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Saudi Arabia Plans $40 Billion Push Into Artificial Intelligence

NYT Technology - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 15:28
The Middle Eastern country is creating a gigantic fund to invest in A.I. technology, potentially becoming the largest player in the hot market.

YouTube now requires labels for some — but not all — AI-generated videos

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 15:06

Some AI-generated videos will now require a label on YouTube

The policy was first announced by the company last November, but according to a new update from YouTube posted on Monday, the new policy and its required compliance tools are now being launched, and will continue to roll out over the coming weeks. 

"We’re introducing a new tool in Creator Studio requiring creators to disclose to viewers when realistic content – content a viewer could easily mistake for a real person, place, or event – is made with altered or synthetic media, including generative AI," says YouTube.

SEE ALSO: If you're buying the Kara Swisher book on Amazon, make sure it's not an AI-generated knockoff

YouTube is requiring that creators mark certain AI video content so the platform can affix an "altered or synthetic content" label on it. However, not all AI video content will need to be labeled.

An example of what the AI label looks like on the YouTube mobile app video player. Credit: YouTube

According to YouTube, this policy only covers AI digital alterations or renderings of a realistic person, footage of real events or places, or complete generation of a realistic looking scene.

YouTube also explains what type of AI-generated content is exempt. For the most part, these exemptions are minor alterations that were possible well before the generative AI boom of recent years. These include videos that use beauty filters, special effects like blur or a vintage overlay, or color correction.

Potential pitfalls from YouTube's AI labeling policy

There is one interesting and glaring exemption from YouTube's new AI-labeling policy: Animated AI-content.

According to YouTube, animated content is "clearly unrealistic" so it does not need to be labeled. The policy is meant to curb misinformation or potential legal issues which could arise from generated versions of real people. It is not meant to be quality control, warning users when low-effort AI generated junk starts playing on their screen.

However, as Wired points out, YouTube is arguably dropping the ball here because the policy leaves out the bulk of kids content, animated video.

Disturbing kids videos on YouTube have made headlines over the years and the company has made moves to deal with the problem. Often these appear to be pumped out as quickly as possible without any educational intent or even steps to ensure age-appropriateness.

Kid-oriented content on YouTube will be affected by this policy if creators push misinformation, because that would fall under the "realistic" portion of these new rules. However, bulk-generated AI animated junk, usually aimed at the youngest demographics, will not. And it seems YouTube is missing out on an opportunity to have this type of content labeled so parents can easily filter it out.

All-in-all, YouTube's new AI policy is a step in the right direction. Generative AI that could be misconstrued as real will be labeled, and uses of AI by filmmakers and creators to enhance high-quality content won't be affected.

Still, it doesn't appear that YouTube is yet dealing with the potential for low-quality, AI-generated content to fill the site and fundamentally change the platform. It may be forced to confront that reality, though, when and if it arises.

Microsoft Hires DeepMind Co-Founder to Run Consumer A.I.

NYT Technology - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 14:50
Mustafa Suleyman is leaving a start-up called Inflection to take the senior position with Microsoft.

Apple and Google Are Discussing a Deal to Bring Generative A.I. to iPhones

NYT Technology - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 14:43
A partnership would extend the long relationship between the companies that has helped deliver everything from maps to search on Apple’s devices.

Apple Steps Up Its Lobbying to Change Patent Rules

NYT Technology - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 13:48
After losing two complaints before the U.S. International Trade Commission, Apple has stepped up its lobbying to change the agency’s practices.

iPod Shuffle hair clips prove the Y2K fashion revival is far from over

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 13:47

Everything old is new again, and this week's happy return belongs to Apple's iPod Shuffle. For several years, young folks have been repurposing Shuffles as hair accessories, brooches, and more, using the clips on the back of the devices to adorn locks and Levis alike.

Mashable's Elena Cavender prophesied the trend's growth in 2022, after a December 2021 video of TikTok creator Kira Lyn Vaden using Shuffles as hair clips earned more than 350,000 likes. And, though we may not have had it on our 2024 bingo cards, it's back and better than ever.

View this post on Instagram

One photo in particular has set off this year's Shuffle styling obsession, and it appears to have been originally posted to Instagram in 2019 by user Victoria Camaratta. The image has had brushes with virality in the past (it gained more than 21,000 notes on Tumblr in January 2021 and 123,000 like on X / Twitter in September of that year), but the current interest is even higher.

On March 13, X user @voguepearls posted the photo as part of a set titled "tech as fashion." That set was reposted by fashion influencer Dove Clarke, who added the note "this would have gone double platinum on tumblr in 2014." Clarke's repost gained more than 228,000 likes and versions of the image have since been shared on the feeds of large aggregate accounts on Instagram, including betchys (141,000 followers) and structuredmag (376,000 followers).

Now, the It girls are experimenting with the look. On March 14, pop artist Slayyyter posted photos wearing matching two blue second generation iPod Shuffles in her hair, wired headphones dangling from one ear.

Tweet may have been deleted

And on March 17, Instagram and TikTok creator Madeleine White posted images, reels, and TikToks of her fourth generation Shuffles hair clips in orange and blue. White captioned one of her posts, "Time to raid your parent's random electronics bag." Upon reading it, this millennial crumbled into a pile of dust.

View this post on Instagram

Gen Z's repurposing of Y2K tech has been well-documented by Mashable's Elena Cavender, and Gen-Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue explained the appeal in an interview with Mashable last year. "They're experiencing something they never got to," she says of her generation. "They're transporting back in time."

SEE ALSO: Gen Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue on 'childhood nostalgia-core' and the future of fashion

That growing interest in retro tech has led brands to repurpose it in modern accessories. Last year, for example, fashion brand Coperni teased a purse that doubled as a CD-player, and multiple consumer good lines incorporated flip phone imagery and iconography in their designs.

Nvidia's next-gen AI chips are way more powerful and use a lot less energy

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 13:22

Nvidia has made bank on hardware for powering AI over the last few years. Now, it's set to potentially make more.

The computing company announced in a press release on Monday that its next-gen "Blackwell" chip is on the way. It's the follow-up to the H100 chips that are widely used to fuel things like ChatGPT in recent years, and according to Nvidia, Blackwell is up to 30 times more powerful and uses as much as 25 times less energy in doing so.

SEE ALSO: It's like ChatGPT with a body: Watch creepy demo of OpenAI-powered robot 'Figure 01'

Of course, these new chips can be used to do basically anything regarding computing, but AI is the big talking point in Nvidia's press release. Prominent tech figures like OpenAI's Sam Altman, Google's Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella are all quoted in the press release talking about how great Blackwell will be for AI.

And there are good reasons for that, given Nvidia's recent meteoric rise up the stock charts. While there was a minor market dip in response to this news, Nvidia's stock price has done very well for itself over the past year or so. Whether you care about AI or not, all the big tech companies (and investors) seem to believe it's the way of the future.

Call-blocking app rolls out AI-powered upgrade

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:58

A new AI feature from Truecaller is taking on spam calls, which is tech we can get behind.

Per TechCrunch, the caller ID app released "Max," a setting that uses AI to filter out unwanted calls. The feature comes in an update for Truecaller Premium subscribers, which is only available for Android. So, the release is limited to Android users who pay $9.99 or more for the premium tiers. Due to Apple's closed ecosystem approach to app development, Truecaller functionality is limited and doesn't have a paid version for iOS.

SEE ALSO: Meta takes down massive 'Spamouflage' operation tied to Chinese law enforcement

Filtering out the deluge of unwanted calls is a welcome use of AI. According to the Federal Trade Commission, almost 50 billion robocalls were made in 2022. AI's ability to analyze and automate large amounts of data makes it an easy fit for roboblocking services like Truecaller. Recently, the app also announced Truecaller Assistant, which uses AI to field calls for you and determine whether to transfer the call to you.

Typically, Truecaller blocks calls by checking potential spam numbers against its database of known culprits. The AI feature works by automatically blocking all calls from unapproved contacts or numbers Truecaller's AI believes to be spam calls. Consequently, "there can be certain cases where some legitimate businesses may temporarily [be blocked]," said Vice President Kunal Dua to TechCrunch. But, users can unblock a number at any time, and Dua added that with this feedback, the service will improve over time.

For Android users who have a Truecaller Premium account, you can turn on Max by updating the Truecaller app to the latest version, and going to Settings > Block. From there, you'll see a new option for enabling Max.

'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' trailer: Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth face off

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:47

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga promises desert car chases, over-the-top villains, and War Boys galore — and that's just the trailer.

George Miller's return to the world of Mad Max centers on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). As a child, Furiosa grew up in the idyllic Green Place, safe from the horrors of the desert wasteland beyond. But after the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) kidnaps her, Furiosa will spend her whole life trying to get back home.

By the looks of this trailer, her attempts to return involve allying herself with Immortan Joe (Lachy Holme), the lord of the Citadel who will become her adversary in Mad Max: Fury Road.

As if seeing Furiosa again wasn't enough, Furiosa's trailer is a thrill ride from start to finish. Big rigs crashing into towers? Hemsworth in full freak mode? Taylor-Joy channeling Charlize Theron? I'm more than sold — I'm already seated.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits theaters May 24.

The best Apple Watch deals live before the first day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale aren't at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:30

Amazon's Big Spring Sale starts March 20, but we think these Apple Watch deals are already worth looking at:

Best Apple Watch deals Best Series 9 deal Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329 at Best Buy (Save $100) Get Deal Best SE deal Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) $189 at Walmart (Save $60) Get Deal

Fun fact about Apple Watches: big sale or not, at most points in the year you can find the latest models for significantly cheaper than their MSRPs. And most times, you'll find those deals at Amazon.

With Amazon running its Big Spring Sale from March 20 to 25, we expect to see some Apple Watch markdowns, and we're hoping that they're better than the run-of-the-mill deals we see year-round. For the uninitiated, a discount of $50 to $70 off is fairly run-of-the-mill, and not all that challenging to find during the off-season (if such a time even exists anymore).

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals to grab leading into Amazon's Big Spring Sale

While two days out from the sale's start there weren't any major new markdowns, Best Buy marked down the Series 9 $100 the day before Amazon's sale starts as a 24-hour only deal of the day. Not to be outdone, Amazon has price-matched some (but not at all) of the models.

Though this is an Amazon sale for Prime and non-Prime members alike, we'll be keeping our eyes peeled for wherever has the best Apple Watch deals — and making sure to keep this list updated regularly with them. Check out what we've found so far below.

Best Series 9 deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (45mm, GPS) $329.00 at Best Buy
$429.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 9.

We'll cut to the chase — this is the lowest price we've ever seen the 45mm Series 9 hit. Prior to this $100 markdown, the best discount we'd seen on this model was a $70 price cut. At the time of writing, Amazon has not price-matched Best Buy's deal, but we're keeping our fingers crossed (their 45mm watch is currently sitting at $50 off). In the meantime, you won't want to wait too long if you're interested in this Apple Watch — as a deal of the day, this markdown will be gone from Best Buy come tomorrow. If you were especially bummed about the Series 9's recent loss of its blood oxygen feature, this deal may help offset that disappointment.

More Series 9 dealsBest SE deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE (40mm, GPS) $189.00
$249.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Walmart has had this deal live for a few weeks now, but that doesn't change the fact that this is a solid deal. If you're looking for less of a completely decked out fitness tracker and more of a basic smartwatch, the SE will be more than enough for you, and cost you over $100 less than the Series 9's best sale price. You'll get the basics like a heart rate monitor, crash detection, and an OLED Retina display.

More SE dealsBest Ultra deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (49mm, GPS + cellular) $749.00 at Amazon and Best Buy
$799.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This Ultra deal is the one Apple Watch deal from Amazon worth a top pick spot — but Best Buy has also price-matched it. Though it's not quite as regular as the $50 to $70 markdown on the Series 9, we will say that we saw the Ultra 2 hit $739 a few times last year, and wouldn't be shocked if its price dropped a little more once the BSS starts. Still, if you want to buy the Ultra 2 ASAP, this is the best price you'll find on a brand-new model.

More Ultra deals

Check out the best wireless earbud deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:16

UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest wireless earbud deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just one day away, but that doesn't mean there aren't already a bunch of great deals you can start shopping immediately. From fitness trackers to spring cleaning devices, you shouldn't have any trouble finding big discounts on must-have items to welcome the changing of the season.

If you happen to be ready for a headphone upgrade, Amazon has a bunch of wireless earbuds on sale ahead of the event on March 20 — and no, they aren't all AirPods. If you want to save up to $70 on a pair of new buds across various big-name brands, check out our list below of our favorite wireless earbud deals that are already live before the Big Spring Sale begins. You might want to revisit this page after the sale officially starts, too, because we expect even more offers to be up for grabs.

SEE ALSO: Fire Tablet deals are aplenty during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon Big Spring Sale wireless earbud deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

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

More wireless earbud deals

Get an Echo Dot Kids for under $40 and make story time even more special

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 12:12

SAVE $20: The Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Amazon has an extensive lineup of Echo devices that make life at home just a bit easier. Paired with Alexa, these speakers and screens can provide tunes for a dance party, connect to the grandparents on a video call, or display your calendar so you're less likely to forget that important appointment. None, however, have the bragging rights of turning Alexa's voice into a dragon – except for one that happens to be on a major discount today.

As of March 19, the Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount or $20 off. Choose between the cute dragon or owl design to score this sale price.

SEE ALSO: Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

The Echo Dot Kids takes Amazon's Echo smart speaker and turns it into a kid-friendly way to listen to bedtime stories (Ask Alexa to open Amazon Storytime), stream music, or ask for homework help. Alexa is designed to give age-appropriate replies and make sure no explicit songs reach young ears. Parents can also set daily time limits and check on activity through the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

Kids can set Alexa's voice to be a dragon's voice or an owl to match the Echo Dot's design. Kids can also call friends or family from the Echo Dot as long as they're parent-approved. The Echo Dot Kids also comes with one year of free access to Amazon Kids+ which contains videos, Audible books, and morning routines for kids to follow.

Introduce a helpful dragon or owl into your kids' daily routine with an Echo Dot Kids for just $39.99.

Get the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $300 off right now at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:41

SAVE $300: As of March 19, get the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $399.99 at Amazon. That's 43% off its normal price of $699.99 and a discount of $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung M8 Smart Monitor $399.99
$699.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you're ready to bring home a new monitor, bigger is usually better. You can get so much done on a larger screen, and it just feels better than using a smaller display. Especially if it comes equipped with smart features that make it feel like so much more than your standard-issue, pedestrian screen. Right now, you can save big on a Samsung monitor that checks all these boxes and then some.

As of March 19, the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $399.99. That's $300 off its normal price of $699.99 and a 43% discount. Notably, that makes it just $50 more than the Samsung M7 Smart Monitor, which Mashable's RJ Andersen recently reviewed and loved, and it comes with several other features the previous model doesn't have.

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

This crisp display boasts a 4K UHD 2160p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, 4.0ms response time, and a 178-degree viewing angle. Its ultra-slim body makes it the perfect addition to any desk, but it doubles as a fantastic-looking TV as well.

That's because of its suite of smart TV options. Connect it to WiFi and you can use Samsung TV Plus to watch free and live on-demand content without the need for a subscription service. You can also watch your favorite streaming apps straight from the display with Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other options to choose from.

That's why this monitor is such a steal at $399.99. If you're interested in adding another display to your home or just want a smaller TV alternative for an apartment or smaller room, this is one option you just can't beat.

'The Acolyte' trailer: The Jedi face a growing threat

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:40

The Dark Side rises in the first trailer for new Star Wars series The Acolyte.

Created by Russian Doll's Leslye Headland, The Acolyte marks our first live-action introduction to the High Republic Era — a time of peace 100 years before the Star Wars prequels take place. However, that peace is under attack by dark forces, ones which leave dead Jedi in their wake. A respected Jedi Master (Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae) investigates the murder spree, only to come face-to=face with a dangerous warrior from his past (Bodies Bodies Bodies' Amandla Stenberg).

The first trailer for The Acolyte is otherwise thin on plot details. But we do get blessed by scenes of The Matrix's Carrie-Anne Moss in full Jedi mode, promises of political intrigue, and a very foreboding look at what may be one of the first red lightsabers.

The first two episodes of The Acolyte premiere June 4 on Disney+.

Shark and Roborock self-emptying robot vacuums are extra affordable during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:32
A look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best budget deal Shark AI AV2501 349.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 deal Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal

We can only assume that most anyone shopping for a robot vacuum is in it for the convenience aspect. And a majority of those people probably wouldn't complain about that convenience going a step further with self-emptying robot vacuum.

Automatic emptying happens each time the robot vacuum finishes cleaning and empties its onboard dust bin into a bigger canister inside the same dock it charges on. This relieves you of interacting with that ball of mystery debris that previously needed to be manually dumped into the trash. Depending on your cleaning routine and that particular dock's capacity, you could be off the hook anyway from six weeks to six months.

SEE ALSO: On the hunt for a cheap 4K TV? You have a ton of options at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Once reserved for pricey botvacs as a new-fangled feature five or so years ago, self-emptying is now a super common, potentially super affordable addition, made even more accessible during sales like Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Below, we're tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals at Amazon currently live, organized around whether they also mop, and then listed in ascending order of price. Robot vacs from big brands like iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and Eufy have all made an appearance already, and we expect more as the sale runs its official course between March 20 and 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon
$869.00 Save $449.01 Get Deal Why we like it

All of the deals in this list are good deals, but more than 50% off good? Only the Roborock Q7 Max+ can say that now that its regular sale price of $699.99 has a casual $280 coupon tacked on.

Of the handful of models Roborock released in 2022, the Q7 Max+ is the most elite of the hybrid series. It simultaneously vacuums with tenacious suction (4,200 Pa is pretty impressive under $500) and mops with water — except on carpet, where it will lift its mopping pads to keep soft floors from getting wet. Its dock holds the debris it auto-empties for seven weeks (or more) at a time. The Q7 Max+ has smart mapping to remember the layout of your home as well as virtual keep-out zones that you set in the app, cleaning for more than two hours before needing to return to charge.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale self-emptying robot vacuum dealsSelf-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos

Grab the Echo Buds with active noise cancellation for under $55

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:31

SAVE 54%: The Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation are just $54.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $119.99. That's a savings of $65.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

The world outside has some wonderful sounds. Birds chirping as spring warmth rolls in, waves lapping onto a tropical beach, and leaves rustling in the wind are all enjoyable and relaxing. But other noises — like rush-hour traffic or neighbors' terrible music tastes — can be less appealing. If you're looking to block out the noises that make you grit your teeth, today's deal at Amazon could provide relief.

As of March 19, the Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation are just $54.99, marked down from the standard price of $119.99. That's a 54% discount or a savings of $65.

SEE ALSO: The best wireless earbuds: Our top 8 picks for the best sound on the go

The design of the Echo Buds with active noise cancellation features sealed in-ear buds that limit unwanted background noise while also being small and lightweight. To make sure you get the best fit, the Echo Buds come with four sizes of ear tips and two sizes of wing tips. You'll get up to five hours of playback time on a single charge or up to 15 hours with the included wired charging case. If you're in a hurry, a 15-minute quick charge adds up to two hours of listening time.

Mashable's Alex Perry gave the Echo Buds a 4.25 rating in his review, noting a solid sound quality and effective ANC for a low price, while taking on the cons of low battery life and overly-sensitive touch panels. But you might be willing to overlook those flaws when the price is this right.

Tune out unwanted background noise and tune into your own music, podcasts, and calls with the Echo Buds for just $54.99 at Amazon.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is brimming with phone accessory deals

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 11:16

SAVE UP TO $55: Ahead of the official start for Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the retailer is already dishing out unseasonably good deals on phone accessories. Here are some of our top picks as of March 19.

The best phone accessory deals at a glance: BEST CHARGER DEAL Anker MagGo foldable 3-in-1 charging station $82.49 at Amazon (save $27.50) Get Deal BEST POWER BANK DEAL Anker 622 MagG 5,000mAh portable charger $39.98 at Amazon (save $30.01) Get Deal BEST PHONE CASE DEAL Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 3 Phone Case with S Pen $40 at Amazon (save $39.99) Get Deal BEST BLUETOOTH TRACKER DEAL Samsung Galaxy SmartTag2 $20.99 at Amazon (save $9) Get Deal BEST STYLUS DEAL Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) $79 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal

To hold all of us deal shoppers over until Prime Day, Amazon decided to give us a little gift: the Big Spring Sale. Officially running from March 20 to March 25, the brand-new Amazon savings event will showcase unseasonably good deals on "seasonally relevant items." You would expect deals to be strictly focused on cleaning products and outdoor equipment, but — shocker — the retail giant is dishing out deals on just about everything, including phone accessories.

If you're seeking some new swag to pair with your upgraded phone, we're keeping a running list of the best phone accessory deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale thus far. We're talking charging stations, power banks, phone cases, Bluetooth trackers, and more. Be sure to check back as the event gets going; new savings will be added every day.

Wall charger and charging station deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo foldable 3-in-1 charging station $82.49 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $27.50 Get Deal Why we like it

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

More deals on charging accessoriesPortable charger deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker 622 MagGo 5,000mAh portable charger $39.98 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $30.01 Get Deal Why we like it

A solid travel companion, the Anker 622 MagGo charger is a collaboration with PopSockets that offers a magnetic power bank and a PopSocket with a collapsible grip. The 5,000mAh battery pack snaps magnetically to the back of your iPhone and offers up to 17 hours of extended use. And thanks to the sturdy PopGrip, the power bank also double as a convenient stand for watching videos. On sale for $39.98, this is the gadget's first big discount at 43% off.

More portable charger dealsPhone case dealsEven more phone accessory deals

Save $10 on a $100 Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy, today only

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:29

SAVE $10: As of March 19, save $10 on an Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Uber and Uber Eats Gift Card $90.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Planning on grabbing an Uber to go somewhere soon? Or maybe you order takeout regularly with Uber Eats. Whatever the case may be, saving money is always a good thing, even if it's just a little at a time. Right now, you can save on your next Uber ride or Uber Eats order by pre-paying with a gift card at a discount – or you can give someone else the gift of convenience.

As of March 19, you can save $10 off a $100 Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a 10% discount and a deal that's only valid for today. It doesn't apply to the other denominations currently, so if you want to snag this deal, you'll have to go large with a $90 purchase that nets you $10 in free Uber credit, essentially. This price applies to both the digital and physical gift cards, so you can either have your credits emailed to you or a physical card delivered.

You can apply the gift credit directly to your account if you opt for email delivery, or you can have it sent to your intended recipient. It works just like cash on Uber and Uber Eats, so all you have to do is apply the gift card and start using either service. It may just be $10 off, but Uber fees add up, and in this economy, any kind of savings is worth springing for. Don't miss this deal today, as it's counting down right now.

Hurry to grab the Apple Watch Series 9 for as low as $299 today only

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 10:26

SAVE $100: Several models of the Apple Watch Series 9 are $100 off at Best Buy, including the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm), which is on sale for $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) $299.00 at Best Buy
$399.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal

If you're a fan of the Apple family of tech products, you know they come packed with top-of-the-line features. Not only do they prove essential for everyday life, they play well with the other members of the Apple family. One of the only downsides to Apple products tends to be the steep prices, but thanks to today's deal at Best Buy, you can grab the Apple Watch Series 9 for a lot less.

As of March 19, several models of the Apple Watch Series 9 are $100 off at Best Buy. The most affordable option is the Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS, 41mm) for just $299, down from the normal price of $399. That's a 25% discount. But you'll want to hurry because this sale price expires at 11:59 p.m. CT today. Plus, the larger and upgraded Apple Watch Series 9 (GPS + cellular, 45mm) is down to just $429 should you need the option to stay connected without having your phone nearby.

You have options when it comes to fitness trackers and the right tracker for you comes down to personal preferences. But if you're an Apple user, Mashable recommends the Apple Watch Series 9 from the lineup of the best fitness trackers of 2024.

The Apple Watch Series 9 is the brand's most recent addition to the watch lineup, introducing the double tap feature that lets you tap your index finger to your thumb to answer a call, play music, or open a notification.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 9 review: Upgrade for this key feature (no, it's not Double Tap)

The display is also brighter compared to the Series 8, with maximum brightness hitting 2,000 nits, which is especially useful as we head into bright spring and summer days.

Time's running out to score $100 off an Apple Watch Series 9. If you've been considering gifting yourself a nice treat to welcome spring, here's a great opportunity thanks to Best Buy's deal of the day.

This bicycle light uses AI to keep you safe from bad drivers

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 09:15

There is a new AI tool that is designed to help keep cyclists safer as they navigate busy roadways. Velo's AI-based bike safety light "Copilot" (not to be confused with Microsoft's generative AI assistant) aims to do exactly that, as spotted by Ars Technica.

SEE ALSO: First impressions of Humane's Ai Pin: A very out-of-hand proof of concept

This little $400 gadget can allegedly tell you (via audio) if a vehicle is approaching or overtaking you, warn drivers who are coming on to you too quickly, and even record HD video in case you need it later.

It's got about five hours of battery life, per Ars Technica, but that should be fine for city cyclists, at least.

After the last few years of advances in car-based digital identification and warning systems, it's nice to see something for those who prefer to get around in a more environmentally friendly way.

The gadget is listed for sale now on the Velo website.

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