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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 9'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: You hungry huh?

• Green: Getting an education

• Blue: Ubiquitous

• Purple: Words that involve "space"

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: Eat Voraciously

• Green: Areas of Academic Focus

• Blue: Universal

• Purple: Sapce___

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 #272 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Eat Voraciously: DOWN, INHALE, SCARF, WOLF

• Areas of Academic Focus: CONCENTRATION, DEGREE, MAJOR, MINOR

• Universal: BLANKET, BROAD, GENERAL, SWEEPING

• Space___: BAR, CADET, HEATER, STATION

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.

The life of a college student is a hectic one. Classes to attend, papers to write, tests to take, and tuition to pay — it's a lot.

And while we can't take all that stress off your plate — you'll have to ace those tests on your own — we can help you check one stressful task off your to-do list: Buying the right laptop for college.

SEE ALSO: All the best laptop deals you can get this month

Mashable shopping reporters have reviewed dozens of laptops, and in this guide, we'll give you our top hand-on-tested picks for the best laptops for college students (with more recommendations coming in future updates).

How do I choose a laptop for college?

For the student lifestyle, portability, performance, and price are key. Because you'll be hopping around from class to class on a tight schedule, you'll need a laptop that you can carry around easily without weighing you down. You're too young for back problems.

In terms of performance, you probably won't need anything too fancy, but you will want a device with a CPU, GPU, and RAM that can handle multiple tasks at once. If you're an art student who will be using your laptop to edit photos and videos, you should aim for something with higher processing power like the M3 Apple MacBook Pro.

As for price, college students already have a huge financial burden on their shoulders, so don't buy something that's going to make life even harder. There are plenty of affordable laptops that'll do what you need them to do.

What are the best laptops for college?

We're excited to help you pick out your new college companion. Below, our hands-on-tested recommendations for the best laptops for college students in 2024.

Kristen Stewart breaks down the difference between the female gaze and the male gaze in this interview promoting her new film, 'Love Lies Bleeding.' Love Lies Bleeding opens in limited theatrical release March 8, then expands nationwide March 15.

The Digital Markets Act (DMA), a new set of EU regulations that forces Big Tech companies to open themselves to competition on their core platforms, went into effect on Thursday. 

By Friday, the DMA had already resolved the latest conflict between Apple and Epic Games.

"The DMA went through its first major challenge with Apple banning Epic Games Sweden from competing with the App Store, and the DMA just had its first major victory," Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney posted on X. "Following a swift inquiry by the European Commission, Apple notified the Commission and Epic that it would relent and restore our access to bring back Fortnite and launch Epic Games Store in Europe under the DMA law."

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This latest behind-the-scenes conflict between Apple and Epic Games was made public on Wednesday, so as Sweeney said, this is an incredible victory for the brand new DMA which is barely one day old as of publishing.

The result of this decision means that Fortnite will likely soon make its way back to iOS, which would mean that gamers in the EU can once again play the popular battle royale game on their iPhones for the first time since 2020.

A pause in the war between Apple and Epic Games

Fortnite developer Epic Games released a statement on Wednesday sharing that Apple had terminated the video game company's previously-approved iOS developer account. 

SEE ALSO: Apple to let iPhone users delete Safari, easily transition to Android

This isn't the first time the iPhone-maker and the Fortnite developer butted heads. In 2020, Apple booted Epic Games' Fortnite from the App Store after the gaming company attempted to avoid paying Apple's in-app purchase revenue share fees. Since then, Fortnite has been unavailable to play on iOS devices.

However, thanks to the DMA, Apple has been forced to comply with a number of new rules in the EU. The new law means Apple must allow "alternative marketplaces" to compete with its official App Store, allowing for app developers to release apps on iPhone without going through Apple's distribution model.

Once Apple announced this new policy, Epic Games quickly shared its intent to bring Fortnite back to the iPhone in the EU. In order to do so, Epic Games opened a new developer account that's to be used to create an Epic Games mobile app store in the EU under the new "alternative marketplace" rules.

Apple derailed those plans – at least temporarily – on Wednesday. According to Epic Games, Apple terminated its developer account, citing Fortnite's history of violating Apple's rules as well as the Epic Games' outspoken criticism of Apple.

However, Apple is now officially operating under a new set of regulations in the EU as of Thursday. Epic Games filed a complaint to EU regulators and by Thursday the issue was already being investigated by the European Commission.

“Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies," Apple said in a statement. "As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and [be] accepted into the Apple Developer Program.”

"Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account," Epic Games said in its own publicly posted press release. "We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe."

Apple's quick reversal is certainly an impressive early feat for the DMA. It'll be interesting to see what else these new regulations will do even further out than one day after it's officially been implemented.

Apple will soon be making significant changes to its mobile platforms in response to new regulations in the EU called the Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Thanks to the DMA, Big Tech companies identified as "gatekeepers" must open up their core platforms to competition or third-party alternatives. Case in point: Apple can no longer monopolize app distribution on iOS in the EU with the App Store. This means, for example, that developers can distribute their apps through alternative application marketplaces on iOS, allowing them to dodge Apple's App Store content policies. 

Apple unveils its first changes under the DMA

By now, you've likely heard about Apple allowing App Store competition in Europe. Apple has been criticized by Microsoft, Meta, Epic Games, and Spotify for rules and policies pertaining to these  "alternative marketplaces." (Apple has instituted new, controversial DMA-related policies regarding Apple's revenue share models, which has been the focus of its peers' criticisms.)

However, Apple is being compelled to make other lesser-known changes to iOS that you may not have yet been aware of.

On Thursday, the day the DMA officially went into effect in the EU, Apple published a compliance report detailing some of the upcoming changes it's making to its platforms due to these new regulations.

Here are some of the most notable changes iPhone users in the EU can look forward to, brought to you by the DMA:

Browser choice

After EU users update to iOS 17.4, they will be presented with numerous web browser options available in their market. 

As it stands previously, the iPhone just automatically defaulted to Apple's own Safari web browser. To swap the default to another option like Firefox, Google Chrome, or Opera, you'd have to navigate to Settings to change it. Now, due to the DMA mandate, Apple will now prompt EU users to make a choice.

Developers will also have a choice, too. Previously, developers were only allowed to use Apple's WebKit for browser apps and in-app browser experiences. Now, they can use alternative web browser engines as well.

Delete the iPhone's Safari app

Speaking of Safari, have you ever tried to delete the app from your iOS device? You can't.

Well, that will soon change – if you're an EU user.

Apple announced in its DMA compliance report that it plans to let users completely delete the Safari app from their iPhone. Users were previously prohibited to do so because Apple's web browser is so deeply integrated with iOS. Apple is preparing to make that change now though.

Interoperability: First up, Payments

Using Apple Pay is easy. Users can just scan their iPhone at a register and pay for their item with any number of payment options in their Apple Wallet.

Now, Apple will let developers of third-party payment apps access the NFC chip inside the iPhone, which makes it all possible. Soon, users will be able to use their iPhone to pay for products and services through a third-party payment app as well.

Apple says it will also consider other interoperability requests from developers on a case-by-case basis.

Easier transfers to Android and other mobile operating systems

Looking to leave your iPhone behind for an alternative, but feel stuck due to all the data you have tied up with Apple?

The DMA has pushed Apple to change this as well.

According to Apple, it's working on giving providers of mobile operating systems like Android "more user-friendly solutions" for users seeking to transfer data from the iPhone to a non-Apple device.

Most of these DMA-influenced Apple changes are on the way later this year or early next year, according to Apple. The latest scheduled feature – easier transferring process from an iPhone – is currently scheduled for fall 2025.

Best early MAR10 Day deals Best game deal 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' $39.99 at Nintendo (save $20) Get Deal Best accessory deal PowerA Enhanced Wireless Nintendo Switch Controller (Mario Pop) $52.99 at Amazon (save $7) Get Deal Best subscription deal Nintendo Switch Online 14-day free trial $0 at Nintendo Get Deal

Once per year, we get to collectively celebrate our favorite Italian plumber with a massive sale on games, accessories, and more that'll have you wanting to blurt out a quick "wahoo!"

On March 10, MAR10 Day (or just Mario Day) kicks off in the Nintendo Store and across multiple other retailers. Thankfully, you won't have to wait until the actual day to start shopping all those great deals — MAR10 Day is here early, with plenty of offers already live on Mario-centric titles past and present, themed Nintendo Switch consoles and controllers, Nintendo Switch Online memberships, and others.

To make things easier, we've gathered up all the early MAR10 Day deals we could find and listed them out below for you to browse and buy. Check out our top picks, and happy MAR10 Day!

SEE ALSO: Gaming starter kit: All the gear you need to play like a real gamer MAR10 Day game deals Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo 'Mario Kart 8 Deluxe' $39.99 at Nintendo
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Mario Kart 8 released all the way back in 2017, but has stayed relevant ever since thanks to consistent updates and DLC expansions. If you're going to get a Nintendo Switch, it's pretty much a must-play, and one of the most fun multiplayer titles on the handheld console. This is just the base version, but if you've never played it before, you'll be fine starting here (and it's $20 off).

• Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle (Game + Booster Course Pass) — $64.98 $84.98 (save $20)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope — $19.79 $59.99 (save $40.20)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Season Pass — $17.99 $29.99 (save $12)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Gold Edition — $35.99 $89.99 (save $54)

• Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope + Rayman Edition — $27.99 $69.99 (save $42)

• Mario Party Superstars — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Luigi's Mansion 3 + Multiplayer Pack Set — $46.98 $69.98 (save $23)

• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle — $13.99 $39.99 (save $26)

• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Gold Edition — $20.99 $59.99 (save $39)

• Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle Donkey Kong Adventure — $5.20 $14.99 (save $9.79)

• Mario Gold Super Rush — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario Tennis Aces — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Yoshi Crafted World — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Mario & Sonic at the Olympic Games Tokyo 2020 — $23.99 $59.99 (save $36)

MAR10 Day console and accessory deals Opens in a new window Credit: PowerA PowerA Enhanced Wireless Nintendo Switch Controller (Mario Pop) $52.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $7.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you planned on picking up a Pro controller for your Nintendo Switch, why not add some style to it? This Joy-Con alternative from PowerA is fully wireless, features a 30-hour battery life, two mappable buttons, and an awesome Mario-themed design. It doesn't support HD Rumble or Amiibo, but if you can sacrifice those two things, this is a great deal.

• Nintendo Switch OLED Mario Red Edition — $349.99

• Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle (Isabelle's Aloha Edition) — $199.99

• Nintendo Switch Lite Animal Crossing: New Horizons Bundle (Timmy and Tommy's Aloha Edition) — $199

• PowerA Enhanced Wired Nintendo Switch Controller (Fireball Mario) — $19.49 $27.99 (save $8.50)

• PowerA Enhanced Wired Nintendo Switch Controller (Mushroom Kingdom Friends) — $19.49 $27.99 (save $8.50)

• PowerA Enhanced Wired Nintendo Switch Controller (Brick Breaker Mario) — $18.99 $22.99 (save $4)

• PowerA Nano Wired Nintendo Switch Controller (Mario Bros.) — $19.49 $22.99 (save $3.50)

• PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch — $16.99 $19.99 (save $3)

• PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch (Fireball Mario) — $12.99 $14.99 (save $2)

• PowerA Slim Case for Nintendo Switch (Yoshi) — $12.99 $14.99 (save $2)

More MAR10 Day deals Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Nintendo Switch Online 14-day free trial Get Deal Why we like it

This is the best free trial offer we've seen to date for Nintendo Switch Online, as it's double the length that it usually is. A subscription to the service gets you the ability to play Nintendo Switch games online, access to a library of 100+ classic Nintendo games, and exclusive sale and discount offers. Be sure to note that this offer will automatically convert to a monthly membership at the end of the trial if you don't cancel, which will run you $3.99 per month.

• Adventures with Peach Starter Course LEGO Set — $50.99 $59.99 (save $9)

• Rambi the Rhino Expansion LEGO Set — $9.34 $10.99 (save $1.65)

• Get double points on LEGO Super Mario sets through March 11

Sadly, the Oscars won't be a walk in the dog park this year. One of the most beloved Hollywood rising stars, Messi, won't be in attendance.

Messi, the blue-eyed border collie who matched Best Actress nominee Sandra Hüller's performance in Anatomy of a Fall as Snoop, became a fan favorite of this awards season and an apparent industry enemy.

SEE ALSO: Here's why celebs might sport red buttons on the Oscars red carpet

The Palm Dog recipient attended the Oscars nominees luncheon where he met a starstruck Ryan Gosling. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Messi's stunning blue eyes didn't work on everyone. Other companies with nominated films complained to the Academy that Messi's appearance gave the film an advantage in the voting period.

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Before the French courtroom thriller was nominated for five Academy Awards, it gained quite the online fandom. Viewers posted fan cams of "the hot lawyer" played by Swann Arlaud ,and both Hüller and director Justine Triet received the "mother" treatment. But it's their four-legged friend that garnered the most attention. When the news of Messi's upcoming absence broke fans quickly reacted on X / Twitter.

One fan wrote, "complaining cause they didn’t have a banger awards strategy. you are not a victim! not at all!" in response to studio complaints about Messi's star power. Another said, "everyone should be embarrassed." Someone else questioned, "how are you as a grown adult beefing with a dog."

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The internet's defense of Messi is almost as strong as the hot lawyer's defense of Hüller's character in the film. One Messi champion said, "mind u the dog gave a better performance than some of the nominees." Another wrote, "oh they are scared he’ll get all the attention… scared of a REAL movie star." Another fan pointed out, "He is part of the ensemble nominated for Best Picture."

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If only the justice that was served for Hüller's character could also benefit Messi.

SAVE $20: As of March. 8, get a digital copy of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for Nintendo Switch for $39.99. That's a 37% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Best Buy Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (Digital Copy) $39.99 at Best Buy
$59.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

There are Nintendo Switch games, and then there are must-have Nintendo Switch games: Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Leaf, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, and certainly Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. These are just some of the first games anyone should consider picking up for their new system, and this hasn't really changed much over the years. The list just keeps getting longer. If you haven't yet jumped on the Mario Kart train, now's a great time to dive in.

As of March 8, you can get Mario Kart 8 Deluxe for just $39.99 at Best Buy. That's $20 off its normal price of $59.99, and a 37% discount. This price only applies to the digital Nintendo Switch version. The physical version is still $53.99, which is $6 off, so you're still saving a bit but it isn't nearly as good of a deal as buying digital.

This delightful kart racer brings your favorite Mario characters together to challenge each other in races across a variety of colorful tracks. It can also tear friendships and relationships apart if you let it, because nothing can tear bonds asunder like letting loose a blue shell when your partner or friend is in first place and you knock them out.

This version includes a wide variety of additional characters, gameplay improvements over the original Mario Kart 8, and additional accessibility features. Its updated Battle Mode also includes special courses that you can test your racing might against, if you'd prefer to try something a little different. There's gobs and gobs of entertainment to be had here, and for $39.99, you definitely can't beat it. Just be aware that you might come out a different person when you go in expecting casual races with friends...don't say we didn't warn you.

In a move accompanied by little, if any, public support, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul has deployed the National Guard to New York City subways in a stated effort to crack down on crime. For New York City residents, all this effort will do is hassle people going about their business and increase the number of armed men and women scrolling their phones in subway stations.

I've lived in New York City for a decade now, unlike Hochul, and I've never seen a subway issue resolved by law enforcement. Not once. I have, however, seen quite a few officers scrolling their phones and hassling subway performers and unhoused individuals. So you might understand that New Yorkers were rather confused and taken aback by the governor sending 750 National Guard members to check bags and crack down on crime. Not to say there isn't any crime in New York City — there is, as there is anywhere — but rates are actually quite low. It's safer here than small-town America.

SEE ALSO: New York City's AI plan: These are the key takeaways

Late last month, a conductor was slashed during the overnight hours of operation, which prompted transit workers to stage a job action during early morning rush hour. The work stoppage caused significant delays and frustration for commuters. And while that incident was terrible, it's one among millions of rides.

My local rep Emily Gallagher summed it up well, writing on X: "Ham-fisted and authoritarian response to several terrible incidents (even as the crime rate is falling ) that does nothing to foster real public safety but validates GOP propaganda about urban lawlessness in an election year. In other words, a predictable move by this Governor."

"The blowback was immediate" to Hochul's plan, wrote the New York Times. In short: New Yorkers were upset and wondering who, if anyone, asked for this response.

There were serious replies from New Yorkers, but there were also people who unleashed their exasperation through memes. Because what can you do but laugh when the governor deploys a battalion to your city?

There were a lot of jokes about what the National Guard might find searching normal folks' bags. There were also comments about ways people could mess with this new policy.

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Of course, there were more serious takes because, well, it's a bit ludicrous to deploy the National Guard to the subway to search bags.

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So, yes, there are now heavily armed people checking work bags on the subway. Who feels safer by that is entirely unclear. But at least we've got something to post about.

GET A $75 GIFT CARD: As of March 8, you can get a free $75 Best Buy gift card when you purchase an eero 6+ AX3000 Dual-Band Mesh Wi-Fi 6 System (3-pack).

Opens in a new window Credit: eero eero 6+ AX3000 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (3-pack) $299.99 at Best Buy
Get a $75 Best Buy gift card with purchase Get Deal

Most people can't afford to live without a reliable internet connection. It keeps us connected to the world, work, and entertainment. Whether we're using it to stream our favorite shows, attend Zoom meetings, or stay connected with loved ones, having a strong and stable internet connection is a must.

If you're dealing with a shaky internet connection, you might want to consider upgrading your WiFi system to a mesh WiFi 6 system like eero 6+.

As of March 8, Best Buy is offering an eero mesh WiFi deal where you can get a $75 Best Buy gift card by purchasing the eero 6+ AX3000 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (3-pack).

The eero 6+ AX3000 Dual-Band Mesh WiFi 6 System (three-pack) offers an advanced, seamless, and powerful solution to enhance your home network. It supports WiFi speeds up to a gigabit without jacking up your internet prices or worrying about data caps. It can reach up to 4,500 square feet of coverage, ensuring that every corner of your home is connected (75+ devices).

With its advanced TrueMesh technology, the eero 6+ system eliminates dead zones and provides fast, reliable WiFi throughout your entire home. Plus, it's simple to setup, with the eero app guiding you through the process.

The next major update, iOS 18, should roll out to users alongside the expected iPhone 16 launch later this year.

Although we're still several months away from its highly anticipated release, leaks about iOS 18 have been circulating to feed into our speculation.

SEE ALSO: iOS 18: Everything we know about the next big iPhone update iOS 18 update: 2 rumored new features

According to MacRumors, which cites "industry sources," iOS 18 is set to offer, at the very least, two new accessibility-related perks.

1. Launch accessibility settings with your voice

Reportedly called "Adaptive Voice Shortcuts," MacRumors claims that iOS 18 will allow users to assign unique vocalized phrases to accessibility settings.

For example, by speaking a phrase of your choice, you can launch any existing accessibility feature, including Zoom, VoiceOver, and Voice Control.

2. New 'Categories' section for Live Speech

Live Speech is a feature that enables users to type their desired message on their iPhone, and have it verbally communicated during phone calls, FaceTime sessions, and other compatible communication apps.

You can currently save frequently used phrases so you don't have to type them ad nauseum. However, with the new Categories section for Live Speech, you can organize these "favorite phrases," making them easier to discover.

MacRumors also dished about a likely new feature coming to macOS 15. Your Mac already lets you adjust text size for some apps, but with macOS 15, Apple is reportedly expanding text-size adjustability support to five more apps, including Books, News, Stocks, Tips and Weather.

As usual, keep your grain of salt ready. Even if this rumor is true, these features are still underdevelopment and could be nixed at any moment. We won't know iOS 18's official new features until Apple announces them (likely at WWDC 2024).

Great news! The limited edition SpongeBob Xbox — the Best-Buy-exclusive one that sold out in under two minutes — is available for purchase again. The bad news? It's only on eBay, and it's about $2,000.

The eBay resellers are back at it again and doing what they do best: Scooping up limited-edition drops in an instant, then listing them for prices way above the product's MSRP. First, it was sneakers, now it's game consoles that resemble beloved cartoon characters.

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

The limited-edition console in question was an exclusive item that was a part of the "Best Buy Drops" promotion, and went live on the morning of March 7 for $699.99. While the console did come bundled with a copy of Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2, the $699.99 sticker price was still $200 more than a regular Xbox Series X console. Whether that price sounds fair to you or not doesn't even matter at this point, because stock vanished mere minutes after the listing went up, and the chances of a restock are slim (we'll be sure to let you know if that changes).

But, like we said, you technically still can get your hands on a resale "SpongeBox" if you're willing to shell out a couple thousand dollars for one. We don't recommend doing that, though — just get a regular Series X and cut your losses.

The audacity. Credit: eBay Have we no shame? Credit: eBay

Still, we question how this type of price gouging is allowed to fly on eBay. According to their price gouging policy, it might be a non-issue. "Offering items at a price higher than is considered fair or reasonable is not allowed on eBay," the site's policy states, which seems pretty all-encompassing at first. But, as you read on, it sounds like only specific items are covered by this policy: "Sellers offering essential items must offer them at reasonable prices, and may not attempt to unreasonably profit from increased demand or decreased supply caused by emergencies or disasters." When reached out to for comment, an eBay representative confirmed with us that these consoles are, in fact, not covered by the price gouging policy.

Making sure that eBay sellers can't inflate the prices of essential items is certainly a good thing, but not extending that policy to other items leaves room for resellers to scam potential buyers out of a lot of money for entertainment-based items and beyond. The retailer fortunately does have a system in place that allows shoppers to report specific listings for presumed price gouging, but the result of using that function on a SpongeBob Xbox resale listing may not be the same as using it on an item that is deemed "essential."

SEE ALSO: The best PlayStation 5 controllers to pair with your new-gen console

Another question remains: Can resellers list an item at an inflated price without even having it in hand? The console went on sale early on March 7, and by the end of the day, multiple listings for the SpongeBob Xbox had appeared on eBay. Sure, some of these sellers may have been able to secure one of the consoles at their local Best Buy, but it seems unlikely that every single one of these sellers has the product on their person. To get around this, many of the listings are being advertised as a "presale." We also reached out to eBay regarding listing items in this potentially deceptive way, but didn't receive a response.

The way we see it, the best thing you can do when shopping for these limited-edition-type drops on eBay — whether it's a SpongeBob Xbox or a pair of Jordans — is to just be vigilant and stick to your budget. If a listing seems shady, we say skip it.

SAVE $80: The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is just $49.99 at Amazon, down from the normal price of $129.99. That's a 62% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Arlo Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell $49.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

We live in an incredible time—practically anything you want can arrive at your doorstep in just a few days, if not a few hours. However, this convenience comes with the concern of unattended packages sitting on the front porch. If you tend to check delivery status about 12 times per hour, today's deal could help by taking the guessing game away from package delivery.

As of March 8, the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell is just $49.99 at Amazon, down from the typical price of $129.99. That's a savings of $80 or a discount of 62%.

The Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell packs in the safety features you're looking for when selecting a home security system. The camera uses a wide 180 degree viewing angle which means you'll be able to see front door visitors from head to toe. The camera also features night vision so you'll still be able to keep an eye on later deliveries or those that arrive at 4:30 pm in December. It's also designed to weather-resistant, capable of withstanding rain, cold, heat, and sun.

This model of the Arlo video doorbell requires some wiring to install. You'll need to have existing electrical wiring with voltage between 6V AC and 24V AC and a 10VA. To install the doorbell, you'll have to turn off the power to the breaker and follow a few simple steps to connect the doorbell to your home. Once connected, you'll want to set up the Arlo app to complete the installation process.

SEE ALSO: The best home security cameras for privacy and peace of mind

From the Arlo app, you'll gain access to video calls and notifications. You can see and even speak to delivery people through the two-way audio, should you have special instructions or simply want to thank them for their hard work. You can also prerecord messages to play during a delivery.

When it comes to security, the Arlo has a built in siren that you can trigger either automatically or manually through the Arlo app, should the need arise.

Spring cleaning season is a great time to upgrade your home security system and thanks to today's deal at Amazon, you can add the Arlo Essential Wired Video Doorbell for just $49.99.

In a refrain that feels almost entirely too familiar by now: Generative AI is repeating the biases of its makers.

A new investigation from Bloomberg found that OpenAI's generative AI technology, specifically GPT 3.5, displayed preferences for certain racial in questions about hiring. The implication is that recruiting and human resources professionals who are increasingly incorporating generative AI based tools in their automatic hiring workflows — like LinkedIn's new Gen AI assistant for example — may be promulgating racism. Again, sounds familiar.

The publication used a common and fairly simple experiment of feeding fictitious names and resumes into AI recruiting softwares to see just how quickly the system displayed racial bias. Studies like these have been used for years to spot both human and algorithmic bias among professionals and recruiters.

SEE ALSO: Reddit introduces an AI-powered tool that will detect online harassment

"Reporters used voter and census data to derive names that are demographically distinct — meaning they are associated with Americans of a particular race or ethnicity at least 90 percent of the time — and randomly assigned them to equally-qualified resumes," the investigation explains. "When asked to rank those resumes 1,000 times, GPT 3.5 — the most broadly-used version of the model — favored names from some demographics more often than others, to an extent that would fail benchmarks used to assess job discrimination against protected groups."

The experiment categorized names into four categories (White, Hispanic, Black, and Asian) and two gender categories (male and female), and submitted them for four different job openings. ChatGPT consistently placed "female names" into roles historically aligned with higher numbers of women employees, such as HR roles, and chose Black women candidates 36 performance less frequently for technical roles like software engineer.

ChatGPT also organized equally ranked resumes unequally across the jobs, skewing rankings depending on gender and race. In a statement to Bloomberg, OpenAI said this doesn't reflect how most clients incorporate their software in practice, noting that many businesses fine tune responses to mitigate bias. Bloomberg's investigation also consulted 33 AI researchers, recruiters, computer scientists, lawyers, and other experts to provide context for the results.

The report isn't revolutionary among the years of work by advocates and researchers who warn against the ethical debt of AI reliance, but it's a powerful reminder of the dangers of widespread generative AI adoption without due attention. As just a few major players dominate the market, and thus the software and data building our smart assistants and algorithms, the pathways for diversity narrow. As Mashable's Cecily Mauran reported in an examination of the internet's AI monolith, incestuous AI development (or building models that are no longer trained on human input but other AI models) leads to a decline in quality, reliability, and, most importantly, diversity.

And, as watchdogs like AI Now argue, "humans in the loop" might not be able to help.

Most of us are watching porn, whether or not we admit it. But aren't you tired of (or maybe even troubled by) just doing the same old thing to get off online over and over again?

If you're wondering why you've become so bored by the widely accessible mainstream porn that just seems to keep doing more of the same, Pornhub and its parent company Aylo (formerly MindGeek — the company changed its name in 2023) deserves part of the blame. As does XVideos, one of the most-viewed porn sites, which is owned by WGCZ. But don't worry, there are porn and erotica alternatives that can upgrade your self-love sessions.

SEE ALSO: Boomers are into trans porn, Pornhub's Year in Review shows Pornhub's many controversies

For years, Aylo has been accused of monopolistic dominance in the porn industry. In addition to Pornhub, it owns RedTube, YouPorn, Xtube, Brazzers, Reality Kings, and many more. The conglomerate disputed that characterization to Mashable back in 2020, with representative Michael Willis pointing to viewership data that shows its sites aren't alone among the most popular porn sites. Still, Aylo has a vast amount of power and influence over porn industry actors and producers. Its biggest competitor, WGCZ, keeps a low-profile and camouflages its network of brands (contact information for WGCZ wasn't immediately available).

"We don't dispute that MindGeek properties drive considerable traffic, but to say it drives a disproportionate volume of traffic is not accurate," Willis said over email in 2020.

Take that as you will. In 2022, for a Mashable story on Pornhub's 15th anniversary, Ph.D. candidate Maggie MacDonald called the adult industry an oligopoly: a market with limited players. Pornhub and its parent company not only dominate porn, but they set the standard of what viewers want to see.

Accusations of monopoly aside, MindGeek, Pornhub, and XVideos are, to varying degrees, linked to other extremely troubling allegations.

In January 2020, a judge awarded $13 million to 22 women who accused porn producer Girls Do Porn — one of Pornhub's former official content partners used to sell users on purchasing a subscription — of tricking and coercing them into performing. Despite the lawsuit's allegations being filed back in 2016, Pornhub only took down Girls Do Porn's channel in October 2019, waiting until after federal prosecutors charged Girls Do Porn owners and employees with sex trafficking. It led many to question whether Pornhub cared at all about the fact that it profited from abusive and criminal videos. In late 2023, Aylo agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle a criminal probe related to Girls Do Porn.

As of 2024, searching for Girls Do Porn on Pornhub and XVideos turns up no results.

Separately, in 2018, adult performer Nikki Benz sued MindGeek for sexual battery. (Los Angeles prosecutors declined to press criminal charges.) Pornhub's parent company wouldn't comment on the lawsuit when Mashable reached out in 2020.

In December 2020, a New York Times op-ed added more accusations of these websites hosting unethical videos linked to child sex abuse material (CSAM), non-consensual sexually explicit material ("revenge porn"), rape, and other forms of abuse. The op-ed led Mastercard and Visa to stop processing payments on Pornhub, and the company also purged videos from unverified accounts. While a monumental, long-overdue step forward in addressing these longstanding issues, it's important to consider the implications for sex workers as well. The Times piece has also been criticized for promoting an anti-porn religious group that seeks to outlaw sex work, rather than advocating for the protection of such a vulnerable population.

In a statement provided to the Times, Pornhub responded to the allegations by stating that it, "is unequivocally committed to combating child sexual abuse material, and has instituted a comprehensive, industry-leading trust and safety policy to identify and eradicate illegal material from our community," and that assertions of Pornhub allowing CSAM on the site "is irresponsible and flagrantly untrue."

Since the op-ed, only verified accounts may upload videos on Pornhub; verification requires proof of age. As of 2024, Pornhub requires uploads of proof of consent from all performers in videos as well. Previously, performers were only required to keep records of this.

In addition to these accusations, free porn sites (aka "tube" sites) have relied on profiting off of widespread piracy, making it difficult for performers to earn a living. According to a 2019 TechCrunch article, MindGeek spent nearly $2 million to combat piracy, "though that would amount to less than half a percent of the company's 2015 revenue." Now, however, Pornhub only allows verified accounts to upload content — but some performers told Mashable back in 2022 that they make better money on OnlyFans.

What is ethical porn?

Ethical porn, which focuses on performers' rights, consent, safety, and compensation has become an increasingly discussed issue in the industry. Unfortunately, there's really no guaranteed ethical free porn in the way that tube sites provide it.

Aside from most perpetuating the same problems described above, there's also little industry transparency, accountability, or credible information available. It's basically industry whistleblowers feeling as though they sacrifice their careers to speak up or journalists shedding light on abuses like those alleged against Girls Do Porn.

Yet the reality is free porn isn't going anywhere (for now), and some tube sites can be more ethical than others. New business models are emerging that provide free clips with the explicit permission of performers and creators.

Trying out alternatives to Pornhub and XVideos is about so much more than just ethics, though. There are whole worlds of unique X-rated content just waiting to be explored, perfect for both aficionados and newcomers. There are sites with artsy high productions, the down and dirty kinky, genuine amateurs, personalized experiences with stars, and an underrated category of erotica that isn't just video porn.

Links below are NSFW and 18+ only, obviously.Free porn Ethical free porn is hotter than unethical free porn. Credit: Vicky Leta / Mashable

Bellesa.co

• The gist: Categorizing itself as "porn for women," Bellesa provides ethical porn through a partnership program with curated and relatively lengthy (typically at least 10 minutes long) free clips directly from the creators. There's a paid option called Bellesa Plus (from $10/month) that includes ad-free videos from various studios. And there's also user-submitted erotica, articles on sexual health, and a built-in sex toy shop.

• Best for: Beginners or those with more softcore, women-friendly, sex-positive tastes that are on a budget and don't like to waste too much time searching getting off.

• Ethics: While initially criticized for perpetuating the pirated porn issues, its partnership program introduced a viable model for ethical free porn to the industry.

Reddit

• The gist: An unexpected haven of ethical and free communal horniness, the "front page of the internet" has an abundance of thriving porn subreddits. Amateur lovers rejoice, because there's something for absolutely everyone in r/realgirls, r/girlsinlove, r/gifsgonewild, r/gonewild, and r/gonewildtrans. These aren't places of exploitation, but communities that celebrate exploration, both from the uploader and receiver's perspective. If the loss of Tumblr porn has left you feeling without a welcoming horny internet community to call home, then you're in luck.

• Best for: The kind of grounded, home video, guilt-free stuff that somehow leaves you feeling like maybe this whole porn thing can actually be a net positive for society. It's also perfect for voyeurs and those with an exhibitionist kink.

• Ethics: If you know Reddit, you know the best moderators tend to take their rules seriously. In each of these subreddits, the identity and age of every submission is thoroughly vetted and then protected to ensure the content isn't being uploaded maliciously. Reddit's rules strictly forbid involuntary pornography and sexually suggestive content involving a minor. Piracy is pretty much a non-issue since professionals are forbidden from posting. Realness is valued above all else, so you get much less of the manicured misogynistic bullshit of regular porn. On top of all that, encouraging comments are the norm, while mean-spiritedness and hate speech is either strongly discouraged or flat out banned.

ManyVids

• The gist: This performer-oriented platform mostly has pay-per-view clips, but also has some free ones on offer, too.

• Best for: Ethically-minded budgeters who put favorite performers above preferences for a specific category or type of content.

• Ethics: Similar to OnlyFans, ManyVids creators upload their own content. Again, most of it is paid, but there's a few free videos here and there.

xHamster

• The gist: Calling itself an "independent tube site," xHamster is a hugely popular and big library (over 10,000 pages and counting) focused on authentic amateur content uploaded by users from within its community.

• Best for: Those who absolutely cannot do without the tube site experience, but are looking for a lesser of two evils.

• Ethics and inclusivity: This one was on the line for us; xHamster was also caught up in the Girls Do Porn controversy. It disabled its Girls Do Porn channel and began actively taking down the company's videos following the lawsuit as well as built an algorithm to spot common search terms related to the videos. As of 2024, xHamster requires verification to upload content, and has a reporting procedure for copyright violations.

Paid porn Your sex life deserves an investment into paid porn. Credit: Bob Al-Greene / Mashable

OnlyFans

• The gist: Taking the online horniness industry by storm, OnlyFans has basically created a whole new category of adult entertainment. Essentially combining social media influencers and models with the appeal of camming, it's a platform that gives fans direct access to a much racier version of their Instagram favs' feeds (if they pay a monthly fee, of course). They can even direct message them with personal requests. Content ranges from just a bit more explicit than IG, to full blown NC-17 sex.

• Cost: Depends.

• Best for: Instagram lovers who seek a a bit of personal connection to their spank bank material.

• Ethics: OnlyFans puts the power back in the hands of the X-rated performers who don’t need to rely on monopolistic platforms or unethical production companies to get paid. Back in 2020, though, there was a huge safety breach leaking terabytes of content, which undermines what’s valuable about the platform. Be wary of participating in that piracy.

Kink.com

• The gist: BDSM is one of the most misunderstood and maligned genres of porn, often used as evidence for why it's inherently misogynistic and bad for society. But Kink.com proves quite the contrary, consistently regarded as one of the most ethical names in porn while providing a seemingly endless library for every type of perversion.

• Cost: $15-$39.99 a month depending on subscription plan

• Best for: Lovers of hardcore BDSM porn who want to ensure their performers are being treated ethically.

• Ethics: First of all, consent is absolutely key to any healthy BDSM experience, and Kink.com embedded that into its mission. While sadly the in-house studio shut down back in 2017, it continues to ensure the safety and well-being of every performer by requiring all studios follow their strict Kink Consent Protocols. Performers fill out a comprehensive checklist of what they consent to, which is enforced throughout shooting with check-ins and aftercare. The company even created a more generalized version of this checklist, to encourage others to make this standard industry practice.

XConfessions or LustCinema

• The gist: If you're looking for an auteur of porn, look no further than Erika Lust. The feminist indie adult filmmaker creates beautiful works of erotic cinema through her two main projects. LustCinema publishes feature-length films by female directors regularly, which cover many categories but share an emphasis on the sensual, passionate, and emotional. Meanwhile with XConfessions, Lust takes submissions from subscribers and turns their greatest fantasies into a reality on screen. From the content itself to the creators behind it, there's an emphasis on inclusivity and diversity.

• Cost: $9.95-$34.95 a month depending on subscription package

• Best for: Cinephiles who like a little bit of plot and a whole lot of sex.

• Ethics: Lust has practically written the book on ethics in porn, while also being a vocal and powerful advocate for sex ed. She thinks deeply about the effects mainstream tube sites are having on our sexual culture, and aims to correct what she sees as harmful through her work — which truly makes consent look sexy as hell.

Truly alt (and awesome) porn and erotica Think outside the box for online porn. Credit: Bob Al-Greene / mashable

Dipsea

• The gist: Audio is one of the most underrated outlets for horniness. Don't believe me? Just try some free stuff on for size. When you're ready to upgrade, give Dipsea a spin. This predominantly app-based platform (which recently launched a web version) provides a constantly expanding library of high production audio erotica for all orientations, experience levels, and proclivities. There are even guided sessions, like partnered exercises for dirty talk or mindful sex exercises.

• Cost: $12.99 a month or $69.99 annually on iOS or Android

• Best for: Anyone who feels intimidated, unrepresented, or even triggered by video or visual porn, particularly women and queer folks.

• Ethics: Because the sex is all imaginary, and the platform is subscription-based (meaning contributors are paid), there really isn't a stronger ethical guarantee.

Literotica

• The gist: A longstanding bastion of written erotica online, Literotica engages your mind as much as your nether regions. Whether you're a writer or reader, it's a community that pushes you to consider new perspectives and ways of getting off, even providing some ideas you can bring to the bedroom with you.

• Cost: Free

• Best for: The literary-minded hornball who knows their strong imagination can get off without visuals.

• Ethics: Authors submit their own work for consideration and continue to own the copyright after publishing. Also, we're talking about imaginary sex so you know you're getting your rocks off ethically.

MakeLoveNotPorn

• The gist: We put MakeLoveNotPorn (MLNP) in this category because its creator, Cindy Gallop, insists it's not porn, nor is it even "amateur." Instead, it's positioned as the antithesis to Pornhub and all tube site porn, as a “social sex” where you can upload yourself or watch others have “real world sex.” It isn't only mushy gushy stuff, though. There's something for everyone's taste, and even more importantly, inclusive of all different bodies, orientations, and races. MLNP even rethought the tagging system, introducing categories that are not only less crude, but also help you see this kind of content in new ways.

• Cost: Go here for some free peeks. Otherwise it's $5 to rent a video for 3 weeks, or $10-$50 per month depending on subscription.

• Best for: Seekers of a revolutionary and unique way to get off to watching people have sex online, with a personal vibe that's unlike any other.

• Ethics: Gallop is another leader and innovator in not only ethical sex entertainment, but also in how it can become a source for good, citing feedback like this one to demonstrate MLNP's impact. Enthusiastic consent is the lifeblood of every video, whether it's softcore or powerplay. Half of all proceeds from user purchases go toward the MakeLoveNotPornstar they paid to watch.

This article was originally published in 2020 and updated in 2024.

GET $50 OFF: As of March 8, the 'Marvel's Spider-Man 2' PlayStation 5 digital edition console is available for just $399.99 at PlayStation, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy.

Opens in a new window Credit: PlayStation Our pick: Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 digital edition console $399.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

The PlayStation 5 console has been nearly impossible to get a hold of since its release in 2020. Now, the company is rewarding gamers for their loyalty and patience by offering limited-time deals on highly anticipated gaming bundles.

Last week, you could get the Marvel's Spider-Man 2 PlayStation 5 Slim bundle for $449.99 at Best Buy. And today? You can score the digital edition of the PlayStation 5 console (Slim model) specifically designed for Marvel's Spider-Man 2 for an even lower price of $399.99 just about anywhere consoles are sold, including PlayStation, GameStop, Target, and Best Buy.

Sure, it's not an actual disc, but you'll get the game and the console for the lowest price we've seen yet.

This special introductory price won't last long. According to PlayStation, it's valid until April 9, when the price will jump to $449.99.

Here's the fine print:

• There's a one console per household limit for this deal.

• The vertical stand is sold separately.

• This is a disc-free console, so you'll need an internet connection and a PlayStation Network account to access and download games.

• The game voucher code is in the box.

• Only one DualSense is included.

• A signature is required upon delivery.

Welcome to March. The month when sunsets get later each day and we start to feel hope that warmth will soon return. For those who suffer from allergies, March holds some of the last days before spring pollen takes hold and has us ordering tissues in bulk quantities. If you deal with seasonal allergies, stay ahead of the pollen with these deals on Coway air purifiers at Amazon.

Best Coway air purifier deals today Best single-room air purifier Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier $151.47 at Amazon (save $78.52) Get Deal Best air purifier for large spaces Coway Airmega 400 air purifier $350 at Amazon (save $86.23) Get Deal Best air purifier for warm climates Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier $102.20 at Amazon (save $21.29) Get Deal

Nobody wants to spend the spring season in an allergy-induced haze. While March and April typically call for flinging open the windows during spring cleaning, that's also an invitation for pollen to nestle itself into you home. From the air itself to the furniture and the linens, spring pollen can get pretty much everywhere and be bothersome for many. Fortunately, today's deals on Coway air purifiers all feature HEPA filters that excel when it comes to capturing tiny air particles like pollen and viruses. Before the allergies take hold, make sure your home is equipped with the defense of an air purifier. Here are today's best deals on Coway air purifiers.

Best single-room air purifier Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier $151.47 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $78.52 Get Deal Why we like it

Packed with user-friendly features, the Coway Airmega AP-1512HH air purifier uses a HEPA filter to capture things you'd rather not inhale like dust, pollen, and smoke. It uses a four-stage filtration system including a deodorization filter. The air purifier's LED uses color coding to let you know how clean or dirty the indoor air is. You can select between three speeds or let the auto setting decide. The Coway Airmega AP-1512HH is designed to filter the air in rooms up to 361 square feet.

Best air purifier for large spaces Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega 400 air purifier $350.00 at Amazon
$436.23 Save $86.23 Get Deal Why we like it

Suitable for spaces up to 1,560 square feet, the Coway Airmega 400 means business when it comes to filtering spring allergens in larger spaces. If your whole family deals with allergies and you're aiming at cleaning indoor air in your living room, dining room, den, and the kitchen, this could be a great solution. The HEPA filter works to reduce 99.99% of 0.01-micron particles that happen to be in the air which includes pollen. It also aims to reduce odors which could be great if you have pets or fry up bacon often.

Best air purifier for warm climates Opens in a new window Credit: Coway Our pick: Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier $102.20 at Amazon
$123.49 Save $21.29 Get Deal Why we like it

If you live in a hot climate and March brings about pollen from spring blooms in addition to rising temps, the Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 air purifier will tackle indoor allergens and cool you off. The unit uses a HEPA filter to rid the air of allergens while also working as a cooling fan. With an included remote control and the fan that oscillates up to 80 degrees, you'll be able to enjoy indoor life without pollen and while keeping cool. The Coway Airmega Aim 2-in-1 is designed to filter the air in rooms that measure up to 246 square feet.

SAVE $180: As of March 8, get the Eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum for just $319.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 36% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Eufy Clean X8 Pro $319.99 at Amazon
$499.99 Save $180.00 Get Deal

Tired of having to take time out of your schedule to vacuum your home? Wish you had someone else to do it for you? You need a robot vacuum. It's high time you welcome one into your home if you haven't already, because these dirt-hungry devils are better than doing it all yourself. If you aren't sure where to start when it comes to shopping for robovacs, don't worry. There's a great option on sale today that should more than do the trick, and you'll also get some pretty great savings in return.

As of March 8, you can get the Eufy Clean X8 Pro robot vacuum for just $319.99 at Amazon. That's $180 off its normal price of $499.99, and a discount of 36%. This is the lowest price we've seen for this vacuum, so you'll be getting a lot of robovac for a little cash.

This robot vacuum is great for hoovering up dirt, crumbs, pet hair and all the other gross stuff that gets ground up in your carpet and strewn everywhere else. It offers a combined 8,000Pa of suction power with its Twin-Turbine tech as well as a roller brush that can cut through the gross stuff like a knife through butter. It uses iPath laser navigation to create maps of your home for custom cleaning routines so it can avoid obstacles, too – so no more of that running into the litter box over and over again.

It's super quiet, can handle multiple floors with its custom mapping and "no go" zones, and it can hold plenty of dirt before it's time to be emptied. This is a great entry-level robot vacuum with all the bells and whistles of a premium model. If you don't yet have a robot vacuum, this is one you can absolutely start with.

GET 30% OFF: Level up your mobile gaming with the Backbone One controller for just $69.99 (save $30)!

Opens in a new window Credit: Backbone Our pick: Backbone One mobile gaming controller for iPhone $69.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Looking to upgrade your mobile gaming experience? Amazon's got you covered with 30% off the Backbone One Mobile gaming controller.

This nifty gadget has responsive analog triggers, tactile buttons, and clickable thumbsticks so you can transform your mobile device into a full-fledged gaming console. Plus, with pass-through charging technology and a 3.5 mm headset jack, you can keep your device powered up while gaming on the go (as long as your iPhone has a lightning connector; if you have an iPhone 15, you'll need to see the USB-C version).

SEE ALSO: The best gaming deals this week, from 'Star Wars Jedi: Survivor' to 'Dead Space'

With this deal, you'll also receive a month of Backbone+ (even if you prefer to use it for gameplay without the premium subscription). The Backbone app is the central hub for your gaming experience; you can explore new games, join your friends, and share gameplay clips on social media.

Although this controller has a PlayStation-style design and features, it'll work with Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and any other game or service that supports controllers.

Mashable UK editor Shannon Connellan speaks to some of The Gentlemen's leading cast about prepping for the series, the appeal of deconstructing wealth, and some of the series' most memorable scenes.

The Gentlemen is streaming on Netflix from March 7.