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Wary of AI? These healthcare advancements will change your mind

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:15

AI is making significant strides in every aspect of our lives, including healthcare. Yet there’s a catch: resource limitations and skepticism continue to be a hurdle, especially when it comes to something as personal as our health.

As the aging population grows and the World Health Organization predicts a shortage of 11.1 million healthcare workers by 2030, a higher quality — and a higher quantity — of healthcare is becoming more critical every day. Can AI help to bridge the future healthcare gap? Will patients and healthcare systems trust it in time to make a difference?

Here’s a look at how AI is transforming healthcare so far and how you can become a stronger advocate so that no generation misses out due to misinformation and mistrust.

Start with real conversations to demystify AI 

Technology (and AI) progress quickly, which can make some people anxious. A 2024 poll found that 74% of adults aged 50 and over would have very little or no trust in AI-generated health information. 

One way to garner trust in AI is to inform family and friends about how AI is already benefitting them. When they use navigation apps to dodge traffic, stream personalized music recs, or unlock their phones with facial recognition, they’re engaging with sophisticated AI systems that adapt to their preferences. 

Philips is tackling this trust barrier head-on by developing AI solutions that are transforming how patients — and doctors — look at health and deliver care. The growing list of AI-enabled health solutions points to a future where technology is more normalized, empowering everyone to live better lives.

Push for fairness and transparency in AI-driven care

Building trust in AI among patients and healthcare professionals is crucial to unlocking its full potential. Yet, AI is advancing faster than the regulations meant to govern it, raising concerns about its ethical and responsible use. 

For example, AI is only as good as the data it’s trained on, making high-quality, diverse data essential to minimize errors that could impact patient health.

To establish trust, clear frameworks are needed to ensure AI is safe, ethical, and promotes equitable care. Philips has played a key role in this effort, helping to develop an AI Code of Conduct as part of the National Academy of Medicine’s Steering Committee, co-chaired by Philips CEO Roy Jakobs.

By embedding these principles into its own AI solutions, Philips is setting a standard for responsible innovation — and adaptation — in healthcare.

Embrace AI-powered preventative care

As healthcare systems face increasing strain from aging populations and workforce shortages, preventive care is becoming more important than ever. The ability to detect health issues early reduces the burden on hospitals later and improves patient outcomes. But, for AI-driven preventive care to be effective in the future, trust among healthcare professionals is essential now.

For instance, Philips offers an AI-driven platform to help doctors detect early signs of heart rhythm irregularities, a leading but often unnoticed cause of strokes. Similarly, during the COVID-19 pandemic, the company introduced a wearable device that has proven invaluable in continuously monitoring patient vitals, allowing healthcare professionals to respond proactively when a patient’s conditions worsen.

These innovations highlight AI’s potential to improve preventative care and give patients more time and better care. Ultimately, benefits like this will encourage healthcare professionals to put more trust in AI.

Make daily wellness easier with smart devices

But for AI to work, we don’t just need healthcare providers to trust it; we need patients, too. Using AI and smart gadgets in your routine is yet another way to begin building trust.

Even the act of brushing your teeth with an AI-enabled electric toothbrush can begin to normalize the use of AI when you start raving to your friends and family about your easy-breezy dental checkup. 

Philips is taking the lead here, incorporating AI into everyday products in order to build a foundation of trust, starting at home. The company also offers a shaver that uses AI to reduce skin irritation and a baby monitor that uses AI to translate a baby’s sounds and body language into understandable insights into the baby’s wellbeing.

Share your wins and change minds

The more exposure and positive experiences patients and healthcare professionals have with AI in all areas of their lives, the greater chance the technology will be more widely embraced for what it is. As a vital healthcare tool, AI can help improve lives now and in the future.

You can do your part to instill trust by openly sharing your AI success stories with others. Whether you’re firing texts using your phone’s AI-powered voice assistant, asking your doctor about smarter health options, or dialing in your hygiene with an AI toothbrush, your experiences can help break through boundaries, paving the way for a future where AI plays a key role in healthcare.

Looking ahead, Philips also envisions a future where AI continues to set the dot further beyond the horizon. From AI innovations in ultrasound devices, at-home cardiac arrhythmia monitoring, and more effective cancer screenings, the future of healthcare looks promising.

Get 3 months of Audible Premium Plus for less than 3 bucks

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 10:14

SAVE $41.88: New subscribers can get their first three months of Audible Premium Plus for just $0.99 per month (a grand total of $2.97) during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Usually $14.95 per month, that saves you $41.88 total.

Opens in a new window Credit: Audible 3 months of Audible Premium Plus $0.99/month (save $13.96/month) Get Deal

About a year ago, Audible ran a deal that piqued my interest. I had never listened to a single audiobook before, but I decided to sign up for a three-month membership at a discount. Now I'm hooked. During Amazon's Big Spring Sale (which runs through March 31) and beyond, Audible is running that same deal.

Through April 30, new subscribers can get three months of Audible's Premium Plus membership for just $0.99 per month. Regularly $14.95 per month, that saves you $13.96 or about 93% monthly. A Premium Plus membership unlocks access to hundreds of Audible Original audiobooks, a credit you can use each month to purchase titles in the premium collection (regardless of the price), and exclusive access to members-only sales. Just last week, members could snag two titles for a single credit in an exclusive BOGO sale.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025

Feeling skeptical? Audiobooks use the same part of your brain as reading physical books, so they definitely count towards your reading goal for the year. Not to mention, they give you the freedom to multitask while you devour endless pages. In other words, they don't tie you down to one spot on the couch like physical books. I regularly listen while I work out, clean, walk, drive, and cook.

Books aren't cheap. This three-month deal essentially gets you three premium titles, plus an abundance of free titles, for less than $3. It's hard to beat that price. Just remember that once the promotional period ends, you'll automatically be charged the full price of membership ($14.95/month) unless you cancel.

My favorite portable power station is on sale for over $300 off in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:59

SAVE OVER $300: As of March 27, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 44% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jacker Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 Portable Power Station $449 at Amazon
$799 Save $350 Get Deal

The Amazon Big Spring Sale is delivering strong discounts across a number of popular categories, including AirPods, Kindles, speakers, and tablets. We're also seeing low prices on portable power stations. We haven't yet seen anything that beats Black Friday, but the prices are very close to record-low levels.

As of March 27, the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 44% on list price. The only time this model was cheaper was over Black Friday and Cyber Monday, so if you're looking to buy a portable power station for the summer, we recommend making the most of this discounted rate.

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

The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station offers a 1,500W AC output and a 3,000W surge peak, meaning it can power multiple appliances including AC units, fridges, and electric pots. With a 1,070Wh capacity and a lightweight build of only 23.8 lbs (with a foldable handle), it's an excellent option for outdoor camping, road trips, or emergencies. It's the first thing I pack.

Save over $300 on the Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 portable power station in the Amazon Spring Sale. For more outdoor deals, check out our running list of the best offers.

Get the best deal on Apple AirPods Pro 2 in the Amazon Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:50

SAVE $79: As of March 27, Apple AirPods Pro 2 (USB-C) are on sale for $169.99 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That’s a 32% discount from the usual $249.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $169.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $79.01 Get Deal

I think we all deserve better earbuds. Mine currently sound like they’re being strangled in a sock drawer. That’s why I’m eyeing this Amazon Spring Sale deal: Apple AirPods Pro 2 (with USB-C) are down to $169.99, saving you $79 off the regular $249 price. That’s the lowest I’ve seen in months, and for something this good, it feels like a steal.

These are not your average AirPods. Apple threw its best H2 chip inside, giving them punchier bass, clearer calls, and that fancy Personalized Spatial Audio thing that makes it feel like the music is swirling around your head. And let’s not forget about Adaptive Audio, which is like having a superpower that makes loud crowds magically disappear. Noise cancellation is solid, transparency mode is eerie in a good way, and Conversation Awareness is there to save you from screaming “WHAT?” every time someone tries to talk to you.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

In my opinion, these are some of the smartest earbuds on the market. They double as a hearing aid with iOS 17, and they’re sweatproof, dustproof, and Lifeproof enough to handle my chaotic commute. Apple includes four silicone tip sizes, which is great for anyone (me) whose ears reject standard buds like a bad Tinder date.

  • Price: $169.99 $249

  • Retailer: Amazon

  • Earbuds Type: In-Ear Wireless

  • Chip: Apple H2

  • Charging Port: USB-C

  • Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation, Adaptive Audio

  • Water Resistance: IP54 (dust, sweat, and water resistant)

  • Audio Features: Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos support

  • Smart Features: Conversation Awareness, Touch Control, Siri Interactions

  • Fit Options: Four silicone tip sizes (XS, S, M, L)

Charging with USB-C is a personal win for me. I’ve already sent all my Lightning cables to that great junk drawer in the sky. The sound is crisp, the bass hits, and the fit stays put even when I’m pretending to run. As for the feature set, it's giving overachiever, but in a charming, straight-A student kind of way.

I want these. You probably do too. If your current earbuds are clinging to life or just making every playlist sound like it’s underwater, this deal is your graceful exit strategy.

Save over $500 on this versatile power station in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:34

SAVE OVER $500: As of March 27, the Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station is on sale at Amazon for $449 in the Amazon Spring Sale. This deal saves you 55% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker SOLIX C1000 Portable Power Station $449 at Amazon
$998.99 Save $549.99 Get Deal

We've been flagging the best deals on just about everything in the Amazon Big Spring Sale, including AirPods, Kindles, speakers, and tablets. But something that hasn't had much love are the deals on portable power stations, so we should change that.

We've checked out everything on offer in the Amazon Spring Sale, and we're pleased to announce that there are a lot of discounted options. It's worth checking everything out because there is a lot to consider, but if that sounds like too much work, we can help by pointing you in the direction of the Anker SOLIX C1000 portable power station.

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

This absolute beast is available for $449 in Amazon's Big Spring Sale, saving you over $500 on list price. It's not the cheapest it has ever been, but it's very close to a record-low price. So if you've been patiently waiting for the right moment to shop, this could be it.

The Anker SOLIX C1000's SurgePad technology delivers a massive 2400W output, enabling 99% of appliances to be powered through 11 versatile ports. This versatile power station should be top of your shopping list for RVs and outdoor camping trips..

Save over $500 on the Anker SOLIX C1000 in the Amazon Spring Sale. For more outdoor deals, check out our running list of the best offers.

Nintendo Direct March 27 livestream: How to watch live today

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:14

For better or worse, no one does it like Nintendo.

While we've spent the past three months heavily anticipating the Nintendo Switch 2-themed Nintendo Direct livestream that's happening on April 2, the mothership decided to announce another surprise Nintendo Direct for Thursday, March 27 at 10 a.m. ET. It's set to be about 30 minutes long, and you can watch it on Nintendo's YouTube channel.

SEE ALSO: 'Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition' review: A forgotten classic is back with a vengeance

As for what to expect in this stream, it's basically anyone's guess. However, be warned that there will be no Switch 2 information in this Direct whatsoever. It is going to be entirely focused on OG Switch games, and since there are no upcoming first-party Switch games with firm release dates right now, there's a lot of mystery around this stream. I would not be surprised at all to see Metroid pop up here in one form or another, whether it's a bigger reveal for the upcoming Metroid Prime 4 or another remaster of an older Metroid game to whet your whistle until Prime 4 comes out.

SEE ALSO: Switch 2 release date, price and everything else we expect from Nintendo Direct

But really, outside of that, it's very difficult to even speculate about what we'll see. That's what makes it fun, I suppose.

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 09:05
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

We're in the midst of March Madness with the Sweet 16 games starting this week. Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ve probably been hearing about the intense matchups. We’re getting down to the wire and closer to finding out who will win it all.

The third Sweet 16 game is not one to miss — the Duke Blue Devils will take on Arizona’s Wildcats in a long-awaited match. Duke is arguably the most complete team this season, but Arizona has been killing it. All eyes are on Duke’s leading scorer Cooper Flagg and Arizona’s Caleb Love.

If you want to watch Duke vs. Arizona for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Duke vs. Arizona?

Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats starts at 9:39 p.m. ET on March 20. This game takes place at the Prudential Center.

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona for free

Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats airs on CBS. It is possible to access CBS with a range of streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Fubo (seven-day free trial) — CBS

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Paramount+ (seven-day free trial) — CBS

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Duke Blue Devils vs. Arizona Wildcats (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Duke vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Duke vs. Arizona. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Duke vs. Arizona from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Duke vs. Arizona for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 08:55
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

March Madness is well underway, and we’re down to the remaining 16 teams looking to duke it out for the championship title. We’re inching toward the Sweet 16 matchups this week, and we’ll know who secured spots in the Elite Eight games this weekend.

A game that’s sure to have everyone tuned in is Florida vs. Maryland. Florida is the top seed this season, and all eyes are on the Gators to see if they’ll take out the fourth seed in Thursday’s matchup. Players like Walter Clayton Jr. and Alijah Martin have been shining this season, but Maryland’s Derik Queen has been on fire, leading the team in average points and rebounds. 

If you want to watch Florida vs. Maryland for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Florida vs. Maryland?

Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins starts at 7:39 p.m. ET on March 27. This Sweet 16 game takes place at Chase Center.

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland for free

Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins airs on TBS. It is possible to access TBS with streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Florida Gators vs. Maryland Terrapins (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Florida vs. Maryland from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Flordia vs. Maryland. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Florida vs. Maryland from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Florida vs. Maryland for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 08:52
Where to stream 2025 March Madness online for free 5-Day Free Trial DirectTV $86.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Fubo $79.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 3-Day Free Trial Hulu + Live TV $82.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now 7-Day Free Trial Paramount+ $7.99 per month (after trial) Shop Now

March Madness is in full swing, and we're down to the Sweet 16. The matchups have been nothing short of eventful so far, with many college basketball diehards disappointed that their favorite teams didn't advance. We've had upsets and triumphs, and fans are on edge as they wait to see who will come out on top.

Sweet 16 games will kick off with a highly-anticipated matchup between Alabama and BYU. The second and sixth seeds will go head-to-head in a game that’s sure to have everyone on the edge of their seats. Alabama fans will get to see more of star players Mark Sears and Labaron Philon, while BYU’s star players Richie Saunders and Egor Denim will get plenty of time to shine.

If you want to watch Alabama vs. BYU for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Alabama vs. BYU?

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars starts at 7:09 p.m. ET on March 27. This Sweet 16 game takes place at the Prudential Center.

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU for free

Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars airs on CBS. It is possible to access CBS with a range of streaming services that offer free trials:

  • DirectTV (five-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Fubo (seven-day free trial) — CBS

  • Hulu + Live TV (three-day free trial) — CBS, TBS, TNT, and truTV

  • Paramount+ (seven-day free trial) — CBS

By making the most of these free trials, you can watch Alabama Crimson Tide vs. BYU Cougars (plus more March Madness games) without actually spending anything.

How to watch Alabama vs. BYU from anywhere in the world

If you're traveling outside of the U.S. during March Madness, you might need to use a VPN to unblock live streams of Alabama vs. BYU. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of Alabama vs. BYU from anywhere in the world.

Live stream 2025 March Madness from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.

  4. Visit DirectTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, or Paramount+

  5. Live stream Alabama vs. BYU for free from anywhere in the world

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

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

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

A tiny shapeshifting robot could be the next big thing in biomedicine

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 08:39

Developed by a team of scientists at Seoul National University and Gachon University in South Korea, PB, or the Particle-armored liquid roBot, is designed to behave the way cells do, and imitate biological forms and functions.

The morphing bot can ooze around tiny pillars, skim across water to reach a dry surface without bursting, merge with another PB, and swallow a glass bead, all without compromising structural integrity. The robot is still in the research stages, but the promising results so far raise hopes that PB could potentially help advance drug delivery and even tumor cell destruction in the future.

The White Lotus star Michelle Monaghan debunks the wildest Season 3 theory

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 08:30

The White Lotus Season 3 star Michelle Monaghan can't tell us much about the HBO show's upcoming finale, but she did make a point, appearing on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday, of ruling out one theory about who pulled the trigger we hear in the show's opening episode.

"I've just gotta debunk a theory out here, guys," said Monaghan. "The monkeys did not do it."

Elsewhere, Monaghan also reveals that nobody knows what kind of show her actor character Jaclyn is famous for back in the U.S, explaining that she even asked creator Mike White the question directly after dinner one night. His response?

"I don't f***ing know, she's fabulous."

The White Lotus Season 3 is now streaming on Max with new episodes weekly at 9 p.m. ET Sundays on HBO.

MLB wants you to buy snacks with your face at the ballpark

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 07:38

As Major League Baseball’s 2025 season kicks off, the league is expanding its use of facial recognition tech — not just to get fans through the gates faster but to change how they buy food and drinks at the ballpark.

SEE ALSO: Here's how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

MLB’s Go-Ahead Entry system, already in use at nine stadiums, lets fans enter without pulling out their phone or scanning a ticket. After uploading a selfie in the MLB Ballpark app, a fan’s face is converted into a unique numerical token. At the gate, a live scan checks for a match — and if the fan has a valid ticket, they’re allowed through. The image itself is discarded after enrollment.

An MLB spokesperson told Mashable through email that the system allows fans to enter 2.4x faster than traditional lanes. This year, MLB is expanding that tech to concessions.

SEE ALSO: Stream MLB games with Bally Sports+ Season Pass

Starting on Opening Day, the Philadelphia Phillies and Cleveland Guardians will pilot a new grab-and-go system. Fans walk in, grab their snacks, and walk out — charges are processed automatically via a digital wallet in the Ballpark app. MLB is partnering with Mastercard on the back end.

The idea is similar to Amazon’s Go stores, which use computer vision, sensors, and thousands of overseas laborers to track purchases. MLB’s version is still in testing, and fans can choose not to participate or delete their data at any time.

The expansion of the Go-Ahead Entry system is part of MLB's broader push to modernize the fan experience.

SEE ALSO: Can TikTok save baseball?

The league is also rolling out My Daily Story, a personalized highlight feed powered by Google Cloud and Gemini AI. It automatically generates game recaps tailored to individual fans and will launch on March 28. The Ballpark app has also been overhauled with smarter maps, dynamic content cards, and real-time updates tied to a fan’s location and ticket status.

Whether these upgrades feel helpful or intrusive may depend on how comfortable fans are with AI and facial recognition becoming a bigger part of their day at the ballpark.

Can TikTok save baseball?

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 07:27

As the new Major League Baseball season kicks off, baseball feels more relevant than it has in years. The culture is louder, new rules have made the game faster, and the clips? They’re going viral. Against all odds, short-form social media content might just be giving baseball the ease of access it's been needing for a while now.

Once the uncontested king of American sports, baseball has spent the last few decades grappling with the flashier, faster-moving worlds of basketball and football. With its slow pace, long stretches of idle time, and an absolutely bonkers 2,430 games played every season, baseball doesn’t exactly make it easy for the average viewer to casually tune in. It’s not just a sport — it’s a commitment.

But baseball’s charm has always been in its simplicity: a pitcher, a batter, a field full of players waiting for something to happen. That elegant structure made it perfect for the early 20th century — easy to follow on the radio and scan in a newspaper box score.

SEE ALSO: Stream MLB games with Bally Sports+ Season Pass

On TV, though, that simplicity didn’t exactly translate. As Bailey of the YouTube channel Foolish Baseball argues in his video "Widescreen Ruined Baseball," television elevated the drama in other sports — but for baseball, it only highlighted the downtime.

"To a non-fan, baseball comes across as a slow-paced sport where little of consequence happens for large portions of the game," Bailey said in an email to Mashable. "But when the action gets going, it really gets going. And short content on TikTok captures those thrilling moments for non-fans."

Vertical video brings baseball action into focus

Strangely enough, baseball might be the sport best built for vertical screens. The one-on-one drama between pitcher and batter already unfolds in a tight, centered frame — no need for sweeping pans or chaotic wide shots like in football or soccer. The action happens in bursts, perfectly snackable, and the quiet tension before a pitch plays surprisingly well on a phone screen. It’s cinematic in its own way — less Marvel movie, more A24 slow burn.

It's working, too. According to MLB stats, social engagement during the 2024 World Series surged — with TikTok alone pulling in 6.6 million engagements, a 136% jump from 2023, and over 72 million views (+36%). Since launching its account in 2019, MLB has grown to 7.9 million followers on the platform. For comparison, on X, the MLB gained 7 million of its 12.3 million followers in only the last ten years.

SEE ALSO: Here's how MLB captured that viral Dansby Swanson play

The Show's numbers are nowhere near those of the NFL (17.9M) or the NBA (24.9M), but it's a growing game again, and the numbers prove that.

None of this is to say that watching baseball — or any sport, really — in a vertical format is actually good. But we’re deep in the era where short-form video is king and attention spans are measured in seconds, not innings. For creators like Bailey and MLB itself, the hope is that these bite-sized, second-screen dopamine hits might eventually lead casual viewers back to the long-form game — or at least keep them from scrolling past it entirely.

"Even if only 1% of people who enjoyed a short video convert to regularly watching full broadcasts and attending games, the other 99% are still part of the ecosystem," Bailey said. "For the majority of viewers, it's just a few fleeting seconds of hype and then scrolling to the next thing, but that's still better than if they were never exposed to baseball at all."

The Daily Show gleefully mocks Trump officials scrambling Signal chat excuses

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:53

As much as they're probably hoping it'll blow over, the story about Trump officials accidentally adding a reporter to their Signal group chat about bombing Yemen isn't going away anytime soon.

The Daily Show has already taken aim at the leak itself, but in the clip above host Ronny Chieng goes after the excuses that are now being made by members of the Trump administration trying to cover their backs — starting with national security advisor Michael Waltz alleging he had Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg's details saved under a different contact name in his phone.

"People don't have a contact with, like, a phone number for a different person unless they're having an affair," responds Chieng. "Maybe try not making that mistake when you're planning for a war? And why are you shitting on Jeffrey Goldberg? He's a loser, he sucks, this guy's dishonest. He didn't do anything! All he did was wake up in the morning and you added him to your group chat!"

Chieng also has some thoughts on defence secretary Pete Hegseth repeatedly claiming that nobody was texting war plans.

"OK, look, just because you write in all caps, 'THIS IS WHEN THE FIRST BOMBS WILL DEFINITELY DROP,' doesn't mean they're war plans!"

Ncuti Gatwas TikTok creator obsession is our TikTok creator obsession

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:51

Celebrities, they're Just Like Us, fiending for Kardashian impressions on TikTok by creator Bomanizer.

At least that's what Ncuti Gatwa revealed to Jimmy Fallon on The Tonight Show, during an interview about all things Doctor Who, Barbie, and their first acting role with Brian Cox on Bob Servant.

In particular, Gatwa spoke about an excellent way to pass time on the Doctor Who set between takes with co-star Millie Gibson.

"Very long days on set and you start goofing off. In between battling the Boogeyman and robots, you just chill for a bit,” they told Fallon. “Me and Millie got obsessed with this influencer called Bomanizer."

Content creator, actor, and writer Boman Martinez-Reid aka Bomanizer has gained fame and 2 million followers on TikTok with some truly excellent Kourtney Kardashian impressions, often acting with friends who hilariously impersonate the rest of the family.

"In between takes we’d just be like, 'I’m the Doctor,'" said Gatwa on The Tonight Show, in full Kourtney Kardashian mode. "How are we going to stop the Daleks? How will we stop the Cybermen?

"We never learned to stop doing the accent and so sometimes they’ll just start going [on set] and we’re doing the scene in Kourtney Kardashian."

Score Beats Studio Pro headphones for under $200 in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:37

SAVE $170.04: As of March 27, Beats Studio Pro headphones are on sale for $179.95 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. That's 49% off their list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $179.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $170.04 Get Deal

Plenty of great deals have already dropped since the start of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, and headphones are very much in the mix. If you've been looking for some new headphones to enjoy all of your favorite music, audiobooks, and podcasts on, there are plenty on sale right now. One of our favorite offers is on the Beats Studio Pro headphones, which are down by 49% on list price.

This has dropped their price from $349.99 to $179.95, which allows you to pocket $170.04. You can score the black, deep brown, matte white, navy, and sandstone Beats Studio Pro headphones at this price. The dune and moon colors are also on sale for a few cents higher at $179.99.

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

The Beats Studio Pro headphones offer powerful sound complete with personalized spatial audio so you can feel completely absorbed in the sounds of whatever you're listening to. They also feature fully-adaptive Active Noise Canceling and a Transparency mode, so you can choose to either block out the sounds around you or remain more aware of your surroundings. On top of that, they offer up to 40 hours of battery life, so you can listen for far longer between charges.

There's no better time than now to upgrade your headphones. Don't miss out on 49% off the Beats Studio Pro headphones at Amazon.

This isn't the only worthy headphone deal that's popped up during the sale event. Have a look through our roundup of headphones and speaker deals live from Amazon's Big Spring Sale to see even more of our favorites.

The Google Pixel 9 Pro has hit its lowest-ever price in Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:33

SAVE $300: As of March 27, the Google Pixel 9 Pro is on sale for $919 at Amazon. That's a 25% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Google Pixel 9 Pro $919 at Amazon
$1,219 Save $300 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is the perfect excuse to upgrade your smartphone. During this event, you'll see lots of great discounts on smartphones, but we love this latest deal on the Google Pixel Pro 9. Just check out our review to see why we're such big fans.

Not only is it on sale, but the 512GB model has never been priced lower than this. As of March 27, the Google Pixel Pro 9 is reduced to $919 from $1,219. This deal is specific to the 512GB option but is available across all three colorways: obsidian, porcelain, and hazel.

SEE ALSO: The best live deals on tablets in Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025

It's a super-smart smartphone with a 6.3-inch Super Actua display with vibrant colors as well as the latest Google Tensor chip for fast, non-laggy performance. It benefits from triple rear cameras, making it the most powerful pixel camera yet, so you can enjoy high-quality video and even enhance your videos up to 8K with the video boost tool.

This model also features Gemini, Google's next-generation AI technology. It offers assistance with tools including advanced photo editing such as Magic Editor, enhanced voice recognition for dictation, and Google Assistant capabilities.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so don't miss out.

Target Circle Week is live: Shop all of the best deals right here

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:07
The best Target Circle Week deals at a glance: BEST DEAL OVERALL Peacock Premium free for 3 months (save $23.97) Get Deal BEST GIFT CARD DEAL Spend $50 on household essentials get a $15 Target gift card Get Deal BEST TECH DEAL Beats Solo Buds (Target-exclusive Arctic Purple) $49.99 (save $30) Get Deal BEST TOY DEAL Select Lego sets save up to 30% Get Deal BEST HOME DEAL Bissell Little Green Max portable carpet cleaner $89.99 (save $50) Get Deal BEST BOOK DEAL Select books, movies, music Buy 2 get 1 free Get Deal

It's almost been a year since Target launched its Target Circle 360 membership. What better way to celebrate than with a sale?

Unsurprisingly, this one-year anniversary celebration happens to fall alongside Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Coincidence? Never. We knew the mega-retailer wouldn't pass up the chance to compete with Mr. Bezos. Enter: Target Circle Week.

"We are thrilled to celebrate the one-year anniversary of Target Circle 360 with our best Target Circle Week yet," said Cara Sylvester, Target's executive vice president and chief guest experience officer, in a press release. "Target Circle members will receive the biggest deals on thousands of items from the latest in spring style to everyday favorites that are always on the checklist."

Target Circle Week is an exclusive savings event for Target Circle members, held multiple times a year. Non-coincidentally, it tends to occur at the same times as major shopping events at Amazon, like Prime Day and Black Friday. Here's everything you need to know about the competing spring sale at Target.

When is Target Circle Week?

As a shock to nobody, Target Circle Week will overlap with the Amazon Big Spring Sale (which runs March 25 to 31). Circle Week officially kicked off on March 23 at 3:00 a.m. ET and runs through March 29, delivering seven days of exclusive deals. The discounts will be available to Target Circle members on the Target app and website, as well as in stores.

How to sign up for Target Circle

Target Circle Week requires a membership to shop, but unlike Prime or Walmart Plus, Target Circle is free to join. Here's how:

  1. Head to Target.com/circle and choose "Create account."

  2. Enter your full name, email address, and phone number.

  3. Choose whether to use a password or passkey (fingerprint, face ID, or pin) to sign in.

  4. Select "Create account." You are now a Target Circle member and are free to shop the savings event when it goes live.

Early access for Target Circle 360 members

For the first time, Target Circle 360 members will get early access to select deals 24 hours before they open to all Target Circle members.

Target Circle 360 members can shop the following deals before anyone else: 

Target Circle 360 is a paid membership that offers unlimited same-day delivery from Target, access to a curated marketplace of other retailers and grocers via Shipt.com, free two-day shipping on eligible items, and other exclusive benefits and experiences. Typically $99 for the year, memberships are on sale for just $49 from March 16 through 29. That's 50% in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Target Target Circle 360 one-year membership $49
$99 Save $50 Get Deal Best Target Circle Week deals

Target Circle Week will feature deals on "must-have spring items," which coincidentally encompasses just about everything from home essentials and beauty products to books and toys. Mashable's shopping experts will be following the Target Circle Week sale closely and updating this list with any new noteworthy deals that drop through March 29. Here's a look at some of the best featured deals.

Peacock Premium deal

Another first for Target Circle Week: three free months of Peacock Premium. Thanks to a special, limited-time partner perk, new and returning Peacock subscribers can sign up for the ad-supported tier at no cost from March 9 through March 29. Conveniently, Wicked started streaming on March 21 on Peacock — just saying.

Of course, once the three-month promotional period expires, you'll be charged full price (currently $7.99 per month), and your subscription will auto-renew monthly. You can cancel anytime to avoid further charges.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peacock Peacock Premium Get 3 free months free with Target Circle Get Deal Target's Deal of the Day

As stated in the press release, Target Circle Week will bring back the customer-favorite "Deal of the Day." Limited-time unique deals will pop up (and then disappear) for members to shop. Similar to Amazon's Lightning deals, they'll only stick around for 24 hours. Keep an eye out for these exclusive discounts each day of the sale. So far, we've seen the Instant Pot 7-in-1 Rio Wide down to $79.99 from $129.99 and 25% off Hearth & Hand with Magnolia home products.

Here's a sneak peek at some of the upcoming deals:

  • Dyson V8 Origin cordless stick vacuum (March 25)

  • 30% off women's denim (March 25)

  • BOGO 50% off pet toys and accessories (March 26)

  • 40% off rugs (March 26)

  • 40% off select jewelry and accessories (March 27)

  • 50% off Brightroom Y-Weave storage items (March 27)

  • 40% off sandals & shoes for all (March 28)

  • 30% off Gigglescape toys (March 28)

  • 30% off swimsuits for all (March 29)

  • 30% off All In Motion fitness items & water bottles (March 29)

Gift card reward dealsBest Target Circle Week tech dealsBest Target Circle Week toy dealsBest Target Circle Week home dealsEven more deals

The best gaming deals in Amazons Big Spring Sale — shop PlayStation, Nintendo, and more

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:04

2025 is going to be a huge year for gaming. That's fantastic news, but it also means that you're probably going to be spending a lot of money on gaming-related things over the next few months, whether it's individual titles, accessories, or even new consoles. You know what we're going to say next: That's why it's a good idea to keep your eyes open for a big sale to give your bank account a break.

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer

Thankfully, Amazon is swooping in to save the day with yet another Big Spring Sale. Taking place from March 25 to 31, the sale features tons of deals on mostly spring essentials and outdoor products, but gaming discounts are also making an appearance in a big way.

Read on for a list of our favorite gaming deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale below, including price cuts on consoles, games, accessories, and plenty more.

PlayStation game dealsPlayStation hardware deals

Headsets

Accessories

Xbox game dealsXbox hardware deals

Consoles

Controllers

Headsets

Best Nintendo Switch game dealsNintendo Switch hardware deals

Controllers and accessories

Memory cards

25+ of the best live book deals in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Thu, 03/27/2025 - 06:01
The best Amazon Big Spring Sale book deals at a glance: Best overall book deal 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 (save $8.40) Get Deal Best sci-fi book deal 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 (save $6.02) Get Deal Best non-fiction book deal 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $9.66 (save $17.34 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best fiction book deal 'God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 (save $13) Get Deal

Amazon sales are notorious for offering steep discounts on robot vacuums, Apple devices, tablets, and headphones. We're seeing plenty of sweet discounts in these categories now that the Amazon Big Spring Sale is underway, but we're also jazzed to see so many great deals in other categories — including books.

Nothing compares to the joy that comes from sitting in the warm spring air with a good book. Plus, these sale prices make this the perfect time to stock up on books for summer vacation.

SEE ALSO: The best Kindle deals in Amazon's Spring Sale

Check out these great book deals at Amazon if your bookshelf is feeling a bit bare after winter hibernation. The Big Spring Sale runs from March 25 through 31, so we'll update the list with any new deals that drop throughout the week.

Best overall book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Scholastic Press 'Sunrise on the Reaping' by Suzanne Collins $19.59 at Amazon
$27.99 Save $8.40 Get Deal Why we like it

The 50th annual Hunger Games is about to begin, and we're here for it. The latest novel in the saga, Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins, is the fifth book in the Hunger Games series, which just released on March 18.

A beloved character from previous novels, this latest story in the realm takes us along with Haymitch Abernathy as his name is called to serve as tribute for District 12. Get ready for 400 pages back in the Panem universe by grabbing Sunrise on the Reaping for $19.59 in hardcover, down from the list price of $27.99.

Best sci-fi book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Ballantine Books 'Project Hail Mary' by Andy Weir $13.98 at Amazon
$20 Save $6.02 Get Deal Why we like it

Ryland Grace wakes up feeling groggy and confused. Once he figures out what his name is, he might be able to progress in figuring it all out. Anyone who enjoyed Andy Weir's hit sci-fi book The Martian is bound to love Project Hail Mary. The paperback version is on sale during Amazon's Big Spring Sale for just $13.98, down from the standard price of $20.

Grabbing this title now is a great idea since you'll want to read Project Hail Mary before the motion picture starring Ryan Gosling hits theaters in 2026.

Best non-fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Avery 'Atomic Habits' by James Clear $9.66 at Amazon
$27 Save $17.34 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

Although Atomic Habits isn't a brand new title, it's worth a read anytime — or a re-reading. Since the hardcover version is 56% off in the Amazon sale, there's no excuse not to add this title to your bookshelf. Author James Clear uses the 320 pages to dive into bad habits, good habits, change, goals, and more. If 2025 is your year of change, Atomic Habits is a great place to start.

Best fiction book deal Opens in a new window Credit: Riverhead Books 'The God of the Woods' by Liz Moore $17 at Amazon
$30 Save $13 Get Deal Why we like it

One of the best-selling thriller books of 2024, The God of the Woods by Liz Moore, is 43% off at Amazon, bringing the hardcover book down to just $17. Moore takes us back to summer camp in 1975 when early one morning a counselor realizes someone is missing from their bunk. It's not an ordinary camper. The missing teen is Barbara Van Leer — the daughter of the family that owns the camp. The complex thriller takes us down many storylines that weave together into the perfect thriller that's nearly impossible to put down.

More fiction book dealsMore non-fiction book deals

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