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Oracle’s Role in TikTok’s Future Gets Capitol Hill Scrutiny

NYT Technology - 2 hours 4 min ago
Top congressional staffers met with Oracle on Tuesday to talk about TikTok, which faces a ban in the United States unless it is sold to a non-Chinese owner by early April.

Stranded NASA astronauts touch down, plucked from ocean

Mashable - 3 hours 16 min ago

The much-anticipated return of stranded NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore from the International Space Station went off without a hitch.

Williams and Wilmore flew home from the ISS along with astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov, splashing down off the coast of Tallahassee, Florida just before 6 p.m. ET today. The weather was crystal clear and the Atlantic Ocean described as "glass-like" by NASA's live feed on X.

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Speed boats raced to the capsule after the splashdown of the Dragon capsule that carried SpaceX's Crew-9. NASA officials then climbed aboard the Dragon to check on the four astronauts as dolphins swam nearby (visible at the 1:33 mark on NASA's live feed). After a quick check, the capsule was hoisted onto a larger boat, the Megan, and then hosed down to wash off corrosive sea water.

The hatch was quickly opened and Commander Nick Hague was the first to be extracted from the Dragon, followed by Gorbunov, Williams, and Wilmore. Less than an hour after splashdown, all astronauts were extracted and loaded onto stretchers as their muscles needed time to adjust to Earth's gravity.

The return of SpaceX's Crew-9 was notable for many reasons, but the most significant was the fact that Williams and Wilmore were returning to Earth after their initial ISS trip of eight days turned into 286 days, or over nine months, thanks to their Boeing Starliner ship experiencing propulsion problems during their arrival last June.

NASA will provide the media with more updates on Williams, Wilmore, Hague and Gorbunov at a press conference scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET.

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

Trump Fires Democrats on Federal Trade Commission

NYT Technology - 5 hours 25 min ago
The decision to fire the two Democratic members of the traditionally independent regulatory body is likely to face a legal challenge.

The popular VPN Surfshark is currently 84% off

Mashable - 5 hours 43 min ago

TL;DR: Get protection and speed with a three-year Surfshark VPN subscription for A$106 with code SURF20, an 84% savings as of today.

Opens in a new window Credit: Surfshark Surfshark VPN Starter Plan: 3-Yr Subscription AU$106
AU$679 Save AU$573 Use code 'SURF20' Get Deal

Whether you're a remote worker regularly using public WiFi networks, a gamer who stays connected 24/7, or just an average Netflix binger, your private data is vulnerable to trackers and hackers every time you sign online. How else would targeted ads match that bizarre product you and your friends were just talking about? It's all good, though. You can easily block those prying eyes and protect your data with a virtual private network (VPN).

If you haven't already armed yourself with a VPN or you're not happy with the one you have, today's your lucky day. This three-year subscription to Surfshark VPN is currently on sale for over 80% off and offers all you need to stay safe online, and then some. It's one of the highest-rated VPNs on the market, earning an impressive 4.5 out of 5 stars on TechGadgetCentral and TechRadar and 8 out of 10 on The VPN Lab.

Check it out:

Why do people seem to love it so much? Well, for one thing, it protects not only your data but everyone in your family's data, thanks to an unlimited number of connections — something most VPNs do not offer. You, your family, and your friends can all enjoy connecting to over 500 torrent-friendly servers with an unlimited amount of data, no matter where on Earth you are. Plus, you never have to sacrifice your surfing speed for your security. You can enjoy content faster than before with optimized online streaming and unlimited bandwidth.

Surfshark also uses military-grade AES-256-GCM encryption to keep you completely secure and a CleanWeb ad, tracker, and malware blocker to boost your browsing freedom. That means you'll never be creeped out by targeted ads while you browse, stream, work, or play ever again.

While it's usually A$679 for a three-year subscription, you can sign up here for just A$106 using code SURF20 through 31 March and save 84%.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

10+ self-emptying robot vacuums on sale ahead of Amazons spring sale

Mashable - 6 hours 11 sec ago
A peek at the best early Amazon spring sale deals on self-emptying robot vacuums Budget pick Shark AI Ultra AV2511AE $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best self-emptying deal with self-washing and drying mopping padsa Roborock Qrevo Master $1,299.99 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal

Unless you're really trying to save space on the floor, there's little reason to not opt for a self-emptying robot vacuum these days. Automated vacuuming likely means more frequent vacuuming, and more frequent vacuuming means faster dustbin filling. And at this point, that shouldn't be your problem.

Automatic dustbin emptying has become such a mainstream robot vacuum feature that a ton of self-emptying robot vacs are solidly in the sub-$500 range — and even more models join that club when there's a big sale event. The latest one happens to line up perfectly with spring cleaning season: Amazon's second Big Spring Sale is happening between March 25 and March 31. And Amazon is extremely well-versed in robot vacuum deals.

SEE ALSO: iRobot just completely overhauled its lineup with 8 new Roombas for 2025

With multiple new record-low prices already popping up in the week before the sale starts, your budget could wind up covering even more convenience-related features than you originally expected — further minimizing the amount of time you spend doing maintenance-related tasks for the vacuum. If you're set on a robot vacuum that mops, many self-empty docks in the list below also have water tanks and fans for self-washing and drying of the mopping pads after each use.

I'm tracking the best deals on self-emptying robot vacuum deals ahead of Amazon's sale below. Note: Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Best self-emptying robot vacuum deal ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $600 Get Deal Why we like it

When my favorite robot vacuum from 2024 drops to a new record-low price, of course that's the deal I'm going to recommend. But the deal looks even better when put in context with a 2025 Roborock that I'm testing right now. Compared to the 2025 Saros 10R, which goes for $1,599.99, you'd be getting a premium Roborock from 2024 with almost all of the same features for half the price.

The Qrevo Master obviously empties its own dustbin, but it extends that automated maintenance to automatic mopping pad washing and drying (plus automatic water tank refills) in that same dock. In my experience, this self-sustaining mopping pad situation makes me way more likely to actually use the robot mop — because otherwise, I end up forgoing a mopping cycle all together because I don't feel like washing the dirty pad by hand all the time.

The Qrevo Master also brings home premium features like flexible corner and edge mopping, automatic mop lifting when carpet is sensed, and a livestream pet camera. Its 10,000 Pa of suction power isn't as juicy as the 20,000 Pa on the pricey Saros 10R, but it's still more powerful than most other vacuums in this list.

More self-emptying robot vacuums on saleRobot vacuums that mopRobot vacuums that don't mop

Headphones and speaker deals live ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: Save on Sony, Bose, Sonos, and more

Mashable - 6 hours 31 min ago
Best headphone and speaker deals ahead of Amazon's spring sale Best headphone deal Sennheiser Momentum 4 headphones $261.90 (Save $113.05) Get Deal Best earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra earbuds $219 (Save $80) Get Deal Best Bluetooth speaker deal JBL Charge 5 $119.95 (Save $60) Get Deal

It's confirmed: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just around the corner, and we've already got our eyes on the best headphones deals ahead of the official kick-off on March 25.

Though the sale itself focuses on more seasonally-centric items like grilling equipment and gardening supplies, last year we saw plenty of headphones and speakers deals go live during the week-long event. While we don't expect as dramatic markdowns as Amazon tends to offer during Prime Day or Black Friday, most of this sale is open to all shoppers — not just Prime members — making it a decent time to double-check your shopping list, whether you're in the market for a new TV or some Tile trackers.

SEE ALSO: The best laptop deals ahead of the Amazon Big Spring Sale — it's all about MacBooks so far

So far, we've seen price drops from most major brands, including Bose, Sony, Sennheiser, JBL, and Apple. We'll be updating this list as the sale draws nearer — we keep a close eye on the headphones and speaker markets year-round, so we'll only include deals that are legitimately harder to find.

Best headphones dealsBest earbuds dealsBest Bluetooth speaker deals

GM is teaming with Nvidia to produce fleet of self-driving vehicles

Mashable - 6 hours 53 min ago

At Nvidia’s annual GTC conference, CEO Jensen Huang announced during his keynote session that the company would be partnering with GM to supercharge the latter's autonomous vehicle and manufacturing operations with AI and cutting-edge chips.

GM will integrate Nvidia’s AI-powered computing systems into its next-gen vehicles, using the chipmaker’s Drive AGX platform — essentially an “AI brain” designed to boost advanced driver assistance features and autonomy, according to The Verge. But it’s not just about cars — Nvidia’s Omniverse 3D graphics platform will also help GM streamline its manufacturing processes with digital twins and virtual simulations.

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"AI not only optimizes manufacturing processes and accelerates virtual testing but also helps us build smarter vehicles while empowering our workforce to focus on craftsmanship," GM CEO Mary Barra said in a statement.

The partnership comes at a critical time for GM. The automaker has poured billions into autonomous tech with mixed results—most notably, the costly setbacks of its Cruise robotaxi division, which faced safety concerns and a major funding pullback. Now, instead of betting on a separate AV fleet, GM is shifting its focus to bringing self-driving capabilities to consumer vehicles.

For Nvidia, the deal marks another milestone in its growing push into the auto industry, which Huang sees as a trillion-dollar opportunity by 2028. With partnerships spanning Jaguar, Volvo, and Mercedes-Benz, the AI giant is making it clear: the future of driving runs on its chips.

Heres how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

Mashable - 7 hours 40 min ago

Baseball social media lit up after a jaw-dropping first-inning grab by Chicago Cubs shortstop Dansby Swanson during an international exhibition game against the Yomiuri Giants. But it wasn’t just the play — a routine yet athletic throw to first — that had fans talking. It was the surreal replay angle that followed.

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The broadcast showed an ultra-high-tech view of Swanson’s diving grab—so advanced that, for a moment, it seemed AI-generated. However, a Major League Baseball spokesperson offered a simpler explanation in an email to Mashable:

It’s a system called FreeViewpoint developed by Canon. It’s permanently installed in the Tokyo Dome with 160 cameras around the rim of the seating bowl. They essentially stitch video together to create these looks. It’s on the World Feed so every broadcaster will see these clips.

It's so good that fans are clamoring for more.

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200+ of the best Amazon deals live ahead of its Big Spring Sale, hand-picked by Mashables team of experts

Mashable - 7 hours 52 min ago
The best early Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Kindle deal Amazon Kindle Scribe Essentials Bundle $449.97 (save $60) Get Deal Best Apple deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $949 (save $50 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $349.99 (save $100) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds $219 (save $70) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal Roborock Qrevo Master $799.99 (save $600) Get Deal Best smart home deal TP-Link Tapo Smart Light Bulbs (2-pack) $14.98 (save $10.01) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler (40 ounces) $33.75 (save $11.25) Get Deal Best outdoor deal Coleman Montana Camping Tent (8-person) $164.99 (save $105) Get Deal Best book deal "Sunrise on the Reaping" by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.49) Get Deal

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

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

SEE ALSO: Amazon announces Big Spring Sale dates and deals: Everything you need to know

Need help sifting through the noise? Mashable's Shopping team is keeping track of the best deals available at Amazon ahead of the Big Spring Sale, and we'll continue to do so once the event is officially live. With eight years of experience covering Amazon's sales under our belts, we've developed a tried-and-true deal-hunting methodology to find hidden gems among the retailer's myriad listings. We cross-check prices with Amazon's competitors, track pricing trends, and vet products' value based on our hands-on testing, and we only recommend what's most worth buying. You can read more about our deals coverage here.

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

Best Kindle dealsBest Apple dealsAirPodsApple Watches

Apple Watch Series 10

Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen)

iPads

iPad

iPad Air

iPad Pro

MacBooks

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

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

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

Windows laptops

2-in-1 laptops

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

Inspired by nature, this robot morphs to overcome almost any obstacle

Mashable - 7 hours 58 min ago

GOAT is a shape-shifting robot designed to move across almost any terrain by changing its form in real time. It can switch between a flat, rover-like mode for driving and a spherical mode for rolling, saving energy and adapting to different environments. Inspired by animals, GOAT’s flexible design allows it to navigate obstacles without complex sensors, relying instead on simple navigation and its ability to work with the environment. With potential applications in disaster response, environmental monitoring, and even space exploration, GOAT represents a new approach to robotic movement.

The internet is mourning Forever 21

Mashable - 9 hours 5 min ago

Forever 21? More like Never 21, am I right, fellas?

According to CNBC, the fast-fashion company filed for bankruptcy protection for the second time in six years and plans to close all its U.S. stores. People online are devastated. It's the end of an era, and Forever 21 — and the internet — are blaming other fast-fashion retailers like Shein and Temu.

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In a court filing reported by CNBC, the company said Shein and Temu "materially and negatively impacted" Forever 21.

"Certain non-U.S. online retailers that compete with the Debtors, such as Temu and Shein, have taken advantage of this exemption and, therefore, have been able to pass significant savings onto consumers," Stephen Coulombe, the operating company’s co-chief restructuring officer, wrote, according to CNBC. "Consequently, retailers that must pay duties and tariffs to purchase product for their stores and warehouses in the United States, such as the Company, have been undercut."

Of course, despite Forever 21 blaming Shein and Temu, it is also fast fashion. All of these companies exploit labor, have disastrous effects on the climate, and encourage overconsumption. According to Business Insider, the average person bought 60 percent more clothing in 2014 than they did in 2000, but they kept the pieces half as long.

Greenpop reported that about 80 billion pieces of clothing are bought every year, a 400 percent increase from two decades ago. However, according to Human Rights Pulse, the vast majority of those pieces, around 85 percent, end up in landfills, leading to mass human rights violations.

The best power tool deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 9 hours 17 min ago

UPDATE: Mar. 18, 2025, 11:38 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest prices ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

The best power tool deals at Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Bosch power tool deals Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw $72.06 (save $56.94) Get Deal Best Dewalt power tool deals Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit $124 (save $115) Get Deal Best Cat power tool deals Caterpillar Cat 3.5A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool $118.99 (save $16) Get Deal

Home improvement isn't all sunshine and rainbows — without a superintendent, anything that breaks is yours to fix, whether that's with hired help or by yourself. If you prefer the latter method, you're going to need a decent lineup of power tools on hand to keep you prepared for any surprise issues.

It just so happens that a lot of cordless power tools are on sale at Amazon ahead of its Big Spring Sale, from cordless drills, to nail guns, to circular saws. We'll keep track of all of the best deals in the lead-up to and during the event; we've listed them out below so you can spend less time shopping, and more time planning your next home project.

Best Bosch power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Bosch Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw $72.06 at Amazon
$129 Save $56.94 Get Deal Why we like it

Need to cut down a door after fitting a new carpet? Perhaps your better half wants a new Pergola building just in time for BBQ season? This bad boy will cut through almost anything like butter, even Indian Stone. If you’re looking for a circular saw that can handle serious cuts without feeling like you’re lugging around a cinder block, Bosch has you covered. This beast packs a 15-amp motor that chews through wood like it’s nothing, delivering cuts up to 2-7/16 inches deep at 90 degrees. And at just 10.2 pounds, it won’t leave your arms feeling like jelly by the end of the job. The die-cast magnesium footplate is built for durability, while the high-strength magnesium upper guard keeps things light without sacrificing toughness. It also packs optimized sight lines for better accuracy, bevel louvers to clear dust, and even a saw hook so you’re not awkwardly balancing it between cuts.

Get the Bosch CS10 15 Amp Circular Saw for $72.06 at Amazon and save $59.94.

Best Dewalt power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Dewalt Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit $124 at Amazon
$239 Save $115 Get Deal Why we like it

This kit will cover nearly every drilling job, from dry walls to hard stone surfaces. The DCD771 drill packs a two-speed transmission (0-450 and 0-1500 RPM), so sinking screws and punching through tougher material is managed by the right level of power at the right time. With 300 unit watts out (UWO), it’s got enough muscle for a wide range of jobs, but its compact, lightweight design means you won’t be fighting to squeeze it into tight spaces. The 1/2-inch single-sleeve ratcheting chuck keeps bits locked in tight, and the ergonomic handle makes sure your hand doesn’t hate you by the end of the day. The DCF885 impact driver keeps things just as efficient with a 5.55-inch front-to-back profile and a weight of just 2.8 pounds—perfect for working in cramped spots. The one-handed loading 1/4-inch hex chuck makes swapping bits a breeze, and the built-in three-LED light ring with a 20-second delay means no more fumbling around in the dark.

Get the Dewalt 20V Max Drill Driver/Impact Driver Combo Kit for $124 at Amazon and save $115.

Best Cat power tool deals Opens in a new window Credit: Mashable Photo Composite / Caterpillar Cat Caterpillar Cat 3.5A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool $118.99 at Amazon
$134.99 Save $16.00 Get Deal Why we like it

I can't put into words how handy it is to have a multi-tool near your tool bench. Pretty much anything that can't be cut with a saw because of the angle is super easy with one of these. Powered by a beefy 3.5A motor, this tool cranks out a variable speed range of 11,000-20,000 OPM, giving you total control for cutting, sanding, or scraping jobs. With six adjustable speed settings, you can dial in the precision for whatever job’s in front of you. The lightweight aluminum gearbox isn’t just tough, it’s built to take a beating and keep going. The tool-free universal attachment system makes switching out accessories fast and frustration-free, while the LED work light ensures you’re not guessing in dim conditions. And because comfort matters when you're on the grind, the rubber over mold grip keeps things steady in your hands. With a 10-foot trade-length cord, you won’t constantly be searching for an extension, and it even comes loaded with a full set of blades, sanding sheets, and a slide-lock case to keep everything organized.

Get the Caterpillar Cat 3.5 A Corded Oscillating Multi-Tool and save $16.

Assassins Creed Shadows is the best one in years, sometimes in spite of itself

Mashable - 9 hours 32 min ago

It feels like there’s about a 100:1 ratio of negative-to-positive news headlines around Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Just this week, developers have been told internally to not talk about working on the game, lest they face harassment. At the same time, publisher Ubisoft is desperately fighting off talks of a corporate merger amidst investor troubles. 

I’d prefer not to contribute to that because I think this is the best Assassin’s Creed game in a while, probably at least since 2016’s Origins. After a little more than 30 hours with this gargantuan stabbing simulator, my only real problem with Shadows is that it often feels like a giant boulder being held delicately in place by a single plank of wood. 

This is a big and beautiful game that’s also, unfortunately, buggy enough that I have to write about it. Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t totally upend the series formula and turn it into something else, but its dual-protagonist structure, open-ended design, and series-best stealth mechanics make it a fun tour through history, sometimes in spite of itself.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition' review: A forgotten classic is back with a vengeance Shadows gets back to what matters Naoe is rad. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

As you may or may not be aware by now, the main distinction Shadows has over most other AC games is that it has two playable protagonists. 2015’s Syndicate also did this, but it kinda sucked; one of the playable heroes in that game was a doofus in a top hat who looked like a nerdcore rapper and was, for reasons I cannot imagine, the one you had to play as in most story missions. 

Shadows executes this idea approximately ten thousand times better than Syndicate did. The female shinobi Naoe joins with the African slave-turned-samurai Yasuke (a real historical man, a first for an AC protagonist) to take down all the evildoers who are subjugating the people of 16th-century Japan, and maybe get some revenge along the way. Like the rest of the series, Shadows takes itself pretty seriously in its storytelling and is, in a word, a little swagless. There are times when it tries to include stylistic visual or musical flourishes, which I appreciate, but this isn’t Ninja Gaiden. 

Regardless, once you get past a lengthy (it took me close to 15 hours) opening chapter, Shadows opens up. After that, you can switch between Naoe and Yasuke at will from the pause menu, and play almost any mission as whoever you want. Yasuke is a big brute who can unlock doors by sprinting through them and murder guys with a variety of cool weapons, while Naoe is easily the most lithe and nimble protagonist the series has ever had, making her perfect for sneaking around. 

Yasuke is also pretty rad. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

Allowing players to tackle most objectives with whichever character they want is a big step up from Syndicate, and it also doesn’t hurt that Yasuke and Naoe are both very cool. As a nice bonus, this is the best pure stealth game in the Assassin’s Creed series when you’re playing as Naoe. Ubisoft has added a bunch of fun variables you have to think about: enemies who can see from much farther away, walking surfaces that make more noise than others, dynamic weather that can mask your movements, the ability to go prone, and shadows that can make you invisible in the right circumstances.

All of that combined with Naoe’s fun arsenal of ninja moves and tools makes her an absolute joy to play. Snooping around a big castle while meticulously stabbing everyone in your way is the best it’s ever been here. Yasuke’s alright, too, if you’d rather fight your way through challenges, but that’s not really how I like to play these games. I appreciate that the option is there for other people, though.

I would say the most interesting thing about Shadows from a design standpoint is how freeform it is after that opening chapter. There are suggested story missions for you to do, but you can also do things in basically any order you want. I’ve stumbled onto story missions earlier than I was supposed to, totally by accident, which is awesome. Shadows also doesn’t put specific waypoints on the map for mission objectives; instead, you have to assign scouts to find the objectives based on hints the game gives you. 

The best part of all of this is that a huge amount of missions revolve around assassinating people. In 30 hours, I have not done a single tailing or escorting mission. There are tons of optional targets who provide interesting, fun challenges and give excellent gear as rewards for taking them down. This is the first AC game in a long time (aside from the more focused offshoot Mirage) where assassination is the main thing you’re doing most of the time. It’s cool.

It just doesn’t work all the time I love crawling around. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a very good Assassin’s Creed game, with one very problematic quality: During the review period, it had a bad habit of rendering itself unplayable from time to time. 

To be more specific, Shadows had a nasty problem for me where playing for longer than 60 to 90 minutes at a time made a bunch of weird crap start happening. Load times (which are normally very snappy) became several minutes long in some cases, while the UI would take forever to load once I was back in gameplay. Additionally, all menus slowed to a crawl. At its worst, there was one instance where the act of pausing the game and hitting the save button, which normally takes about 10 seconds, took at least five minutes.

This happened to me during a flashback story mission, which created other problems on top of itself. At one point, a cutscene just decided not to trigger, leaving me perpetually stuck between four invisible walls, unable to continue the game until I reloaded my last checkpoint. 

Yes, you can still do this. Credit: Ubisoft/Steam

A couple of caveats are necessary here. First, I’m playing on a PS5 Pro and have no idea if this is a problem anyone else has had on any other platforms. I should also mention the game looks beautiful and runs fantastically in that format aside from this bug. Second, there’s every possibility that by the time regular people have their hands on Shadows, this has been fixed. But I can’t just not mention something so disruptive that’s also so easy to recreate.

I am no software engineer, so I don’t know if this is a quick fix for Ubisoft or not. Given the game’s multiple delays, it really feels like Shadows is coming in a little hot. I don’t think this should be enough to dissuade anyone from playing Shadows by itself, but it’s worth knowing about.

Despite all of that, my first 30 hours with Shadows have been pretty positive. This game feels enormous, like I could potentially play 30 more hours. Maybe it’ll get old before then, maybe it won’t. But I can confirm that the people who are mad because Ubisoft made Assassin’s Creed “woke” or whatever are morons who will be missing out on a good game.

The best Apple deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

Mashable - 9 hours 54 min ago

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

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

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

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

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

Best MacBook dealsMacBook AirMacBook ProMacBest AirPods dealsBest iPad dealsiPadiPad AiriPad miniBest Apple Watch dealsEven more Apple deals

20+ worthwhile TV deals ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 10 hours 15 min ago
Best TV deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best 55-inch TV deal Amazon 55-inch 4-Series 4K Fire TV $459.99 at Amazon Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV $349.99 at Best Buy (save $100) Get Deal Best 75-inch TV deal Hisense 75-inch QD7 QLED 4K TV $548.00 at Walmart (https://zdcs.link/znX1D3) Get Deal

Black Friday and the NFL playoffs aren't the only good times of year to buy a TV on sale. Another solid TV deal window sprouts in the spring — this is when the previous year's models often go on sale to make room for 2025 TVs finally hitting shelves.

For those eyeing a new flat screen on the cheaper side, Amazon's Big Spring Sale will be a good place to shop. The event officially runs from March 25 to 31, but a substantial chunk of TV deals are already live the week before. They're in line with the types of TV deals we usually see from Amazon: noteworthy discounts on all sizes of LED and QLED models from solid budget-friendly brands like TCL and Hisense, plus the expected Fire TV selection. (Granted, Amazon does have a few deals on recent LG and Samsung options peppered in there.)

SEE ALSO: What's new to streaming this week? (March 13, 2025)

We're tracking all of the worthwhile Amazon TV deals throughout the sale below. All TVs chosen below have 4K resolution and LED backlighting at the least. If any model bumps up to 8K resolution or QLED or OLED lighting, we'll note it specifically. Deals with a 🔥 next to them have dropped to record-low prices.

Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 65-inch Q65 QLED 4K TV 🔥 $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100 Get Deal Why we like it

Any old living room TV that hasn't been upgraded to QLED yet should be scared right now — it doesn't stand a chance against a 65-inch QLED on sale for less than $350. It'll get noticeably brighter and more colorful than regular LED because of its use of quantum dots, or an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and LED panel.

This 65-inch version of TCL's lower-tier Q6 QLED is sitting at a new record-low price at Amazon, and it's likely the cheapest 65-inch QLED you'll find until Prime Day in July. For some perspective, the 2023 version of the 65-inch Q6 was on sale for $498 during last year's Big Spring Sale.

43-inch to 50-inch TVs55-inch TVs65-inch TVs75-inch and 77-inch TVs85-inch TVs and up

How to check or reload your Amazon gift card balance

Mashable - 10 hours 23 min ago

Amazon gift cards usually come with the starting balance printed on the physical card or mentioned in the email if you receive an eGift card. But what if you want to check the balance on a gift card that you previously redeemed to see if you have enough left over to splurge during the Big Spring Sale? Or maybe you want to reload a gift card you've already used up? Check the state of your gift cards before your spring shopping spree by following the steps below.

How to check your Amazon gift card balance on your desktop

Step 1: Open the Amazon website.

Step 2: Click on Accounts & Lists on the top right corner of the screen.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 3: A new menu page will open on the website. Select Gift cards.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website

Step 4: Once you click, you'll be able to see the existing balance on your gift card. If you are checking the balance on an unredeemed gift card and wish to redeem it, you can click on Redeem a Gift card. You can also opt to Reload your card in this menu or check your transaction history which is listed below the gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon website How to check your Amazon gift card balance in the app

Step 1: Open the app and click on the account icon at the bottom of the landing page (the little person illustration). Then choose Account at the top of the landing page.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 2: Scroll down until you see the Payments section.

Step 3: In the Payments section, click on Manage gift card balance.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Step 4: Use the new menu that opens to check your gift card balance, reload your gift card, or check past activity.

Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

All the best deals under $25 ahead of Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 10 hours 40 min ago
Best deals under $25: Best tracker deal Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best security camera deal TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $17.99 (save $7) Get Deal Best book deal Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $11.93 (save $15.07) Get Deal

In case you haven’t noticed, life has gotten expensive lately. From eggs to gas to pretty much everything in between, the cost of living has skyrocketed, leaving many of us feeling the pinch.

Luckily, even as inflation squeezes our budgets, there are still opportunities to find great deals, especially with Amazon and its never-ending sales.

Right now, we’re gearing up for the Amazon Big Spring Sale, which is set to start on March 25. But even before the main event kicks off, we're already seeing tons of deals under $25 that are worth taking a look at.

Here are our pre-sale picks for the best items to scoop up ahead of the big sale:

Best tracker deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

If you’re going away for spring break, you might want to pick up a Bluetooth tracker to help you keep tabs on your belongings. These handy gadgets can be attached to your keys, bags, wallets, and anything else you want to keep a close eye on.

The Tile by Life360 Mate (2024) Bluetooth Tracker is only $17.99 right now, down from its usual $24.99 price tag. That’s 28% off the list price and the lowest price we’ve seen for this model in recent months.

It’s compatible with Android and iOS devices, has a 150-meter (around ~492 feet) Bluetooth range, and a three-year battery life. It’s water-resistant, too.

Best security camera deal Opens in a new window Credit: TP-Link TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera $17.99 at Amazon
$24.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

Whenever I leave my apartment, I prop up a tiny off-brand camera to keep an eye on my pups. It’s not the best, but it’s enough to give me peace of mind.

If you’re looking for a more reliable indoor security camera, the TP-Link Tapo 1080p Indoor Security Camera is only $17.99 at Amazon. That’s 28% off the sticker price and just a few dollars off the all-time low.

The Tapo camera can send you instant push notifications whenever movement, a person, or a crying baby is detected. It has night vision, two-way audio, and high-definition 1080p video. And at under $18, it's a budget-friendly way to keep an eye on your home.

Best book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery Atomic Habits by James Clear (Hardcover) $11.93 at Amazon
$27 Save $15.07 Get Deal Why we like it

We’re usually all about gadgets, but sometimes, it's nice to take a break from screens and dive into a good old-fashioned book.

The hardcover version of Atomic Habits by James Clear is only $11.93 right now (that’s way cheaper than what you’ll find it for on the shelves), down from its usual $27 list price. If you prefer the Kindle edition, that’s on sale for $12.99.

Atomic Habits is one of the most popular self-help books of the last few years, with over 20 million copies sold. It’s all about building better habits, one tiny change at a time — the perfect read if you're trying to make improvements in your life.

More deals under $25

The best Pokémon deals ahead of the 2025 Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - 10 hours 45 min ago

UPDATE: Mar. 25, 2025, 9:00 a.m. EDT The Amazon Big Spring Sale is live now, with the best Pokémon deals you can shop right now.

The best Amazon Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best TCG Deal Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium Collection $73.03 (Save $6.76) Get Deal Best Funko Pop! Deal Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon — Teddiursa $8.39 (Save $4) Get Deal Best Toy Deal Charizard Mega Pokémon Building Toy Set $10.53 (Save $11.46) Get Deal Best Plush Deal Pokémon Pikachu Sleeping Plush $29 (Save $5.99) Get Deal

Amazon’s Spring Sale has big savings on all things Pokémon from March 25 to 31. That includes plushies, Squishmallows, Funko Pop! figures, and Pokémon TCG products. If your collection could use a boost, this is a solid time to grab a few favorites without paying full price.

Funko Pop! collectors can expect deals on fan-favorite figures, while plushies and Squishmallows are also getting markdowns. Pokémon TCG fans aren’t left out either, with a range of products seeing discounts.

SEE ALSO: Pokemon Go players are actually training a giant AI model

Here, you'll find the best Amazon Spring Sale Pokémon deals we've seen ahead of the event. Be sure to keep checking back, as we'll update this page as soon as new deals go live.

Best Pokémon TCG deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Pokémon TCG Charizard ex Super Premium Collection $73.03 at Amazon
$79.79 Save $6.76 Get Deal Why we like it

Inside, you’ll find a foil promo card featuring Charizard ex, plus foil versions of Charmander and Charmeleon to complete the evolution line. The set also includes a Charizard display figure and a hefty stack of 10 Pokémon TCG booster packs, with a mix of Stellar Crown, Twilight Masquerade, Temporal Forces, Paradox Rift, and Obsidian Flames.

Best Pokémon Mega Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Charizard Mega Pokémon Building Toy Set $10.53 at Amazon
$21.99 Save $11.46 Get Deal Why we like it

Standing over four inches tall, this Charizard features poseable wings and flames bursting from its mouth and tail, making it a great display piece or an interactive build. With 223 bricks and pieces, it’s compatible with all Mega building sets and other major brands, so you can get creative with your Pokémon world. The set also includes a Heavy Ball pin!

Best Pokémon Plush Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Pokémon Pikachu Sleeping Plush $29 at Amazon
$34.99 Save $5.99 Get Deal Why we like it

Pokémon Sleep players, this one’s for you. The 18-inch sleeping Pikachu plush is the ultimate cuddle buddy, designed in an adorable snoozing pose that makes nap time even cozier. Made from super-soft material, it’s perfect for curling up with after logging your sleep cycles. If Pikachu isn’t your top pick, there are plenty of other sleepy Pokémon to choose from, including Snorlax, Bulbasaur, Squirtle, Eevee, Psyduck, Scorbunny, Charmander, and Pichu.

Best Pokémon Funko Pop! Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Funko Pop! Games: Pokémon — Teddiursa $7.69 at Amazon
$12.99 Save $5.30 Get Deal Why we like it

Funko Pop! Pokémon figures are an easy way to bring your favorite pocket monsters to your shelf, and the latest releases keep the collection growing. We're talking Teddiursa, Pikachu, Charizard, or any of the other fan-favorite Pokémon, these vinyl figures capture their signature looks in that classic Funko Pop! style. With new additions dropping regularly, there’s always another Pokémon to add to your lineup. Grab your favorites, evolve your collection, and give your display a serious Pokédex upgrade with these deals.

Best Pokémon Squishmallow Deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Squishmallows Pokémon 14-Inch Teddiursa Plush $24.99 at Amazon
$31.99 Save $7 Get Deal Why we like it

Made with ultra-soft, high-quality materials, Teddiura is a perfect addition to any Squishmallows squad or Pokémon collection. If you’re looking to expand your Pokémon Squishmallows lineup, there’s plenty more to choose from. Bellibolt, Marill, Dragonite, Gengar, Pikachu, and more have Squishmallows in various sizes, with the following also being available in the Amazon Spring Sale.

How to use Apple Pay on Amazon when shopping the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - 10 hours 54 min ago

The cat's out of the bag: Amazon is hosting its second annual Big Spring Sale this month. Things officially kick off on March 25 and run through March 31, but like most Amazon shopping events, deals started pouring in on Apple products, noise-cancelling headphones, robot vacuums, and more days (weeks, even) prior.

Avid shoppers keeping their eyes on exclusive deals can enjoy a breezy shopping experience during the Big Spring Sale, thanks to Amazon's flexible payment options. Customers are no longer limited to debit and credit cards, or Amazon gift cards. If you're an Apple loyalist, you can also use Apple Pay to make purchases on Amazon.

SEE ALSO: How to use a Visa gift card on Amazon

Apple Pay is compatible with most — but not all — vendors on Amazon, making it even easier to secure deals in just a few taps. You can use it in place of a traditional card payment whenever possible by following the steps below.

How to use Apple Pay on Amazon

Step 1: Set up Apple Pay on iPhone. If you haven't already, add your debit or credit card to your iPhone's digital wallet to set up Apple Pay on your mobile device.

Step 2: Open the Amazon app.

Step 3: Add items to your cart and go to checkout. If your vendor accepts Apple Pay, you'll see it under payment options (you can use the method only if you have linked a card to your iPhone's Wallet app); select Apple Pay.

Step 4: Confirm your address and payment details.

Step 5: Once Apple Pay's payment authenticator pops up on your screen, use your Face ID or Touch ID to authenticate the purchase.

Step 6: Confirm payment to finish the process.

How to use an Apple Card to make payments on Amazon

If you choose to make a purchase from a third-party vendor that doesn't accept Apple Pay, you can work around it by using your Apple Card instead. The process is fairly straightforward.

Step 1: Make sure you add your Apple Card to the Wallet app on your iPhone by clicking on the + symbol.

Step 2: Now, go to the Amazon app.

Step 3: You'll find four clickable options at the bottom of the home screen. Start the process by clicking on the Account icon, which is right next to the homepage icon.

Step 4: A new app page will appear. Tap on Your Account to access account details.

Step 5: Scroll down on the page until you see the Payments section and click on Your Payments.

Step 6: Another page with all your linked cards and bank accounts will appear on the app. Go to the Wallet tab and press +Add.

Step 7: Click on Add a credit or debit card and input your Apple Card details.

Step 8: Finally, click on Add and continue to finish the process. Now, you can use your Apple Card to make purchases on Amazon.

Nvidia keynote livestream: Watch CEO Jensen Huang at the GPU Technology Conference today

Mashable - 10 hours 58 min ago

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang is set to deliver remarks on Tuesday. It's widely expected he'll share details on the company's latest chips used in artificial intelligence.

Huang is scheduled to speak 1 p.m. ET. You can watch his keynote address on YouTube or embedded below.

We've covered the latest rumors surrounding Nvidia's forthcoming product releases, but lots more is expected from Huang's remarks at Nvidia's GTC conference on Tuesday. Huang is expected to announced the Blackwell Ultra, a premium version of its flagship AI chip, as well as news about the company's next GPU platform.

The tech world and Wall Street will certainly be interested in Huang's keynote. The sudden rise of China's AI startup DeepSeek sparked a sharp fall in Nvidia's share price at the beginning of this year. The company's plans moving forward could certainly inspire a rise or fall amid that shift in the market.

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