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Best dating sites for singles over 40

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 09:15

Deciding to get back into the dating game can be nerve-wracking at any age. But the stakes may feel a little higher if you're in your 40s, especially when considering the cost of dating sites nowadays and whether or not they're truly worth it for finding love.

You may assume that people in your demographic either aren't interested in dating or are already settled into long-term relationships, but many people in their 40s are single parents, divorced, or unpartnered, leading to a diverse age range within the dating pool. Getting on one of the best dating sites for over 40 singles could help you find your forever partner — it's not too late to date.

According to a recent Pew Research Center analysis of Census Bureau data, as of 2021, nearly 25 percent of 40-somethings in the U.S. have never been married. Additionally, only 22 percent of unmarried adults ages 40 to 44 were cohabiting couples.

SEE ALSO: Dating predictions for the rest of 2024

So, have people in their 40s given up on finding love? Not at all. In fact, according to the Pew Research analysis, approximately one in four 40-year-olds who weren't married in 2001 tied the knot by age 60. But unlike people in their 20s and 30s, single people over 40 know what they want and aren't afraid to wait a little longer to find the right person.

How to find a partner in your 40s

Now, after that speech and spew of statistics, you're probably wondering what our grand plan is to get you out on the dance floor. The answer? Online dating. Before you scoff, hear us out.

Online dating is a great way to meet new people in a low-pressure environment. The best dating sites for people over 40 make it so easy to connect with potential partners. You can filter through profiles and find matches who share your interests and values. Imagine if you could do that when scanning the room at a party — it would save a lot of time and effort.

But before you download a bunch of apps, Kiana Reeves, Somatic Sex Educator, Intimacy Coach, and Chief Education Officer at Foria, recommends taking a moment for self-reflection: "We join dating sites because we’re looking for connection, whether in the form of a serious relationship, a casual fling, or something in between. With that in mind, it’s important to identify the kind of connection you’re looking for before you join any dating sites, apps, etc."

SEE ALSO: Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships.

Next, consider your approach to online dating, Reeves says. "Are you looking for a casual swipe-through site to meet people in a new city? Are you someone who likes to make the first move? Are you looking for someone who is only interested in a serious relationship? Are you looking for someone who shares your same faith? How much time are you planning to devote to making a connection?"

Once you've clarified your dating goals, Reeves recommends "joining a couple [apps] to start out with, so you can feel out what kind of user experience makes the most sense for you." She adds, "Of course, if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s totally fine to just join one to start."

Ready to find love after 40? Or maybe you're just looking for a no-strings-attached fling? We get it, and we're here to help. As dating site experts, we've combed through the best dating sites and best dating apps for people over 40, done the research, and even tried them out ourselves to find the best options for singles like you. Whether you're a single parent, new to the dating scene, or just looking for a fresh start, our guide will help you find the best platform to connect with others in their 40s and beyond.

4 clues from The White Lotus Season 3 finale trailer you may have missed

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 08:26

The trailer for The White Lotus Season 3 finale has dropped, and it's imperative that we comb through it frame-by-frame for answers.

There are many burning questions going into the finale — Will Belinda be safe from Greg? What's really going on with Rick and Jim Hollinger? Who is going to end up dead, and who's the killer? — and although the trailer doesn't give too much away, there are some small hints.

From an ominous shot of a smoothie to a deal gone awry, we've broken down the biggest clues from the trailer below.

SEE ALSO: 'The White Lotus' Season 3, episode 7: So, what happened at Laurie's wedding? The fruit and the smoothie Credit: YouTube/Max

It's hard to imagine things getting much worse for the Ratliffs, but the finale trailer appears to be saying "hold my smoothie." Tim (Jason Isaacs) has been fantasising about killing his family for the past few episodes, and in the finale trailer he asks hotel worker and "health butler" Pam (Morgana O'Reilly) about the deadly fruit of the pong pong tree she mentioned back in episode 1 — remember, Saxon picked one up from the ground in the villa when they first arrived.

"Locals actually call it the suicide tree," Pam tells Tim in the trailer. "So don't eat it."

This makes the subsequent shot of one of Saxon's smoothie/protein shakes being blended all the more worrying.

Jim Holllinger back at the hotel Credit: YouTube/Max

It's a brief shot from the back, but it appears that Sritala (Lek Patravadi) and her husband Jim Hollinger will be returning to the hotel for the finale. So what does this mean for Rick (Walton Goggins), who spent the past episode waving a gun in Jim's face in Bangkok? Well, it sounds like an odd thing to say, but I reckon this actually makes Rick safer. Just think: If someone as powerful as Jim wanted Rick dead, why would he murder someone in his own hotel or even be there in-person for the job? No, it seems more likely that Jim wants to see Rick again — maybe to tell him more about what really happened with Gloria Hatchett.

Belinda (maybe) refusing Greg's deal Credit: YouTube/Max

After being made a hush money offer of $100,000 in episode 7, Belinda (Natasha Rothwell) pays another visit to Greg (Jon Gries) in the trailer, this time with her son Zion (Nicholas Duvernay) — and it doesn't look like things go well. "I'm not doing this," she says, standing up. "It's a waste of time." Oh dear. We also see another shot of Greg in the trailer, this time back at the White Lotus hotel sipping a drink and looking sinister. Could he have planned a hit on Belinda? Has he come back to the hotel so that he has an alibi?

Frank losing his cool Credit: YouTube/Max

Now this is an interesting one. I originally thought Frank (Sam Rockwell) would be a cameo character that stays in Bangkok, but it appears the show isn't done with him yet. We get a shot of Frank meditating in the trailer, followed by a far less calm shot of him cutting open an inanimate object in what looks like a hotel room. Is Frank taking the anger at his lost sobriety out on the upholstery? Or is he looking for something that may have been hidden? It's hard to say. But what if Frank holds Rick responsible for him falling off the wagon, and decides to follow him back to The White Lotus on a vengeful whim?

The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max with new episodes weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

The White Lotus Season 3, episode 7: So, what happened at Lauries wedding?

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 07:25

In The White Lotus Season 3, tensions between our three teeth-gritting besties Laurie (Carrie Coon), Jaclyn (Michelle Monaghan), and Kate (Leslie Bibb) have been steadily rising for various reasons personal and political. However, in episode 7, the trio's dinner turned into a bonafide home truths session.

As earnest hotel manager Fabian (Christian Friedel) finally took the stage for his first performance at the White Lotus restaurant, the group reached a simmering point where the audience got a fleeting peek into why Laurie has such a problem with Jaclyn's actions, and why she may have offered that resounding wail in her room in the very first episode.

SEE ALSO: 'The White Lotus' Season 3: I have a theory about Jim Hollinger

One thing's for sure, we're going to need a little more detail about what happened at Laurie's wedding.

What happens in The White Lotus Season 3, episode 7? They should serve popcorn for this dinner. Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

The penultimate episode Season 3 had many an uncomfortable revelation following the choices-were-made rager of a Full Moon Party in episodes 5 and 6 (pour out a smoothie for the Ratliff brothers).

For school friends Laurie, Kate, and Jaclyn, over the course of the day after, Jaclyn's post-party sleepover with wellness coach Valentin (Arnas Fedaravičius) becomes the topic of the day in episode 6, with Laurie slowly processing Jaclyn's decision to a) cheat on her boyfriend and b) do so with the man Jaclyn herself was pushing Laurie to have a holiday dalliance with. Laurie's strategy to compute the situation was spending the whole day seemingly laughing it off as Jaclyn flat out lied about it to both Kate and Laurie. But there's more going on here.

Kate, you might want to listen to Laurie... Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

In episode 7, over a hastily-ordered bottle of rosé at dinner, Laurie makes a quip about Jaclyn being tired and the whole thing kicks off. Laurie accuses Jaclyn of being untrustworthy when Kate steps in to describe the whole Valentin thing as "not that big of a deal."

"Was it a big deal when she did the same thing with Dave?" Laurie asks, explaining to Kate: "At my wedding she was all over Dave. I'm sure you remember."

Who is Dave, friends? That would be Kate's now-husband. That means 15 years ago, at Laurie's wedding to her ex Brian, Jaclyn was allegedly "all over" the partner of the friend most in her corner right now. We don't know if Kate and Dave were together at Laurie's wedding, but if Laurie is delivering this news as proof of Jaclyn's behaviour patterns, we're guessing they were at least dating (or at the very least Kate had already expressed an interest in him).

Jaclyn denies the event, but we all know she's not only an actor but a pretty good liar by this point with the whole Valentin thing. After Jaclyn and Kate (defending Jaclyn in the moment) drop some crisp and cruel home truths on Laurie, Laurie leaves some of her own revelations on the table and heads off to the Muay Thai fight in town.

So, what exactly happened at Laurie's wedding, Jaclyn? Jaclyn seems to enjoy competing with her friends. Credit: Fabio Lovino / HBO

It's not clear we'll actually get any more information on what exactly happened at Laurie's wedding in the finale.

In episode 1, when the guests first arrive at the White Lotus and the trio settle into their villa for the evening, Laurie calls it a night and heads up to her room. It's here, staring at Jaclyn and Kate having a cozy conversation, Laurie issues the most agonised, mournful, pent-up wail we've heard in an age. It seems like she's burying a truth here about her friends' deep emotional impact on her. Slowly but surely, over the course of the season, we're clued into the dynamic between the three, and it seems to be one of slightly toxic competition from Jaclyn's perspective, particularly with her friends' partners or love interests.

Maybe we'll get a scene where Kate confronts Jaclyn about what happened between her and Dave at Laurie's wedding. Maybe we won't. But the real question will be what Kate now does with this revelation, and whether her friendship is really worth it. Give us the details, Laurie!

The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max with new episodes weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

Get the Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker for under $50 in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 07:16

SAVE $11.99: As of March 31, the Sony SRS-XB100 Bluetooth speaker is on sale for $48 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's 20% off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XB100 Wireless Speaker $48 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $11.99 Get Deal

March 31 is the final day of Amazon's Big Spring Sale and there are still quite a few deals worth checking out before it all comes to an end. If you've had your eye on a portable speaker to take on some outdoor adventures, there are some great deals still floating around, including on the Sony SRS-XB100.

This compact Bluetooth speaker has dropped from its list price of $59.99 to $48 in the Amazon Spring Sale. There are a few different color options available to choose from at this price, including the black, light gray, and orange.

SEE ALSO: When does Amazon's Big Spring Sale end?

The Sony SRS-XB100 is tiny but mighty, boasting a wonderfully compact size that's easy to take with you on the go and powerful sound that'll make your favorite songs, podcasts, or whatever else you choose to listen to on it sound crisp and clear. It also has a nice battery life of up to 16 hours and a durable build that's waterproof and dustproof. No matter where your travels take you this year, this little speaker can keep up.

This deal may not stick around for long after Amazon's Big Spring Sale, so act fast to save on the Sony SRS-XB100.

This Bluetooth speaker is one of many that have popped up in the Big Spring Sale. To see a few more of our favorites, check out our roundup of headphones and speaker deals live from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Isomorphic Labs, Google’s A.I. Drug Business, Raises Money From Thrive

NYT Technology - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 07:00
The company, which uses artificial intelligence to develop new treatments, now counts the venture capital firm Thrive Capital as a backer.

Last chance to score the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 for under $300 in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 06:40

SAVE $80: As of March 31, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is on sale for $299.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's 21% off its list price of $379.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 $299.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $80 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale comes to an end after March 31, so if you have found some exciting deals, now is the time to grab them. If you've been looking at smartwatches, there are still some great discounts available, including on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7.

Offering a 21% discount, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is currently marked down from its list price of $379.99 to $299.99. This is only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $295.93, so now's a great time to pick it up if it has caught your eye. Two different colors are marked down to this price as well, so you can choose between the silver and green models.

SEE ALSO: Every single Apple Watch Series 10 has dropped to a record-low price during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

If you're looking to up your fitness game with the weather getting warmer, the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 is the perfect workout companion. It boasts a variety of fitness features, including an Energy Score that shows your readiness for the day based on your activities from the previous day. It also features a heart rate tracker, sleep tracker, and wellness tips to help you stay focused on hitting your goals.

This is your last chance to save on the Samsung Galaxy Watch 7 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale, so act fast to scoop it up at its discounted price.

Curious what other deals are still available in the sale event? Have a look through our roundup of 350+ of the best live deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale to see our favorite discounts from the big seasonal sale.

The last chance to pick up the best deals from the Amazon Spring Sale

The roborock Q8 Max+ is at its lowest-ever price in Amazons Big Spring Sale — last chance to save on this popular robot vacuum

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 06:30

SAVE $420: As of March 31, the roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $399.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's 51% off its list price of $819.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop $399.99 at Amazon
$819.99 Save $420 Get Deal

March 31 is the last day to take advantage of the deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Some of the best discounts we've come across have been on robot vacuums, which makes sense given that this time of year is a great opportunity to give your home a cleaning refresh.

If you've been hoping to pick up a discounted robot vacuum in the sale, this is your last chance. One of our favorite discounts from the sale is on the roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop, which has received an astonishing 51% discount in the sale. This has dropped its price down from $819.99 to $399.99, allowing you to save over $400 on the robot vacuum. It even marks its lowest-ever price, so if you've had your eye on it there's no better time than now to add it into your shopping cart.

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashable's team of experts

The roborock Q8 Max+ will help make your spring cleaning just a little bit easier. It features a powerful 5500 Pa HyperForce Suction that'll push through your carpet to keep it neat and tidy. And when it comes to mopping, you can adjust your mopping settings in the app to suit the room so it can always clean the appropriate amount for each area. Not to mention, it even has a self-emptying feature so it can keep going for up to seven weeks.

Save some cash and make spring cleaning this year a much easier task with this incredible deal on the roborock Q8 Max+ Robot Vacuum and Mop at Amazon.

There are plenty more robot vacuum deals worth checking out in these final moments of Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Have a look through our roundup of robot vacuum deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see a few more of our favorites from the sale event.

The best live deals under $25 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 06:03

UPDATE: Mar. 28, 2025, 9:00 a.m. EDT This post has been updated with even more deals under $25 from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best deals for under $25 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Lego deal Lego sunflowers $8.15 (save $6.84) Get Deal Best security camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best book deal Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 (save $17.34) Get Deal

In case you haven’t noticed, life has become expensive. From eggs to gas to pretty much everything in between, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many of us feeling the pinch. Luckily, even as inflation squeezes our budgets, there are still opportunities to find great deals, especially with Amazon and its never-ending sales.

We’re covering the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which runs from March 25 through March 31. While the main event is underway, there are tons of deals under $25 that are worth grabbing.

Here are our picks for the best items to scoop up during the sale that won't break the bank.

Best Lego deal Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego sunflowers $8.15 at Amazon
$14.99 Save $6.84 Get Deal Why we like it

Anyone who's ever fallen down the Lego rabbit hole knows it's not the cheapest hobby out there. While none of the popular Lego Botanicals have dropped in price on Amazon so far, this simple sunflower set is on sale for under $10, making it the second-cheapest deal on this list. They're the perfect way to celebrate spring all season long.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $14.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Whenever I leave my apartment, I prop up a tiny off-brand camera to keep an eye on my pups. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to give me peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a more reliable indoor security camera, the TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera is only $14.99 at Amazon. That’s 35% off the sticker price and just a few cents off from the all-time low.

The Tapo camera can send you instant push notifications whenever movement, a person, or a crying baby is detected. It has night vision, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video. And at under $15, it's a budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $9.66 at Amazon
$27 Save $17.34 Get Deal Why we like it

We’re usually all about gadgets, but sometimes, it's nice to take a break from screens and dive into a good old-fashioned book.

The hardcover version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is only $9.66 right now (with an on-page coupon), down from its usual $27 list price. That’s way cheaper than what you’ll find it for on the shelves. If you prefer the Kindle edition, that’s on sale for $12.99.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular self-help books of the last few years, with over 20 million copies sold. It’s all about building better habits, one tiny change at a time — the perfect read if you're trying to make improvements in your life.

More deals under $25

The best live deals under $50 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 06:02
Best Amazon Big Spring 2025 deals under $50: Best smart home deal under $50 Echo Pop $29.99 (Save $10) Get Deal Best earbuds deal under $50 Anker Soundcore Space A40 $44.99 (Save $35) Get Deal Best speaker deal under $50 JBL Go 3 $29.95 (Save $10) Get Deal Best tablet deal under $50 Amazon Fire 7 Tablet $44.99 (Save $15) Get Deal

Amazon is serving up a wide variety of deals during its Big Spring Sale, with a selection of great offers akin to what you might find for Prime Day. That goes double for sales on tech and adjacent categories. If you're looking for a new pair of earbuds at a great price or even a new tablet, you can snag some surprisingly great deals during the event. You just need to know where to look. We've done the legwork for you, so all you have to worry about is kicking back, relaxing, and getting your shop on.

Check out some of the best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals under $50 we've found so far below, from streaming devices to earbuds and everything in between. We'll continue to update it as the sales go on, as there are additional deals being added every day. Keep checking back for additional updates.

For a running list of Mashable's favorite deals for under $200, check out our breakdown here.

Smart home deals under $50Streaming device deals under $50Earbud deals under $50Headphone deals under $50Speaker deals under $50Bluetooth tracker deals under $50Charging accessory deals under $50Security equipment deals under $50

The best MacBook deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: New M4 Airs are $50 off

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:58
The best Macbook deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale at a glance: Best MacBook Air deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Pro deal Apple MacBook Pro, 16-inch (M4 Pro, 24GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $2,199 (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon doesn't offer a ton of great discounts on a huge selection of laptops year-round, but shoppers can always count on it for MacBook deals. It's never difficult to find a current or recent-gen configuration on sale there at any given time, at prices that often give Best Buy a run for its money. (That's usually where you'll see the best laptop deals across all categories — Windows, Chromebooks, gaming laptops, etc.)

Amazon's MacBook deals tend to get especially good during its major sitewide sales, and with its second-ever Big Spring Sale now live from March 25 to 31, we're not surprised to see discounts of up to $400 popping up across the Air and Pro lines. That includes $50 price cuts for the brand-new 13- and 15-inch MacBook Airs, which launched just a few weeks ago on March 12. As we approach the halfway point in the sale, we're pleased to see the deals are holding strong. (For a running list of our favorites, check out this rundown.)

SEE ALSO: 350+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, selected by Mashable's team of experts

Shoppers interested in a beefed-up MacBook Pro will be happy to hear that two 16-inch configurations have gotten $30 cheaper since the Big Spring Sale started Tuesday: The starting M4 Pro and M4 Max configurations have fallen to their lowest-ever prices of $2,199 and $3,099, respectively. If they're out of budget, hold tight in case lesser variants get the same treatment later in the week. (The cheapest 14-inch M4 model was chilling at its all-time low of $1,395 earlier this month; it's now $4 pricier. C'mon, Amazon!)

Whether you decide to buy now or hold off for a few days, bookmark this page: Mashable's Shopping team is keeping track of the best MacBook deals on Amazon all throughout the Big Spring Sale. You can check out our current picks below. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook Air dealsBest MacBook Pro deals

The best live Kindle deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:17
Best early Kindle deals Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 (Save $55) Get Deal Best Scribe Deal Amazon Kindle Scribe $364.99 (Save $85) Get Deal Best kids deal Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids $139.99 (Save $40) Get Deal Best Kindle Scribe bundle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $449.97 (save $60) Get Deal Best Kindle Colorsoft bundle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition Essentials Bundle $327.97 (save $35) Get Deal

After weeks of anticipation, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally here, running from March 25-31. This seasonal sale brings deals on springtime favorites for a little refresh as we exit winter.

As expected, this sale is bringing discounts on Amazon's flagship devices. Our favorites, as always, are Amazon's Kindles. Having tried nearly every model in the line-up, we can safely say that Kindles are fantastic e-readers, well suited for anyone, whether you're an avid annotator or shopping on a budget.

But let's temper your expectations. The deals are good but unexpected. We're seeing no deals on our preferred Kindles, the basic model, Paperwhite, and Paperwhite Signature Edition. Instead, Amazon has marked down its Kindles with a little more flair, like the Colorsoft and Scribe. And while the sale is more limited than expected on Kindles, we can say that the deals are great. Like lowest price ever great.

Here are the best deals on Kindles to shop during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Kindle Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition $224.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $55 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking to buy a Kindle during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the best savings are on the Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition. This is the first color Kindle, which debuted in late 2024. While we've yet to test this e-reader, we have high hopes for the device as the rest of the Kindle line-up is stellar.

This will be a particularly good e-reader for graphic novel readers, who want the convenience and portability of the device, but still want to enjoy every detail in color. It has some great specs, including 32GB of storage, auto-adjusting warmth and brightness, and wireless charging, in the same vein as the Paperwhite Signature Edition.

The Colorsoft is 20% off during the spring sale, bringing it down to $224.99. That's the lowest price the Kindle Colorsoft has reached, saving you $55.

More Kindle bundle deals

The best Apple deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale: MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watches at lowest-ever prices

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:15
The best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (Save $50) Get Deal Best AirPods deal Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 (Save $79.01) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB) $549 (Save $50) Get Deal Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $299 (Save $100) Get Deal

If you're looking for discounted Apple products, Amazon is a reliable place to grab them year-round.

However, during its Big Spring Sale, running from March 25 to 31, we're keeping our eyes peeled as even more deals go live. While the sale focuses primarily on "springtime favorites" like outdoor furniture and garden supplies, last year's inaugural BSS did bring some tech deals. Best of all, exempting a few exclusive offers, most deals are available to all customers, regardless of their Prime membership status.

SEE ALSO: 15+ robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

So far, we have spotted deals on new releases like the M3 iPad Air, 11-inch iPad, and M4 MacBook Airs. In addition to iPads, we also found a $400 markdown on the M3 13-inch MacBook Air and $170 price cut on the Beats Studio Pro. Again, while these deals aren't officially tied to the spring sale and can be found at other times of the year, these are still solid prices for any of these items.

We'll continue updating this post as the sale progresses, so check back if you're looking for the best Apple deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD)🔥 $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

Apple just dropped the M4 MacBook Air, and even at full price, we think it's a really good deal. In a divergence from last year's Air pricing, Apple started its 13-inch model at just $999 — with an M4 chip and the RAM upgrades Apple gave all its laptops last fall, this is the best value we've ever seen on an Apple laptop. Amazon slashed another $50 off the price, which, while admittedly not a jaw-dropping discount, helps make a great value even better. The biggest downside to this laptop is that it might be a little short on ports for some users, and then it tops out at a 60Hz refresh rate, but if you can work with that, the M4 Air is an excellent deal.

More MacBook and Mac dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

For Apple users, the AirPods Pro are an excellent pair of noise-cancelling earbuds, with some of the best noise cancellation and sound quality in the game. As the USB-C Pros near their second year anniversary, we can't say they're without a doubt the best on the market — their battery life could be better, for instance — but their age works in their favor for this price drop down to $169.99, which certainly makes some of their flaws easier to look past. We have seen these earbuds drop to $154 during Black Friday season, but we haven't seen that deal return since, making $170 the next best deal to grab them at.

More AirPods dealsBest iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi, 128GB)🔥 $549 at Amazon
$599 Save $50 Get Deal Why we like it

The M3 iPad Air just hit the market earlier this month, but you can already grab it for $50 off. At the time of writing, the previous generation Air costs even more on Amazon at $599 (though you can grab it on sale for $499 at Best Buy). Beyond the chip upgrade, this iPad features plenty of Apple Intelligence integration, from the Photos and Notes apps, to the Writing Tools feature that uses ChatGPT. Though we've yet to test this tablet hands-on for ourselves, the M2 Air is our favorite iPad for most people — we imagine the M3 Air will follow suit.

More iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm)🔥 $299 at Amazon
$399 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Apple Watch Series 10.

The Apple Watch Series 10 only came out this past fall, making this $100 off deal especially impressive. Along with its larger wide-angle OLED display, Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder found this smartwatch to be lighter than its predecessors, with an ultra-fast charge time. This watch generation introduced fitness features like a depth gauge, sleep apnea detection, and a Vitals app, but it's worth noting those features aren't exclusive to the Series 10. However, if your Series 6 has been on the fritz for a while, or you've never owned an Apple Watch, $299 is a solid price to grab Apple's latest smartwatch.

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals

350+ of the best live deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale, picked by Mashables team of experts

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:13
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (save $170.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Vitamix Propel 510 $499.95 (save $152) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $143.58 (save $126.41) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

Amazon is springing a bunch of seasonal deals on shoppers. The retail giant is hosting its second-ever Big Spring Sale from Tuesday, March 25, through Monday, March 31, ushering in discounts on "end-of-season winter items" and "springtime favorites" across more than 35 categories, per its press release. Each day of the weeklong sale features "themed daily drops" on top of new limited-time offers.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year — and unlike its flagship summer Prime Day sale, the deals aren't exclusive to Prime members. Most of them, anyway: Prime members get access to a handful of special offers, which are identified with a "Prime Spring Deal" badge.

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

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon throughout the Big Spring Sale. (Our sister site CNET has extensive coverage of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, too.) With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

Below, we've got a running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale deals on smart home devices, Apple gadgets, robot vacuums, outdoor gear, kitchen appliances, books, and much more. Check back daily to see what else we find.

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  • Ruggable — save up to 21% on machine washable rugs

Echo smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsMore home dealsBest cleaning supplies dealsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant Pots and multi-cookersRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsHair dryersHot toolsMulti-stylersSkincare techBest pet dealsAutomatic litter boxesAutomatic pet feedersBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest gaming dealsPlayStation gamesPlayStation hardware

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  • Amazon Music Unlimited — get three months for free

  • Grubhub — save $5 on two $20+ food orders with $0 delivery fees with code HOOP5

  • Starz — add it to Prime Video for $1.99/month for three months (save $9/month)

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 31, 2025

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:09

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 Monday, March 31, 2025:

AcrossCall from an unknown number, often

  • The answer is Spam.

Where a dog might like to be scratched

  • The answer is Belly.

Look forward to

  • The answer is Await.

Shell that can be played as a wind instrument

  • The answer is Conch.

Patella's place

  • The answer is Knee.

DownAffix, as a patch

  • The answer is Sew on (no space).

Maker of connections

  • The answer is Plane.

One going down a literary rabbit hole?

  • The answer is Alice.

"The Great Wall of China is visible from space," for one

  • The answer is Myth.

Where a human might like to be scratched

  • The answer is Back.

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.

Former White House AI chief: Heres how to protect kids from harm

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:00

When Bruce Reed served in the Biden administration as the president's deputy chief of staff, he led the effort on working with leading AI companies like Anthropic and OpenAI on voluntary comittments to ensure the safety of their products.  

Reed has since left the White House, but he's not finished with AI, a technology he described to Mashable as "exciting, amazing, sometimes terrifying."

He will continue working at Common Sense Media, a nonprofit organization that supports children and parents as they navigate media and technology. Popularly known for its media ratings of children's content, including video games, TV shows, and movies, the nonprofit also conducts research and advocacy.

SEE ALSO: Teens are talking to AI companions, whether it's safe or not

Reed, a veteran of three Democratic presidential administrations, will lead Common Sense AI, which advocates for more comprehensive AI legislation in California. Common Sense AI has already backed two state bills that separately establish a transparency system for measuring risk of AI products to young users, and protects AI whistleblowers from retaliation when they report a "critical risk."

Reed argues that we're in a critical window to implement AI safeguards, particularly for minors, before certain business practices become entrenched and harder to regulate.

"When social media companies rushed to move fast and break things, and ignored kids' privacy and safety we ended up with a youth mental health crisis," Reed says. "Nobody wants to see that happen again."

Parents' concerns about AI chatbot harms

While some experts disagree that social media drove an increase in mental health conditions amongst youth, parents are already stepping forward with grave concerns about how their children are engaging with AI chatbots.

Last fall, bereaved mother Megan Garcia filed a lawsuit against Character.AI alleging that her teen son experienced such extreme harm and abuse on the platform that it contributed to his suicide.

Soon after, two mothers in Texas filed another lawsuit against Character.AI alleging that the company knowingly exposed their children to harmful and sexualized content. One teen of the plaintiff allegedly received a suggestion by its chatbot to kill his parents.

Common Sense issued its own parental guidelines on AI companions last fall, and Character.AI has since added new safety and parental control features.

California, where Common Sense Media is headquartered, is an ideal place to pass legislation that addresses some of the emerging risks of AI, Reed says. He was instrumental in drafting the state's consumer privacy law in 2018. In the absence of a federal bill, the state legislation effectively became the national standard because so many tech companies are based in California.

The politics of AI safety

Reed also doesn't seem intimidated by the shifting political calculus now that Donald Trump is back in the White House, having given the impression that AI technology companies have carte blanche to pursue "dominance."

One of Trump's executive orders rescinded AI safety testing rules that Biden himself put into effect. Meanwhile, the companies that might have once voluntarily worked with the Biden administration on safety commitments are now appealing to Trump for less regulation.

Despite the rhetoric and lobbying, Reed is convinced that it's in AI tech companies' long-term best interests to test their products, ensuring their safety prior to putting them on the market.

After all, lawsuits that force companies to reveal their inner-workings and adopt safety measures tend to create bad headlines, reduce investor confidence, and sow public distrust.

Reed is also aware of the narrative that the Biden administration intended to stifle AI innovation.

Critics in Silicon Valley, including venture capitalist Marc Andreessen, have alleged that the Biden administration wanted to take control of, or "kill," AI. (Andreessen described a meeting with Biden officials on the topic of AI as "absolutely horrifying," and said the alleged exchange helped convince him to endorse and financially support Trump.)

Reed participated in numerous meetings with major tech stakeholders, including Andreessen. He politely disagrees that anything of the nature described by critics occurred throughout these conversations.

"The thrum in Silicon Valley has tried to suggest that the Biden administration somehow overreached on AI, which isn't true," he says. "We didn't have the regulatory authority to overreach, even if we wanted to."

Reed instead believes the main objection from Silicon Valley tech investors like Andreessen to the Biden administration's policies had to do with the Securities and Exchange Commission's attempts to crack down on cryptocurrency companies. Andreessen backed some of these companies, and the Trump administration has dropped a number of the SEC's lawsuits in recent weeks.

Pro-innovation, pro-safety

Regardless of the characterization of Biden officials as anti-AI, Reed says he supports innovation — and wants to make sure that the companies get it "right" from the beginning.

"It's important for America to win the AI race, not China, but it's also important for America to set the standard for AI trust, security, and safety, because China's not going to do that."

Reed says that an area of possible bipartisan and industry cooperation, for example, could be tackling explicit deepfakes, a technology that has ensnared teens and adolescents with devastating consequences.

The Biden White House laid out its own strategy for curbing the non-consensual imagery, and First Lady Melania Trump has backed a bill giving victims stronger protections.

Clearly, Reed says, this is not an area where American companies need to pursue dominance at all costs: "We don't need to lead the world in deepfakes — we want to lead the world in stopping deepfakes."

Reed says there's no time to waste on any front, particularly as it relates to ensuring that AI products are designed with children's privacy and safety in mind.

"We can achieve the most powerful AI and still make sure that privacy is protected and that companies are transparent about what they're doing to make their products safe," he says.

Add barber to your résumé with this $50 clipper set for cutting your hair

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Become your own barber with the Wahl Self Cut Pro Rechargeable Clipper Set, now $49.99 (reg. $99.99) with free shipping at the Mashable Shop.

Looking for an easy way to save at least $40 a month? If you take care of haircuts at home, that's easily another $500 in your pocket every year. And the Wahl Self Cut Pro Rechargeable Clipper Set makes it a lot less daunting. Head to the Mashable Shop to grab this Wahl hair clipper set for just $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Wahl Wahl Self Cut Pro Rechargeable Clipper Set $49.99
$99.99 Save $50.00 Free Shipping Get Deal Add barber to your résumé

The Wahl Self Cut Pro was made to turn you into your own hairstylist. And don't worry, it takes into account the fact that you have no prior training. 

Made by Wahl, an American brand trusted by the real pros since 1919, this cordless hair-cutting kit is truly foolproof thanks to the Snap-N-Lock clipper guards that prevent slipping and ensure precise haircuts. Just select your length, with 12 options ranging from 1/16-inch to 1 inch. 

The Dual Grip 360 makes the Self Cut Pro specifically designed to help you cut your own hair, offering flexibility, comfort, and control. And the SmartCut feature makes sure you can cut from any angle, including the back, top, and sides, thanks to the 15-degree blade angle.

You'll enjoy up to 2.5 hours of cordless use thanks to the Self Cut Pro's lithium battery, and an LED indicator warns you when you're running low on battery. 

Take haircutting into your own hands and get professional results from home with help from the Self Cut Pro, now only $49.99 (reg. $99) with free shipping for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Stop taking notes. This $73 AI device can do it for you.

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Focais Meet One is your AI-powered sidekick that records, transcribes, translates, and summarizes conversations in 120+ languages. Grab it for $72.99 (reg. $149) + free shipping.

If you’ve ever sat through a long meeting only to later realize you remembered none of the details, we’ve got something that’s going to blow your organized little mind. The Focais Meet One isn’t just another recorder—it’s basically your new AI-powered executive assistant that fits in your pocket.

At just $72.99 (reg. $149), this sleek device is here to save your memory, your sanity, and possibly your GPA if you're a student.

Designed for anyone who’s tired of typing notes mid-conversation or rewatching Zoom recordings at 1.5x speed, the Focais Meet One captures crystal-clear audio and then uses advanced AI to transcribe and summarize it in real time.

So yes, you can zone out a little and still get a full summary later. This little genius supports over 120 languages, so whether you're juggling international clients or taking a multilingual class load, it has your back.

It works completely offline and is small enough to clip discreetly to your shirt or backpack or magnetically to a nearby surface. There’s no fumbling with apps or multiple logins. Just press the button and let it do its thing.

You get 600 minutes of AI processing per month for life. This can be used for automated transcriptions, translations, and summaries each month.

It’s ideal for professionals who are in and out of meetings all day, students recording lectures, or just about anyone who’d rather focus on the moment than worry about getting it all down.

Whether you're trying to remember that genius marketing idea, keep up with a fast-talking professor, or capture your startup brainstorming session, Focais Meet One is ready to take notes for you—and actually do it better than you could.

Pick up the Focais Meet One while it's on sale for $72.99 (reg. $149) + free shipping.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Focais Focais: Meet One – Your AI-Powered Assistant to Capture & Summarize Notes $72.99
$149 Save $76.01 Get Deal

Exactly how Nintendo can avoid Joy-Con drift in Switch 2

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:00

On November 22, 2022, Nintendo of America scored a major legal victory. The company had been facing down a potential class-action lawsuit in California over a defect with the Nintendo Switch and its Joy-Con controllers, until a judge threw out the case thanks to a loophole in the console's user agreement. 

This isn't the only legal battle Nintendo has fought over an infuriating design flaw known to many as "Joy-Con drift," in which the joysticks wear down over time and begin to detect movement even when you're not touching the controller. And yet, throughout the Switch's eight-year history, Nintendo has largely managed to avoid any fallout from a hardware issue that most gamers are painfully familiar with. Now, with the Switch 2 on the horizon, Nintendo has a chance to fix Joy-Con drift once and for all. But will it?

"They're going to get flamed if they don't," Carsten Frauenheim told Mashable.

Frauenheim is a repairability engineer at iFixit, a popular website known for breaking down gadgets, publishing guides on how to fix them, and selling replacement parts and toolkits. Over the years, iFixit's staff and community have written countless articles explaining what causes Joy-Con drift and how to fix it yourself. Frauenheim praised the current Joy-Con design for being easy to repair — at least compared to similar controllers from Xbox and PlayStation, where the joysticks are soldered into place — but he added that there's an obvious upgrade Nintendo needs to make. 

"The rumors are that Switch 2 is moving to [the] Hall effect, which makes so much sense," Frauenheim said.

Hardcore gamers (the type who buy "Elite" controllers to get a slight edge over their friends in Call of Duty) may be familiar with the term "Hall effect," but to the casual masses, it's mostly unknown. So with the Switch 2 just weeks away from its official unveiling, here's everything you need to know about the Hall effect, and why it's the best solution for Nintendo's Joy-Con drift problem. 

Nintendo did not respond to Mashable's request for comment on this article.

What causes Joy-Con drift?

Crack open pretty much any off-the-rack video game controller, and you'll find an identical joystick component. The modules used by Nintendo, PlayStation, and Xbox all feature potentiometers, which is a fancy way of saying that they use a tiny metal arm that slides along a resistive layer of graphite. The potentiometer measures that movement and translates it into video game actions. 

Potentiometers are cheap and easy to mass produce, but the technology has one glaring problem.

"It wears out over time," Frauenheim said.

Because the components of a potentiometer are physically rubbing against each other with each swivel of your joystick, they become less reliable as wear and tear builds up. With enough use, a potentiometer joystick can even shift its starting point. That's presumably what causes a motionless joystick to suddenly register movement, causing your character to run off a platform and plummet to its demise while you're busy looking at your phone.

(Some controllers compensate for this issue by creating a "dead zone" around the joystick's starting point to compensate for drift, but that only delays the inevitable.)

So we know what's causing the problem — even if Nintendo won't admit it — but what's the solution? The answer lies in a scientific discovery dating back to 1879.

What is the Hall effect, and can it fix Joy-Con drift?

Henry Hall was a student at Johns Hopkins University when he discovered the Hall effect. At the time, scientists had no way of telling whether an electrical current was positive or negative, explained Chia-Ling Chien, a leading expert in the Hall effect and a professor at Johns Hopkins since 1976. Hall figured out a way to tell the difference by taking a thin strip of gold that was carrying an electric current and placing it in a magnetic field. The electric current moved in response.

Thus, the Hall effect was born, though it only got that name because Hall's advisor, the esteemed scientist Henry Rowland, didn't have much faith in the results.

"Rowland refused to put his name on the paper," Chien told Mashable, "but he allowed his students to publish the paper alone."

While interesting to physicists, the Hall effect didn't have much of a practical application until the advent of semiconductors in the mid-20th century. This made it possible to create smaller Hall-effect sensors capable of measuring a button press without physical contact between a physical button and its detector. Instead, a Hall switch registers the interaction between an electrical current and a magnetic field.

"The most important application today of the Hall effect is the Hall switch," Chien said.

Today, Hall switches power many of the devices we use each day. Chien noted that many computer keyboards use the Hall effect to improve the device's lifespan, although Apple notably prefers mechanical keys for its MacBook keyboards.

"There's no wear and tear," Chien said of the technology. "This thing can last forever."

Hall-effect controllers use the same technology to avoid issues like joystick drift. Instead of a physical stick pushing against a resistor and measuring the force, these controllers use magnets to measure the change in electrical currents as the joystick moves. 

"There's no contact," Frauenheim said. "It's moving around magnets, and so there's no physical wear happening."

(Confused by all this science mumbo jumbo? Here's the simplest possible explanation, courtesy of the popular subreddit Explain Like I'm 5: "It uses the magic of magnets to make the game move. Other controllers use rubbing to make the game move and rubbing means the controller will break one day. The magnet one won't break as quickly or maybe ever!")

None of gaming's big three currently offer a controller with Hall-effect joysticks, even though making the switch would only add a few "pennies" to the cost, according to Frauenheim. (Microsoft's Xbox Elite Wireless Series 2 does feature Hall-effect triggers, which use the same technology, but even that still sports potentiometer joysticks.) And sure, there are plenty of third-party options available, but most casual gamers probably aren't going to shell out extra for a new controller with high-tech features they don't understand. However, there's hope that this could finally change with the Nintendo Switch 2.

Will the Switch 2 have Hall-effect joysticks?

Nintendo has yet to confirm whether the Switch 2 will swap potentiometers for Hall switches, but recent reports suggest that could be the plan. One anonymous online leaker going by the handle @NextHandheld previously claimed the new Joy-Cons would rely on Hall-effect technology, and as Video Games Chronicle points out, @NextHandheld has already been proven right when it comes to some other Switch 2 leaks.

Those rumors also got a boost when iFixit broke down Nintendo's new smart alarm clock, Alarmo, and found a Hall-effect sensor in the device. In its breakdown report, the site noted that these sensors would "ensure longevity," before adding, "We wish Nintendo used [this] in the Switch Joy-Cons."

However, just because Nintendo used a Hall-effect sensor in the Alarmo doesn't necessarily mean we'll see similar tech in the Switch 2.

"They're kind of two separate input devices," iFixit's Frauenheim said. "You're not sitting there spinning the Alarmo like crazy. So Nintendo's not really worried about cycles on that as much as other stuff."

That said, he's definitely not ruling out the possibility either. 

"Hall-effect sensors have been around forever," Frauenheim pointed out. "So translating it into a controller is not that far-fetched."

Ultimately, we'll just have to wait and see whether Nintendo has a fix for Joy-Con drift, but according to Frauenheim, there's simply no good reason for Nintendo not to embrace Hall-effect technology for the Switch 2.

"It makes no sense for them to stick with potentiometers," he said.

Get a fully loaded MacBook Pro for 50% off

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR:  Enjoy all the power and perks of a MacBook Pro for half the price with this 13" model, now $549.99 (reg. $1,099) for a limited time. 

Right now, you can enjoy all the bells and whistles of this sought-after MacBook at a fraction of the usual price, 49% off to be exact, if you scoop up this 13" model for just $549.99. 

MacBook Pro perks at a wallet-friendly price

There's a reason the MacBook Pro is Apple's most expensive laptop. It's filled with great features, like the brand's revolutionary M1 Chip that offers a speedy and seamless performance and the 16-core Smart Neural Engine that boosts the machine learning capabilities.

Tackle work tasks or pencil in some R&R with a good Netflix binge session on the 13.3" LED-backlit screen with 2560x1600 resolution. True Tone Technology automatically adjusts color temperatures for a delightful viewing experience, while the stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos offer incredible audio. 

Perhaps one of the most underrated features of a laptop is its lengthy battery life, so you'll truly appreciate this model's all-day staying power. Take advantage of 17 hours of web browsing or 20 hours of video playback on a single charge.

You'll also enjoy two Thunderbolt/USB 4 posts, a 3.5mm headphone jack if you'd like to plug in and listen, a Touch Bar for extra efficiency, and an improved Magic Keyboard. 

Wondering how you get access to this low price? This model comes with a grade A refurbished rating, which means it will arrive in near-mint condition with virtually no signs of wear (while still being offered at a bargain refurbished price). 

Bring home this MacBook Pro for $549.99 (reg. $1,099) for a limited time. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Pro 13" Touch Bar (2020) M1 8GB RAM 256GB SSD Space Gray (Refurbished) $549.99
$1,099 Save $549.01 Get Deal

Soundcore P30i earbuds are under $30 in the last day of the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Mon, 03/31/2025 - 04:56

SAVE $20: As of March 31, Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds are on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That’s 40% off their $49.99 list price, but the deal ends when the Amazon Spring Sale wraps on March 31.

Opens in a new window Credit: Soundcore Soundcore P30i Noise Cancelling Earbuds $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

I’ve bought more earbuds than I care to admit — half of them lost to seat cushions, coat pockets, or that weird Bermuda Triangle behind my bed. But if I were in the market for a backup pair (or just a surprisingly decked-out budget option), I’d go for the Soundcore P30i from Anker. They’re just $29.99 on Amazon, a solid 40% off the usual $49.99, and frankly, I’d pay that much just for the weirdly useful case.

Seriously, the case doubles as a phone stand. Just flip open the back, prop up your phone, and boom: instant mini theater for your next airport layover or lunch break TikTok binge. Not exactly life-changing, but delightfully clever.

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

Now for the specs: the P30i delivers adaptive noise cancellation that cuts up to 42 decibels of background chaos, and yes, there’s a transparency mode for those of us who want to stay aware while still vibing. The 10mm drivers bring that signature Soundcore BassUp punch, so even cheap earbuds get to act like they’re premium.

  • Price: $29.99 $49.99

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Noise Cancellation: Up to 42dB, adaptive

  • Transparency Mode: Yes

  • Drivers: 10mm with BassUp tech

  • Battery Life: 10 hours (6 with ANC), 45 hours with case

  • Quick Charge: 10 min = 2 hours

  • Microphones: 4 with AI-enhanced call clarity

  • Bluetooth: Version 5.4

  • Bonus Feature: Case doubles as a phone stand

Battery life? Surprisingly stacked. You get up to 10 hours of playtime per charge, or six with ANC on. With the case, that stretches to a ridiculous 45 hours total. Also, a 10-minute quick charge gives you two hours of playback, which is the earbud equivalent of finding a charger at 1%. Anker also crammed in four mics with AI noise reduction for calls, and the whole setup pairs with Bluetooth 5.4. I don’t think I’ve ever seen this much tech packed into a $30 earbud. It’s giving “why are you still thinking about it” energy.

Amazon’s Spring Sale ends on March 31, and if you’re going to grab a spare pair (or your main pair, no judgment), now’s probably the best moment.

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