- Help
- Google+
SAVE UP TO $50: As of March 6, preorder the new iPad 11th generation and iPad Air with M3 chip at Walmart and save up to $50. You can get the iPad Air with M3 chip with 512GB for just $849, saving $50, or the iPad 11th generation with 512GB for $614, saving $35.
iPad preorder deals Best iPad deal Apple iPad, 11th generation (A16 chip, WiFi, 128GB) $329 at Walmart (Save $20) Get Deal Best iPad Air deal Apple iPad, 11-inch (M3 chip, WiFi, 128GB) $559 at Walmart (Save $40) Get DealLess than a year after the debut of the iPad Air with M2 chip, Apple is revamping the tablet. As announced on March 4, a new iPad Air is coming this month, and it's loaded with the M3 chip. It's upgraded to support Apple Intelligence, preloaded with access to ChatGPT that can be pulled up within apps rather than in a separate window.
Plus, the base iPad model is finally getting an upgrade after three years. The Apple iPad 11th generation now comes with the A16 chip, and is the most affordable model in the line-up.
Both new iPads are available for preorder now and will ship out on March 12. However, Walmart is offering the best preorder deal that we've seen on these new iPad models.
Right now, the latest tablets from Apple are up to $50 off. The 11th generation iPad, which starts at $349 for the 128GB model, is listed for $329 at Walmart. That saves you $20 for about 6% off. However if you upgrade to the 512GB model, the dollar savings get even bigger. Normally $649, the 512GB model is $35 off, down to $614.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11th generation (A16 chip, WiFi, 128GB) $329.00 at WalmartThe savings on the iPad Air are a little bit sweeter. The 11-inch and 128GB model is usually priced at $599, but at Walmart it's $40 off, bringing it down to $559. That provides savings of a little less than 7%. If you want to splurge on the 512GB model of the iPad Air, you can save $50. Normally $899, it's down to $849 for about 6% off.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 11-inch (M3 chip, WiFi, 128GB) $559.00 at WalmartShop both models at Walmart now and get the latest iPads from Apple when they ship out on March 12.
Gambling content is seemingly everywhere on the internet today. Even viral videos completely unrelated to betting or casinos now sport advertisements for gambling websites. YouTube is now cracking down on some of that gambling content.
In an update to YouTube policies this week, the video giant announced that it is "strengthening our existing policies related to online gambling content" in order to "protect viewers from potentially harmful content."
The biggest change to YouTube's policies regarding gambling includes a new age restriction. YouTube's new policy states that online gambling content will not be viewable by signed-out viewers or signed-in users under the age of 18. YouTube has carved out two exceptions to this rule, stating that online sports betting content and content depicting in-person gambling will not be subject to the policy.
SEE ALSO: Legal gambling has kind of ruined sportsGambling videos on the platform were already unable to promote gambling websites or apps unless those third-party gambling sites had been certified by Google. Online gambling platforms that are certified by Google have been required to meet local legal requirements to ensure that they comply with the law.
According to YouTube, that rule is now being expanded to ban creators from sending viewers to gambling-related "URLs, links embedded in images or text, visual displays (incl. logos) or verbal references" unless they have been certified by Google.
Additionally, any gambling content that promises viewers "guaranteed returns" may be removed by the company, even if the gambling platform being promoted has been certified by Google.
As online gambling continues to grow, so does online gambling content from creators looking to cash in on sponsorships and affiliate programs. With these new updated rules, YouTube appears to be trying to force creators and itself to be at least a little bit more responsible with what they promote to their viewers.
These new gambling content rules go into effect on YouTube as of March 19.
SAVE $50: As of March 6, get $50 off the Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) at Best Buy as a paid My Best Buy Member. Both Plus and Total members are eligible for this discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $1,149.00 at Best BuyIf you're ready to upgrade to the new M4 MacBook Air that's set to debut next week, you're going to want to shop at Best Buy. You can save some cash on the model that isn't even out yet, which isn't something you want to pass up on when the laptop is already quite pricey in its own right. And if you're a part of a paid My Best Buy rewards program, you're entitled to the discount before the Macs even hit store shelves.
As of March 6, get $50 off the Apple MacBook Air (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) at Best Buy. You must be a My Best Buy Plus or Total member to get this discount. That brings the price down from $1,199 to $1,149 after your $50 in savings. To use this discount, just make sure you're logged in to your account and add the MacBook to your cart, as it will automatically be applied.
SEE ALSO: Here's what you need to know about preordering the new M4 Apple MacBook AirThis new M4 MacBook Air is a significantly zippier option than its predecessors, with 16GB of RAM under the hood and a 512GB SSD to make sure you've got plenty of space for your files and everything else. Plus, it's brand spanking new, and it comes in four different colors: Sky Blue, Silver, Starlight, and Midnight.
If you've been planning on grabbing the new MacBook, this is a great excuse to go ahead and lock in your preorder.
SAVE $110.04: As of March 6, get the Ninja Foodi Indoor Grill for $169.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279.99. That's a discount of 39%.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill $169.95 at AmazonIf you spend a lot of time in the kitchen, you're likely more than aware of how much prep work you might have to do for a particular dish. And beyond that, how many gadgets you have to use to make it a reality. Space is at a premium for many of us when it comes to the kitchen as it is, so having an all-in-one option that can handle everything you need at once can be super useful.
As of March 6, get the Ninja Foodi Smart XL Grill for $169.95 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $279.99. That's a discount of 39%.
This 6-in-1 grill lets you air fry, roast, bake, broil, and dehydrate. It also comes with a special temperature probe so you can make sure everything is cooked to your specifications and that any meats you're heating up get to a safe temperature. It has 4 protein settings and 9 doneness levels you can set so it doesn't matter if you like your burgers medium rare or cooked to a crisp, you can enjoy a tasty meal.
The grill also has a smoke control system, grill grate, splatter shield, and a ceramic-coated exterior that you can remove for easier cleaning. It's all conducive to making cooking easier and quicker, and at this price, it's a no-brainer if you enjoy making homemade meals.
SAVE $160: The Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Bluetooth speaker is on sale for just $139.99, down from the usual price of $299.99. That's a 53% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Bang & Olufsen Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Bluetooth speaker $139.99 at WootWe have an overwhelming number of options when it comes to choosing a portable Bluetooth speaker. For most of us, we're shopping for a speaker that offers solid sound quality, doesn't come with an eye-watering price tag, and won't quit working if it gets splashed at the pool. If you're in this camp too, check out this impressive deal.
As of March 6, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 Bluetooth speaker is on sale at Woot for just $139.99, marked down from the usual price of $299.99. That means you'll save $160 with the 53% discount.
SEE ALSO: Listen up! Grab Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds for $80 off at Amazon.It's a rare sight to see a 53% discount on a premium Bang & Olufsen product. The brand designed the portable Beosound A1 with the Bang & Olufsen signature sound but in a compact Bluetooth speaker that's ready for any adventure.
It's waterproof and dust-resistant, which means the Beosound is prepared to head to the pool, beach, the lake, or the shower. With a full charge, the speaker can get up to 18 hours of playtime, making it extra friendly for adventures.
In the Bang & Olufsen app, you'll be able to have full control of the sound by customizing your preferences with Beosonic Tuning.
Before spring and summer weather lead us outside, snag a worthy Bluetooth speaker at Woot thanks to this awesome deal. At 53% off, the Bang & Olufsen Beosound A1 can be your summer bestie, keeping you entertained with the best playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts. Since Woot sales tend to sell out, it's worth jumping on this one quickly.
It may just be a random Thursday in March, but that doesn't mean you can't find good deals. You just have to do a little bit more digging. On March 6, we've got our eyes on a few standout deals from Apple, Bose, Shark, and Samsung.
If you're looking to do a little bit of sale shopping, here are our picks for the best Amazon deals of the day. If none of these are your cup of tea, be sure to check out our picks from March 4 and March 5. Many of those are still live, including an Apple M4 iPad Pro at its best price ever and an Anker Zolo power bank for half price.
Our top pick: Apple iPad (10th gen) Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 10th generation (64GB, WiFi) $269.00 at AmazonNow that a brand-new iPad has dropped (available for preorder), it's no surprise we're seeing deals on the previous 10th generation model. As of March 6, the 64GB, WiFi version is down to just $269 at Amazon after chilling at $279 for a couple weeks. While not its lowest price ever, that's 23% in savings and the lowest price so far this year. Still a great entry-level iPad, it packs the A14 Bionic chip, a 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display, a landscape camera layout that makes video calls look better, and upgraded stereo speakers for sound quality improvement. Mashable Shopping Reporter Sam Mangino writes, "It's perfect for someone who wants a portable screen for streaming, playing games, and reading. It's also a nice choice if you're interested in using your tablet as a laptop but don't want to spend a ton of money."
Bose TV Speaker Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose TV Speaker $219.00 at AmazonBuilt-in TV speakers are hardly something to write home about. If you're looking to make your sound match your picture quality, we highly recommend adding a soundbar. The Bose TV Speaker is a great introductory option that adds serious sound in a small, but mighty package. It delivers a balanced and natural-sounding spatial audio experience while enhancing dialogue for clarity. Better yet, you can get it set up in minutes with a simple plug-and-play design. Usually $279, it's on sale at Amazon for just $219 as of March 6. That's 22% in savings.
Shark FlexStyle Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark FlexStyle $249.99 at AmazonThe Shark FlexStyle isn't just our favorite Dyson Airwrap dupe; we actually prefer it to the outrageously expensive hot air multistyler. As of March 6, you can get the FlexStyle for all hair types for just $249.99 instead of $319.99. That's 22% in savings. It includes six attachments: two auto-wrap curlers, oval brush, paddle brush, curl-defining diffuser, and styling concentrator. If you're looking for the best damage-free drying and styling system on the market, the FlexStyle is the way to go — especially while it's on sale.
Samsung 32-inch M8 smart monitor Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-inch M8 smart monitor $399.99 at AmazonSo long as you have a sturdy internet connection, Samsung's M8 smart monitor can work double duty as a brilliant 32-inch TV. It features built-in streaming apps like Netflix and YouTube, allows you to browse the internet sans computer, and even work on documents. The M8 is a step up from the M7, which we tested and loved, boasting a brighter screen, optimized text clarity, and a removable webcam. We don't love its retail price of $699.99, but as of March 6, it's down to just $399.99. That's 43% in savings and just $20 shy of its best price ever.
None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.
GET A FREE YETI YONDER WATER BOTTLE WITH $100 PURCHASE: To celebrate Member Month, REI is offering members a free 25-ounce Yeti Yonder water bottle ($25 value) to those who spend $100 or more in-store on Sunday, March 9, while supplies last.
Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Yonder water bottle (25 ounces) at REIWe have plenty of memberships these days. There's Amazon Prime, Netflix, HBO Max, Instacart, the gym, and an overwhelming number of others. These all come with a monthly or yearly fee, and those prices seem to rise far too often. However, one membership we like comes with a single fee that gets you a lifelong membership, and it comes with plenty of perks. Below is a solid case in point of why it pays to be part of the REI Co-op.
REI is gearing up to celebrate Member Month and on offer is a free 25-ounce Yeti Yonder water bottle to all members who spend $100 or more in-store on Sunday, March 9. The Yeti water bottle typically costs $25, but it'll be free while supplies last. Of course, you'll need to be an REI Co-op member to cash in on this deal, which costs $30 for a lifetime membership.
Hydration is a key to success, but keeping up with water consumption can seem like a never-ending task. Yeti makes it a bit more fun, and the Yonder bottle comes with a nice 25-ounce capacity. The shatter-resistant Tritan plastic means this puppy is durable and won't mind getting dropped. Of course, it's a BPA-free material. The lid is also leakproof, so this water bottle is a great option for tossing in your carry-on bag, the gym bag, or a tote for the office.
SEE ALSO: Take up to 40% off on bicycles at REI and prep for summer ridesSince the REI membership costs $30 and the Yeti Yonder water bottle comes in at $25, signing up for a membership now and cashing in on the free bottle makes the membership close to free. Of course, you'll need to spend $100 in-store on Sunday to get this deal, but we don't think that'll be an issue once you step inside the outdoor-adventure wonderland that is REI.
Rearrange your weekend plans to include a trip to REI on Sunday, March 9 when members can snag a free Yeti Yonder water bottle when spending $100 or more on an in-store purchase. Supplies could run out, so this might be best as a Sunday morning adventure.
Love playing armchair detective and theorizing about TV shows? Then brace yourself for the upcoming interactive series Dreamcrusher, which will give one viewer a $100,000 reward for solving the show's central mystery.
SEE ALSO: 2025 TV preview: All the TV shows you need to know, and where to stream themCreated and directed by Gavin Michael Booth (Blumhouse short Fifteen, Last Call), Dreamcrusher invites viewers into the final hours of rising pop star Gwyn (Brittany Charlotte Smith), who's about to release her latest album, Dreamcrusher. But what should be a major career milestone takes a bloody turn when Gwyn is found dead on the day of Dreamcrusher's release. Now, it's up to detectives — and that includes the viewers! — to solve the murder and get justice for Gwyn. For the audience, that means pairing clues hidden within each episode with bonus clues planted in the real world. If you crack the case, you'll be entered for a chance to win the $100,000 reward.
Dreamcrusher is the first scripted series on free streaming service Reveel. It is also the first in the Reward anthology, which promises viewers prizes for solving on-screen mysteries. Viewers can sign up to be investigators on the Reward website.
"As someone who loves murder mystery series and true crime podcasts, it was a thrill to build the world of Dreamcrusher," Booth told Mashable in a statement. "Creating Reward meant constantly thinking outside of the box, which is where I feel most alive as a storyteller, and I believe our cast and crew have created something truly unique for a streaming audience. I'm equally thrilled that the series' release is finally around the corner and we get to share Dreamcrusher with the world!"
Check out the trailer above to learn more about what to expect from Dreamcrusher.
For many a movie lover, the promise of the ever-elegant Cate Blanchett and the ruthlessly debonair Michael Fassbender co-starring as spies should be enough to cough up ticket money. That's a powerful pairing of performers who are very well-suited to the sleek and sexy subgenre of espionage thriller. But props to director Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp for subverting expectations with the distinctly exciting Black Bag.
As they have with the psychological thriller Kimi and the mysterious haunted house movie Presence, this terrific pairing of writer and director has cherry-picked elements of a genre, without submitting to its expectations.
In this case, Black Bag will satisfy spy fans who demand a cast of suave rogues, sexual allure, intense interrogations, exotic globe-trekking, dubious allies, and a powerful MacGuffin that must be kept out of dangerous hands. However, what makes Black Bag a sensational standout is the husband and wife at the heart of it.
Black Bag is a sexy, smart, and cool movie about marriage. Seriously. Credit: Claudette Barius / Focus FeaturesIn movies and TV, marriage is often painted as the death of excitement. Romance-centered comedies frequently end in marriage, suggesting the story of the young lovers is essentially over as soon as they settle down. In dramas or thrillers, marriage is usually only of interest if it is under threat by infidelity, divorce, or murder. But Koepp finds a unique way to explore the thrills of marriage through the spy angle.
Fassbender and Blanchett star as George and Kathryn Woodhouse, a married couple who are not only spies but also a subject of envy and awe in their circle of colleagues because of their "flagrant monogamy."
From their first shared scene together, Fassbender and Blanchett capture this almost egregiously functional marriage by displaying an easy intimacy — but not a dull one. Their hunger for each other is apparent in the steady but intense way George watches her undress; she smiles at his continued attention as she drops her silky clothing to the floor. Where he is stiff and buttoned-up, she is fluid and unbound. They are an odd couple that really clicks, not by chance but by mutual appreciation for each other's quirks. So when a secret mission threatens to come between them, the tension comes less from the potentially catastrophic loss of life and more from the possible ruination of this successful marriage, riddled with steaminess, shared history, and secrets.
Black Bag is a spy movie for grown-ups. Credit: Claudette Barius / Focus FeaturesUnlike the movie Mr. & Mrs. Smith, this married couple knows each other are spies, and as such, that each carries secrets that must be kept from the other. Their code word for "I can't talk about that" is simply "black bag." But how do you build a romantic relationship of trust when lies are part of your business?
This is the crux of Black Bag, as George is assigned to investigate Kathryn, and whether or not she has turned traitor by stealing the aforementioned deadly doodad. In an unconventional move that plays perfectly to Koepp and Soderbergh's strengths as storytellers, George's first move in his mission is to invite Kathryn and the other four suspects over for a dinner party. Their guests just happen to be a pair of young, hot-blooded couples who all met at the agency. While the main plot is George tracking down the traitor, the subplot focuses on these three romantic relationships, and how each copes with the pressures of each other's secrets.
Explosions, chases, and subterfuge will all play a part in Black Bag, satisfying some genre expectations. But the biggest thrills come from George, in his even-handed, almost monotone delivery, slyly pushing his guests' buttons to see who will blow up. This becomes not just one deliciously manipulative dinner scene but a trio of sequences set across tables, each amping up the stakes and suspense as George toys with his prey.
A crackling supporting cast adds to Black Bag's shine.As one might expect. Blanchett is a vision as a sophisticated spy who can wear a silk gown with the same grace she can curse out a workplace antagonist. Fassbender is her perfect scene partner, playing a foil to her slinking certainty with a firm but not wooden resolve. Though outwardly austere, he projects an intensity of thought so rigorous, you can practically hear the gears churning in his mind.
To this dynamic, the supporting ensemble of Marisa Abela, Tom Burke, Naomie Harris, and Regé-Jean Page are sublime additions. Playing peers and rivals, Burke carries a world-weary swagger as an agent battling his demons, while Page has a dashing carriage and a sharp tongue. Harris, who portrays the agency's in-house therapist, oozes with intellect but appears weighed down by the burden of dealing with clients trained to lie expertly. Then there's Abela.
The youngest and greenest of this spy group, her character is a technician who still finds the spy game a romantic thrill, even when the realities hit her like a knife to the heart. She's the sharpest contrast to the others, as they all have varying degrees of a cool facade. She's a gorgeous nerd who craves a life of excitement and love, and she looks desperately to George for guidance on how to achieve both. But how that plays out is not by the book.
A terrifically in-tune cast brings together Koepp's rigorous dialogue with a vicious veracity and vulnerability. Soderbergh smartly embraces an almost chilly visual aesthetic, similar to Kimi's, which reflects the atmosphere at an agency where lovers are pitted against each other. The cool color palette and static camera angles make the sizzling performances practically explode off the screen, whether characters are fighting, flirting, or going in for the kill — metaphorical or literal.
In the end, Black Bag comes together cleanly and compellingly, offering an engaging spy thriller that's about much more than global dynamics or stealthy stunt scenes. At its core, it's a story of two people who are still madly in love and fighting for each other. That gives Black Bag an edge. Koepp and Soderbergh have built a rare movie marriage that's exciting because its spouses still excite each other, and yeah, they're also spies.
As soon as Black Bag was over, I felt that dizzying high one gets from a proper spy thriller, the rush of vicarious adrenaline from the case cracked and the day saved. But I also had the deep urge to see this movie again immediately. Because as generous as the filmmaker and stars are with slathering this story in George and Kathryn's mutual attraction, I couldn't get enough. I wanted to go back to feel the thrill of their love for each other all over again.
While most existing 'flying cars' resemble helicopters, U.S. company Alef Aeronautics’ flying prototype is designed to look like a real car. It's an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicle, which means that, similarly to a drone or a helicopter, the car can launch vertically using electric power, as opposed to an airplane, which needs a long runway to take off.
The company claims that the vehicle, whose current model only fits one passenger, can fly in all directions. The car has undergone a number of tests so far, one of which was witnessed by NBC News, though the news outlet notes that those present didn’t see a driver enter or exit the vehicle. The flying car can also be driven on roads, though it is classified as a Low Speed Vehicle (LSV) and it only goes as fast as 25 miles per hour.
According to Alef, there have been over 3,200 preorders of the $299,999 car so far, and the company expects to enter mass production within the next year. We’re yet to see if Alef will manage to turn science fiction into reality, and what flying car regulations will look like in the near future.
SAVE $100: As of March 6, the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) is on sale at Best Buy for $399. That's 20% off its list price of $499.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro Chip) $399.00 at Best BuyA new iPad and iPad Air may be coming down the pipeline later this year, but if you've had your eyes set on the iPad mini, we've got good news. The tiny but mighty tablet is on sale right now at Best Buy, so you can scoop it up for $100 off its list price.
This has dropped the price of the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) from $499 to $399. On top of that nice little discount, your purchase also comes with bonus offers to kickstart your journey with this new tablet: 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, up to three months of Apple Arcade for free 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: Here's what you need to know about preordering the new M4 Apple MacBook AirAlongside its smaller 8.3-inch size that's perfect for taking on the go, the iPad mini boasts a vibrant Liquid Retina display and powerful performance with the A17 Pro chip. In our review, Mashable's Stan Schroeder says that, "If you're new to the iPad, and you want the most compact one around (or any compact tablet), the new iPad mini 7 is the best choice."
We also consider it the best iPad for reading in our roundup of the best iPads, noting "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."
This deal is worth taking advantage of while it's still live. Don't miss out on $100 off the Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro, WiFi, 128GB) at Best Buy.
There are a few more Apple deals floating around right now that are also worth a look. The Apple Magic Keyboard is currently enjoying over $80 off at Amazon and the AirPods Pro 2 are $50 off there as well.
A new working paper from various university researchers suggests that age-verification laws aren't effective.
Age-verification laws differ by state, but typically require visitors of websites with over a third of explicit content to submit ID as proof of age. Forms of ID can range from a digital ID to facial recognition. Since 2022, 19 states have passed age-verification laws, all of which are in effect except Georgia's, which will be in effect as of July 1.
SEE ALSO: All the states Pornhub is blocked in as of January 1In January, the Supreme Court heard a case about age verification, Free Speech Coalition v. Paxton. Its decision, which will likely come this summer, will impact current and future age-verification laws.
Free speech and digital privacy experts agree that children shouldn't have access to porn, but have told Mashable since 2023 that age-verification laws won't work for that aim. Among other reasons, some porn sites that are not U.S.-based may not feel the need to comply with the law, and people can use VPNs to pretend like they're in another location.
Now, researchers from New York University's Center for Social Media & Politics and several other universities looking into whether these laws impact search behavior have found the same thing.
Research suggests age-verification laws don't workThrough analyzing Google Trends data, researchers found a 46.6 percent traffic reduction of searches to Pornhub, the biggest platform compliant with the laws. Pornhub has blocked most states with age-verification laws because of the burden of complying to the laws. In Louisiana, where Pornhub still operates while complying, traffic has dropped 80 percent, its parent company Aylo confirmed to Mashable. (Pornhub continues to operate in Louisana because the state has a digital ID that is fairly commonly used, called LA Wallet.)
While searches for Pornhub dropped in these states, researchers saw a 48.1 percent increase in searches for a large non-compliant platform, XVideos (which didn't respond to Mashable's request for comment), and a 23.6 percent increase in searches for VPNs. This occurred in the states with age-verification laws on a rolling timeline based on when the laws were enacted.
This shows that when it comes to internet regulation that primarily tries to impact access, there are unintended consequences, said Zeve Sanderson, co-author and executive director of the NYU Center for Social Media & Politics, in an interview with Mashable. One is the substitution effect, which undermines the potential efficacy of the policies. This is seen here with explicit websites, but was also evidenced by TikTokkers flocking to RedNote when TikTok users thought the ban was imminent.
"In Louisiana last year, Pornhub was one of the few sites to comply with the new law. Since then, our traffic in Louisiana dropped approximately 80 percent. These people did not stop looking for porn," Aylo told Mashable in an emailed statement. "They just migrated to darker corners of the internet that don't ask users to verify age, that don't follow the law, that don't take user safety seriously, and that often don't even moderate content. In practice, the laws have just made the internet more dangerous for adults and children."
Aylo stated that it has publicly supported age verification, but the way many jurisdictions have chosen to implement it is "ineffective, haphazard, and dangerous." It pointed to the safety and privacy risk of requiring websites to collect a large amount of highly sensitive personal information (from people's names to the content they consume). Like free speech advocates Mashable has previously spoken to, Aylo stated the best solution to prevent children from seeing explicit content is device-level filters.
Studying search trends for porn sitesResearchers used a method called synthetic control to analyze the Trends results. Basically, they created a "digital twin," or synthetic version of the state to show what could've happened if the state had not passed these laws. To make sure their results were robust, they also used a multiverse analysis and adjusted the dates they used. Their results held.
As the authors explain in the paper, though, there are some limitations to using Google Trends to measure policy efficacy. For one, Google Trends data doesn't measure website visits or actual web traffic. It also can't account for actions like typing in a URL on a browser and going to a website directly.
Researchers were also unable to differentiate search results by age, which is the main component of these laws. The question of whether these laws are impacting minors' behavior is probably unanswerable, however, because of ethical and legal concerns of exposing minors to explicit content.
Google Trends does measure search behavior, and previous research cited in the paper confirms that it is reliable for tracking population-level behavioral patterns. These researchers also conducted a correlation analysis and found a strong correlation between Google Trends volume and actual Pornhub and XVideos traffic data from SimilarWeb.
The study has yet to be peer-reviewed or published in a journal, but the authors wanted to publish it as a working paper now because the Supreme Court decision still hasn't come down and because states continue to debate this topic, Sanderson said.
"Given how quickly this regulatory space is moving, we wanted to be able to contribute to it when it was most meaningful, not on the timeline of journal publication," he continued. The results will be updated once SCOTUS makes its ruling.
For now, however, these initial findings propose that, as experts warned, age-verification laws don't achieve their intended purpose.
This "first large-scale empirical analysis of these of these laws suggests that they're likely not reaching their stated goals," Sanderson said, "and if anything, could be incentivizing riskier behavior."
SAVE $160: As of March 6, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra smartwatch is on sale at Best Buy for $489.99. That's 24% off its list price of $649.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra $489.99 at Best BuyIf you're not an Apple user and looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with your active lifestyle, the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is the one to go for. This smartwatch is built for the ultimate outdoor adventurers, boasting a rugged build and plenty of features to keep you on top of your goals. While it normally retails for $649.99, you can actually score a nice discount on it right now at Best Buy.
The retailer has dropped the price of the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra down to $489.99, saving you $160 overall. All available colors are discounted as well, so you can save on the titanium silver model with a dark gray marine band, the titanium gray model with a orange marine band, the titanium white model with a white marine band, and the titanium gray model with a dark gray marine band.
SEE ALSO: The best smartwatch for every wristAlongside a durable design that's built to withstand any adventure you embark on, this smartwatch offers plenty of health and fitness features to keep you updated. This includes an Energy Score that shows you how ready you are to take on the day based on insights from the day before. Our hands-on review also notes that, "It can reportedly handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments."
In our comparison of Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra, Mashable's Stan Schroeder also says that, "When it comes to fitness tracking, Samsung's new watch offers Heart Rate Zones, allowing you to keep precise track of whether your workout has crossed that anaerobic threshold. The Race feature lets you compete against yourself. Cyclers will appreciate the new Functional Threshold Power Test, which helps you figure out your max power on the bike."
If you've been on the hunt for a smartwatch upgrade, this deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is something to carefully consider.
If you'd prefer to see what Apple has going on right now instead, some of their smartwatches are discounted as well. The Apple Watch Series 10 is $70 off at Amazon and the Apple Watch SE 2 is $50 off at Amazon.
If you want to feel very old, just watch this clip of Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt talking about '90s technology.
To promote their upcoming Netflix film The Electric State, the video sees Pratt explaining everything from a tape recorder to an answering machine to a mildly baffled Brown, whose reactions fall somewhere between confused ("You can't see yourself?" she says about a Polaroid camera) and appalled ("You can't send a text on that!").
She is a fan of the classic Walkman, though.
NASA and the Italian Space Agency say they have broken the record for the farthest detection of Earth-based navigation signals from 243,000 miles away in space.
The test was among 10 experiments the U.S. space agency sent aboard the Blue Ghost moon lander, a private spacecraft built by Texas-based Firefly Aerospace. The uncrewed robotic lander softly touched down on the moon on March 2. A few hours after that landing, the receiver picked up and tracked signals again from the lunar surface — a first-time achievement.
Called Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment, or LuGRE, the demonstration has proven that a spacecraft on the moon or flying in lunar orbit could detect GPS and other navigation signals from Earth. This breakthrough could make future Artemis missions easier, allowing spaceships carrying astronauts to independently determine their location and speed as they approach the moon.
"This is a very exciting discovery for lunar navigation," said Kevin Coggins, deputy associate administrator for NASA’s Space Communications and Navigation Program, in a statement, "and we hope to leverage this capability for future missions."
SEE ALSO: NASA is back in the moon business. Here's what that means. Engineers examine Lunar GNSS Receiver Experiment, or LuGRE, hardware in a clean room. Credit: Firefly AerospaceFor the general public, it may seem odd that spacecraft continue to crash or keel over on the lunar surface, though the first soft moon landing occurred six decades ago. But landing on the moon remains onerous. The moon's exosphere provides virtually no drag to slow a spacecraft down. And there's the fact that everything is about six times tippier there than on Earth. Furthermore, there are no GPS systems on or around the moon to help guide a ship to its landing spot, which could be riddled with treacherous craters.
Normally, engineers track spacecraft using signals from stations on Earth, along with sensors on the spacecraft themselves. The LuGRE experiment has shown that future landings might not require as much reliance on people in mission control if distant spacecraft can use Earth's navigation signals autonomously.
These navigation signals refer to radio signals sent from satellites in Earth’s Global Navigation Satellite System, which includes GPS used in the United States and Galileo, a similar system used in Europe. The signals contain information about a satellite’s location and the exact time it was sent. Smartphones, cars, and airplanes receive these signals, and the directions they provide have become an indispensable part of everyday life.
The Earth-orbiting satellites don't just send signals straight down to the ground but far into space. The question was just how far they could reach and still be helpful. The previous record holder for signal acquisition was 209,900 miles from Earth, a feat achieved by NASA’s Magnetospheric Multiscale Mission.
Given that the signals are significantly weaker at a quarter-million miles from Earth — and come from satellites that weren’t designed for lunar navigation — they aren’t a permanent solution for the problem. In the future, a system of satellites orbiting the moon could provide stronger and more reliable navigation service.
But for now, engineers are excited about the advancement and what it could mean for a potential lunar economy. Mining for lunar water alone could be a $206 billion industry over the next 30 years, according to Watts, Griffis, and McOuat, a geological and mining consulting firm. In order for the space between Earth and the moon to host such an industry, though, navigation improvements are critical.
The LuGRE experiment was a team effort between NASA, its Italian counterpart, and some industry groups, including Qascom and Politecnico di Torino. The receiver was the first Italian-built hardware to operate on the moon, and the study won't just benefit the United States and Italy, but anyone headed to the moon. The partners intend to make their data public.
"A project like LuGRE isn’t about NASA alone," said Lauren Konitzer, a NASA navigation and mission design engineer, in a statement. "We’re sharing our discoveries with the world."
SAVE $200: As of March 6, the 55-inch LG C4 OLED evo 4K TV is on sale at Best Buy for $1,199.99. That's 14% off its list price of $1,399.99.
Opens in a new window Credit: LG LG 55-Inch Class C4 Series OLED evo 4K UHD TV (2024) $1,199.99 at Best BuyIf you're someone who loves a good movie night or getting lost in a new game for hours, it's important to have a TV that can keep up with your favorite activities. The LG C4 OLED evo 4K TV is one of the best options available at the moment — personally, I'm a big fan of it — and you can even score it at a discount right now at Best Buy.
The 55-inch LG C4 OLED evo 4K TV has been marked down to $1,199.99 from its list price of $1,399.99, saving you $200. That's a great deal to take advantage of if you've been looking for an upgrade.
SEE ALSO: The best 4K TVs in 2025The LG C4 boasts a sleek, slim design that blends in well with a living space, but its display is where it truly shines. The OLED display and 4K resolution provides a vibrant, smooth, and crystal clear picture that will make all of your favorite shows, films, and games pop. As someone who recently jumped back into Elden Ring on this TV, I can confirm that the picture quality is stunning. It also has Dolby Vision, Dolby Atmos, and Filmmaker Mode that bring the cinematic experience into your own home, offering a nice little treat for your eyes and ears.
Don't miss out on $200 off the LG C4 OLED evo 4K TV at Best Buy.
If you're searching around for other TV deals, there are a few more that are worth checking out right now. Also at Best Buy, you can save $200 on a 75-inch TCL QLED TV, and over at Amazon, you can save over $100 on a huge 86-inch LG QNED TV.
SAVE $10: As of March 6, the Amazon Fire TV Stick HD is on sale for $24.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 29% on the list price.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Stick HD $24.99 at AmazonAmazon's Fire Stick is one of the retailer's most beloved devices. With next to no effort, and usually a very low price, you can turn your TV into a smart TV, without having to spend hundreds of dollars on an upgrade.
And as of March 6, you can get one for under $25. The newest model of the Fire Stick HD is currently on sale at Amazon, now just $24.99.
SEE ALSO: Save over $80 on the Apple Magic Keyboard at AmazonIf you've not heard of a Fire Stick before, it's a streaming device that plugs into your TV (or laptop) and lets you access a bunch of streaming platforms including Prime Video, Netflix, Hulu, and more. It can even store apps and allow you to search the web. It comes with a remote with Alexa built-in, so you can use voice controls to search through multiple platforms at once to find your favorite movie or comfort show or to ask obscure questions you need to be looked up online.
And let's not forget, with this specific Fire Stick, you'll be enjoying all your favorite shows in beautiful HD quality.
There's no over-the-top setup to worry about either. The device pops into your TV's HDMI port, and that's it. You're ready to go with instant access to streaming platforms as well as many live channels.
This deal won't stick around for long, so head to Amazon now to save.
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...
Boston's most important responders: Bostonians The people of Boston are to be congratulated for being...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
Digital Privacy: A Catch 22 Mobility, convenience, accessibility and real-...
Take a New York Minute to Review Your Recovery Plan Don Henley is right: everything can change in a New York...
3 Values Your Business Continuity Plan Should Have Your business lives with risk every day from competitors...
I Lost all of my Photos In every disaster I have ever responded to from here to...