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It's been less than a year since the Trump administration announced its sprawling AI action plan, and the government continues to push for America to be the global leader in AI.

And while American opinion on AI remains mixed, adoption of AI tools has grown domestically. U.S.-based AI companies are taking products to market at breakneck speeds. According to a 2025 Stanford report, the U.S. is building more top AI models than any other country.

With this as proof that their plan is working, federal leaders are charging ahead with new infrastructure plans and AI executive orders, from beefing up AI stack workers to coordinating military deployment. Here's what's happened over the last month:

SEE ALSO: Disinformation on U.S.-Iran war takes over the internet Ratepayer Protection Pledge 

In an apparent gesture to assuage growing concern about the impact of nationwide data centers, Trump unveiled the buzzy Ratepayer Protection Pledge on March 5. 

The voluntary, non-binding pledge is a tech industry commitment to provide or pay for all energy costs associated with AI projects. Signees agree to add new power stations instead of relying on existing power grids, cover costs of upgrading existing energy systems, and negotiate separate rate structures with local utility companies, when possible. It was signed by Google, Meta, Microsoft, OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, Oracle, and xAI, following months of comments by Trump encouraging tech companies to "pay their own way" toward a larger national AI infrastructure. 

Speaking at a White House roundtable on March 4, Trump said that Big Tech needed the "PR help," responding to a growing body of complaints that tech companies were offloading energy costs onto residents near data centers. "Because people think that if a data center goes in, their electricity prices are going to go up, and that’s not happening," the president said. "It’s not going to happen."

To the chagrin of climate activists, the agreement does not mention limiting the environmental impacts of data centers. And energy experts say that long-term energy cost reduction will take years to be reflected in the bills of community members  — if companies actually stick to their promises. 

U.S. Tech Corps 

On Feb. 22, the Trump administration quietly unveiled its new Tech Corps, an offshoot of the nation's Peace Corps, that will send trained Americans abroad to evangelize about American AI technology. 

Tech Corps members, who must have proven tech skills, will be assigned to projects in participating American AI Exports Program countries, participating in what the government calls "last mile" AI deployment, CNBC reports. A list of participating countries has yet to be announced.   

The Tech Corps will "help countries around the world harness American artificial intelligence to enhance opportunity and prosperity for their citizens," the official website reads. Examples on the website include working alongside schools to accelerate AI adoption, assisting national offices in co-developing AI models, and offering virtual project options in collaboration with American tech companies. Tech Corps volunteers serve 12 to 27-month placements, and on-ground deployments are expected to begin this fall. Like the Peace Corps, volunteers will get covered housing, healthcare, and a living stipend. 

The Trump administration has said it will harness the agency's existing infrastructure to "turbocharge" the mission of "promoting World Peace and friendship."

Don't confuse the Tech Corps with the Trump administration's Tech Force, a two-year training and fellowship program aimed at recruiting a fleet of AI specialists and technologists. At the time, the administration explained the program would result in about "1,000 technology specialists hired by agencies to accelerate artificial intelligence (AI) implementation and solve the federal government's most critical technological challenges." The advertised salary for the select few ranges from $150,000 up to $200,000 — no degree required.​

AI-enabled Department of War 

But the biggest headline out of Trump's recent tech agenda is actually an escalating feud, as the administration's Department of War goes head-to-head with some of the country's leading AI companies. Amid a new war with Iran, the government hopes to use the modern tech to boost the country's warfare capacity. 

SEE ALSO: Anthropic challenges Department of War designation as AI dispute escalates

Part of the administration's efforts to modernize federal offices and integrate AI across departments, AI developers including OpenAI, Google, Perplexity, and Anthropic have snagged multimillion dollar contracts to deploy their services across the federal government and even work directly with federal agencies.

But a recent $200 million deal with Anthropic over the use of Claude by the U.S. military has since fallen through, after the company drew a hard line on utilizing its models to engage in potential mass domestic surveillance or power autonomous weapons under the Department of War. In response, Trump ordered an immediate termination of the use of Claude by government agencies and later declared Anthropic a "supply-chain risk" to national security, even as rumors circulated that negotiations had been reopened. In the meantime, OpenAI swooped in to take over the agreement, with CEO Sam Altman admitting the agreement to use OpenAI's model was rushed. 

"I think we are heading towards a world where the relationship between governments and AI efforts is critical," Altman wrote in a lengthy X post. "This will be difficult but it has to happen; I do not see any good future where we don't get there."

Uber is now offering its women-only safety feature, known as Women Preferences, to users nationwide.

First launched to pilot markets in Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Detroit last July, the feature lets users and drivers select gender preferences for ride matches and schedule rides with women drivers. The setting is also available for Uber Teen Accounts.

SEE ALSO: Yet another state makes moves to end dynamic pricing

"Women Preferences was created because women asked for it," the company wrote in a March 9 blog post.

According to the company, Women Preferences has been used for 230 million rides since its launch. It's available for drivers in 40 countries and for riders in seven countries (the U.S., Germany, France, Saudi Arabia, Portugal, Brazil, and Spain).

Uber's competitor Lyft launched a similar feature connecting women and nonbinary riders to non-male drivers nearly two years earlier. Lyft expanded the Women+ Connect tool nationwide in 2024. Both companies have weathered complaints that the ride-sharing apps are not doing enough to address rider assaults.

Last month, Uber was found partially liable for sexual violence perpetrated by one of its drivers and ordered to pay more than $8 million in damages. Rider Jaylynn Dean sued the company after she was raped by a driver in 2023 and discovered the company hadn't notified her that her trip was flagged for a potential serious safety incident. Uber faces thousands of pending sexual assault and sexual misconduct lawsuits, according to the New York Times.

Meanwhile, male drivers have alleged that such safety features are a form of workplace gender discrimination. A group of ride-share employees recently filed several lawsuits claiming they have lost wages, arguing there are grounds for a class action lawsuit.

Mar10 Day, the day of celebration for all things Mario, is just one day away. This year, Nintendo celebrates the 40th anniversary of the iconic game series, and they're kicking off their sale with tons of deals on top Mario titles. Let's-a-go, indeed.

So far, the best Mar10 Day deals are exclusively on video games, the majority of which can be found from the Nintendo eShop, but there's also a few worth checking out at Amazon. The eShop's sale will be on through March 15 at 11:59 PT (we anticipate Amazon will likely mimic the sale times).

Below, find the best deals on Mario games we've gathered so far:

Best Mar10 Nintendo Switch game deal Super Mario Party Jamboree $39.88 at Walmart
$59.99 Save $20.11   Get Deal at Walmart Get Deal at Amazon Get Deal at Amazon Why we like it

Name one thing one more timeless than the special blend of fun and abject anger found in every game of Mario Party. You can't! The latest installment of the game, Mario Party Jamboree, is no exception, with Mashable's Alex Perry calling it "mean in all the best ways." This Mario Day deal brings it down to its lowest price ever, both for the original Switch and Switch 2 editions of the game (though for anyone looking to save a little extra money, it's worth noting the original game is compatible on both consoles).

More Mar10 Nintendo Switch game deals

Switch 2

• Super Mario Party Jamboree Nintendo Switch 2 edition + Jamboree TV — $61.98 $79.99 (save $18.01)

Switch

• Donkey Kong Country Returns — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario & Luigi: Brothership — $29.83 $59.99 (save $30.16)

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Mario vs. Donkey Kong — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Gold Edition — $8.99 $89.99 (save $81)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Season Pass — $7.49 $29.99 (save $22.50)

• Paper Mario: The Thousand Year Door — $29.99 $59.99 (save $30)

• Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Super Mario Maker 2 — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Super Mario Odyssey — $39.98 $59.99 (save $20.01)

• Super Mario Party Jamboree — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• Super Mario RPG — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

SAVE 35%: As of March 9, you can get the TCL 55-inch Class T7 Series 4K QLED TV for $390, down from $599.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or just about $210 in savings.

TCL 55-inch Class T7 Series 4K QLED TV $390 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $209.99   Get Deal at Amazon

If you're looking for a TV with a good screen that doesn't cost a fortune, this is the one to grab. Mashable readers buy this specific TCL model all the time, and right now, it's sitting at the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday.

SEE ALSO: What's the best time of year to buy a TV? Yes, there's an answer.

As of March 9, you can get the TCL 55-inch Class T7 Series 4K QLED TV for $390, down from $599.99, at Amazon. That's a 35% discount or just about $210 in savings.

For under $400, the specs on this 2025 model are genuinely solid. You'll get a 4K QLED display and a 120Hz refresh rate, which is just a technical way of saying you won't get annoying motion blur when you're watching live sports or playing fast-paced video games. It runs on Google TV, so all your streaming apps are built right in. It also works with Alexa, Google Assistant, and Apple HomeKit if you prefer voice commands over digging through your couch cushions for the remote.

New information about Apple's long-rumored foldable iPhone keeps leaking.

The latest leak comes from longtime Apple leaker Sonny Dickson, who shared what looks like a few photos from the 3D CAD rendering files showing the iPhone Fold's hardware design.

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This isn't the first design leak we've seen for the iPhone Fold, which has a wider shape than the flagship foldables we've seen from Samsung, Google, and OnePlus.

Dickson's leak closely matches an earlier leak from YouTuber Jon Prosser of FrontPageTech.

As 9to5Mac points out, the back of the device shows the same camera plateau as found on the iPhone Air. However, the foldable device has two lenses on the back of the phone. In addition, a pinhole for the selfie cam can be found on the front of the device when it is closed. There also appears to be another pinhole for a selfie camera on the left-hand corner of the device when it is opened as well.

A foldable iPhone has long been a rumor among Apple fans and industry insiders. Reporters and analysts like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have all but confirmed that Apple is actively working on such a device, with a release potentially scheduled for fall 2026.

SEE ALSO: Everything we know about the iPhone Fold: Specs, pricing, rumors and leaks

According to Prosser and other leakers, the foldable iPhone will have a 5.5-inch external display, and the opened foldable screen will measure at 7.8 inches. When the device is closed, the foldable iPhone will be 9mm thick, and when opened, its thickness will roughly be 4.5mm, or even thinner than the iPhone Air.

Prosser's report also shared that the device is equipped with a total of four cameras, which would match the two rear cameras and the two selfie cameras as seen in the 3D rendering.

The details about the iPhone Fold from Prosser are notable considering that Apple is currently suing the YouTuber over separate leaks that Prosser shared previously concerning iOS 26 and Liquid Glass. According to Apple's lawsuit, another individual mentioned in the suit sent the information from an Apple employee's phone, which further legitimizes Prosser's sources.

For now, none of these potential iPhone Fold specs are confirmed.

SAVE $30: The 43-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD LED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $197.99, down from the list price of $227.99. That's a 13% discount and a record-low price at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung 43-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD LED 4K TV $197.99 at Amazon
$227.99 Save $30   Get Deal

We're not saying a new TV will make your life way better, but it very well might make binging shows way more enjoyable. If you're considering a new TV but don't want something gigantic that costs four figures, check out this budget-friendly deal at Amazon.

As of March 9, the 43-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD LED 4K TV is on sale at Amazon for $197.99, marked down from the usual price of $227.99. That's a 13% discount that takes $30 off the price. It's also a new record-low price at Amazon.

Are there fancier TVs on the market? Absolutely. Do you need one? Maybe not. For plenty of folks, the 43-inch Samsung LED 4K TV will be perfect for streaming workout videos in the bedroom, keeping the kids entertained with a classic Disney movie, or for watching baseball games in the den.

SEE ALSO: The 55-inch Sony Bravia 3 TV is over $50 off at Amazon — upgrade now for less

The Samsung Crystal UDK is the 2025 model with an LED display and a 60Hz refresh rate. It comes with Samsung TV Plus premium channels which gives you unlimited access to over 400 channels including news, sports, and movies.

Before this deal vanishes, upgrade to the 43-inch Samsung Class Crystal UHD LED 4K TV. It's on sale at Amazon for a record-low price of under $200. The size makes this model great for smaller rooms, and the affordable price adds to the allure.

SAVE 42%: As of March 9, you can get the Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop (Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $1,249.99, down from $2,149.99, at Dell. That's a 42% discount or $900 savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Alienware Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop (Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,249.99 at Dell
$2,149.99 Save $900.00   Get Deal

In theory, building your own gaming PC sounds like a fun weekend project. In reality, it involves stressing over cable management and praying you applied the thermal paste correctly. I'm a huge advocate for just buying a solid, ready-to-go pre-built rig so you can skip straight to the gaming part — especially when there's a discount this good.

SEE ALSO: CES 2026: Dell teases new ultra-slim and entry-level Alienware gaming laptops

As of March 9, you can get the Alienware Aurora Gaming Desktop (Intel Core Ultra 7 265F, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5060 Ti, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) for $1,249.99, down from $2,149.99, at Dell. That's a 42% discount or $900 savings.

Our sister site, PCMag, reviewed this 2025 Aurora lineup and gave it a 4.0 "Excellent" rating. They loved its "space-age" design, but the best part is obviously the hardware. (As a bonus, reviewers noted it runs "nearly silent" even under heavy gaming loads.)

It also has super-convenient front-panel ports, so you don't have to awkwardly reach around the back of the machine to plug in your headset or controllers. Plus, if you ever do get the itch to tinker, the Aurora's interior features tool-free access to most of its components. That means if you eventually want to pop in some extra storage down the line, you can do it without busting out a toolbox.

The best airline travel deals this week: Southwest Airlines One way tickets as low as $49 Get Deal JetBlue Airlines Up to 50% off flights with a vacation package Get Deal Frontier Airlines One-way fares as low as $19 with Discount Den Get Deal Spirit Airlines Up to 30% off flight and hotel bundles Get Deal

You're probably already feeling the pain at the pump as nationwide gas prices jumped an average of 27 cents in a week (per data from the AAA motor club) from the fallout of the U.S.-Israeli attack on Iran. And that same surge is beginning to effect air travel as well. Jet fuel spiked an absurd 56% in the days following the strikes, which inevitably points to one thing: pricier plane tickets. TL;DR: If you're planning a trip (or even considering it), get your tickets ASAP before that price hike kicks in.

Fortunately, several airlines are running spring sales to ease some of that stress on your wallet. But you'll want to act fast to secure a deal. According to United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby, the impact from rising fuel costs on passenger plane ticket prices will "probably start quick." Shop the best spring airline ticket deals below.

Southwest Airlines: Get one way tickets as low as $49 Opens in a new window Credit: Southwest Airlines Southwest Airlines One way tickets as low as $49 Get Deal

Southwest Airlines stays pumping out discounts for its travelers. Its Spring Forward Sale is live from March 9 through March 12 and you can book a one-way ticket for as low as just $49. There is some fine print as always, so listen up. The discounted flight prices are valid on travel between March 31 and June 10 in the continental U.S. and inter-island Hawaii only, and a 21-day advance purchase is required. Restrictions, exclusions, and blackout dates apply. After some poking around, I was able to find $69 flights from Nashville to New York City, $67 flights to Atlanta, and $49 flights to Columbus. I suggest heading to the sale page and selecting your departure city from the drop down list to get an overview of costs.

JetBlue Airlines: Take up to 50% off flights with a vacation package Opens in a new window Credit: JetBlue Airlines JetBlue Airlines Up to 50% off flights with a vacation package Get Deal

If you book your full spring getaway with JetBlue airlines, you could save up to $500 plus get up to 50% off your flight. You'll have to act fast, though, as the website says the sale ends today (March 9). The discount will vary depending on your travel dates and availability, but JetBlue claims its included "a discount of up to 50% off in the package price." Use the following promo codes at checkout to slash the cost of your full vacation package:

• $25 off $750+ with code HELLOSPRING25

• $300 off $4,000 with code HELLOSPRING300

• $500 off $7,000 with code HELLOSPRING500

Frontier Airlines: Book one-way fares with Discount Den starting from $19 Opens in a new window Credit: Frontier Airlines Frontier Airlines One-way fares as low as $19 with Discount Den Get Deal

Frontier Airlines is offering its Discount Den members flight deals as low as $19 one way. A Discount Den membership costs $59.99 per year and unlocks the ability to earn travel miles and Elite Status points for every flight, early access to promotions and offers, free flights for kids, and Discount Den fares for you and up to eight additional people on your reservation. With the current sale, I was able to find a flight from Nashville to Orlando for only $27 one way and from Nashville to Denver for only $57. The more flexible you are with your dates and destination, the better deals you'll find.

Spirit Airlines: Save up to 30% on your vacation when you bundle your flight and hotel Opens in a new window Credit: Spirit Airlines Spirit Airlines Up to 30% off flight and hotel bundles Get Deal

You can save up to 30% on your next vacation when you bundle your flight and hotel with Spirit Airlines. Not to mention, you'll earn an extra 500 Free Spirit points for every vacation package you book, which you can put towards your next trip. If you're looking to get away ASAP, you can save even more on last-minute vacations. Some of the deals you can book include a flight and hotel for as low as $390 per person from Detroit to Miami, from Dallas to Montego Bay for as low as $632 per person, and from Newark to Fort Lauderdale for as low as $372 per person.

The artificial intelligence company filed two lawsuits against the Department of Defense, saying it was being punished on ideological grounds.

Best sleep week deals at a glance Best mattress deal Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hyrbid Mattress (queen) $999 (save $333 at Brooklyn Bedding) Get Deal Best sleep earbuds deal Soundcore Sleep A30 $199.99 (save $30 at Amazon) Get Deal Best sleep tracker deal CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro $79 (save $20 at Amazon) Get Deal Best pillow deal Coop Home Goods Adjustable Latex Pillow (queen) $74.50 (save $74.50 at Amazon) Get Deal Best alarm clock deal Hatch Restore 3 Sunrise Alarm Clock $144.99 (save $25 at Amazon) Get Deal

Over the weekend, we lost an hour of sleep. Now when the morning alarm clock goes off at 7 a.m., our internal clocks think it's 6 a.m. An hour doesn't sound like a ton of time, but it sure felt like it when waking up for work this morning. If nothing else, it's shown us the importance of sleep.

Coincidentally, the National Sleep Foundation has March 8 to 14 dedicated to sleep awareness week. It's a time to focus on why sleep matters, how it impacts our wellbeing and health, and what can be done to improve sleep quality. If you don't remember when you bought your current mattress or pillow, it's possible that it's time for a some new sleep gear.

SEE ALSO: Sleep Week 2026: From Oura to Whoop, we tested the best sleep trackers of 2026

Nearly every sleep-centric brand is celebrating the week, so this is a great time to bundle spring cleaning with a bedroom refresh. Get some cooling sheets, a sunrise alarm clock, and sleep earbuds that are comfortable enough for side sleeping. These are our favorite sleep week deals for helping you get restorative slumber.

Best mattress deal Opens in a new window Credit: Brooklyn Bedding Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hyrbid Mattress (queen) $999 at Brooklyn Bedding
$1,332 Save $333   Get Deal Why we like it

If you sleep hot, the Brooklyn Bedding CopperFlex Pro Hyrbid Mattress could be an actual dream come true. After testing the mattress for weeks, I can say I've never slept on a cooler mattress. During Sleep Week 2026, the queen-size CopperFlex Pro Hybrid Mattress is on sale for just $999.

Brooklyn Bedding used a cool-to-the-touch cover on the mattress and paired it with copper-infused memory foam for a truly cooling experience. Plus, it's great for pressure relief. The motion isolation on the bed is also great for couples.

More mattress deals

• Avocado — take up to 15% off organic mattresses and up to 50% off organic bedding

• Awara — save 50% on select mattresses

• DreamCloud — save up to 60% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Essentia — take up to 22% off

• Layla — take up to $200 off mattresses and up to 50% off sleep accessories

• Leesa — take 20% off mattresses

• Naturepedic — take 15% off organic mattresses and get free sheets with mattresses size twin and up

• Nectar — save up to 50% on mattresses and 66% on bundles

• Nest — save up to 50%

• Purple — queen-size mattresses start at $999

• Silk & Snow — take up 15% off sitewide and $300 off mattresses

• Woolroom — save up to 30%

Best sleep earbuds deal Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore Sleep A30 $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30   Get Deal Why we like it

If you're not getting restful sleep on account of noise, the Soundcore Sleep A30 earbuds aim to ease you into restful slumber. Designed to be comfortable enough for side sleepers, the earbuds come with plenty of white noise and snore masking tracks. Plus, the case has built-in lights, so you won't need to fumble around for it in the dark.

Mashable Lead Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard tested out the Sleep A30 earbuds when they launched last August. Not only do they block sounds, they act as a sleep tracker, too. The metrics give you insight into overall time spent asleep, amount in deep vs. light sleep, and sleep movements.

It's worth noting the Sleep A30 earbuds are on sale for $30 off, which brings them down to $199.99. However, Anker just launched the new Sleep A30 Special earbuds which are now Mashable's favorite sleep earbuds, making some improvements in performance compared to the original Sleep A30. The new Sleep A30 Special earbuds aren't on sale during Sleep Week 2026, but at full price they come in at $199.99, or the same price as the original A30 earbuds while they're on sale. The new model might be preferred for some.

Best sleep tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: CMF Nothing CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Why we like it

When I tested the CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro, I had a hard time getting the watch to run out of battery. In the end, I changed a bunch of setting to get the battery to deplete quicker. And that's an awesome problem when using a smartwatch as a sleep tracker. Instead of having to take the watch off to charge at night, this watch can last for up to two weeks before it needs a recharge.

Sleep metrics on the CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro are impressive. The watch's app will give you an overall sleep score each morning, details on sleep duration, sleep stages, and it can even track naps automatically. The CMF Nothing Watch 3 Pro usually sells for $99, but it's on sale for Sleep Week 2026 for $79.

More sleep deals

• Yogasleep Hushh Portable White Noise Sound Machine — $25.99 $29.99 (save $4)

• Hatch Rest Baby Sound Machine — $59.99 $69.99 (save $10)

• Pluto Pillow — take 40% off pillow and pillowcase bundles

• Purple Pillows — Buy 2, get 25% off

• Ozlo Sleepbuds — $274.99 $349 (save $75)

"You were gonna be somebody."

Those are the damning words Shyanne (Michelle Pfieffer) says to her daughter Margo (Elle Fanning) after learning she's become pregnant and is dropping out of college. But in the trailer for Margo's Got Money Troubles, the protagonist clearly has an interesting future ahead of her — albeit not the one she expected.

From Big Little Lies creator David E. Kelley and based on Rufi Thorpe's novel of the same name, the show follows Margo as she starts an alien-themed OnlyFans in order to make ends meet with the help of her father, former pro wrestler Jinx (Nick Offerman).

Nicole Kidman, Marcia Gay Harden, Greg Kinnear, Michael Angarano, Rico Nasty, and Lindsey Normington also star.

Margo's Got Money Troubles premieres April 15 on Apple TV.

SAVE 38%: As of March 9, you can get the DJI Power 2000 portable power station for $799, down from $1,299, at Amazon. That's a 38% discount or $500 savings.

DJI Power 2000 portable power station $799 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $500   Get Deal at Amazon

My power goes out all the time. Luckily, my sister works at Dominion Power, so I'm usually the first person in my neighborhood to know exactly what's going on. But having the inside scoop on a blown transformer doesn't keep my WiFi running or my fridge cold.

Since I still have to fend for myself when the grid drops, I've been keeping an eye out for reliable backup power.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

As of March 9, you can get the DJI Power 2000 portable power station for $799, down from $1,299, at Amazon. That's a 38% discount or $500 savings.

We've tested this exact unit, and Mashable's Lauren Allain named it the "Best for Content Creators." During testing, Allain found it to be shockingly quiet (running at just 30 decibels) and was able to charge her phone and a camera battery while cooking dinner in an air fryer. If you do use it during a blackout, it can keep a fridge cooling for up to 40 hours.

The DJI Power 2000 offers a 2048Wh LFP battery and 3000W of stable output, meaning it can power 99 percent of common appliances, from kettles and cookers to projectors and electric saws. It only takes 55 minutes to charge to 80 percent, and it has 15 ports to keep your laptop, phone, and lights charged and ready to go.

Josh Payne, the chief executive of Nscale, raised $2 billion from investors. Sheryl Sandberg, the former Facebook executive, is joining his board.

When Apple launched the first "e" model iPhone, the iPhone 16e, tech reviewers (me included) let out a collective: "WHY?"

It wasn't about battery life, or the chip powering it (both were pretty great), and no one was really phased about the device's archaic design. It was the lack of MagSafe, Apple's magnetic, wireless power charging tech that makes it easy to slap various accessories onto the phone. It seemed like such a weird omission. Ditching MagSafe probably cut some production costs for Apple, but it meant phone owners would not buy any of the accessories from Apple's rich MagSafe ecosystem.

I'm pleased to report that this year's Apple budget phone, the iPhone 17e, fixes this issue.

Same old design, with one big difference MagSafe is here, and so is the Clear Case with MagSafe. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Apple sent me an iPhone 17e unit for review, and I was happily able to use my Apple Wallet and magnetic chargers with it. Apple also sent me a Clear Case with MagSafe, and while it may not be my favorite case in terms of design, it was a relief to be able to charge the phone magnetically without removing the case.

I'm aware that people who buy a budget phone are perhaps less interested in splurging on additional accessories. But MagSafe is a simple, cool feature that also works with cheaper, third-party accessories, and it doesn't get in the way if you don't care for it. I'm glad that Apple came to its senses and included it in the new iPhone 17e.

SEE ALSO: Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?

The ability to use MagSafe chargers and accessories is just about the only physical difference between the iPhone 17e and 16e, though. The iPhone 17e looks exactly the same as its predecessor, with the only difference being the new color, Soft Pink. The unit Apple sent me was in this color, and I can tell you that it is a very nice, but indeed a very soft pink.

On the front, there's still no Dynamic Island; the Face ID sensors and the selfie camera are still hidden inside a notch on the top of the display. The dimensions have remained exactly the same (your old iPhone 16e case will work), and the weight is virtually the same (169 grams for the new model, 167 grams for the old one).

The display is still a 6.1-inch OLED that maxes out at 60Hz, and that's very apparent if you switch from a 120Hz phone; the transitions and animations aren't nearly as smooth on the iPhone 17e.

The biggest upgrades are on the inside The iPhone 17e Silicone Case (this one is in the Bright Guava color) can be attached to Apple's Crossbody Strap. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The biggest improvements on the iPhone 17e are inside the phone. It has a new chip, Apple's powerful A19, which can power the latest AI shenanigans. Apple's C1X modem has replaced the old C1 modem, though it's hard to tell what sort of improvements this has brought.

Perhaps most importantly, the iPhone 17e starts at 256GB, compared to the iPhone 16e's 128GB starting storage. Given that the iPhone 17e's starting price remained unchanged at $599, this is a pretty big deal. You can also configure the iPhone 17e with 512GB of storage, but that takes the price to $799.

The combination of having Apple's latest chip and a decent amount of storage means this phone will be relevant for at least four to five years. In fact, this makes it extremely similar to the $799 iPhone 17, though the A19 chip on the iPhone 17e has one less GPU core, meaning it'll be slightly worse for gaming. If you don't care about having the flashiest phone, and just needs something that gets the work done, the iPhone 17e is a very interesting choice.

Featured Video For You Moltbook's real risk isn't AI. It's your data What about the camera? The camera on the back has the same specs as the one on last year's iPhone 16e, but it does have some improvements. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

When I reviewed the iPhone 16e, I was pleased with battery life and how powerful it was. But having used the phone over several months, I came away disappointed with the camera. The phone has a singular, 48-megapixel rear camera with very similar specs to the one on the iPhone 16. But it just wasn't the same; it was alright in daytime, but night shots, or even shots taken in the relative dimness of my living room, just weren't good enough.

The bad news is that the iPhone 17e has the exact same camera specs as the iPhone 16e. Apple says that the new A19 chips will unlock better shots, and some new camera features are indeed here, including next-gen portraits with Focus and Depth Control. But it's hard to say what the improvements are this early on.

On first glance, the camera is a little better than before. I was able to take some decent shots in fairly dark environments. But I'll need more time to assess just how much better it is.

Mashable's Apple iPhone 17e review is coming soon. Want more tech reviews and news? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter.

What is Film Noir?

While often defined as "crime with a twist", the origins of the genre go much deeper than the black-and-white classics we know. In this deep dive, filmmaker Tarik Rashaan Davis explores the evolution of the genre, spanning from classic hard-boiled noir to neo-noir.

Tarik attempts to crack the case of why film noir feels so Black-coded to him, even though in the majority of the genre’s films he barely sees people like himself represented.

Is film noir a very political sub genre that speaks to the times we’re living in now? Is it a genre that is in need of a big resurgence? Can noir save Hollywood? And most important of all…Does Noir mean Black?

Apple announced a ton of new products during its March 4 event, including an update to last year's iPad Air. The new M4 iPad Air isn't a shiny new thing like the colorful MacBook Neo, nor does it have any exciting new hardware features like the Galaxy S26 Ultra. Instead, it delivers iterative updates that improve an already stellar tablet.

Iterative updates are never the most exciting products to review, but they've been unavoidable in recent years as companies like Apple churn out new products every 12 months.

I've been testing the M4 iPad Air ahead of its official March 11 release date, and so far, I've been impressed. I'll continue to update this review as I spend more time with the tablet.

The new iPad Air: What's new, and what's not? Testing the 13-inch iPad Air. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The latest Apple tablet looks identical to its predecessor, and if I put them side by side, I wouldn't be able to tell them apart. And guess what we said about last year's M3 iPad Air in our review? That it delivers only "the smallest of upgrades." So, again, iterative is the key term here.

That said, this premium Apple tablet is still remarkably thin and lightweight, with the same gorgeous Liquid Retina display. It even comes in the same four colors: Starlight, space grey, blue, and purple.

SEE ALSO: MacBook Neo vs. MacBook Air (M5): How Apple's new laptops compare

However, there are some improvements under the hood. The M4 chip has a faster Neural Engine that can better handle AI processes on-device. Apple says it's 30 percent faster than the M3 iPad Air, with twice the unified system memory.

Apple has also given the connectivity chips a more serious upgrade, retiring the old Qualcomm modem. The new iPad Air features the N1 wireless connectivity chip introduced with the iPhone 17 and the C1X 5G chip introduced with the iPhone Air.

The C1X chip is really fast

In my 5G speed tests, the C1X outperformed every device I compared it to. It left Samsung's best mobile devices in the dust (though Verizon vs. T-Mobile could also have played a part here, as the Air I tested had a Verizon eSIM card). It was also faster than the other Apple mobile devices I tested. The new iPad Air achieved download speeds of 593 Mbps and upload speeds of 109 Mbps. Qualcomm modems just couldn't keep up.

The new iPad Air can function as a laptop (if that's your thing) The Apple Pencil (not included) attaches magnetically and charges wirelessly. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

With all its powers combined — iPadOS 26, Magic Keyboard, Apple Pencil, M4 silicon — the iPad Air can function as a tablet and laptop in one. Now, personally, I'm sticking with my MacBook Pro when I want a true laptop experience. But if you're interested in pushing the iPad Air to the limit, it can function as an ultra-portable laptop.

The best tablets have been getting more laptop-like for a while. But, again, in a world with the MacBook Neo, which has the same $599 price tag, you may also prefer a true laptop.

Still, iPadOS 26, Liquid Glass, and Apple silicon make multitasking easy. You can get a sense of the performance and user experience in a screen recording I took. Notice how many apps are open at once, and how easy it is to switch between them.

As I covered in my iPadOS 26 review, you can easily adjust window sizes and go splitscreen. With the M4 chip, I was able to run Google Docs, iMovie, Final Cut Pro, Pixelmator, YouTube, Notes, ChatGPT, CollaNote, Safari, and other apps all at the same time, and never felt like the tablet was slowing down.

So, if you're an artist or creator who wants to run complicated Adobe programs and editing software like Final Cut Pro or Logic Pro, the iPad Air can handle the load. That said, professionals will be able to get even better performance with the M5 iPad Pro or the latest MacBooks.

Pro tip: The new Apple Creator Studio subscription is absolutely worth the investment.

Liquid Glass is beautiful and controversial You can operate dozens of apps at once on the new iPad Air. Credit: Timothy Werth / Apple Liquid Glass is a love-it-or-hate-it aesthetic. Credit: Timothy Werth / Apple

I don't mind Liquid Glass like some of my colleagues in the tech world. Design nerds have been particularly critical of Apple's new design language, and the lack of contrast can be a problem at times. In programs like ChatGPT, the new red-yellow-green traffic light buttons in the upper left sometimes overlap with app menus, which is a major pain.

However, in my experience, practical problems like these are few and far between. On the whole, I like the translucent elements and more modern aesthetic, design nerds be damned.

The iPad Air handles AI processes smoothly

Why is Apple pushing out a new version of the iPad Air, when the 2025 version with the M3 chip is still powerful enough for 99 percent of users? I suspect the company wants to make sure its mid-range tablet can handle as many AI features as possible.

I tried to test its AI capabilities using apps like Final Cut Pro's auto-captions, Voice Memo's transcription features, and CollaNote's AI image generation. Even with WiFi and cellular data turned off, these processes happened almost instantly, and without any big mistakes.

In CollaNote, the popular note-taking app, you can use the Magic Pen to circle a doodle and turn it into an actual graphic. Record a note or interview with Voice Memos, and you'll get an accurate transcription at the push of a button. In Pixelmator, you can upscale images and remove backgrounds from photos practically instantly.

I also feel like I'm barely scratching the surface of what you can do with the iPad Air's Neural Engine, particularly when it comes to utilizing Apple Shortcuts and open-source models.

I need to keep stress-testing the tablet, but based on my initial review of the M4 iPad Air, I can say that its performance is impressive. I think artists, photographers, and editors will be able to do even very complex work on the Air.

Cameras, speakers, and accessories? Same as it ever was. Are you actually taking pictures with your iPad though? Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

As I said before, Apple hardly went back to the drawing board with the iPad Air, and that's a good thing. It's hard to imagine a thinner or lighter tablet, and I think the 11- and 13-inch sizes are just right for most users. The new Air has the same 12MP rear and front cameras as the previous model, and they're still very underwhelming. But, come on, are you taking pictures with your iPad? If so, I have to give you an obligatory, OK, boomer. The cameras are good enough for video conferences and FaceTime calls, and that's all you really need.

Otherwise, the speakers, controls, and accessories remain unchanged from the 2025 model. You'll want an Apple Pencil to get the most out of the experience, and the Magic Keyboard will be essential for using it like a laptop. Of course, with the cost of an Apple Pencil Pro ($129) and Magic Keyboard ($269), you could just buy an actual laptop.

The bottom line: Another iterative upgrade, but who cares? The iPad Air in the Folio Case (not included). Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Ultimately, the changes between the M3 and M4 iPad Air are negligible. I can't imagine many people upgrading from one to the other. However, if you're an artist or creative professional in need of a new tablet, I think you'll be pleased with this $599 device.

One last caveat: If you're a casual user just interested in browsing and streaming, stick with the base iPad with the A16 chip. The M-series iPads are, frankly, way overpowered for most users.

The new iPad Air comes in 11 and 13-inch models, with 128GB, 256GB, 512GB, and 1TB versions. Prices start at $599 and $799, respectively — though you can already save up to $50 if you pre-order at Amazon.

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

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11 inches (M4) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13 inches (M4) $749 at Amazon
$799 Save $50   Pre-order Here

SAVE OVER $60: As of March 9, Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones are back to their lowest-ever price of $398 at Amazon. This is $61.99 off their list price of $459.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony XM6 Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal

If you're looking to splash out on new headphones this year, Sony's WH-1000XM6 should be something to seriously consider. Not only have they earned a spot on our list of the best noise-canceling headphones, but they're among our favorite headphones overall. Though they're usually quite pricey, this is a great opportunity to swoop in and grab them at Amazon for $398.

Since the Sony WH-1000XM6 usually retail for $459.99, this saves you just over $60. What's even better is it marks a return to their lowest-ever price at the retailer, so no better time to grab them. On top of that, every color is discounted to this price right now, including the delightful new sand pink color.

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If you're looking for solid sound quality in headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones deliver. They earned a spot in our roundup of the best headphones as the best sound-first headphones, and our review had high praise for them. Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said that, "The new Sony headphones offer impressive audio quality, and they definitely improve on the XM5 models." He also noted that he, "really appreciated the overall balance, depth, and quality of the audio."

Noise-cancellation from these headphones also stood out. Werth expressed that, "The ANC in the XM6 is as good as or better than any I've ever heard." On top of all that, these headphones boast a battery life of up to 30 hours. So no matter if you're using them while traveling or at home, they'll last.

Don't miss out on this excellent deal at Amazon on the Sony WH-1000XM6.

All eyes are on MAR10 Day. We're expecting free giveaways, major deals, and new releases on National Mario Day, but before we get to this special celebration of the Super Mario franchise, there's the small matter of Nintendo Direct.

It's not exactly the most exciting Nintendo Direct. We're not getting game info or anything new. Instead, we're getting another Nintendo Direct focused on The Super Mario Galaxy Movie. We'll enjoy the third and final trailer for the The Super Mario Galaxy Movie's, but we remain hopeful for a Nintendo Direct with more substance in the near future.

When is Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct?

The Nintendo Direct featuring the final trailer for The Super Mario Galaxy Movie takes place on March 9. Here's the breakdown of start time by timezone:

• PST — 2 p.m.

• EST — 5 p.m.

• GMT — 9 p.m.

• CET — 11 p.m. 

How to watch Super Mario Galaxy Movie Direct

You can find the latest Nintendo Direct livestream on Nintendo's YouTube channel. Or alternatively, you could just keep this page bookmarked and check it out right here:

SAVE $40: As of March 9, pre-order the 11-inch iPad Air M4 for $559 at Amazon. That's $40 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M4) $559 at Amazon
$599 Save $40   Get Deal

Apple's new M4 iPad Air models are just days away from release — March 11, if you want to mark your calendar — and Amazon's offering a sweet discount for those who pre-order the latest tablet. Right now, Amazon is offering $40 off the 11-inch iPad Air (M4, 128GB, WiFi) when you pre-order.

This discount has dropped this iPad Air's price from $599 to $559, which is a great deal to jump on before it's even out. Who knows how much longer it'll last, given it's just a couple days away from release. Better to get a preorder in now and save than wait too long and be stuck paying full price.

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The real standout element of this new iPad Air is the fact it comes with the M4 chip. In our announcement breakdown of everything we know so far about this tablet, Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth said, "The M4 processor and enhanced wireless/cellular connectivity will undoubtedly deliver performance upgrades. Apple promises the new iPad Air will be 30 percent faster than the M3 model, with '50 percent more unified system memory."

Alongside a performance boost, this iPad also features a Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity for capturing a variety of colors and details on the screen. This model also comes with 128GB of storage to get you started, so you have plenty of space for your favorite apps, photos, and more.

If you have your eye on the new iPad Air models and want to save a little cash, act fast to score this great preorder deal on the 11-inch iPad Air at Amazon.

Where to buy Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle Best Amazon Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $59.99 (sav $30 ) Get Deal Best Walmart Deal Magic: The Gathering Marvel's Spider-Man Gift Bundle $60.52 (save $13.90) Get Deal

Amazon has been a great spot for Magic: The Gathering deals lately (plus other trading card bargains), and this latest offer for the Spider-Man expansion is no exception. As of March 9, Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Marvel’s Spider-Man Gift Bundle listed for $59.99, which is 33% off its $89.99 list price and the lowest we've ever seen — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

Compared to the competition, Walmart is listing the MTG Spider-Man Gift Bundle at only $60.52 — which makes for a great backup if Amazon runs out of stock. TCGplayer lists the Gift Bundle starting at $89.95, but that cheapest listing also adds shipping, pushing the total far above Amazon’s price. Even TCGplayer’s listed median of $84.84 is still well above what Amazon is charging right now.

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In exchange for this new low price of $60, you’re getting nine Play Boosters, one Collector Booster, one traditional foil alternate-art promo card, 30 land cards split between foil and non-foil versions, an oversized Spindown life counter, a foil storage box, and two reference cards — all in a classic Spider-Man comic-style package. 

For more MTG deals, you can get the Magic: The Gathering Final Fantasy Play Booster Box for under $175 at Walmart. Also at Walmart, the Magic: The Gathering Tarkir Dragonstorm Play Booster Box is available for only $110.