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Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buy

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 11:00

It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.

SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the job

That can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.

How to tell the difference between the Roomba models

The arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.

When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what we call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter with a number (like j9+ or i5) is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692).

The j Series is iRobot's most advanced right now, followed by the s Series, i Series, and then the 600 Series. A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock. Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title, and there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping abilities.

You won't need to memorize any nuances past these overarching rules. We'll cover the fine print, like which Roombas have smart mapping or small obstacle detection, in our deep dive below, noting the most important differences between each current Roomba.

What is the most recommended Roomba vacuum?

Naturally, there is one Roomba that is technically "the best": the best at cleaning, the best at navigating, and the best at being self-sufficient. But which Roomba is categorically the best may not be the best Roomba for every household, especially when price tags come into play. We've created a 2024 Roomba comparison guide to help you pinpoint which Roomba would work best for your home's size, floor type, pet situation, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Stardew Valley's massive update lets players drink mayo, 'crit' babies, and put hats on dogs

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 09:11

Cosy gamers rejoice! Stardew Valley's highly anticipated 1.6 update finally arrived on PC this Tuesday, adding a laundry list of new content for fans of the beloved farming simulator. These include pets in hats, big chests, and the opportunity to crit a baby.

Developer Eric "ConcernedApe" Barone had been teasing Stardew Valley's new update for a while, saying in January that it has become "a little larger in scope than originally planned." This month he posted several lines from the patch notes on Twitter/X in the days leading up to the release, ranging from the introduction of the new livestock-focused Meadowlands Farm, to granting farmers the ability to drink mayonnaise.

SEE ALSO: 'Stardew Valley' is getting an update with 'new game content'

As befitting Stardew Valley's calming reputation, Barone appeared to take a relaxed approach to the update's release. Though its Mar. 19 arrival was expected, no specific time was given, with Barone merely stating, "as soon as a [sic] i wake up, drink a coffee, and there's no last minute problem, I will push the button."

As such, his Twitter/X post stating that he was making coffee on Tuesday morning received a deluge of excited replies.

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Stardew Valley's new update is currently live on PC, with consoles and mobile to follow "as soon as they are ready." Though they are actively in development, exactly when they'll arrive is anyone's guess. 

What's in the new Stardew Valley update?

The option to chug mayo may not have been one players were expecting, but numerous Stardew Valley farmers have eagerly embraced their newfound freedom nonetheless. Taking a healthy swig of egg emulsion isn't the only new thrill Stardew Valley's farmers can expect, either.

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Among the addition of new festivals, events, and a "mastery" system, some of the more interesting changes listed in the full patch notes include:

  • "Added a big tree, with a quest line which ultimately gives you some new neighbors."

  • "Added four new crops (carrots, summer squash, broccoli, and powdermelon)."

  • "Added a jingling sound when running with the cinderclown shoes on."

  • "Spouses now have a seven-day 'honeymoon' period after marriage which prevents them from laying in bed all day due to being upset."

  • "Fixed invisible spouses asking to have children."

Numerous new items have also been added, such as:

  • "Big Chest, which has almost double the size of a regular chest."

  • "Dehydrator, which turns fruit into dried fruit and mushroom into dried mushrooms."

  • "Mushroom Log, which produces mushrooms and interacts with nearby trees."

  • "Fish Smoker, which produces smoked fish, doubling the value of the fish."

  • "19 unique Books Of Power, which grant special perks."

  • "Raisins, which have a special use."

  • "Butterfly Powder, which allows you to remove pets…"

Barone hasn't provided any further detail regarding exactly what "special use" raisins have, nor exactly how butterfly powder will "remove pets." But that ellipsis doesn't exactly look not-sinister.

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Stardew Valley has several less concerning pet-related updates as well, such as the ability to get more once you've maxed out affection with your first. Pets that love you will also occasionally give you gifts, which will hopefully be more useful than the dead mice your real cat brings you. You can now get turtles as pets as well, if cats and dogs aren't enough to sate you.

Unfortunately for reptile lovers, pet turtles do appear to come with a slight disadvantage. While Stardew Valley's 1.6 update now allows players to place hats on cats and dogs, turtles seem to be excluded from this bright new world of sartorial experimentation. What's worse is that 25 new hats have also been added to the game, increasing the number of hats that turtles cannot wear.

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Another patch note that has gained significant attention concerns parenting. Specifically, "Baby toss now has a chance to crit."

In video games, "crit" is typically used as an abbreviation for "critical hit," and refers to when an attack does increased damage beyond what is typical. In Stardew Valley, players can further their relationship with their child by throwing the infant into the air and catching them — a baby toss. As such, it would be reasonable to assume that a "crit" in this context might merely give an extra boost to the budding parent-child relationship. 

However, the phrasing used has led to many jokes about Stardew Valley letting people suplex toddlers.

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Though Update 1.6's patch notes are quite lengthy, they aren't comprehensive. Barone stated on Twitter/X that "there are several things that aren't explicitly mentioned in the patch notes," meaning there are even more surprises for fans to uncover themselves. He doesn't seem too inclined to spoil them, though.

You can read the full patch notes on the official Stardew Valley website.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best deals from Amazon's first-ever Big Spring Sale: Apple devices, robot vacuums, and more

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 09:00

UPDATE: Mar. 20, 2024, 3:00 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with new deals from day one of Amazon's Big Spring Sale, live now through March 25.

Best Amazon Big Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best Apple deal Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $189 at Amazon (save $60) Get Deal Best laptop deal Samsung Galaxy Book3 $619.99 at Amazon (save $380) Get Deal Best robot vacuum deal iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best headphones/earbuds deal Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd gen) $54.99 at Amazon (save $65) Get Deal Best TV deal TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TVhttps://zdcs.link/3vL8K $599.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best unlocked phone deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best phone accessory deal Anker MagGo $82.49 at Amazon (save $27.50) Get Deal Best Fire tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal Best fitness tracker deal Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best outdoor security camera deal Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon (save $51.99) Get Deal

Spring temperatures are melting prices at Amazon. The retail giant is hosting a new seasonal savings event this week called the "Big Spring Sale" (very apt), and it's not just another iteration of its flagship Prime Day sale.

Live now through Monday, March 25 at amazon.com/bigspringsale, the Big Spring Sale is a first-of-its-kind event featuring deals that revolve around "seasonally relevant items" and "warm-weather essentials," according to a post on Amazon's blog. That includes sports and outdoor equipment, cleaning and organizing products, and select electronics, from Apple devices to Fire tablets.

In a deviation from Prime Day, Amazon's biggest savings event of the year, the Big Spring Sale isn't entirely restricted to members of its paid Prime subscription service. However, the company's announcement notes that members "will receive access to exciting, exclusive deals" as part of it. If you haven't signed up for Prime yet, you can jumpstart a 14-day trial for free.

Keep reading for the Mashable Shopping team's running list of hand-picked highlights from the Big Spring Sale, and check back often: New doorbusters are being added every day.

Best Amazon Spring Sale Apple deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (USB-C) $189.00 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $60.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro USB-C.

"The USB-C AirPods Pro came onto the scene last year, offering a much-needed upgrade with its charging port, while keeping the features we loved on the Lightning Pros. With these earbuds, you get maximum portability, great functionality with Apple devices, and some of the best ANC you can find on a pair of earbuds. At $189, these buds have returned to their lowest price ever, making now a great time to buy." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Apple deals

Apple accessories

Apple Watches

iPads

Macbooks

Macs

Best Amazon Spring Sale laptop deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on MacBooks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Book3 $619.99 at Amazon
$999.99 Save $380.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"Samsung just released its new Galaxy Book4 series laptops in the U.S., so it makes total sense for Amazon to drop the Galaxy Book3 down to this new record-low price. This specific configuration of the sleek entry-level laptop from early 2023 includes a 13th-gen Intel Core i5 processor, a healthy 16GB of RAM, and 512GB of storage. Note that it comes installed with Windows 11 Pro (which includes BitLocker encryption), not the standard Windows 11 Home version." — Haley Henschel, Senior Shopping Reporter

More laptop deals

Traditional laptops

Gaming laptops

Best Amazon Spring Sale robot vacuum deals Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba j7 $299.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"We're always going to sound the alarm when a 50% discount is spotted on a Roomba. Even without mopping or self-emptying capabilities, the Roomba j7 is still one of the most solid Roombas — and robot vacuums in general — that you could bring home, and that's all due to small obstacle avoidance. On top of room-to-room smart mapping, any j series Roomba steers clear of things like phone chargers, pet waste, and socks. This capability, which we first experienced when testing the Combo j7+, is an absolute game-changer if your previous gripe with robot vacuums was that you had to clean up the room before sending them out to clean." — Leah Stodart, Senior Shopping Reporter

More robot vacuum dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale headphone/earbud deals

FYI: Scroll back up to the Apple deals section if you're looking for discounts on AirPods.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like them

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation (2nd gen).

"We're not going to lie, it can be a little tricky to find more-than-decent ANC on a pair of budget earbuds. At their full price of $119.99, the Echo Buds already offer a fairly enticing price point for that criteria, but at $54.99, that's nearly unbeatable. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his Echo Buds review, 'Considering how much cheaper these are than other big-name ANC-enabled earbuds, it's pretty incredible that the ANC works as well as it does.' You shouldn't expect Bose-standard noise cancellation, the touch panels can be a little too sensitive, and the battery life is just okay, but these are fair trade-offs for the money you're saving." — BA

More speaker, headphone, and earbud deals

Headphones

Earbuds

Speakers

Best Amazon Spring Sale TV deals Opens in a new window Credit: TCL TCL 75-inch Q6 QLED TV $599.99 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"If price has been the only factor deterring you from upgrading to an XL screen, check out this 75-inch QLED TV from TCL that has dropped to a new record-low price of $599.99 (according to Amazon price tracker camelcamelcamel). The Q6 is one of TCL's cheapest models to utilize quantum dots: an extra layer of nanoparticles between the screen and direct backlighting. This creates the brightness necessary for Dolby Vision and HDR10+ compatibility to be worthwhile — brightness that a regular LED TV just can't compete with. TCL has also loaded the Q6 series with Motion Rate 240 motion smoothing technology and three HDMI ports, making it a super solid budget gaming TV." — LS

More TV deals

43 to 50 inches

55 to 58 inches

65 to 70 inches

75 to 86 inches

Best Amazon Spring Sale unlocked phone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

"A close rival to the iPhone 15 Pro Max, Samsung's new Galaxy S24 Ultra is a premium 6.8-inch smartphone with a durable titanium design, a rear telephoto lens with impressive zoom capabilities, and a smattering of neat AI features. It also comes with a built-in S Pen stylus that doubles as a remote, according to Mashable tech editor Kim Gedeon. This is the 256GB base model's first discount since it launched in January 2024." — HH

More unlocked phone deals

Samsung Galaxy

Google Pixel

Best Amazon Spring Sale phone accessory deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker MagGo $82.49 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $27.50 Get Deal Why we like it

"Just released in February of this year, the Anker MagGo foldable 3-in-1 charging station just got its first big discount for the Big Spring Sale. It regularly retails for $109.99, but you can grab it for just $82.49 and save 25%. As the name suggests, it can wirelessly charge three gadgets at once — an iPhone, an Apple Watch, and AirPods (or other Qi-enabled devices) — and fast (15W). The vertical design is compact and convenient for a desk or bedside table. Plus, it weighs under 7 ounces and folds up smaller than Apple's Magic Mouse, making it ideal for travel." — Christina Buff, Contributor

More phone accessory deals

Wall chargers and charging stations

Portable chargers

Phone cases

Best Amazon Spring Sale Fire tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire Max 11 (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet.

"The Fire Max 11 tablet is Amazon's most feature-complete tablet to date, and you can currently snag the 128GB model for $200 (or $80 off) — its lowest price yet. It's packed with a speedy and powerful octa-core processor that's perfect for productivity and entertainment, can handle up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, and has a beautiful 11-inch screen to tie it all together. You can even get a bundle that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus at a discount (almost $120 off)." — Dylan Haas, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Fire tablet deals

Amazon Fire tablets

Amazon Fire Kids tablets

Refurbished Amazon Fire tablets

Best Amazon Spring Sale fitness tracker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 255 $249.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"The Garmin Forerunner 255 is on the higher-budget end of fitness trackers, but at $100 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, we think it's worth considering. The durable fitness watch features a slim design, but can still withstand excessive sweat and accidental drops. Using the device's easy-to-use five-button layout, you'll be able to check on things like your heart rate, sleep quality, recovery score, and more. It even has a 14-day battery life, so you won't have to constantly slow yourself down as you work towards your fitness goals." — DH

More fitness tracker dealsBest Amazon Spring Sale outdoor security camera deals Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight Camera $77.99 at Amazon
$129.98 Save $51.99 Get Deal Why we like it

"With 700 lumens of motion-triggered illumination, the new Blink Outdoor 4 Floodlight camera lets you see what's happening outside of your home in crisp HD no matter the time of day. Thanks to two-way audio, you can speak to people and pets using the Blink app on your smartphone, and get a heads up if that noise you heard outside was a squirrel rustling in the bushes or an actual intruder. With the Blink subscription plan (sold separately), the enhanced motion detection goes even further with person detection. At 40% off ahead of the Big Spring Sale, you can grab this easy-to-setup security camera for an all-time low of $77.99." — CB

More outdoor security camera dealsHow to sign up for Amazon Prime

The Big Spring Sale is open to Prime members and non-members alike, but a handful of deals are exclusive to the former. If you haven't subscribed to Prime within the past 12 months, you can sign up for a free 14-day trial at amazon.com/prime. After that trial ends, you'll be bumped to a paid membership plan for $14.99 per month or $139 per year.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Prime Free 14-day trial, then $14.99/month or $139/year
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get a lifetime subscription to the Headway app for under £50

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 07:00

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Headway Premium is on sale for £46.82, saving you 80% on list price.

The Headway app breaks down bestselling nonfiction titles into 15-minute summaries to highlight the important points. A lifetime subscription to Headway Premium is on sale for one user for just £46.82.

As a good alternative to scrolling the day away, users can choose from a wide variety of topics, including health, nutrition, finances, real estate, self-help, and more. There are more than 1,500 different summaries to choose from, and up to 50 more are added monthly. A very helpful feature allows you to get personalised recommendations according to your goals and preferences.

While this won't replace reading the actual book, it can clarify some of the more important points and let you know if it's something you'd like to know more about. Plus, you can choose to learn by reading, listening, or watching, which can keep things interesting, and allows you to listen to Headway summaries while you drive to work.

Don't miss out on this deeply reduced price. Get a lifetime subscription to Headway Premium for £46.82, saving 80% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Headway Premium Headway Premium (Lifetime Subscription) £46.82 at the Mashable Shop
Categories: IT General, Technology

Keep Perfectionism from Holding You Back

Havard Management Tip of the Day - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 06:01

Are you a perfectionist? While aiming for perfection is necessary in some professions, in many cases it may actually be detrimental to your performance. Combating perfectionism ultimately comes down to learning how to start—and how to finish—a project. Here’s how. How to start. Perfectionism often leads to procrastination. To overcome it, you need to get […]

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Categories: Management

Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for March 20

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 04:00

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for March 20's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Insider jargon.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no letters that appear twice.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter L.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. What's the answer to Wordle today?

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to Wordle #1005 is...

LINGO.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for March 20

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 03:00

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for March 20's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

  • Yellow: Things at a stadium

  • Green: Camera manufactuers

  • Blue: Italians

  • Purple: Words with rock bands hidden in them

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

  • Yellow: Seen at a Sports Stadium

  • Green: Camera Brands

  • Blue: Italian Demonyms

  • Purple: Starting with Rock Bands

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to Connections #283 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Seen at a Sports Stadium: ASTROTRUF, JUMBOTRON, SCOREBOARD, SYKBOX

  • Camera Brands: FUJIFILM, HASSELBLAD, OLYMPUS, POLAROID

  • Italian Demonyms: BOLOGNESE, NEAPOLITAN, PARMESAN, VENETIAN

  • Starting with Rock Bands: CREAMSICLE, JOURNEYMAN, KISSCAM, RUSHMORE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Plenty of Bluetooth speakers are discounted for Amazon's Big Spring Sale — here are the best deals

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 23:10

UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 2:00 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest Bluetooth speaker deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just about here, but as usual, the party is starting early.

That's wonderful news for you, because with so many deals already live, you can get your spring and summer parties started early. We're talking pool parties, BBQs, casual hangs, shindigs, and everything in between. And for those to run smoothly, you're going to need a great Bluetooth speaker to keep the good tunes (and vibes) going.

We've thrown together a list of the best Bluetooth speaker deals from the Big Spring Sale. Check out our top picks below, and be sure to come back after March 20 when the event officially starts for even more new deals.

SEE ALSO: Check out the best wireless earbud deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon Big Spring Sale Bluetooth speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Clip 4 $59.99 at Best Buy
$79.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

"With spring comes warmer weather, and more chances to get outdoors for a nice hike or a trip to the beach. For a speaker that's got you covered for both, we recommend the JBL Clip 4. Its IP67 water- and dust-proof rating means it's safe from the elements, while the built-in carabiner that lets you attach it to your bag keeps it safe from your forgetful mind. Despite being so compact and portable, it still boasts decently robust sound that only starts to muddy at its higher volumes." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More Bluetooth speaker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

A24's 'Civil War' isn't out yet, but the internet is already going to war over it

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 22:45

Following a much buzzed-about trailer, Alex Garland's political action thriller Civil War had its world premiere at SXSW last Thursday, garnering a slew of rave reviews. The reaction online since then — both to the movie itself and reviews out of the film festival — have been divisive, which might have been Garland's purpose.

Set during a second American Civil War in a not-so-distant future, the film follows four journalists (Kirsten Dunst, Wagner Moura, Priscilla's Cailee Spaeny, and Stephen McKinley Henderson) on a road trip through the war-torn U.S. on a quest to interview the president (Nick Offerman) before secessionist forces invade Washington, D.C.

SEE ALSO: 'Civil War' review: Alex Garland's latest is more 'Men,' less 'Ex Machina'

The A24 film doesn't open in theaters until April 12. But that hasn't stopped social media users from conversing about the film from the title alone.

With reviews out of SXSW confirming that the movie is about the power of journalism rather than politics, some on social are going to war over it.

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Maybe "going to war" is a bit hyperbolic. But having seen Civil War myself at its SXSW premiere, it's strange to see such opinionated takes ahead of its wide release. These divisive reactions might support Garland's point about the dangers of an "us versus them" mentality, whatever the politics. (Though personally, I found the film's apolitical approach unconvincing.)

To begin with, there was a lot of confusion about why California and Texas would team up in a civil war together.

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Others state that because the film's focus is on war journalism, any debate about the movie's politics is deliberately missing the point. Or they suggest that negative reactions to the movie's apolitical approach have drawn ire because Garland didn't validate the political stance of the viewers as they thought he should.

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However, some felt it was weird to release this film during an election year and not have anything to say but "both sides bad."

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Garland knows his film will be divisive; he admitted as much in his interview with The Hollywood Reporter saying that the film is intentionally "trying to create a conversation about political divisiveness" that "vilifies the other side." Whether or not that decision to stir the pot will be good for the film's box office remains to be seen. You'll just have to wait to see Civil War yourself.

Civil War hits theaters on April 12.

Categories: IT General, Technology

YouTube now requires labels for some — but not all — AI-generated videos

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 21:06

Some AI-generated videos will now require a label on YouTube

The policy was first announced by the company last November, but according to a new update from YouTube posted on Monday, the new policy and its required compliance tools are now being launched, and will continue to roll out over the coming weeks. 

"We’re introducing a new tool in Creator Studio requiring creators to disclose to viewers when realistic content – content a viewer could easily mistake for a real person, place, or event – is made with altered or synthetic media, including generative AI," says YouTube.

SEE ALSO: If you're buying the Kara Swisher book on Amazon, make sure it's not an AI-generated knockoff

YouTube is requiring that creators mark certain AI video content so the platform can affix an "altered or synthetic content" label on it. However, not all AI video content will need to be labeled.

An example of what the AI label looks like on the YouTube mobile app video player. Credit: YouTube

According to YouTube, this policy only covers AI digital alterations or renderings of a realistic person, footage of real events or places, or complete generation of a realistic looking scene.

YouTube also explains what type of AI-generated content is exempt. For the most part, these exemptions are minor alterations that were possible well before the generative AI boom of recent years. These include videos that use beauty filters, special effects like blur or a vintage overlay, or color correction.

Potential pitfalls from YouTube's AI labeling policy

There is one interesting and glaring exemption from YouTube's new AI-labeling policy: Animated AI-content.

According to YouTube, animated content is "clearly unrealistic" so it does not need to be labeled. The policy is meant to curb misinformation or potential legal issues which could arise from generated versions of real people. It is not meant to be quality control, warning users when low-effort AI generated junk starts playing on their screen.

However, as Wired points out, YouTube is arguably dropping the ball here because the policy leaves out the bulk of kids content, animated video.

Disturbing kids videos on YouTube have made headlines over the years and the company has made moves to deal with the problem. Often these appear to be pumped out as quickly as possible without any educational intent or even steps to ensure age-appropriateness.

Kid-oriented content on YouTube will be affected by this policy if creators push misinformation, because that would fall under the "realistic" portion of these new rules. However, bulk-generated AI animated junk, usually aimed at the youngest demographics, will not. And it seems YouTube is missing out on an opportunity to have this type of content labeled so parents can easily filter it out.

All-in-all, YouTube's new AI policy is a step in the right direction. Generative AI that could be misconstrued as real will be labeled, and uses of AI by filmmakers and creators to enhance high-quality content won't be affected.

Still, it doesn't appear that YouTube is yet dealing with the potential for low-quality, AI-generated content to fill the site and fundamentally change the platform. It may be forced to confront that reality, though, when and if it arises.

Categories: IT General, Technology

iPod Shuffle hair clips prove the Y2K fashion revival is far from over

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 19:47

Everything old is new again, and this week's happy return belongs to Apple's iPod Shuffle. For several years, young folks have been repurposing Shuffles as hair accessories, brooches, and more, using the clips on the back of the devices to adorn locks and Levis alike.

Mashable's Elena Cavender prophesied the trend's growth in 2022, after a December 2021 video of TikTok creator Kira Lyn Vaden using Shuffles as hair clips earned more than 350,000 likes. And, though we may not have had it on our 2024 bingo cards, it's back and better than ever.

View this post on Instagram

One photo in particular has set off this year's Shuffle styling obsession, and it appears to have been originally posted to Instagram in 2019 by user Victoria Camaratta. The image has had brushes with virality in the past (it gained more than 21,000 notes on Tumblr in January 2021 and 123,000 like on X / Twitter in September of that year), but the current interest is even higher.

On March 13, X user @voguepearls posted the photo as part of a set titled "tech as fashion." That set was reposted by fashion influencer Dove Clarke, who added the note "this would have gone double platinum on tumblr in 2014." Clarke's repost gained more than 228,000 likes and versions of the image have since been shared on the feeds of large aggregate accounts on Instagram, including betchys (141,000 followers) and structuredmag (376,000 followers).

Now, the It girls are experimenting with the look. On March 14, pop artist Slayyyter posted photos wearing matching two blue second generation iPod Shuffles in her hair, wired headphones dangling from one ear.

Tweet may have been deleted

And on March 17, Instagram and TikTok creator Madeleine White posted images, reels, and TikToks of her fourth generation Shuffles hair clips in orange and blue. White captioned one of her posts, "Time to raid your parent's random electronics bag." Upon reading it, this millennial crumbled into a pile of dust.

View this post on Instagram

Gen Z's repurposing of Y2K tech has been well-documented by Mashable's Elena Cavender, and Gen-Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue explained the appeal in an interview with Mashable last year. "They're experiencing something they never got to," she says of her generation. "They're transporting back in time."

SEE ALSO: Gen Z thrifting icon Emma Rogue on 'childhood nostalgia-core' and the future of fashion

That growing interest in retro tech has led brands to repurpose it in modern accessories. Last year, for example, fashion brand Coperni teased a purse that doubled as a CD-player, and multiple consumer good lines incorporated flip phone imagery and iconography in their designs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nvidia's next-gen AI chips are way more powerful and use a lot less energy

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 19:22

Nvidia has made bank on hardware for powering AI over the last few years. Now, it's set to potentially make more.

The computing company announced in a press release on Monday that its next-gen "Blackwell" chip is on the way. It's the follow-up to the H100 chips that are widely used to fuel things like ChatGPT in recent years, and according to Nvidia, Blackwell is up to 30 times more powerful and uses as much as 25 times less energy in doing so.

SEE ALSO: It's like ChatGPT with a body: Watch creepy demo of OpenAI-powered robot 'Figure 01'

Of course, these new chips can be used to do basically anything regarding computing, but AI is the big talking point in Nvidia's press release. Prominent tech figures like OpenAI's Sam Altman, Google's Sundar Pichai, and Microsoft's Satya Nadella are all quoted in the press release talking about how great Blackwell will be for AI.

And there are good reasons for that, given Nvidia's recent meteoric rise up the stock charts. While there was a minor market dip in response to this news, Nvidia's stock price has done very well for itself over the past year or so. Whether you care about AI or not, all the big tech companies (and investors) seem to believe it's the way of the future.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Call-blocking app rolls out AI-powered upgrade

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 18:58

A new AI feature from Truecaller is taking on spam calls, which is tech we can get behind.

Per TechCrunch, the caller ID app released "Max," a setting that uses AI to filter out unwanted calls. The feature comes in an update for Truecaller Premium subscribers, which is only available for Android. So, the release is limited to Android users who pay $9.99 or more for the premium tiers. Due to Apple's closed ecosystem approach to app development, Truecaller functionality is limited and doesn't have a paid version for iOS.

SEE ALSO: Meta takes down massive 'Spamouflage' operation tied to Chinese law enforcement

Filtering out the deluge of unwanted calls is a welcome use of AI. According to the Federal Trade Commission, almost 50 billion robocalls were made in 2022. AI's ability to analyze and automate large amounts of data makes it an easy fit for roboblocking services like Truecaller. Recently, the app also announced Truecaller Assistant, which uses AI to field calls for you and determine whether to transfer the call to you.

Typically, Truecaller blocks calls by checking potential spam numbers against its database of known culprits. The AI feature works by automatically blocking all calls from unapproved contacts or numbers Truecaller's AI believes to be spam calls. Consequently, "there can be certain cases where some legitimate businesses may temporarily [be blocked]," said Vice President Kunal Dua to TechCrunch. But, users can unblock a number at any time, and Dua added that with this feedback, the service will improve over time.

For Android users who have a Truecaller Premium account, you can turn on Max by updating the Truecaller app to the latest version, and going to Settings > Block. From there, you'll see a new option for enabling Max.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga' trailer: Anya Taylor-Joy and Chris Hemsworth face off

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 18:47

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga promises desert car chases, over-the-top villains, and War Boys galore — and that's just the trailer.

George Miller's return to the world of Mad Max centers on a young Furiosa (Anya Taylor-Joy). As a child, Furiosa grew up in the idyllic Green Place, safe from the horrors of the desert wasteland beyond. But after the warlord Dementus (Chris Hemsworth) kidnaps her, Furiosa will spend her whole life trying to get back home.

By the looks of this trailer, her attempts to return involve allying herself with Immortan Joe (Lachy Holme), the lord of the Citadel who will become her adversary in Mad Max: Fury Road.

As if seeing Furiosa again wasn't enough, Furiosa's trailer is a thrill ride from start to finish. Big rigs crashing into towers? Hemsworth in full freak mode? Taylor-Joy channeling Charlize Theron? I'm more than sold — I'm already seated.

Furiosa: A Mad Max Saga hits theaters May 24.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Check out the best wireless earbud deals ahead of Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 18:16

UPDATE: Mar. 19, 2024, 11:45 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest wireless earbud deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is just one day away, but that doesn't mean there aren't already a bunch of great deals you can start shopping immediately. From fitness trackers to spring cleaning devices, you shouldn't have any trouble finding big discounts on must-have items to welcome the changing of the season.

If you happen to be ready for a headphone upgrade, Amazon has a bunch of wireless earbuds on sale ahead of the event on March 20 — and no, they aren't all AirPods. If you want to save up to $70 on a pair of new buds across various big-name brands, check out our list below of our favorite wireless earbud deals that are already live before the Big Spring Sale begins. You might want to revisit this page after the sale officially starts, too, because we expect even more offers to be up for grabs.

SEE ALSO: Fire Tablet deals are aplenty during Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best Amazon Big Spring Sale wireless earbud deals Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Echo Buds with active noise cancellation (2nd Gen) $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the Amazon Echo Buds with Active Noise Cancellation.

"We're not going to lie, it can be a little tricky to find more-than-decent ANC on a pair of budget earbuds. At their full price of $119.99, the Echo Buds already offer a fairly enticing price point for that criteria, but at $54.99, that's nearly unbeatable. Mashable Tech Reporter Alex Perry wrote in his Echo Buds review, "Considering how much cheaper these are than other big-name ANC-enabled earbuds, it's pretty incredible that the ANC works as well as it does." You shouldn't expect Bose-standard noise cancellation, the touch panels can be a little too sensitive, and the battery life is just okay, but these are fair trade-offs for the money you're saving." — Bethany Allard, Lead Shopping Reporter

More wireless earbud deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get an Echo Dot Kids for under $40 and make story time even more special

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 18:12

SAVE $20: The Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) $39.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Amazon has an extensive lineup of Echo devices that make life at home just a bit easier. Paired with Alexa, these speakers and screens can provide tunes for a dance party, connect to the grandparents on a video call, or display your calendar so you're less likely to forget that important appointment. None, however, have the bragging rights of turning Alexa's voice into a dragon – except for one that happens to be on a major discount today.

As of March 19, the Echo Dot Kids (5th gen) is just $39.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $59.99. That's a 33% discount or $20 off. Choose between the cute dragon or owl design to score this sale price.

SEE ALSO: Echo vs. Echo Dot: Which Amazon device should you buy?

The Echo Dot Kids takes Amazon's Echo smart speaker and turns it into a kid-friendly way to listen to bedtime stories (Ask Alexa to open Amazon Storytime), stream music, or ask for homework help. Alexa is designed to give age-appropriate replies and make sure no explicit songs reach young ears. Parents can also set daily time limits and check on activity through the Amazon Parent Dashboard.

Kids can set Alexa's voice to be a dragon's voice or an owl to match the Echo Dot's design. Kids can also call friends or family from the Echo Dot as long as they're parent-approved. The Echo Dot Kids also comes with one year of free access to Amazon Kids+ which contains videos, Audible books, and morning routines for kids to follow.

Introduce a helpful dragon or owl into your kids' daily routine with an Echo Dot Kids for just $39.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $300 off right now at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 17:41

SAVE $300: As of March 19, get the Samsung M8 Smart Monitor for $399.99 at Amazon. That's 43% off its normal price of $699.99 and a discount of $300.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung M8 Smart Monitor $399.99
$699.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

If you're ready to bring home a new monitor, bigger is usually better. You can get so much done on a larger screen, and it just feels better than using a smaller display. Especially if it comes equipped with smart features that make it feel like so much more than your standard-issue, pedestrian screen. Right now, you can save big on a Samsung monitor that checks all these boxes and then some.

As of March 19, the 32-inch Samsung M8 Smart Monitor is on sale at Amazon for $399.99. That's $300 off its normal price of $699.99 and a 43% discount. Notably, that makes it just $50 more than the Samsung M7 Smart Monitor, which Mashable's RJ Andersen recently reviewed and loved, and it comes with several other features the previous model doesn't have.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's Big Spring Sale tomorrow: Dates, the best early deals, and more

This crisp display boasts a 4K UHD 2160p resolution with a 60Hz refresh rate, 4.0ms response time, and a 178-degree viewing angle. Its ultra-slim body makes it the perfect addition to any desk, but it doubles as a fantastic-looking TV as well.

That's because of its suite of smart TV options. Connect it to WiFi and you can use Samsung TV Plus to watch free and live on-demand content without the need for a subscription service. You can also watch your favorite streaming apps straight from the display with Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, and other options to choose from.

That's why this monitor is such a steal at $399.99. If you're interested in adding another display to your home or just want a smaller TV alternative for an apartment or smaller room, this is one option you just can't beat.

Categories: IT General, Technology

'The Acolyte' trailer: The Jedi face a growing threat

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 17:40

The Dark Side rises in the first trailer for new Star Wars series The Acolyte.

Created by Russian Doll's Leslye Headland, The Acolyte marks our first live-action introduction to the High Republic Era — a time of peace 100 years before the Star Wars prequels take place. However, that peace is under attack by dark forces, ones which leave dead Jedi in their wake. A respected Jedi Master (Squid Game's Lee Jung-jae) investigates the murder spree, only to come face-to=face with a dangerous warrior from his past (Bodies Bodies Bodies' Amandla Stenberg).

The first trailer for The Acolyte is otherwise thin on plot details. But we do get blessed by scenes of The Matrix's Carrie-Anne Moss in full Jedi mode, promises of political intrigue, and a very foreboding look at what may be one of the first red lightsabers.

The first two episodes of The Acolyte premiere June 4 on Disney+.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Shark and Roborock self-emptying robot vacuums are extra affordable during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 17:32
A look at the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale Best budget deal Shark AI AV2501 349.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal Best 2-in-1 deal Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon (save $450) Get Deal

We can only assume that most anyone shopping for a robot vacuum is in it for the convenience aspect. And a majority of those people probably wouldn't complain about that convenience going a step further with self-emptying robot vacuum.

Automatic emptying happens each time the robot vacuum finishes cleaning and empties its onboard dust bin into a bigger canister inside the same dock it charges on. This relieves you of interacting with that ball of mystery debris that previously needed to be manually dumped into the trash. Depending on your cleaning routine and that particular dock's capacity, you could be off the hook anyway from six weeks to six months.

SEE ALSO: On the hunt for a cheap 4K TV? You have a ton of options at Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Once reserved for pricey botvacs as a new-fangled feature five or so years ago, self-emptying is now a super common, potentially super affordable addition, made even more accessible during sales like Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Below, we're tracking the best self-emptying robot vacuum deals at Amazon currently live, organized around whether they also mop, and then listed in ascending order of price. Robot vacs from big brands like iRobot, Shark, Roborock, and Eufy have all made an appearance already, and we expect more as the sale runs its official course between March 20 and 25.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roborock Roborock Q7 Max+ $419.99 at Amazon
$869.00 Save $449.01 Get Deal Why we like it

All of the deals in this list are good deals, but more than 50% off good? Only the Roborock Q7 Max+ can say that now that its regular sale price of $699.99 has a casual $280 coupon tacked on.

Of the handful of models Roborock released in 2022, the Q7 Max+ is the most elite of the hybrid series. It simultaneously vacuums with tenacious suction (4,200 Pa is pretty impressive under $500) and mops with water — except on carpet, where it will lift its mopping pads to keep soft floors from getting wet. Its dock holds the debris it auto-empties for seven weeks (or more) at a time. The Q7 Max+ has smart mapping to remember the layout of your home as well as virtual keep-out zones that you set in the app, cleaning for more than two hours before needing to return to charge.

More Amazon Big Spring Sale self-emptying robot vacuum dealsSelf-emptying robot vacuum and mop combos
Categories: IT General, Technology

Save $10 on a $100 Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy, today only

Mashable - Tue, 03/19/2024 - 16:29

SAVE $10: As of March 19, save $10 on an Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a discount of 10%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Uber and Uber Eats Gift Card $90.00 at Best Buy
$100.00 Save $10.00 Get Deal

Planning on grabbing an Uber to go somewhere soon? Or maybe you order takeout regularly with Uber Eats. Whatever the case may be, saving money is always a good thing, even if it's just a little at a time. Right now, you can save on your next Uber ride or Uber Eats order by pre-paying with a gift card at a discount – or you can give someone else the gift of convenience.

As of March 19, you can save $10 off a $100 Uber or Uber Eats gift card at Best Buy. That's a 10% discount and a deal that's only valid for today. It doesn't apply to the other denominations currently, so if you want to snag this deal, you'll have to go large with a $90 purchase that nets you $10 in free Uber credit, essentially. This price applies to both the digital and physical gift cards, so you can either have your credits emailed to you or a physical card delivered.

You can apply the gift credit directly to your account if you opt for email delivery, or you can have it sent to your intended recipient. It works just like cash on Uber and Uber Eats, so all you have to do is apply the gift card and start using either service. It may just be $10 off, but Uber fees add up, and in this economy, any kind of savings is worth springing for. Don't miss this deal today, as it's counting down right now.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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