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Just over six months after Google launched the new Pixel 9 generation of Android smartphones, a new model has joined the lineup.

On Wednesday, Google announced the Pixel 9a. 

What is the Pixel 9a and where does it place among the other Pixel 9 devices? Let's break down everything you need to know about Google's latest Pixel phone.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Pixel 9a price

The Pixel 9a fits in as the most affordable of the Pixel 9 devices, which sets it up as an entry-level phone below the base Pixel 9 model.

The Pixel 9a retails at $499, which makes it $300 less than the Pixel 9, the previous lowest costing current generation Pixel device.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Pixel 9a specs: Everything you need to know

Don't let the price difference between the Pixel 9a and the Pixel 9 fool you. Google has packed the Pixel 9a with plenty of power.

In fact, the Pixel 9a is powered by the same Google Tensor G4 processor that you'll find inside the Pixel 9. This is the same processor that was created specifically for Google's intensive AI capabilities, so you'll find all of the Pixel 9's AI features in the Pixel 9a, including Magic Edit and Gemini AI Assistant.

The Pixel 9a has a 6.3-inch scratch-resistant Actua display with Corning Gorilla Glass 3 cover glass.

When it comes to memory, the Pixel 9a has 8GB of RAM and provides two different storage options, 128 GB or 256 GB.

Storage size isn't the only option you'll have to choose from when buying a Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9a comes in 4 different colors: Iris, Peony, Porcelain, and Obsidian.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

With over 30 hours of battery life and 7 years of guaranteed Pixel updates, the Pixel 9a is built to last.

When it comes to the rear cameras, the Pixel 9a has a 48 MP main camera and 13 MP ultrawide camera. But, there's even more that sets Pixel 9a's cameras apart from the rest.

So long, camera bump Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

One of the most interesting features of the Google Pixel 9a isn't what it has, but what it doesn't.

The Pixel 9a has a flat back design, meaning no camera bump.

The Pixel 9a is the only Pixel phone to sport a flat back profile. In fact, the Pixel 9a doesn't have the now-classic Pixel camera bar either. Instead, the back of the device is flat with the cameras found within a rounded water droplet-like design on the upper left hand side of the Pixel 9a.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Without the camera bump, the Pixel 9a is unique not only among other Pixel phones but other smartphones as well.

Pixel 9a release date, preorder info Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Interested in a Google Pixel 9a? Pre-orders start now, March 19th, so get your order in now if you want the new Pixel 9a on launch day.

The Google Pixel 9a will officially hit stores on March 26.

Kids with Android devices will now be able to make payments using Google Wallet.

The feature will debut over the next few weeks to young users in the U.S., U.K., Australia, Spain, and Poland, according to a Google blog post published Wednesday.

SEE ALSO: Google Family Link gets a new look, more tools

With Google Wallet, kids will be able to tap-to-pay for their purchases, as well as organize their library and gift cards and event tickets.

Dong Min Kim, director of product management for Google Wallet, said in the blog post that parents can manage their child's Google Wallet via the company's Family Link app.

Only parents can authorize the addition of payment methods, plus they'll get an email notification with each Google Wallet transactions. Through Family Link, they'll also be able to track purchases, remove payment cards, and cut off access to stored passes.

Only supervised accounts can add payment cards for Google Wallet. Additionally, a child under the age of consent in their country, which is typically 13, needs parental permission to use a Google account.

Google just introduced the Pixel 9a, the latest smartphone in the Pixel 9 family.

The Pixel 9a is the new "budget" model in the Pixel 9 generation of smartphones which already consisted of the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

With the Pixel 9a being the new entry-level smartphone for the Pixel line, Mashable looked at how it stacks up against the Pixel 9 base model phone. 

Astonishingly, Google has packed a lot into the Pixel 9a, which will make it nearly indistinguishable from the Pixel 9 for a great deal of Pixel users. However, there are some key differences that could be the deciding factor when choosing which Pixel phone to buy.

Here are those key differences between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9.

Google Pixel 9a Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Price

The most obvious difference between the Google Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 is the price.

At $499, the Pixel 9a is the lowest priced of Google's current Pixel line of phones. In comparison, the Pixel 9 base model starts at $799.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9a announced: Specs, price, release date, preorder details

That's a $300 difference between the devices. Yes, as we will get to, the Pixel 9 does have a few features and components that factor in here and give it the upper hand. However, if those specific things don't matter to you, consumers can now buy a brand new Pixel phone for less than $500 with the Pixel 9a.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Memory

When it comes to technical specs, the Pixel 9a packs a lot of power in a $499 device. In fact, the Pixel 9a is powered by the same powerful Google Tensor G4 processor that's found in the Pixel 9.

The Tensor G4 was made with AI in mind, so the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9 can both handle pretty intensive processes.

However, when it comes to memory, the Pixel 9 has 12GB of RAM and the Pixel 9a only has 8GB of RAM.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9a kills the camera bump

For most basic, everyday tasks, users likely won't notice much of a difference. Especially, when you consider that both phones have the same processor. 

However, power users will very likely notice a difference. The more memory a smartphone has, the better it handles multitasking and apps running in the background. When this is factored in, users will likely experience a smoother overall performance with the Pixel 9. If you often perform other memory intensive tasks like video editing or playing games, the Pixel 9 will likely provide a noticeable performance boost over the Pixel 9a too. 

Google Pixel 9 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Camera

Take a lot of pictures? Camera quality is another area where the Pixel 9 will be preferable over the new Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9 provides a significant boost in image quality based on the sensors used in the device. 

The Pixel 9a has a 48 MP wide and 13 MP ultrawide camera whereas the Pixel 9 comes with a 50 MP wide and 48MP ultrawide camera. The latter will produce higher resolution images.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

If photos and videos are a major factor in your purchasing decision, you'll likely want to go with the 9.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Design

There aren't just differences in the image quality between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9. There's also a major difference in the physical camera design themselves.

The Pixel 9 phone has a camera bar on the back of the phone with a significant sized camera bump. The bump is roughly one-third as thick as the Pixel 9 itself.

The Pixel 9a, however, is unique in that it has a flat back design. There is no camera bump. The Pixel 9a can actually lay flat on its back against any flat surface.

Google Pixel 9a flat back design Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

This may or may not be a big deal for you. However, the size of the Pixel 9's camera bump was a major point of criticism for some Pixel users when the phone was launched last year. If you fall in that group, the Pixel 9a may just be the smartphone for you.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Display and Battery Charging

We've laid out the biggest differences between the Pixel 9a and Pixel 9, but there are a few other significant variations between the two devices that we should mention too.

For example, most users may not notice a difference in the display when looking at both devices. Both are built with a 6.3-inch Actua display. However, the Pixel 9's display uses Corning Gorilla Glass Victus 2 cover glass, which is said to be tougher and more drop and scratch resistant than other cover glass. The Pixel 9a utilizes the older and thinner Corning Gorilla Glass 3.

Google Pixel 9 camera bump Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Another area where the Pixel 9 and Pixel 9a differ is when it comes to fast charging times. While both Pixel phones boast more than 24 hours of battery life, the Pixel 9 can charge faster than the Pixel 9a. The Pixel 9 has fast charging rates of 27 watts whereas the Pixel 9a has a rate of 23 watts when charged with a Google 45W USB-C charger plugged into a wall.

Pixel 9a vs Pixel 9: Verdict

As usual, it really comes down to your preferences.

Do you play a lot of games and perform a significant amount of video editing tasks on your smartphone? Do you multitask and often have a lot of apps running at the same time? Do you take a lot of photos? If so, the Pixel 9 is probably the best bet.

SEE ALSO: Target Circle Week is going head to head with Amazon's Big Spring Sale

But, if you're more like the average smartphone user, you can save $300 and get all the same features as the more expensive Pixel 9 models with the Pixel 9a. Oh, also if you hate camera bumps then the Pixel 9a is definitely the smartphone for you.

Google released the Pixel 9 to mostly rave reviews last summer. However, one major point of contention between Pixel fans was the Pixel 9's new camera bump.

The Pixel 9's camera bump is massive. It's roughly one-third as thick as the entire Pixel 9 itself. While some Pixel users don't mind the camera bump, the ones that do have forced Google to defend the Pixel 9's camera design. The camera bump on the base Pixel 9 model is so thick that the device is now roughly as thick as Apple's pro iPhone models.

Well, if the camera bump on the Pixel 9 was the one thing stopping you from getting the phone, we have some good news. 

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

The new Pixel 9a kills the camera bump completely.

Pixel 9a: No camera bump

Google's latest "budget" phone, the Pixel 9a, has a flat back design. The cameras are still located where you'd usually find them on other Pixel phones, but Google created the new Pixel 9a with a flat back profile with rounded corners and a water droplet-like design.

SEE ALSO: Google Pixel 9a announced: Specs, price, release date, preorder details

It's easily the first thing you'll notice about the Pixel 9a and it immediately sets the device apart from not only the rest of the Pixel phones, but other current generation smartphones from other companies as well.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

According to Google, the company didn't set out to give the Pixel 9a the flat back design. However, while working on the device, a number of advancements made the flat back design possible.

For example, the Pixel team was able to shrink the camera module in the device. In addition to that, the display on the Pixel 9a is much thinner than the display typically used on similarly-priced smartphone models. These changes along with other improvements made the flat back design possible.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

Google's Pixel line was already unique in its camera placement. Unlike most other smartphones which have their cameras built into a box on the upper corner of the back of the phone, Pixel phones like the Pixel 9 have a horizontal camera bar across the entire back of the device. There's still a camera bump, but it's more symmetrical along the back of Pixel phones as opposed to just one side lifting up.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

With the Pixel 9a, however, there is no camera bar. That's likely due to the fact that there's no need to factor in the camera bump. The cameras are designed side-by-side in that droplet-esque indent on the upper left-side of the back of the phone.

And, yes, Mashable tested out if you can lay the camera bumpless Pixel 9a down flat on a table or other flat surface. You can!

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

SAVE $50: As of March 19, the Garmin Forerunner 265S smartwatch is on sale at Amazon for $399.99. That's 11% off its list price of $449.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 265S $399.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $50 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is coming up soon, but if you simply can't wait to look through deals, we've got good news. There are still some nice discounts on Amazon ahead of the sale event to check out. If you've had your eye on a smartwatch to stay on top of your workout routines, this deal on the Garmin Forerunner 265S is worth a look, especially if you're a runner.

The Garmin Forerunner 265S has had an 11% discount at Amazon, dropping its price from $449.99 to $399.99. A number of colors are discounted, so you can pick out the option that best suits your personal preference.

SEE ALSO: Refresh your home with these early home deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

The Garmin Forerunner 265S boasts a bright AMOLED display that makes every detail on the screen look crisp and clear, alongside an excellent battery life that'll last you up to 15 days when you're using it in smartwatch mode. And when it comes to fitness features, this smartwatch is ready to help you tackle your goals with personalized workouts, over 30 built-in sports apps, and a readiness score that shows how prepared you are for the day's activities.

Save some cash and stay on top of your health and fitness goals with this discount on the Garmin Forerunner 265S at Amazon.

Looking for more fitness-focused smartwatch and tracker deals? There are quite a few worth looking at right now ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Have a look at our roundup of the best fitness tracker deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see some that have caught our eye.

SAVE $71.99: As of March 19, the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones are on sale at Amazon for $328. That's 18% off their list price of $399.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM5 Wireless Noise Canceling Headphones $328 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $71.99 Get Deal

As we wait for Amazon's Big Spring Sale to officially kick off, there are some great deals floating around that are worth a look. For those who have been looking for new headphones, you're in luck: Amazon's offering a very nice deal at the moment on one of our favorite headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM5s.

These headphones have had an 18% price drop from their list price of $399.99 to $328. All of the available colors are on sale as well, so you can choose between the midnight blue, black, silver, and smoky pink models. We think very highly of these headphones, so they're absolutely worth picking up while discounted to a price like this.

SEE ALSO: The best deals on noise-cancelling headphones ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

The Sony WH-1000XM5s rank on our lists of the best noise-canceling headphones and our overall list of the best headphones. In the latter, we note that this is because they, "deliver top-notch ANC and audiophile-level sound quality, with a hefty 30-hour battery life. Their design offers a less expensive alternative to the AirPods Max, for those who like their headphones to sound and look good."

Our review had plenty of praise for them as well, with Mashable's Miller Kern calling them, "an excellent pair of headphones for first-time buyers and those upgrading from old models."

If you've been looking to upgrade your headphones, look no further than Amazon at this deal on the Sony WH-1000XM5s.

With Amazon's Big Spring Sale right around the corner, there are plenty more headphone deals to check out alongside these ahead of the sale event. Have a look through our roundup of headphones and speaker deals live ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see even more of our favorite discounted picks.

2025 is going to be a huge year for gaming. That's fantastic news, but it also means that you're probably going to be spending a lot of money on gaming-related things over the next few months, whether it's individual titles, accessories, or even new consoles. You know what we're going to say next: That's why it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for a big sale to give your bank account a break.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Thankfully, Amazon is swooping in to save the day with yet another Big Spring Sale. Taking place from March 25 to 31, the Prime-Day-esque event will feature tons of deals on mostly spring essentials and outdoor products, but gaming discounts are also making an appearance in a big way.

Read on to find our favorite gaming deals from the days leading up to Amazon's Big Spring Sale below, including price cuts on consoles, games, accessories, and plenty more.

PlayStation game deals

• NBA 2K25 — $19.99 $69.99 (save $50)

• Resident Evil 4 — $28 $69.99 (save $41.99)

• Metal Gear Solid: Master Collection Vol.1 — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Lego Horizon Adventures — $32.20 $59.99 (save $27.79)

• Life Is Strange: Double Exposure — $29.99 $69.99 (save $40)

• Star Wars Outlaws — $43.46 $69.99 (save $26.53)

• Banishers: Ghosts of Eden — $43.80 $59.99 (save $16.19)

• Elden Ring — $46.99 $69.99 (save $23)

• Undisputed — $54.24 $69.99 (save $15.75)

• Astro Bot — $58 $69.99 (save $11.99)

• Alan Wake II — $59.70 $69.99 (save $10.29)

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth — $61.83 $69.99 (save $8.16)

• Black Myth: Wukong — $62.73 $69.99 (save $7.26)

• Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 — $62.99 $69.99 (save $7)

• Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 — $64.52 $69.99 (save $5.47)

PlayStation hardware deals

Headsets

• Razer Kaira X Wired Gaming Headset — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Sony INZONE H3 Wired Gaming Headphones — $58 $99.99 (save $41.99)

• Logitech G Pro X SE Wired Gaming Headset — $69.76 $99.99 (save $30.23)

• Razer BlackShark V2 Pro Wireless Gaming Headset — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

Accessories

• Seagate Game Drive for PS5 5TB External HDD — $149.99 $168.41 (save $18.42)

• WD_BLACK 2TB SN850X NVMe SSD with Heatsink — $164.95 $199.99 (save $35.04)

• WD_BLACK 2TB SN850P NVMe M.2 SSD — $189.99 $229.99 (save $40)

Xbox game deals

• The Quarry — $11.99 $19.99 (save $8)

• Grand Theft Auto V — $12.80 $39.99 (save $27.19)

• NBA 2K25 — $19.99 $69.99 (save $50)

• Sonic Frontiers — $19.99 $69.99 (save $50)

• Life Is Strange: Double Exposure — $29.99 $49.99 (save $20)

• Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth — $33.84 $69.99 (save $36.15)

• Assassin's Creed Mirage — $36.59 $49.99 (save $13.40)

• Persona 3 Reload: Standard Edition — $37 $69.99 (save $32.99)

• Dragon Age: The Veilguard — $37.99 $69.99 (save $32)

• Elden Ring — $41.85 $69.99 (save $28.14)

• Metaphor: ReFantazio — $43.99 $69.99 (save $26)

• Undisputed — $45.30 $59.99 (save $14.69)

Xbox hardware deals

Consoles

• Xbox Series X (1TB Digital Edition) — $427 $449.99 (save $22.99)

Controllers

• PDP Gaming Afterglow Wave Enhanced Wired Controller — $31.99 $44.99 (save $13)

• PDP Victrix Pro BFG Wireless Gaming Controller — $155.99 $179.99 (save $24)

Headsets

• HyperX CloudX — $49.99 $69.99 (save $20)

• SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X — $129.99 $179.75 (save $49.76)

Best Nintendo Switch game deals

• NBA 2K25 — $19.99 $59.99 (save $40)

• Sonic Superstars — $24.97 $29.99 (save $5.02)

• Just Dance 2025 — $24.97 $49.99 (save $25.02)

• Five Nights at Freddy's: The Core Collection — $24.79 $39.99 (save $15.20)

• Cult of the Lamb — $24.99 $29.99 (save $5)

• Sea of Stars — $26.99 $39.99 (save $13)

• Sonic Frontiers — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• TMNT Mutants Unleashed — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10)

• Stray — $37.16 $39.99 (save $2.83)

• Lego Horizon Adventures — $40.49 $59.99 (save $19.50)

• Tetris Effect: Connected — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• The Legend Of Zelda: Echoes Of Wisdom — $48 $59.99 (save $11.99)

Nintendo Switch hardware deals

Controllers and accessories

• PowerA Joy Con Comfort Grips — $9.88 $14.99 (save $5.11)

• Game Traveler Nintendo Switch Deluxe OLED Case — $14.99 $19.99 (save $5)

Memory cards

• SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card — $17.49 $19.99 (save $2.50)

• PowerA Joy-Con Charging Dock for Nintendo Switch — $19.49 $22.99 (save $3.50)

• SanDisk 256GB microSDXC Card — $22.99 $25.99 (save $3)

• Samsung EVO Select 512GB microSXC Card — $34.99 $39.99 (save $5)

• PowerA Wireless Controller (Kirby) — $35.49 $44.99 (save $9.50)

• CRKD Nitro Deck — $39.99 $45.30 (save $5.31)

• SanDisk 512GB Extreme microSDXC — $41.90 $62.49 (save $20.59)

• Hori Split Pad Pro (The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom) — $41.99 $59.99 (save $18)

• 8Bitdo Pro 2 Bluetooth Controller — $41.99 $49.99 (save $8)

• PDP Afterglow Wave Wireless Pro Controller — $45.57 $54.99 (save $9.42)

• 8Bitdo Ultimate Bluetooth Controller — $57.49 $69.99 (save $12.50)

Get ready, because Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just a few days away. Running from March 25 to 31, the event will mostly feature deals on spring essentials and outdoor items, but that doesn't mean it'll be completely devoid of tech deals. Case in point: A bunch of tablets are on sale ahead of the event, and we foresee them getting even better over the course of the next few days.

So far, we're finding some pretty decent discounts on iPads, Amazon Fire Tablets, and others that we think are worth giving a look. Like we said though, you may want to hold off on buying anything until the official start of the sale, because we have a feeling that these prices are going to drop even more.

SEE ALSO: Amazon has a lot of Apple Watch deals ahead of its Big Spring Sale, but shoppers should still wait to buy

If you (or your kid) are in need of a new tablet, check out our favorite early deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below. And stay tuned to our coverage throughout the event, because we'll be updating you on all the best deals as soon as they pop up.

iPad deals

• Apple iPad 10th Generation (64GB) — $269 $349 (save $80)

• Apple iPad 11-inch (256GB) — $427 $449 (save $22)

• Apple iPad Air M3 (256GB) — $657 $699 (save $42)

• Apple iPad Air M2 (256GB) — $799 $899 (save $100)

• Apple iPad Pro M4 (512GB) — $1,334.06 $1,499 (save $164.94)

Amazon Fire tablet deals

• Amazon Fire 7 tablet (16GB) — $44.99 $59.99 (save $15)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Plus tablet (32GB) — $64.99 $119.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet (16GB) — $69.99 $109.99 (save $40)

• Amazon Fire HD 8 Kids Pro tablet (32GB) — $84.99 $139.99 (save $55)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet (32GB) — $94.99 $139.99 (save $45)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 Kids Pro tablet (32GB) — $139.99 $189.99 (save $50)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) — $234.99 $279.99 (save $45)

More tablet deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB) — $164.75 $219.99 (save $55.24)

• Lenovo Tab K11 (8GB) — $199.99 $249.99 (save $50)

• Google Pixel Tablet (128GB) — $279 $399 (save $120)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S6 Lite (128GB) — $299.99 $318.99 (save $19)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE+ (256GB) — $479.96 $699.99 (save $220.03)

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 (256GB) — $679.99 $919.99 (save $240)

• Microsoft Surface Pro (512GB) — $1,399.99 $1,799.99 (save $400)

SPEND $50, GET $15 CREDIT: As of March 19, spend $50 on select household items at Amazon and get a $15 credit when using the promo code STOCKUPSAVE.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Spend $50 On Select Household Items, Get a $15 Amazon Credit Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is right around the corner, and there are already plenty of great deals to check out ahead of this popular sale event. If you're looking to score some household items to get a head start on spring cleaning, Amazon's here with an offer to help make your springtime shopping just a little bit easier.

If you spend $50 on a selection of household items at Amazon right now, you'll get a $15 credit added to your account after using the promo code STOCKUPSAVE at checkout. This is a great deal to take advantage of so you can pick up some necessities for your home while also getting a little bonus cash to spend on something else at Amazon. There's a wide variety of items included with this offer, too.

SEE ALSO: All the best deals under $25 ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

If you're in need of some new cleaning supplies, items like all-purpose cleaners, cleaning supplies for your bathroom, sponges, and so much more to pick up. Other items available with this offer include batteries, trash bags, paper towels, and air fresheners, so you can truly stock up on a variety of items for your home.

Don't miss out on this $15 credit when you spend $50 on household items at Amazon.

There's plenty more to check out at Amazon right now ahead of the Big Spring Sale. Looking to save on tech? Check out our roundup of the best laptop deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Or if you're curious to see more items outside of tech, check out our roundup of the best outdoor deals to shop ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Netflix drama Adolescence – a four episode mini-series where each episode was filmed in one shot – is provoking some emotional reactions online.

In the clip above Owen Cooper and Erin Doherty, the two main actors from episode 3 – which takes places almost entirely in one room – watch back their performances and give an inside into what was going on behind-the-scenes and in their heads while the camera was rolling.

Cooper probably sums it up best after one pivotal moment: "That was tense."

Adolescence is streaming now on Netflix.

Spring has sprung, which can only mean one thing: Another Amazon sale event is upon us.

No, it's not time for Prime Day quite yet, but it is time for yet another Big Spring Sale from the retail giant. Running from March 25 to 31, the sale will serve as a mini Prime Day of sorts, but with a focus on spring essentials, outdoor products, and much more. So, if you've been amping yourself to throw a big ol' BBQ once the weather allows for it, you're going to want to keep an eye on this sale.

SEE ALSO: Best non-watch heart rate monitors — keep your wrist free without sacrificing the data you need

That also goes for our fitness fans who are looking to get in better shape before summer comes along. Amazon already has a pretty decent selection of fitness trackers on sale ahead of the event's official start date from brands like Garmin, Apple, and even Oura Ring (with more to come). Read on to find our favorite fitness tracker deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring sale so far, and stay tuned to this page as the event kicks off — we'll be updating our list as new deals go live.

Let's start tackling our fitness goals we made at beginning of the year, but at a discount.

Best fitness tracker deals

• Amazfit Band 7 — $44.99 $49.99 (save $5)

• Amazfit Bip 5 — $59.99 $89.99 (save $30)

• Amazfit Active Edge — $79.99 $109.99 (save $30)

• Amazfit Balance — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Forerunner 55 — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Garmin vívoactive 5 — $225.56 $299.99 (save $74.43)

• Oura Ring Gen3 — $249 $299 (save $50)

Best smartwatch fitness tracker deals

• Apple Watch SE 2nd Gen (40mm, GPS) — $199 $249 (save $50)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch FE (40mm, GPS) — $169.99 $199.99 (save $30)

• Apple Watch Series 10 (46mm, GPS) — $359 $429 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra (47mm, LTE) — $419.99 $649.99 (save $230)

Best kids fitness tracker deals

• Garmin vivofit jr. 3 — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

FREE GIFT CARD: As of March 19, Prime members can get $2,300 in Amazon gift cards with the purchase of a car.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Autos: $2,300 in Amazon Gift Cards Learn More

Amazon sells kitchen equipment, designer clothing, audio gear, books, and everything in between. So why shouldn't Amazon sell cars? Sure, it feels a little weird to purchase something so massive (literally and figuratively) on Amazon, but when you really think about it, the whole thing actually makes a lot of sense.

Amazon Autos lets you browse online at your leisure with upfront pricing and vehicle-specific features, and you even get customized financing during checkout (or you can opt to pay in cash, if you're feeling flush). You can add optional products and services that protect you on the open road, including extended warranties, gap insurance, and maintenance plans.

SEE ALSO: How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance

When you're happy with your decision, you can schedule a pickup time online. As the final price is already settled, pick up is straightforward. Simply show up, wrap up, and drive home with your brand-new ride.

And for a limited time, Prime members can get $2,300 in Amazon gift cards through this service. Here's how it works:

1. Begin a purchase on any car at Amazon Autos

2. Finish checkout and submit your order

3. Schedule a pickup appointment and sign required documents from the dealer

4. Complete your car purchase at the dealer

5. Within two weeks, you will receive two emails from Amazon, each containing an Amazon gift card ($2,300 credit is split between the two gift cards)

So what are you waiting for? We know buying a car on Amazon sounds weird, but it's the future. Amazon is set to launch this service in more locations, with more car brands and dealerships planned in the near future.

The new MacBook Air made me wonder why do I keep buying the MacBook Pro.

I keep telling myself that the laptop is the most powerful tool I use daily, and that I should get the best one. But honestly, the new 15-inch MacBook Air, which Apple lent me for a few weeks, has put my 16-inch MacBook Pro to shame in so many ways that I'm wondering if I should just switch to the Air the next time around.

Apple M4 MacBook Air: Price and specs

Let's start with the most pleasant surprise: The new MacBook Air is cheaper than before. The 13-inch variant starts at $999, while the 15-inch variant starts at $1,199 – a hundred bucks down from last year's price. Apple doesn't do this often, so enjoy it while you can.

It's blue, I swear. Note the Silver MacBook Pro on the left. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for specs, the most important changes on the new MacBook Air are the new M4 chip with a 10-core CPU and a 10-core GPU (the 13-inch version starts with an 8-core GPU), 16GB of starting memory (the last year's version started at 8GB), the new, 12-megapixel webcam, and the new, Sky Blue color. The new Air also supports up to two external displays, even when you're using its own display. The Air still starts with 256GB of storage.

The softest of blues

Despite its size, the 15-inch MacBook Air is reasonably light and thin, making it a lot more portable than my 16-inch Pro. The new Sky Blue color is incredibly subtle, and can only be appreciated in a certain light. I'd like it to be more vibrant, especially given all the other colors are also some variant of grey (Starlight, Silver, and Midnight), but it's the Apple way. The MagSafe charging port is matching the Sky Blue color, so everything is good with the universe.

Just the headphone jack on the right side. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

I haven't had any time with the new 13-inch MacBook Air, but it's a very similar machine, only smaller and lighter (it weighs 2.7 pounds vs. the 15-inch Air's 3.3 pounds).

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

I'm the type of guy who'd gladly lug a larger, heavier laptop around for the increased screen real estate, but some folks may opt for the smaller Air for the extra portability.

Silent power

Outside, the new Air is pretty much the same as the last one. Inside, there are a couple of important changes.

First, the new Air has Apple's M4 chip inside. Apple's M-series of chips aren't huge upgrades year-over-year (which is why Apple often compares new chips against much older variants in marketing materials), but the first one, the M1, was so good, that most users probably wouldn't notice the difference between that chip and the latest one.

Still, the new M4 MacBook Air is impressively powerful. I put it through GeekBench's CPU test and got great results: a 3,778 single-core score, and a 14,992 multi-core score. That's considerably faster than any earlier Mac when it comes to single-core operation, and roughly on par with an M2 Max when it comes to multi-core operation.

This kind of performance is impressive given the Air is dead silent. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

To illustrate just how good this is, let's put it into context. This M4 MacBook Air only has passive cooling, so it emits nearly no noise. Of course, if you push it hard, it will get hot; it only took 20 minutes of Dota 2 at the highest settings for the Air to get pretty hot to the touch above the keyboard. The laptop's bottom also got warm, but not so much that it felt unbearable in my lap.

This is not a gaming laptop, by the way, but it will do for games that aren't very demanding. For example, Dota 2 was glitchy at the highest settings, but when I pushed the visuals slider away from "best looking" it did fine, maintaining FPS count above 60 most of the time.

One thing I worry about is whether the MacBook Air will be able to handle extreme heat which is common during the summer on the Adriatic coast where I live (100 degrees Fahrenheit or more). I guess playing a game in a non-air-conditioned room would cause some throttling, but I can't test that right now.

The MagSafe cable connector is also Sky Blue. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The device Apple sent me had 16GB of RAM, which is the starting amount, and I never felt like I needed more (you can also get the Air with 24GB or 32 GB of RAM, for $200 or $400 extra). As for storage, the Air starts at 256GB but it can also be had with 512GB, 1TB, or 2TB of storage (for $200, $400, and $800 extra, respectively). My unit had 1TB which was obviously more than enough for a week of use. The extra memory and storage could be cheaper, but given that the Air used to start with 8GB of RAM, it's hard to complain here.

Display, keyboard, trackpad

This is the easy part, because the display, the keyboard, and the trackpad on the new M4 MacBook Air haven't changed since the last generation.

The keyboard is still excellent, though I do prefer the depth and the feeling I get on my MacBook Pro's keys. Apple's trackpads are near-perfect and have been for a while. And the display is plenty bright and gorgeous...when it displays a still image. Grab a window and start moving it around on the screen, and you'll notice the shortcomings of the display's refresh rate, which only goes to 60Hz. If you're a gamer or if you just want a silky smooth 120Hz display, you'll have to look elsewhere.

Webcam, ports, and surprisingly good sound

The new MacBook Air has a new, 12-megapixel front camera, and it's a big upgrade. Compared to the old, 1080p webcam on my MacBook Pro, the image is sharper, a bit brighter, and more detailed. You still won't get selfies nearly as good as you would on a newer phone, but you'll look a lot better in video calls.

The 15-inch MacBook Air is not the lightest laptop out there, but it's still a lot lighter and thinner than my 16-inch MacBook Pro. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

As for the ports you get...it's the same as last year, which means – not great. You get a MagSafe port for charging, two Thunderbolt ports on one side, and a solitary headphone jack on the other. Given that this machine can support two external displays, it'd be nice if additional ports existed as an option, at least.

SEE ALSO: I've found 2025 MacBook Air M4 discounts already — here are all the best live deals

Sound on the 15-inch Air is pretty good, loud without too much distortion, bright and clear. Compared to the sound coming out of the 16-inc MacBook Pro, it's a bit brighter and thinner, with less bass, but it's still pretty great. Note that the 13-inch only has 4 speakers compared to the 15-incher's 6-speaker configuration, so it likely won't sound as good.

Battery life

The 15-inch M4 MacBook Air is rated by Apple as capable for up to 18 hours of video streaming, and up to 15 hours of wireless web browsing. We've put the new MacBook Air to our standard test of streaming a looped 1080p video (Tears of Steel), and got just over 10 hours of battery life which is in line with what we've got from the M3 MacBook Air using the same test. As for my personal experience, I felt that this machine could easily last me through a full day of work.

Is the new, 15-inch, M4 MacBook Air worth it? Need a laptop? Buy the MacBook Air. You'll most probably love it. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Yes. Absolutely. The new MacBook Air is cheaper than before, and runs Apple's most powerful chip (well, its basic variant) while being dead silent. The webcam is better, the battery life is great, and just about the only negatives we can think is low number of ports and the fact that the display's refresh rate only goes to 60Hz.

SAVE UP TO $50: As of March 19, you can already save on the brand-new 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip at Amazon and Best Buy:

• 13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD — $949 $982.62 (save $33.62)

• 13-inch, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD — $1,349 $1,389.91 (save $40.91)

• 15-inch, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD — $1,349 $1,399 (save $50 with My Best Buy Total membership)

• 15-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD — $1,149 $1,199 (save $50 with My Best Buy Total membership)

The 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip just launched, and it’s already getting some solid discounts. I love when a brand-new Apple product doesn’t make me cry at the checkout. If you’re looking to upgrade your laptop, these early deals at Amazon at Best Buy are worth checking out especially since some configurations are dipping under $1,000.

The best deal on 13-inch 2025 Macbook Air M4 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 Macbook Air M4 (13-inch, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$982.62 Save $33.62 Get Deal

At Amazon, you can grab the 13-inch MacBook Air with 16GB RAM and 256GB storage for $949, knocking $33.62 off at checkout. Want a performance boost? The 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD model is $1,349 ($41.38 off).

The best deal on 15-inch 2025 Macbook Air M4 Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M4 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD $1,149 at Best Buy
$1,199 Save $50 Get Deal

At Best Buy, the 15-inch MacBook Air M4 starts at $1,149 with 16GB RAM and 256GB SSD, but only if you have a My Best Buy Total membership. That membership costs $179.99 per year, but it includes AppleCare+ and exclusive discounts, so it might be worth it if you’re deep in the Apple ecosystem.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale What is the best MacBook Air M4 deal?

If you don’t have a My Best Buy Total membership, the Amazon deals are better — no extra fees, just straight discounts. But if you do have the membership (or want AppleCare+ included), the Best Buy discount is bigger at $50 off.

Personally? The Amazon $949 deal for the base 13-inch model is the winner if you’re just looking for an affordable upgrade. But if you want a bigger screen and more storage, the Best Buy $1,349 deal for the 15-inch, 512GB version is decent, especially if you’re already in the My Best Buy Total membership.

Either way, these prices might not stick around for long. If you’ve been eyeing the new MacBook Air M4, now’s the time to grab one before Apple remembers that it can charge full price forever.

The Snoo. The Nanit. The Hatch Rest. Many lists of baby gear mandate certain items, but our columnist wondered if it would be better to chuck those lists out.

The online forum’s pseudonymity lets them vent, share information and find solace. Unpaid moderators, like David Carson, are working overtime to keep up.

Amazon recently confirmed that Alexa users will no longer have the ability to process requests locally, meaning your voice recordings will be stored in Amazon's servers, no matter what you think about it. That's...not great.

The good news is there are a couple of major alternatives you can use that have better privacy settings. The settings aren't necessarily ideal in every case, as you're still talking into a microphone that's connected to the internet. But they're still better than what Amazon is doing. Here are your options.

SEE ALSO: Google's new AI model is being used to remove image watermarks Apple

Apple's HomePod line of smart devices work similarly to Amazon Echo devices. You can ask questions and Siri will answer them, among other things. There's good news and bad news regarding how all of this works, privacy-wise.

According to Apple, some requests will be processed on-device, while others will be sent to Apple's servers, with a visual indicator letting you know which one is which. If you want to keep away from Apple's servers at all times and do everything locally, it doesn't seem like that's an option here. However, the privacy policy does promise that your audio data is not stored by Apple unless you specifically opt into that, which is the main thing we're looking for here.

If you want to feel even better, Apple doesn't associate any of your request data (be it text transcripts or voice recordings) with your name. It uses a random identifier instead, and your requests are decoupled from that identifier after six months.

Google

Google Nest devices also give users a decent amount of control in this regard. You can go into your activity settings and choose what is and isn't saved to your Google account, and that includes voice activity. It should be noted that Google does not retain audio recordings on its servers by default. There are also auto-delete options in Google's privacy suite, in case you want to keep things around temporarily.

If you use a voice-based smart home device, there are inherent security risks that can't really be avoided. But, at least in the specific case of having a company hoard your audio requests against your will, Apple and Google are both a better bet than Amazon at this point.

One evening, Holly,* then 22, was sitting on the sofa with her boyfriend, Harvey, 22, in his family home, when he mentioned that his ex, Harmony, had an OnlyFans account. Holly joked that she was going to subscribe to Harmony's page, and they both laughed. 

Holly, however, wasn't joking. Back home, she found Harmony's page and subscribed. She'd already looked at Harmony's Instagram, flicking through old photos of her and Harvey at prom, in school uniform, on holiday together. But scrolling through her OnlyFans account felt like she'd unlocked something else, like she was "meeting a different character altogether."

SEE ALSO: How to protect your mental health while using dating apps

"I would study photos of her boobs, bum, vagina, etc., and tally up where I stood in relation," Holly told me. "I just wanted to see her nipples compared to mine."

In our digitally mediated worlds, we have our partners' entire romantic histories at our fingertips. For the curious (or forensically-obsessed) among us, the proximity to all this information is intoxicating. We find ourselves lying in bed, alone, stroking our iPhones, scouring our partners' ex-flings' LinkedIn credentials, Substacks, and sepia-tinged selfies from 2011. Obsessing over a partner's ex feels dirty and salacious, shameful and delicious. Like scratching an inflamed mosquito bite, the sensation is sweet and stinging, always leaving us wanting more. So why do we do it?

A gendered problem?

"A lot of information on this subject is really poor," said psychotherapist Toby Ingham, who has written a book about "retroactive jealousy" (a term used to describe fixating on a partner's romantic history). While there has been little written on the subject, Ingham makes the case that retroactive jealousy is an "obsessional problem" fueled by "old injuries, things that really predate any kind of dating history by a long time." In other words, the compulsive feeling is less about our partner's ex or even our partner but "attachment type problems" from our childhoods.

When I floated my (anecdotally-driven) theory with Ingham — that retroactive jealousy was more common in women than men — he pushed back. "It seems to me that it's more typically men who become obsessed about their partner's previous partners," he said, explaining that he'd seen more male clients about this issue. 

This surprised me: I'd come to think of the compulsive feeling as a distinctly female one (the way I've masochistically compared every inch of my body to my friends' bodies since I was 11). When I asked my male friends how often they thought about their partners' exes, they seemed baffled by the question. They might take interest in who their ex dates after them, they told me, but not who they dated before.

"I have not found a man who has experienced this," Camille Sojit Pejcha, a New York City-based writer who runs the Substack Pleasure Seeking, told me. Sojit Pejcha has written about creeping on her ex's exes in Document Journal. "Women are so socialized to be so sensitive about their appearance and the appearance of others."

In 2006, a psychoanalyst named Dr Darian Leader used the term "Rebecca Syndrome" to describe the act of obsessing over a partner's ex. "It is a genuine question of feminine identity," he told The Independent. "It's as if the woman who came before holds the key." He'd coined the term from Daphne du Maurier's 1938 Gothic novel, Rebecca, in which the protagonist becomes fixated on her lover's widow. "I thought of Rebecca, lively and beautiful, arranging everything," she says towards the start of the novel, "What must people think about me?" 

While no published studies have specifically focused on whether "Rebecca Syndrome" is more common in women or men, research indicates that women are more likely to compare themselves with others on social media and are more likely to engage in "upward comparison." This is hardly surprising — my Instagram Explore page is filled with ads for rhinoplasty, face lifts, lip fillers, and Botox while my (straight) male friends tell me theirs are filled with women with big breasts. 

Being fascinated by our partner's exes didn't begin in the 21st century, but it's likely that profit-driven social media apps have added fuel to the fire. Capitalism feeds off insecurity, instilling us with the belief that something about us is suboptimal but fixable, that there is a better version of ourselves in reach. Social media, programmed to suck our attention, turbocharges this Sisyphean striving: the more time we spend on the apps, the more we scrutinize our appearance, the more we hate ourselves, the more time we spend on the apps.

The ex as a mirror

Across interviews with self-professed "ex fanatics," women described imagining their partner's exes as if seeing them through their partners' eyes. What made him fall in love with her? They'd wonder, tracing the bump on their nose, the gap between their front teeth. What does he love about me? 

Sarah, a 24-year-old writer, told me that she set up a burner account to survey her boyfriend's ex, and the more she looked at her profile, the more she felt uneasy. She began noticing eerie similarities between the ex and herself: their ethnicity, their music taste, even the topics of their undergrad thesis. "I was just a little bit scared that I am just a rebound because the similarity was very jarring."

This male-centric perspective reminded me of art critic John Berger's (albeit heteronormative) description of what it means to be a woman in a patriarchal world: disembodied "by a sense of being appreciated as herself by another." He wrote, "Men look at women. Women watch themselves being looked at." In a world in which our attention is constantly being monetized, these acts of being and being perceived take on new meaning. We linger and lurk on the profiles of other women with an internalized male gaze, and the more we look, the more the tech overlords profit.

In a world in which our attention is constantly being monetized, these acts of being and being perceived take on new meaning.

For Sojit Pejcha, spending years looking at her partner's ex through a quasi-male gaze led her somewhere unexpected. When her ex's ex revealed that she'd had a crush on her, she realized that she'd misinterpreted her own compulsive behavior. "For me, the motivation was gay," she told me. "It manifested as a perceived comparison thing but really it was about a sapphic pull that I felt toward these women… It was like I was able to hide behind the dynamic of triangulation with a man."

Holly was also jolted into a confrontation when her boyfriend's ex contacted her on OnlyFans, asking if she wanted personalized content. It made her feel guilty, like she'd taken it all too far. Obsessing over Harmony's virtual self was "a false sense of control," she now realized. "You learn more about what you hate about yourself than what they're like." 

As is so often the case with obsession, the feeling is more about the subject than the object: less about the person you are obsessed with and more about what they evoke in you and why. "It becomes far more an exercise in holding a mirror up to your own insecurities," Holly said.

* Names have been changed.

TL;DR: Get hands-on hacking practice in the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle on sale for $34.97 through March 30. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $34.97
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How do you learn to hack? As useful as it is for cybersecurity jobs, hacking is kind of hard to practice without an instructor and a controlled lab where you can test out what you've learned.

If you want a structured, hands-on approach to the practicalities of hacking in the industry, then check out the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle while it's on sale for $34.97 (reg. $1,098). 

What's on the menu

This bundle has 18 courses and a lot to show you. There's no set progression path, so you pick where you want to start. If you're a total beginner, you can start with entry-level courses like the Complete Python 3 Ethical Hacking Course. That one has a full eight hours of lessons showing you everything from how to hack Windows machines to setting up an email scraper. 

Other courses take a more focused approach. Website Hacking in Practice and Server Security with BitNinja both teach you new skills and tools that are common in the industry. 

If you want a little hands-on experience, check out Hacking Wireless Networks. That's where you learn how to prepare your own training environment so you can actually practice safely and legally. There's even a 180-page course handbook to study. 

There's a lot to learn, but no rush to study. All course material is yours for life, so take your time. 

The only rush is to get access before the price goes up. 

You have until March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle on sale for $34.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

TL;DR: Ditch the tiny screens — project your favorite content anywhere with the CinéMini HD Portable Projector while it's only $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: CinéMini CinéMini 720P HD Portable Mini Projector with Speaker $129.99
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Who says you need a massive budget (or even a TV) to enjoy cinema-quality entertainment at home? The CinéMini 720P HD Portable Mini Projector transforms any room, backyard, or blank wall into a full-on big-screen experience — and it's on sale now for $129.99.

Whether you’re streaming the latest blockbuster, binge-watching your favorite show, or giving a work presentation, this compact powerhouse has you covered. With a bright 160 ANSI lumen display and 720P HD resolution, the CinéMini delivers sharp, vibrant visuals on a screen up to 200 inches. Its built-in speaker provides room-filling sound, so you don’t need extra gear for an immersive viewing experience.

Tired of dealing with cables and clunky setups? The CinéMini makes streaming ridiculously easy. Built on Android 11, it comes with popular apps like Netflix, YouTube, Hulu, and Disney+ preloaded, so you can start watching right away once you log in. You can also mirror your phone or tablet using AirPlay or Miracast for quick screen sharing.

If you’re a fan of wired connections, no problem. The CinéMini supports HDMI, USB, and Bluetooth — you can quickly hook up a laptop or gaming console.

At just 2.78 lbs, the CinéMini is made for easy transport. Set it up in your living room, backyard, office, or classroom — wherever you need a big screen on demand. It’s also plug-and-play, so there’s no complicated installation — just plug it in, adjust the focus wheel, and you’re good to go.

Whether you're hosting an outdoor movie night, gaming with friends, or leading a meeting, this mini projector (which was featured at CES 2025) delivers serious performance in a small package.

What’s included:

• CinéMini 720P HD Portable Mini Projector

• AC power cable (runs on outlet, no internal battery)

• HDMI cable

• USB-C to HDMI adapter

• Remote control

If you’re still huddled around a laptop screen for movie nights, squinting at tiny presentations, or stuck without a TV in your dorm or Airbnb, it’s time for an upgrade. 

Get the CinéMini Portable Projector for just $129.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.