Blogroll

TL;DR: A wide range of online courses from Harvard University are available to take for free on edX.

AI is coming, whether you like it or not. You could handle these first steps into a brave new world with panic and fear, or you could learn how to harness this technology.

The choice is yours, but edX makes the decision a lot easier. This online learning platform hosts free courses on Python, Javascript, and of course, AI. And better yet, these online courses are delivered by famous institutions like Harvard University. You could become a Harvard student without ever leaving home.

We have lined up the best free online courses from Harvard University on topics like Python, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity:

• Ancient Masterpieces of World Literature

• Applications of TinyML

• Building Personal Resilience: Managing Anxiety and Mental Health

• CS50's Computer Science for Business Professionals

• CS50's Computer Science for Lawyers

• CS50's Introduction to Artificial Intelligence with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Computer Science

• CS50's Introduction to Cybersecurity

• CS50's Introduction to Game Development

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Python

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with R

• CS50's Introduction to Programming with Scratch

• CS50's Understanding Technology

• CS50's Web Programming with Python and JavaScript

• Data Science: Capstone

• Data Science: Inference and Modelling

• Data Science: Machine Learning

• Data Science: Productivity Tools

• Data Science: R Basics

• Data Science: Visualization

• Deploying TinyML

• Energy and Thermodynamics

• Entrepreneurship in Emerging Economies

• Exercising Leadership: Foundational Principles

• Fat Chance: Probability from the Ground Up

• Fundamentals of Neuroscience Part 1

• Fundamentals of TinyML

• High-Dimensional Data Analysis

• Humanitarian Response to Conflict and Disaster

• Improving Your Business Through a Culture of Health

• Introduction to Data Science with Python

• Introduction to Digital Humanities

• Introduction to Probability

• Justice

• Leadership: Creating Public Value

• Leaders of Learning

• Machine Learning and AI with Python

• Managing Happiness

• Masterpieces of World Literature

• MLOps for Scaling TinyML

• Modern Masterpieces of World Literature

• Remote Work Revolution for Everyone

• Rhetoric: The Art of Persuasive Writing and Public Speaking

• Shakespeare's Life and Work

• Statistics and R

• Super-Earths and Life

• Technology Entrepreneurship: Lab to Market

• The Health Effects of Climate Change

• The Path to Happiness: What Chinese Philosophy Teaches us about the Good Life

• Using Python for Research

You don't get a verified certificate of completion with these free courses, but that's the only catch. You can still enroll and start learning at your own pace. So what do you have to lose?

Find the best free online courses from Harvard University with edX.

Opens in a new window Credit: Harvard University Harvard University Courses Free at edX Get Deal

TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Rosetta Stone is on sale for £143.27 with code ROSETTA.

Your special someone might be fluent in the language of love, but that may just be for you to hear. For talking to practically everyone else in the world, they'll have to study up, and Rosetta Stone may be the place to do it. With beginner to expert lessons for 25 different languages, Rosetta Stone is a fun, adaptable way to learn a new language, and you can get it for life for only £143.27 with code ROSETTA.

There's more than one way to learn a language, so Rosetta Stone gives learners options. Users can try out their pronunciation with advanced speech-recognition technology that gives live feedback. Or they can brush up on their vocabulary with reading, writing, and listening exercises. 

This subscription lasts for life, which means your Valentine can take all the time they want to learn a new language, or a few new ones. There are 25 total, including Spanish, French, Italian, German, Arabic, Chinese, Dutch, Filipino, Japanese, Swedish, and so many more. 

Get a lifetime of language learning with Rosetta Stone for only £143.27 with code ROSETTA.

Opens in a new window Credit: Rosetta Stone Rosetta Stone (Lifetime Subscription) £143.27 with code ROSETTA Get Deal

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 April 3'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:

A single length of hair.

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 P.

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 #1019 is...

PLAIT.

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.

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 April 3'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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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.

Tweet may have been deleted

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: The standard

• Green: Moves in Texas Hold'em

• Blue: Skin conditions

• Purple: US States shortened

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: Benchmark

• Green: Poker Actions

• Blue: Skin Types

• Purple: Starts of US States

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 #297 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Benchmark: BENCHMARK, GAUGE, STANDARD, YARDSTICK

• Poker Actions: BET, CALL, CHECK, FOLD

• Skin Types: COMBINATION, DRY, NORMAL, OILY

• Starts of US States: KENT, MARY, MASS, WASH

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.

When it comes to breaking YouTube records, you've probably heard of MrBeast and his record of most subscribed individual creator on the platform. MrBeast also once held the record for most viewed YouTube video in a 24-hour period after one of his uploads from August 2023 received nearly 60 million views in a day.

MrBeast's 24-hour view record would quickly be bested by the long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI trailer which dropped just this past December. The GTA 6 trailer garnered more than 74 million views to grab that record from MrBeast.

But it seems like no one will be breaking the new record-holders view count any time soon.

On Monday, April 1st, 2024, the popular messaging platform Discord dropped a video announcing a new "Loot Boxes" feature. While the "feature" existed, Discord wasn't serious about it. It was an April Fools' Day joke. Discord Loot Boxes have already been removed from the platform.

But, somehow, Discord's 18-second April Fools' Loot Boxes video received more than one billion views in a 24 hour period.

Yes, you read that correctly. One billion views.

Credit: YouTube

The video received so many views, it actually got stuck at 628 million views at around the 16-hour mark as YouTube struggled to keep up with the count before updating to 1.4 billion at around the 24-hour mark.

To really drive this new record home, Discord beat the record by around 1.3 billion views.

How did this happen?

So, how did Discord achieve this impossible feat?

Tweet may have been deleted

The company is being coy about it on social media, posting "oops" on Elon Musk's social media platform X on Tuesday in a vague reference to the video. Discord also posted a few snarky replies to some users who commented on the post.

Tweet may have been deleted

Mashable reached out to both Discord and YouTube for comment but have yet to hear back from either company. We will update this piece if we do.

However, one software developer named Marvin Witt shared a very convincing breakdown of what likely happened. Basically, it appears Discord may have accidentally (or purposefully?) created a "working YouTube view bot" as Witt described it in a thread on X.

Tweet may have been deleted Here's what went down

When Discord pushes out a new feature, the platform often pushes out a pop-up announcement for users on the bottom right-hand corner of both the desktop app and web app.

Discord did this for the Loot Box joke feature on April Fools' Day. Witt shared a screenshot of the pop-up. Mashable can also confirm that we saw this pop-up when logging into Discord on Monday morning.

Tweet may have been deleted

According to Witt, who also runs an independent news and updates resource about Discord, the Loot Box video from Discord was embedded in this pop-up via an iframe. 

"Loot Boxes have arrived!" the pop-up reads.

However, as Witt shows, the YouTube video was not viewable for users unless they hovered their mouse over the pop-up message, in which case the video would then pop-up from the message like toast in a toaster oven.

Tweet may have been deleted

Discord's 18-second YouTube video was apparently auto-playing on loop in the background of the app while users spent countless hours messaging their friends or even just letting their computer idle.

So, that leaves one more question: Did Discord do this on purpose?

There's some pretty convincing evidence from Witt that it was indeed an accident.

On his X account, Witt posted a screenshot of a Discord post from a "high up developer" working at the company from April 1st.

Tweet may have been deleted

"How the fuck is this video getting so many views," it says.

Later in the day, some users started to notice that the pop-up's code in the Discord app had been changed to fix the issue, switching from the YouTube video to a video file. However, as Witt noted, many of the views were coming from users who kept Discord open and weren't actively using the app, meaning the problem would remain until those users updated the app, or the pop-up message no longer appeared because April Fools' Day was over.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Discord Loot Box video will likely become the source of much debate within the YouTuber community too, since there will inevitably be controversy about whether the record should count. Even if it does, there's likely to be a huge asterisk on this record.

Either way, Discord set out to fool everyone on April Fools' Day. It appears they did that, but not in the exact way they had planned.

The corona isn't the only thing optimistic eclipse chasers will try to see when the moon completely covers the sun over parts of North America next month.

Spectators will have a wee chance of seeing a comet with the naked eye or a standard pair of binoculars during the total solar eclipse on April 8.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, which makes an appearance in the inner solar system every 71 years, will have its closest approach to the sun just two weeks after the eclipse on April 21. The timing of the visit means it could be visible in the temporary twilight that comes with a blocked sun. The key will be whether the comet — a space snowball — will undergo a sudden flare-up called an outburst a day or so before, said Tony Farnham, an astronomer with expertise in comet activity at the University of Maryland.

"Its forecasted brightness is right at the limit of most people's ability to see that brightness, and that's in a dark sky," Farnham told Mashable. But "The thing about this comet is that it has a history of going into outbursts, a couple of which have actually been fairly large."

SEE ALSO: How the 2024 solar eclipse will be different from the last Tweet may have been deleted

During the eclipse, the moon will cast its shadow across the continent, starting on Mexico's western coast at 11:07 a.m. PT, according to NASA, arcing from Texas to Maine, entering Canada through Ontario, and exiting on the Atlantic Coast from Newfoundland at 5:16 p.m. NDT. Major U.S. cities in this corridor, known as the "path of totality," will include Dallas, Indianapolis, and Cleveland.

Totality is a rare opportunity for residents to see the sun's glowing corona, the outer layer of the sun's atmosphere, usually swamped out by the much brighter solar surface. The peak moment will last up to four minutes and 28 seconds for the tens of millions of people viewing it in the shadow's path.

Comets can be spectacular astronomical events in their own right. They are enormous balls of ice, dust, and rock that formed in the outer solar system, left over from the early days of planet formation about 4.6 billion years ago. Their ice starts to disintegrate as they get closer to the sun, converting instantly from a solid to a gas, skipping over the liquid phase. That process creates their signature tails, millions-of-miles-long debris trails of vaporizing material.

Hundreds of years ago, comets were considered bad omens. Today, scientists know these icy bodies as time capsules of the ancient solar system. Some astronomers believe comets brought water and organic compounds — a.k.a. the building blocks of life — to early Earth.

Comet 12/P Pons-Brooks, which makes an appearance in the inner solar system every 71 years, will have its closest approach to the sun just two weeks after the eclipse on April 21. Credit: Dan Bartlett

In the months leading up to April 8, eclipse cartographer Michael Zeiler has already mentally begun planning out his precious 4.5 minutes of totality.

"I'll make a quick look for that comet," he said. "But I won't spend more than 10 seconds or so doing that."

This large comet — which could have a nucleus up to 21 miles wide — has been compared to Star Wars' Millennium Falcon or a devil with horns for its unusual shape. Experts don't fully understand what's causing this distortion of its coma, the gas cloud around its nucleus. The last time Pons-Brooks, recently nicknamed the "devil comet," swung by was in 1954.

Comet Pons-Brooks shares the sky with the Andromeda galaxy on March 5, 2024. Credit: Gianluca Masi / Virtual Telescope Project How to find Comet Pons-Brooks during the eclipse

Recently, the comet was popping in on the galaxy Andromeda in the early evening sky. But during the eclipse, it should be near Jupiter.

To locate it, Farnham recommends looking to the left of the totally eclipsed sun. About a hand's length away should be Jupiter, which will look like a bright point of light, like a star. Using the planet as a reference, you may find the comet nearby while scanning around it with binoculars.

"If you look up in that vicinity and you see something fuzzy, that's the comet," he said.

"If you look up in that vicinity and you see something fuzzy, that's the comet."

Remember that it's safe to use regular binoculars to look at a solar eclipse when the sun is completely concealed, but never during a partial eclipse, even if only the rim is exposed. Direct sunlight can also damage the optical parts of a camera, binoculars, or telescope — including the filters on protective solar eclipse glasses, if a person wears them while looking through one of these devices.

Stargazers watch for Comet NEOWISE northwest of L.A. during twilight on July 19, 2020. Credit: David McNew / Getty Images

Still, astronomers are tempering people's expectations for catching a glimpse of Pons-Brooks. Nalin Samarasinha, a senior scientist and comet expert at the Planetary Science Institute, said the peak magnitude of Halley's Comet was around the same in 1986 as is predicted for this one on April 8, and he was unable to see Halley with the unaided eye in a predawn sky, a similar lighting condition to a total eclipse.

"I really doubt it will be a naked eye object (at least not with my eyesight)," he wrote in an email.

But for people planning to take pictures during totality, Samarasinha said it's worth trying some long exposures with a wide-angle camera, as Pon-Brooks might make a faint photobomb, particularly if it undergoes an outburst.

The moon blotting out the sun during a total solar eclipse. Credit: Alan Dyer / VW Pics / UIG via Getty Images What causes a comet outburst?

Though scientists don't know the exact cause of outbursts, one possibility is that heat waves from the sun make their way into a crack or pocket in the comet's nucleus, causing volatile gasses to then vaporize and shoot out material in a burst of energy. Another possibility is that as the comet evolves, a cliff or escarpment may form on the nucleus, exposing fresh material that then becomes active.

The ever-changing dynamics are what drew Farnham to studying comets in the first place: They're full of surprises. He plans to travel to Central Texas for the eclipse, and he will take a glance over for Pons-Brooks.

"If you see something, great, but if you don't, the real story here is the eclipse," he said.

This story originally published on March 9, 2024 and has been updated.

As brands, tech giants, and consumers navigate the boom of AI-integrated tools, nonprofits are trying not to fall behind. Google, one of Big Tech's AI front runners, is lending a hand.

Unveiled on March 28, the new Google.org Accelerator: Generative AI seeks to empower more "high-impact" nonprofits with generative AI support via funding, technical training, and mentorship during what is essentially a six-month Google crash course. Each of the nonprofits are already experimenting, or planning to integrate, AI-powered tools into their work.

The participating projects include things like AI-powered assistants and coaches built using Large Language Models (LLMs), AI-powered search interfaces, and chatbots based on non-English Natural Language Processing (NLP) models.

SEE ALSO: Israel reportedly using facial recognition and Google Photos to conduct mass surveillance in Gaza

Google.org has already funneled cash into AI-powered projects for good, including experimental efforts like HomeTeam, an AI-powered veterans mental health training program built by Reflex AI.

In November, Google unveiled its AI Opportunity Agenda, a set of policy recommendations and action items for supporting global AI integration. The agenda notes AI's potential in "solving big social challenges" and recommends building a "global AI Corps" that can build an AI-ready workforce, in addition to opening up other grant and training streams for businesses and organizations. Google followed up its agenda with the European AI Opportunity Initiative (and Google.org fund), providing "a range of foundational and advanced AI training to support vulnerable communities, startups, and everyone."

Google is exploring AI (and its profitability) across industries, like its recent investments in consumer health tech, AI-powered healthcare tools, and the medical field at large.

The accelerator launches with its first cohort of 21 nonprofits, spanning various industries and AI use cases, including initiatives from major global players like the World Bank. See the full list of accelerator participants and their AI tools below.

• Benefits Data Trust, a nonprofit helping low-income individuals access government benefits, is building an AI-powered assistant for caseworkers and front-line workers.

• Beyond 12, a tech nonprofit supporting college students in underserved communities, is creating a generative AI-powered College Coach for first-generation college students and students from under-resourced communities.

• CareerVillage, a community hub for professional and student advice, is expanding of its AI Career Coach for underrepresented individuals.

• Climate Policy Radar, a tech nonprofit providing NLP tools for climate research access, is designing an AI-enabled search interface for its climate law and policy database.

• CodePath, a nonprofit focused on diversifying tech careers, will provide AI tutoring and mentorship solutions for personalized career support to underserved communities.

• EIDU, a digital learning nonprofit, is building a generative AI-based personalized tutoring and other services for students in low- and middle income-countries.

• Full Fact, a misinformation and fact-checking organization, will introduce a generative AI fact-checking tool that analyzes and summarizes large volumes of health misinformation.

• IDinsight, Inc., a social impact advisor, provides generative AI-powered responses to health-related inquiries from new or expectant mothers in South Africa.

• Jacaranda Health, a nonprofit providing support to government hospitals, uses an NLP tool trained in African languages to provide digital health services to mothers.

• Justicia Lab, a nonprofit that designs digital solutions for immigrant justice, is building an AI assistant that provides customized legal guidance to immigrants on the path to citizenship.

• Materiom, a nonprofit universalizing regenerative materials, is building a generative AI tool for entrepreneurs building and testing compostable biomaterial recipes, intended to cut down on packaging and textile waste.

• mRelief, a nonprofit startup connecting people to government assistance, is creating an AI assistant that helps individuals apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).

• Opportunity@Work, a labor and employment nonprofit, is exploring AI-powered research into non-degree career paths, helping workers Skilled Through Alternative Routes (STARs).

• Partnership to End Addiction, an addiction prevention, treatment and recovery nonprofit, is building out AI-powered addiction support services for families, including training simulations and quality assurance tools.

• Quill.org, an open source digital education platform, will launch an AI-powered writing and reading comprehension feedback for students.

• Tabiya, a tech nonprofit addressing global youth employment, operates a generative AI tool that provides employment advice and job matching to jobseekers in low- and middle-income countries.

• Tarjimly, a tech nonprofit providing language services to humanitarian organizations, currently offers AI-powered translation to support human refugee advocates.

• U.S. Digital Response, a tech solutions nonprofit helping governments and other public entities, has designed a language access tool intended to help reduce barriers to unemployment insurance.

• The World Bank is developing a generative AI tool to help policy makers more quickly and effectively extract research findings.

Want more stories about how AI fits into your life? Check out Mashable's AI @ Work and AI @ Home series.

Save up to $600: Bring home one of these Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo units for up to 50% off at Amazon.

The Best Splurge The Best Overall Deal Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $599.99 at Amazon (Save $600 ) Get Deal Best Premium Hybrid Robot Vacuum and Mop Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $799.99 at Amazon (Save $750 ) Get Deal Best Midrange Robot Vacuum and Mop Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.99 at Amazon (Save $450) Get Deal The Budget Pick Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $349.99 at Amazon (Save $300) Get Deal

Need some help with spring cleaning? Then it's time to enlist a robot to do all your dirty work.

As of April 2, you can save up to 50% on select Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo units. From budget-friendly units with LiDAR navigation to premium devices with voice control and bespoke designs, there's a robot vacuum on sale with your name on it — and they're all heavy-duty devices eager to take on your workload.

Below, check out the latest Ecovacs robot vacuum and mop combo unit deals at Amazon.

Best deal overall: Ecovacs Deebot T10 Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is a great all-rounder that can help clean up both big and small messes. It can vacuum and mop in one go, thanks to its 5000Pa suction and rotating dual-mop system. First, it'll suck up dirt and debris, then scrub deep to remove stains. It can automatically empty itself into its 3L sealed reservoir as well as wash its mop pads, too. It even hot dries them after cleaning so they don't smell like mildew. With voice control, two-way video calling, and advanced LiDAR tech, this robot vacuum is an excellent option to unleash on the grime in your home, and for a significant discount.

Best premium robot vacuum and mop: Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $799.99 at Amazon
$1,549.99 Save $750.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot X1 Omni is a sleek, shiny robot vacuum and mop combo that's more than effective at clearing dirt and ground-in stains from your floors. It boasts 5,000Pa suction power and the same rotating mopping system from other Ecovacs units to get your home squeaky clean, whether it's vacuuming or mopping. Plus, it uses AIVI 3D technology to first identify obstacles and then avoid them as well as TrueMapping, a laser-based navigation system, to scan your home and make sure it knows exactly where it's going. Combine all that with voice commands, app-based controls, automatic emptying and mop pad cleaning, and a sleek deisgn, and you've got a smart gadget that you'll want to show off to others.

Best midrange robot vacuum and mop: Ecovacs T20 Omni Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop $649.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $450.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Despite its midrange status, the Ecovacs Deebot T20 Omni Robot Vacuum and Mop still packs an auto-lift mopping system, which makes it a hybrid robot vacuum and mop to watch. It can lift its own mopping plates up to 9mm off of the floor when it detects carpet to make sure the moisture only gets on hard flooring. Plus, it has 6000Pa of suction power to help suck up all the crumbs and dirt hiding in your floor. It also uses LiDAR and 3D mapping to make detailed, custom images of your home for better, more precise cleaning.

The budget pick: Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo $349.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Ecovacs Deebot N10 Plus Robot Vacuum and Mop Combo is a cheaper option, but it's still worth picking up if your home is bereft of robot workers. It can detect and avoid your carpet when it works on mopping your home, and it uses 3800Pa of suction power to clean up small and large messes. It also uses LiDAR to map out your home so it knows exactly where it's going. It's missing some of the auto-emptying features and voice commands of the pricier Ecovacs robot vacuums, but at this price it's definitely worth adding to your roster of cleaning products.

An open letter signed by music's biggest names asks industry leaders to divest from AI technologies that represent an "assault on human creativity [that] must be stopped."

Issued by the Artist Rights Alliance (ARA), a non-profit advocacy organization, the letter garnered signatures from a slate of musicians and songwriters of all ages, including Billie Eilish, J Balvin, Imagine Dragons, Stevie Wonder, Nicki Minaj, Pearl Jam, Katy Perry, The Jonas Brothers, Jon Bon Jovi, Julia Michaels, Ryan Tedder, and the estates of Bob Marley and Frank Sinatra.

SEE ALSO: Ghostwriter, the guy behind the viral Drake/Weeknd song, thinks AI music is like fanfiction

In it, signatories acknowledged that responsible AI can "advance human creativity," and called out entities that were instead "employing AI to sabotage creativity and undermine artists, songwriters, musicians and rightsholders."

The letter specifically denounced companies using existing music to train their AI models, without the consent of the artist. These models can then be used to generate content that "dilute[s] the royalty pools that are paid out to artists" and therefore threatens the livelihoods of musicians. "For many working musicians, artists and songwriters who are just trying to make ends meet, this would be catastrophic," the letter says. "We must protect against the predatory use of AI to steal professional artists' voices and likenesses, violate creators' rights, and destroy the music ecosystem."

The debate over the use of artificial intelligence to create music is ongoing, but was brought to public attention in October 2023, when an artist named Ghostwriter used AI voice filters to imitate the voices of Drake and The Weeknd. The result was so convincing, many listeners assumed it was the real thing, and the song was streamed millions of times on YouTube and TikTok.

SEE ALSO: MIDNATT is HYBE's first AI-powered artist. Here's how the project was brought to life.

New legislation including Tennessee's Ensuring Likeness Voice and Image Security (ELVIS) Act, introduced in January, seek to provide protections for artists against the encroachment of AI.

Given this tension, one particular signatory is of note: HYBE, a conglomerate that is home to Big Machine Label Group, QC Music, and an AI audio technology company called Supertone. Supertone "generate[s] ultra-realistic voices capable of singing and acting" and was first used as part of the MIDNATT project to enable Korean singer Lee Hyun to release music in six languages using his own voice. By aligning itself with the demands outlined in this letter, HYBE seems to be positioning itself — and Supertone — as one of the "good guys" in the fight for the responsible use of AI in music.

Comedian Jon Stewart has just shared some very interesting information regarding the disputes he had with Apple during his tenure hosting the Apple TV+ show, The Problem with Jon Stewart.

On Monday's edition of The Daily Show on Comedy Central, Jon Stewart – who returned to hosting the program after leaving Apple TV+ – interviewed FTC chair Lina Khan.

The sprawling interview with Khan covered numerous issues, but things got interesting when the topic came to AI. Stewart brought up the AI "arms race" between companies like Apple, Google and Microsoft and how these companies are competing to see who would become "the monopoly." 

Stewart suddenly pivoted.

"I've got to tell you, I wanted to have you on a podcast," Stewart said to Khan. "And Apple asked us not to do it."

"They literally said, 'Please don't talk to her,'" Stewart continued before segueing into a joke about how he's sure it had nothing to do with her job at the FTC.

Stewart went even further by then adding that Apple wouldn't let his show on Apple TV+ cover the topic of AI.

"They wouldn't let us do even that dumb thing we just did in the first act on AI," Stewart added, referring to a comedy segment earlier in the episode about AI. "What is that sensitivity? Why are they so afraid to even have these conversations out in the public sphere?"

Khan didn't answer those questions, focusing more on how Stewart's experience showcases the danger of having a few companies hold so much power.

Why would Apple deny the FTC an invite?

We, of course, don't have official word from Apple, but we have some ideas as to why the Cupertino-based tech giant wouldn't want Stewart giving Khan a platform on its streaming network.

Before being nominated by President Joe Biden and confirmed as FTC Chair in 2021, Khan was known for her work as an academic and advocate to reign in Big Tech. Khan even produced a 400-page report for House Democrats detailing why Big Tech companies like Apple should be regulated and broken up.

Another potential reason? Apple was aware of the current administration's investigation into the company for antitrust violations back then. The U.S.Department of Justice filed an antitrust lawsuit against Apple over the iPhone just last month.

While specific details regarding Stewart and Apple's relationship are new, it was reported when the comedian walked away from his Apple TV+ deal last year that content disputes heavily factored into the decision. In fact, at the time, Stewart reportedly told his staff that Apple executives specifically had a problem with episodes of the show that were in the works on topics like China and AI.

Apple AirPods had a quiet year in 2023, but this year, things may be heating up, according to analyst Jeff Pu (per MacRumors.)

Pu claims that Apple is planning on releasing cheaper AirPods later this year, which aligns with previous reporting by Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, a reliable Apple prognosticator.

SEE ALSO: Apple Maps may soon customize directions based on your car type Expect cheaper Apple AirPods in 2024

To be more specific, Gurman said last month that Apple is working on a pair of fourth-generation AirPods models to be released in the second half of this year. One will be an entry-level model and the other will be a "mid-tier" variant. Expect better sound, a redesigned fit, and a USB-C charging case for both models. Gurman also suggested the mid-tier version would get active noice cancelation, something the base AirPods have badly needed for years.

Oh, and apparently we'll get a new AirPods Max model by the end of the year, too. However, Gurman has said that you should really only expect a USB-C port and new colors from that one. Let's cross our fingers for a lower price point, too.

Apple AirPods Max Credit: zlata ivleva / mashable

Apple's earbuds line is in desperate need of a shakeup. Your current options include the $130 AirPods 2 that launched in 2019 and the $180 AirPods 3 from 2022, both of which could theoretically be replaced by the two new models. It would be great if Apple could find a way to make those lackluster older models obsolete while also dropping the prices a bit on the newer ones.

Apple AirPods with USB-C Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

All of this is a great reminder that the $200 Beats Fit Pro might actually be the best wireless earbuds Apple makes.

Iowa bested LSU on Monday night in perhaps the most highly anticipated women's basketball game in a long time. The Elite Eight matchup was a rematch of last year's championship game — and this time the results were in favor of the Hawkeyes' superstar Caitlin Clark.

Clark put on an absolute show Monday night, draining 41 points while commanding the Iowa offense.

Tweet may have been deleted

While the game — final score 94-87 — was amazing, so was the response online. It was a great moment for women's basketball because the trash talk, memes, and jokes were about as prominent as any game you could imagine. You know a sport is seriously popular when people are getting too worked up about it online.

There were lots of posts about Clark, and that makes sense considering the game she played.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

There were also some jokes about LSU and, in particular, Hailey Van Lith — a star in her own right — who, despite being much shorter than Clark, was tasked with guarding Iowa's best player.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Iowa moved on to the Final Four with the big win, where yet another formidable opponent awaits. Clark and the Hawkeyes will take on UConn, led by former Player of the Year Paige Bueckers, perhaps the only other player in the tournament as decorated as Clark. People are freaking excited for the matchup and have been posting about it online.

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

The Final Four game is scheduled for Friday night. Get your popcorn ready and stretch your Twitter fingers — it's going to be a great time.

ChatGPT no longer requires creating an account, although there are a few stipulations.

On Monday, OpenAI announced users can hop on ChatGPT without signing up. Previously, users were required to make a free account, but now, you can start using ChatGPT right away simply by navigating to the site.

SEE ALSO: I tried using ChatGPT to help me move across the country

Per OpenAI's announcement, "It's core to our mission to make tools like ChatGPT broadly available so that people can experience the benefits of AI." Lowering the barrier to entry for ChatGPT will definitely do that, but using ChatGPT without an account comes with a few restrictions. You won't be able to save or review your chat history or share responses. Plus, without an account, you can't use custom instructions and voice conversations.

However, you can still prevent your conversations from being used to train the model. Users without an account can do this by turning off an option in their Settings menu — which for those who aren't logged in is a tiny button in the bottom right corner that looks like a question mark. A toggle with an option that reads "Improve the model for everyone" will be on by default, meaning OpenAI is using your activity to train its model. If you're using ChatGPT for work, you should probably switch it off.

Losing out on all that free data from users who don't know about turning off chat history, or willingly allow it, is a curious decision on OpenAI's part. But since its GPT models have already scraped the entire internet for its training data, maybe it doesn't need any more. As the advancement of rival models like Google's Gemini, Anthropic's Claude, and even Microsoft's Copilot, which uses OpenAI's GPT-4 model, ratchets up the competition, it seems like a play for locking in mass adoption. This is especially evident as Google's SGE (AI-powered search results) looms in its testing phase, poised to upend traditional search.

But with mass adoption comes great responsibility, which is why the ChatGPT version without an account has additional safeguards in place. OpenAI says the AI chatbot will block "prompts and generations in a wider range of categories." In a statement to TechCrunch, OpenAI says, "We considered the potential ways in which a logged out service could be used in inappropriate ways," and also how they can "detect and stop misuse of the signed out experience," but exactly how the ChatGPT maker plans to pinpoint misuse by users who are not logged in is unclear.

Now that ChatGPT is more accessible than ever, we're sure to find out whether OpenAI's safeguards are enough.

SAVE UP TO 45%: As of April 2, several Samsung monitors are on sale at Amazon, with several premium models from 2023 in the 30% off or more range.

A quick look at our favorite Samsung monitor deals Best gaming monitor deal Samsung 24-inch Odyssey G32A FHD gaming monitor $129.99 at Amazon (save $70) Get Deal Best smart monitor deal Samsung 27-inch M80C HDR smart monitor and streaming TV $449.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best business monitor deal Samsung ViewFinity S9 49-inch curved ultrawide QHD monitor $799.99 at Amazon (save $400) Get Deal

We don't know the official statistics, but we do know that the time spent putting off work to look longingly out the window spikes once sunny spring days become the norm.

Perhaps a monitor that doesn't suck to look at could help keep your productivity levels from completely derailing during Summer Fridays season. Conveniently, you have a ton of awesome options up to 45% off at Amazon: From basic options under $100 to premium ultrawide curved models or zippy gaming models, there's a Samsung monitor on sale wherever you are on the upgrade spectrum. Barring a few cheap options maxing out at 15% off, most models (including the high-end ones) are chilling in the 30% to 40% off range.

SEE ALSO: The best time of year to buy a Mac, whether you want a MacBook or iMac

We're highlighting the best deals from a few categories below:

Best gaming monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 24-inch Odyssey G32A FHD gaming monitor $129.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 24-inch Odyssey G32A isn't the most advanced gaming monitor in this Samsung sale, but because of its huge 35% discount, it is the cheapest. This iteration of the Odyssey G3 series has a 165 Hz refresh rate versus the 144 Hz that you'd see on a typical cheap gaming monitor, plus QLED-boosted colors.

More gaming monitor deals

• Samsung 27-inch Odyssey G50A WQHD monitor — $249.99 $399.99 (save $150)

• Samsung 34-inch Odyssey G85SB Series QD-OLED ultrawide curved monitor — $899.99 $1,199.99 (save $300)

• Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC Series QD-OLED ultrawide curved monitor — $1,099.99 $1,599.99 (save $400)

Best smart monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 27-inch M80C HDR smart monitor and streaming TV $449.99 at Amazon
$649.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Samsung's line of M series smart monitors double as gorgeous mini TVs. The M8 is a slightly more elevated version of the M7 that we tested and loved, featuring a brighter screen, enhanced text clarity, and a removable webcam. As a TV, the M8 comes with all of the go-to streaming apps already built in.

Best business monitor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung ViewFinity S9 49-inch curved ultrawide QHD monitor $799.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Basically a mini IMAX screen on your desk, this 49-inch beast is the curved ultrawide model in Samsung's popular ViewFinity S9 series (not to be confused with the flat 27-inch 5K ViewFinity S9, which is still its full price of $1,599.99). The LS49C features a panoramic dual QHD display that can replace your current double-screen rig and declutter your space, plus a 120 Hz refresh rate.

More business monitor deals

• Samsung 22-inch S33A FHD monitor — $89.99 $164.99 (save $75)

• Samsung 24-inch S43GC FHD monitor — $119.99 $189.99 (save $70)

• Samsung 27-inch S43GC FHD monitor — $149.99 $219.99 (save $70)

• Samsung 43-inch ViewFinity S50GC Ultra-WQHD monitor — $249.99 $379.99 (save $400)

Every year, Apple releases a brand new version of its mobile operating systems: iOS for the iPhone and iPadOS for the iPad. But due to hardware limitations with older models and advancing technology, Apple's operating systems drop some of the most senior devices.

2024 will be no different. However, there is something interesting about which iPad models will reportedly not be receiving the upcoming iPadOS 18 update, according to numerous Apple insider websites such as MacRumors and 9to5Mac.

iPadOS 18 will not be compatible with the following iPads:

• iPad - 6th generation

• iPad Pro (12.9-inch) - 2nd generation 

• iPad Pro (10.5-inch) - 2nd generation 

iPadOS 18 will be compatible with:

• iPad: 2019 and later 

• iPad Air: 2019 and later 

• iPad mini: 2019 and later 

• iPad Pro 2018 and later

Here's what's odd

If these reports are accurate, the interesting thing here is that Apple is giving an iPad model with an older chipset a longer shelf life than the iPad Pro configurations with a newer chipset.

By not supporting the second-generation iPad Pro models, iPadOS 18 seemingly will drop support for the A10X Fusion chip, a more powerful version of the A10 Fusion processor that was used to power the base iPad model (and the iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus).

However, the seventh-generation iPad released in 2019, will be supported by iPadOS 18. And that iPad is powered by the A10 Fusion chip. The situation becomes even more confusing given that the second-generation iPad Pro models were released in 2017, despite being equipped with the newer and more powerful chip.

Again, it should be noted that these are unconfirmed reports from an Apple insider, but one that has a "strong track record" per 9to5Mac. 

It's likely that Apple will confirm which iPad models will receive the iPadOS 18 update at WWDC, which Apple just announced for June 10. So, we'll just have to wait and see until then.

SAVE $50: The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) is on sale for $2,145, marked down from the normal price of $2,195. That's a savings of $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eight Sleep Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) $2,145.00 at Eight Sleep
$2,195.00 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Waking up feeling overheated is one of the most unpleasant experiences. If you've ever wandered around a new city while jet lagged or missed out on sleep on account of waking up at night to feed a child, you're familiar with the brain haze that can come from a lack of good sleep. If sleeping too hot is your number one sleep disruptor, today's deal is here to save the day (and night).

As of April 2, the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover (queen) is on sale for $2,145, marked down from the normal price of $2,195. That's a savings of $50.

Whether you live in a hot climate or you tend to sleep warm, waking up feeling sweaty is never ideal. The highly technical Eight Sleep Pod 3 cooling mattress cover aims to prevent sleepers from ever feeling overheated. The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover is a system that includes a mattress cover, a central hub, and a power cable. Once set up and plugged in, the cover helps keep sleepers at a regulated temperature, sensing whether they need heating or cooling to get the best rest. Since the Pod 3 cover is capable of both, partners who prefer different temperatures can set their side to a desired temp through the Eight Sleep app.

SEE ALSO: I slept on Nectar's cooling mattress for a month and still got sweaty

The Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover also tracks sleep metrics like how long you spent asleep overall and how long you spent in each stage of sleep throughout the night. For those who don't like the idea of wearable a sleep tracking device, having a mattress cover that does it for you could be ideal.

Mashable's RJ Andersen reviewed the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover with mixed feelings, mentioning it could be perfect for some sleepers but not all. Andersen mentioned that set-up wasn't a smooth process, but did find a few features to be excellent. "The quality of the product itself was stellar, surprisingly so, and it actually felt worth the hefty price tag," Andersen wrote. "I also loved the GentleRise Alarm feature which gradually increases the temperature on your side of the bed while vibrating softly to wake you up."

If you struggle to get good sleep on account of temperature, the Eight Sleep Pod 3 cover promises to provide relief. While it comes with a fairly hefty price, today's deal will save you $50. The benefits of getting great sleep night after night could be well worth the investment.

An Xbox AI chatbot is in the works at Microsoft for its gaming consoles, according to sources who spoke to The Verge.

The goal of this Xbox AI is unrelated to Microsoft's work with ChatGPT, instead being a AI avatar meant to take on support queries for Xbox customers. It's part of the company's larger plans to incorporate AI within the Xbox and it's related services.

SEE ALSO: Unfortunately, eBay resellers got their hands on the SpongeBob Xbox What will the Xbox AI chatbot do?

The Xbox AI chatbot, internally called the Xbox Support Virtual Agent, has access to Microsoft's support materials related to the Xbox network and its surrounding environment, enabling it to answer inquiries and even handle game refund requests through Microsoft's support site.

Microsoft confirmed the existence of the chatbot to The Verge, stating that the AI will be an animated character that can search Xbox Support topics using either voice or text. Additionally, the prototype simplifies and accelerates players' process of finding assistance with support issues by employing "natural language" and drawing from the "information available on existing Xbox Support pages."

Starting with “How can I help you today?”, the Xbox chatbot can quickly respond to support queries ranging from troubleshooting console issues to resolving problems with paid subscriptions.

While the Xbox AI is still being tested and far from a wide release to players, this is just the start of Microsoft's plans to incorporate AI in its premier gaming console. The goal, according to the sources who spoke with the Verge, is to use AI for game creation, including AI-generated assets, environments, and NPCs.

Amazon deals of the day: OUR TOP PICK Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (unlocked, 512GB) $899.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal BEST ANKER DEAL Anker Reserve 60,000 Power Bank $104.99 at Amazon (save $45) Get Deal BEST HATCH DEAL Hatch Restore 2 $179.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST ECOVACS DEAL Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo $599.99 at Amazon (save $600) Get Deal

It may be the off-season for deals in the grand scheme of retail holidays, but that doesn't mean there's a lack of savings. We've been keeping an eye on Amazon daily and selecting the most eye-catching deals of the day for you to shop. You can thank us later.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day for April 2. And don't miss our picks from April 1 — most of those discounts are still active.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Amazon deal of the day: Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 (unlocked, 512GB) $899.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

In need of a new phone? The Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5 is a "perfectly competent foldable phone that’s competitively priced with traditional flagships," according to Mashable reviewer Alex Perry. It's not quite as futuristic as its Z Fold relative, but it's also not nearly as expensive — especially with this $300 discount. It's reminiscent of the flip phones of yesteryear with just enough edginess and innovation to make it enticing. Snag an unlocked 512GB model on sale for $899.99, 20% off its usual price and a new all-time low.

Read our full review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Reserve 60,000mAh Power Bank $104.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

This Anker power bank packs 60,000mAh of power reserves, which is enough to charge an iPhone 14 Pro seven times or a MacBook Air three times. Plus, it comes with a retractable light and an SOS button in the event of an emergency. Not only is it an excellent companion for camping or road trips, but it's also a solid addition to a home emergency kit. It's more than your average power bank and it's on sale for only $104.99. That's 30% in savings and matches its all-time low price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hatch Hatch Restore 2 $179.99
$199.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Our favorite sunrise clock, the Hatch Restore 2 elevates your wake-up experience to start the day with mood-setting features. It slowly fills your room with natural light that simulates the sunrise and surrounds you with nature sounds to gently nudge you awake. Translation: no more jarring alarm sounds. At $179.99, it's not quite its lowest price to date — that honor goes to the $159.99 Christmas deal from last year — but it is a very rare price drop for this bedside companion.

Opens in a new window Credit: Ecovacs Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni robot vacuum and mop combo $599.99 at Amazon
$1,199.99 Save $600.00 Get Deal

The Ecovacs Deebot T10 Omni recently dropped to $629.99 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Who would've thought it would drop even further to a new all-time low of $599.99 weeks later? The T10 Omni is a self-emptying robot vacuum and mop combo, giving you a true hands-off floor cleaning experience. Even the maintenance is practically hands-off, thanks to a 3L disposable dust bag that holds up to 60 days of debris, auto-clean mop pad washing with a 4L clean water tank, auto drying, and a one-tap self-cleaning button. It's not the fanciest model in the Ecovacs Deebot lineup, but it's certainly a force.

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

The red-band trailer for post-apocalyptic action film Boy Kills World is here, and it's giving Deadpool only much less talkative.

Boy Kills World follows the titular Boy (Bill Skarsgård), who is left deaf, unable to vocalize, and orphaned after his entire family is murdered by Hilda Van Der Koy (Famke Janssen), the leader of a powerful corrupt dynasty. Like countless white boys before him, Boy subsequently trains under a mysterious Asian man (Yayan Ruhian) to become extraordinarily skilled at martial arts.

This eventually leads to him falling in with a resistance group after he unleashes his skills on the eve of the annual culling of dissidents, which is apparently a thing in this particular dystopia. All the while, Boy is accompanied by the apparent ghost of his little sister Mina (Quinn Copeland), and an internal voice adopted from his favourite video game (voiced by H. Jon Benjamin).

The film also features Jessica Rothe, Michelle Dockery, Brett Gelman, Isaiah Mustafa, Andrew Koji, and Sharlto Copley.

Boy Kills World arrives in theatres Apr. 26.

SAVE $250: The Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier, heater, and fan is just $199.99 at Best Buy, marked down from the normal price of $449.99. That's a 56% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier, heater, and fan $199.99 at Best Buy
$449.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal

These days, the weather feels pretty unpredictable. From super chilled winter to broiling summer, we ask a lot of our indoor ventilation system to keep us at a moderate temperature. We want warmth in the winter, cool air in the summer, and filtered air during spring's allergy season. But if you'd rather not have separate machines for all of those needs, today's deal at Best Buy offers a great solution.

As of April 2, the Shark 3-in-1 Max air purifier with HEPA filter, heater, and fan is just $199.99 at Best Buy, down from the normal price of $449.99. That's a 56% discount or a savings of $250. It's also worth noting this model is sold out at Shark's official web store.

Storage space is always a premium, regardless of if you live in a studio apartment or a three-bedroom home with your family. Cut down on the number of home appliances you need by investing in just a few that serve multiple purposes. When winter won't relent, the Shark 3-in-1 Max can serve as a heater to warm rooms up to 1,000 square feet. During summer's heat wave, turn on the powerful fan to provide some much needed relief. Best of all, the Shark's NanoSeal HEPA filter emits purified air, removing allergens like pollen, dander, and dust.

To give you even more comfort, the Shark 3-in-1 Max uses the brand's Clean Sense IQ, which monitors the indoor air quality in real time and gives a percentage reading. In auto mode, the Shark 3-in-1 Max will adjust the fan speed to maintain optimal air quality.

Instead of stashing away the space heater or tower fan in a closet to collect dust, grab the multi-use Shark 3-in-1 Max and enjoy filtered hot or cool air throughout the entire year. No storage necessary.