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SAVE OVER $30: As of March 20, the Beats Fit Pro are on sale for $169 at Amazon. That's a 15% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Fit Pro $169 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $30.95 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just around the corner, but you don't need to wait for the official launch to find great deals and discounts on top products. In fact, as of March 20, you can find my favorite pair of Beats earbuds on sale for their lowest price this year.

Beats has long been known for its incredible sound quality, and that's exactly what you get with the Beats Fit Pro. Right now, you can save 15% on these earbuds, down to $169. And in my opinion, they're worth every cent.

SEE ALSO: Headphones and speaker deals live ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Save on Sony, Bose, Sonos, and more

For sound quality you're getting next to none. It's immersive and powerful, and some of the best I've experienced. You can play around with the noise cancellation, with several options of how much you want to block out surrounding noises (full cancellation, transparency, etc.) This is great for outdoor activities such as running when you want to hear your music, but also stay aware of those around you, and one of my favorite features in these earbuds.

The Beats Fit Pro also boast a seriously impressive battery life, with a single charge lasting days (sometimes weeks).

For sports enthusiasts, these are a great option. The silicon tip slides into your ear seamlessly, lodging in your ear and staying put for all types of activity and all intensities. I've tested these during all kinds of activities, with varying degrees of intensity from HIIT workouts to Pilates, and each time they remain secure.

This deal won't be around for long, so head to Amazon now to save.

SAVE $150: As of March 20, the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150 Get Deal

Whether it's a vacuum or a hair styling product, with Dyson you know you're getting a high-quality product. That's why when it comes to Dyson discounts, we just can't let them slide. And with Amazon's Spring Sale fast approaching, you can expect to see a whole host of Dyson deals popping up. Much like this early deal on the Dyson V15, a stellar cordless vacuum that received great scores when our reviewer tested it out.

And as of March 20, you can save $150 on this model, now down to $599.99. Not only is this a great deal, but it's the lowest this model has been priced all year.

SEE ALSO: 10+ self-emptying robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's spring sale

A high-tech model, the V15's most notable feature is the laser dust detection system that illuminates dust on hard floors, so you won’t miss any dirty spots. This model also benefits from an LCD screen that gives real-time updates on dust it has picked up, battery life, and some handy maintenance alerts. Yep, even vacuums are benefiting from smart screens now.

You can expect up to 60 minutes of run time before it needs to be charged. And if you have pets, you'll really love the hair screw tool. This one is great for sucking up pet hair, and the anti-tangle conical brush bar can remove stubborn hairs from pet beds, car seats, stairs, and more tricky spots.

This deal is only available for a limited time at Amazon, so don't miss out.

SAVE $20: As of March 20, the Amazon Fire Stick 4K is on sale at Amazon for $29.99. That's a 40% discount on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon's Fire Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

We're big fans of Amazon's Fire Stick here at Mashable. And as of March 20, you can take home the handy device for less. Ahead of Amazon's Spring Sale (live from March 25-31), you'll find the Fire Stick 4K on sale for $20.99, saving you $20.

A handy little device, this product can turn nearly any TV into a smart TV for much less than buying one outright. It's a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. It comes with a remote with Alexa built-in and is currently less than $30.

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

And there's no complicated setup for this device. These handy remotes are so simple to use that anyone can do it. Just pop the device into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You'll have instant access to a range of streaming platforms as well as many live channels.

And with the Fire Stick 4K, you can enjoy incredible 4K Ultra HD visuals with advanced HDR formats like Dolby Vision and HDR10+. This model also boasts a much more powerful processor and enhanced Dolby Atmos support than its predecessor, ensuring a smoother performance and better quality sound.

This deal is only available for a limited time, so move fast so you don't miss out.

SAVE $170: As of March 20, the Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus heater and fan is available for $299.99 at Amazon. That’s $170 off its regular price of $469.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus heater and fan $299.99 at Amazon
$469.99 Save $170 Get Deal

I want my house to be the perfect temperature at all times. I also don’t want a clunky space heater or an ugly fan messing up my vibe. Dyson apparently understands my struggle because the Hot+Cool AM09 Jet Focus does both heating and cooling without looking like an eyesore. It’s normally $469.99, but Amazon just dropped it to $299.99, which makes it a lot easier to justify this level of climate control.

I think Dyson’s Air Multiplier technology is what makes this stand out. Instead of blasting hot or cold air in one direction like an old-school space heater, this thing amplifies the surrounding air and creates an uninterrupted airflow that actually feels nice. No more sitting directly in front of a heater just to feel something. Plus, Jet Focus control lets me pick between a focused mode for warming up my personal space or a diffused mode to heat an entire room.

SEE ALSO: LG’s 48-inch B4 OLED TV is down to under $500 at Best Buy

I could probably live without the magnetized remote, but I’ll admit it’s a nice touch. No more digging through couch cushions just to turn up the heat.

• Price: $299.99 $469.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Special Features: Remote control, bladeless, oscillating

• Color: White/Silver

• Power Source: Corded Electric

• Heating Method: Electric

• Heat Output: 2000 Watts

• Oscillation Angle: 70°

• Modes: Focused and Diffused

At $299.99, this is one of the best Dyson deals I’ve seen in a while. It’s a heater and fan in one sleek package, and it’s $170 off. I don’t need it, but I kind of need it.

Scientists at China's Beihang University developed a tiny morphable robot to explore the ocean's depths — and it's now taken a dive into the Mariana Trench. The team successfully demonstrated that its creation can swim, crawl, and glide untethered at a depth of 10,600 meters (34,776 feet) in Earth’s deepest oceanic trench, located in the Pacific Ocean.

Separately, the researchers also developed a soft gripper, which can be attached to a rigid robot. It was tested in the South China Sea, where the team attached it to an arm on a submersible, which they sent 3,400 metres (34,776 feet) deep. There, the gripper collected small marine creatures, such as starfish and urchins resting on the seafloor.

SEE ALSO: The deep sea footage scientists filmed in 2024 is jaw-dropping

About 70 percent of our planet is covered by oceans, but only a fraction has been explored, and some of the reasons for that lie in the challenging environment of the deep seas, such as extreme cold, perpetual darkness, and crushing pressure.

The advancement of technology is helping overcome some of these obstacles. Today's existing deep sea exploration craft, most of which are operated by humans on board, can disturb the fragile ecosystems they’re sent to study. 

Beihang University’s novel creation can generate movement by using swap-through motion to switch between two stable states. Here’s how it works: the robot contains incompressible components, such as tail fins for swimming, a set of legs for crawling, and foldable pectoral fins that enable gliding. These can store elastic energy at high pressures, which the robot can then use for faster movement once submerged at greater depths. If the robot repositions its legs when moving, it can switch between different modes of locomotion.

Deep sea robots have so far helped scientists spot previously uncovered marvels of the ocean world, including the Schmidt Ocean Institute’s 2024 expedition in the waters near Chile, in which the remotely operated vehicle SuBastian spotted an epic migration of crabs, a shimmering, psychedelic marine worm, life flourishing around deep methane seeps, and possibly 60 new species.

So, after Beihang University’s successful tests in the Mariana Trench and the South China Sea, the researchers are hopeful that the tiny machines can contribute to an improved understanding of deep-sea environments and the weird and wonderful life that thrives in this dark realm.

SAVE $422: As of March 20, the Samsung 70-inch Q60C QLED 4K Smart TV is available for $677.69 at Walmart. That’s $422 off its regular price of $1,100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 70-inch Q60C QLED 4K Smart TV $677.69 at Walmart
$1,100 Save $422.31 Get Deal

I want a massive TV. Not because I need one, but because Walmart just knocked $422 off this 70-inch Samsung Q60C QLED, making it just $677.69. This is a QLED TV for well under $700, which is basically unheard of unless you’re willing to roll the dice on a random off-brand. I’m suddenly trying to figure out how much bigger my TV stand can get before it becomes a safety hazard.

I think this is one of the best budget QLED deals I’ve seen in a while. 100% Color Volume with Quantum Dot technology means the colors pop, and Quantum HDR adds contrast that actually does justice to whatever cinematic masterpiece (or trashy reality show) I’m watching. Samsung’s Dual LED backlights automatically adjust the warmth and coolness of colors, which is great since I am never going to manually tweak my settings like some home theater perfectionist.

SEE ALSO: LG’s 48-inch B4 OLED TV is down to under $500 at Best Buy

I also want smooth motion, and Motion Xcelerator makes sure fast-moving scenes don’t turn into a blurry mess. Object Tracking Sound Lite adds a 3D surround effect, which means the sound follows what’s happening on screen. I like the idea of feeling like I’m inside the car chase instead of just watching it from my couch.

• Price: $677.69 $1,100

• Retailer: Walmart

• Display: 70-inch QLED, 4K UHD

• Processor: Quantum Processor Lite

• HDR: Quantum HDR

• Refresh Rate: 60Hz

• Audio: Object Tracking Sound Lite, Q-Symphony 3.0

• Smart TV: Samsung Tizen OS

• Gaming Features: Samsung Gaming Hub, Motion Xcelerator

• HDMI Ports: Multiple HDMI ports

Samsung’s Gaming Hub is another win. No console? No problem. I can just stream games directly to the TV, which might be the push I need to start using my Xbox controller for something other than scrolling Netflix.

At $677.69, this is one of those deals that makes me question everything. A 70-inch QLED TV at this price? My current setup suddenly looks very small and very inadequate.

"Well, that was a dud," said Steve, annoyed. He and his wife, Danielle, had just lost $921 playing 3 Card poker at the Stratosphere Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. The session was recently broadcast on the couple's YouTube channel, Vegas Action, which chronicles their ups and downs playing 3 Card and Texas Hold ‘Em.

Vegas Action is just one of dozens of gambling YouTube channels, a genre that took off around the onset of COVID and is enabled by a small but growing number of casinos that allow video recording by content creators. Steve and Danielle, who prefer not to use their last name for privacy concerns, set themselves apart with their amusing banter, random film clips, Michigan anecdotes (they travel to Vegas for tapings six times a year), and videos that feature a healthy dose of wins and losses.

"We wanted to be real and honest with people," Danielle says of their audience. "We’re going to lose, right? You can’t show all the wins and gloss over the losses. It’s reality. I don’t want anybody going to the casino thinking, Oh, they win all the time. I can play this game. It’s wrong."

Since launching in 2020, Vegas Action has attracted over 30,000 subscribers; decent numbers but much less than glossier channels like Bluff and Mr. Hand Pay which feature enormous bets (often in the hundreds compared to Vegas Action's $25-50 average) and many winning sessions.

"We’re more conservative type gamblers, and they're 'risk at all, we’re all in' gamblers," Steve says. "We’re more budgeted. It might play against us with [the YouTube] crowd, but our viewers are pretty loyal and they like us."

Steve and Danielle believe that the image some channels portray — highlighting astounding wins, breezing over staggering losses, and videos showing expensive cars and grandiose meals — can be dangerously enticing to young people. The related advertising that some channels use to supplement their income is also a cause for concern, at least for YouTube. The Google-owned company recently banned content that depicts or promotes online gambling sites not approved by YouTube. Additionally, content featuring approved online gambling sites will now be completely age-restricted, meaning anyone under 18 or not signed in cannot view them (there are exclusions for content featuring online sports betting and in-person gambling).

SEE ALSO: YouTube bans certain types of gambling content

While Vegas Action occasionally features ads from YouTube-approved mobile slot games, most of the channel's supplementary income comes via food comps or a few hundred dollars in promotional chips (free money to gamble with) they receive each trip from the casinos they play in. During a typical three-day trip to Vegas, the couple tapes about 40 gambling sessions, risking — and often losing — thousands of dollars of their own money. Add in the flights and ancillary expenses involved in running a YouTube channel, and, unsurprisingly, Vegas Action operates at a loss. Steve and Danielle often remind their audience that they both hold down jobs back in Michigan that have nothing to do with gaming.

"We’d like to eventually make this our job," says Danielle, who hopes she and Steve can move to Vegas someday. But currently, "we can't survive on channel money."

The couple says that some other channels covertly gamble "from their basement or deal to each other or do it on a cruise with play money."

"Doing a gambling channel on YouTube is extremely difficult because of the losing," Steve says.

Danielle and Steve of YouTube's Vegas Action are in it for the fun, not the money. Credit: Courtesy Vegas Action

The skewed reality presented by some channels feels especially risky since gambling is easier than ever. With the increased permissiveness and ubiquity of online casinos and sports betting, people don't even need a casino nearby, just the phone in their hands. Missouri recently became the 39th state to legalize sports betting and the U.S. gaming industry reported record-breaking revenue for a third consecutive year in 2023, according to the American Gaming Association.

Even though winning videos typically generate more views than losing videos, Steve and Danielle feel a responsibility to show their audience the unfiltered reality. The couple says younger viewers may not understand the risks inherent in gambling, including the house's edge, and older viewers likely have more to lose from it.

"What kind of 21-year-old has that kind of money to go to the casino and lose?" Danielle, 47, posits. "Even someone our age; who wants to get rid of their retirement? You can lose $10,000 in a weekend in the blink of an eye in Vegas," says Danielle.

"A couple hours," Steve adds.

March is Problem Gambling Awareness Month. If you're concerned about your gambling, call 1-800-Gambler or visit the National Council on Problem Gambling's website.

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 20, 2025:

AcrossChowder morsel

• The answer is Clam.

Emblem on a glass of Guinness

• The answer is Harp.

___ Madness (annual event that hints at 1-Down)

• The answer is March.

Strong desire

• The answer is Urge.

Contacted privately on social media, for short

• The answer is DMed.

DownAnagram of 6-Across

• The answer is Charm.

L, as in Land's End

• The answer is Large.

Moved with a curving trajectory

• The answer is Arced.

Speedometer abbr.

• The answer is MPH.

What hiking boots might track in the house

• The answer is Mud.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $303: As of March 20, the LG 65-inch C3 OLED 4K Smart TV is available for $1,196.99 at Amazon. That’s $303 off its regular price of $1,499.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 65-inch C3 OLED 4K Smart TV $1,196.99 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $303 Get Deal

I think this TV is the sweet spot in LG’s OLED lineup. The OLED evo panel makes colors pop without looking fake, while the α9 AI Processor Gen6 keeps everything looking smooth and sharp. Dolby Vision and HDR crank up the contrast, which means I’ll finally be able to see what’s happening in those infamously dark episodes of prestige dramas.

I also want this for gaming. The 120Hz refresh rate, NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync Premium, and VRR make sure every frame is smooth, even when my reaction time is not. The 0.1ms response time is faster than my ability to process life decisions. With four HDMI 2.1 ports, I wouldn’t have to keep unplugging my PS5 just to use my Switch.

SEE ALSO: LG’s 48-inch B4 OLED TV is down to under $500 at Best Buy

Then there’s the smart TV setup. WebOS 23 is snappy, and Alexa is built-in for anyone who enjoys bossing around their technology. Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, and Hulu are all preloaded, so I wouldn’t even need to find the remote before diving into another unnecessary binge session.

• Price: $1,196.99 $1,499.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Display: 65-inch OLED evo, 4K UHD

• Processor: α9 AI Processor Gen6

• HDR: Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG

• Refresh Rate: 120Hz with VRR

• Audio: Dolby Atmos, AI Sound Pro

• Smart TV: WebOS 23 with Alexa built-in

• Gaming Features: NVIDIA G-Sync, AMD FreeSync, 0.1ms response time

• HDMI Ports: 4 x HDMI 2.1

I could act like I’m still thinking about it, but at $1,196.99, this is one of the best OLED TV deals I’ve seen in months. If you’ve been waiting for a good excuse to upgrade, this is it. The only thing standing in my way now is measuring my TV stand and convincing myself this is necessary.

Meta is bringing its AI chatbot to Europe, but some features are missing.

In a blog post Thursday, Meta explained that the "complex regulatory system" in Europe prevented it to launch Meta AI there, even though it's been available in the U.S. since 2023.

This is now changing. Starting "this week" and "over the coming weeks," Meta AI will start to roll out in 41 European countries. The feature is also launching in 21 other global territories.

Meta AI wil be free in Europe and will launch across Meta's portfolio of social apps, including Facebook, Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp. However, in the beginning, Meta AI will only be available as an intelligent chat function, meaning you'll be able to ask it questions about various topics, get solutions for problems, and plan trips and the like. You won't, however, be able to use Meta AI to generate or edit images.

Meta AI will initially be available in six European languages: English, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, and German.

To try it out, tap on the new, blue circle icon within Meta’s apps, or type @MetaAI with a prompt in a chat group.

Notably, according to a Meta spokesperson (via CNET), Meta AI wasn't trained on "first-party data from users in the EU."

Meta plans to expand its AI features in Europe, and "find parity" with the U.S. over time.

SEE ALSO: Meta wants AI to write your Instagram comments

Meta is not the only company which had to delay the launch of AI features in Europe. Apple Intelligence, for example, is also late in Europe, even though it's been available for months in the U.S.

As Firefly Aerospace prepared to close out a two-week mission on the moon, its lander had one final gift to beam home: the first high-definition images of a lunar sunset. 

The company's Blue Ghost robotic spacecraft powered down on March 16 after completing a successful landing and operating 10 NASA experiments. But before going to sleep for the brutally cold lunar night, it conducted a study of the sunset. After the lander captured pictures from different camera angles, the Texas-based space company stitched them into a video (posted farther down in this story) to show the sun slipping below the horizon. 

Scientists will study the images for a mysterious phenomenon known as "horizon glow," thought to be created when solar influences cause moon dust to levitate. The theory was established by an Apollo 17 astronaut, Gene Cernan, who sketched his observations into his field notes. 

Following sundown, Blue Ghost operated for five more hours through the darkness of lunar night, continuing to take pictures, to monitor how the dust's behavior changed.

"What we see as the glow phenomenology looks very similar to what I've seen other astronauts put only in notes," said Jason Kim, Firefly's CEO, during a news conference, "and it does look green."

SEE ALSO: Intrepid moon lander witnesses truly breathtaking lunar sunrise Following sundown, Blue Ghost operated for five more hours through the darkness of lunar night, continuing to take pictures, to monitor how the dust's behavior changed. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

Many of the still frames reveal a bright light emanating from the sun, with another bright orb above it, Earth. Sandwiched between them and slightly to the right is a tiny point of light from Venus. 

Firefly's Blue Ghost lander, named after an exotic type of firefly, touched down on March 2. It sits at Mare Crisium, a lunar plain made from an ancient hardened lava flow. The area is next to a volcanic feature, Mons Latreille, in the northeast quadrant on the near side of the moon. 

The difficulty of that feat was underscored last week when Intuitive Machines, the first company to land on the moon last year (albeit tilted), was not able to even duplicate its partial success on its return. Intuitive Machines' Athena lander seemingly toppled in a crater, with its solar panels not pointing toward the sun. With the spacecraft unable to generate and replenish power, the company announced the mission was over. 

"We didn't just get our foot in the door," Kim said. "We got all four feet fully planted on the moon, service stable, and upright. And so I think what that does is it really just validates our company model."

NASA paid Firefly $101.5 million to build the spacecraft and deliver experiments to the moon through its Commercial Lunar Payload Services program. The space agency wants to see a regular cadence of moon missions to prepare for astronaut-led Artemis expeditions in 2027 or later. Blue Ghost was the longest commercial mission on the moon to date. 

Scientists will study the images for a mysterious phenomenom known as "horizon glow," thought to be created when solar influences cause moon dust to levitate. Credit: Firefly Aerospace

"The Firefly Blue Ghost Mission-1 is what I would call an existence proof of how we wanted Commercial Lunar Payload Services to work," said Joel Kearns, a NASA deputy associate administrator.

Firefly engineers don't expect the spacecraft to survive the lunar night, but they will try to turn the lander back on in early April anyway. The company plans to launch another spacecraft to the moon as early as next year. 

Steve Davis, a longtime Musk loyalist, is effectively the leader of the Department of Government Efficiency. Mr. Musk has likened him to chemotherapy.

Several new Asus laptops have gotten more expensive since launch because of President Donald Trump's tariffs on Chinese imports, the Taiwanese tech giant tells Mashable.

The price hikes affect five consumer PCs that Asus showcased at CES 2025, including a configuration of Mashable's "Best of CES" winner, the Asus Zenbook A14. They amount to increases of $50 to $100 per laptop, or less than 10% apiece:

• Asus Zenbook A14 (UX3407QA-PS76) — was $1,099.99, now $1,199.99 (+9%)

• Asus Vivobook S14 (M5406WA-BS99) — was $1,099.99, now $1,199.99 (+9%)

• Asus Vivobook Pro 15 (N6506CU-PS97) — was $1,399.99, now $1,499.99 (+7.1%)

• Asus Vivobook 16 (X1607QA) — was $749.99, now $799.99 (+6.7%)

• Asus Vivobook 14 (X1407QA) — was $699.99, now $749.99 (+7.1%)

More Asus laptops may be subject to tariff-related price increases down the road. "Unfortunately, since things are constantly changing as we receive new information, we don’t have a finalized list," an Asus rep tells Mashable. The laptops named above reflect "the list of products that have increased in prices so far as a result of the recent tariffs" as of mid-March 2025.

The Asus Vivobook 14, Vivobook 16, and the Iceland Gray Zenbook A14 initially debuted at lower prices at CES 2025 in January. Credit: Asus

Tariff-related price changes have also affected the gaming side of Asus' lineup. Its latest ROG Flow Z13 gaming tablet has seen a $100 price increase across all configurations; the base model (GZ302EA-DS96) is now $2,099.99, having previously started at $1,999.99.

As our sister site PCMag previously reported, Asus' co-CEO SY Hsu floated the possibility of price increases in a company earnings call earlier this month amid the company's plans to transfer its manufacturing from China to other countries. The move is an attempt to dodge U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods, which Trump doubled from 10 to 20% on March 4 — though such a shift comes with its own restructuring costs.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for 2025, tested by our experts

Asus has the fifth-largest market share among PC makers after Lenovo, HP, Dell, and Apple.

Asus isn't the only computer manufacturer that's cited the tariffs as grounds for recent price adjustments. Acer CEO Jason Chen told The Telegraph in February that the company would raise its prices on laptops by 10% sometime this month "because of the import tax." Acer is also mulling a move away from Chinese manufacturing for the same reason, as is HP.

If nothing else, this just makes Apple's latest MacBook all the more of a flex. Launched on March 12, the company's new M4-powered MacBook Air is $100 cheaper than its predecessor from early 2024.

TL;DR: The Data Shredder Stick lets you securely wipe files, folders, and full hard drives with military-grade overwriting — grab yours now for just $29.99 before stock runs out.

Opens in a new window Credit: Data Shredder Stick Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows $29.99
Get Deal

If you think deleting a file means it’s gone forever, think again. The reality is, when you hit delete, that file isn’t actually removed from your hard drive — it’s just marked as “gone” while the data itself sits in unallocated space, waiting to be recovered. That’s how hackers, identity thieves, and even nosy buyers of used computers can dig up information you thought was erased. The Data Shredder Stick makes sure that never happens.

This compact tool completely overwrites files, making recovery impossible — grab the Data Shredder Stick for just $29.99 (reg. $39) for a limited time. Whether selling an old laptop, clearing out personal documents, or safeguarding business records, this tool keeps your data permanently erased and beyond retrieval.

With a simple plug-and-play setup, you can wipe entire drives or selectively destroy files and folders without hassle. For those who aren’t tech-savvy, the idea of wiping data securely can sound complicated. But the Data Shredder Stick is designed for easy use.

There’s no software to install and no long setup process. Just plug it into any Windows computer, run the built-in program, and start shredding. You can drag and drop files to erase them on the spot, or choose to wipe all deleted space on a drive to ensure nothing remains accessible.

Businesses, freelancers, and everyday users alike will find peace of mind knowing that financial documents, tax records, personal photos, and sensitive work files are truly gone when they need them to be.

If you’ve ever sold, donated, or recycled an old computer, there’s a good chance some of your personal data is still out there. Even factory resets don’t completely erase data, and professional recovery tools can bring back files you assumed were gone forever. The Data Shredder Stick eliminates that risk.

While stock is available, you can grab the Data Shredder Stick for just $29.99 (reg. $39) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Fresh off a spectacular total lunar eclipse, millions of Americans will soon witness a solar eclipse on March 29, 2025.

The good news is, it's happening at a decent hour (beginning around 6:30 a.m. to 7 a.m. ET). Yet it'll be visible to far fewer people. Everyone in the lower 48 states and much of the Americas could see (weather-permitting) the recent lunar eclipse, but in the U.S., the coming partial solar eclipse will be largely limited to the Northeast region.

It'll be, quite literally, a sunrise event.

"In much of the Americas, including the Northeastern United States, the partial solar eclipse will already be in progress during sunrise," NASA explained.

SEE ALSO: Solar eclipses were once extremely terrifying events, experts say

Here's what you need to know about the looming celestial event:

Where will the March 29, 2025, solar eclipse be visible?

It will be visible in parts of many global regions, including North America, Europe, slivers of South America, Northern Asia, and remote areas beyond. For those in the Northeastern U.S., you can see your general viewing time in the NASA-provided chart below.

Partial solar eclipse viewing times for those in the Northeastern U.S. Credit: NASA

Large swathes of Europe will see the partial eclipse, too, though in the later morning. NASA has an expansive list of those viewing times.

What will you see during the partial solar eclipse?

During a partial solar eclipse, the moon passes between Earth and the sun, casting a shadow on Earth. But, unlike during a total solar eclipse, the moon doesn't totally block the sun. Hence, the partial eclipse. It's like seeing a crescent of the sun.

Different regions will be in different parts of the moon's shadow, meaning the people therein, weather-permitting, will be able to see different amounts of our star eclipsed by the moon (as depicted in the chart above). Folks in places like Boston, Massachusetts, and Portland, Maine, will see a considerable part of the sun eclipsed. New York City will see nearly a quarter of the sun eclipsed.

People in the colored boundaries will see, weather-permitting, a partial solar eclipse on March 29, 2025. The orange loops show where sunset or sunrise are happening during the event. Credit: NASA's Scientific Visualization Studio Do you need to wear eye protection for the partial solar eclipse?

Absolutely.

"When watching a partial solar eclipse directly with your eyes, you must look through safe solar viewing glasses ('eclipse glasses') or a safe handheld solar viewer at all times," NASA emphasizes. (Also, don't view it through a telescope or binoculars without eye protection.)

Many of you may still have eclipse glasses from 2024's total solar eclipse. If not, the American Astronomical Society (AAS) has vigilantly vetted products and sellers, so you can make an informed purchasing decision. Here's their carefully vetted list of suppliers of safe solar filters and viewers. "But don't just randomly order them online," Richard Fienberg, an astronomer and senior advisor at the American Astronomical Society, told Mashable before the 2024 solar eclipse. "Check the AAS list."

"It will still look cool with eclipse glasses."

Approved eclipse glasses block out much more sunlight than sunglasses, and comply with an ISO 12312-2 international standard. They block so much light, you shouldn't be able to see anything other than the sun while wearing them.

As noted above, those viewing the partial solar eclipse will see a poignant crescent of the sun as the moon passes by. It's not anything like a total solar eclipse — wherein the moon completely blocks out the sun and reveals our star's ghostly atmosphere emanating into space — but it's certainly worth witnessing the movement of these dominant celestial objects.

"It will still look cool with eclipse glasses," Emily Rice, an astronomer at Macaulay Honors College of the City University of New York, told Mashable.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, Max, Disney+, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each one!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others.

But if you're seeking something brand spanking new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of this week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for some critically heralded drama, true crime suspense, musical euphoria, or Oscar–winning cinema, we've got something just for you.

Here's what's new on streaming, from worst to best.

8. Exhibiting Forgiveness

Artist Titus Kaphar's feature-length debut Exhibiting Forgiveness, which he both wrote and directed, hits Hulu this week, having premiered at last year's Sundance before a run in cinemas last October. The drama sees André Holland (Moonlight) as successful artist, husband, and father Tarrell, who uses painting to both extract beauty and protect himself from past trauma. But when his estranged father La'Ron (John Earl Jelks) shows up unexpectedly, old wounds reopen, and both his wife Aisha (Andra Day, The United States vs. Billie Holiday) and mother Joyce (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Nickel Boys) encourage him to consider hearing him out. — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: André Holland, Andra Day, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, and John Earl Jelks

How to watch: Exhibiting Forgiveness is now streaming on Hulu.

7. Wicked

Something has changed in streaming, something is not the same. Wicked is finally hitting Peacock this week, so you can dance through life at home as many times as you damn well please. If you didn't get the chance to hang with the right cohorts Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo) and Glinda (Ariana Grande) and experience the story of pre-Dorothy Oz in cinemas, you can stream director Jon M. Chu's dazzling, star-studded, Oscar–nominated screen adaptation at home — and given it's only Part 1, you'll want to be ready for when the second installment hits.

In Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko's review of the film, she wrote, "Indulgent and unwieldy as it is, Wicked is a thrill, at times wildly funny, heart-soaring, and ultimately inspirational in spite of itself." It's time to trust your instincts, close your eyes, and streeeeeeeam. — S.C.

Starring: Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, and Marissa Bode

How to watch: Wicked debuts on Peacock on March 21.

Featured Video For You After the Oscars, we hold space for 'Wicked' 6. The Residence

The murder of a key White House staff member shakes up a state dinner in Shondaland and Netflix's The Residence. Uzo Aduba stars as Cordelia Cupp, the world's greatest detective, who is brought in to investigate the mysterious death of White House chief usher A.B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito). But with doubtful FBI agents on her heels and a sprawling ensemble of possible suspects — including pop icon Kylie Minogue — will she be able to crack this complicated case?

By all accounts, this set up should lead to glorious, juicy payoff, especially with former Scandal writer Paul William Davies at the helm. But The Residence stalls at every turn, with uninspired gags and an unnecessary Congressional hearing framing device bogging down what could have been a snappy whodunnit. Even Aduba's sharp leading performance can't make The Residence tick. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Uzo Aduba, Randall Park, Giancarlo Esposito, Al Franken, Andrew Friedman, Julian McMahon, Edwina Findley, Molly Griggs, Jason Lee, Ken Marino, Al Mitchell, Dan Perrault, Bronson Pinchot, Susan Kelechi Watson, Isiah Whitlock Jr., Mary Wiseman, Spencer Garrett, Kylie Minogue, Jane Curtin, James Babson, Eliza Coupe, Izzy Diaz, Paul Fitzgerald, Ros Gentle, Chris Grace, Juliette Jeffers, Sumalee Montano, Nathan Lovejoy, Taran Killam, Julieth Restrepo, Mel Rodriguez, Brett Tucker, and Rebecca Field

How to watch: The Residence debuts on Netflix on March 20.

5. O'Dessa

This rock opera from writer/director Geremy Jasper (Patti Cake$) is new to Hulu, but its soundtrack demands you play it loud.

Stranger Things' Sadie Sink stars as O’Dessa, a rambler who has a song in her heart and a destiny in her blood. In a dystopian world, a narcissistic dictator numbs the population to their own poverty through an endless barrage of TV broadcasts. It's up to O'Dessa to bring her music to the masses and open their hearts and minds. Along the way, Jasper drenches his audience in an enchanting soundscape with visuals both gorgeous and strange, making for a movie musical that feels familiar yet thrillingly fresh.

In our review out of SXSW, I compared O'Dessa to such cult classics as The Rocky Horror Picture Show and The Legend of Billie Jean. So if you have a soft spot for either, you won't want to overlook Jasper's daring musical. — K.P.

Starring: Sadie Sink, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Murray Bartlett, Regina Hall, and Pokey LaFarge

How to watch: O'Dessa premieres on Hulu on March 20.

4. The Outrun

Four-time Academy Award nominee Saoirse Ronan stars in this 2024 drama you might have missed, but should definitely check out.

Based on Scottish journalist Amy Liptrot's 2016 memoir, The Outrun follows a deeply personal tale of self-love, loss, and addiction, weaving in elements of science, folklore, and animation to profound effect. Determined to get sober, Rona (Ronan) returns to her hometown, the Orkney Islands off the coast of Scotland, to reconnect with her parents and herself.

In Mashable's review of the film, I wrote, "Surrounded by a solid supporting cast, Ronan ably shoulders a messy tale of substance abuse and survival... The Outrun is an emotionally intelligent drama that soars, thanks to the glorious collaboration between the writers, the filmmaker, and the movie's radiant leading lady." — K.P.

Starring:  Saoirse Ronan, Paapa Essiedu, and Nabil Elouahabi

How to watch: The Outrun is now streaming on Netflix.

3. Happy Face

True crime fans, brace yourselves for your next TV obsession. Robert King and Michelle King, the dynamic partnership that brought us the rousing drama and wit of The Good Fight and The Good Wife, are now delivering an intriguing new series inspired by Melissa G. Moore's autobiographical podcast and book about being the daughter of the notorious Happy Face Killer.

Annaleigh Ashford stars as Melissa Reed. A wife, mother, and professional make-up artist, Melissa's plate is pretty full even before her convicted killer father (played by a snarling Dennis Quaid) barges into what peace she has built. He's been locked up for years after being convicted of eight murders. But he claims there's a ninth victim, and he'll only tell the details to his darling "Missy." To reconnect with her dad will not only open up old wounds, but also risk the anonymity on which she's raised her own family. But if a confession could stop the wrong man from unjust punishment, would it be worth it?* — K.P.

Starring: Annaleigh Ashford, Dennis Quaid, Tamera Tomakili, and James Wolk

How to watch: Happy Face begins streaming on Paramount+ March 20.

2. Severance, Season 2 finale

For 10 weeks, Severance fans have analyzed the show's smallest details, freaked out about the Helly/Helena Eagan (Britt Lower) switch, and pondered the mystery of Cold Harbor. Now, it all comes to a head in the Season 2 finale — and trust me when I say you'll want to watch as soon as possible.

Without spoiling anything, I will say that this finale manages to somehow top that of the first season, delivering massive payoff to some of the season's biggest questions while also raising some new ones going forward. Satisfying, suspenseful, and downright masterful, Severance Season 2 goes out with a bang. Fair warning: You will want Season 3 immediately. — B.E.

Starring: Adam Scott, Britt Lower, Tramell Tillman, Zach Cherry, Jen Tullock, Michael Chernus, Dichen Lachman, John Turturro, Christopher Walken, Patricia Arquette, and Sarah Bock

How to watch: Severance's Season 2 finale premieres March 21 on Apple TV+.

1. Anora

Watching Sean Baker's five-time Academy Award–winning comedy is easier than ever before, as Anora is new to Hulu.

In the role that made her an Oscar winner, Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as a sex worker whose professional relationship with a young Russian client swiftly swings into a quickie wedding in Vegas. But Oscar–winning writer/director Baker, who's made a career out of compelling films centered on the rich inner lives of sex workers, isn't offering a sloppy retread of Pretty Woman. When cronies come banging on the mansion door, it's up to Anora to fight for the future she wants. And along the way, Madison and a crackling ensemble deliver not only lip-biting tension but also jolting laughs that never make its eponymous heroine the butt of the joke.*

Check it out, and see for yourself if it's a "triumph" worthy of Best Director, Best Original Screenplay, Best Achievement in Editing, Best Actress, and Best Picture. — K.P.

Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksey Serebryakov

How to watch: Anora is now streaming on Hulu.

* denotes that this blurb appeared in a previous Mashable list.

TL;DR: Save 50% on a year-long Sam's Club membership with this $25 deal.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew $25
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Did you realize newborn babies can go through eight to ten diapers a day? That's easily 300 diapers in just the first month. Bulk-buying diapers can help your family save on costs and keep you from running back and forth to the store in one of the most exhausting phases of life.

Spend less time and money at the store with discounted bulk buys for your family when you snag a 1-year Sam's Club membership with Auto-Renew for $25 (reg. $50).

More than a grocery store

A Sam's Club membership is the secret support network you didn't realize your family needed. Save on the snacks and paper towels your family uses daily while shopping in quantities that help stretch the time before you have to run back for more.

But you may want to go more often when you see all the deals and perks you get as a Sam's Club member. Want to get a major price drop on a couch? Check out the ones at Sam's Club. Looking for travel discounts for hotel bookings, live event tickets, and car rentals for your next family vacation? Sam's Club has that, too. Poke around the fun finds in-club and explore membership perks online to add a little excitement to the chore of stocking your pantry.

From fresh veggies and tech deals to travel perks and chic furniture, your family can create a home you all love that also fits your budget. With this membership, stretch your dollars on groceries, household essentials, and family-friendly activities. And don't forget to fill up your tank when you visit with Member Only Fuel Savings.

Hack shopping for your growing family when you spend $25 to access year-long savings as a Sam's Club member. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199) and unlock AI-powered Copilot, advanced security, pro-level productivity tools, and next-gen gaming features — but only through March 30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Windows 11 Pro $14.97
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If you’re still stuck on an older operating system, now’s your chance to upgrade to Windows 11 Pro at a great price.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $14.97 (reg. $199) and unlock AI-powered Copilot, advanced security, pro-level productivity tools, and next-gen gaming features — but only through March 30. This OS update has AI-integrated features, enhanced security, and pro-level tools designed for modern workflows. Whether you’re a business professional, creative, or gamer, Windows 11 Pro gives you the seamless, intuitive experience to help you stay ahead.

Microsoft Copilot is the game-changer. Forget endless searching and clicking — just ask and let AI handle the rest. Need to summarize a webpage, tweak your system settings, or generate text? Copilot is always on, ready to assist in making your workflow faster, smarter, and more efficient. Copilot helps you with real-time text generation to draft content or summarize information easily. You can also use it to automate code suggestions to speed up development and integrate with GitHub.

In an era of evolving cyber threats, Windows 11 Pro is built to keep you safer. With biometric logins via Windows Hello, BitLocker encryption, and Smart App Control, your data and personal information remain secure from unauthorized access.

The TPM 2.0 security module ensures strong encryption to protect your sensitive files, while Windows Sandbox lets you safely run apps in an isolated environment before trusting them on your device.

There are also features like Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops that help you stay organized, while seamless redocking means reconnecting to multiple monitors is easy. Voice typing, enhanced search, and a refined taskbar make everyday tasks smoother and faster.

With DirectX 12 Ultimate, games load faster, run smoother, and look better. Support for Auto HDR and DirectStorage means quicker load times and richer visuals. 

No subscriptions, no recurring fees — just $14.97 when you order through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Block ads, protect privacy, and keep your family’s internet safe on up to 9 devices for life with AdGuard Family Plan for just $15.97 (reg. $169.99) — use code FAMPLAN through March 30.

Opens in a new window Credit: AdGuard AdGuard Family Plan: Lifetime Subscription $15.97
$169.99 Save $154.02 with code FAMPLAN Get Deal

The internet has evolved, but one thing has remained frustratingly constant: ads are everywhere. From intrusive pop-ups to autoplay videos and never-ending cookie banners, the online world has become a battleground of distractions.

But what if you could permanently take back control of your internet experience? With AdGuard Family Plan, you can enjoy lifetime ad-free browsing across up to nine devices, eliminating intrusive ads, trackers, and potential malware. You can currently secure this protection for just $15.97 (normally $169.99) using code FAMPLAN through March 30.

AdGuard doesn’t just remove ads — it also enhances online privacy, secures personal data, and keeps families safe from harmful content. Imagine loading websites without the endless clutter of banners and pop-ups, watching videos without interruptions, and knowing that advertisers aren’t tracking your every move. AdGuard aims to give you faster page loading times while keeping browsing smooth, private, and secure.

For families, it’s an even bigger game-changer. Parents can set up customized filters and parental controls, making sure kids only access safe content. No more worrying about inappropriate ads sneaking onto their screens or stumbling upon sketchy websites.

Plus, with coverage for up to nine devices, it’s a simple way to protect every household member—whether they’re on laptops, tablets, or smartphones.

AdGuard also protects against malware and phishing attacks, so harmful websites don’t have a chance to infect your devices. Unlike free ad blockers that often sell your data to third parties, AdGuard is built with privacy at its core. 

This deal is a one-time payment, meaning there are no recurring fees. You'll have unlimited ad-free browsing for life. There will be no more nagging subscriptions, no surprise charges, and just pure internet freedom.

Don't miss amping up your family's online security with a lifetime of AdGuard's Family Plan for just $15.97 using code FAMPLAN through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Scammers had a big year in 2024, new data from the Federal Trade Commission shows.

Criminals stole $12.5 billion from Americans, according to official reports filed with the government, amounting to a 25 percent increase over the previous year. But that figure doesn't account for unreported thefts. When accounting for underreporting, the FTC estimates that scammers actually robbed people of at least $158 billion in 2023.

While fraud reports remained stable in 2024, the percentage of people who said they'd been the victim of financial fraud increased from 27 percent to 38 percent (not all who report fraud are successfully separated from their money). That spike could indicate that scammers are becoming even more adept at swindling their victims or more people are admitting to being ripped off — or both.

SEE ALSO: Get ready for these scams in 2025

Regardless of why more people are reporting financial fraud, experts worry that government cuts, including those implemented by Elon Musk's so-called Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE, will expose consumers to even greater fraud risk.

Reduced staff and fewer resources could hamper the government's ability to respond to consumer reports of fraud, investigate complaints, and regulate products and platforms that scammers rely on to steal from their victims, says John Breyault, VP of Public Policy of the National Consumers League.

"The cuts [from] DOGE [are] making consumers more vulnerable to fraud," Breyault says.

What cuts at federal agencies mean for consumers

DOGE recently attempted to gut the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, a federal agency that regulates financial institutions and curbs predatory business practices.

The CFPB was poised to gain oversight of major digital payment apps like Venmo, CashApp, and Zelle that scammers rely on to defraud people, pending Congressional approval. The Senate, however, recently voted to repeal that rule, which had been finalized at the end of the Biden administration.

Even if the CFPB ultimately supervised the apps, it's unclear whether the agency would have the capacity to evaluate and investigate related complaints on behalf of consumers.

A CFPB official recently testified that the agency's Office of Consumer Response handles about 350,000 consumer complaints each month, adding that a stop-work order issued by the agency's new head resulted in a massive backlog. The New York Times reported that the CFPB's consumer response team had been brought back in to deal with 16,000 complaints. Mashable reached out to CFPB for comment but did not receive a response.

Given the upheaval, Breayault says he's no longer confident in directing consumers to file a complaint with the CFPB. Instead, he's directing them to their state attorney general, who also has the authority to investigate predatory business practices and fraud on behalf of consumers.

While the FTC, which spearheads much of the government's consumer fraud work, has been spared of wholesale cuts so far, at least a dozen probationary employees were recently fired, according to The Verge.

Those terminations included Bureau of Consumer Protection employees, who receive complaints about and investigate deceptive and fraudulent business practices. Breyault says it's unclear how many employees FTC lost to DOGE's request for voluntary resignations in late January.

The Federal Trade Commission just asked for a delay in its upcoming trial against Amazon for alleged deceptive practices, citing limited resources and staff following DOGE-related cuts and "Fork in the Road" resignations. The FTC then reversed course and said it faced no "resource constraints."

Joe Simonson, FTC's director of public affairs, told Mashable that cuts amounted to a .3% reduction of staff. He added that cracking down on fraud would be a "priority" under the FTC.

Prior to this story's publication, Trump terminated two Democratic FTC commissioners in a move that the National Consumers League described as "unlawful."

"The firing of dedicated public servants because they belong to the wrong political party will make the FTC’s work even harder," Breayault said in a statement about their removal.

What crytpo and AI have to do with growing scam risk

Breyault worries that government-slashing efforts may embolden criminals if they suspect that agencies won't be responsive to consumer complaints.

But he's also seen an uptick in scammers trying to take advantage of federal workers who've been fired as a result of DOGE's efforts. Some have reported being targeted by fake job offers, which are often a scheme to steal money from victims.

Breyault says that the Trump administration's deregulatory approach toward both cryptocurrency and artificial intelligence could give scammers further advantage if accountability and guardrails for those industries disappear.

Many financial fraudsters rely on crypto to steal from victims without a trace. Scam victims said they lost more money in 2024 to fraud that involved bank transfers or crypto than to all other payment methods, according to the latest FTC data.

Scammers also increasingly rely on AI to generate believable — and widely shareable — scripts for defrauding victims. Think, for example, of a script shared online that anyone can use to execute a romance scam. AI tools also allow scammers to create visual and vocal deepfakes that deceive victims into believing that they're communicating with a real person or legitimate government, bank, or law enforcement official.

Breyault urges consumers to contact their members of Congress if they have concerns about DOGE-related cuts. He also recommends remaining vigilant against fraud attempts, which typically involve a sense of urgency, an unusual payment method, and efforts to isolate the potential victim from people they trust.

"We are not in an environment where we should be depriving our consumer protection agencies of the resources they need to fight the threat that exists," Breyault says.