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Justice Dept. Disbands Cryptocurrency Enforcement Unit

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:30
The Trump administration is dialing back its enforcement of cryptocurrency, and criticizing Biden-era prosecutions.

Why is this French fish taking over your FYP?

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:21

I’m a firm believer that the internet runs on two things: catchy beats and weird little guys. This week’s weird little guy? A French fish with arms, legs, and undeniable star power.

Le Poisson Steve, a chiptune earworm by French musician Tomo, found its way into virality through an animated clip by illustrator Vigz. The concept is delightfully minimal. Steve is a fish. He is orange. He has arms and legs. That’s the whole thing — and it works.

The language barrier doesn’t matter. Even with a handful of French, the song’s appeal cuts through. Steve’s pixelated strut and absurd confidence have already sparked a tidal wave of fan art and edits.

Steve the Fish now belongs to the internet — another funky little guy for the digital canon. Plus, there's a longer version of the song you can listen to on Spotify.

The very best password managers, as recommended by our experts

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:17
Best deals on password managers this week
  • LastPass $1.95 Per Month (35% Off New 1 Year LastPass Premium Plan)

  • RoboForm $0.99 Per Month (60% Off 1 Year RoboForm Premium Plan)

  • Keeper Security $1.67 Per Month (50% Off 1 Year Keeper Security Personal Plan)

  • Dashlane Start Your Free 14 Days Dashlane Trial for Your Business

The well-known advice is that you shouldn't use the same password for everything because it's not safe, but that doesn’t make it any less annoying as you’re mentally shifting through every password and variation as you try to log into a bank account or online shop. Creating strong, complex passwords is your most powerful tool against getting your data stolen, but actually remembering those passwords? Oh, man.

Enter: password managers. AKA your best friend in keeping your online accounts safe and saving you the frustration of having to remember all those different passwords. Google and Apple now have built-in password manager tools, but if you want to add some extra layers of security, here are the best password managers.

What does a password manager do?

The best password managers are essentially a way to safely store all your logins and passwords in a safe place. All you have to do is remember one master password and then your password manager will autofill the rest for you. In other words, a password manager is like a secure list of passwords in your phone's notes (or a notebook, if you’re old-school), except losing your phone or notebook won't mean that your entire life is about to be hacked.

Password managers can be apps on your mobile phone, plugins in your browser, or desktop software you install. Some will also help you create, not just store, some super secure passwords that a hacker wouldn’t be able to guess so you don’t have to keep thinking of variations based on your pets’ or kids' names. 

The best password managers will also allow you to secure your devices — like your Kindle or Apple Watch — and even your photos and other private documents that you won’t want easily accessible on your computer or smartphone. Think of it as a form of personal encryption to add even more security to your digital life.

Things to consider when choosing a password manager:
  • Do you want passwords to be remembered on your phone and laptop? If so, you'll need to make sure the password manager allows syncing on multiple devices. (As you'll see, most free versions other than LastPass do not allow more than one device.)

  • Are you storing passwords just for personal use or do you need to share with a group? Some password managers will allow you to share logins with colleagues or family without actually telling them what the password is. That will allow you to give them access to a site or platform you all use — and remove their access if you need to — without having to worry that they can share the password with people you don’t approve. Others will allow you to set up a family account so that you and your spouse or children can share passwords easily.

  • Two-factor authentication: Using the Google Authenticator app, an external device, text message, or something similar, does the password manager require a second form of insurance to make sure that it's actually you trying to log in? Without this, if someone gets ahold of your master password, they have access to all of your stuff.

  • Emergency contacts: If you forget your master password, you need to make sure you're not completely screwed. Many password managers are equipped with emergency contacts, which are basically the password version of writing someone into your will. This is where you give a trusted friend, family member, or boss access to your master password in the event that you can't provide it.

What is the best password manager?

Interested in employing a password manager to help make your online life a little easier? We’ve sifted through a whole bunch of password manager programs out there so you don’t have to. Below, we’re listing seven of the best password managers and exactly what each plan offers, so you can easily find the one that best fits your individual needs.

4 of the best robocall-blocking apps and tools for avoiding phone spam

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 15:04

If there's one thing people with iPhones and Android phones can agree on, it's this: Robocalls suck. They're annoying autodialers at best and illegal scams at worst, and they're part of an ongoing problem the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has been trying to crack down on for years.

A report conducted by the visual voicemail and robocall-blocking software company YouMail estimates that about 52.8 billion robocalls were placed to U.S. consumers in 2024, which worked out to nearly 200 robocalls for every adult with a phone throughout the year. That's down from a pre-pandemic peak of 58 billion robocalls placed in 2019 thanks to FCC enforcement actions in recent years. But it's still enough to make unwanted calls the agency's single largest source of consumer complaints and No. 1 consumer protection priority.

SEE ALSO: Why am I getting so many spam calls? And how do I stop it?

"The FCC knows that these calls are a major concern of millions of Americans, and scam calls in particular can result in very real financial losses and serious consumer frustration," the agency writes on its website.

The FCC has extended its efforts to robotexts in recent years, calling them a "growing problem" and one of the "latest scamming trends." It received more than 24,000 consumer complaints about unwanted texts in the first 10 months of 2024.

You may think you'd be savvy enough to know whether someone trying to reach you about your car's extended warranty is a scammer. But as robocalls have increased in frequency over the past few years, they've gotten more convincing, too. In its latest U.S. Spam & Scam Report, the robocall-blocking app Truecaller called out scammers' increased use of artificial intelligence to make robocalls and robotext scripts "sound more realistic and effective." The report noted that one in four Americans reported losing an average of $452 to phone scams in 2023.

What is the best way to stop robocalls and robotexts?

Then-FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel created a dedicated Robocall Response Team in 2021 "to leverage the talents of enforcers, attorneys, policy makers, engineers, economists, and outreach experts" in the agency's fight against robocalls. Since then, the FCC has required phone companies to implement caller ID authentication, enacted rules that stop international robocalls from entering American phone networks, and expanded the restrictions of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act to count AI robocalls as illegal "junk calls." Most recently, it proposed a fine of nearly $4.5 million against a communications provider that appeared to allow robocallers posing as FCC staff.

But federal efforts alone won't be the answer to all of our robocall woes. "Advances in technology have unfortunately allowed illegal and spoofed robocalls to be made from anywhere in the world and more cheaply and easily than ever before," the FCC concedes. "That's why it's become more of a problem for consumers and a more difficult problem to solve." Bad actors' constant rule-skirting has created an infinite game of whack-a-mole.

SEE ALSO: The FCC has decided: Those realistic AI robocalls are illegal.

There's also the issue that many robocalls you get are, in fact, legal, and maybe even wanted — think appointment reminders and emergency alerts. (A robocall's legality depends on several factors, including the technology used to make it, whether it's to a landline or mobile number, and whether it's from a telemarketer who's gotten your consent.) Weeding out illegal calls in real-time without blocking lawful calls is the "most complex part" of the agency's robocall smackdown, it says.

So where does that leave consumers? Along with ignoring calls from unknown or unfamiliar numbers (then blocking them) and listing your phone number on the National Do Not Call Registry, the FCC says consumers can also utilize robocall-blocking apps and services.

Many major phone carriers offer apps for dealing with unwanted calls (ex: AT&T's ActiveArmor, Verizon's Call Filter, and T-Mobile's Scam Shield), so check with yours to see what's available. Phone manufacturers like Apple and Google offer opt-in silencing services that prevent unknown numbers' calls from ringing, too. But if you don't think those tools are powerful enough — most don't actually stop robocalls; they just identify their sources or send them directly to voicemail — you've also got the option of downloading a third-party robocall-blocking app that's purpose-built to stop scammers in their tracks.

What's the best robocall blocker app?

First, some important fine print about these third-party solutions. The pros: Upfront costs for your average call blocker app aren't exorbitant, and most don't require much storage space on your phone. Oftentimes, you won't even be able to tell the app's there. (Some of them are capable of screening and blocking unwanted calls before a user's phone even rings.)

But as former Mashable tech reporter Ray Wong reported, that convenience comes at a cost:

"According to TechCrunch and Dan Hastings, a security researcher at NCC Group, many top robocall-blocking apps share your phone number with analytics firms and [upload] device information such as device type and software version to companies like Facebook without your explicit consent."

To further quote Wong: "Yikes!"

Not every robocall-blocking app is an offender, but even if the one you use doesn't share or sell your data under the table, it probably still collects it. (Many apps rely on a crowdsourced database of numbers to cross-check anonymous callers with already-identified culprits, and those numbers have to come from somewhere — i.e., users' contacts lists.) It's safe to assume, then, that when you're using a third-party blocker app, you're putting personal information like your name, your IP address, and/or your smartphone's name, model, and operating system up for grabs.

All of that being said: If you can get past those privacy concerns, installing a third-party robocall-blocking app remains one of the best and most reliable ways to prevent robocallers, telemarketers, and even pesky political campaigns from reaching you on your smartphone. Just be sure to do your due diligence and pore over its privacy policy first so you know exactly what you're signing up for.

Here are four robocall-blocking apps and tools that we recommend looking into based on their features and user ratings.

The 4 parental control apps that top our list

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 14:53

Screen time is arguably one of the hottest parenting topics of the past 20 years. For some, screen time literally just refers to the amount of time a kid spends looking at a tablet or phone each day. For others, screen time is a catchall term for the beast of an issue that asks what's behind the screen that kids can't seem to stop tapping and swiping on.

Confiscating the phone may have been the only option for parents a couple of decades ago, but caregivers these days have the option to use parental control software instead.

SEE ALSO: Apple's child safety changes put more of the onus on app developers

Fortnite may be distracting them from their school work, or maybe you'd just feel more comfortable about this increase in screen time if you knew that your child wasn't landing on any inappropriate sites or scrolling through Instagram at 3 a.m. Maybe you want them to engage more in family time together, sans screens. Whatever your reason, parental control software offers a solution to managing your child’s screen time.

How does parental control software work?

Parental control software lets you monitor your child's device — phone, tablet, or computer — remotely. The corresponding apps let parents monitor the big worries like internet searches and browsing history, block problem apps (or block distracting apps during homework hours), limit screen time altogether, track location, and more.

The nice thing about parental control apps is that they can be as invasive or as chill as they need to be, based on the kid's age, proven level of responsibility, and more — including the ability to customize strictness across different devices in the same household.

If you're an iPhone family, downloading external software for this might not even be necessary. Apple's parental controls that are built into the settings of any iOS device are actually pretty exhaustive, from screen time controls to location services. With apps like TikTok and YouTube also offering their own in-app versions of parental control tools, you may be able to create a safer internet surfing environment without your kid feeling like they're being "watched" on a whole separate app.

Below, we're diving into the pros, cons, and overall strictness levels of the top four best parental control apps in 2025.

This baby shower season, Target is tacking $30 gift cards onto $100 diaper and wipes purchases

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 14:23

SPEND $100, GET $30: As of April 8, Target will give you a free $30 gift card when you spend $100 on select baby care, like diapers and wipes.

Opens in a new window Credit: Parasol Free $30 Target gift card When you spend $100 on diapers or wipes Get Deal

Diapers are expensive. It's a fact of life that new parents find out before the baby's even born, and a fact that baby shower attendees find out as they're shopping for the diaper raffle.

Whatever your need for buying diapers this spring, you'll save some money by stocking up at Target. As of April 8, Target is giving away free $30 gift cards to anyone who spends $100 on select diapers or wipes in-store or online. The gift card will have to be used on a later purchase, but it's still an indirect savings of 30%.

SEE ALSO: 15+ eco-friendly gifts that someone would actually use

Anyone caring for a newborn will be able to hit $100 quickly, but if you're just shopping for a single baby shower, see if any friends or family members want to go in on the total together. Even if you have to split the free gift card afterward, it could still cover a cute add-on gift from the registry. The gifting gets expensive, so that extra money could come in handy to cover an add-on from the registry.

Participating brands include The Honest Company, Pampers, Huggies, and Parasol. A few training pants and swim pants are also thrown into the mix.

The best antivirus software for keeping your Mac or PC protected

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 14:19

It's important to have a great antivirus software package that can protect your PC from threats while you browse online. Viruses, malware, ransomware, and phishing threats are all potential dangers when you're online, even if you think you're being careful. New threats are emerging every day, which is why many antivirus software manufacturers take a holistic approach, protecting your system from all kinds of potential threats, not just the obvious ones.

There are plenty of options out there, so it's important to find the right one for you. While free apps are available, they typically offer fewer features. Generally, you get what you pay for, so it's important to choose the antivirus software that's best for you.

SEE ALSO: The best free VPNs we've tested

A dangerous virus or piece of ransomware can lock you out of your system. You could lose banking details, private documents, and personal photos that can never be recovered. Fortunately, if you install the right paid antivirus software, you won't have to worry. 

There are a lot of options out there, but we've picked out top packages that we feel are the best on the market. Find our picks for the best antivirus software below.

EDITOR'S NOTE: We've updated this story to remove Kaspersky following the US government's ban of the software.

Tired of Adobe’s fees? This award-winning Mac PDF editor has no subscriptions

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 13:40

TL;DR: Mac users can get the award-winning PDF Expert Premium Plan lifetime subscription for A$229.

There’s nothing wrong with Adobe Acrobat…until you realize you’re paying for it constantly when you really only edit a couple of PDFs each month. If you want a program you can own with a one-time payment, check out this Adobe Acrobat alternative. The features are nearly identical, except it’s A$229 for life — even if you upgrade your Mac.

More about PDF Expert
  • Edit PDFs with ease: Fix typos, add images, and adjust formatting directly within your PDFs.

  • Annotate and review efficiently: Highlight key points, add comments, and use custom stamps for streamlined collaboration.

  • Convert between formats: Seamlessly convert PDFs to and from various file types, including Word, Excel, and images.

  • Fill and sign forms: Complete interactive forms, add electronic signatures, and redact sensitive information with ease.

  • Make scans searchable: Use OCR to convert scanned documents into editable and searchable PDFs.

Get a PDF editor with no monthly fees for your Mac, now A$229. No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) AU$229
Get Deal

Nintendo Switch 2 game-key cards won’t be account-locked

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 13:33

Nintendo has shined a light on an important detail about the Nintendo Switch 2. The company is introducing Game-Key Cards — physical cards that don’t contain game data but instead trigger a digital download when inserted into the console.

SEE ALSO: How much will Nintendo Switch 2 games cost? Here's what we've learned so far.

Nintendo said the cards won’t be locked to user accounts.

In a conversation with GameSpot, Nintendo executive Tetsuya Sasaki clarified that Game-Key Cards “will start up on the console or system that it is slotted into, so it’s not tied to an account or anything.”

That means if you sell or trade the card, the next person should still be able to use it — as long as they’ve got a Switch 2. But there are still caveats. Nintendo’s own support page notes that the card must remain inserted in order to play the game, effectively turning it into a physical DRM key. Think of it like PlayStation Plus: you can install the game, but access is dependent on a condition — in this case, having the card physically present.

SEE ALSO: Nintendo Switch 2 preorders delayed in the U.S. due to tariffs

While the lack of account locking is a win for secondhand buyers, it’s also a reminder that even physical games are becoming increasingly digital and disposable.

Tesla reportedly stops accepting Cybertrucks trade-ins as unsold trucks pile up

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 13:19

Tesla is reportedly refusing Cybertruck trade-ins as inventory. Meanwhile almost $200 million worth of Cybertruck inventory is piling up.

According to Electrek, Cybertruck owners that have tried to trade in their vehicles were told that "Tesla currently doesn’t accept its own vehicle as a trade-in." Additionally, Tesla is reportedly telling drivers that have owned Cybertrucks for a while to go through the Lemon Law process, which protects owners who have bought an irreparably defective car, but only within a short window after purchasing a car (the window varies by state).

SEE ALSO: Every Tesla Cybertruck recall since the launch. See the list

Compounding the issue, Tesla has almost 2,400 Cybertrucks sitting in inventory, which amounts to about $192 million, based on the Cybertruck's roughly $80,000 starting retail price, according to TeslaInfo data.

Cybertrucks have faced multiple recalls since launch. In March, Tesla recalled nearly every Cybertruck ever made because the cant rail (a steel piece above the doors was falling off. That's the eighth Cybertruck recall to date. There's also the issue of Tesla's CEO Elon Musk creating a bit of a PR issue for Teslas and Cybertrucks. Musk's actions as head of DOGE in the Trump administration has prompted Tesla boycotts and Cybertruck vandalism.

Around the time Tesla announced the Cybertruck recall, inventory shot up and has remained consistently higher than other Tesla models, according to TeslaInfo.

Trump tariff news: iPhones getting snapped up, laptop sales disrupted – what we know

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:33

President Donald Trump's tariff policies are going into effect, and people who like buying affordable technology are starting to feel it.

Just a few days into the Trump tariff policy, in which some of the hardest-hit countries are manufacturing centers like China and Vietnam, we're already seeing reactions from both tech companies and consumers. Some people are panic-buying new phones to get ahead of possible price hikes, while certain hotly anticipated gaming consoles have had pre-orders delayed indefinitely in the United States.

Here is a list of just some of the biggest names in tech that have been affected by tariffs so far.

SEE ALSO: Trump's China tariffs reportedly tanked the TikTok deal Framework stops selling some laptops due to tariffs This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Framework may not be quite as big of a name as some of the other companies on this list, but for laptop enthusiasts, this one might hurt the most.

The company, which specializes in selling highly repairable laptops with modular parts that can be easily replaced even by casual users, announced on X that certain base Framework laptops are no longer on sale in the U.S. These include the Ultra 5 125H and Ryzen 5 7640U models. It's not clear at this point when (or even if) they will go on sale stateside again.

Framework also provided some clarification in a separate post on X, stating that this is due to tariffs on Taiwan specifically. Interestingly, Framework said other unspecified companies are also doing this, but haven't been open about it.

People are buying iPhones ahead of price hikes

Interestingly, Apple has yet to announce any alterations to iPhone prices or availability due to tariffs, but that hasn't stopped people from apparently flooding Apple Stores over the weekend, trying to get a new phone before price hikes go into effect.

Bloomberg reported that there was a rush on iPhones over the weekend from people who are afraid of prices going up imminently. Trump placed a staggering 54 percent tariff on goods from China, where iPhones are manufactured. According to some very rough calculations courtesy of Reuters, iPhone prices could rise to as high as $2,300 due to these tariffs. However, it should be noted that this may not be likely, as Trump could strike a deal with China in the near future, or Apple could choose not to pass all of the increased costs onto consumers.

Nintendo has delayed Switch 2 pre-orders

Last week was supposed to be the biggest week in years for Nintendo, as it fully unveiled the highly anticipated Switch 2 console with a $450 price tag and an April 9 date for pre-orders in the U.S. Now, both of those things may be off the table.

Nintendo announced in a news blast to media on Friday morning that pre-orders in the U.S. have been delayed indefinitely, explicitly due to tariffs. The global launch date of June 5 is still apparently in effect, but we have no idea when Switch 2 will be available for pre-order in the States, or how much it will cost to get one. To be clear, Nintendo has said nothing about increasing the price of the console yet, but it's hard to imagine there's any reason to delay pre-orders other than to possibly increase the price of the unit.

Much of Nintendo's console manufacturing occurs in Vietnam, which was hit with a huge 46 percent tariff by Trump. Again, due to the possibility (however slight) of a deal between Trump and Vietnam, and the fact that Nintendo might just eat some of the increased cost of the console, it's impossible to say whether or not Nintendo will increase the Switch 2 price, or by how much right now. But if that happens, it will likely be the first big new tech product to explicitly see a price hike due to tariffs before it even launches.

Bad Bunnys Tiny Desk Concert is finally here and it doesnt disappoint

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:25

Bad Bunny did NPR's "Tiny Desk Concert," and it did not disappoint.

He showed up with a full band in tow and absolutely crushed acoustic versions of several tracks, including the high-energy "PIToRRO DE COCO" and "VOY A LLeVARTE PA PR."

The stripped-back vibe, as is often the magic with "Tiny Desk," lets the raw energy of the songs — and Bad Bunny — really shine. The performance went viral almost instantly, racking up over 3 million views in less than a day.

It's no surprise it's currently the number one trending video on YouTube.

Take 50% off the SimpliSafe Indoor Home Security System ahead of summer vacation

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:24

SAVE $125: The 8-piece SimpliSafe Indoor Home Security System is on sale for $124.99 at Best Buy, down from the standard price of $249.99. That's a 50% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: SimpliSafe SimpliSafe Indoor Home Security System (8-piece) $124.99 at Best Buy
$249.99 Save $125.00 Get Deal

Since we're almost to summer vacation time, it's smart to start thinking about home security. While many of us have snagged a video doorbell or cameras for the driveway, it's easy to overlook interior protection. If you're looking to strengthen home security before you take off on vacation, there's a great deal in store today.

As of April 8, the SimpliSafe Indoor Home Security System (8-piece) is on sale at Best Buy for just $124.99, marked down from the usual price of $249.99. That's a 50% discount that takes $125 off the price.

SEE ALSO: Grab the new Blink Mini 2 security camera for under $20 — its lowest price ever

The SimpliSafe system comes with all the parts you'd want with an indoor home security system. The main base works as the system's hub, while the keypad gives you arm and disarm access. The bundle also comes with four entry sensors that you can place on windows, doors, or cabinets. Plus, you'll get two motion sensors that are designed to only pick up human movement, not pets.

Together, the system works to keep the interior of your home safe. The base is capable of sending alarm signals to the monitoring center. Plus, it doesn't require any wiring or drilling to install this system. You'll need to plug the base in, but it has a built-in cellular connection, and it's equipped with a back-up battery that can stay live for up to 24 hours should the power go out. In terms of siren power, you're looking at 95 decibels.

The keypad comes with great features like a smash-proof design. But should the pad take damage, it's designed to send a signal to the monitoring center when signed up for a SimpliSafe monitoring plan. As an added bonus, this bundle comes with a SimpliSafe yard sign to help discourage intruders.

If you'll be heading off on a summer vacation, be sure your home's secured. Thanks to today's deal on this whole-home system from SimpliSafe, you can relax on vacation knowing your home is safe.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 with RTX 4060 is $400 off — nab it before tariffs take hold

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:18

GET $400 OFF: As of April 8, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 AMD Ryzen 9 16GB RAM GeForce RTX 4060 1TB SSD Gaming Laptop is $400 off at Best Buy, for a price of $1,199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 AMD Ryzen 9 16GB RAM GeForce RTX 4060 1TB SSD Gaming Laptop $1,199.99 at Best Buy
$1,599.99 Save $400 Get Deal

With tariffs creating volatility across the global market, It's impossible to predict what anything is about to cost, but advanced GeForce RTX laptops are especially subject to chaos. That's part of why this Asus deal with RTX 4060 sticks out. The other reason is that this is simply one stacked laptop — especially for $400 off.

The Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 is one of our favorite gaming laptops right now. As of April 8, the G14 is on sale for $1,199.99, down from $1,599.99, at Best Buy. That's $400 off, or a 25% discount, and equivalent to its Cyber Monday price.

SEE ALSO: Game time — this Asus TUF Gaming Laptop is $400 off and it's got a Radeon RX7700S

The G14 is one of those gaming laptops with so many remarkable specs that reading through them can feel like swimming in digits and acronyms, but in this case, the final build has such gestalt that our reviewer called it the "MacBook Pro of gaming laptops."

The G14's graphics drive is the first thing that will stick out: it's an advanced GeForce RTX 4060 ray tracing drive. It's behind the 50 series, but it is certainly extremely powerful. This works in tandem with an AMD Ryzen 9 CPU and 16GB of RAM.

Speedy graphics put the finish on AAA games, but speedy screen refresh times help you win online tournaments, and this laptop delivers, with a 120Hz OLED screen.

With a 1TB storage SSD, this laptop has the space required for sprawling RPGs and more. Whatever your taste, if you're after a new gaming laptop, this deal shouldn't be passed over.

Amazon deal of the day: The Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker keeps getting cheaper

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:06
Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of April 8: OUR TOP PICK Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series $137.95 (save $212.04) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $157.19 (save $62.80) Get Deal BEST DIY DEAL Cricut Joy Xtra $127.68 (save $71.32) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 (save $25 with code WIN4KFTV) Get Deal BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Outdoor 4 (3-pack) $129.99 (save $130) Get Deal

There's no need to wait around for the next Prime Day. Plenty of deals are floating around at Amazon on this random Tuesday in April — you just have to do a little digging. Fortunately, we've done the hard part for you and found a few standout deals we think are worth adding to your cart.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on April 8. None of these catching your eye? Be sure to check out our selections from yesterday, April 7. Many of those deals are still live, including 40% off the Amazon Fire 7 Kids tablet.

Our top pick: Sony SRS-XG300 Bluetooth speaker Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series $137.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $212.04 Get Deal

For a speaker that's as powerful as it is portable, check out the Sony SRS-XG300. It packs 25 hours of a battery life, a 10-minute charge boost that delivers another 70 minutes, colorful LED lights, and in-app sound customization. "If you're looking for an easily portable outdoor speaker that delivers some serious thunder, the SRS-XG300 earns our Editors' Choice," our sister site PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) summed up in their review. It's a little steep at its full cost of $349.99, but as of April 8, it's down to $137.95. That's 61% in savings and a new record-low, beating its price from last week by $5.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $24.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $25.00 with code WIN4KFTV Get Deal

Only a few bucks more than the basic Fire TV Stick, the 4K version steps up the features in every way. It's equipped with cinematic 4K Ultra HD, as well as support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and WiFi 6. A quad-core 1.7 GHz processor delivers faster app starts and more fluid navigation. Plus, it allows you to play Xbox games without a console, unlike its basic counterpart. Regularly $49.99, you can snag it on sale once again for just $24.99 using the code WIN4KFTV. That's 50% in savings.

Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ (64GB, WiFi) $157.19 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $62.80 Get Deal

Tablets have come a long way over the years, with some just as (if not more) advanced than laptops. But if you want a tablet that simply serves as a tablet, you don't need to spend a fortune. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is reliable and can handle basic everyday tasks proficiently and is on sale for just $157.19. That's 29% off. It packs an 11-inch display, quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and expandable storage up to 1TB. Last year, our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) dubbed it the "best low-cost Android tablet you can buy."

Cricut Joy Xtra Opens in a new window Credit: Cricut Cricut Joy Xtra $127.68 at Amazon
$199 Save $71.32 Get Deal

Looking to dabble in some DIY projects? The Cricut Joy Xtra is one of the most affordable and portable cutting machines Cricut makes, making it ideal for beginners (as well as those with limited space). It can cut over 50 different materials, like iron-on, cardstock, vinyl, and Cricut Smart Materials, draw any shape, write in a variety of styles, and cut individual shapes up to four feet long. It doesn't offer USB connectivity like its bigger siblings or work with your home printer, but it does connect via Bluetooth for convenience. Usually $199, it's on sale at Amazon for just $127.68 as of April 8. That's 36% in savings.

Blink Outdoor 4 (3-pack) Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 (3-pack) $129.99 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $130 Get Deal

The Blink Outdoor 4 is a top-notch security camera for anyone on a budget. You can snag three for just $129.99 at Amazon as of April 8 — that's 50% in savings. Whether you're a pet owner, a frequent traveler, or you're just looking for some peace of mind at home, the Blink Outdoor 4 can give you an extra set of eyes or ears around your property. It offers infrared night vision, two-way audio, and customizable motion-detection zones. Plus, it works seamlessly with other Alexa-enabled devices. Pop in some AA batteries and you won't have to worry about changing them or charging these cameras for two years.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

The Amateur review: Rami Malek, Laurence Fishburne…but why though?

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 12:00

Earlier this year, Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp thrilled us with Black Bag, a clever and sexy espionage thriller that put a married couple at the center of its secrets and scheming. Now comes the funhouse mirror version of that: The Amateur. On a very superficial level, both movies are about spies and marriage. But one is sophisticated, playing with genre expectations to surprise the audience while exploring the depths of marital intimacy and trust. The other is The Amateur, a frustratingly old-school thriller in which the most modern element is not the top-notch computer hacking that's crucial to its plotline, but focusing its story of a "wife guy."

SEE ALSO: 'Black Bag' review: Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender face off in a sexy and sophisticated spy thriller

Academy Award–winner Rami Malek stars as wife guy Charlie Heller, who, when he's not fawning over his beautiful, chatty, cheerful spouse, Sarah (The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel's Rachel Brosnahan), works for the CIA in their decryption and analysis sector. An introverted computer nerd, Charlie doesn't have much in the way of friends, unless you count his mysterious online buddy Inquiline, who sends him super top-secret info about CIA cover-ups. When Sarah dies in a hostage situation, Charlie is utterly alone. So what does he do? Well, he blackmails his corrupt CIA bosses into training him in the ways of espionage, so he can track down those who killed his wife and exact a brutal revenge. 

Credit: 20th Century Studios

If this premise sounds familiar, it might be because The Amateur is based on the 1981 Robert Littell novel of the same name, or because that book was adapted into a movie that same year. Or maybe it's because the very conceit of "man shows he loves woman by exacting revenge" is such a cliché that we have a term for how it treats these female characters, who exist purely to die and give the man in their life a reason to have feelings. It's called "fridging." And even though Brosnahan has a dazzling screen presence and a Primetime Emmy, her role in The Amateur is to be charming and then tragically killed. 

Where Black Bag broke the rules of spy movies and married couples being boring, The Amateur flings audiences back into the tedious and maudlin tale of a man who will literally plot a globe-trekking assassination vacation instead of going to therapy. 

The Amateur taps into a boring vein of toxic masculinity.  Credit: 20th Century Studios

As soon as Charlie arrives at the CIA offices, screenwriters Gary Spinelli and Ken Nolan set him apart from the ultra-macho men who work as agents: Where Charlie is scrawny, nervous, and soft-spoken, The Bear (Jon Bernthal of the unrelated TV show The Bear), is muscular, confident, and has bravado. CIA director Moore (Holt McCallany) is likewise a human brick wall, speaking with a low, harsh efficiency, even when giving condolences. So when Charlie uses his very special set of computer engineering skills to push his bosses into training him to shoot, evade, and generally be a spy, that's meant to be very fish out of water. But Malek played this game 10 years back in the TV drama Mr. Robot, so the supposed contrast isn't all that compelling.  

Under the mentoring of Colonel Henderson (Laurence Fishburne), Charlie not only learns how to fire a gun, but also realizes that's not going to be the best way for him to end the quartet who killed his wife. Instead, he'll use his much-touted brain to come up with ludicrously complicated methods to murder, exploiting allergies, a rooftop pool, and vanity to his own ends. But while this vengeance is inventive, it's not amusing or fun. It's grim. 

SEE ALSO: 'Drop' review: Date night thriller delivers satisfying twists and meaningful red flags

Rather than coping with his wife's death, he's pitched himself into some twisted quest to avenge her, never stopping to consider what she might have wanted for him. But hey, to his credit, she only exists to give him a plotline. And per everything else about this movie, he only exists to obsess unhealthily over her. He has no life outside of his job and his wife, so with her gone, he thrusts his identity into the former, making himself over to be as Bear-like as he can imagine. Unspoken is the idea that, if he can be a real man and kill off all these enemies, he'll be better — and like the untouchable, deep-voiced macho men who make him feel inferior, who can storm into any room with a gun and take whatever they want. 

That this is exactly the kind of man who killed his wife is not something touched on until the climax, and then, it’s not done in such a way as to satisfy. While a monologue from critically beloved character actor Michael Stulhberg (Call My by Your Name) draws a line between this amateur and the terrorists he loathes, the movie itself refuses to confront the consequences of Charlie’s quest. His reckless mission leads to untold collateral damage and traumatizing countless civilians, plus the death of an ally. And yet, the movie won't take a single beat to allow these tragedies to sink it. Why? Because wife guy gonna wife guy? 

The Amateur makes little use of its best assets: its ensemble cast.  Credit: 20th Century Studios

Malek, performing a blend of his characters from Mr. Robot and the horror video game Until Dawn (not to be confused with the upcoming movie of Until Dawn), is frantic but frankly boring as the rogue vigilante. Fishburne's appearance offers promise, potentially proving a coolly sage foil to the unmoored hero, as he did in The Matrix. But while the third act behaves as if Henderson and Charlie had plenty of time to become unexpected buddies, their actual time together is short and unsatisfying. 

Likewise, Brosnahan is given little to do but be winsome while wifing. With the exception of the hostage sequence, her scenes could be used for any Folgers' ad about a couple who finds the time to connect amid a hectic work life. Bernthal brings the same chaotic swagger to The Bear that he does to The Bear and The Accountant 2. It's enough to prop up a thinly drawn character meant to inspire envy, if nothing else. 

Julianne Nicholson is stranded with a handful of scenes as the upright CIA head who wants to flush out corruption, while McCallany grimaces his way through as her obstacle. Caitríona Balfe is intriguing as a fellow hacker but gets sidelined as soon as her story begins to deepen. Stulhbarg has this movie's equivalent of the Bond villain speech and delivers it with chilling effect. But adrift in tired cliches of what it means to be a man, The Amateur feels like a relic of 1981, despite its updated tech and wife-guy tweaking. It's got the depth of a shot glass. 

Director James Hawes (One Life, Black Mirror: "Hated in the Nation") may have been challenged by the dusty material of a 40-year-old novel. He might have relied on the talents of an extraordinary cast. But his vision of a blue-gray world brings nothing enthralling to The Amateur. By contrast, the action scenes that should feel like bittersweet victories are bursting with color: vibrant yellows, blues, and oranges. Perhaps this is meant to urge us to relish these deaths, hard-won by our hero. But instead, they undercut the movie's moral question, which asks, if Charlie embraces violence, is he any better than those who killed his wife?

In the end, The Amateur has no real interest in this, providing a resolution that is not only unfulfilling but almost comically out of touch in a way that is Hollywood at its worst.

The Amateur opens in theaters on April 11.

TCLs Mini LED TV from CES came out less than a month ago, and is already on sale

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 11:34

SAVE UP TO 35%: As of April 8, the 2025 TCL QM6K Mini LED TV that just came out in March is on sale at Best Buy in all sizes from 55 to 98 inches. Discounts range from $250 to $800 off, or 25% to 35% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL QM6K Mini LED 4K TV $549.99 at Best Buy
$799.99 Save $250 starting at 55 inches Get Deal

Most TVs unveiled at CES 2025 in January are officially out and available to purchase by now. This means that we're in the thick of one of the best times of year to buy a TV — the spring — because old models tend to go on sale to make room for the new releases.

It's obviously much rarer to stumble across deals on the new TVs that just came out. But that's what TCL is quietly doing: The new TCL QM6K Mini LED 4K TV is already on sale at Best Buy in every size from 55 to 98 inches. The two steepest discounts percentage wise are the 55-inch (31% off) and the 85-inch (35% off), but all are at least 25% off — inarguable steals all around.

SEE ALSO: Target Circle members can still score 3 free months of Peacock Premium

For reference, the Mini LED that LG announced at CES can't be on sale because it's not even out yet. When they are available, the 85-inch LG 92 Series QNED evo will cost $3,299.99. With Best Buy's discounts, you could literally get two 85-inch 2025 TCL mini LED TVs for less than the price of one 2025 LG mini LED.

Despite its short time on the market (we're talking less than a month), the TCL QM6K is already shaping up to be a favorite TV of 2025. It fared impressively well against its more premium sibling, the TCL QM8, in CNET's testing. Its expected loss in the brightness battle against the QM8's thousands of dimming zones doesn't take away from the fact that the QM6K is a seriously bright TV for its price range — considering there are several QLEDs and regular LEDs on the market near this price that wish they were half as legible in bright rooms.

In dark rooms, the QM6K's 500 dimming zones really showed off while watching movies with a lot of important dark scenes. This means that individual bulbs in 500 areas across the screen can tweak their lighting based on each scene without muddying the rest of the picture. You know how frustrating it is to watch a crucial dimly-lit snippet of House of the Dragon and have no idea what's going on because it's so washed out? That's far less likely with the deep black levels of the QM6K. (This'll be huge for the upcoming season of The Last of Us. Just saying.)

The full pricing breakdown by size is as follows:

Trump’s Tariffs Are Already Reducing Car Imports and Idling Factories

NYT Technology - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 11:30
A few carmakers have closed factories, laid off workers or shifted production in response to the auto tariffs that took effect last week.

Walmart+ members get ready — Walmart+ Week is coming April 28 through May 4

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 11:25

Ring the alarm: another savings event is coming. Prime Day has inspired other retailers to get in on a week of members-only savings, and this go around, it's Walmart. The retail giant is bringing back Walmart+ Week much earlier than we expected.

We'll temper your expectations around Walmart+ Week: the emphasis on the sale is on services rather than products. Don't expect Prime Day levels of products deals, instead enjoy the everyday savings on gas, groceries, streaming, and... Burger King?

Here's everything we know about Walmart+ Week so far.

When is Walmart+ Week?

Walmart+ Week is coming April 28 through May 4, 2025. It's a weeklong savings event that's only available to Walmart+ members.

Last year the savings event ran from June 17 to 23, 2024, so it's coming nearly two months early.

What savings (and freebies) will Walmart+ Week bring? Credit: Walmart

While other sale events like Amazon's Prime Day or Target Circle Week focus on product deals, offering huge discounts across tech, toys, home goods, and more, Walmart takes a different approach. Walmart+ Week focuses on deals on existing member benefits. Here's a preview of the savings you can expect during Walmart+ Week:

  • One free express delivery on everyday essentials.

  • 50 cents off every gallon of fuel at participating Exxon and Mobil stations.

  • Up to two free sandwiches from Burger King every day on orders of $1 or more.

  • Six months of the Paramount+ with Showtime plan.

  • $5 Walmart Cash for members who use Scan and Go in-store on an order of $15 or more.

  • A bonus of $10 in Walmart Cash when members take advantage of two or more Walmart+ Week offers.

What does a Walmart+ membership get you?

To enjoy Walmart+ Week, you have to be a Walmart+ member. To join, membership costs $98 annually or $12.95 monthly, which is slightly cheaper than a Prime membership. But what are you paying for?

Here are all the benefits of a Walmart+ membership:

  • Unlimited free delivery: All $35+ orders from Walmart stores will be delivered free of charge.

  • Fast shipping: Next-day and two-day shipping is free for Walmart+ members with no minimum required.

  • Easy returns: If you need to return something, Walmart will pick it up for you. You won't need to print any labels or repackage any products.

  • Savings on fuel: Walmart+ members save 10 cents per gallon at participating fueling stations like Exxon, Mobil, Walmart, Sam's Club, and more.

  • Auto care: Visit any Walmart Auto Care center for free flat tire repair and road hazard warranty.

  • Mobile scan & go: Shopping at a physical Walmart location? Use your smartphone to scan and pay for your items to make the checkout process faster.

  • Paramount+ Essential (ad-supported) Plan subscription: Gain access to Paramount+ for no additional fee and enjoy the catalog of movies and TV shows.

  • Early access: Members will get first dibs on special product releases and big sale events, including Black Friday.

  • Walmart+ travel: Enjoy up to 5% in Walmart Cash when booking hotels, car rentals, tours, and more with Expedia, and up to 2% on flights.

  • Burger King savings: Treat yourself to 25% off Burger King every day and a free Whopper with any purchase every three months.

The most recent Surface Pro is on sale for $450 off right now

Mashable - Tue, 04/08/2025 - 11:14

GET $450 OFF: As of Apr. 8th, the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core 16GB Memory 512GB SSD is on sale for $1,049.99 at Best Buy, saving $450, or 30%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core 16GB Memory 512GB SSD $1,049.99 at Best Buy
$1,499.99 Save $450 Get Deal

What is and is not a laptop? Somewhere between a tablet and a laptop, the Microsoft Surface Pro is a computer designed to challenge traditional laptop design, with Copilot+ AI built right in, and a dexterous touch screen that's designed for digital art.

Currently, you can get the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core 16GB Memory 512GB SSD for $1,049.99, saving you 30%, or $450 off.

SEE ALSO: Game time — this Asus TUF Gaming Laptop is $400 off and it's got a Radeon RX7700S

The Microsoft Surface line has one of the most outstanding physical designs in the space. These laptops are lightweight, with a folding keyboard and rear folding stand that makes it simple to transition from typing mode to tablet. With a pen, the digital art apps provide buttery smooth drawing and painting.

The Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core processor is speedier than past versions, and with 16GB, this one will be beefy enough for some real computing power. If you're planning on using photoshop or other digital art apps, you'll want it.

In a big step up from past Surface editions, this one has an OLED screen that offers excellent color and visuals, with a 2880 x 1920 resolution.

Right now the Microsoft Surface Pro Copilot+ Snapdragon X Elite 12 Core 16GB Memory 512GB SSD is on sale for $1,049.99, saving you $450.

Whether you're into it for its experimental Copilot+ AI features, or its powerful processor and agile touch screen, this 2024 Microsoft Surface Pro is a standout deal, especially for $450 off.

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