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Time travel and love collide with bloody slapstick in Timestalker, Alice Lowe's much-anticipated follow-up to Prevenge. Where her last movie starred the writer/director as a pregnant mother who turns serial killer at the urging of her very demanding fetus, her latest comedy leans away from horror and into romance. But it's still damn twisted — and deliciously so!
Lowe, who wrote, directed, and stars in Timestalker, begins this tale of love, obsession, and recurring decapitations in 1688. There, Agnes (Lowe) is an impoverished spinner. When she's not making vibrant balls of pink yarn or scolding her surly Scottie dog, George, she's ogling a hot, heretic preacher (Aneurin Barnard). In this start of the age of aristocracy, his sacrilegious antics lead him to a public execution. But before his pretty head might be harmed, Agnes haphazardly intervenes, saving his life — but losing her own.
This isn't a spoiler. It's the very first sequence of Timestalker, so named because Agnes will awaken in another life, restored and ready to chase romance with this man once more. Each age offers her a new setting, but the same band of players and the chance to make the same bad choices. So begins a madcap movie that questions an increasingly troubling tenant of old-school rom-coms: stalking.
Timestalker is a bloody good time.Before the film's world premiere at SXSW, Lowe said in her curtain speech that Timerstalker is a vanity project because she wrote, directed, and stars in it. But it's hard to imagine others describing it as such. While she is the funky film's leading lady, Agnes is not some glamorous, noble, or remotely heroic character. Instead, she's a selfish clown, so focused on her determination to win her one true love that she's pretty horrid to everyone else. (Kenneth Branagh could never.)
Lowe's movie recognizes Agnes's absurdity with a biting sense of humor. In 1793, she is an aristocrat with all one might imagine a woman of the age could desire: a wealthy husband (a growling Nick Frost), a grand house, a loyal servant (a slyly hilarious Tanya Reynolds), and a polished wooden dildo. But when she is sad, she calls for her baby, only to be quickly disgusted, caterwauling that the infant clearly hates her.
Agnes displays this same self-obsessiveness in multiple eras, including 1980s New York City, where her heretic is a New Romantic rock star in the vein of Adam Ant. Her sharp tongue and indulgent eye rolls are outrageously funny, as she is essentially a parody of rom-com heroines whose focus is insufferably on the idea of their one true love. Meanwhile, her love interest, Alex, is an unapologetic shit, stabbing not only his would-be lover in the back but also the hallowed concept of "the one" as a dream guy.
Their comeuppance for this deeply toxic dynamic is violence as shocking as it is funny. At the film's world premiere, audiences with no idea what they were in for let out gasps of horror and squeals of alarm as Lowe's romantic comedy pitched itself unapologetically off the rails into the macabre. While some will be turned off with her manic bloodlust, fans of Prevenge will cheer.
Alice Lowe and Aneurin Barnard are a match made in hell.Leaping hundreds of years from one scene to the next, Lowe makes marvelous use of costumes and setting to loosely parody iconic eras of romance. Pratfalls of muck and violence make these eras less glossy than period romances would ever dare. In the '80s, Lowe's physical comedy stretches into the era's obsession with aerobics and big permed hair. But she's no Working Girl with career goals and dashing men chasing her. She's a sulking stalker with a twisted sense of devotion. And Lowe manages to make this unnerving while giggle-inducing — chiefly because of how callous yet incompetent her heroine is in this quest for Alex.
For his part, Barnard smoothly suits the sexy priest role at the start. His swagger translates well to a reckless highwayman and an arrogant musician. All the while, he dares to dig into the characters' depravities, urging the audience to understand Agnes' initial attraction to him while marveling over her prolonged affection, as he's repeatedly outed as 1) not that into her, and 2) a wanker. Essentially, these two are kinetic and chaotic onscreen, turning the tables on rom-com expectations. This isn't a couple for which you root for their coming together. Instead, you root for heads to roll — one in particular.
Nick Frost and Jacob Anderson are scene-stealing cads.Jumping across time with Agnes and Alex are also her gal pal, Meg (Tanya Reynolds); a surly servant (Interview with a Vampire's Jacob Anderson); and an ornery oaf (Frost). Reynolds' job is to ground the story with pleas for Agnes to get her shit together, essentially acting as the angel on the protagonist's shoulder. Anderson, on the other hand, is a devil, pushing for a choice that might bring "revolution," a recurring buzz word whether he's an artist, butler, or talent handler. Within his tempting advice, there's a sneaking disinterest in Agnes's future. Yet it's exciting to watch Anderson toy with the others, as he carries with him a mix of barely repressed ire and profound boredom. It's easy to speculate his huffing character doesn't want change as much as he just want these cycles to end.
Then there's Nick Frost, who is growling and gross, whether a lord of a grand estate or a wannabe beau with criminally bad '80s hair. (Anderson, on the other hand, is downright swoon-worthy in New Romantic gear and a Jheri curl.) To say much more about Frost's part would be to give too much away. Suffice to say, the comedic actor beloved for his dopey sidekicks in the Cornetto trilogy chucks away charm to relish being a rotten baddie here.
Timestalker is a rollicking misadventure in romance.With eras tied together not only with cast but also with a recurring violent pink, Timestalker has a playful sense of humor in its traveling across time. Death is a punchline, and love is the setup. Lowe is ruthless and riveting as she annihilates the frothy joys of romantic comedies. Yet I pined for a bit more when it came to the film's plotting. The zipping back and forth is exciting. But at some point, the plot feels so planted in the '80s that jumps back rattle rather than invigorate.
This pacing issue aside, Timestalker is a demented romp through romance with a sense of humor so sharp that of course there's gushing blood.
Timestalker was reviewed out of SXSW 2024.
TL;DR: Through March 24, get a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for $149.97 (reg. $599.)
There are a lot of options if you're looking for a cloud storage service, but space isn't the only thing to look out for. If you're saving important or private files online, you might want to make sure they're actually private. If you're worried about someone else seeing what you saved, you may want to go for a cloud service that really emphasizes user security while also giving you plenty of room to work with.
Internxt is a private cloud service suite that uses end-to-end encryption and is GDPR compliant. You're the only one in control of who sees what you have saved, and the whole service is open-source and available on GitHub.
2TB of cloud storage for lifeStore, share, and send files and photos securely on the cloud from any device and operating system when you use Internxt. This secure cloud service works with desktop or mobile devices, and it even has apps compatible with Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. Privacy is paramount with Internxt, and users can really see that with the dedication to reliable encryption.
The end-to-end encryption gives you a secure alternative to services like Dropbox, and this plan gives you 2TB of space for life. No recurring payments. No subscription fees beyond your one-time payment. You're in control of who sees your files.
Safe, private cloud storageKeep your files safe in a decentralized cloud storage that's yours for life.
Until March 24 at 11:59 p.m. PT, you can get a lifetime subscription to Internxt Cloud Storage for only $149.97. No coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Internxt Internxt Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription $149.97 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: As of March 20, get the FHD Movie Projector for only $285.99 — you'll save 26%.
It used to be that anyone with a home entertainment system was beyond well off (financially speaking). But the times have changed, and as tech has advanced, so has the opportunity to enjoy movies from the comfort of your own home, whether from the living room or cozied up with blankets in the backyard. For instance, you can get this FHD Movie Projector for just $285.99 (reg. $389.99) — but only for a limited time.
The 1080p FHD resolution with 260 ANSI LM makes for stunning clarity and detail during viewing. There are also features that enhance the color.
You'll experience full connectivity with this projector to make it easy to stream from your apps. It has WiFi 6 for a fast, stable connection and Bluetooth 5.2 for incredible audio. Top it off with built-in speakers, easy setup, and a remote control, and you have an amazing home entertainment hub that you can even take with you when you travel.
This smart projector features user-friendly functions like autofocus, which means less work for you. It also has an automatic lens cap that can never get lost or misplaced. There's even a distortion-free zoom to maintain the integrity of the image.
This projector is a fantastic entertainment solution for movie nights, gaming sessions, and more.
Pick up the FHD Movie Projector before your next movie night while it's on sale for just $285.99 (reg. $389.99) for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay FHD Movie Projector with Bluetooth, WiFi 6, & 4K Input Support $285.99 at the Mashable ShopTL;DR: As of March 20, get the Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station for $88.99 — that's 18% off.
A long flight is a rough time to realize all your batteries are low, and those tiny seatback airplane trays don't leave much room to work with. If you need to charge your iOS devices without using much space, try the Adam Elements Mag 3.
The Adam Elements Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station provides a convenient way to power multiple devices without taking up a lot of space, and it even folds. No more separate cables to keep track of for each device. With this folding charging station, you can power three iOS devices at the same time using one USB-C cable, and it's only $88.99 (reg. $109).
A great charger for travelersPlug in the USB-C cable to a compatible power source, pop on your devices, and you're ready to go. The Mag 3 has a vertical and horizontal orientation, so you can power your iPhone, AirPods, and Apple Watch while your phone is in portrait mode for convenient browsing, or turn the whole charger onto its side to stream your favorite shows while you fill your batteries. The secure magnetic connections keep your devices in place either way.
This portable charging station is compatible with iPhone 12 or later, Apple Watch, and AirPods. Each charging interface has a max power output appropriate to its corresponding device, and the charger overall comes with Over-current Protection (OCP) and Over-voltage Protection (OVP). It also has certifications from CE, FCC, RoHS, BSMI, and NCC, along with a manufacturer's 3-year warranty.
Power three devices at onceSave space and cut down on your cable clutter with one device.
For a limited time, get the Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station for $88.99.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements Adam Elements Mag 3 Magnetic 3-in-1 Foldable Travel Charging Station $88.99 at the Mashable ShopThe Shark vs. Dyson debate was alive and well far before the FlexStyle or Airwrap were terms the internet had in its vernacular. (But don't worry — we've dissected the FlexStyle vs. Airwrap rivalry, too.)
Vacuums have pitted these two brands against each other in shopping research for at least a decade, though the type of vacuum in the spotlight has shifted from bulky upright vacuums to cordless stick vacuums.
SEE ALSO: The best Dyson vacuums: A guide to the latest versions of stick, ball, and handheld cleanersWhile brands like Bissell, Samsung, and Tineco occasionally slip a competitive cordless model into the fold, Shark and Dyson are two clear market leaders. Here, we're investigating the variety of cordless vacuums that Shark and Dyson offer as a whole, as well as comparing features like suction power, battery life, maintenance, and attachments on similarly-priced models through hands-on testing in our own homes.
Where Dyson wins: Performance variety, attachments, and the laserThere are nine different cordless Dyson vacuums sold on Dyson's website as of March 2024, give or take a handful of slightly-cheaper spinoff models of the V8 seen at retailers like Walmart. This number includes the new Dyson V15 Detect Submarine that comes with a mopping head and the two different sizes of the new Gen5 line, all announced in June 2023.
The Dyson family of vacuums ranges in price from around $300 (on sale) to $1,049.99, and that huge cost spectrum leaves a ton of room for a potential buyer to customize the intensity of their ideal cleaning to how much (or little) they think is necessary to spend on a vacuum. Someone cleaning up after multiple pets or children in a multi-story home may need a bigger, badder Dyson with a two-hour battery life and a half-gallon dust bin that won't need to be emptied as regularly, while someone living alone in an apartment may not require as much stamina and prioritize a more compact build that's easier to store.
The Fluffy Optic laser head is slim enough to show you what's hiding under furniture. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableBefore automatically pegging Dyson's steeper prices as a downside, we'd be remiss to not consider how much Dyson is giving you for that chunk of change. All of the Dyson models above $649.99 (the V12 line, V15 line, and Gen5 line) come with two interchangeable cleaning heads: the XL detangling Motorbar for deeper cleaning of carpets and the slimmer Fluffy Optic head with the green laser for more meticulous cleaning of hard floors.
That laser is so iconic that it deserves more than a vague mention at the end of sentence. It illuminates invisible debris like hair, tiny crumbs, and microscopic dust on hard floors that probably weren't noticeable with a casual glance at your floor, pointing out exactly where you need to clean even better than the LED light on the cleaning head of Shark cordless vacuums. It's a game-changing tool in homes with a decent amount of hardwood, tile, or linoleum — once you've experienced cleaning with the Dyson laser, you won't be able to clean without it.
The mini motorized attachment is a must-have for keeping up with shedding. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableThe lower-tier Dysons (the Outsize line, the V11 line, and the V8 line) come with one cleaning head like all of the cordless Sharks do, but unlike any of the Shark models, even the cheapest Dyson line comes with the mini motorized hair screw tool. This attachment marks a full-sized vacuum's true ability to transform into a handheld vacuum and, in homes with pets who chill on furniture or are frequent passengers in the car, is arguably used just as much as the full-sized cleaning heads.
Where Dyson loses: Intimidating prices and... too much power?The concept of a cordless vacuum not costing the equivalent of a month's rent can feel groundbreaking if Dyson is at the forefront of your vacuum research. While the higher costs are somewhat justifiable considering all of the extras that Dyson includes and the exhaustive heavy-duty clean achieved by Dyson's advanced features, some of the lower-tier Dysons just don't offer what the equivalent Sharks do.
Shark has a more affordable baseline for intelligent suction power adjustment based on the debris level sensed, and offers an automatic emptying docking station with one of its smartest models for less than $500. You can only imagine how much a self-emptying Dyson would cost. The lack of that full-fledged upright docking system means that storing most Dysons either requires closet space or drilling a hole to mount it to the wall.
It also turns out that there is such a thing as being too powerful for your own good. Dyson's Digital Motorbar XL seems to be in that situation on most carpet pile higher than flat weave — the combination of such intense cyclonic suction and the spinning brush sometimes makes the vacuum too stubborn to push across the floor, often tripping itself up so much that the brush stops spinning altogether. Because of this, I have personally dubbed the Fluffy Optic cleaning head as my Dyson's full time cleaning head regardless of floor type, despite the fact that it's tailored to hard floors.
Where Shark wins: Practical prices, balanced carpet cleaning, and automatic emptyingThere are six different types of cordless vacuums sold on Shark's website as of March 2024. This number includes the Shark HydroVac Pro XL: Shark's cordless vacuum and mop combo model that is significantly cheaper (but less powerful) than Dyson's cordless vacuum mop. Shark doesn't ask more than $500 for any of its cordless vacuums at full price, and most of these vacuums can be found on sale for $100 or so less on any given day that you're shopping.
Shark includes one of two main full-sized cleaning heads depending on the cordless vacuum you choose, but both attack messes with Shark's proprietary Powerfins, a combination of flexible cleaning fins and bristles similar to Dyson's Motorbar. There's no dust-detecting laser, but there is a bright LED headlight that highlights the path in front of you as well as rogue crumbs or kitty litter that may blend in otherwise.
A cordless vacuum that doesn't automatically eat rug corners is rare. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableComparing suction power on paper is tricky when each brand measures it in a different way. Shark provides standard figures like amps, wattage, and volts, while Dyson's main suction statistic is a calculation called Air Watts. Confusing numbers aside, whatever Shark is doing in the suction power realm is working better than what Dyson is doing — at least when it comes to plush carpet and rugs. The bristles dig while the rubber Powerfins are great at pinching hair and debris from between carpet fibers, ruled by suction power that's forceful enough to tackle most messes on one pass, but not aggressive enough to jam the whole mechanism.
Shark did, however, beat Dyson to the punch with automatic emptying — a wickedly-convenient maintenance feature that has already become the norm with robot vacuums. Instead of having to manually empty your vacuum's dust bin into the trash after every few cleans, the Shark Detect Pro empties whatever it just sucked up into a larger dust bin attached to the dock it charges on. This makes up for the Detect Pro's tiny dust cup that feels not much bigger than a glass of water, and also acts as built-in storage for the vacuum that doesn't require a closet or a screw drilled into the wall.
The Detect Pro's dock deals with debris for several weeks at a time. Credit: Leah Stodart / Mashable Where Shark loses: Skimpy attachments and heavy-duty premium optionsDespite its solid mid-range vacuum offerings, Shark loses momentum quickly once it hits the $400 or $500 mark.
The most premium cordless Shark, the $499.99 (or $399.99 on sale) Shark Stratos, only lasts for about 60 minutes on one charge and has a dustbin capacity of just a quarter of a gallon. The closest Dyson counterpart is probably the Dyson Outsize Plus, which goes for $599.99 regularly or between $449.99 and $499.99 on sale. It has the same hour-long battery life and a larger dustbin, yet still manages to weigh a pound less than the Stratos.
Shark's generally-lower prices are also less impressive when you remember that they also mean fewer extras in the box. Shark only ever includes one full-sized cleaning head whereas Dyson includes two cleaning heads (one tailored to plush carpeting and one tailored to dusty hard floors) with the vacuums on the costlier end of its spectrum. Shark packing the large, powerful brushroll and headlight system into a single rounded cleaning head does make for a more cumbersome design that doesn't reach edges as precisely, fit in between furniture as nicely, or sweep behind the toilet as satisfyingly as Dyson's slim Fluffy Optic head.
The headlight does illuminate crumbs, but the design could manage to be more ergonomic. Credit: Leah Stodart / MashableIt's also noteworthy that the cost of a Shark cordless vacuum doesn't include the mini motorized brush attachment that makes or breaks a handheld vacuum's value. The small attachments Shark includes with each vacuum, like a crevice tool or (non-motorized) pet brush, are definitely handy, but aren't going to dig into upholstery or carpeted stairs like a targeted spinning brush would. If that's an attachment you could see yourself using often, add $89.95 to the cost of the Shark you're considering.
Which is better: Shark or Dyson?When it comes to the cordless vacuum side of their market domination, both Shark and Dyson offer several solid options that make it impractical to objectively crown one brand as "better." However, settling on the brand you want to bring home is pretty easy after confirming your main priority in your vacuum hunt: budget or cleaning prowess.
SEE ALSO: The Shark FlexStyle is still better than the Dyson AirwrapShark's cordless vacuum lineup makes it easy to stay under a certain budget — all of its cordless vacuums retail for less than $500, and its lower price thresholds also squeeze out smarter features for less money than the most similar Dyson equivalent based on price. There's also something to be said for keeping suction power in check the way that Shark has, and you can count on its vacuums to take on a rug or carpet without creating so much force that pushing or pulling becomes impossible.
Dyson's cordless vacuum lineup is larger and more robust than Shark's, offering several tiers for upgrading and matching the amount you're willing to pay for certain levels of suction power, battery life, and dustbin capacity. On the pricier end of the spectrum specifically, Dyson runs circles around Shark when it comes to heavy-duty cleaning required to keep up with big homes or frequent messes. Dyson's higher costs also cover more exhaustive full-sized and handheld attachments that don't require separate purchase.
All pros and cons considered, we're crowning Dyson the best brand for most people. It's hard to argue with Dyson's slightly higher prices when the reason for the cost is valid: They're simply sending more in the box. Namely, the mini motorized hair screw tool (a non-negotiable in any home with pets), as well as two full-sized cleaning heads (including the life-changing laser one) that ship with the V12, V15, and gen5 lines. Unless you heavily prioritize the automatic emptying dock that comes with one Shark model, we think you'll be more satisfied with the customized cleaning that a Dyson offers, even if it requires saving up, splurging, or waiting for a sale. There's probably one happening as you read this.
When Dyson finally releases its first robot vacuum, we'll be back with another Shark vs. Dyson comparison.
It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.
SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the jobThat can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.
How to tell the difference between the Roomba modelsThe arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.
When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what we call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter with a number (like j9+ or i5) is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692).
The j Series is iRobot's most advanced right now, followed by the s Series, i Series, and then the 600 Series. A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock. Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title, and there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping abilities.
You won't need to memorize any nuances past these overarching rules. We'll cover the fine print, like which Roombas have smart mapping or small obstacle detection, in our deep dive below, noting the most important differences between each current Roomba.
What is the most recommended Roomba vacuum?Naturally, there is one Roomba that is technically "the best": the best at cleaning, the best at navigating, and the best at being self-sufficient. But which Roomba is categorically the best may not be the best Roomba for every household, especially when price tags come into play. We've created a 2024 Roomba comparison guide to help you pinpoint which Roomba would work best for your home's size, floor type, pet situation, and more.
Cosy gamers rejoice! Stardew Valley's highly anticipated 1.6 update finally arrived on PC this Tuesday, adding a laundry list of new content for fans of the beloved farming simulator. These include pets in hats, big chests, and the opportunity to crit a baby.
Developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone had been teasing Stardew Valley's new update for a while, saying in January that it has become "a little larger in scope than originally planned." This month he posted several lines from the patch notes on Twitter/X in the days leading up to the release, ranging from the introduction of the new livestock-focused Meadowlands Farm, to granting farmers the ability to drink mayonnaise.
SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley' is getting an update with 'new game content'As befitting Stardew Valley's calming reputation, Barone appeared to take a relaxed approach to the update's release. Though its Mar. 19 arrival was expected, no specific time was given, with Barone merely stating, "as soon as a [sic] i wake up, drink a coffee, and there's no last minute problem, I will push the button."
As such, his Twitter/X post stating that he was making coffee on Tuesday morning received a deluge of excited replies.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedStardew Valley's new update is currently live on PC, with consoles and mobile to follow "as soon as they are ready." Though they are actively in development, exactly when they'll arrive is anyone's guess.
What's in the new Stardew Valley update?The option to chug mayo may not have been one players were expecting, but numerous Stardew Valley farmers have eagerly embraced their newfound freedom nonetheless. Taking a healthy swig of egg emulsion isn't the only new thrill Stardew Valley's farmers can expect, either.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedAmong the addition of new festivals, events, and a "mastery" system, some of the more interesting changes listed in the full patch notes include:
"Added a big tree, with a quest line which ultimately gives you some new neighbors."
"Added four new crops (carrots, summer squash, broccoli, and powdermelon)."
"Added a jingling sound when running with the cinderclown shoes on."
"Spouses now have a seven-day 'honeymoon' period after marriage which prevents them from laying in bed all day due to being upset."
"Fixed invisible spouses asking to have children."
Numerous new items have also been added, such as:
"Big Chest, which has almost double the size of a regular chest."
"Dehydrator, which turns fruit into dried fruit and mushroom into dried mushrooms."
"Mushroom Log, which produces mushrooms and interacts with nearby trees."
"Fish Smoker, which produces smoked fish, doubling the value of the fish."
"19 unique Books Of Power, which grant special perks."
"Raisins, which have a special use."
"Butterfly Powder, which allows you to remove pets…"
Barone hasn't provided any further detail regarding exactly what "special use" raisins have, nor exactly how butterfly powder will "remove pets." But that ellipsis doesn't exactly look not-sinister.
Tweet may have been deletedStardew Valley has several less concerning pet-related updates as well, such as the ability to get more once you've maxed out affection with your first. Pets that love you will also occasionally give you gifts, which will hopefully be more useful than the dead mice your real cat brings you. You can now get turtles as pets as well, if cats and dogs aren't enough to sate you.
Unfortunately for reptile lovers, pet turtles do appear to come with a slight disadvantage. While Stardew Valley's 1.6 update now allows players to place hats on cats and dogs, turtles seem to be excluded from this bright new world of sartorial experimentation. What's worse is that 25 new hats have also been added to the game, increasing the number of hats that turtles cannot wear.
Tweet may have been deletedAnother patch note that has gained significant attention concerns parenting. Specifically, "Baby toss now has a chance to crit."
In video games, "crit" is typically used as an abbreviation for "critical hit," and refers to when an attack does increased damage beyond what is typical. In Stardew Valley, players can further their relationship with their child by throwing the infant into the air and catching them — a baby toss. As such, it would be reasonable to assume that a "crit" in this context might merely give an extra boost to the budding parent-child relationship.
However, the phrasing used has led to many jokes about Stardew Valley letting people suplex toddlers.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedThough Update 1.6's patch notes are quite lengthy, they aren't comprehensive. Barone stated on Twitter/X that "there are several things that aren't explicitly mentioned in the patch notes," meaning there are even more surprises for fans to uncover themselves. He doesn't seem too inclined to spoil them, though.
You can read the full patch notes on the official Stardew Valley website.
When you think of robot vacuum deals at an Amazon sale event, Roombas probably come to mind first. But when it comes to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, eufy robot vacuums are the ones showing out.
Let's put some respect on the eufy name. This brand has been quietly bringing advanced robot vacuum features at way more accessible price points than the competition. While iRobot, Narwal, and Roborock haven't shied away from a $1,000+ price tag on their flagship robot vacuums that, say, avoid small obstacles and wash their own mopping pads, Eufy has a few options that offer both for less. And one of them is on sale for $599.99 during Amazon's sale.
SEE ALSO: On the hunt for a cheap 4K TV? You have a ton of options at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.This isn't to say that Roombas won't make a more noteworthy appearance in the sale section during the Big Spring Sale between March 20 and March 25. We'll be updating eufy deals below, but be sure to follow along as we keep tabs on all of the best robot vacuum deals at Amazon from iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and more.
Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X90 Pro $599.99 at AmazonEufy's X9 Pro debuted in fall 2023 and sits right in the sweet spot between the X8 Pro (on sale for $399.99) and the X10 Pro Omni (a CES 2024 debut that is still at its full price of $799.99). The X9 Pro is more reminiscent of its pricier successor than it is of its more basic younger sibling. It has a flat edge to get into corners, it mops, washes, and dries its own mopping pads, and uses AI to detect and avoid small obstacles like phone cables.
As a mopper, the X9 Pro provides more elbow grease than many competitors thanks to double-pressurized, rotating mopping heads. These automatically lift above the ground if carpet is detected.
More eufy robot vacuums on sale at the Amazon Big Spring SaleEufy 25C (refurbished) — 79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Eufy L60 — $199.99 $279.99 (save $80)
Eufy G30 Hybrid with self-empty station — $269.99 $429.99 (save $160 with Prime)
Eufy X8 Pro with self-empty station — $399.99 $649.99 (save $200)
TL;DR: Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The IPL is back, and it's back with a bang.
The new season starts with a monumental clash between Chennai Super Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore, meaning we could see MS Dhoni and Virat Kohli go head-to-head in the opening match. It really doesn't get any bigger than that.
If you want to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.
When is Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore?Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore starts at 2:30 p.m. GMT on March 22. This opening fixture takes place at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai, India.
How to watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore for freeJioCinema is offering free live streams of every IPL cricket match this season in 4K resolution on its app.
JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world.
Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:
Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in India
Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)
Watch Chennai Super Kings vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore for free from anywhere in the world
Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch IPL live streams without committing with your cash. This is clearly not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select IPL fixtures for free.
If you want permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.
What is the best VPN for JioCinema?ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:
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Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Headway Premium is on sale for £46.82, saving you 80% on list price.
The Headway app breaks down bestselling nonfiction titles into 15-minute summaries to highlight the important points. A lifetime subscription to Headway Premium is on sale for one user for just £46.82.
As a good alternative to scrolling the day away, users can choose from a wide variety of topics, including health, nutrition, finances, real estate, self-help, and more. There are more than 1,500 different summaries to choose from, and up to 50 more are added monthly. A very helpful feature allows you to get personalised recommendations according to your goals and preferences.
While this won't replace reading the actual book, it can clarify some of the more important points and let you know if it's something you'd like to know more about. Plus, you can choose to learn by reading, listening, or watching, which can keep things interesting, and allows you to listen to Headway summaries while you drive to work.
Don't miss out on this deeply reduced price. Get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for £46.82, saving 80% on list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Premium Headway Premium (Lifetime Subscription) £46.82 at the Mashable Shop Get DealOh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Insider jargon.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There are no letters that appear twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to Wordle #1005 is...
LINGO.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Things at a stadium
Green: Camera manufactuers
Blue: Italians
Purple: Words with rock bands hidden in them
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Seen at a Sports Stadium
Green: Camera Brands
Blue: Italian Demonyms
Purple: Starting with Rock Bands
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to Connections #283 is...
What is the answer to Connections todaySeen at a Sports Stadium: ASTROTRUF, JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, SYKBOX
Camera Brands: FUJIFILM, HASSELBLAD, OLYMPUS, POLAROID
Italian Demonyms: BOLOGNESE, NEAPOLITAN, PARMESAN, VENETIAN
Starting with Rock Bands: CREAMSICLE, JOURNEYMAN, KISSCAM, RUSHMORE
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
SAVE UP TO $580: Amazon has a small assortment of Mashable-approved laptops on sale for as low as $620 ahead of its Big Spring Sale (taking place from March 20 to 25).
Best early Amazon spring sale laptop deals at a glance: Best Apple MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13.6-inch (M3) $1,049.99 at Amazon (save $49.01) Get Deal Best Samsung Galaxy Book deal Samsung Galaxy Book3 $619.99 at Amazon (save $380) Get Deal Best ASUS gaming laptop deal ASUS TUF Gaming A17 $1,099.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get DealAmazon isn't usually a great place to buy a laptop. Many of the models listed there come from sketchy third-party sellers, and competing retailers like Best Buy maintain much bigger selections with better deals. However, the retail giant conveniently tends to get its act together for major shopping events.
SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale tomorrow: Dates, the best early deals, and moreThat's certainly the case with the Big Spring Sale, a new seasonal shopping event Amazon has scheduled for March 20 to 25. The early deals it's released ahead of time include a number of above-average discounts on laptops. (Plus, we know they're all legit because they're shipped and sold by Amazon itself.) It's still not a huge selection, but it at least covers popular brands like Apple, Samsung, and ASUS — including the former's all-new M3 MacBook Air variant.
We've rounded up a list of the best Spring Sale laptop deals below, and we'll continue to update it throughout the event once it officially begins.
Apple MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13.6-inch (M3) $1,049.99 at AmazonRead Mashable's review of the 15-inch Apple MacBook Air (M3).
Launched earlier this month, the latest 13-inch MacBook Air builds upon its predecessor's excellent design with a faster M3 processor, plus added support for WiFi 6E and two external displays. This $49.01 discount just about matches its preorder offer at Best Buy, which was exclusive to paid members of its My Best Buy program (and its biggest markdown thus far — by 99 cents). That same deal applies to its 15-inch variant, too.
More MacBook dealsApple MacBook Air, 15.3-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,249 $1,299 (save $50)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14.2-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399.99 $1,599 (save $199.01 with on-page coupon and discounts)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14.2-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,199 $2,399 (save $200)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16.2-inch (M3 Pro, 18GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $2,249.99 $2,399 (save $249.01 with on-page coupon and discounts)
Apple MacBook Pro, 14.2-inch (M3 Max, 36GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $2,899 $3,199 (save $300)
Apple MacBook Pro, 16.2-inch (M3 Max, 32GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $3,249 $3,499 (save $250)
Samsung just released its new Galaxy Book4 series laptops in the U.S., so it makes total sense for Amazon to drop the Galaxy Book3 down to this new record-low price. This specific configuration of the sleek entry-level laptop from early 2023 includes a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, a healthy 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Note that it comes installed with Windows 11 Pro (which includes BitLocker encryption), not the standard Windows 11 Home version.
More Samsung Galaxy Book dealsSamsung Galaxy Book3 Pro, 14-inch (Intel Core i5-1340P, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $969.99 $1,449.99 (save $480)
Samsung Galaxy Book3 Pro, 16-inch (Intel Core i5-1340P, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $969.99 $1,549.99 (save $580)
We wouldn't call it a budget pick, but this is an extremely reasonable price for a slick and durable gaming laptop with nice specs, including an efficient AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS processor, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4050 graphics, and a massive (17.3-inch) 144Hz display. At $1,099.99, it's currently $100 cheaper on Amazon compared to the ASUS website. It's also just $11 away from its all-time low.
More ASUS gaming laptop dealsASUS TUF Gaming F15 (Intel Core i5-12500H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $799.99 $899.99 (save $100)
ASUS ROG Strix G15 (AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB DDR5, 512GB SSD) — $799.99 $999.99 (save $200)
ASUS ROG Strix G17 (AMD Ryzen 7 6800H, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $999.99 $1,199.99 (save $200)
ASUS TUF Gaming A15 (AMD Ryzen 7 7940HS, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,399 $1,699.99 (save $300.99)
ASUS ROG Strix G16 (Intel Core i9-13980HX, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,799.99 $1,999.99 (save $200)
UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Bluetooth speaker deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.
Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just about here, but as usual, the party is starting early.
That's wonderful news for you, because with so many deals already live, you can get your spring and summer parties started early. We're talking pool parties, BBQs, casual hangs, shindigs, and everything in between. And for those to run smoothly, you're going to need a great Bluetooth speaker to keep the good tunes (and vibes) going.
We've thrown together a list of the best Bluetooth speaker deals from the Big Spring Sale. Check out our top picks below, and be sure to come back after March 20 when the event officially starts for even more new deals.
SEE ALSO: Check out the best wireless earbud deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Bluetooth speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 4 $59.99 at Best Buy"With spring comes warmer weather, and more chances to get outdoors for a nice hike or a trip to the beach. For a speaker that's got you covered for both, we recommend the JBL Clip 4. Its IP67 water- and dust-proof rating means it's safe from the elements, while the built-in carabiner that lets you attach it to your bag keeps it safe from your forgetful mind. Despite being so compact and portable, it still boasts decently robust sound that only starts to muddy at its higher volumes." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter
More Bluetooth speaker dealsJBL Go 3 — $39.95 $49.95 (save $10)
Sony SRS-XE200 — $98 $129.99 (save $31.99)
JBL Flip 6 — $109.95 $129.95 (save $20)
Bose SoundLink Flex — $129 $149 (save $20)
Bose SoundLink Revolve II — $159.99 $219.99 (save $60)
Bose SoundLink Revolve+ II — $229.99 $329.99 (save $100)
Marshall Acton III — $249.99 $279.99 (save $30)
JBL Authentics 500 — $599.95 $699.95 (save $100)
Check out the best Mac and MacBook deals just ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale:
Best Mac and MacBook deals Best MacBook deal 2023 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,199 at Best Buy (Save $300) Get Deal Best Mac deal 24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899.99 at Best Buy (Save $550) Get DealApple laptops and computers are zippy, sleek, and expensive as all hell — but you can get more bang with your buck if you buy when the time is right. With Amazon's Big Spring Sale just around the corner and plenty of MacBooks already marked down, we'd say that time is now.
SEE ALSO: The best time of year to buy a Mac, whether you want a MacBook or iMacThe sale is officially on from March 20 to 25, but we've seen several early deals, and not just at Amazon. We'll be keeping a close eye on price changes as the sale progresses for any major Mac deals. So far, we've seen a small (read: very small) discount on the M3 MacBook Air though it just came out earlier this month, price drops on the M2 MacBook Air, and even some pretty solid deals on M1 iMacs.
We'll be updating this list regularly, so be sure to check back often — and don't forget to see what else Amazon's discounting during this spring sale.
Best MacBook deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2023 MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,199.00 at Best BuyCheck out our full review of the 15-inch M2 MacBook Air.
One of the best times to grab a big purchase like a MacBook Air is right after a newer model crops up. Case in point: This 15-inch Air with 512GB of built-in storage is $300 off at Best Buy — and it only came out last June. The major difference between this and the just-released Air will be the slightly slower M2 chipset, but we really do mean slightly. Overall, you'll get a marginally more streamlined machine with the M3, but if you don't need the latest and greatest and like saving money, this M2 deal is worth looking at.
More MacBook dealsMacBook Air
2022 13.6-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899 $1,099 at B&H (save $200)
2023 15-inch MacBook Air (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,199 $1,499 at Best Buy (save $300)
2024 13.6-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,099 at Amazon (save $49.01)
2024 15-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $1,234 $1,299 at Amazon (save $65)
2024 13.6-inch MacBook Air (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,249.99 $1,299 at Amazon (save $49.01)
MacBook Pro
2023 14.2-inch MacBook Pro (M3, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,399.99 $1,599 at Amazon (save $199.01 with on-page coupon)
2023 14.2-inch MacBook Pro (M3, 8GB RAM, 1TB SSD) — $1,599.99 $1,799 at Amazon (save $199.01 with on-page coupon)
Let's be honest — people don't get iMacs because they want the most powerful desktop computer out there, and Apple doesn't make them for that reason. Though this M1 model is a tad on the older side, the major difference between it and last year's M3 iMac is that processor. If all you're really looking for is a desktop that can get you through everyday tasks and is easy to use, we're willing to bet you won't be too fussed over the speed differences in those processors. And at $900, you can get it cheaper than most MacBooks.
More Mac dealsMac mini (M2, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $699 $799 at Amazon (save $100)
24-inch iMac (M1, 7-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $849.99 $1,249.99 at Best Buy (save $400)
24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) — $899.99 $1,449.99 at Best Buy (save $550)
24-inch iMac (M1, 8-core GPU, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) — $1,049.99 $1,649.99 at Best Buy (save $600)
Following a much buzzed-about trailer, Alex Garland's political action thriller Civil War had its world premiere at SXSW last Thursday, garnering a slew of rave reviews. The reaction online since then — both to the movie itself and reviews out of the film festival — have been divisive, which might have been Garland's purpose.
Set during a second American Civil War in a not-so-distant future, the film follows four journalists (Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson) on a road trip through the war-torn U.S. on a quest to interview the president (Nick Offerman) before secessionist forces invade Washington, D.C.
SEE ALSO: 'Civil War' review: Alex Garland's latest is more 'Men,' less 'Ex Machina'The A24 film doesn't open in theaters until April 12. But that hasn't stopped social media users from conversing about the film from the title alone.
With reviews out of SXSW confirming that the movie is about the power of journalism rather than politics, some on social are going to war over it.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedMaybe "going to war" is a bit hyperbolic. But having seen Civil War myself at its SXSW premiere, it's strange to see such opinionated takes ahead of its wide release. These divisive reactions might support Garland's point about the dangers of an "us versus them" mentality, whatever the politics. (Though personally, I found the film's apolitical approach unconvincing.)
To begin with, there was a lot of confusion about why California and Texas would team up in a civil war together.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedOthers state that because the film's focus is on war journalism, any debate about the movie's politics is deliberately missing the point. Or they suggest that negative reactions to the movie's apolitical approach have drawn ire because Garland didn't validate the political stance of the viewers as they thought he should.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Reddit Tweet may have been deleted RedditHowever, some felt it was weird to release this film during an election year and not have anything to say but "both sides bad."
Tweet may have been deleted Reddit Tweet may have been deleted Reddit Tweet may have been deletedGarland knows his film will be divisive; he admitted as much in his interview with The Hollywood Reporter saying that the film is intentionally "trying to create a conversation about political divisiveness" that "vilifies the other side." Whether or not that decision to stir the pot will be good for the film's box office remains to be seen. You'll just have to wait to see Civil War yourself.
Anker Soundcore headphones, earbuds, and speakers are seeing significant price drops ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially runs from March 20 through 25. Here are some of our top picks as of March 19.
The best Anker Soundcore headphone and speakers deals at a glance: BEST HEADPHONE DEAL Anker Soundcore Space Q45 noise-cancelling headphones $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Anker Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds $49.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker $74.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get DealWe're on the cusp of a brand-new Amazon savings event: the Big Spring Sale. Officially kicking off March 20 and running through March 25, the spring sale will showcase deals on "seasonally relevant items." For Amazon, that means practically everything.
If you're in the market for headphones, earbuds, or speakers, Amazon's already highlighting one of our favorite budget brands, Anker Soundcore, with eye-catching price drops. For those unfamiliar, the brand has only been around for a decade, but has carved a name out for itself with its wallet-friendly audio gear. Since plenty of deals are already live, we've rounded up the best Anker Soundcore headphone, earbud, and speaker deals to shop. We'll update the list as more deals roll in, so be sure to check back as the event gets going.
Anker Soundcore headphone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Space Q45 noise-cancelling headphones $99.99 at AmazonThe Soundcore Space Q45s aren't the fanciest pair of noise-cancelling headphones on the market, but they're a worthy option that won't cost you a small fortune. Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed them and dubbed them a "budget-friendly Bose competitor." The adaptive noise-cancelling features are customizable with five different levels and the battery will stay juiced for up to 50 hours with ANC turned on. Regularly priced at $149.99, these babies are on sale for just under $100 ahead of the Amazon spring sale 2024. That's 33% in savings and matches the price from Black Friday 2023.
More Big Spring Sale Soundcore headphone dealsAnker Soundcore H30i wireless headphones — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)
Anker Soundcore Life Q20 hybrid noise-cancelling headphones — $39.98 $59.99 (save $20.01)
Anker Soundcore Life Q30 hybrid noise-cancelling headphones — $55.99 $79.99 (save $24)
Anker Soundcore Space One noise-cancelling headphones — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Anker Soundcore Life Q35 noise-cancelling headphones — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) also reviewed the Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds and gave them an "excellent" rating. These buds offer up to 50 hours of audio playback, a fast-charging feature that delivers four extra hours of battery life on a 10-minute charge, and adaptive noise cancellation that's adjustable in the app. Ultimately, PCMag's reviewer wrote that they "deliver quality active noise cancellation and balanced, detailed audio for a modest price." The best part? That modest price just got cut in half ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. As of March 19, grab the Space A40 earbuds for only $49.99 — that's their lowest price to date by far.
More Big Spring Sale Soundcore earbud dealsAnker Soundcore Life P2 Mini earbuds — $23.90 $39.99 (save $16.09)
Anker Soundcore Life A3i noise-cancelling earbuds — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)
Anker Soundcore Life P3 noise-cancelling earbuds — $59.99 $79.99 (save $20)
Anker Soundcore P40i noise-cancelling earbuds — $59.99 $69.99 (save $10)
Anker Soundcore Liberty 4NC earbuds — $79.99 $99.99 (save $20)
Anker Soundcore Sleep A10 Bluetooth earbuds — $99.99 $129.99 (save $30)
Anker Soundcore AeroFit Pro open-ear headphones — $129.99 $169.99 (save $40)
It's not the biggest discount to date, but $75 for a hi-res, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with over 12 hours of battery life, customizable EQ controls, and enhanced sound dispersion is practically a steal. The Motion+ is a force to be reckoned with in the budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker realm. It's equipped with Qualcomm aptX for lossless audio, BassUpTM technology, an ultra-wide frequency range, and more. It's regularly $100, but you can save 25% ahead of the Big Spring Sale.
More Big Spring Sale Soundcore speaker dealsAnker Soundcore Motion 300 Bluetooth speaker — $63.99 $79.99 (save $16)
Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker — $74.99 $99.99 (save $25)
Anker Soundcore Motion Boom Bluetooth speaker — $89.99 $109.99 (save $20 with on-page coupon)
Anker Soundcore Motion X600 Bluetooth speaker — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)
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