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The best live deals on tablets in Amazons Big Spring Sale 2025

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:55

Get ready, because Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally here. Running from March 25 to 31, the event will mostly feature deals on spring essentials and outdoor items, but that doesn't mean it'll be completely devoid of tech deals. Case in point: A bunch of tablets are on sale during the event, including some fan favorites. So far, we're finding some pretty decent discounts on iPads, Amazon Fire Tablets, and others that we think are worth giving a look.

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

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

iPad dealsAmazon Fire tablet dealsMore tablet deals

The best laptop deals from Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:55
The best laptop deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best Windows laptop deal Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360 (Intel Core Ultra 7 256V, 16GB RAM, 1TB SSD) $1,474.99 (save $225) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal Lenovo LOQ (AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS, Nvidia GeForce RTX 4050, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $729.99 (save $250) Get Deal

While Amazon isn't normally the best place to score laptop deals on any given day, it tends to beef up its selection and ramp up its discounts for certain sitewide sales it puts on throughout the year. Prime Day and Black Friday are the main ones, of course, but don't sleep on the retail giant's Big Spring Sale, either.

Amazon's seasonal savings event is now on from March 25 to 31. Though the event is centered around warm-weather essentials (think outdoor gear and cleaning supplies), Amazon has snuck in a handful of laptop deals starring discounts of up to 26%. That includes record-low prices on the Samsung Galaxy Book5 Pro 360, the Microsoft Surface Pro 11, two Lenovo gaming laptops, and the brand-new M4 Apple MacBook Airs, which only just debuted on March 12.

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

It's not a huge selection, but if the featured models have the specs you need, this is a good time to buy: The next big savings opportunity on the horizon is Memorial Day weekend in late May.

Read on for our running list of Amazon's best Big Spring Sale laptop deals. We'll continue to update it with the latest pricing and availability as the event continues, so check back often. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best MacBook dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProBest Windows laptop deals2-in-1 laptopsBest gaming laptop deals

15+ of the best Ninja deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:54
Best Ninja deals from the Amazon Big Spring Sale: Best Ninja blender deal Ninja Mega Kitchen System $139.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best Ninja coffee maker deal Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System $199.99 (save $30) Get Deal Best Ninja countertop oven deal Ninja Double Stack XL countertop oven and air fryer $249.99 (save $100) Get Deal

Ninja makes some of the most innovative and useful kitchen appliances that make meal prep so much easier. A few years ago, the internet fell in love with the Ninja Creami's ability to make frozen treats on-demand at home. Now we have all eyes on the brand new Ninja Swirl which gives us the ability to live in frozen yogurt bliss this summer. In addition to incredible treats, Ninja also makes awesome kitchen appliance staples like blenders, air fryers, and coffee makers.

If your kitchen could do with some fresh small appliances, we're seeing sweet discounts on Ninja products during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best Ninja blender deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Mega Kitchen System $139.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $60 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ninja Mega Kitchen System is the queen of versatility. It's a full-size blender with a 72-ounce capacity pitcher, a personal smoothie maker, and a powerful food processor. This do-it-all model is perfect for anyone who has a small kitchen, not much storage space left, or anyone who prefers uncluttered countertops. The Ninja Mega Kitchen System usually sells for $199.99 but ahead of the Amazon Spring Sale, it's on sale for just $139.99.

The blender's 1500 watt base works great for blending, pureeing, and crushing. The included food processor bowl can hold up to eight cups of ingredients which means it's great for making fresh salsa, homemade pesto, mixing cookie dough, and blending nut butters.

For quick breakfasts before heading out the door, the included 16-ounce Nutri Ninja cup is perfect for making a single-serving smoothie. The to-go lid is also convenient for taking breakfast on the road.

More Ninja blender and food processor dealsBest Ninja coffee maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System $199.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $30 Get Deal Why we like it

No one needs to deal with a coffee maker that's on the fritz in the morning. If you're looking for a smooth and easy machine to use each morning that comes with ultimate versatility, check out the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System. This model usually sells for $229.99, but it's on sale ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale for only $199.99 which means you'll save $30.

The Ninja DualBrew can make your morning coffee via a K-Cup pod or ground coffee. It'll produce everything from a single cup to a full carafe of drip coffee. The built-in frother adds a coffee-house touch to your coffee creations, but it neatly tucks into the side of the machine for easy storage.

The machine also has a hot water button which works great for tea drinks, hot chocolate, or adding hot water to your morning's bowl of instant oatmeal.

More Ninja coffee maker dealsBest Ninja countertop oven deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Double Stack XL $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

We're getting into warmer months, and that means you might be less inclined to turn on the oven for dinner, risking heating up your home even more. The summer is an especially great time to take advantage of electric countertop ovens like the Ninja Double Stack XL. This model features two different cooking areas and 12 cooking options. The double oven option gives extra versatility when cooking and baking at different temperatures and on different timers. The 12 options include bake, broil, reheat, keep warm, toast, bagel, air fry, pizza, oven roast, and more. There's even a convection bake setting, which is great for making cookies.

Ninja says this model can fit up to six salmon filets, a 4.5-pound chicken, or six slices of bread. This deal includes the countertop oven, two sheet pans, two wire racks, an air fryer basket, and a crumb tray. While the Ninja Double Stack XL usually sells for $349.99, it's discounted for the Amazon Big Spring Sale to $249.99, which means you'll be saving $100.

More Ninja air fryer, countertop oven, and outdoor grill deals

The best kitchen deals to shop in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:52

In case you haven’t heard, Amazon’s hosting its first big sale of the year: The Amazon Big Spring Sale, which officially kicks off today, March 25. It’s basically like Prime Day, but everyone can take advantage of the deals, not just Prime members.

Top kitchen deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best coffee maker deal Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker $89.99 (save $10) Get Deal Best air fryer deal Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) $105.99 (save $14) Get Deal Best ice maker deal DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker $59.96 (save $20.03) Get Deal

As you'd expect, the sale is chock-full of discounted products across a wide range of categories, including kitchen and home goods. From high-end cookware to air fryers and everything in between, Amazon’s Big Spring Sale is a great opportunity to upgrade your kitchen setup or snag some early Mother's Day gifts.

Here are our top picks for the best kitchen deals to shop for during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Best deal for the coffee fanatic Opens in a new window Credit: Keurig Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker $89.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $10 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for a compact coffee maker that’ll get the job done without taking up too much counter space (or breaking the bank), Amazon has the Keurig K-Mini Single Serve Coffee Maker on sale for $89.99. That’s a $10 discount on a quality coffee machine from a trusted brand.

It also comes in multiple fun colors, like dusty rose and evergreen. Added bonus: the K-Mini is compatible with any K-Cup pod, so you can use your favorite coffee, tea, or hot cocoa.

Best air fryer deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141) $105.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $14 Get Deal Why we like it

Air fryers are the new must-have kitchen appliance, and right now, you can score a major deal on the Ninja Air Fryer Pro (AF141). It’s 12% off, or $105.99 instead of $119.99.

With the Ninja Air Fryer Pro, you can air fry, roast, reheat, and dehydrate a wide variety of foods, from crispy chicken wings to homemade french fries to beef jerky and more. It has a five-quart capacity, an auto-shutoff function, and a chef-inspired 20-recipe booklet to help you get started.

Best ice maker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dumos DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker $59.96 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $20.03 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re looking for a portable ice maker, the DUMOS Countertop Ice Maker is exactly what you need, and it’s on sale for $59.96, down from $79.99.

This little ice maker makes nine bullet-shaped ice cubes in just six minutes. All you have to do is fill the water tank, turn it on, and it'll start churning out ice instantly. It's a great appliance for hosting parties, entertaining guests, or just having a steady supply of ice on hand.

More kitchen deals at the Amazon Big Spring Sale

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

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:51

UPDATE: Mar. 26, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT We updated this post with the latest Apple deals, including a $99 price cut on the Apple Watch Ultra 2.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Check out our full review of the M4 MacBook Air.

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

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

Check out our full review of the AirPods Pro.

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

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

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

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

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

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

More Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals

200+ of the best live deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, selected by Mashables team of experts

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:49

UPDATE: Mar. 26, 2025, 6:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Colorsoft Signature Edition (32GB) $224.99 (save $55) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Beats Studio Pro $179.95 (save $170.04) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounces) $33.75 (save $11.25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $140 (save $129.99) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

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

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

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

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

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

Best Kindle dealsBundlesBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE deals

Apple Watch Ultra deals

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

MacsApple accessoriesBest TV deals43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and upBest laptop deals

For deals on MacBooks, scroll back up to the "Apple deals" section.

Windows laptops2-in-1 laptopsGaming laptopsBest headphone and earbud dealsHeadphonesBest earbuds dealsBest unlocked phone deals Samsung Galaxy phonesGoogle Pixel phonesMotorola phonesBest vacuum dealsRobot vacuumsRobot vacuum mop combosBest home dealsAir purifiersBedding and mattressesEcho smart home devicesHome security equipmentSmart bulbsSmart light switchesSmart plugsBest kitchen dealsAir fryers and countertop ovensBlenders and food processorsCoffee makersDrinkwareInstant PotsRice cookersStand mixersBest fitness tracker dealsBest beauty tech dealsBest outdoor dealsBest power tool dealsBest Lego dealsBest book dealsFictionNon-fictionBest Pokémon deals

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 26, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:47

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, March 26, 2025:

AcrossDrinker's account

  • The answer is Tab.

Not online, per modern shorthand

  • The answer is IRL.

Home of the Pont Neuf ("New Bridge"), which is over 400 years old

  • The answer is Paris.

Soup component

  • The answer is Broth.

Bright and lively, as music

  • The answer is Jazzy.

DownBejeweled accessory

  • The answer is Tiara.

Rice, in Spanish

  • The answer is Arroz.

What's the rush?

  • The answer is Blitz.

Three-letter sandwich, informally

  • The answer is PBJ.

Like wallflowers

  • The answer is Shy.

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

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

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

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

Reflecting on TikTok’s Role in Society as New Ban Deadline Approaches

NYT Technology - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:02
With a national ban unlikely, let’s reflect on how the app both sparks joy among users and raises mental health concerns.

Every Tesla Cybertruck recall since the launch. See the list

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

Tesla Cybertruck: A sturdy, steel-plated, mean, electric pickup. That, at least, is what it was envisioned to be, but unfortunately for Tesla, the Cybertruck hasn't been very sturdy or reliable thus far.

Despite being on the market for a little over a year, the Cybertruck has been recalled over, and over, and over again. And most of those recalls weren't for minor issues that Tesla could fix with software updates. Nope, we're talking parts falling off, and accelerator pedals not working.

Even worse, in several cases, Tesla had to recall nearly all of the Cybertrucks it sold thus far, making these issue a headache for virtually every Cybertruck owner.

To put this in context, other car companies have recalls, too. For example, in the first quarter of 2024, Ford had the most recalls (17), and Chrysler was in second place (15), while Tesla only had 3 recalls.

SEE ALSO: The Cybertruck's failure is now complete

However, Tesla was the top offender when it comes to number of vehicles affected. And the Cybertruck in particular is very prone to recalls, having been recalled a total of eight times so far.

Tesla does have an official page with information on vehicle recalls, but the page is sparse, undated, and not particularly well organized. Without further ado, here's a list of all of the Cybertruck recalls – so far.

January 2024: Instrument panel fonts

Type of recall: Software issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 2,193,869

Description: "A visual warning indicator whose letter font size is smaller than 3.2 mm (1/8 inch), as prescribed in FMVSS Nos. 105 and 135, could reduce the driver’s detection of it when illuminated, increasing the risk of a collision."

Affected Cybertrucks: All 2024 model year Cybertruck vehicles

April 2024: Stuck accelerator pedal

Type of recall: Hardware issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 3,878

Description: "On affected vehicles, when high force is applied to the pad on the accelerator pedal, the pad may dislodge, which may cause the pedal to become trapped in the interior trim above the pedal."

Affected Cybertrucks: Model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to April 4, 2024.

June 2024: Sail applique separation

Type of recall: Hardware issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 11,383

Description: "The sail applique on the trunk bed trim can become loose or separate from the vehicle."

Affected Cybertrucks: 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to May 26,2024.

June 2024: Windshield wiper malfunctioning

Type of recall: Hardware issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 11,688

Description: "On affected vehicles, the front windshield wiper motor controller may stop functioning due to electrical overstress to the gate driver component."

Affected Cybertrucks: All model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to June 6, 2024.

October 2024: Rearview display delayed image

Type of recall: Software issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 27,185

Description: "On certain affected vehicles, under certain conditions, the vehicle system (including the rearview image) may not complete a shutdown process before the system is commanded to boot-up. If the driver starts a backing event before the vehicle system completes its shut down and boot-up, the rearview image may not display within two seconds of placing the vehicle in reverse."

Affected Cybertrucks: Certain model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured between November 13, 2023, and September 14, 2024.

November 2024: Faulty inverter

Type of recall: Hardware issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 2,431

Description: On affected vehicles, a fault in the drive inverter may cause it to stop producing torque

Affected Cybertrucks: Some model year 2024 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured between November 6, 2023, and July 30, 2024.

December 2024: TPMS Malfunction

Type of recall: Software issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 694,304

Description: "Tire pressure monitoring system malfunctioned due to a non-compliant software release. "

Affected Cybertrucks: Model year 2024 Cybertruck.

March 2025: Cant rail falling off

Type of recall: Hardware issue

Number of potentially involved vehicles: 46,096

Description: "The Cybertruck is equipped with a cosmetic applique along the exterior of the vehicle, known as the cant rail, which is an assembly comprised of an electrocoated steel stamping joined to a stainless steel panel with structural adhesive. The cant rail assembly is affixed to the vehicle with fasteners. On affected vehicles, the cant rail stainless steel panel may delaminate at the adhesive joint, which may cause the panel to separate from the vehicle"

Affected Cybertrucks: Model year 2024 and 2025 Cybertruck vehicles manufactured from November 13, 2023, to February 27, 2025.

NASA just made a compelling discovery on Mars

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

NASA's Curiosity rover made a compelling find on Mars' irradiated surface.

The car-sized robot's molecule-sleuthing instrument, called Sample Analysis at Mars, or SAM, identified the longest-ever-found organic compounds on Mars. They could be fragments of "fatty acids," a building block of earthly life that can compose cell membranes. While the discovery in Martian mudstone isn't nearly definitive proof of past life on Mars — these fatty acids can also be formed via non-biological processes — it does show that such potential evidence can be preserved in Mars' extremely harsh surface environs.

It also underscores that NASA's nuclear-powered rovers have done their job — identifying potential evidence of life — and that the samples must now be deeply scrutinized by scientists on Earth.

“We are ready to take the next big step and bring Mars samples home to our labs to settle the debate about life on Mars,” Daniel Glavin, the senior scientist for sample return at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, said in a statement.

SEE ALSO: NASA dropped a new report. It's a wake-up call.

The debate about Martian life, however, won't be settled anytime soon. NASA's Mars Sample Return mission is in limbo as the space agency seeks out cheaper and simpler ways to transport samples (collected by Curiosity's sibling robot, Perseverance) in sealed, cigar-sized titanium tubes. Plans won't be finalized until 2026, and it's unlikely the samples will be returned to Earth before the mid-2030s.

These newly identified chains of organic molecules, which are based on carbon similar to much of life on Earth, certainly add more weight to the scientific merit behind the ambitious sample return endeavor. Such a journey to Mars and back may still cost some $6 to $8 billion. Specifically, the rock samples assessed by the Curiosity rover contain decane, undecane, and dodecane, which are composed of long chains of carbon atoms.

The research was published in the peer-reviewed journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed. The drilling target in "Yellowknife Bay" where the Curiosity rover gathered pulverized rock samples perserving the long-chain organic molecules. Credit: NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS

Adding to the samples' intrigue is where they were found. Curiosity drilled the rock from a region in the expansive Gale Crater called "Yellowknife Bay," which is an ancient, dried-up lakebed. On Earth, we know that life thrives in such watery, often nutrient-rich environs. Could it have done so on Mars, too?

"There is evidence that liquid water existed in Gale Crater for millions of years and probably much longer, which means there was enough time for life-forming chemistry to happen in these crater-lake environments on Mars,” Glavin, who coauthored the new Mars research, said.

What's more, each of the fatty acids detected in the rover's microwave-sized Sample Analysis at Mars instrument is a chain of carbons between 11 to 13 long. "Notably, non-biological processes typically make shorter fatty acids, with less than 12 carbons," NASA noted.

This all adds up to a significant amount of scientific intrigue — but no clear answers. Today, Mars is 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth. But amid a warmer, hospitable climate — which hosted expansive lakes, long shorelines, and great Martian oceans — life might have found a way billions of years ago.

Hardy Martian life could have also once thrived well beyond the reach of NASA's rovers, deep in the Red Planet's subsurface, protected from radiation and climate extremes. But that's another story waiting to be written by another, future robot.

Last chance to save $42 on this lifetime PDF editor

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Through March 30, get a PDF Expert Premium Plan lifetime subscription for Mac on sale for $97.99 (reg. $139.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Readdle Limited PDF Expert Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription (Mac) $97.99
$139.99 Save $42.00 Get Deal

Adobe subscriptions are like gym memberships. You pay for them every month, but unless you use them every single day, they’re kind of a waste of money. A far more affordable alternative is a lifetime PDF editor that doesn’t charge subscription fees.

PDF Expert is a great option for Mac users, with a 4.6-star rating on the App Store. After you pay once for this license, you’re able to use it on your current Mac and all future devices. Save $42 on lifetime access through March 30.

Check out its features

  • Edit PDFs effortlessly: Fix typos, add images, and insert links directly into your documents — no more retyping or reformatting.

  • Annotate like a pro: Highlight important information, add comments, and use custom stamps for efficient reviews and collaboration.

  • Organize your documents: Merge, split, rearrange, and rotate PDF pages to create neat files.

  • Convert PDFs to and from various formats: Seamlessly convert PDFs to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more.

  • Fill out and sign forms instantly: Complete interactive forms, add electronic signatures, and redact sensitive information in a few clicks.

  • Make scanned documents searchable: Use OCR to recognize text in scanned PDFs, allowing you to search, highlight, and copy content.

This Adobe Acrobat alternative is only on sale for $97.99 until March 30 at 11:59 p.m. PT (reg. $139.99). No coupon is needed to get this price.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Get the MS diagraming tool that understands your inner nerd

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional is just $14.97 for new users (reg. $249.99). It’s your visual sidekick for diagramming, data storytelling, org charts, and more — without the subscription baggage.

We’ve all sat through presentations that felt more like brain fog generators than business meetings. Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional was created to help with that — and allow you room to let your nerd flag fly. It's a diagramming powerhouse that turns complex data into visual clarity. Thanks to this limited-time offer, new users can get a lifetime license for just $14.97.

What makes Visio such a standout? It helps you tell your data’s story — without boring your team to tears. Flowcharts, org charts, network maps, floor plans, you name it. Visio lets you build it.

Need to diagram a new org structure? Boom. Automate it straight from Excel or Microsoft Entra ID. Planning a new office layout? You’ll find scalable templates with the precision of an architect and none of the stress. Visio also helps make your entire workflow feel less like a jigsaw puzzle and more like a TED Talk.

This version of Visio is loaded with pro-level features, including advanced collaboration tools, standards-compliant diagram validation, and support for BPMN 2.0, UML 2.5, and IEEE diagrams. And for the data-driven among us, Visio can help you fully embrace data storytelling — a rapidly growing trend in business intelligence.

Gartner even predicts that 75 percent of all data will be consumed through storytelling by the end of this year. Visio makes it easier to link live data, craft compelling visuals, and present info that sticks.

Best of all, this is a one-time purchase. No recurring subscriptions, no sneaky auto-renewals — just powerful diagramming software that’s yours to keep.

Whether you're a project manager, engineer, or spreadsheet sorcerer, this well-loved MS software brings your big ideas to life fast.

Don't miss getting a lifetime of MS Visio Pro 2021 while it's just $14.97 (reg. $249.99). 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Visio 2021 Professional: Lifetime License for Windows $14.97
$249.99 Save $235.02 Get Deal

Get two drones for less than the price of one with this $100 bundle

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Get two drones equipped with 4k cameras for the price of one with this Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K Drone bundle, on sale for $99.97 through March 30. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Dragon Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K with Blade K Drone Bundle $99.97
$299.99 Save $200.02 Get Deal

Hoping to spend more time in the great outdoors this spring? Drone photography sounds like an expensive hobby, but it's never been more affordable thanks to this Ninja Dragon bundle. 

Right now, you can bring home two 4K smart drones for less than the price of one, as The Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K Drone are currently on sale for just $99.97 (reg. $299) through March 30. 

See the world from a bird's eye view 

If you're looking for a new hobby that works with the warmer weather, look no further than taking your drone out for a spin. The Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K Drone are both great for beginners and pro photographers alike, and each offers high-resolution 4K cameras. 

First up is the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle Pro, which offers an HD ESC (electronic stabilization control) three-camera system. This lets you shoot crystal-clear images and take smooth videos from both vertical and horizontal angles.

Enjoy 360-degree filming while the four-way obstacle avoidance feature lets even first-time drone pilots fly safely.  An optical flow hovering feature provides stability and accurate positioning as you find places you'd like to take pictures. 

The Ninja Dragon Blade K includes a 4K front and bottom camera so that photos can be taken at any angle during flight. It also includes four-way anti-collision, so your flights are smooth and safe, as well as an optical flow sensor and intuitive controls that let you hover and get a great shot. 

A one-key return function makes this model great for kids and beginners, letting the drone come back after a flight with just the push of a button. 

Both of these drones include headless mode, so flight direction is controlled by the remote. Each drone is also equipped with foldable arms, making it easy to bring along on any adventure. 

Start your drone photography hobby with the Ninja Dragon Phantom Eagle PRO 4K and Blade K Drone bundle, now just $99.99 (reg. $299) through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Help your film live forever with this Kodak film scanner, now 26% off

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 05:00

TL;DR: Rediscover and protect precious memories with this Kodak Slide N Scan Film and Slide Scanner, now just $164.97 (reg. $224.99) through March 30. 

Whether you've never given up on film or are strictly digital and found some old negatives in the attic, the Kodak Slide N Scan bridges the gap between old and new media. This handy device lets you safeguard precious old memories, and right now, it's just $164.97 until March 30. 

Bring the past into the future with this film scanner

Classic never goes out of style, so we hope you saved all those film negatives. The Kodak Slide N Scan is ready to bring them into 2025. 

This state-of-the-art device scans color and black and white negatives and standard slides and helps you make digital copies. You can bring memories back to life before your eyes, dropping them right in the digital age for safe keeping.

You can also enhance film images as you go with Kodak Slide N Scan. It lets you make color adjustments, rotate them, and even boost the resolution from 14 to 22 megapixels to make the digital version clear and more detailed.  

The Slide N Scan is straightforward to use — even if you prefer film because you hate dealing with technology. The quick-feeding tray technology makes slides and film negatives easy to load, and you can see what you're scanning thanks to the large 5-inch LCD screen. 

Want to make an event out of it? You can connect the scanner to your television, PC, or Mac and enjoy a slideshow experience as you scan. After you're done, you'll have successfully transferred your film memories to digital copies for extra peace of mind. 

Discover old gems in the attic and clear up some storage space with this user-friendly digitizing device. It's compatible with 35mm, 110, 126, and Monochrome film and slide types. 

Bring home a Kodak Slide N Scan for just $164.97, 26% off the usual price now through March 30.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Slide N Scan Film & Slide Scanner $164.97
$224.99 Save $60.02 Get Deal

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 04:56

Connections: Sports Edition is a new version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Teams in the US capital

  • Green: Moves on skates

  • Blue: Coaches past the round of 32

  • Purple: Retired soccer team names

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: DC sports teams

  • Green: Figure skating jumps

  • Blue: Men's basketball coaches in Sweet 16

  • Purple: Former MLS team names

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections Sports Edition #184 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

  • DC Sports teams - CAPITALS, MYSTICS, NATIONALS, WIZARDS

  • Figure skating jumps - AXEL, LOOP, LUTZ, SALCHOW

  • Men's basketball coaches in the Sweet 16 - OATS, PAINTER, PEARL, POPE

  • Former MLS team names - BURN, FUSION, METROSTARS, MUTINY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

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

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

The Daily Show skewers U.S. officials Signal group chat scandal

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 04:06

The Daily Show's Ronny Chieng has weighed in on Trump administration's now infamous Signal group chat, in which U.S. officials planned to bomb Yemen without realising that national security advisor Michael Waltz had inadvertently added The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg to the conversation.

"Is anyone else kind of upset that we're conducting war by emoji now?" quipped Chieng, noting that Waltz reacted the air strikes with a string of emojis.

SEE ALSO: The Trump administration accidentally texted military plans to a journalist. The White House says it's fine.

Skewering Republicans' reactions to the Signal scandal, Chieng pointed out their paradoxical responses of calling the breach a mistake, deriding Goldberg's journalistic integrity, and saying that the leaked chat actually proved the officials' competence.

"So this reporter who is dishonest and sucks is also correct," said Chieng. "You can't use 'it was a mistake' and 'it was fake news.' You gotta pick one."

Chieng also jokingly expressed empathy for the U.S. officials, "who are just trying their best to kill other humans."

"I guarantee that if anyone in this audience had their group chats leaked, it would ruin every single one of your lives," quipped Chieng. "I personally have chats that are actually more sensitive than a missile attack on the Houthis, OK? If you told me that my group chats leaked, and then told me it was just my missile attack one, I'd be like, 'oh my god, thank god, thank god."

All of these people should be fired: Stephen Colbert loses it over Trump officials Signal chat scandal

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 03:34

U.S. officials' Signal chat debacle has provided bountiful fodder for late show hosts, and Stephen Colbert is feasting. Though Republicans have attempted to spin the embarrassing security breach as somehow demonstrating the Trump administration's competence, Colbert noted that the war planning Signal chat may have violated the Espionage Act.

SEE ALSO: The Trump administration accidentally texted military plans to a journalist. The White House says it's fine.

"The only reason we know that they were doing any of this is because they accidentally included a journalist!" said the Late Show host. "What else are these 'merit-based hires posting on? What're they doing? Where else? For all we know for just $4.99 a month you might see the launch codes on Only Fans."

Colbert also addressed Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth's attempt to discredit said journalist. When asked by reporters about the incident, Hegseth called The Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg "deceitful" and accused him of "[peddling] in garbage."

"Then why. Was he. On the war planning. Group chat," said Colbert, growing increasingly more agitated. "Why. Was he in. The chat! 'This guy's an idiot and everyone hates him.' You're the guys who put him in the chat! You did! 'He's a moron'? Okay then! Don't put him! In the secret chat! If he's a bad guy! Why's he in the chat?!"

Hurdle hints and answers for March 26, 2025

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 00:00

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A green Italian sauce.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

PESTO

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A type of drum.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

BONGO

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Used to cut grass.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 26 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 26, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MOWER

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A small group of trees.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for March 26 Hurdle Word 4 answer

COPSE

Final Hurdle hint

Used to make folk music.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

BANJO

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

You’ve been overpaying for cloud storage — get 1TB for life for £93

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Through 30 March, grab a lifetime of cloud storage from Koofr on sale for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with discount code KOOFR.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: Lifetime Subscription (1TB) £92.86
£626.93 Save £534.07 with code KOOFR Get Deal

So many cloud storage services come with a monthly fee. It may feel cheap at first, but how many of those files are only there temporarily? With every month you pay for cloud storage, the value starts to fade. The cheaper overall alternative is to get cloud storage that lasts for life without needing to pay more than a one-time fee. Take a look at Koofr's offer for a 1TB lifetime cloud storage subscription for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with code KOOFR.

Koofr takes your privacy seriously with top-notch encryption for your files, both when they're being transferred and while they're stored. They also don’t track your activity, so you can rest easy knowing your data is secure and private.

What really stands out about Koofr is how flexible and user-friendly Koofr is. Whether you're on your smartphone, desktop, or using WebDAV, you can easily access and manage your files from anywhere. The interface is straightforward, so even if you're new to cloud storage, you’ll find it easy to use.

Plus, if you’re already using other cloud services like Dropbox, Google Drive, Amazon, or OneDrive, Koofr integrates smoothly, letting you handle everything from one place.

And for keeping your digital space in order, Koofr has some neat features. The Duplicate Finder helps you eliminate unnecessary duplicates, while advanced renaming options let you customise file links. This way, you can keep your files organised and your digital space clutter-free.

Keep your files safe and sound with a Koofr 1TB Cloud Storage lifetime subscription for £92.86 (reg. £626.93) with promo code KOOFR through 30 March at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Headway is your shortcut to success — and just £37 for life

Mashable - Wed, 03/26/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Mashable readers can get lifetime access to Headway Premium for just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) through 30 March using the discount code LEVELUP20. Headway transforms spare moments into powerful learning experiences with insights from the world’s best nonfiction.

We all want to learn, grow, and achieve more, but finding the time to read can feel impossible. That’s why Headway Premium is such a game-changer. And at just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) for lifetime access, it's a good time to check it out.

Headway Premium offers a smarter way to learn by delivering concise, engaging summaries of nonfiction bestsellers in just 15 minutes. This lifetime deal provides unlimited access to an ever-growing selection of summaries, allowing you to absorb key ideas, strategies, and insights without the time commitment of traditional reading.

You’ll have lifetime access to Headway’s extensive collection of over 1,500 expertly crafted summaries, with 30 to 50 new additions every month. Whether you want to sharpen your business acumen, enhance your leadership skills, improve your health, or develop better habits, there’s a summary waiting to guide you.

Unlike other learning platforms that require ongoing subscriptions, Headway Premium lets you pay once and learn forever. This single purchase will unlock unlimited access, so you can continue expanding your knowledge without worrying about monthly fees.

This app’s AI-powered personalisation tailors recommendations to your goals and interests, helping you focus on the topics that matter most. And a gamified approach allows you to track progress, earn achievements, and build a sustainable learning habit.

Professionally narrated audio summaries provide an on-the-go learning option so you can absorb key insights while commuting, exercising, or multitasking. Even offline, Headway ensures that learning never stops.

Don't miss out on this steep savings. 

Get a lifetime of Headway Premium for just £37.14 (reg. £232.16) when you use the discount code LEVELUP20 through 30 March at the Mashable Shop.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Headway Premium: Lifetime Subscription £37.14
£232.16 Save £195.02 Use code 'LEVELUP20' Get Deal

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