $298.98 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $301.01 Get Deal Why we like it

"We're always going to sound the alarm when a 50% discount is spotted on a Roomba. Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game-changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up the room before sending them out to clean." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale headphone/earbud deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on AirPods.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd Gen).

"We're not going to lie, it can be a little tricky to find more-than-decent ANC on a pair of budget earbuds. At their full price of $119.99, the Echo Buds already offer a fairly enticing price point for that criteria, but at $54.99, that's nearly unbeatable. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his Echo Buds review, 'Considering how much cheaper these are than other big-name ANC-enabled earbuds, it's pretty incredible that the ANC works as well as it does.' You shouldn't expect Bose-standard noise cancellation, the touch panels can be a little too sensitive, and the battery life is just okay, but these are fair trade-offs for the money you're saving." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More speaker, headphone, and earbud deals

Headphones

Earbuds

Speakers

Best Amazon Spring Sale TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If price has been the only factor deterring you from upgrading to an XL screen, check out this 75-inch QLED TV from TCL that has dropped to a new record-low price of $599.99 (according to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel). The Q6 is one of TCL's cheapest models to utilize quantum dots: an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and direct backlighting. This creates the brightness necessary for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility to be worthwhile — brightness that a regular LED TV just can't compete with. TCL has also loaded the Q6 series with Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology and three HDMI ports, making it a super solid budget gaming TV." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More TV deals

55 to 58 inches

65 to 70 inches

75 to 98 inches

Best Amazon Spring Sale unlocked phone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

"A close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premium 6.8-inch smartphone with a durable titanium design, a rear telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and a smattering of neat AI features. It also comes with a built-in S Pen stylus that doubles as a remote, according to Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon. This is the 256GB base model's first discount since it launched in January 2024." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More unlocked phone deals

Samsung Galaxy

Google Pixel

Motorola

Best Amazon Spring Sale phone accessory deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo $82.49 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $27.50 Get Deal Why we like it

"Just released in February of this year, the Anker MagGo foldable 3-in-1 charging station just got its first big discount for the Big Spring Sale. It regularly retails for $109.99, but you can grab it for just $82.49 and save 25%. As the name suggests, it can wirelessly charge three gadgets at once — an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods (or other Qi-enabled devices) — and fast (15W). The vertical design is compact and convenient for a desk or bedside table. Plus, it weighs under 7 ounces and folds up smaller than Apple's Magic Mouse, making it ideal for travel." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More phone accessory deals

Wall chargers and charging stations

Portable chargers

Phone cases

Best Amazon Spring Sale Fire device deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet.

"The Fire Max 11 tablet is Amazon's most feature-complete tablet to date, and you can currently snag the 128GB model for $200 (or $80 off) — its lowest price yet. It's packed with a speedy and powerful octa-core processor that's perfect for productivity and entertainment, can handle up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, and has a beautiful 11-inch screen to tie it all together. You can even get a bundle that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus at a discount (almost $120 off)." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Fire device deals

Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon Fire Kids tablets

Refurbished Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon Fire TV devices

Best Amazon Spring Sale tablet deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals and Fire TV device deals sections if you're looking for discounts on iPads and Fire tablets, respectively.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you prefer going against the grain and not buying an iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a solid alternative, and it's on sale for $100 off the usual price during the Amazon sale. It's one of the most water- and dust-resistant tablets on the market, can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and comes with an S Pen." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More tablet dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale fitness tracker deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on Apple Watches.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Garmin Forerunner 255 is on the higher-budget end of fitness trackers, but at $100 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we think it's worth considering. The durable fitness watch features a slim design, but can still withstand excessive sweat and accidental drops. Using the device's easy-to-use five-button layout, you'll be able to check on things like your heart rate, sleep quality, recovery score, and more. It even has a 14-day battery life, so you won't have to constantly slow yourself down as you work towards your fitness goals." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More fitness tracker dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale outdoor security camera deals Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $51.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"With 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination, the new Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera lets you see what's happening outside of your home in crisp HD no matter the time of day. Thanks to two-way audio, you can speak to people and pets using the Blink app on your smartphone, and get a heads up if that noise you heard outside was a squirrel rustling in the bushes or an actual intruder. With the Blink subscription plan (sold separately), the enhanced motion detection goes even further with person detection. At 40% off ahead of the Big Spring Sale, you can grab this easy-to-setup security camera for an all-time low of $77.99." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More outdoor security camera deals

Security cameras

Video doorbells

Best Amazon Spring Sale kitchen deals Opens in a new window Credit: Instant Pot Instant Vortex 6-quart XL Air Fryer $79.95 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $40.04 Get Deal Why we like it

"Air fryers have earned their place as a kitchen essential, offering convenience when it come to serving up a quick meal and earning health points since they require less oil than traditional frying. The Instant Vortex 6-quart XL Air Fryer is just $79.95 at Amazon's Big Spring Sale, marked down from the normal price of $119.99, which is a 33% discount. Choose from pre-set programs that include air fry, roast, bake, and reheat for easy meal prep. Instant Pot mentions the 6-quart size is ideal for those cooking up four to six servings." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More kitchen dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale Bluetooth tracker deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on AirTags.

Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile Starter Pack $42.29 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $12.70 Get Deal Why we like it

"If you're new to the world of Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Starter Pack is a great introduction. This pack comes with one Tile Mate and one Tile Slim. The Mate is designed to conveniently attach to your key ring while the Mate is similar in size to a credit card to easily slip into your wallet or purse. Both are water-resistant so there's no stress if you drop your keys in your mug of coffee, and both are compatible with iOS for Apple users and Android devices." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More Bluetooth tracker dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale outdoor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman 316 Series 62-Quart Wheeled Cooler $60.05 at Amazon
$84.99 Save $24.94 Get Deal Why we like it

"It may not be a Yeti, but the Coleman 316 Series cooler can fit over 100 cans inside and keep them on ice for up to five days. Its fully insulated lid and body can withstand temperatures as high as 90 degrees Fahrenheit, while its heavy-duty design can support up to 250 pounds of weight on top. Translation: it doubles as a place to sit. Customers who bought and reviewed it on Amazon dub it "reliable and durable," and honestly, what else could you want in a cooler? At $60.05, it's nearly 30% off and down to an all-time low price for the Big Spring Sale." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More outdoor deals

Fire pits, camping stoves, and grills

Tents, sleeping bags, and more camping gear

Coolers

Water bottles

Hydration backpacks

Best Amazon Spring Sale solar eclipse glasses deals

"The next total solar eclipse is set to take place on Monday, April 8, and if you want to participate in collectively (and safely) staring at the sun together, you're going to need a pair of solar eclipse glasses. We don't recommend buying a pair all willy-nilly, though, because not all of them are legit, and we don't want you burning your precious peepers. What you need to look out for are glasses that are specifically approved by the American Astronomical Society (AAS) and have an ISO 12312-2 safety rating. ... Below, we've listed out all the options we could find that are on sale, so check them out and grab yourself a pair or two before they start selling out (they usually become pretty scarce in the weeks before an eclipse)." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

Best Amazon Spring Sale gaming monitor deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 Series $799.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This 49-inch Samsung monitor was already at a pretty impressive price with its $400 Big Spring Sale markdown, but the extra $100 off coupon helped push it to its lowest price ever, according to the price tracker camelcamelcamel. This ultra-wide curved behemoth isn't for the casual gamers out there, but if you've been looking to deck out your gamer cave with a monitor the same width as a standard desk that also has a 240Hz refresh rate, this deal lets you do that for a hefty investment, but much less than the one the MSRP asks.

More gaming monitor dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale Prime-exclusive deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Spring allergy season has arrived and if you're tired of constantly having the sniffles, the Dyson Purifier Cool Formaldehyde TP09 could provide relief. The fully-sealed HEPA filter is designed to capture 99.97 percent of particles that measure 0.3 microns in size, including pollen, dust, and gases. Dyson excels when it comes to fan design and this model is no different. It uses Dyson's Air Multiplier technology to circulate the air, pulling in air from across the room for filtration. Plus, having a powerful fan around as the summer months arrive is certainly a great idea." — Lauren Allain, Contributor

More Prime-exclusive dealsHow to sign up for Amazon Prime

The Big Spring Sale is open to Prime members and non-members alike, but a handful of deals are exclusive to the former (see above). If you haven't subscribed to Prime within the past 12 months, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial at amazon.com/prime. After that trial ends, you'll be bumped to a paid membership plan for $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime
Free 14-day trial, then $14.99/month or $139/year Learn More

Samsung will give you a free 65-inch 4K TV just for pre-ordering one of its 2024 QLED or OLED TVs

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 16:47

Get a free $529.99 TV: As of March 22, pre-ordering a premium QLED or OLED TV from Samsung's 2024 lineup unlocks a free 65-inch 4K TV from Samsung (a $529.99 value). The deal is available during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, as well as at Walmart, Best Buy, and Samsung's website.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 65-inch TU690T 4K TV Free with the pre-order of select 2024 Samsung TVs Pre-Order Here

Samsung drops new TVs every year, and that typically triggers discounts on older Samsung TVs from the previous year or two. What Samsung doesn't do every year, however, is incentivize people to opt for the newest models by throwing in an extra TV for free.

As of March 22, when you pre-order one of the new 2024 Samsung QLED and OLED TVs, you'll score a free 65-inch TU690T 4K TV. The new models you're pre-ordering are at full price, of course, but the free model is a $529.99 (or $449.99 on sale) value, so we're considering it an indirect deal.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

This promotion is among the best TV deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale, but is also available at Walmart, Best Buy, and Samsung's website.

The 2024 TVs that are eligible for the promo are the new Samsung Neo QLED 8K line (QN900D and QN800D available in 65 through 85 inches), the new Samsung Neo QLED 4K line (QN90D and QN85D available in 43 to 93 inches), the new Samsung OLED line (S95D and S90D available in 55 to 77 inches), and the latest Frame model (LS03D available in 43 to 75 inches).

SEE ALSO: Best Samsung Galaxy deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale: The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Book3, and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

OLED is generally more expensive than QLED, and 8K is more expensive than 4K. The new QLED 8K TVs are the most expensive TVs eligible in this free TV promotion, starting at $3,499.99 for the cheapest 65-inch model. Meanwhile, the least expensive TV you could pre-order that'll still unlock the free TV is The Frame QLED, starting at $999.99 for the 43-inch version.

The free model, a 65-inch 4K regular LED model, won't be as bright, contrasted, or zippy as the premium ones to be pre-ordered, but the 2022 690T is still a solid upgrade from any non-4K (or old, laggy 4K) model you're currently dealing with. If nothing else, the screen is huge.

Check out the best Samsung tablet deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 16:35

From streaming your favorite movies and games to multi-tasking on projects for work, tablets are powerful tools for staying engaged with our activities even when we're not at our desks or in front of our media centers. As Amazon continues its Prime Day-worthy Big Spring Sale, tablet prices are dropping to lows we've never seen before.

Today's best Big Spring Sale Samsung tablet deals: Best family tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet 11” 64GB Android Tablet $169.99 (save $50) Get Deal Best everyday tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Wi-Fi 10.9” 128GB Android Tablet, $349.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best splurge tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ 12.4” 128 GB Android Tablet $499 (save $100.99) Get Deal

Today, Mar. 22, shoppers can score a variety of Samsung tablets for their all-new record-low prices. Whether you're on a strict budget or ready to put a couple hundred bucks into the right purchase, today's sale includes tablets for everyone.

Best family tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) $169.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There are plenty of reasons to love the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+, and the affordable $169.99 price point in today's sale is just the first place to start. It's not every day that you can score a quality tablet for under $200, which is why we're jumping at today's Big Spring Sale deal. However, what truly makes this tablet special is its family-friendly features. With an 11-inch screen, it's one of the best tablets for video calling family members, or for letting kids stream their favorite movies. With the Samsung Kids App, you have the power to make sure that all the content your kids are consuming is age-appropriate. Plus, quad speakers and Dolby Atmos sound make every experience feel tangible.

Best everyday tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you plan to get a lot of use from your tablet, you'll want something durable that can withstand the wear and tear of everyday life and all the surprises it brings. The Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is water and dust-resistant, plus it has an 18-hour battery life. Long days a little exposure to the elements won't throw this tablet off. It also comes with an S Pen that helps you carry out all your creative projects with precision. When you shop today, you save $100 and score this powerful tablet for its new lowest price.

Best splurge tablet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Naturally, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has a lot in common with the standard Samsung Galaxy S9 FE. However, it packs a bit more punch for those who are looking for the next step up. Its extra-large 12.4-inch screen gives you more space for multitasking and tackling work projects, plus it has an even longer-lasting battery that reaches up to 20 hours. Even though the tablet is larger, it's still lightweight and travel-friendly, making it an excellent choice for folks who need to take their work home with them. In this limited-time deal, you can finally score this tablet for under $500.

More Samsung tablet deals:

The Tamawatchi is a retro reboot combining the Tamagotchi and Apple Watch

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 16:10

Earlier this week we reported that iPod shuffle hair clips are on the rise again, and now a second retro reboot is gaining steam. Creator Emma Orhun combined the shell of a vintage Tamagotchi with an Apple Watch face to create what she has christened a "Tamawatchi."

Orhun came up with the idea last summer and has since posted several videos explaining how she made it a reality, including an October TikTok with more than half a million likes. But an Instagram reel from earlier this month has gained more than 78,000 likes, bringing new interest to the project.

View this post on Instagram View this post on Instagram

If you're interested in creating one yourself, Orhun suggests pairing a Tamagotchi Connection v3 (a version of the device released in 2006) and an Apple Watch SE for the right fit. When you open the Tamagotchi, remove its electronics and shave down the inside with a small handheld power tool called a dremel, so you can place and secure the Apple Watch SE inside with double-sided tape.

From there, you should be good to go, as long as you're cool with the watch's limited functionality. You won't be able to access its side button or rolling crown to navigate its interface. But, as Orhun wrote in one of her posts, you will "reap the rewards of having really good taste."

Given the limited capabilities of the Tamawatchi, Tamagotchi collector @tamagotchi.vn says they intend to use their custom "iTama" for notifications only.

View this post on Instagram

Another creator took a completely different approach to the concept, whipping up a 3D-printed Tamagotchi to house their Apple Watch face.

If you want to get the look yourself, vintage Tamagotchis are available on secondhand sites like eBay. But if you prefer your Y2K style with 2024 functionality, silicon cases are available from several sellers online, including Rubbie's Room.

View this post on Instagram

Best Samsung Galaxy deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale: The Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy Book3, and Galaxy Tab S9 FE+

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 15:28
A quick look at the best Samsung Galaxy deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Best Samsung Galaxy phone deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1149.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best Samsung Galaxy Tab deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB) $499 at Amazon (save $100.99) Get Deal Best Galaxy Book deal Samsung Galaxy Book3 (Intel Core i5-1335U, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $619.99 at Amazon (save $380) Get Deal

The free 65-inch TVs being given away on Samsung's website didn't make us forget that Amazon's Big Spring Sale also has a lot of great Samsung deals. The bigger focus at Amazon, however, is on all things Samsung Galaxy: unlocked Galaxy smartphones, Galaxy Tabs and Galaxy Books, and Galaxy Watches.

SEE ALSO: Samsung reveals its new 2024 flagship TVs and Music Frame speaker

We're tracking the best Galaxy-specific deals below, though you can follow along as we track the best deals on other unlocked phones, laptops, tablets, and fitness trackers.

Samsung Galaxy smartphone deals

Note: Best Buy was matching all of the following offers at the time of writing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

"A close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premium 6.8-inch smartphone with a durable titanium design, a rear telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and a smattering of neat AI features. It also comes with a built-in S Pen stylus that doubles as a remote, said Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon. This is the 256GB base model's first discount since it launched in January 2024." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More Samsung Galaxy smartphone dealsSamsung Galaxy tablet and Galaxy Book deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+.

Rivaling the iPad Pro in size but the iPad Air in price, the 128GB version of the Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ has dropped below $500 for the first time since its debut in Oct. 2023. Compared to the standard Samsung Galaxy S9 FE, the plus sign on the end of "FE" most notably signifies a stretch in screen size from 10.9 inches to 12.4 inches, plus a bump in battery life up to 20 hours on one charge.

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Samsung Galaxy Watch deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 (40mm) $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6.

Opting for the Samsung Galaxy Watch 6 over the Google Pixel Watch was already a good decision in our eyes, but it being $50 less than usual at Amazon's spring sale should cement the choice for Android users. The Galaxy Watch 6 is easy on the eyes and easy to use, featuring a chic, round always-on display that makes it easy to scroll through a robust suite of health tracking features, including actually-good sleep tracking.

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The best gaming monitor deals from Amazon's spring sale: Acer, Samsung, LG, and more

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 15:27
Best gaming deals during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best monitor under $150 Samsung 23.5-inch CF396 curved monitor $109.99 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best monitor under $250 ASUS 27-inch TUF Gaming VG279QL3A $189 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal Best monitor deal under $500 HP Omen 34-inch VA LED Curved Gaming Monitor $349.99 at Best Buy (Save $130) Get Deal Best monitor deal under $1,000 Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 Series $799.99 at Amazon (Save $500 with on-page coupon) Get Deal

Look, we'll just say it — your play through of the new Stardew Valley update deserves better hardware.

Lucky for you, Amazon is running a Prime Day-like sale this spring through March 25 (and Walmart and Best Buy have decided to get in on the fun, too). In other words, you might finally be able to upgrade to that 4K monitor with a refresh rate higher than 60Hz.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale features a bunch of random deals on laptops — including $95 off a new M3 MacBook Air

We've gathered the best deals for casual and devoted gamers alike, whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or you're finally ready to grab that ultra-wide curved OLED monitor. You can check out our picks below — and don't forget to check out the rest of our favorite deals from Amazon's spring sale:

Best overall gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: HP HP Omen 34-inch VA LED Curved Gaming Monitor $349.99 at Best Buy
$479.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This week may have started as Amazon's sale, but Best Buy proves that other retailers are offering deals that are just as good. If you're looking to spend as little as possible on your first gaming monitor, you might want to skip this HP pick. However, if you want something a little better than just the basics but don't feel quite comfortable going into $500-plus territory quite yet, this HP Omen deal offers a competitive price on an ultra-wide curved monitor, while also giving you a 165HZ refresh rate for a smooth gaming experience.

Best gaming monitor deals under $150Best gaming monitor deals under $250Best gaming monitor deals under $500Best gaming monitor deals under $1,000Best gaming monitor deals under $1,500

Vulnerability found in Apple's Silicon M-series chips – and it can't be patched

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 15:17

A new security vulnerability has been discovered in Apple's Mac and MacBook computers – and the worst part is that it's unpatchable.

Academic researchers discovered the vulnerability, first reported by Ars Technica, which allows hackers to gain access to secret encryption keys on Apple computers with Apple's new Silicon M-Series chipset. This includes the M1, M2, and M3 Apple MacBook and Mac computer models.  

SEE ALSO: Bing vulnerability made it possible to alter search results

Basically, this vulnerability can be found in any new Apple computer released from late 2020 to today.

What is the vulnerability?

The issue lies with prefetchers — components meant to predictively retrieve data before a request to increase processing speed — and the opening they leave for malicious attacks from bad actors.

The researchers have dubbed the attack "GoFetch," which they describe as "a microarchitectural side-channel attack that can extract secret keys from constant-time cryptographic implementations via data memory-dependent prefetchers (DMPs)." 

A side-channel attack is a type of cyber attack that uses extra information that's left vulnerable due to the design of a computer protocol or algorithm.

The researchers explained the issue in an email to Ars Technica:

Prefetchers usually look at addresses of accessed data (ignoring values of accessed data) and try to guess future addresses that might be useful. The DMP is different in this sense as in addition to addresses it also uses the data values in order to make predictions (predict addresses to go to and prefetch). In particular, if a data value "looks like" a pointer, it will be treated as an "address" (where in fact it's actually not!) and the data from this "address" will be brought to the cache. The arrival of this address into the cache is visible, leaking over cache side channels. 

Our attack exploits this fact. We cannot leak encryption keys directly, but what we can do is manipulate intermediate data inside the encryption algorithm to look like a pointer via a chosen input attack. The DMP then sees that the data value "looks like" an address, and brings the data from this "address" into the cache, which leaks the "address." We don’t care about the data value being prefetched, but the fact that the intermediate data looked like an address is visible via a cache channel and is sufficient to reveal the secret key over time.

Basically, the researchers discovered that the DMPs in Apple's Silicon chipsets – M1, M2 and, M3 – can give hackers access to sensitive information, like secret encryption keys. The DMPs can be weaponized to get around security found in cryptography apps, and they can do so quickly too. For example, the researchers were able to extract an 2048-bit RSA key in under one hour.

Usually, when a security flaw is discovered nowadays, a company can patch the issue with a software fix. However, the researchers say this one is unpatchable because the issue lies with the "microarchitectural" design of the chip. Furthermore, security measures taken to help mitigate the issue would require a serious degradation of the M-series chips' performance.

Researchers say that they first brought their findings to Apple's attention on December 5, 2023. They waited 107 days before disclosing their research to the public. 

Best Buy's Member-Exclusive Sale gives Amazon's spring sale a run for its money: shop the best deals

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:45
The best deals from the Best Buy Member Exclusive Sale at a glance: BEST APPLE DEAL 24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99 for paid My Best Buy members (save $650) Get Deal BEST LAPTOP DEAL HP Spectre x360 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,129.99 for paid My Best Buy members (save $500) Get Deal BEST TV DEAL TCL 75-inch S4 LED TV $499.99 for paid My Best Buy members (save $50) Get Deal BEST GAMING DEAL Spend $100 or more in eligible gaming products Get a $20 Best Buy promotional certificate Get Deal

Surprise, surprise: Best Buy just tossed its hat in the ring to compete with Amazon's Prime Day-like Big Spring Sale. Walmart already joined in on the fun, so it was only a matter of time until Best Buy followed suit.

Best Buy's weekend sale kicked off March 22 and runs through March 24 at 12:59 a.m. ET. Where it differs from Amazon and Walmart, however, is that the savings event is exclusively for paid My Best Buy members. That includes both My Best Buy Plus and My Best Buy Total subscribers — regular My Best Buy members with free accounts are not included.

Not yet a member? The deals in the Member Exclusive Sale might make you want to join — like a sub-$500 75-inch TV, a $500 discount on our favorite Windows laptop, and more.

The good news is you can participate in the member-exclusive savings event by joining My Best Buy. There are two tiers of paid memberships: My Best Buy Plus, which costs $49.99 per year, and My Best Buy Total, which costs $179.99 per year. My Best Buy Plus members get exclusive member pricing, exclusive access to members-only events (like this weekend), and free two-day shipping. My Best Buy Total membership includes all of those things, plus 24/7 Geek Squad tech support, discounted tech repairs, and up to two years of product protection on most new purchases (including AppleCare+).

Already a member? Amazing. We've rounded up the best deals from Best Buy's Member Exclusive Sale below.

Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Our pick: 24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $999.99 at Best Buy
$1,649.99 Save $650.00 silver model only Get Deal Why we like it

It may not be the latest nor the greatest Mac out there, but the M1 iMac is still a reliable home computer with enough power to get you through everyday tasks. The M1 has recently been replaced with the M3 iMac, with a major bump in processing power. However, most casual users won't notice too much of a difference. At under $1,000, paid My Best Buy members can snag the silver model with the 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, and 512GB storage during the member-exclusive sale. That's a savings of nearly 40% — practically unheard of for any Apple product.

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Computer and tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: HP Our pick: HP Spectre x360 14 (Intel Core Ultra 7, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,129.99 at Best Buy
$1,629.99 Save $500.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Attention: a Mashable Choice award winner and the laptop our reviewer said "reigns supreme among Windows laptops" is on sale for $500 off — if you're a paid My Best Buy member, that is. Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon tested the HP Spectre x360 14 and found that it "covered all the bases for a satisfying Windows experience, including decent battery life, smooth performance, crisp sound, and more." Ultimately, she dubbed it "the best (Windows laptop) you can get." During the Best Buy member-exclusive sale this weekend, My Best Buy Plus and Total members can get the 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD model for only $1,129.99, down from $1,629.99.

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TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL Our pick: TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV $499.99 at Best Buy
$549.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you've been hunting for a massive TV on a budget, check out this deal on a TCL 75-inch S4 4K TV. It's not going to give you the most stunning image quality, but it does offer a 4K Ultra HD resolution, motion rate 120, Dolby Vision, and Dolby Atmos. Not to mention, you're getting a 75-inch screen for under $500 — that's practically a steal. My Best Buy Plus and Total members can snag it for $50 off through March 24 during the member-exclusive sale.

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Talking trash with 'Problemista's Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 14:00

With the critically heralded comedy Problemista, writer/helmer/star Julio Torres not only made his audacious directorial debut, but also placed his unique version of New York City onto the cinema landscape. Alongside a radiant and ruthless Tilda Swinton, Torres unfurls a tale of immigrants and outsiders who make the city their home, while acknowledging the iconic metropolis's heady blend of high art and heaping garbage. 

As I wrote in my review of the film, "From the moment I saw the trash piles in Problemista, I understood Torres's New York. Like Scorsese's of the '70s, it's a metropolis covered in mountains of trash, making the sidewalks an obstacle course for humans and an all-you-can-eat buffet for rats. However, in Problemista, these piles of garbage are peppered with whimsy. Beautiful paintings casually rest amid white trash bags. A glittering hula hoop or a rainbow umbrella, open and reaching high, protrudes from another pile. Unspoken but clearly presented is the New York City culture of trash-picking, where the haves will pitch their goods to curb, where the have-nots will gratefully carry items home (probably awkwardly on the subway), literally making another person's trash their treasure." 

When Mashable sat down with Torres and Swinton via Zoom to discuss Problemista, naturally, I asked about the trash. This led to a thoughtful exploration of the film's production and costume design, ranging from empty water bottles to tapestry and unexpected influences, both medieval and modern.

Julio Torres on the trash in Problemista.  Credit: A24

Problemista stars Torres as Alejandro, an aspiring toy designer from El Salvador who not only struggles to break into that industry but also to stay in the States, where the American immigration process is depicted as a literal labyrinth of mind-snapping obstacles. While Torres's film takes flights of fantasy in laying out these difficulties — including hourglasses that make immigrants vanish when the sand runs out and a particularly explosive conversation with a Bank of America phone operator — he uses literal trash to defy the image of a glittering metropolis favored by so many studio movies about New York. 

"I had been raised on a certain kind of New York movie," Torres explained, "Which was always very, very skyscraper-forward, pristine, pretty idealized New York. Then when I first came here, I was just like, 'Oh, there's just garbage everywhere.' Then I just sort of like fell in love with the garbage, and started noticing all these like very natural still lives of garbage throughout the city." 

When choosing a production designer, Torres was determined to capture that mix of wonder and revulsion. So he was elated to work with Katie Byron, the production designer of Janicza Bravo's Zola, a willfully seedy comedy based on the famous Twitter thread. "Something that I loved about her production design in Zola," Torres explained, "Is that there's plastic bags in every room. There's just so many plastic bags everywhere. And I was like, 'Oh, yeah, that's what it's like to live there.' So I just really wanted to like celebrate that in the movie."

SEE ALSO: Twitter thread adaptation 'Zola' takes the internet aesthetic to the next level Tilda Swinton relishes the trashy aesthetic of Problemista.  Craigslist personified by Larry Owens in "Problemista." Credit: A24

In Problemista, Swinton plays Elizabeth, an art critic who can push anyone to do her bidding with — as Swinton puts it — "the mighty sword of complaint." Crossing paths with Alejandro at a cryogenic facility, the pair form a tumultuous friendship as he helps her mount a gallery show for her frozen husband (RZA), and she holds the carrot of sponsoring his immigration. But there's more to her snarling New Yorker than meets the eye.

For Swinton, the details of the production design — down to the trash piles — connected to her own appreciation of the sour yet sensational city. "I feel very similarly to Julio," the British actress began. "Coming to New York for the first time. and coming from the countryside it felt like — you know, you're in the jungle. Literally, you're in a jungle. You're in a natural environment not just because of the trash but also because of the rats! You know, you are out there in the wilds when you're in New York, and I happen to love it for that reason." 

Swinton continued, "I always get a little discomforted when I come back to New York and someone's tidied a corner up. And then you come back a few years later, and someone's like, messed it up again, you go, 'Phew! Got it back.' But the movie is about wild animals to a certain extent and being in the jungle. And I was playing a dragon. And it felt very comforting to be in what Katie and Julio made. That environment felt very sort of harmonious."

To this Torres added, "Elizabeth also just carries trash with her at all times."

"Always," Swinton agreed, "Why would you put it down? It's useful."

How trash and tapestry informed Problemista's Hydra.  Credit: A24

Torres's brand of clever whimsy shapes Problemista as a modern fairy tale in which Alejandro is a valiant knight on a noble quest to make oddball toys. And in this scenario, Elizabeth is a dragon, breathing metaphorical fire and — in some more fantastical sequences — literally transforming to look like her cruel nickname from the New York art scene: the Hydra. 

As any dragon worth her scales, Elizabeth has a tendency to hold onto trash and treasures. So, she walks around constantly with an empty plastic water bottle in her claws and is fixated on her inventory of paintings (specifically inventoried in the nightmarish software FileMaker Pro). Swinton spoke of how she and Torres came up with some of Elizabeth's eccentricities. "I remember the moment when we were talking about purses and, you know, it was a matter of no note between the two of us that she would be carrying always, at least two."

Torres laughed in apparent agreement, as Swinton continued, "We all know we all do [in New York]. It's only people who want to look like some strange, fictional kind of human who manage to walk around with one." 

Tilda Swinton and Julio Torres discuss Elizabeth's distinctive aesthetic.  Tilda Swinton and RZA play a married couple in "Problemista." Credit: A24

With hair dyed flaming red and outfits as outrageous as they are undeniably chic, Elizabeth manages to be fantastical and recognizably New York. But Torres does something more crafty with costuming, layering in dragon-like elements to hint to Elizabeth's most ferocious side.

"That was just a wonderful triangular collaboration between Tilda, myself, and Catherine George, our costume designer," Torres explained. "We really wanted to imbue Elizabeth with this sort of hunched-over, like breathing dragon, silhouette. So everything that she wore hinted at [her dragon side]. And there was something sort of medieval tapestry about the way that she dresses. It's a lot of deep greens. It's a lot of maroons. It's like she has an armor in a way. It's almost like she's constantly protected by these scales. And yeah, there's something like very fairy-tale like about the way that she dresses." 

Swinton added, "It's really it was a such a beautiful process with Catherine who is a dear friend of mine. I've worked with her many times before, particularly with Bong Joon-ho (Snowpiercer, Okja), Jim Jarmusch (The Dead Don't Die, Paterson), and Lynne Ramsay (We Need to Talk about Kevin). This challenge — we know we're going to end up with the Hydra. But we have to kind of lay down this trail of breadcrumbs throughout the film. And the thing that's so genius, I think about what Catherine and Julio did with this costume, is that it also is completely authentically downtown New York art world." 

Turning to Torres, she said, "I mean, when you talk about medieval tapestry, yeah, but downtown New York art world, medieval tapestry. It's all kind of the same thing. It's the same vernacular language. Catherine was so up for that — as you say — triangulation. None of us ever walk past — let alone go into a downtown New York art scene party — [without seeing] Elizabeths everywhere. And that hunched, potbellied, kind-of-caught bent hand sort of thing? It's all the rage." 

Problemista is now in theaters nationwide.

These GIGABYTE laptops use AI to enhance your gaming

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:21

Gaming laptops are known for pushing tech boundaries, prioritizing top-tier hardware like advanced GPUs, fast processors, and ample RAM to gain an edge. And machines like the AORUS 16X and GIGABYTE G6X now integrate cutting-edge AI for better performance and efficiency.

GIGABYTE recently rolled out seven new gaming laptops amped up with AI, each packing NVIDIA's GeForce RTX™ 40 Series Laptop GPUs. These powerhouses deliver top-notch performance, razor-sharp graphics, and less lag for gamers craving seamless gameplay. Plus, GIGABYTE's clever use of these GPUs not only turbocharges AI tasks but also maximizes battery life, ensuring you stay in the game longer and on the go.

Reshaping gaming laptops with AI

GIGABYTE's AI Gaming Laptops are estimated to zip through generative AI tasks up to 20 times faster than laptops not equipped with a discrete GPU like theirs. AORUS 17 and AORUS 15 even boast advanced Intel® Core™ Ultra processors to enhance AI processing without draining battery life. This means your battery life stays stronger and lasts longer, adding one little extra layer of future-proofing.

All GIGABYTE laptop models seamlessly integrate with tools like OpenAI and Microsoft’s Copilot AI chatbot companion. However, two of their more advanced laptops, the AORUS 16X and GIGABYTE G6X, are primed to maximize the benefits of Copilot. Sporting a dedicated Copilot key, users can swiftly tap into its productivity and generative AI capabilities.

Copilot is just a keystroke away, whether you need to solve a puzzle, generate a strategy against an opponent, or recap the top points from your latest walkthrough stream.

Redefine your gaming with the AORUS 16X Credit: GIGABYTE

Making its mark on the digital battlefield, the AORUS 16X brings some very potent hardware to gaming. The GeForce RTX™ 40 Series Laptop GPUs, thanks to the specialized Tensor Cores, are built to accelerate AI generative tasks like content creation and image/video generation.

A cool laptop is a quicker, more competitive laptop when it comes to gaming applications, which is why the AORUS 16X also features GIGABYTE’s WINDFORCE Infinity system. Starting with two 84-blade power-enhanced fans pushing air away from the CPU through five heat pipes and four exhaust outlets, this onboard ventilation and cooling technology keeps temps under control quickly and quietly, keeping your gameplay from ever being throttled by heavy workloads. 

Gamers can dive into play with a 16-inch, 16:10 ratio display with a 165Hz refresh rate and 400 nits of peak brightness, plus Dolby Atmos® virtual surround sound to make everything sound rich, crisp, and clear.

Opens in a new window Credit: GIGABYTE AORUS 16X GeForce RTX™ 4070 graphics & Intel® Core™ i9-14900HX processor Learn More GIGABYTE’s AI Nexus

GIGABYTE Control Center (GCC) is part of all the AORUS laptops we’ve discussed so far. Designed for gamers, GCC simplifies complex settings into an intuitive interface, making it easier for gamers to control. Plus, 2024 AORUS series laptops can also harness more specific AI enhancements with their GCC featuring the AI Nexus.  

GIGABYTE’s AI Nexus features three functions, including extending battery life by detecting input power and adjusting between different GPUs using its AI Power Gear. On the flagship AORUS 16X model, users can take full advantage of GCC's capabilities for peak performance or let the software take control, freeing up energy to focus on playing at their best. AI Boost helps with automatic performance improvements, while AI Generator uses on-device utilities for a quick startup. 

Other options in this line include the AORUS 17X, AORUS 15, and AORUS 17, all of which offer the AI Nexus plus WINDFORCE Infinity cooling, Windows Hello authentication, Dolby Atmos®, and Dolby Vision® onboard.

Opens in a new window Credit: GIGABYTE GIGABYTE AI Gaming Laptops Powerful processors, next-gen graphics, and AI at your fingertips Learn More Expect no rules with the G6X Credit: GIGABYTE

The GIGABYTE G6X also harnesses the full might of the NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series Laptop GPU, delivering AI-accelerated performance and lifelike graphics courtesy of dedicated ray-tracing cores. Plus, this powerhouse amps up your streaming broadcasts with enhanced video and sound.

The G6X also stands out as one of the few laptops in its lineup to feature a beefier HX processor and a built-in MUX switch. This nifty feature allows users to toggle the output modes of the graphics card. By turning off certain aspects of the graphics card, system performance gets a boost, and battery life improves. This tradeoff provides faster and longer gameplay at the expense of slightly reduced graphics power, well worth it in the fiercely competitive gaming world.

Other laptops in the GIGABYTE line include the G5, a lighter device with a smaller screen size and slightly lower refresh rate, and the G6, which maintains the same screen size and refresh rate as the G6X but has a slightly different processor, and without the MUX switch.

Opens in a new window Credit: GIGABYTE GIGABYTE G6X GeForce RTX™ 4060 & Intel® Core™ i7-13650HX processor Learn More

If you’re intrigued by these new gaming laptops with the power of onboard AI tools and all the improvements that come along with it, learn more about the GIGABYTE G6X and the AORUS 16X here.

Why 'Problemista' star Tilda Swinton would never host 'Saturday Night Live'

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:14

Problemista stars Julio Torres and Tilda Swinton talk about Julio's time on SNL and why Tilda would never host the show. Problemista opens in theaters in limited release March 1, then expands nationwide March 22.

These portable SSDs are at steep discounts during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 13:03

UPDATE: Mar. 22, 2024, 12:50 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Best portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring sale Best internal SSD deal WD_Black 2 TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 $199.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal Best external SSD deal WD_Black 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD $189.99 at Amazon (save $40) Get Deal

Nobody likes doing the storage shuffle. You know what we mean — constantly having to delete stuff off of your gaming console or computer to make room for new stuff. It's not a big deal the first few times, but trust us, it becomes exhausting very quickly. That's why having a portable SSD (either internal or external) is pretty much a must-have.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple Watch deals from Amazon's spring sale are at Walmart

And thankfully, during Amazon's Prime-Day-style spring sale, there are plenty of portable SSDs on sale across a variety of brands. Whether you need one for your PC, laptop, PlayStation 5 or Xbox, you're covered.

Check out our favorite portable SSD deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below.

Best internal SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_Black 2 TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD for PlayStation 5 $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you want an internal SSD expansion for your PlayStation 5, your best bet is going to be the WD_Black SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD. It's easy to install, and will get you an extra 2TB of space to download games, apps, and more. It also features a heatsink to keep things from getting too toasty inside your console, and you can play games straight from the SSD instead of having to swap things around all the time.

More internal SSD dealsBest external SSD deal Opens in a new window Credit: Western Digital WD_Black 2TB P40 Game Drive SSD $189.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Compatible with both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S, the WD_Black P40 Game Drive is a fantastic external SSD to add to your gaming setup. It comes with 2TB of extra space, and you won't have to install it — it simply connects to your console via USB. You can even customize the drive's RGB lighting for extra style points.

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Get up to 17% off unlocked Samsung Galaxy smartphones during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:59

UP TP 17% OFF: During day three of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, you can score up to 17% off unlocked Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

Our top picks: Best S24+ deal Samsung Galaxy S24+ Plus (256 GB) $849.99 at Amazon (save $150 ) Get Deal Best Z Flip deal Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (512 GB) $969.99 at Amazon (save $150 ) Get Deal Best S24 Ultra deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (512 GB) $1,269.99 at Amazon (save $150 ) Get Deal Best Z Fold deal Samsung Galaxy Z Fold (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon (save $300 ) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has caused quite a stir since its announcement. You can find just about anything on sale, including unlocked Samsung Galaxy smartphones with discounts of up to 17%. It's like Prime Day, except everyone can take advantage of the deals, not just Prime members.

Here are our favorite deals on unlocked Samsung Galaxy smartphones during Amazon's Big Spring Sale:

Best S24+ deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S24+ Plus (256 GB) $849.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy S24+ (256 GB) has some pretty cool features and a larger, brighter screen, so you won't miss anything important during your nightly scroll sesh.

With the Circle to Search feature, you can quickly find out what your favorite celebs are wearing and buy it for yourself. You can also look up words or get more info on certain topics — just circle it with your finger, and Google will do the rest.

This phone also offers real-time translation capabilities, so you can communicate with people while traveling without worrying about language barriers. Plus, with fast charging, dual recording, and Chat Assist, it's basically a pocket-sized personal assistant.

Best Z Flip deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (512 GB) $969.99 at Amazon
$1,119.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you spent your teens in the '00s, then the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip5 (512 GB) will reach you on a nostalgic level. This Paris Hilton-esque flip phone will take you back to the era of clamshell phones with a modern twist.

The Z Flip5 comes in four colors, including mint and lavender (both are fetch). As the name suggests, this little phone is a pocket-sized gadget that folds neatly in half.

With the Flex Window, you can use it while it's folded in half and easily view notifications, control music, or take quick selfies. You can even take video calls hands-free with its flexible freestop hinge.

Best S24 Ultra deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (512 GB) $1,269.99 at Amazon
$1,419.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (512 GB) is ideal for professionals, students, and creatives who need a high-performance smartphone with ample storage space.

The S Pen integration and the large display make it perfect for note-taking, sketching, and multitasking. It also features Chat Assist, Circle Search, and real-time translation capabilities, making it a versatile tool for communication and productivity.

With the 200 MP camera, you can capture photographer-quality images and videos and then edit them with advanced editing tools right on your phone. Take objects (or people) out of a photo, fill in empty space, adjust lighting, and more.

Best Z Fold deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy Z Fold (256 GB) $1,499.99 at Amazon
$1,799.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The final Samsung deal in our lineup is the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5 (256 GB). This phone folds in half like a book, giving you the ultimate display (7.6 inches) when unfolded.

This phone is compatible with the S Pen, offers Flex Mode to stream hands-free, and has a powerful camera system for taking Insta-worthy photos and videos.

It's also a pretty solid gaming device with a large screen and a fast processor for smooth gameplay.

Samsung reveals its new 2024 flagship TVs and Music Frame speaker

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:52

On March 22, Samsung hosted an Unbox & Discover event in New York City, where the manufacturer revealed four new flagship TVs and a Frame smart speaker. All of the new products are available for pre-order now at the Samsung website, and Samsung is offering some attractive incentives to encourage customers to place pre-orders.

The new products include a new Frame art TV and accompanying Music Frame smart speaker, as well as new QLED and OLED models. Thanks to a speedy new processor, the AI-powered smart TVs will be able to upscale older content and deliver improved picture quality, according to Samsung.

The new products include:

The new TV models range in size from 43 inches all the way up to a massive 98-inch version of the 4K QN90D Neo QLED TV, with a nosebleed-inducing price tag of $14,999.99. For mere mortals, Samsung will also offer slightly more affordable versions of these TVs, the Neo QLED 4K QN85D, the Neo QLED 8K QN900D, and the OLED 4K S90D.

Mashable previewed the new TVs at the launch event, where Samsung also debuted a cheesy 90s sitcom parody starring former Saturday Night Live cast members Molly Shannon and Tim Meadows. We've got all the details, plus a look inside the event.

Samsung shows off its new 8K Neo QLED TV. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable We didn't mess with the saturation on these photos one bit. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable New Frame TV and speaker coming soon

Samsung's ultra-thin Frame art TV has proven to be extremely popular, and Samsung releases a new iteration every year. For the 2024 The Frame TV, Samsung worked with Pantone to validate the color fidelity of the display, ensuring that video and artworks render accurately in all light conditions. The Frame TV (2024) will also come with an art preview feature, letting users who don't subscribe to Samsung's art collection preview new works each month. None of these features are game-changing, and we'd class them under iterative improvements.

Samsung previews the newest product in the Frame lineup. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Close-up with the new picture frame-like Music Frame. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

However, Samsung did reveal a new product in the Frame lineup — the new Music Frame smart speaker. The Music Frame looks like a square picture frame, and can thus blend in with your home decor. The Music Frame can stand up, be mounted on the wall, or move around as needed.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 2024 The Frame Art TV Starting at $999.99 Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Music Frame at Samsung
Shop Now Samsung introduces new chip for smarter TVs with AI upscaling

At the Unbox & Discover event, Samsung leaders were keen to showcase the TV's AI upscaling. The new Samsung 2024 TVs are powered by a new chip, the NQ4 AI Gen2 Processor processor. Samsung promises that this chip delivers double the performance (and eight times as many neural networks) as its predecessor. The new chip will allow the AI TVs to automatically upscale grainy or low-quality video from years gone by. That might sound like sacrilege to lovers of lo-fi retro content, or an exciting new way to experience beloved content from the 90s and beyond—pick your poison.

Samsung leaders made the announcement with an assist from former SNL cast members Shannon and Meadows, who starred in a spoof video meant to highlight the new AI upscaling. To demonstrate this effect, Meadows and Shannon appeared in a 90s sitcom parody titled, "Best in the House."

The parody started with the lo-fi video quality you'd expect from a 90s sitcom, before switching to the "upscaled" version. (Presumably, the video was shot with modern cameras, so it's unclear why upscaling would be necessary.) Beyond upscaling, the new chip will also allow improved picture quality, clarity, and contrast. For instance, the AI TVs will be able to isolate fast-moving objects to make them more visible to the users. This would be ideal for sports content, as a blurry soccer ball or football flying across the screen could become easier to see.

The 90s sitcom parody at the Samsung Unbox & Discover event. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Shannon and Meadows at the event. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable Pre-order the new TVs and get a free 65-inch TV

To promote the launch of the new Samsung TVs, the company announced a new promotion: Customers who pre-order one of the new TVs will receive a free 65-inch TV. Specifically, when you pre-order a new 2024 Samsung TV, you'll receive a free 65-inch UHD Samsung TV (total value of $529.99). Likewise, users who pre-order the new Frame smart speaker will receive a $50 credit to use at Samsung's online store.

Mashable was able to check out the new TVs at the Unbox & Discover event, and pre-orders are live at the Samsung website. Samsung didn't announce an official release date, but we expect the TVs to start arriving by the end of March.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung OLED S95D TV Starting at $2,599.99 Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Neo QLED 8K QN900D Starting at $4,999.99 Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Neo QLED 4K QN90D  Starting at $1,499.99 Shop Now

Instagram just limited the political content you see. You can change that.

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:44

It looks like Meta is distancing itself — and users — from political content even more.

It's easy to see why. Social media sites have been rife with misinformation and disinformation during past elections. It seems Meta's response to these egregious mistakes is to make political content rarer on its platforms. Users have noticed that Instagram and Threads are quite literally putting limits on political content. On many users' accounts, including my own, the settings were automatically set to "limit" users from seeing "political content." 

View this post on Instagram

To toggle this on or off Instagram and Threads, navigate to your settings in the Instagram app and scroll down to "content preferences." There, you'll see a few options for controlling the kinds of content you want to see on your account. If you click "political content," you'll be brought to a page that reads: "Political content is likely to mention governments, elections, or social topics that affect a group of people and society at large." You have two options. The first is "don't limit," which means "you might see more political or social topics in your suggested content." The second is "limit," which means "you might see less political or social topics in your suggested content. Whatever you choose will also be applied to your Threads account.

SEE ALSO: Why you'll see even less political content on Instagram and Threads

As Instagram describes, this decision affects all of the suggested posts in Explore, Reels, Feed Recommendations, and Suggested Users. "It does not affect the content from accounts you follow," Instagram says. 

"This announcement expands on years of work on how we approach and treat political content based on what people have told us they wanted," Dani Lever, a Meta spokesperson, told Mashable. "And now, people are going to be able to control whether they would like to have these types of posts recommended to them."

This change doesn't come as a surprise. Last month, Instagram and Threads told us they'd be doing something like this. The company said in a blog post that it would no longer "proactively recommend political content from accounts you don’t follow."

"These recommendations updates apply to public accounts and in places where we recommend content such as Explore, Reels, In-Feed Recommendations and Suggested Users – it doesn’t change how we show people content from accounts they choose to follow," the social media giant wrote in a blog post. "If political content – potentially related to things like laws, elections, or social topics – is posted by an account that is not eligible to be recommended, that account’s content can still reach their followers in Feed and Stories."

Instagram Head Adam Mosseri said that the platform's "goal is to preserve the ability for people to choose to interact with political content while respecting each person’s appetite for it." The changes began rolling out slowly, and while they're active for many users already, they might not be active for all users just yet.

Update: This piece has been updated to reflect a comment from Meta.

'The Penguin' trailer: Colin Farrell waxes poetic about gangster life

Fri, 03/22/2024 - 12:35

Max has released its first trailer for The Penguin, the next chapter in director Matt Reeves' Batman saga. By the looks of it, the show is basically all about how Oz "the Penguin" Cobb (an unrecognizable Colin Farrell) wants a parade to celebrate him.

Yes, there's more to the trailer than that, including several moody shots of Gotham in flames. But for the most part, this trailer is a slow burn of Oz recalling a famed gangster from his childhood: Rex Calabrese. He was such a big deal in Oz's neighborhood that when he died — still holding a cigar, mind you — they threw a parade in his honor. As Oz tries to rise up in the ranks of Gotham's criminal underworld, it's clear he wants the same kind of gestures to remember him by.

The Penguin premieres on Max this fall.

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