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SAVE $100: As of April 2, the iPad Mini (A17 Pro chip, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Best Buy for $399, 20% off its list price of $499.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple - iPad mini (A17 Pro chip) - Built for Apple Intelligence - Wi-Fi 128GB - Space Gray $399 at Best Buy
$499 Save $100 Get Deal

Most of the big springtime seasonal sale events are starting to wind down, but that doesn't mean there aren't still some great deals to jump on. If you've been looking to get some new tech, we've found quite a few deals that are worth keeping on your radar, including on Apple products. At the moment, one of our favorite deals is on the iPad Mini (A17 Pro chip, WiFi, 128GB), which has gotten a nice little discount at Best Buy.

The retailer is offering a $100 discount on the tiny tablet that comes with the A17 Pro chip, WiFi, and 128GB of storage, dropping its price from $499 to $399. That's not all, though. Your purchase comes with some nice bonuses to kickstart your iPad journey, including Apple Fitness+ for free for three months if you're a new subscriber, up to three months of Apple Music for free if you're a new or returning subscriber, Apple Arcade for free for up to three months if you're a new or returning subscriber, and Apple TV+ for free for two months if you're a new or qualified returning subscriber.

SEE ALSO: 200+ of the best deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale

This iPad Mini features a smaller size that's perfect for taking on your travels, with an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display for crisp and clear picture quality, and boasts powerful performance thanks to the A17 Pro chip. We consider it the best iPad for reading in our overall roundup of the best iPads, saying, "The iPad Mini got a 2024 upgrade, and is now equipped with the A17 chip but with the same 5-core GPU and 6-core CPU. Along with the chip upgrade comes Apple Intelligence, an especially helpful feature if you plan to use it for reading as it can summarize articles."

If you've been on the hunt for a tablet upgrade, look no further than this deal on the iPad Mini (A17 Pro chip, WiFi, 128GB) at Best Buy.

There are a few more Apple deals that are worth keeping on your radar right now. At Amazon, the Apple Watch Series 10 is still on sale after the Big Spring Sale, as is the 2024 Mac Mini with the new M4 chip.

SAVE $207.04: As of April 2, the Sony SRS-XG300 portable speaker is on sale at Amazon for $142.95, 59% off its list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony SRS-XG300 X-Series Wireless Portable-Bluetooth Party-Speaker $142.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $207.04 Get Deal

With the weather getting warmer, it's a great time to pick up a portable speaker to take on some outdoor adventures. Amazon's Big Spring Sale had quite a few portable speaker deals that caught our eye, and even though the sale event is officially over now, you can still save on a few different models. The Sony SRS-XG300 is one such speaker deal that's lasted beyond the sale event, still offering an excellent discount of 59%.

This has dropped the price of the Sony SRS-XG300 from $349.99 to $142.95. It's currently listed as a limited-time deal as well, so if it's caught your eye, you'll want to be quick to pick it up at this discounted price while it's still live.

SEE ALSO: Beats Solo 4 headphones are still at their Amazon Spring Sale

Built with a lightweight design and a helpful retractable handle, the Sony SRS-XG300 is a perfect portable Bluetooth speaker to take on any journeys you go on. It also boasts powerful sound thanks to the X-Balanced speakers and a very long battery life of up to 25 hours. Not to mention its waterproof and dustproof with an IP67 rating, so no matter if you're going to the beach or on a hike this speaker will stick with you on the adventure.

This limited time deal on the Sony SRS-XG300 at Amazon may not last for long, so grab it for under $150 while it's still discounted at Amazon.

Even though Amazon's Big Spring Sale is behind us now, there are quite a few more deals to check out alongside this one. We've found 200+ of the best deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale so you can see a few more of our favorites that are still hanging around.

Zelle shut down its mobile app on Tuesday, but the eight-year-old digital payment service will remain available through many financial institutions.

Over 2,200 banks and financial institutions are part of Zelle's network, translating to only 2 percent of users sending or receiving payments through the Zelle app. As most Zelle transactions are done via a bank, Zelle began winding down its app last year.

"Today, the vast majority of people using Zelle to send money use it through their financial institution's mobile app or online banking experience, and we believe this is the best place for Zelle transactions to occur," Zelle officials stated in an October 2024 press release.

Zelle was sued in December by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and three of the largest U.S. banks for failing to install fraud safeguards, which cost customers more than $870 million. Last month, with a new president in office who is not a fan of financial regulation, the lawsuit was dropped. Because of the prevalence of scams, Chase Bank is canceling some suspicious Zelle payments.

Other digital payment services besides Zelle include Venmo, PayPal, Apple Wallet, Revolut, and Cash App. CNET (a sister site of Mashable, both owned by Ziff Davis) warns people to be careful when using any of these services.

"Only send money to people you know and trust, and watch for red flags like an urgent message claiming to be from your bank or an online ad for concert tickets that seem impossibly cheap," writes CNET's Kelly Ernst.

Some of us have been waiting years for this. Others may have just found out about it today. Either way, we're all going to know a lot about the Nintendo Switch 2 by lunchtime on Wednesday.

After years of leaks and rumors, Nintendo is holding a Nintendo Direct livestream at 9 a.m. ET on Wednesday, April 2 to blow the doors off of Switch 2, which was initially teased in January. Nintendo has revealed few details about this livestream so far: it will focus entirely on Switch 2, and it's about 60 minutes long. If you can't sneak away from a work meeting to watch live, we have good news: We'll be live-blogging the whole thing right here.

We expect this Direct to focus on a handful of different things. For starters, Nintendo will almost assuredly reveal the console's price and release date. Beyond that, expect a battery of trailers for new games, alongside some unique new features for the console hardware itself. Buckle up, folks.

SAVE $299.01: As of April 2, the Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum is on sale at Amazon for $299.99. Normally it's listed for $599, so you're getting a 50 percent discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra Voice Control Robot Vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$599 Save $299.01 Get Deal

Some of the best deals available in Amazon's Big Spring Sale this year were on robot vacuums, and thankfully, there are still some nice deals floating around after the sale event. One of our favorites is this discount on the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum, which is still 50 percent off for a limited time. If you're looking to pick up a robot vacuum to get ahead of your spring cleaning, now is your chance.

The Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum has received a price drop from $599 to $299.99. This is only a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $294.99, so there's truly no better time to add it to your virtual shopping cart. It's marked as a limited time deal right now, so keep in mind that it may not stick around for very long.

SEE ALSO: I've tested 20+ robot vacuums and these are the best for every budget in 2025

This powerful robot vacuum is built to handle any bit of dust or debris that's dropped on your floor or carpet, keeping your place looking neat and tidy. And thanks to Matrix Clean Navigation, the Shark AI Ultra will keep going over your floors in multiple passes for a much deeper clean. It's even self-emptying and can hold up to 60 days worth of stuff inside, keeping your place fresh and clean for longer.

This limited-time deal likely won't stick around for very long, so act fast to save 50 percent on the Shark AI Ultra Robot Vacuum at Amazon.

Want to see even more deals leftover after the Big Spring Sale? We've found 200+ of the best deals still live after Amazon's Big Spring Sale so you can scoop up any discounts remaining that catch your eye before the offers are gone for good.

By now, you may have heard about the massive data leak stemming from an alleged breach at Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter.

The leak includes account metadata as well as email addresses for roughly 200 million accounts on X. Thankfully, the leak does not include sensitive private credentials such as account passwords.

However, that doesn't mean users who are affected by the X data leak are in the clear. Hackers and other cybercriminals may not have direct access to these accounts, but they have plenty of information that's needed to gain access to an account from a targeted individual.

Here's what hackers can do with leaked account emails and metadata from the X breach or really any future leak.

No longer anonymous

Here's a big one. The X leak includes millions of user emails. On X, this information isn't public. Accounts that were formerly anonymous may now be tied to the actual individual behind the account. 

This is bad for a few reasons. Let's say a political dissident has been actively running an anonymous account to speak out against their authoritarian government. This individual may now be outed. In some countries, this can mean imprisonment or worse. The ability to be anonymous is what gave them the ability to speak freely. Leaks may now endanger that ability and even their lives.

On a much less serious but still significant note, users who ran burner accounts may now also be outed if the email they used for the burner ties them to their real identity.

SEE ALSO: X is sold. But Musk is still in control. Phishing campaigns

The metadata provided in the leak may include a slew of publicly available information, but combined with all the other metadata and leaked email address, a bad actor has everything they need to carry out a phishing campaign via email.

X users should proceed with caution if they receive any emails purporting to be official correspondence from X. Hackers may utilize those leaked emails to send the affected accounts phishing emails, or fake emails that look like they are from X in order to trick a user into providing their private credentials, such as their account password.

More savvy users may not fall for a phishing email that just copies an official X email. However, even savvier hackers will utilize the leaked metadata to further legitimize their email and trick the targeted user. For example, the leaked X data includes information such as location data and from which app the user published their last tweet. A hacker could use this data to further disguise their phishing email and make it seem like a real email from X. 

Social engineering

A cybercriminal can take things even further with the information in the leaked data through social engineering campaigns.

Scammers and other threat actors could weaponize this metadata and trick X users into providing more sensitive data about their account. For example, a bad actor could reach out to an email address tied to an X account belonging to a company while pretending to be an X employee. An employee of the company could respond and be tricked into giving the X employee access to their account. From there, a bad actor could potentially gain access to other third-party accounts connected to the targeted company.

X users should remain diligent and proceed with caution when receiving an unsolicited email claiming to be from X.

If old, long-deleted apps are showing up on your iPhone after you've upgraded to iOS 18.4, you're not alone.

Several reports on Reddit, as well as on Apple's Community hub, talk about apps being installed on user's iPhones after the update. In many cases, these are apps that were once installed on the phone, but were since deleted. Some users, however, report that completely unknown apps are showing up on their phones.

"After updating to ios 18.4 successfully, I went to the app store to update apps. And to my surprise this Chinese game install itself automatically. How is it possible," wrote one user.

SEE ALSO: Apple iOS 18.4: See every new emoji

"I didn’t recognize the game. It’s possible that I downloaded it at one time to try it out, but that would have been quite a while ago. Very strange," wrote another.

Nearly all of the reports say that this started happening after updating to iOS 18.4. The reports indicate that this is happening on a variety of devices, including the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro Max. I've also updated my iPhone 16e to iOS 18.4, but haven't noticed any new apps, and there are other users on Reddit saying they haven't noticed any weird behavior.

SEE ALSO: Apple's iPhone 17 might come with a big selfie camera upgrade

So far, the prudent thing to do is probably to delete the zombie apps that showed up on your phone, though we'll have to wait for official word from Apple to find out more about the issue.

Apple's iOS 18.4 started rolling out to users earlier this week, bringing Apple Intelligence support to several new markets, as well as Apple News upgrades, CarPlay improvements, and new emoji.

Elon Musk’s involvement in right-wing politics contributed to fewer deliveries in Norway the first quarter, though other factors also played a role.

We all have that one high school flex we just refuse to let go of. For some, it’s being the varsity MVP. For Nikki Blonsky, it’s starring as Tracy Turnblad in the 2007 remake of Hairspray — and honestly, she’s still riding that wave like it dropped yesterday.

Blonsky, who nabbed the iconic lead role at just 18, has gained newfound popularity on TikTok. And thanks to her resurgence on the app, she’s now raking it in on Cameo, recently climbing the ranks as one of the platform’s best sellers.

Blonsky’s sudden spike in popularity boils down to two things: First, the cultural nostalgia of Hairspray just hits hard for a lot of people. And second, her Cameo videos have been making the rounds on TikTok — and people are obsessed.

SEE ALSO: Ncuti Gatwa's TikTok creator obsession is our TikTok creator obsession

Blonsky’s been on Cameo since 2019, originally charging just $20 a pop. But now, throwback clips of her personalized messages are going viral — with fans hyping up everything from her quick turnaround time to the genuine effort she puts into each video. People have shared the wholesome (and sometimes heartbreaking) reasons they booked her, and she seems to take almost any request. We’re talking birthdays, New Year’s greetings, even condolences for a family loss — all set to the songs of Hairspray.

These days, she’s bumped her rate up to $100 per video. And judging by how well it’s going, business is booming.

But even with her recent resurgence, there’s a reason the now 36-year-old hasn’t landed any major film or TV roles since Hairspray.

Back in 2008, Blonsky and her father were involved in a physical altercation with America’s Next Top Model Season 9 contestant Bianca Golden and her family at an airport in Turks and Caicos — a messy incident that saw a then-19 Blonsky released on bail, according to a People report at the time. Golden claimed the fight was racially motivated, but Blonsky denied those specific allegations when she addressed the situation in 2020.

Both Blonsky and Golden have since said they want to move past the incident, but it’s definitely a strange footnote that’s followed Blonsky around ever since Hairspray. And while TikTok fame is notoriously fleeting, it’s kinda heartwarming to see that the legacy of 2007’s Hairspray is still going strong — one Cameo at a time.

TL;DR: Make spring cleaning a breeze with the Farberware Classic Corded Stick Vacuum, now $69.99 (reg. $119) with code SAVE10 now through April 27.

Spring is wonderful, but every year it signals one horrible task... spring cleaning. If you need some help tackling dirt and debris, the Farberware Classic Corded Stick Vacuum can help. And just in time for your spring refresh, this helpful tool is on sale for just $69.99 (reg. $119) with code SAVE10 until April 27. 

Tackle dirt and grime in no time

It's tidy time. Let the Farberware Classic Corded Stick Vacuum help with your home's spring refresh. It's ready to conquer messes both high and low, as it's designed not only for flooring but also upholstery, drapes, and delicate fabrics.

Take advantage of this vacuum's powerful 700W motor that offers 18,000Pa suction to clean up messes of all shapes and sizes.

A generous 15-foot power cord lets you reach from afar, preventing constant transfer from outlet to outlet. The swivel head design allows you to get under furniture easily, and the lighted motor brush gives you a better view of all the dust and dirt in your path.  

Two attachments and a telescopic wand let you reach tighter spaces and let you really customize your cleaning in every nook and cranny. And the large-capacity .8L dustbin offers hassle-free maintenance — easily empty it and then clean it thanks to its washable filter. 

When you're all done, a convenient wall mount storage lets you store your vacuum away easily. 

Get a more efficient clean with help from the Farberware Classic Corded Stick Vacuum, now just $69.99 with code SAVE10 through April 27. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Farberware Farberware Classic Corded Stick Vacuum $69.99
$119.99 Save $50 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enjoy peace of mind knowing your PC's data is completely destroyed with the Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows, on sale for $29.99 (reg. $39).

Opens in a new window Credit: Paraben Consumer Software Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows $29.99
$39.99 Save $10.00 Get Deal

They say the Internet never forgets, but what if you really want it to? Data on your computer doesn't have to live forever thanks to the Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows. And right now, it's 25% and just $29.99, the best price online.

Ditch your data for good

Have some photos you don't want to see the light of day? How about personal information you want to ensure never gets into the wrong hands? The Data Shredder Stick can make your data totally unrecoverable.

Whether you want to make something disappear or hope to sell an old device taking up room in storage, let the Data Shredder Stick securely erase your files, folders, and drives from a Windows PC. 

It's super easy to use — just plug the USB drive into your PC, run the app, and start digitally shredding your files. A drag-and-drop functionality lets you easily choose individual files or folders, so you don't need to worry about mix-ups. 

Wondering how this differs from deleting? Deleted files are placed in an unallocated space and can be recovered until they're overwritten. But once the data is "shredded," that means the space is overwritten, and it's no longer retrievable. 

You can use this Data Shredder Stick as many times as you want, on full drives or specific files as needed.

Clean up your digital footprint with the Data Shredder Stick Secure Data Wiping Tool for Windows, now $29.99 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Charge any Apple Watch anywhere with a wireless Apple Watch Keychain Charger on sale for $14.97 through April 27.

Opens in a new window Credit: VistaShops Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain $14.97
$49.95 Save $34.98 Get Deal

Apple Watches are super portable. That's practically half the appeal, but portability isn't as exciting when your battery is dead. If you want to give your Apple Watch battery some backup without lugging around a second cable, just get one of these Apple Watch Wireless keychain Chargers. They work with any Apple Watch, and you can even get one on sale for $14.97 (reg. $49). 

Charge your Apple Watch anywhere

Carrying one of these keychains means you don’t have to worry about packing an extra cable or scrambling for an outlet when your battery runs low. This pocket charger has a built-in 950mAh battery, enough to power up your Apple Watch wherever you are. Just attach it to your keychain, toss it in your bag, or keep it in your pocket. 

The wireless magnetic charging ring makes recharging simple. Just pop your Apple Watch on the charger, and strong magnetic adsorption keeps it in place while it powers up. Four LED indicator lights let you monitor the battery status at a glance, so you’ll always know when it’s good to go.

This charger also doubles as an adapter. You can charge it while you charge your watch, so all you need is a micro USB cable to power up on the go.

April 27 at 11:59 p.m. PT is the cutoff to get an Apple Watch Wireless Charger Keychain on sale for $14.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Live stream Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The quarter-final round of the Concacaf Champions Cup includes some really interesting matchups, including Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM. The Whitecaps are the last remaining team not from Mexico or the USA.

If you want to watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM?

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 9:30 p.m. ET on April 2. This fixture takes place at BC Place.

How to watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM for free

Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is available in most locations around the world, but not in North or Central America. Fortunately, fans in these excluded territories can still access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK (or somewhere else with access), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live streamVancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK (or somewhere else with access)

4. Visit YouTube

5. Live stream Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Vancouver Whitecaps vs. Pumas UNAM in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free on YouTube. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The quarter-final round of the Concacaf Champions Cup includes some fascinating matchups, including LAFC vs. Inter Miami. Fans will be eager to see whether the likes of Messi and Suarez can lead Inter Miami into the semi finals.

If you want to watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is LAFC vs. Inter Miami?

LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off at 11:30 p.m. ET on April 2. This fixture takes place at the BMO Stadium.

How to watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami for free

LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

This free live stream is available in most locations around the world, but not in North or Central America. Fortunately, fans in these excluded territories can still access this free live stream with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK (or somewhere else with access), meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Concacaf Champions Cup from anywhere in the world.

Live stream LAFC vs. Inter Miami by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK (or somewhere else with access)

4. Visit YouTube

5. Live stream LAFC vs. Inter Miami for free

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (2-Year Subscription + 4 Months Free) $139 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Concacaf Champions Cup fixtures before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for YouTube?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on YouTube, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream LAFC vs. Inter Miami in the Concacaf Champions Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

It's one of those March mornings where dark rainclouds keep chasing the sun away. I'd rather not leave my remote work sanctum. But there's a quick errand to run in my car, and my mood brightens at one thought: that the drive will be just long enough for me to do a five-minute breath meditation via my Apple Watch.

That's right — strange as it may sound to some, I meditate while driving, and have done so for years. When I step behind the wheel solo, I don't call a friend or fire up a playlist or a podcast or an audiobook, even though there's invariably one of each I want to do at any given time. Nor do I listen to any kind of voice-guided meditation (which, as I wrote, is very much not for me.)

The breath-guiding I'm hooked on has nothing to do with my smartphone, which is easily the most dangerously distracting device in my car. It is utterly, blissfully sound-free. It's the haptic feedback from the smartwatch on my wrist — the slowly-fading tapping sensation that tells me to breathe in for five seconds, the silence indicating I breathe out for the same length of time — that invests my drive with a surprising sense of peace.

SEE ALSO: No, you don't need a guide to meditate

Turns out I'm not the first to discover the soothing power of haptic-based meditation while driving. A 2018 study conducted by Stanford medical school, called "in-car interventions for guided slow breathing," offered a first-of-its kind vibrating seat that helped participants to inhale and exhale by vibrating their whole body, not just their wrists.

All but five of the 24 participants in the study preferred these in-car vibrations to meditative voice guidance. Their Heart Rate Variability (HRV) increased, suggesting they were becoming less stressed. "Slow breathing practices could transform the automobile commute from a depleting, mindless activity into a calming, mindful experience," the Stanford medics concluded.

I'm not about to recommend this to anyone without more on-road study (the Stanford team used simulators in both city and highway modes). Even if this sounds like a fit for you, you should check with your doctor before risking light-headedness by trying a new breathing exercise in an unfamiliar situation. But having run this experiment on myself for years, I believe haptic meditation has made my driving less distracted, and way less road-ragey.

Once I was the guy who headed for the fast lane and got mad at red lights. Now I'm the guy who waves to let you into my lane, or let you cross — and who treats red lights as a golden opportunity to just, y'know, appreciate whatever is happening in the world outside my windshield.

Distracted while driving? Just breathe.

Now, if you're the kind of person who associates meditation with distraction — who thinks that floating away or zoning out is an optimal result — car meditation may sound horrifying. But as this series has been saying for years, mindfulness isn't about escaping to somewhere else. It's about tuning in non-judgmentally to the reality all around you in this very moment: a vital skill if you're going to be safe behind the wheel.

And with April being Distracted Driving Month, we'd be remiss if we didn't point out all those widely-used methods to take drivers elsewhere in their minds — music, podcasts, audiobooks, calls — come with evidence that they make us worse drivers.

"Music in every mood reduces reaction time," concluded a 2023 study of studies about driving with music. "Driving and listening to music compete for the driver’s limited cognitive capacity." Listening at a lower volume does seem to lower drivers' speed, but even that raises their heart rates.

There's more mixed data when it comes to voices in your car. One 2018 study done in driving simulators found that participants' reaction times on simple traffic tests were faster while listening to audiobooks, but slower in complex driving situations. A 2024 study found that drivers were "more prone to making errors" when listening to radio conversations — even more so than music.

As for being on the phone, even if it's hands-free, forget about it. We've long known that phone calls make us more distracted. A 2022 meta-analysis of 83 studies concluded that being on a call while driving "negatively affects driving performance, exposing drivers to dangerous traffic situations." If you, like me, have a friend who keeps missing their freeway exits when they're talking to you, know that this is about the least damaging negative result of the chat.

In short, what you're doing behind the wheel matters — and we're all doing something. Distracted driving leads to more than 3,000 deaths a year in the U.S. alone, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That last meta-analysis also found that in literally any secondary task executed while driving, "the driver's cognitive, manual, visual, and auditory resources are all involved," meaning less attention is paid to the road.

So, go ahead if you wish; transport yourself to other places in your mind while hurtling around in a giant hunk of metal. I'll be over here with the multiple driving anxiety coaches who recommend various breathing exercises to stay calm behind the wheel.

And thanks to the Apple Watch's Breathe feature, where you set the length of your breaths in advance, I don't even have to distract myself by counting the seconds of each breath. My mind is alert, my diaphragm calmly expands and contracts, my foot is ready to tap the brake at any time.

Your move, world beyond the windshield.

Chris Taylor is Mashable's senior editor. This column reflects the opinions of the writer.

The macOS Sequoia 15.4 update has arrived, bringing a few noteworthy features to the Mac operating system.

This is the fourth major update since macOS Sequoia launched last September. Previous macOS Sequoia updates brought Apple Intelligence features like ChatGPT support, AI-generated images and editing with Image Playground, an updated Siri, AI-powered Writing Tools, and AI-generated emoji called Genmoji. Additionally, Apple updated the Photos, Safari, and the Weather app and introduced notification summaries in Messages and Mail.

This update builds on some of these existing features and introduces some new stuff too (insert "Face with Bags Under Eyes" emoji). Let's dive in on new macOS Sequoia 15.4 features to know about.

Mail app redesign

One of the features Apple highlighted with the macOS Sequoia 15.4 update is the redesigned Mail app, which was already deployed to the iPhone with iOS 18.2. Now, emails are automatically sorted into four categories: Primary, Transactions, Updates, and Promotions. Sorting your emails this way is designed to help users "prioritize the most important messages," according to the Apple support page. It also makes it super easy to batch delete the unimportant emails.

If you don't like the new look, you can always revert back to the traditional interface by disabling the automated mail categorization.

Some minor Apple Intelligence updates

It wouldn't be a macOS Sequoia update without some Apple Intelligence news. But this time around, the updates are pretty minor. The ability to make those Memory movies in the Photos app on an iPhone is now available on Macs too. And in Image Playground, you can now choose a "Sketch" style option in addition to Animation and Illustration styles.

Lastly, with the macOS Sequoia 15.4 update, Apple Intelligence has been expanded to new languages: French, German, Italian, Portuguese (Brazil), Spanish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (simplified).

New emoji

The update we're most excited about is the introduction of eight new emoji, which are also available on iPhones with the iOS 18.4 update.

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Feast your eyes upon these beauties:

• Face with Bags Under Eyes

• Fingerprint

• Splatter

• Root vegetable

• Leafless tree

• Harp

• Shovel

• The Sark flag

We have a feeling Face with Bags Under Eyes is going to get a lot of use.

It's almost been a year since Apple announced macOS Sequoia, which means the next generation of macOS is right around the corner at WWDC on June 9. We'll be keeping our eyes peeled for what's rumored to come next.

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, April 2, 2025:

AcrossSource of Monopoly money

• The answer is Bank.

Pizzeria fixtures

• The answer is Ovens.

With 8-Across, magical substance that enables flight in "Peter Pan"

• The answer is Pixie.

See 7-Across

• The answer is Dust.

"Keep it down!"

• The answer is Shh.

DownWhack on the head

• The answer is Bop.

Fervent

• The answer is Avid.

Connection point

• The answer is Nexus.

Potato-filled pastry

• The answer is Knish.

Mr. Milchick's first name on "Severance"

• The answer is Seth.

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

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

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

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

SAVE $60: As of April 2, Sony PULSE Elite headset for PS5 is available in open-box fair condition at Best Buy for $89.99. That’s $60 off its usual $149.99 price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony PULSE Elite (Open Box) $89.99 at Best Buy
$149.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

I don’t usually look twice at open-box gear unless I’m feeling brave or broke. But $89.99 for Sony’s PULSE Elite wireless headset at Best Buy? That’s a risk I’m more than willing to take. Brand new, this thing goes for $149.99. For $60 less, I’ll deal with a few cosmetic scuffs if it still sounds like a dream and plays nice with my PS5.

I think what makes this headset a standout is the combo of planar magnetic drivers and PlayStation Link tech. It delivers that low-latency, high-fidelity audio that makes every game sound like it was mixed in a studio instead of a broom closet. Explosions rumble, footsteps whisper, and every in-game insult hits just a bit harder. It’s immersive in the best, most distracting way.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

The mic is retractable and powered by AI-enhanced noise rejection. I’ve used plenty of headsets that made me sound like I was phoning in from a submarine. This one? Clear, crisp, and natural. And thanks to the dual device connectivity, I can take a call mid-session without pausing the game or unplugging anything. Not that I want to take calls, but the option’s there.

• Price: $89.99 $149.99

• Retailer: Best Buy

• Condition: Open-box fair

• Compatibility: PS5, PC, Mac, PlayStation Portal

• Drivers: Planar magnetic

• Wireless tech: PlayStation Link

• Microphone: Retractable, AI-powered noise rejection

• Connectivity: Bluetooth, dual device

• Battery life: Up to 30 hours

• Quick charge: 10 minutes for 2 hours

• Accessories: Charging hanger included (condition-dependent)

• Comfort: Plush ear cups, headband strap suspension

Battery life is a non-issue. It lasts up to 30 hours, and if you forget to charge it (which I always do), a 10-minute quick charge gives you two hours of juice. Also, the included charging hanger keeps it off your desk and looking less like an e-waste graveyard.

It’s technically listed as “Fair” condition, so yeah, it might have a couple dents or be missing an accessory. But the core experience? Still very much intact. And for under 90 bucks, I think it’s a gamble that pays off. Especially if you’ve been eyeing a premium headset without the premium price.

SAVE $50: As of April 2, UGREEN Nexode 25000mAh 200W power bank is available for $79.99 at Amazon. That’s a 38 percent discount from its regular price of $129.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: UGREEN UGREEN Nexode 25000mAh 200W $79.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

I don’t typically get excited about battery packs, but the UGREEN Nexode is one of those rare exceptions. It’s not just that it has 200 watts of fast charging power or that it holds 25000mAh of juice. It’s that it makes every other power bank I own feel like a sad pocket warmer in comparison. And right now, it’s on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That’s $50 off. Which, for something this functional and overachieving, feels like robbery. Again, legal.

I think what sold me was the TFT smart display. It shows battery percentage, output, input, voltage, current—basically everything you need. Compared to most LCD readouts, this one actually looks nice and, dare I say, modern.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

Functionally, it’s a beast. I’ve used it to charge my MacBook Pro, my phone, and a tablet all at the same time. No sparks, no overheating, no tantrums. It just works. The 200W output is overkill in the best way. If you travel for work, shoot video, edit on the go, or just live with someone who never charges their phone, this thing is a dream.

• Price: $79.99 $129.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Battery capacity: 25000mAh

• Output: Up to 200W

• Ports: 2 USB-C, 1 USB-A

• Special features: TFT smart display, PD 3.1 fast charging, real-time power data

• Charging capacity: iPhone 15 up to 5.2 times

• Color: Black

• Durability: Retains 80 percent capacity after 1000 cycles

• Safety: Real-time temperature monitoring and fast heat dissipation

It’s also surprisingly durable. Even after a thousand charging cycles, it keeps over 80 percent of its original capacity. It charges quickly, cools itself efficiently, and doesn’t scream for attention with flashing lights or obnoxious branding.

For long travel days, power outages, or just a backup that can actually do more than revive a dying phone once, this is the one I’d recommend. Especially while it’s still under 80 bucks.

SAVE $23: As of April 2, Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones are on sale for $36 at Amazon. That’s $23 off the usual $59.99 price — about a 40% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 wireless headphones $36 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $23.99 Get Deal

I picked up Sony WH-CH520 headphones because I was tired of babying my battery-drained earbuds. For $36, I figured if they even lasted a week of commuting, I’d call it a win. Turns out, these things can go for 50 hours on a single charge, which is more stamina than I can claim on most weekdays.

They’re not flashy, they’re not fancy, but they do the job without complaining. The sound quality is what you’d expect from Sony: reliable, clean, and fully adjustable through the brand’s app if you feel like messing with EQ settings. I didn’t, because I like things that work out of the box, and these did.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces WWDC 2025 dates

I’ve worn them for a full day of work and they didn’t pinch or press. Lightweight is putting it mildly. They feel like a whisper on your head, which I didn’t know I wanted from headphones until I had it. They also fold flat, which makes tossing them into a bag feel less like Tetris and more like a casual flex.

• Price: $36 $59.99

• Retailer: Amazon

• Ear placement: On-ear

• Form factor: On-ear

• Battery life: Up to 50 hours

• Charging: USB-C

• Bluetooth: Yes, with multipoint connection

• Microphone: Built-in

• Color: Black

• App support: Sony Headphones Connect

• Extra features: DSEE audio enhancement, Fast Pair, Swift Pair

The fact that they pair to two devices at once is a blessing. I can swap between Zoom calls and my phone without pausing to unpair or re-pair. I’m sure there are more expensive headphones that do this, but I don’t need them. I just need these.

For anyone who wants a budget pair to leave in their work bag, keep by the couch, or survive travel without tears, this is the kind of deal that makes you feel like you’re getting away with something. At $36, I think it’s hard to justify not getting them.