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Get a Coleman Skydome Tent for under $75 during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:56

SAVE $40: As of March 26, you can get a four-person Coleman Skydome Tent for $74.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and a $40 price cut.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coleman Coleman Skydome Tent $74.99 at Amazon
$114.99 Save $40 Get Deal

Usually, we tout REI for having the best camping gear and sales, but Amazon’s Big Spring Sale has been sneaking in some pretty solid deals, too.

Right now, you can get a four-person Coleman Skydome Tent for just $74.99. That’s a 35% discount and $40 off the list price. That’s an almost unbeatable price for a waterproof tent that can sleep four adults and has nearly 3,000 five-star ratings.

SEE ALSO: The best outdoor deals to shop in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

It’s available in other sizes (two-person, six-person, and eight-person) if you need more space or want something smaller. You can also choose whether you want a tent with PFAS or without — the tent listed in this deal post is the PFAS-free version.

This tent is great for a weekend camping trip or even a backyard campout, and it’s beginner-friendly, so you won’t have too much trouble setting it up. (Setup takes five minutes, according to the manufacturer’s description.) It can also withstand 35 mph winds and features WeatherTec system’s welded corners and inverted seams, just in case you get caught in a storm.

Im an e-reader expert and the only time you should buy the Kindle Scribe is when its on sale — like right now

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:55
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Scribe $339.99 at Amazon
$419.99 Save $80 Get Deal

I've spent a lot of time with Amazon's e-reader line-up, testing my way through each model. My preferred device is the Kindle Paperwhite, which never leaves my side. Unfortunately Amazon is being conservative with Kindle pricing during their Big Spring Sale. While the Paperwhite isn't on sale right now, the Kindle Scribe is.

The Amazon Kindle Scribe is a much larger e-reader in the line-up that offers something no other Kindle has: the ability to take notes. With the inclusion of the premium pen, users can jot down thoughts in a notebook or even annotate in the margins of books and PDFs. But it's honesty hour here — is the Scribe worth it?

At its standard retail price of $419.99, the Kindle isn't a great value. Sure the extra ability to take notes is a big draw (literally), but with that comes some downsides. Even in this redesigned model released in December 2024, the Scribe's performance drags. It often lags between pages, and the screen suffers a significant ghosting problem. Combined with the fact that it's the most expensive Kindle, I wouldn't encourage anyone to run out to buy it.

However, my opinion of the Scribe changes when it goes on sale. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the e-reader and note taker starts at $339.99, saving you an abundant $80. At that price, I think the Kindle Scribe is a much better purchase. If you're an annotator at heart or a student looking to mark up readings for class, the Scribe offers the feel of pen on paper with the convenience of a digital device. A price tag of $339.99 is the Kindle Scribe's lowest price ever, and therefore its best savings yet. So as an e-reader expert, I say if you're looking to buy one, let it be now.

DOGE staffer Big Balls allegedly involved with cybercrime ring

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:36

Elon Musk's government project, DOGE, has been extremely controversial, to say the least. While not an official government agency, DOGE has been empowered by the Trump administration to go after so-called government fraud and waste. So far, DOGE has come up empty-handed.

However, that doesn't mean that Musk and his team haven't been busy gutting the federal government. DOGE's cuts to USAID have ended important life-saving programs for some of the world's most vulnerable communities. Essential federal employees, such as park rangers, have been fired. And DOGE continues to rifle through sensitive government data in order to put more items on the chopping block, such as Social Security.

But, DOGE's issues lie not just with what it's doing, but who is doing it. 

SEE ALSO: DOGE damage is just getting started, IT experts warn

WIRED reported on many of the names involved with DOGE last month and many of them were young, inexperienced tech workers in their teens and early 20s who idolize Musk. While concerning, this is not disqualifying on its own. However, as more is known about the Musk fanboys that Musk hired for DOGE, the more concerning and disqualifying it gets.

A new report from Reuters has uncovered that one of the young DOGE employees, 19-year-old Edward Coristine, previously was involved with a cybercrime group known as "EGodly." 

Coristine, also known by his online nickname "Big Balls," provided support for cybercriminals through his company DiamondCDN. In fact, EGodly has explicitly thanked Corisinte's company for helping them operate online.

"We extend our gratitude to our valued partners DiamondCDN for generously providing us with their amazing DDoS protection and caching systems, which allow us to securely host and safeguard our website," read a message from EGodly's Telegram channel which was shared with Reuters.

The cybercriminal group had previously claimed responsibility for hijacking phone numbers, hacking into law enforcement email accounts, and stealing cryptocurrency. In one specific incident, the group shared private details allegedly belonging to an FBI agent, including his phone number and photos of his house.

This is just the latest in a string of infractions against DOGE's young team.

In a previous report from Bloomberg, Coristine had been ID'd as a former employee of cybersecurity firm Path Network. Coristine was eventually fired for leaking internal company information to competitors.

But "Big Balls" isn't the only problem at DOGE. For example, another DOGE employee, 25-year-old Marko Elez, resigned from his position after his numerous racist social media posts were discovered. Elez had urged his followers to "normalize Indian hate."

"Just for the record, I was racist before it was cool," Elez said in another post. "You could not pay me to marry outside of my ethnicity." 

While Elez did resign, Musk rehired him just a day later to continue his work at DOGE.

It appears unlikely that Edward "Big Balls" Coristine will face any repercussions for his past actions either.

Instagram pulls the plug on Content Notes

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:28

You might not know what Instagram's Content Notes feature is, but your opportunity to familiarize yourself with it is gone.

A few months ago, Instagram introduced Content Notes. Apparently, not many people used it, so today, they're removing the feature.

"We're going to turn off Content Notes. If you don't know, Content Notes are the ability to add a note to a photo, a Reel, or a carousel on Instagram that your friends can see, but not everybody can see. And we launched it a few months ago in an effort to try to make Instagram more social and more fun," Instagram head Adam Mosseri said in a post on the social media platform. "But in practice, it just wasn't adopted by that many people."

View this post on Instagram

Often, the removal of a feature is met with disbelief and disappointment by those who use it. But not that many people used the feature anyway, so the responses are pretty supportive. Most of the comments under Mosseri's posts are the hand clap emoji or people saying things like, "I don’t think I even knew I had content notes." Of course, Mosseri has comments limited on the post, so this is likely swayed a bit.

SEE ALSO: Facebook, Instagram beta testing Community Notes in the U.S.

But that messaging does seem to align with how people reacted when the feature was launched. On Reddit, one user said, "It’s really annoying. Is there a way to turn it off? There’s some much shit clogging up my home feed already, the last thing I want is to see is MORE posts from accounts I don’t even follow." Multiple people responded in agreement.

And "clogging up" the home feed seems to be behind at least part of the reasoning behind Mosseri's decision to remove the feature.

"And we know Instagram has become too complicated over the years, and one of the ways we want to address that is being willing to turn off features that aren't used by enough or that many people, and Content Notes is one of those features," Mosseri said in his Instagram Reel. "We're going to continue to explore more ways of making Instagram fun and social and bring friends out in the experience, but Content Notes isn't it. So more things to come in terms of new features, but also in terms of things that we turn off."

Sarah Wynn-Williams Careless People is 30% off at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 16:20

SAVE 30%: As of March 26, you can get Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism for $23.09 at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Flatiron Books Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism (Hardcover) $23.09 at Amazon
$32.99 Save $9.90 Get Deal

The book Facebook doesn't want you to read? It's on sale.

Careless People: A Cautionary Tale of Power, Greed, and Lost Idealism, Sarah Wynn-Williams' explosive tell-all, is sparking controversy and climbing bestseller lists. “Amazing: of all the books in all the world Mr. Free Speech Zuckerberg wants to ban, it’s the one about him,” says Guardian columnist Marina Hyde.

SEE ALSO: The book Facebook doesn't want you to read: What you need to know

Right now, you can get Careless People in hardcover for just $23.09 (list price $32.99) at Amazon. That’s a 30% discount and a seriously good price for a book critics call “unbelievable and necessary.” You can also get the Kindle edition for $16.99 or the audiobook for $0.99 with an Audible membership.

Almost immediately after its publication, an arbitrator (requested by Meta) issued Wynn-Williams a gag order, preventing her from publicly promoting or discussing the book. Despite this attempt to silence her, Careless People reached the top of the New York Times Best-Seller list and is now No. 3 on Amazon’s best-seller list.

Heres where to buy legit solar eclipse glasses thatll arrive before Saturdays eclipse

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 15:54

If you missed the lunar eclipse earlier this month, the sky has another treat in store for certain parts of the U.S. this Saturday morning.

Starting around 6:30 to 7 a.m. ET on Saturday, March 29, the Northeast region of the country will be treated to a partial solar eclipse. Weather and cloud cover pending, the solar eclipse means parts of Maryland, Massachusetts, Washington D.C., New York, Maine, and Pennsylvania will be privy to watching the moon pass by the sun.

According to NASA charts, you'll need to travel outside the country to get the largest eclipse coverage. Halifax, Canada, will get 83 percent coverage and Nuuk, Greenland, is posed to get 87 percent. In the U.S., Portland, Maine, is in for the highest totality, reaching 64 percent at 6:30 a.m. ET on Saturday.

Before you look up when the moon passes directly over the sun, consider protecting your eyes. Your everyday sunglasses won't cut it, so it's important to prepare in advance by snagging specialized solar eclipse glasses. Unfortunately, like much of the internet, illegitimate options exist, and since we're talking about the same two eyes you'll have for your whole life, it's worth doing the research to be sure you're wearing certified and legitimate solar eclipse glasses.

Buying certified solar eclipse glasses is both super easy and also frustratingly hard. The American Astronomical Society has a comprehensive list of solar eclipse glasses that meet ISO 12312-2 international standard. The problem is the list is impressively long. But if you don't feel like sorting through the list to find options that are both certified and will arrive before Saturday, we did the leg work for you.

Below is a list of solar eclipse glasses available at Amazon that should show up before the solar eclipse on Saturday morning. All options here come from legitimate manufacturers listed on the American Astronomical Society's roundup.

Get $10 for free with this Amazon and TurboTax deal

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:59

SAVE $34: As of March 26, get TurboTax Deluxe + State 2024 and a $10 Amazon gift card for just $55.99 at Amazon. That's a $34 discount, plus a free gift card.

Opens in a new window Credit: TurboTax TurboTax Deluxe + State 2024 + $10 Amazon gift card (PC/Mac download) $55.99 at Amazon
$89.99 Save $34.00 Get Deal

Getting your taxes done is just about as thrilling as making a trip to the DMV or dentist, but it’s also necessary. If you’re looking for a way to get ‘em done on the cheap (and on time), Amazon’s got a deal on TurboTax Deluxe + State 2024.

As of March 26, you can get TurboTax Deluxe + State 2024 for just $55.99 and receive a $10 Amazon gift card for free. That’s way cheaper than paying someone to do it for you, and thanks to the step-by-step walkthroughs TurboTax provides, it’s also not that hard. All you have to do is follow the download instructions, register or log in, and start filing.

SEE ALSO: How to manage quarterly taxes as a solopreneur

TurboTax’s Deluxe service is specifically designed for homeowners and people who donate to charity, so if either of those applies to you, you’ll definitely want to make sure you’re using this version.

Get inside the minds of first-time travelers in this new documentary

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:39

Traveling to a new place takes us out of our comfort zone and helps us get a new perspective on our life back home. 

But nothing is quite as transformative as your very first trip to a new country. The highs of new sights, smells, people, foods, and experiences leave you changed in a way that’s hard to describe. 

Inner Portrait, a new documentary from Turkish Airlines and media artist Refik Anadol, helps us visualize and articulate the change we feel when traveling, backed by data and technology. It first premiered at Istanbul’s Atatürk Cultural Center (AKM) several months ago, and is currently available to stream on Hulu. Here are just a few reasons to catch it. 

Get inspired by four first-time travelers

Inner Portrait features four diverse first-time travelers: Tuikuru, a Brazilian native of the Amazon, who explores the vibrant streets of Tokyo; Esther from Kenya, who uncovers the rich history of Istanbul; Sahar, an Australian, who delves into the ancient wonders of Göbeklitepe and Cappadocia in Turkey; and Sigurbjörn from Iceland, who discovers the breathtaking beauty of Jordan.

See how travel changes the brain

This documentary does more than capture these first-time travelers' experiences. It uses advanced tech like EEG sensors, and Empatica Watches to capture every feeling and reaction as data points. 

Refik Anadol and his creative team transformed all this data into a beautiful art piece. The result is a stunning visual display that evokes a sense of awe, similar to what you feel when you travel.

Feel connected to the globe

Each first-time traveler featured in the documentary has a different life experience, and they embark on different trips. However, the data captured shows how their brains react to new experiences similarly as a timely reminder that we’re not so different. 

Ahmet Bolat, the Chairman of the Board and Executive Committee at Turkish Airlines, said, “[This documentary] highlights that traveling is not only a physical journey but [...] also a profound experience that transforms a person’s inner world. As the airline flying to more countries than any other, we are committed to connecting the world through the universal language of art and culture.”

Watching Tuikuru, Esther, Sahar, and Sigurbjörn's experiences will remind you not to take travel for granted, inviting viewers to prioritize their next adventure. 

Catch Inner Portrait on Hulu and visit Turkish Airlines to plan your next trip.

The best travel deals to shop during the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:38

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has officially commenced and is filled to the brim with deals on everything from laptops and TVs to robot vacuums and coffee makers. One seasonally appropriate category that's particularly popping off is travel deals. Whether you're looking to upgrade your luggage or in-flight entertainment, there are plenty of discounts to help you do so on a budget.

Mashable's shopping experts are keeping track of all the best travel deals the Big Spring Sale has to offer, including luggage, noise-cancelling headphones, Kindles, charging accessories, and more. Don't see what you're looking for? Check back for more throughout the week, as the sale runs until March 31.

Best luggage dealsBest travel accessory dealsBest charging dealsBest noise-cancelling headphones dealsBest tablet and Kindle deals

Soak up the spring weather with 50% off the Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 14:08

SAVE $196.02: As of March 26, get the Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit for $198.98 at Amazon. That's 50% off its usual price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit $198.98 at Amazon
$395 Save $196.02 Get Deal

As the weather heats up and the rain calms down for spring, you're probably thinking about doing more outdoor activities. That might include hanging out in your backyard or having get-togethers where folks hang out by your patio. If that's the case, you might want to invest in something that makes your backyard feel a bit cozier. And right now, thanks to the Amazon Big Spring Sale, that's going to be easier than ever.

As of March 26, get the Tiki Smokeless Patio Fire Pit for $198.98 at Amazon. That's a discount of $196.02 and 50% off its usual price. Currently, it's also cheaper than its price over at the official Tiki store, where you can get it for $295.

This 25-inch smokeless fire pit is a great way to sit back, relax, and chat by the fire. Thanks to its special airflow system, it won't choke you and your party out with smoke, and there's less ash. It'll give you a large flame with a 4-foot heat radius that can keep you and everyone around you warm even when it gets cool on those gorgeous spring and summer nights.

It's crafted with a 16-gauge stainless steel powder-coated black finish and comes with a removable ash pan for easy cleaning. It's easy to use and it's relatively affordable, so if you've been looking for a great centerpiece for your patio or outdoor hangouts as things get much less tumultuous outside, this might be it. Imagine a projector with your favorite movie, drinks and snacks, and a sizzling fire. Sounds nice, right? Make it a reality while it's available at this price.

Samsung smart glasses with touchless controls nearly ready, report says

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 13:25

Samsung is reportedly nearing the finish line on its long-rumored smart glasses, codenamed Project HAEAN.

The company, according to Korean outlet ETNews, is finalizing the specs for the device, which now includes a built-in display — a notable shift from earlier plans that leaned toward a display-free XR wearable.

SEE ALSO: The best smart glasses at CES 2025 are inconspicuous

The glasses are designed to project visuals directly onto the lenses, showing "information or images on the glasses like the lenses." They’ll also include onboard speakers for audio feedback, aiming for a hands-free, frictionless experience that doesn’t rely on buttons or remotes.

Samsung first teased the idea of a smart glasses concept at its Unpacked event earlier this year, hinting at a product designed to feel as natural and unobtrusive as possible. The company reportedly wants the glasses to "tailor the experience to the human body," though it’s still unclear exactly what that means in practice.

While earlier leaks suggested the device wouldn’t feature a display, the new report suggests Samsung might have changed its mind. The glasses would reportedly feature some level of integration with Google’s Gemini AI platform, potentially making HAEAN a key player in the emerging battle for wearable AI dominance.

Samsung has already confirmed that it plans to launch “Project Moohan,” its Android-powered XR headset that’s made appearances at several events sometime this year.

There’s no official launch date for HAEAN yet, but a well-known leaker on X claims Samsung is targeting an unveiling of these XR smart glasses before the end of 2025.

20+ of the best coffee maker deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 13:00
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale coffee maker deals at a glance: BEST SINGLE-SERVE COFFEE MAKER DEAL Keurig K-Elite single-serve coffee maker $99.99 (save $90) Get Deal BEST ESPRESSO MAKER DEAL Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso maker $129.99 (save $90) Get Deal BEST SPLURGE Philips 4400 fully automatic espresso machine $799.99 (save $200) Get Deal BEST COFFEE ACCESSORY DEAL Cuisinart Supreme Grind automatic coffee grinder $42.49 (save $17.46) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is officially underway (live through March 31) and it's filled to the brim with deals. While the majority of discounts are on major tech — laptops, headphones, TVs, robot vacuums, etc. — we're also seeing the price drops infiltrate home and kitchen products, including coffee makers of all shapes and sizes.

If you're looking to upgrade your coffee cart at home or cut down on spending at the local coffee shop, there are plenty of options on sale at Amazon. Mashable's shopping team will be keeping track of all the best coffee maker deals — single-serve brewers, fancy espresso machines, and more — from Amazon's Big Spring Sale throughout the week. We'll keep this list updated with any new and noteworthy deals we think you should know about.

Best coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Elite single-serve coffee maker $99.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $90.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Like most Keurig machines, the K-Elite makes brewing a quick cup of coffee a breeze. Just fill it up the reservoir with water, pop in a K-Cup or the Universal K-Cup reusable coffee filter (sold separately) filled with your own grounds, select a cup size (4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 ounces) and strength, and watch it do its thing. Where it stands out from the pack is its huge 75-ounce reservoir, hot water button (for tea, instant oatmeal, soup, etc.), and iced coffee setting. During the Big Spring Sale, its $189.99 price tag is slashed to just $99.99 at Amazon. That's 47% in savings and just $2 away from its best price ever. FWIW, it's currently $148.99 at Keurig's own website.

More coffee maker dealsBest espresso machine deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine $129.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $90 Get Deal Why we like it

Making coffee at home doesn't have to be boring. With the Nespresso Vertuo machine, you can brew single or double shots of espresso, straightforward black coffee, or iced coffee at the touch of a button. The coffee maker offers four different cup sizes (5oz and 8oz coffee, single and double espresso) that each has their own brewing technique and uses barcode technology to ensure you brew up the perfect blend. To get you started, you'll get a dozen Nespresso capsules included. Usually $219.99, it's on sale for just $129.99 during the Big Spring Sale — that's 41% in savings and its lowest price in years. Plus, if you drop an extra $30, you can get a milk frother included for even more fancy drink options.

More espresso machine dealsCoffee accessory deals

Leaked iOS 19 screenshot reveals potential interface

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:41

We might have a first glimpse at Apple's Messages app redesign for the upcoming iOS 19 and it... doesn't look that different.

On the Genius Bar podcast on Tuesday, YouTuber Jon Prosser shared a screenshot what the new Messages app allegedly looks like. Jump to minute 42:50 for the new design. Apple fans expecting the rumored "dramatic software overhaul" for iOS 19, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman might be disappointed.

The alleged updated Messages looks largely similar to the current app. The major discernible differences are the keyboard, which has rounded glass-like edges and a floating 3D effect and the back arrow icon and FaceTime icon encapsulated in similarly glassy looking bubbles.

Following previous leaks from Prosser and Gurman, expectations are high for the rumored iOS 19 revamp due at this year's WWDC. A few weeks ago, Gurman wrote that Apple will "fundamentally change the look of the [iPhone, iPad, and Mac] operating systems and make Apple’s various software platforms more consistent." This reportedly includes "updating the style of icons, menus, apps, windows and system buttons."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. What will we see at WWDC? Predictions vary.

On Wednesday, Prosser shared mockups of other iOS 19 redesigns based on actual designs Prosser claims to have seen. The Apple Sports app and the location sharing pop-up have the same round-edge, glassy, 3D appearance as Messages. However, the Home Screen looks to be unchanged. Perhaps the biggest rumored design change (also leaked by Prosser) is for the Camera app, which looks more in line with Apple's Vision Pro interface.

On X, Gurman chimed in on "iOS 19 images floating around," saying they "aren't representative of what we'll see at WWDC" and "they look to be based on either very old builds or vague descriptions, missing key features."

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

That's all to say, these leaks could offer a peek at some of the new design changes, but take it with a big grain of salt. We'll see the big reveal soon at WWDC on June 9.

YouTube is changing what a view means for YouTube Shorts

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:29

How many views are your YouTube videos receiving?

In order to truly know this, you have to understand how a view is counted on YouTube in the first place. On a traditional YouTube video, YouTube adds a view to your video's view count if a viewer watches 30 seconds or more of your upload. 

However, when YouTube launched YouTube Shorts four-and-a-half years ago, it didn't count views on shortform videos in the same way. Instead, YouTube would count a view on a YouTube Shorts video if a user watched for at least a few seconds. YouTube never provided an exact number of seconds, but it was clearly much shorter than the 30 second requirement for a YouTube video.

SEE ALSO: YouTube turns 20 years old. Did you know it was originally a dating website?

However, YouTube is now changing how it counts views for YouTube Shorts.

As of March 31, 2025, YouTube will add a view to your YouTube Shorts view count at the moment your shortform video begins to play. 

There is no view time requirement anymore for a YouTube Shorts video. YouTube will basically count a view if a user just sees your video at all. And because YouTube Shorts content loops, YouTube will count a new view each time that video replays from the beginning too.

According to YouTube, it's making this change at creators' requests as it more accurately reflects a more helpful metric for YouTube Shorts content strategies in particular.

SEE ALSO: YouTube Shorts is getting a tool for adding AI-generated video to your posts

YouTubers who are fans of the previous default view count analytics will not lose that metric either. While public view counts on YouTube Shorts will reflect the new way of counting views, the old metric will be renamed "engaged views" and can be viewed in a creators' YouTube Analytics under "Advanced Mode." 

So, what does this all mean for YouTubers? As a result of the change, view counts for YouTube Shorts will likely be much higher for creators under the new metric. It's not necessarily because more people are viewing your content, it's because YouTube is now showing you how many people have come across your content, whether they watched a few seconds of it or not.

The roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum has dropped to a record-low price in the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 12:12

SAVE $110: The roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum is on sale for $189.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you over $100 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock roborock Q7 Max Robot Vacuum $189.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $110 Get Deal

We didn't really know what to expect from Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Last year was the first time that Amazon had run this event, so we didn't exactly have much to go off coming into the 2025 iteration. But what's clear after a couple of days is that the deals are actually really good. We're seeing strong discounts across a number of popular categories, including robot vacuums.

The roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum is on sale for $189.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you over $100 on list price. That's a really low price for a robot vacuum that offers mopping and smart mapping, and much better value than what we're seeing is being offering by the likes of Roomba.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo S robot vacuum is at its lowest-ever price in Amazon's Big Spring Sale

According to the price tracker camelcamelcamel, this robot vacuum has never been this cheap on Amazon. This low price even beats Black Friday and Cyber Monday, when this model was listed for $219.99. So if you've been patiently waiting for the right moment to join the robot vacuum revolution, this could be it.

Save over $100 on the roborock Q7 Max robot vacuum in the Amazon Spring Sale.

A guide for avoiding scams around the Formula 1 in 2025

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:57

The 2025 Formula 1 season has begun!

It’s a new(ish) year and the recent Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix has kicked off the biggest international competition that motorsports has to offer. As fans gear up for an exciting season, ensuring peak PC performance and online security should be a top priority. From streaming races smoothly to avoiding cyber scams targeting eager ticket buyers, this guide will help you navigate the digital race track safely and efficiently.

Avoiding scams around the Formula 1 Grand Prix 2025

With thousands of eager fans looking to purchase tickets, book accommodation, and access live streams, cybercriminals see an opportunity to exploit unsuspecting victims. Here’s how you can steer clear of scams:

1. Fake ticketing scams

Scammers set up fraudulent websites mimicking legitimate ticketing platforms. To avoid falling for fake tickets:

  • Buy only from official sources: The Formula 1’s official website and trusted ticket vendors are your safest bet.

  • Verify URLs: Check for HTTPS and legitimate domain names before making a purchase.

  • Use secure payment methods: Avoid direct bank transfers—use credit cards or PayPal for additional buyer protection.

2. Phishing attacks

Phishing emails and fake websites trick users into providing personal and financial information. Protect yourself by:

  • Using Advanced Security Software: Security suites such as Bitdefender Total Security use anti-phishing tools to help detect and block malicious sites.

  • Double-Checking Domain Names: Scammers often use domains that look similar to legitimate ones (e.g., “formula1tickets-official.com” instead of “formula1.com”).

  • Avoiding Unsolicited Links: Never click on links in emails or messages that seem suspicious.

3. Fake streaming links

Cybercriminals lure fans with promises of free live streams, but these often lead to malware-infected sites.

  • Use Official Broadcasters: Stick to licensed streaming services like Kayo Sports, Foxtel, or Channel 10.

  • Install Reliable Antivirus Protection: Bitdefender’s real-time threat detection helps safeguard against malware and harmful downloads.

  • Avoid Sites Asking for Personal Information: No legitimate free stream should require your credit card details.

4. Accommodation and travel scams

Fraudulent listings and fake travel packages are common during major events. To book safely:

  • Use Reputable Booking Platforms: Stick to trusted sites like Booking.com, Wotif, Expedia, or Airbnb.

  • Verify Hosts and Reviews: Check for verified reviews and ratings before making a reservation.

  • Beware of “Too Good to Be True” Deals: If a deal seems unbelievably cheap, there’s a good chance it’s a scam.

  • Use a Scam Detector: If you’re still uncertain, there are a number of security suites that offer advanced scam detection tools. Even if you’re on a budget, Bitdefender offers a free next-gen AI scam detector: Bitdefender Scamio that lets you quickly check any tricky text, email, link, or even QR code for scams.

Cybersecurity pit stops: Protecting your digital life

Beyond avoiding scams, securing your personal and financial data is essential. Here’s how you can stay ahead:

  • Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Add an extra layer of protection to your accounts.

  • Keep software updated: Regular updates prevent security vulnerabilities.

  • Use a strong password manager: A password manager (or password vault) helps create and store secure passwords.

  • Monitor for data breaches: Services like Bitdefender Digital Identity Protection can alert you if your credentials are compromised.

Tuning your PC for maximum performance in 2025

If you’re planning to stream any F1 in 4K, engage in live commentary, or simply keep up with race-day analytics, you might need a bit of a tune-up first. Here’s how you can ensure your system is in pole position:

1. Upgrade your hardware

  • RAM & Storage: With modern streaming and gaming demands, upgrading to at least 16GB of RAM and an SSD will significantly boost performance.

  • Graphics Card: A powerful GPU ensures smooth 4K streaming and gaming experiences.

  • Cooling System: Keep your PC cool with a high-quality cooling solution to avoid overheating during extended usage.

2. Optimise software performance

  • Update Drivers: Ensure that your GPU, chipset, and network drivers are up to date.

  • Remove Bloatware: Uninstall unnecessary apps and background processes that consume system resources.

  • Optimise Startup Programs: Use the Task Manager to disable unnecessary startup applications.

3. Ensure secure and fast internet

  • Use a wired connection: Ethernet provides a more stable connection compared to Wi-Fi, reducing buffering while streaming.

  • Upgrade to Wi-Fi 6E: If Ethernet isn’t an option, Wi-Fi 6E routers offer improved speed and reduced congestion.

  • VPN for security: A reputable VPN, such as Bitdefender VPN, can help protect your data from cyber threats.

This year, Formula 1 promises to be a consistently electrifying experience, but these days, cyber threats and scams are an unfortunate reality. Don’t get scammed by a dodgy stream, or if you’re travelling to the event: fake tickets and other scams. By optimising your PC for peak performance and implementing strong cybersecurity practices, you can enjoy the race without digital disruptions. Stay ahead of the competition—both on and off the track—by securing your online presence with tools like Bitdefender Total Security. For advanced protection, Bitdefender Ultimate Security offers all the benefits of 'Total', but with an unlimited VPN, Password manager and Digital Identity Protection.

Whether you're watching a race live or engaging online, make sure you're protected from cyber risks. Read more about Bitdefender can prevent you from falling victim to scams this Grand Prix season here.

The best-selling books during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:49

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is underway, running March 25 through 30, and like any Amazon sale, a huge virtual wall of products can feel overwhelming. Mashable's shopping experts are sifting through the noise to find you the best deals across tons of categories.

If you're a reader, we've sorted out the best Kindle deals and best book deals from the sale. But, you might be wondering, which books are people actually buying from Amazon?

Amazon shares data on its best sellers, aka the most popular items based on sales, so you can see which books are being added to other people's libraries. Some of the top sellers are discounted at the time of writing, and don't forget to take advantage of Amazon's buy two, get one free deal on select books, movies, and music.

Here are the top five best-selling books on Amazon:

1. Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins Opens in a new window Credit: Scholastic Press 'Sunrise on the Reaping' $19.46 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $8.53 Get Deal

The latest installment in the Hunger Games series was released on March 18, and it's already at the top of Amazon's best-seller list. Sunrise on the Reaping follows Haymitch Abernathy's story during the second Quarter Quell. I'm only 35 pages in, and I can tell Collins has hit the mark once again. But don't just take my word for it, it has a 4.7 rating on Goodreads and, again, is the No. 1 best-selling book on Amazon as of March 26.

2. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins Opens in a new window Credit: Penguin Random House 'The Let Them Theory' $15.68 at Amazon
$29.99 Save $14.31 Get Deal

New York Times bestselling author Mel Robbins' latest book explains the "Let Them Theory" and how to apply it to your life. The idea is to stop wasting energy and time trying to control the wrong things, whether that's at work, in relationships, or in pursuing your goals.

3. How to Catch the Easter Bunny by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton Opens in a new window Credit: Sourcebooks Wonderland 'How to Catch the Easter Bunny' $5.63 at Amazon
$10.99 Save $5.36 Get Deal

This picture book is the Easter edition of the Catch series and has readers chasing the Easter Bunny as he delivers eggs. It might even inspire you and your little ones to create STEAM traps of your own to pair with the book.

4. Careless People by Sarah Wynn-Williams Opens in a new window Credit: Flatiron Books 'Careless People' $23.09 at Amazon
$32.99 Save $9.90 Get Deal

Careless People is a memoir from former Facebook (now Meta) head of global policy, Sarah Wynn-Williams.

SEE ALSO: The book Facebook doesn't want you to read: What you need to know 5. Purposeful Performance by Jonathan Stanley Opens in a new window Credit: EarthyPilot Publishing 'Purposeful Performance' $16.95 at Amazon
Shop Now

Jonathan Stanley's book went viral on TikTok after user @taymaed posted a video of him doing a book signing at Barnes & Noble. And it looks like TikTok users have helped make his book a success. Purposeful Performance is meant to give business owners tools to develop a sense of purpose and meaning within and beyond their organization.

Looking for the best cheap Amazon Spring Sale vacuum deal? We think weve found it.

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 11:28

SAVE $50: The Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum is on sale for $149.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you $50 on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Levoit Levoit LVAC-200 Cordless Vacuum $149.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $50 Get Deal

We know that Dyson deals make a lot of noise during major shopping events like the Amazon Spring Sale, but not everyone wants to drop hundreds of dollars on a vacuum. Where is the love for the budget-friendly vacuums?

We're providing the love, because we think we've lined up the best cheap vacuum deal from the Big Spring Sale. As of March 26, the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum is on sale for $149.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you $50 on list price. It's not got all the advanced features that you might get with a Dyson or Shark, but this vacuuum gets the job done.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo S robot vacuum is at its lowest-ever price in Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Frankly, we think the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum represents good value for money at full price, so a $50 discount is hard to ignore. It even has LED lights on the front so you can quickly spot dust and dirt, a feature that is usually limited to the more expensive models.

Save $50 on the Levoit LVAC-200 cordless vacuum in the Amazon Spring Sale.

When does Amazons Big Spring Sale end?

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:28

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is in full bloom, bringing sitewide discounts on a huge range of items. While the sale is billed as a seasonal event packed with deals on outdoor gear, spring cleaning necessities, and home decor, the Mashable Shopping team is also seeing steep price cuts on Apple devices, laptops, headphones, and other tech.

The Big Spring Sale is Amazon's first major savings event of the year, and it's more than three times longer than the retailer's flagship Prime Day sale in July. It's also unlike Prime Day in that it's not exclusive to Prime members — though they do get access to a handful of special markdowns.

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

Strategic shoppers should know this: While some of Amazon's spring sale deals are limited-time "daily drops," most of its offers will be live throughout the entire sale. Here's how long it's scheduled to last.

How long is the Amazon Spring Sale?

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a full week long. (For comparison's sake, Prime Day is just a two-day affair.)

When does Amazon's Spring Sale end?

The 2025 Amazon Big Spring Sale will end at 11:59 p.m. PT on Monday, March 31. That's 2:59 a.m. on Tuesday, April 1 for shoppers on the East Coast.

When is Amazon's next big sale?

Amazon hasn't announced its next major savings event at this point, but it will almost certainly host a sale over Memorial Day weekend in late May. Stay tuned.

The best Amazon Spring Sale deals you can get right now

This Dyson vacuum changed my life, and its over $100 off in the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 10:03

SAVE $150: The Dyson V15 cordless vacuum is on sale for $599.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you $150 on list price.

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

I'm not the sort of person who gains real enjoyment from cleaning the house. I know this type of person exists. I've heard the stories and shuddered.

I'm the type to avoid getting down and dirty until the house is desperately crying out for attention, and that very much includes vacuuming. I hesitate to say that it's my least favorite household task, but it's right up there. But unfortunately for me, it's something that I cannot escape. The reality is that the house needs to be vacuumed, so I went in search of something to make the whole process more bearable. And I found something that totally changed the game.

SEE ALSO: The roborock Qrevo S robot vacuum is at its lowest-ever price in Amazon's Big Spring Sale

The Dyson V15 cordless vacuum has an LCD screen that shows picked-up particles on-screen as you clean. With the Dyson V15, you can't stop me from vacuuming. I'm a vacuuming machine. I get so much satisfaction from watching my progress as I absolutely dominate debris.

And better yet, the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum is on sale for $599.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, saving you $150 on list price. This is the lowest price we've seen since Black Friday, so if you've been looking for an upgrade that could change your approach to cleaning, this is the moment to shop.

Save $150 on the Dyson V15 in the Amazon Spring Sale.

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