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If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: It's our game-iversary!

These words are flexible.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are ways to find answers in this game.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Strands.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 4

• Ribbon

• Tendril

• Wisp

• Filament

• Curl

• Thread

• String

• Strands

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and 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 Strands.

Just a few days ago, Mashable published an article investigating why Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were suddenly in a freefall. Of the four main reasons, three were attributable to Donald Trump and his actions as president. 

This is not exactly what one would expect from Trump, who promised to be a pro-crypto president after its advocates helped him win the presidency.

But over the weekend, as Bitcoin lost roughly one-fifth of its value, Trump suddenly made an announcement that temporarily sent cryptocurrencies' values skyrocketing once again.

SEE ALSO: 4 reasons why Bitcoin value is nosediving. (Hint: It's Trump.)

On his social media platform Truth Social, Trump announced that the U.S. government would create a "Crypto Strategic Reserve" and begin buying various cryptocurrencies. Trump specifically mentioned five: Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

"A U.S. Crypto Reserve will elevate this critical industry after years of corrupt attacks by the Biden Administration, which is why my Executive Order on Digital Assets directed the Presidential Working Group to move forward on a Crypto Strategic Reserve that includes XRP, SOL, and ADA," posted Trump. "I will make sure the U.S. is the Crypto Capital of the World. We are MAKING AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!"

Crypto immediately went up across the market. Bitcoin, for example, shot up from the $85,000 range to the $95,000 range, ending a seemingly downward spiral that the crypto market was experiencing. 

However, critics immediately called out Trump and his administration for the move. For one, it seemed like a bizarre strategy for an administration spearheading a cost-cutting initiative led by Elon Musk to use taxpayer dollars to buy up cryptocurrencies. 

"Nobody announced a tax or a spending program," White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks said to those critics. "Maybe you should wait to find out what’s actually being proposed."

Tweet may have been deleted

Sacks, a Silicon Valley venture capitalist, never shared precisely what was being proposed as a followup.

While most have likely heard of Bitcoin and Ethereum, the other three cryptocurrencies mentioned by the president serve very niche crypto audiences. Solana is probably best known as the platform on which many meme coins are built. For example, Trump's controversial meme coin is traded on the Solana blockchain. Some crypto advocates even criticized Trump's inclusion of XRP and ADA due to concerns regarding centralization and the lack of stablecoin issuers.

But speaking of Sacks, a big spotlight was also put on him and his seemingly coincidental connection to the five specific cryptocurrencies that Trump wants the U.S. government to buy.

Sacks was an early investor in Solana and, as a result, had a significant amount of Solana crypto holdings. Sacks claims he has since sold off all of his crypto holdings. However, Sacks has yet to speak to his venture capital firm Craft Ventures and its connection to the five specific cryptocurrencies.

Craft Ventures invests in crypto companies such as Bitwise, a crypto asset manager with significant crypto holdings. Its top five cryptocurrency holdings? Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Solana, and Cardano.

We'll have to wait and see exactly what Trump and Sacks have planned to fully look into the ramifications here, but so far, it's not looking good.

As for Trump's attempt to help the crypto markets, the bounce appears to have been only temporary. As of publication, most cryptocurrencies have dropped back to their trading levels before Trump's announcement.

The Department of Education is now inviting parents to submit complaints about diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts that may be happening at their child's school.

Last week, the federal agency launched a new "End DEI" portal that parents can use to report "discrimination based on race or sex" in publicly-funded schools for kindergarten through 12th grade.

The department has the authority to investigate discrimination based on race, sex, and disability, among other protected characteristics, and already offered a form for such reports.

SEE ALSO: DOGE tech employees jointly resign in protest of Elon Musk

The End DEI portal appears to specifically target instruction or curriculum that conservatives have long attacked. A text introduction on the online form notes that students should "have access to meaningful learning free of divisive ideologies and indoctrination."

The department's news release introducing the portal also includes a lengthy quote from a co-founder of Moms for Liberty, a far-right political organization that has pushed book bans and backed Trump's presidential campaign.

Moms for Liberty co-founder Tiffany Justice argued that children are being taught "critical theory, rogue sex education and divisive ideologies."

"Parents, now is the time that you share the receipts of the betrayal that has happened in our public schools," Justice said in her statement.

Conservatives have previously supported the use of tip lines to report what they consider objectionable discussions or curriculum in the classroom.

In 2022, Virginia governor Glenn Youngkin created a tip line to receive related reports. In 2021, one New Hampshire Moms for Liberty chapter even offered a $500 bounty to the first person who caught a public school teacher breaking a new law intended to discourage educators from discussing "divisive concepts."

The End DEI portal allows parents to submit their email address, school or school district, and a brief description of the alleged discrimination, as well as attached JPG, JPEG, PNG, and PDF files. The portal says that the education department will use the submissions for potential investigations.

Major unions that represent educators — the American Federation of Teachers and the National Education Association — are fighting back against the Trump administration's pressure to eradicate DEI from schools.

NEA President Becky Pringle called the End DEI portal a "stunt" and defended DEI initiatives in a statement.

"Diversity, equity, and inclusion programs create a sense of belonging where we all feel comfortable sharing our ideas and lived experiences," Pringle said.

The American Federation of Teachers recently sued the Trump administration for threatening to cut off funding for schools that do not comply with its demand to effectively cease efforts designed to achieve "diversity, racial balancing, social justice, or equity" by Feb. 28.

The administration argued in a Feb. 14 memo that those efforts unlawfully preference certain racial groups.

"This vague and clearly unconstitutional memo is a grave attack on students, our profession and knowledge itself," AFT President Randi Weingarten said in a statement. "It would hamper efforts to extend access to education, and dash the promise of equal opportunity for all, a central tenant of the United States since its founding."

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to 1min.AI for A$160 and use AI to generate content, edit visuals, and spark creativity — no monthly fees, ever.

Writer’s block? Lackluster visuals? Say goodbye to those roadblocks with 1min.AI, an advanced AI-powered tool designed to help you create content, boost productivity, and enhance your visual projects. With a lifetime subscription for A$160 (reg. A$865), you’ll unlock a suite of creative features without worrying about ongoing monthly fees.

1min.AI leverages cutting-edge AI models to assist with tasks like article generation, rewriting, and paraphrasing. Whether you’re tackling a blog post, revamping existing copy, or brainstorming ideas, this tool helps streamline the process so you can focus on the big picture. Need visuals? The built-in image generation and editing features make creating eye-catching graphics or enhancing your content easy.

While 1min.AI provides incredible support, it’s not perfect — human oversight is still key to ensuring the output matches your creative vision. The platform is a powerful assistant, not a replacement, making it an ideal partner for professionals and creators looking to save time and spark ideas.

With 4 million monthly credits included in the 1min.AI Advanced Business plan, unlimited storage, and more, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to explore its capabilities and integrate it into your workflow.

Priced at A$160 for lifetime access, a 1min.AI Advanced Business plan is an affordable way to tap into the potential of AI and elevate your creative projects. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: 1min.AI 1min.AI Advanced Business Plan Lifetime Subscription A$160.00 at the Mashable Shop
A$865.00 Save A$705.00 Get Deal

The announcement follows new fund-raising efforts from rivals like OpenAI, which is set to close a deal that values the company at $300 billion, and Elon Musk’s xAI.

If you could easily predict TikTok trends, I suspect you'd be spectacularly rich. There's so much money to be made on the platform — brand deals, chart-topping songs, major e-commerce — but its trends are so difficult to foresee.

Plus, TikTok is a weird place. A trending sound right now, for instance, is a parody song combining ska — the upbeat, horn-centric, staccato-guitar music that resurged in the '90s — and McDonald's inside the Pentagon.

If that sounds like a mishmash of words, that's because it is. The TikTok sound is an actual song created by a TikTokker @sillystu4u. To be clear, there is, in fact, a McDonald's in the Pentagon food court just for federal employees. The song from Silly Stu has the (expected) refrain of "There's a McDonald's in the Pentagon" and uses the upbeat ska to highlight that absurdity. The original TikTok of the song has racked up roughly 10 million views.

People have then posted themselves singing along, dancing, or otherwise commenting on the catchy tune.

There is not necessarily an overarching theme to the folks posting with the song beyond the fact that it's catchy. The song itself, however, does a fine job of highlighting the absurdity of the U.S. government paying to have a McDonald's in the building responsible for maintaining its empire.

The tune focuses on a narrator flipping burgers for folks who can't talk about what they do for work because, well, they work in the Pentagon. All with a janky guitar sound and lots of horns. It really is a perfect little parody. TikTok is weird, but it can also be great.

"There's something in the air," posted Apple CEO Tim Cook on X. And it's likely a MacBook Air with an M4 chip.

On Monday, Cook teased a product drop happening this week. He didn't specify the day or time, but the "air" hint all but confirms strong rumors that it will be the M4 MacBook Air. This was predicted by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman who expected a March launch. Given that today is the first business day in March, that prediction is right on track.

Tweet may have been deleted

Apple is also rumored to be launching a new iPad Air soon. Although given the timing of the product cycles and inventory, odds are on the M4 MacBook Air to debut first.

What to expect with the M4 MacBook Air

Like its predecessors, the M4 MacBook Air is expected to come in 13-inch and 15-inch versions. It will also reportedly be equipped with the M4 chip, which is the same that powers the 2024 MacBook Pro and iMac.

According to 9to5Mac, the new MacBook Air will offer increased RAM from 24GB to 32GB, a 12MP Center Stage camera, and increased speed and performance that comes with the more powerful chipset. It might also include Thunderbolt 4 ports for better external display support.

As we mentioned, a new iPad Air isn't entirely out of the question, since it too is reportedly slated for release. Maybe a MacBook Air / iPad Air combo since the hint could apply to both?

We won't have to wait long to find out.

Foldable phones are having a moment, but alongside the release of new book-style foldables and flip-style phones, some are experimenting with new concepts. We've seen a few foldables with two hinges instead of one, but the latest concept unveiled at MWC 2025 could be the most polished yet. In fact, the Tecno Phantom Ultimate 2 is one of the thinnest foldable phones yet.

To be clear, the Phantom Ultimate 2 is just a concept for now. Tecno hasn’t said anything about releasing the phone to the public. But, the concept does at least show that work on foldable phones is progressing pretty nicely. 

SEE ALSO: Hands on with the world's thinnest smartphone

So, why would you want a foldable phone with two hinges instead of one? It all comes down to more screen real estate. The Phantom Ultimate 2 concept essentially involves one-third of the display on the front when the phone is completely folded up — and that's what you'll use in phone mode. Then, you can unfold the device to get a wide aspect ratio, like the phone on the laptop or tablet you already use. That's instead of the near-square aspect ratios we've seen from most foldables so far. 

Look at those hinges. Credit: Christian de Looper / Mashable

The device's thickness is particularly impressive. In fact, the phone is only 11mm thick when it's completely folded up. That’s thinner than the 12.1mm Galaxy Z Fold 6, which has two sides instead of three. 

According to Tecno, the device achieves that ultra-thin design thanks to a thin battery cover, which is only 0.25mm thick. The display in phone mode measures 6.48 inches, but when you unfold the phone, you’ll get a huge 10-inch 3K OLED display.

Tecno says that the software has been optimized for the huge display, including the different modes that the device can be used in with the two hinges. You can use the device as a kind of big-screen laptop, with one-third of the display lying flat on the table with a keyboard. You can also use the device for things like dual-screen translation. 

As mentioned, this is still a concept, and we don’t know what kind of processor the phone has or the camera specifications. We also don’t know how big the battery is under that ultra-thin cover. And keep in mind that the device would likely be expensive if it ever were to be released.

Regardless, I hope we see a phone like this available to the public sometime soon — especially for those who want a little more productivity from their phone when they’re on the go.

Mashable's on the ground at MWC 2025, covering the best tech products that have Barcelona abuzz.

ZTE's Nubia brand is back at MWC with some big releases for 2025. Alongside the flip-style foldable phone it unveiled last week, the company introduced the Nubia Neo 3 series — designed with gamers in mind. These phones feature RGB lighting and hidden shoulder triggers in the phone’s frame.

There are other gaming-focused features beyond the shoulder triggers for gaming. Notably, the device has interesting RGB lighting and offers a variety of different designs. It also has a powerful cooling system that should help keep your phone running smoother for longer, which is helpful for those who game for extended periods of time. 

SEE ALSO: What to expect at MWC 2025 from Samsung, TCL, and more

As you might expect, the Nubia Neo 3 is largely designed for gamers. The Neo 3 GT is the top-tier model in the lineup and offers an impressive 12GB of RAM (plus 12GB of so-called virtual RAM that the operating system can use from the storage). Perhaps more impressive is the fact that it has a UNISOC T9100 5G processor — an uncommon choice in a sea of Qualcomm and MediaTek-powered phones. It has an OLED display with a 1080p resolution and a massive 6,000mAh battery. 

The slightly lower-performing Neo 3 is powered by a UNISOC T8300 processor and has 8GB of hardware RAM. It also features gaming shoulder triggers and a linear haptic feedback motor. 

Up close and personal with the Nubia Flip 2. Credit: Christian de Looper / Mashable

Both phones also feature the new AI Game Space 3.0, which lets you customize game modes, and tweak performance to match your preferences.

Perhaps cooler than those phones, of course, is the new foldable device, which was also on show at MWC 2025. The new device, called the Nubia Flip 2, will go up against phones like the Motorola Razr series and has a rectangular display on the front with a larger screen inside. It has a MediaTek Dimensity 7300X processor, along with 6GB of RAM and 128GB of storage. I was able to see the phone in person at MWC 2025, and it felt relatively premium and well-built —though no more so than the other flip-style phones on the market right now.

ZTE Nubia phones aren’t necessarily the most well-known, but they prove to be great choices for those who want to buy a solid, powerful phone on a budget. All three of these devices will become available over the next few months.

The Nubia Flip 2 is perhaps the most notable in price — it comes at only 62,080 yen, which equates to around $410. For now, it’ll only be available in Japan.

Mashable's on the ground at MWC 2025, covering the best tech products that have Barcelona abuzz.

The company’s chief executive is expected to announce the semiconductor’s plans at the White House on Monday.

The truly overhauled Siri that Apple has promised reportedly might not be ready until 2027.

According to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, Apple is running way behind on meaningful upgrades for its voice assistant and "conversational version of Siri won’t reach consumers until iOS 20 at best." The slow, staggered, and sometimes delayed rollout of Apple Intelligence features has already indicated that Apple is struggling to deliver a more advanced Siri, akin to OpenAI's ChatGPT.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence will summarise your breakup texts

But now, Apple is in a full-blown "AI crisis" and facing "make-or-break" moment to meet sky-high expectations or risk losing its competitive edge altogether, said Gurman.

Tweet may have been deleted

To be clear, Siri is getting smarter in some areas. The upcoming iOS 18.5 will reportedly enable Siri to tap into users' personal data to elicit more customized responses and "take action" across apps.

But at the center of the crisis is Siri's functionality, which currently relies on a patchwork combination of the legacy system for simpler commands and a more advanced version that handles Apple Intelligence queries. The plan was to merge the two systems into one system dubbed internally "LLM Siri," in time for the iOS 18 launch, but that didn't happen in time.

Apple was planning to bring LLM Siri to the iOS 19 release at WWDC this coming June, but that plan is reportedly delayed now too. That means the iOS 19 update might not come with any significant Apple Intelligence updates, and LLM Siri might be pushed back to the next product cycle, iOS 20.

This heaps onto an already disappointing rollout of Apple Intelligence, which Gurman reports has "extremely low" usage according to internal data. Currently, Apple Intelligence consists of AI features like writing tools, voicemail and audio transcriptions, custom emojis called Genmoji, and Image Playground for AI-generated cartoon images. Such features are mildly helpful or fun novelties, but hardly the vital use cases Apple is looking for.

Apple Intelligence also provides AI-generated summaries of notifications, messages, and emails, but some users have found these summaries to be annoying at best, and scarily inaccurate at worst, like when it falsely claimed suspected Healthcare CEO killer Luigi Mangione shot himself. Apple subsequently suspended AI news summaries for the time being.

Meanwhile, Amazon just debuted an updated version of its voice assistant, Alexa+ which has the conversational capabilities, third-party app integration, and agentic AI features Apple is probably aiming for with Siri. All eyes are on Apple now to see if it can close the gap.

SAVE $49.99: The Coway Airmega 100 (black) is on sale at Amazon for just $80, down from the normal price of $129.99. That's a 38% discount and the lowest price we've seen at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Coway Airmega 100 (black) $80.00 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $49.99 Get Deal

Welcome to the wonderful spring season. Crocuses, daffodils, and tulips are making their way up any day, giving us hope that spring warmth is within reach. If you love spring but dread the associated seasonal allergies, check out this great deal on a reliable air purifier.

As of March 3, the Coway Airmega 100 air purifier in black is on sale at Amazon for just $80, marked down from the usual price of $129.99. That means you'll be getting a 38% discount and save $49.99. This sale price also marks the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon on this model.

This is a limited time deal at Amazon, so it's best to snag one ASAP if an air purifier is on your shopping list.

SEE ALSO: Get ahead of spring allergies with Shark's 3-in-1 air purifier that's 62% off at Best Buy

Well known for its reliable and high quality air purifiers, Coway designed the Airmega 100 to protect in spaces as large as 810 square feet. With a HEPA filter, you'll be better off when it comes to pollen, wildfire smoke, viruses, and pet dander. Coway mentions the purifier can capture 99.99% of micron particles as small as 0.01. It can also capture 99% of all VOC (volatile organic compounds) and odors that frequently come with new furniture and paints.

Before particles meet the HEPA filter, they go through the pre-filter which you can vacuum off to clean. It'll capture pet hair, dust mites, and hair before it reaches the HEPA filter, which gives it a longer lifespan.

The Coway Airmega 100 comes with some great touch-control functions including a timer, airflow speed settings, and a sleep mode. In sleep mode, the Airmega operates at about 20 decibels which is about the same measurement as a whisper so you won't be disrupted at night.

Instead of suffering through spring allergy season, clean your indoor air with the Coway Airmega 100. Since it's on sale for just $80 today, this is a great opportunity to safeguard your home before pollen comes knocking.

A new name has joined in the efforts to buy TikTok and keep it running in the U.S.

According to Reuters, venture capitalist Alexis Ohanian, the co-founder of Reddit, is joining businessman Frank McCourt in his bid to buy TikTok in the U.S.

"He has that broad portfolio of experience … of where social media was and, I think, a keen understanding of where it’s evolving," McCourt told Reuters.

In a post on his Instagram Stories, Ohanian screenshot the Reuters story and wrote "Ready to buy TikTok US and bring on chain 🗽"

SEE ALSO: Every potential TikTok buyer we know about

"Where he can help mostly is validating but also socializing what we're doing," McCourt told Reuters. "On the one hand, this is a project which has very sophisticated technology at the core, and so you're dealing with a very specific audience when it comes to demonstrating the validity of that technology and in how it works, and why it's necessary."

McCourt is the founder of Project Liberty, which offered ByteDance $20 billion in cash for what the group calls "The People’s Bid for TikTok." Canadian investor and Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary is also in on the bid.

This comes at a time in which investors are fighting to get a piece of TikTok before the ban goes into effect. Of course, the Supreme Court decided to uphold then-president Joe Biden's TikTok ban in a unanimous decision. Since then, President Donald Trump extended the period of time before the law goes into effect. Now, the app is running and back on app stores — at least, until Trump's extension runs out on April 5. TikTok says it doesn't want to sell, but the most likely way to stop a U.S. ban is for another company to step up and buy it.

SAVE $51.99: As of March 3, you can get a 43-inch Roku smart TV for just $198 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount and $51.99 off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku 43-inch Select Series 4K HDR TV $198.00 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $51.99 Get Deal

If you’re on the hunt for a budget TV that actually works, Amazon’s got a great deal going on Roku smart TVs.

Right now, you can get a 43-inch Roku Select Series 4K HDR smart TV for $198, down from $249.99. That’s a savings of 21%, making it a pretty sweet deal if you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup without spending a ton.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

This TV features 4K resolution, HDR10+ color technology for a life-like viewing experience, and all your favorite apps built right into the Roku platform. You’ll also be able to watch 400+ live TV channels, free movies and shows, and other streaming content. It also comes with a voice remote so you can search for shows, control smart home devices, and more by speaking directly into the remote.

GET $87 OFF: As of Mar. 3rd, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Air Purifier is on sale for $262.99 for a savings of $87, or 25% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Blueair Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Air Purifier $262.99 at Best Buy
$349.99 Save $87.00 Get Deal

What's circulating in your home? Sometimes opening the windows and letting in a fresh breeze isn't enough. In an age of forest fires, particulate pollution from traffic, and more clean air can be hard to come by. But not all bothersome irritants are from pollution, for many of us pet hair and dust do real damage. Thankfully great air purifiers like the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max eliminate these issues, improving our respiratory health.

Right now, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Air Purifier is available for $87 off, get it for $262.99 and save 25%.

SEE ALSO: The best robot vacuums and mops of 2025 so far, tested hands-on at home

With an attractive profile and quiet fans, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max is an unobtrusive air purifier that will fit right into your home. The 211i is designed for spaces up to 635 square feet.

The Blueair has a wrap-around prefilter that captures large particles like pet hair before these particles have a chance to clog up the delicate HEPA filter inside. Its HEPA filter capture microscopic particles down to 0.1 microns, including viruses and mold.

The Blueair does many things well, but it's not designed for VOCs and gas like the Winix 5500-2 is. Thankfully, the Winix is also currently on sale at Amazon for $155.19, saving you 38%.

As of now, the Blueair Blue Pure 211i Max Air Purifier is on sale for $262.99 at Best Buy, saving you 25%, or $87.

Invest in Blueair to sweeten the air in your apartment, lessen allergen loads, and scrub wildfire smoke from the air. It's the answer for improving respiratory health and ridding your space of particulate pollution.

SAVE UP TO 40%: REI has discounted bicycles including electric models by up to 40% from brands like Cannondale, REI, Salsa, and more.

Best bicycle deals at REI Best overall bicycle deal Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike $1,018.93 (save $680.07) Get Deal Best electric bicycle deal Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 $2,149.93 (save $1,150.07) Get Deal Best budget-friendly bicycle deal Pure Cycles Coaster Bike $299.93 (save $129.07) Get Deal

There's nothing quite as joyous as riding a bicycle in the warm sun. With spring and summer just a few weeks away, now's a great time to give your bike a pre-season tune-up.

But if you don't have a bicycle you enjoy riding or if you're due for an upgrade, REI has major discounts ahead of the cycling season with some offering 40% off. Keep in mind many of these models are discontinued, which means they could sell out at any moment.

However, a discontinued bicycle still comes perfectly well equipped with everything you need for a great adventure. Make it a summer goal to ride your bike to work a few days a week, hit the local trails with friends on the weekend, or embark on a multi-day bikepacking expedition. However you like to hop on a bike, you'll want to check out these impressive deals at REI.

Keep in mind buying a bike at REI comes with some benefits like a year of free adjustments, in-store bike assembly, and access to bike experts in over 170 REI bike shops.

Best overall bicycle deal Opens in a new window Credit: REI Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike $1,018.93 at REI
$1,699.00 Save $680.07 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're looking for an adventure-ready bicycle, the Co-op Cycles ADV 1.1 Bike is a great choice. With REI's cycling sale, the price is now a major 40% off which means the bike can be yours for $1,018.93, instead of the usual price of $1,699.

Coming in a huge range of sizes (S - XXL), the ADV 1.1 has 30 gears, a classic touring frame made of double-butted chromoly steel, and hydraulic disc brakes. Front and rear racks are included so all you'll need to do is pack up your paniers and head off.

Best electric bicycle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Cannondale Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 Electric Bike $2,149.93 at REI
$3,300.00 Save $1,150.07 Get Deal Why we like it

Electric bikes offer some of the most freedom when it comes to covering miles without getting tired legs. If that's appealing, check out the Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 Electric Bike. As a discontinued model, REI has knocked 34% off, brining the sale price down to just $2,149.93.

The Cannondale Tesoro Neo X 3 comes with class 3 e-bike certification which means it has pedal assist up to 28 miles per hour. The Bosch Performance Line Sport motor has a 500 Wh battery capacity which gives assistance for about 70 miles of riding.

You'll also get a micro-shift Marvo nine-speed shifting system and rideever hydraulic disc brakes. Full coverage fenders also mean this model is a great option for if your riding location is prone to rain or puddles.

Best budget-friendly bicycle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Pure Cycles Pure Cycles Coaster Bike $299.93 at REI
$429.00 Save $129.07 Get Deal Why we like it

If you need new wheels without spending much, consider the Pure Cycles Coaster Bike. Since it's on sale for 30% off, this model is down to just $299.93 at REI in the Flatback Black or Sulcata Gold colorways.

This single-speed bike is made for chill post-dinner rides, heading to the library, or cruising the neighborhood. Instead of a traditional braking system, this model goes back to the old days of cycling, designed with a push back braking system. The unisex bike weighs about 26 pounds and is a great option for boardwalk rides this summer.

More bicycle deals at REI:

• Electra Cruiser 1 Step-Over Bike (24 inches) — $299.93 $400 (save $100.07)

• Co-op Cycles DRT 1.1 Mountain Bike — $478.93 $599 (save $120.07)

• Salsa Blackthorn SLX Mountain Bike — $2,499.93 $3,599 (save $1,099.07)

• Salsa Notch 160 CUES 10 Electric Mountain Bike — $3,998.93 $4,999 (save $1,000.07)

The UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is investigating TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over how they handle children's personal data, the agency announced on Monday.

The probe comes amid rising concerns over how social media and video-sharing platforms collect and process data from younger users. The ICO says it will examine how TikTok uses the personal information of 13–17-year-olds to fuel its recommendation algorithms.

SEE ALSO: TikTok Creator Marketplace is shutting down and being replaced by AI-packed TikTok One

Meanwhile, Reddit and Imgur are under scrutiny for how their platforms "use UK children’s personal information and their use of age assurance measures."

"If social media and video sharing platforms want to benefit from operating in the UK they must comply with data protection law," said UK Information Commissioner John Edwards. "The responsibility to keep children safe online lies firmly at the door of the companies offering these services and my office is steadfast in its commitment to hold them to account."

TikTok, the ByteDance-owned video sharing platform, has faced increasing scrutiny in recent years over its ties to the Chinese government. In 2023, the ICO fined TikTok over $16 million for allowing children under 13 to access the app in 2020. Additionally, TikTok is at risk of being banned in the U.S. if it fails to sell its American assets by April 2025 — a move first pushed during President Trump’s administration.

SAVE UP TO $1,000: During Samsung's spring sale, shop new deals every day. On Mar. 3, shop the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra and save $1,000 with qualifying trade-in or $200 with no trade-in.

Shop best Samsung spring sale deals Best Samsung deal Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra $419.99 at Samsung (Save $1,000) Get Deal Best TV deal Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV $1,299 at Samsung (Save at $700) Get Deal Best tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra From $259.99 at Samsung (Save up to $800 with qualifying trade-in) Get Deal Best Gaming Monitor Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 4K Smart Gaming Monitor $599.99 at Samsung (Save $400) Get Deal Best monitor deal Samsung M80C 4K UHD Smart Monitor $449.99 at Samsung (Save $200) Get Deal

We're just weeks away from the official start of spring. As the temperatures start to warm up, and green starts to return back to the earth, it's time for a refresh. If you're doing some spring cleaning, and realizing that you can't dust away your old tech's problems, it's time to upgrade.

Samsung's spring sale is coming at just the right time, offering major savings on smartphones, tablets, TVs, and appliances. Everyday, Samsung is dropping new deals from Mar. 3 to Mar. 9, including free bezels for Frame TVs and buy one, get one monitors.

Today, Mar. 3, get a Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra phone for $1,000 off with a qualifying trade-in. But there are plenty of other great deals to find at the Samsung spring sale. Here are all the best Samsung deals to shop now.

Best Samsung spring sale deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra (512GB) $419.99 at Samsung
$1,419.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're in major need of a smartphone upgrade, you can get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for just $419.99, saving you $1,000. During Samsung's spring sale, get up to $900 in an instant trade-in credit when purchasing the Samsung S25 Ultra. If you don't have a phone to trade-in, you can still get a $200 instant credit. The savings don't stop there, you'll receive a $100 instant Samsung Credit and double the storage on Samsung's dime.

That means you can get the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra for as low as $419.99, saving up to $1,000 for 70% off.

This is a perfect time to purchase the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra. While it's not a necessary upgrade if you already have a recent Samsung Galaxy model like the S24, it does deliver a major power boost powered by the Snapdragon 8 Elite processor. Plus, it features a 24-hour battery life and a stellar camera that delivers crystal clear photos in 30x zoom.

If you're ready to trade-in, this is an exceptional deal. However, if you're not in the market for a smartphone, explore all the other great savings during the spring sale.

More Samsung spring sale deals

• Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra — $259.99 $1,199.99 (save $940 with qualifying trade-in)

• Samsung M80C 4K UHD Smart Monitor — $449.99 $649.99 (save $200)

• Samsung Odyssey Neo G7 4K Smart Gaming Monitor — $599.99 $999.99 (save $400)

• Samsung 65-inch The Frame QLED 4K TV — $1,299.99 $1,999.99 (save $700)

SAVE $15: As of March 3, you can get the Logitech Brio 101 webcam for just $24.99 at Amazon. That's a 38% discount and a $15 price cut. It's also the lowest price we've seen on this model.

Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Logitech Brio 101 $24.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

Working from home has its perks, but it also means that every meeting is a virtual one, and having a reliable webcam is pretty much non-negotiable if you want to keep your job. Most laptops and desktops come with a built-in webcam, but if you’re taking client calls or discussing sensitive topics, you’re going to need something that’s a little more robust than a factory standard camera.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a mid-to-high-level camera — the Logitech Brio 101 webcam is on sale at Amazon for just $24.99 (down from $39.99), which is the lowest price we've seen for this model.

SEE ALSO: The best webcams in 2025

The Logitech Brio 101 offers 1080p resolution, features an auto-light balance, and has a privacy slide cover to safeguard you from potential webcam hacking. It’s also made from recycled plastic, so you can feel good about your purchase from an environmental standpoint.

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of March 3: OUR TOP PICK Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB) $599 (save $200) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEVICE DEAL Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST SOUNDBAR DEAL Roku Wireless Soundbar $99.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Bose SoundLink Micro $99 (save $20) Get Deal BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Soundcore Life Q30 noise-cancelling headphones $55.99 (save $24) Get Deal

Another month of deals is here. February brought us plenty of epic discounts, and March is already starting off with a bang. We hand-selected a few deals at Amazon we think are particularly good to kick off the month — including top brands like Bose, Google, and Amazon itself.

Here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on March 3. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check back tomorrow for brand new selections.

Our top pick: Google Pixel 9 Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 (Unlocked, 128GB) $599.00 at Amazon
$799.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal

The Google Pixel 9 isn't a massive boost from the Pixel 8, but it does include some essential upgrades. It boasts Google's new Tensor G4 chip, which is nearly 20 percent faster, a completely refreshed AI experience, a new 48MP ultrawide camera lens, and a 35 percent brighter display. Plus, it now comes in pink. As of March 3, you can grab an unlocked Pixel 9 with 128GB for only $599 instead of the usual $799. That's 25% in savings and its lowest price on record.

Read our full review of the Google Pixel 9.

Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max offers the most bang for your buck of any streaming stick. It's the first (and only) Fire TV stick with Ambient Experience, which turns your TV into artwork like Samsung's The Frame. It packs over 2,000 pieces of museum-quality images to choose from. Plus, it features WiFi-6E support, Dolby Vision (plus HDR, HDR 10, HDR 10+, HLG), Dolby Atmos audio, the most storage of any Fire Stick (16GB), and the ability to play Xbox games without a console. It's regularly $59.99, but you can save 33% as of March 3 and grab it for just $39.99 instead.

Roku TV Wireless Soundbar Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Wireless Soundbar $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Got a Roku TV? Boost the sound by pairing it with the Roku Wireless Soundbar, which is on sale for 33% off. While it's not overly packed with fancy features, it can "drastically improve the sound your Roku TV can put out," as our friends at PCMag (also owned by Ziff Davis) put it. It requires zero cables and can seamlessly slip into any entertainment space. And it won't cost you a fortune. As of March 3, it's down to just $99.99 at Amazon.

Bose SoundLink Micro Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose SoundLink Micro $99.00 at Amazon
$119.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

"The Bose SoundLink Micro isn't exactly the cheapest Bluetooth speaker, but its portability, good sound, and durability almost justify the price tag," Mashable's reviewer writes. The SoundLink Micro is usually $119, but as of March 3, you can save 17% and pay just under $100. It's pretty tiny — micro, if you will — and can fit in the palm of your hand, making it a good pick for attaching to your bike or backpack. It's unfazed by water immersion and will pump out heavy bass no problem. We wish the battery life was better for the price, but overall, the SoundLink Micro still packs a pretty good punch.

Read our full review of the Bose SoundLink Micro.

Soundcore Life Q30 noise-cancelling headphones Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Soundcore Life Q30 noise-cancelling headphones $55.99 at Amazon
$79.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

The Soundcore Life Q30 noise-cancelling headphones pack dual noise-detecting microphones to sense and filter out up to 95 percent of low-frequency ambient sound. Select from three different noise-cancelling modes to suit your situation and enjoy up to 40 hours of battery life on a full charge (or 60 without ANC). The hybrid design also allows you to connect them via AUX cable when you run out of wireless juice. They usually cost $79.99, but you can save 30% as of March 3 and pick up a pair for only $55.99.

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