Blogroll

Glassdoor is tying real names to anonymous profiles without consent

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:55

Want to protect your anonymity? Don't use Glassdoor.

The site, which has been popular for years because it gives people an anonymous way to talk a whole bunch of mess about their employers, has allegedly been attaching users' real names to their anonymous profiles, per Ars Technica. This is evidently due to Glassdoor's acquisition of the networking app Fishbowl. If you have a Glassdoor account, that means you also now have a Fishbowl account, and the latter requires a real name while the former does not.

SEE ALSO: Google and Fitbit are building an AI personal trainer

It should be noted that this information is not presented publicly on a user's Glassdoor profile, but is instead stored in the back-end. By default, employers shouldn't be able to find that information. Crucially, this all happened without Glassdoor users' consent.

This is obviously tricky and uncomfortable for a number of reasons. Glassdoor is a valuable resource for honest criticism of bad workplace practices at companies, big and small. If a software update introduced an unforeseen glitch, or bad-faith actors committed a data breach, real names could surface and become tied to specific users in some way.

Maybe find somewhere else to talk about your old jobs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get an Acer Aspire 3 laptop for only $300 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:50

SAVE $30: Normally $329.99, the Acer Aspire 3 (AMD Ryzen 3 7320U, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) is on sale for just $299.99 during the Amazon Big Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 3 $299.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal

Amazon has a big-name laptop on sale for just under $300 during its inaugural Big Spring Sale — and it's not a dinky little Chromebook.

As of March 20, a variant of last year's Acer Aspire 3 is marked down to $299.99, or $30 off its suggested retail price of $329.99. (Meanwhile, it's still full price on the Acer website.) That's not a super dramatic discount or a match of its all-time low on Amazon — it hit $249.99 there back in December — but it's still a compelling and satisfying price for a competent low-budget laptop.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

For context, this particular configuration packs an AMD Ryzen 3 7320U processor from late 2022, 8GB of memory, and 128GB of SSD storage. While those specs aren't much to write home about, they're much better than the hardware we usually encounter at the sub-$300 price point: 4GB of RAM and slower eMMC storage are much more common. (Those eight gigs of RAM are especially noteworthy.) When you factor in its 15.6-inch 1080p display, you've got a solid pick for basic multitasking and YouTube-watching.

Amazon's Spring Sale 2024 is scheduled to run through March 25, but we're not sure how long this deal will be live. It might be worth holding out a few days to see if it returns to its record low. Otherwise, $299.99 is still a bargain.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's iPad Pro could come with a matte display

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:39

The wait for Apple's new iPad Pro has been torturous. The slow drip of rumors about the OLED iPad Pro has covered everything from designs to production schedules to price. However, new rumors from a leaker in China suggest that the new iPad Pro may come with a matte display for the first time.

SEE ALSO: iPad Air, iPad Pro: The rumored release date window for the ‘biggest revamp ever’

As reported on by MacRumors, known Weibo leaker Instant Digital has reported that the new iPad Pro will feature an optional matte display alongside the traditional glossy finish. Matte screen protectors have gained popularity among iPad users, suggesting Apple may be responding to consumer preferences by offering a built-in matte option.

As one Reddit user said a year ago, "Just put on a matte screen protector and it’s a game changer."

The leaks suggest that the matte display might also include blue-light blocking technology. However, it's unclear if this display will utilize "nano-texture glass," similar to Apple's Pro Display XDR and Studio Display. As Mac Rumors explains, nano-texture glass is used for reducing glare and preserving image quality through an etched surface; it has some very complex cleaning requirements so it's usually only used for desktop displays.

The introduction of optional matte displays for the iPad Pro may extend to future iPad Air releases, but that remains unclear according to the leak. It may also mean further justification for the insane price increase that's already rumored; the new price may be around $1,500.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Ge a Shark self-emptying robot vacuum for $80 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:36

GET 21% OFF: Snag a Shark AV1010AE IQ self-emptying robot vacuum for just $299.99 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. That's $80 off the original listing price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Our pick: Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base $299.99 at Amazon
$379.99 Save $80.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally live, and hundreds of deals are available. From tablets to fitness gear to TVs, there's a little something for everyone looking to upgrade their tech and home appliances. If you're in the market for a new vacuum or want to get a head start on your spring cleaning, there are plenty of deals on vacuums, including robot and upright models.

One deal that stands out is the Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum with XL Self-Empty Base, on sale for $299.99, or $80 off its list price of $379.99.

SEE ALSO: Spring cleaning just got easier with a ton of robot vacuums on sale at Amazon's Big Spring Sale

This self-emptying robot vacuum's advanced features and powerful suction make it a great addition to any household. (Even if you have an upright vacuum already, a robot vacuum can be a convenient and time-saving option for keeping your floors clean.) It includes a self-emptying base that can hold up to 45 days' worth of dirt and debris, meaning you won't have to worry about emptying the dustbin for over a month. It also has built-in mapping and smart sensor technology that helps it navigate and clean your home without getting stuck or missing any spots (or avoiding the room the cat is in).

With the Shark app, you can schedule cleanings and control the robot vacuum from your smartphone, no matter how far away you are. Or, if you prefer voice control, the Shark robot vacuum is compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.

Categories: IT General, Technology

A ton of Anker Soundcore headphone and speaker deals are live for Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:28

UPDATE: Mar. 20, 2024, 10:57 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with the latest deals on Anker Soundcore headphones, earbuds, and speakers for Amazon's Big Spring Sale, which officially runs from March 20 through March 25.

The best Anker Soundcore headphone and speakers deals at a glance: BEST HEADPHONES DEAL Anker Soundcore Space Q45 noise-cancelling headphones $99.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Anker Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds $49.99 at Amazon (save $50) Get Deal BEST SPEAKER DEAL Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker $74.99 at Amazon (save $25) Get Deal

We're in the heat of a brand-new Amazon savings event: the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Officially kicking off March 20 and running through March 25, the spring sale will showcase deals on "seasonally relevant items." For Amazon, that means practically everything.

If you're in the market for headphones, earbuds, or speakers, Amazon's highlighting one of our favorite budget brands, Anker Soundcore, with eye-catching price drops. For those unfamiliar, the brand has only been around for a decade but has carved a name out for itself with its wallet-friendly audio gear.

We've rounded up the best Anker Soundcore headphone, earbud, and speaker deals to shop below. We'll update the list as more deals roll in, so be sure to check back for updates.

Anker Soundcore headphone deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Space Q45 noise-cancelling headphones $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Soundcore Space Q45s aren't the fanciest pair of noise-cancelling headphones on the market, but they're a worthy option that won't cost you a small fortune. Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) reviewed them and dubbed them a "budget-friendly Bose competitor." The adaptive noise-cancelling features are customizable with five different levels and the battery will stay juiced for up to 50 hours with ANC turned on. Regularly priced at $149.99, these babies are on sale for just under $100 for the Amazon Spring Sale 2024. That's 33% in savings and matches the price from Black Friday 2023.

More Big Spring Sale Soundcore headphone dealsAnker Soundcore earbud deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds $49.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Our friends over at PCMag (which is owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) also reviewed the Soundcore Space A40 noise-cancelling earbuds and gave them an "excellent" rating. These buds offer up to 50 hours of audio playback, a fast-charging feature that delivers four extra hours of battery life on a 10-minute charge, and adaptive noise cancellation that's adjustable in the app. Ultimately, PCMag's reviewer wrote that they "deliver quality active noise cancellation and balanced, detailed audio for a modest price." The best part? That modest price just got cut in half for Amazon's Big Spring Sale. Grab the Space A40 earbuds for only $49.99 — that's their lowest price to date.

More Big Spring Sale Soundcore earbud dealsAnker Soundcore speaker deals Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Soundcore Motion+ Bluetooth speaker $74.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $25.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's not the biggest discount to date, but $75 for a hi-res, waterproof Bluetooth speaker with over 12 hours of battery life, customizable EQ controls, and enhanced sound dispersion is practically a steal. The Motion+ is a force to be reckoned with in the budget-friendly Bluetooth speaker realm. It's equipped with Qualcomm aptX for lossless audio, BassUpTM technology, an ultra-wide frequency range, and more. It's regularly $100, but you can save 25% during the Big Spring Sale.

More Big Spring Sale Soundcore speaker deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Feel the beat with Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 for $70 off

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:21

SAVE $70: As of March 20, get a pair of Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 for just $79.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 47%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 $79.99
$149.99 Save $70.00 Get Deal

Need a new pair of earbuds, but don't want to go the Apple route? Maybe you've tried a variety of wireless options and none of them did the trick. May we suggest a pair of Samsung's Galaxy Buds 2? These affordable earbuds are a great alternative to Apple AirPods that sound fantastic – and thanks to the Amazon Big Spring Sale, you can get them for a steep discount.

As of March 20, the Samsung Galaxy Buds 2 are on sale for $79.99. That's $70 off their normal price of $149.99 and a discount of 47%. It's also $20 less than the previous time we highlighted the earbuds on sale, so you're getting an even better deal this time around.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

Mashable reviewer Alex Perry tested the 2021 buds and reported they "put AirPods to shame." Perry praised them as being "super comfortable" and concluded that they do much of what Apple and other Samsung earbud options can do for "substantially less," including great active noise cancellation, crisp sound quality, and useful touch commands.

All of this for less than $100 during the Big Spring Sale makes a lot of sense if you need a new pair of earbuds. Don't wait too long, though — this deal may not last given how steep the discount is.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch the 2024 Miami Open online for free

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:18

TL;DR: Stream select women’s matches at the 2024 Miami Open for free on TVNZ. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Prime Video was the best place to watch tennis last year. Everything was straightforward, with live coverage of the ATP and WTP tours all in the same place. Well things aren't so simple this year, but you can still watch live tennis without spending anything. You just need to know about a few tricks.

If you want to watch the 2024 Miami Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the 2024 Miami Open?

The 2024 Miami Open will take place from March 17 to March 31 at the Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. This is the 39th edition of the combined men's and women's event.

Daniil Medvedev and Petra Kvitová are the defending champions in the men's and women's singles draw.

How to watch the 2024 Miami Open for free

Select women’s matches at the 2024 Miami Open are available to stream for free on TVNZ.

TVNZ is geo-restricted to New Zealand, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in New Zealand, meaning you can access TVNZ from anywhere in the world.

Unblock TVNZ to stream the 2024 Miami Open by following these simple steps:

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

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

  3. Open up the app and connect to a server in New Zealand

  4. Visit TVNZ

  5. Stream the 2024 Miami Open for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee)

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free streaming sites without committing with your cash. This is not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch the 2024 Miami Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for TVNZ?

ExpressVPN is the best service for streaming live sport on TVNZ, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 94 countries including New Zealand

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

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

  • Fast connection speeds

  • Up to five simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 Miami Open for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Get up to 25% off Kodak instant cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:15

UP TO 25% OFF: Score up to 25% off instant cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our top picks: Best deal overall KODAK Mini Shot 2 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle $116.99 at Amazon (save $43 ) Get Deal Best runner-up deal KODAK Mini Shot 3 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle $129.97 at Amazon (save $50.02) Get Deal Best budget deal KODAK Printomatic Instant Camera gift bundle $99.99 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal

Smartphones are cool, but your memories aren't exactly safe if they're tucked away in a digital folder. One wrong move (e.g., losing your phone, spammy email attack, etc.) and all those priceless moments could be lost forever. That's why it's important to have a backup plan, and what better way to capture and preserve your memories than with an instant camera?

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is brimming with phone accessory deals

These little gadgets are super cute (they've got a vintage vibe), easy to use, and instantly produce physical prints, so you can hang them on your wall or stick them in a photo album.

With up to 25% off instant cameras during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, now's a great time to grab one and capture those special moments you want to cherish forever.

Here are our favorite deals from the Amazon sale:

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle $116.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $43.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Kodak Mini Shot 2 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle is the best instant camera deal you can find during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. (If you want the sheets included, this is a great bundle to snag.)

This digital camera has a built-in printer, so you can print photos on the spot without needing a separate printer. You can also print photos from your smartphone via Bluetooth connectivity.

Choose from bordered or borderless prints and enjoy vibrant, high-quality images with its 4PASS printing technology. The prints are also fingerprint proof, waterproof, and said to last up to 100 years.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle $129.97 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $50.02 Get Deal Why we like it

For a few more bucks, you can snag the Kodak Mini Shot 3 Retro 4PASS 2-in-1 Instant Digital Camera and 68 photo sheets bundle. With this camera, you can print 3 x 3 inch photos great for scrapbooking, framing, or sharing with friends.

This camera features the 4PASS technology for high-quality prints that are smudge-proof, water-resistant, and durable. It also has Bluetooth connectivity, so you can print photos from your smartphone. Plus, with the Kodak app, you can add fun filters, frames, and stickers to your photos before printing them for a personalized touch.

Best budget deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kodak Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera gift bundle $99.99 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're on a budget, this Kodak Printomatic Instant Camera gift bundle is a pretty good deal. For $99.99, you'll get the camera, 20 sheets of sticky photo paper, a camera case, seven sticker sets, a pack of markers, and a photo album.

The camera features a 5MP sensor, a wide-angle f/2 lens, and an automatic flash. You can continue shooting while the camera prints your last photo; the prints are smudge-proof and water-resistant.

It also comes in a variety of bright colors, including blue, neon green, and pink.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Garmin Venu 2 is back down to its lowest price ever during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:10

SAVE $150: The Garmin Venu 2 (GPS) is just $249.99, down from the normal price of $399.99. That's a 38% discount and a return to its lowest price ever.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Venu 2 (GPS, slate bezel with black case and silicone band) $249.99 at Amazon
$399.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Garmin makes some of the best fitness trackers in the industry, and many come with better battery life than competitors. If you're tired of charging your smartwatch every night (and missing out on sleep tracking) this Garmin deal at Amazon could be a great fit for you.

As of March 20, the Garmin Venu 2 (GPS) is just $249.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $399.99. That's a 38% discount or savings of $150. This sale price marks a return to the lowest we've ever seen at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is full of fitness tracker deals — here are the best ones

Does your smartwatch constantly tell you the battery is low? if you're not thrilled about a fitness tracker going dead while you're in the middle of a workout, the Garmin Venu 2 focuses on offering all the features you've come to rely on while also having a longer battery life. In GPS mode, the watch gets about 19 hours of battery life, but when in smartwatch mode, you can get up to 11 days of battery life. That means you'd only need to charge once each week. The watch display uses Corning Gorilla Glass 3 for durability and a bright AMOLED so you'll have an easier time when looking at the watch in summer's sunlight.

If you're a music lover, the Garmin Venu 2 comes with some great features. You can download up to 650 songs to the watch including playlists from your favorite apps like Spotify or Amazon Music. When it comes to working out, follow along with preloaded workouts that range from cardio to yoga to strength training. Not only can you track these workouts, but Garmin gives users a fitness snapshot by including metrics like overall Body Battery and a sleep score each night.

If your current fitness tracker is feeling tired, the Garmin Venu 2 could be ideal. Thanks to Amazon's Big Spring Sale, the watch could be your new favorite accessory for just $249.99.

Categories: IT General, Technology

OpenAI's GPT-5 release could be as early as this summer

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 17:00

GPT-5, OpenAI's highly-anticipated model that would power ChatGPT, is reportedly only a few months away.

According to Business Insider, OpenAI is expected to release the new large language model (LLM) this summer. What's more, some enterprise customers who have access to the GPT-5 demo say it's way better than GPT-4. "It's really good, like materially better," according to a CEO who spoke with the publication. The new model reportedly still needs to be red-teamed, which means being adversarially tested for ethical and safety concerns. Successful red-teaming will ultimately determine when GPT-5 is released.

SEE ALSO: Robots can learn like humans thanks to OpenAI spinoff

OpenAI's ChatGPT has been largely responsible for kicking off the generative AI frenzy that has Big Tech companies like Google, Microsoft, Meta, and Apple developing consumer-facing tools. Google's Gemini is a competitor that powers its own freestanding chatbot as well as work-related tools for other products like Gmail and Google Docs. Microsoft, a major OpenAI investor, uses GPT-4 for Copilot, its generative AI service that acts as a virtual assistant for Microsoft 365 apps and various Windows 11 features. As of this week, Google is reportedly in talks with Apple over potentially adding Gemini to the iPhone, in addition to Samsung Galaxy and Google Pixel devices which already have Gemini features.

Expectations are high for the upcoming GPT-5 model. In a recent podcast interview with Lex Fridman, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman fanned the hype flames by saying, "I think [GPT-4] kind of sucks," before adding "I expect that the delta between 5 and 4 will be the same as between 4 and 3," referring to the vast improvement of GPT-4 from GPT-3. "I think it is our job to live a few years in the future and remember that the tools we have now are going to kind of suck looking backwards at them and that’s how we make sure the future is better," Altman continued.

Altman didn't say when GPT-5 would be released, or whether it would even be called "GPT-5", but confirmed, "we will release an amazing new model this year." Altman was vague about what makes it so amazing, but said the technical side is particularly important to defining what the final product will look like.

Amidst OpenAI's myriad achievements, like a video generator called Sora, controversies have swiftly followed. OpenAI has not definitively shared any information about how Sora was trained, which has creatives questioning whether their data was used without credit or compensation. OpenAI is also facing multiple lawsuits related to copyright infringement from news outlets — with one coming from The New York Times, and another coming from The Intercept, Raw Story, and AlterNet. Elon Musk, an early investor in OpenAI also recently filed a lawsuit against the company for its convoluted non-profit, yet kind of for-profit status.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Snag the latest and greatest Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for $150 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 16:30

SAVE $150: As of March 20, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is $1,269.99 at Amazon. That's a discount of 11%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra $1,269.99
$1,419.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Ready to upgrade your smartphone, but not sure which model you'd like to go with? The iPhone 15 is a great option, but if you're more of an Android fan, you might consider one of the deals out of Amazon's Big Spring Sale instead.

As of March 20, the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra is on sale for just $1,269.99 during the Amazon Spring Sale 2024. That's a $150 discount and 11% off its normal price of $1,419.99. This price applies to the Titanium Black, Titanium Gray, Titanium Violet, and Titanium Yellow color options.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

This phone boasts a 6.8-inch display with a 3088 x 1440 resolution and a 120Hz refresh rate, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor with 12GB of RAM, 512GB of storage, a 50MP zoom camera, and a 5,000mAh battery. It also comes with Samsung's S Pen stylus for easy note-taking, doodling, and navigation on the phone.

Mashable Tech Editor Kimberly Gedeon took the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra for a test drive after its January debut and came away pleased with its overall performance, praising its "durable, shock-resistant design" along with "decent battery life" and "amazing zoom capabilities." However, Gedeon called the much-hyped Galaxy AI features "hit or miss."

Given that the phone only just came out in January, this is a discount you might want to snap up quickly. You'll have to decide whether its array of features is worth it for you – but if they are, these are solid savings.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best tablet deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale: Apple, Samsung, and more

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 16:16

UPDATE: Mar. 20, 2024, 11:00 a.m. EDT This article has been updated with the latest tablet deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Best Amazon spring sale 2024 tablet deals: Best Samsung tablet deal Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $349.99 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best iPad deal Apple iPad 10th Gen (256GB) $499 at Amazon (save $100) Get Deal Best Fire Tablet deal Amazon Fire Max 11 tablet (128GB) $199.99 at Amazon (save $80) Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is finally upon us, and so far, the deals are pretty darn good. From 4K TVs, to laptops, to headphones, and plenty more, we're confident that there are multiple must-snag offers out there.

And if you're on the hunt for a new tablet a bunch of devices are discounted across a variety of brands, including Apple, Samsung, and more during the Big Spring Sale. To assist you in your shopping spree, we've pulled together a list of the best tablet deals we could find during the Amazon event, and you can check them out below. Keep coming back as the sale continues, though, because there may be more new deals to scoop up.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is full of fitness tracker deals — here are the best ones Best Samsung tablet deals Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE (128GB) $349.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you prefer going against the grain and not buying an iPad, the Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE is a solid alternative, and it's on sale for $100 off the usual price during the Amazon sale. It's one of the most water- and dust-resistant tablets on the market, can last up to 18 hours on a single charge, and comes with an S Pen.

More Samsung tablet dealsBest iPad deals Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad 10th Gen (256GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're already in the Apple ecosystem and want to add an iPad to your repertoire, the 10th generation version is $100 off during the Big Spring Sale. It comes packed with the powerful A14 Bionic chip, a Liquid Retina display, and is available in a variety of beautiful pastel colors. If you really want to deck out your tablet, pick up an Apple Pencil and Magic Keyboard case to transform your iPad into a 2-in-1 laptop.

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

Check out our full review of the Fire Max 11 tablet.

The Fire Max 11 tablet is Amazon's most feature-complete tablet to date, and you can currently snag the 128GB model for $200 (or $80 off) — its lowest price yet. It's packed with a speedy and powerful octa-core processor that's perfect for productivity and entertainment, can handle up to 14 hours of use on a single charge, and has a beautiful 11-inch screen to tie it all together. You can even get a bundle that comes with a keyboard cover and stylus at a discount (almost $90 off) ahead of the sale.

More Fire Tablet deals

Fire Tablets

Kids Fire Tablets

More tablet deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Tile Bluetooth trackers at 20% off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 16:13

Life requires us to remember a lot of things. If you struggle to remember where you left your wallet and keys, parked the car, or locked up your bicycle, Amazon's Big Spring Sale has you covered. Here are some of the best deals on Tile Bluetooth trackers to shop today.

Best Tile Bluetooth tracker deals at Amazon Best introductory deal Tile Starter Pack (one Tile Mate and one Tile Slim) $43.99 (save $11) Get Deal Best deal for tracking pets Tile Sticker (2-pack) $43.99 (save $11) Get Deal Best bundle deal Tile Pro (4-pack) $79.99 (save $20) Get Deal

As the weather warms and spring cleaning tasks get checked off, fresh start vibes are in the air. If you hope to add better organization to your life this season, investing in Bluetooth trackers can be a game changer. Imagine always knowing where your belongings are, including checked luggage or, more importantly, a wandering pet. During the Amazon Spring Sale 2024, you can get 20% off select Tile Bluetooth trackers. Here are our top picks to keep better tabs on your most important items.

Best introductory deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Our pick: Tile Starter Pack $43.99 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If you're new to the world of Bluetooth trackers, the Tile Starter Pack is a great introduction. This pack comes with one Tile Mate and one Tile Slim. The Mate is designed to conveniently attach to your key ring while the Mate is similar in size to a credit card so it can easily slip into your wallet or purse. Both are water-resistant so there's no stress if you spill coffee on your keys, and both are compatible with Apple and Android devices.

Best deal for tracking pets Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Our pick: Tile Sticker (2-pack) $43.99 at Amazon
$54.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Tile's smallest tracker, the Sticker, is meant to attach to small stuff like remotes or your cat's collar thanks to its adhesive backing. Expect to get about three years of battery life out of the Tile Sticker, which is also water-resistant.

Today's deal offers a two-pack of Tile Sticker Bluetooth trackers for $43.99, down from the normal price of $54.99 for a savings of $11. But can you really put a price on never again searching for a lost TV remote?

Best bundle deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tile Our pick: Tile Pro (4-pack) $79.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Have an upcoming family vacation where you'll be checking luggage? You'll want to keep tabs on those bags with the Tile Pro (4-pack). Thanks to today's deal the 4-pack is just $79.99, marked down from the normal price of $99.99, which will save you $20. Unlike some Tile trackers, the Pro comes with a replaceable battery so you'll be able to use it for years to come. The Pro also has the widest range of all Tile products, with tracking possible for items that are up to 400 feet away. If you're not within 400 feet of your items (or if they're truly lost), connect to the Tile network to locate your missing items.

More Bluetooth tracker deals at Amazon
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get Peloton bikes, Guides, and more for up to 51% off at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:57

UP TO 51% OFF: Score up to 51% off Peloton bikes, Guides, and more during Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Our top picks: Best Peloton deal overall Original Peloton Bike $1,250 at Amazon (save $195) Get Deal Best runner-up Peloton deal Peloton Guide $95 at Amazon (save $100 ) Get Deal Best free weight deal Peloton Dumbbells $103.50 at Amazon (save $11.50) Get Deal

If you've been dreaming of owning a Peloton but couldn't stomach the price, Amazon's Big Spring Sale is your chance to save on Peloton bikes, Guides, and more.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale features a bunch of random deals on laptops — including the new M3 MacBook Airs

Whether you're a beginner looking to kickstart your fitness journey or an experienced cyclist wanting to take your training to the next level, this sale offers customers up to 51% off.

Here are our favorite deals from the Peloton section of the Amazon Spring Sale 2024:

Best Peloton deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Original Peloton Bike $1,250.00 at Amazon
$1,445.00 Save $195.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Original Peloton Bike is 13% off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. This means you can get it for $1,250, or $57.24 a month with a financing plan. The OG Peloton Bike features an adjustable seat, handlebar, and screen — it can be customized to fit just about anyone who wants to ride.

There's a knob for manual control, a two-channel rear-facing stereo speaker system with 16 watts of power, a 10-point multitouch touchscreen, a USB micro port, a headphone jack, and Bluetooth capabilities. With the front-facing camera and built-in microphone, you can participate in live classes and connect with your instructors and fellow riders.

The only downside is that this Peloton Bike doesn't come with an All-Access Membership, which gives you access to the full library of live and on-demand classes. But you can easily purchase the membership separately ($24/month) on the Peloton website.

Best runner-up Peloton deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton Guide $95.00 at Amazon
$195.00 Save $100.00 Get Deal Why we like it

If cycling isn't your thing and you'd rather stick to strength training, you can score a Peloton Guide for just $95, or $17.54 per month with a financing plan.

The Peloton Guide is an AI-powered personal trainer that uses camera technology and machine learning to create customized workout plans and provide real-time feedback. But it doesn't come with a Guide Membership ($24/month), which you'll need to purchase separately to access the full range of features and workouts.

The Peloton Guide tracks your reps, allows you to set goals, and helps you stay on track with your fitness journey. What's even cooler is its self-mode, where you can see yourself on screen alongside the instructors to check your form and make adjustments as needed.

Best free weight deal Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton dumbbells $103.50 at Amazon
$115.00 Save $11.50 Get Deal Why we like it

Peloton isn't just a high-tech cycling brand; the company also sells free weights. The Peloton dumbbells are ergonomically designed for comfort and stability during strength training sessions. They come in 5- to 30-pound sets and cost $45 to $190.

More Peloton deals:
Categories: IT General, Technology

Get the NordicTrack T Series treadmill for $90 off during Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:28

SAVE $90: The NordicTrack T Series treadmill is on sale for $509 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale, saving you 15%.

Opens in a new window Credit: NordicTrack NordicTrack T Series treadmill $509.00
$599.00 Save $90.00 Get Deal

Amazon's Big Spring Sale is a celebration of the best things about this refreshing season. The weather is improving, the birds are singing, and we might be a little more willing to spend some cash at Amazon on some shiny new things — especially if it makes it easier for us to stay in shape through all those spring showers.

You can pick up the NordicTrack T Series treadmill for $509 during Amazon's Big Spring Sale. This deal saves you $90, or 15%, and represents this item's lowest-ever price at Amazon.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

The NordicTrack T Series treadmill offers innovative design elements and expert engineering, with the potential to add NordicTrack Interactive personal coaching (if you're pushing for a personal best). It includes quickspeed controls for inclines up to 10% (so you can train for those hills at home) and 10 miles per hour (to get your sprints in), a built-in tablet or smartphone holder so you can watch your shows or follow along with your favorite workout instructor, and can accommodate runners up to 300 pounds. This treadmill also comes with a lifetime frame and motor coverage, so you can rest assured that it'll go the distance.

This is an impressive bit of kit that might persuade you to stay indoors and run even when the weather is stunning outside. Save $90 on the NordicTrack T Series treadmill in Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best unlocked phone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:12

UPDATE: Mar. 20, 2024, 9:55 a.m. EDT This story has been updated with additional Big Spring Deals on unlocked Motorola phones.

Best unlocked phone deals at a glance: Best Samsung Galaxy deal Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal Best Google Pixel deal Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal Best Motorola deal Motorola razer+ (256GB) $699.99 at Amazon (save $300) Get Deal

Amazon is running a new Big Spring Sale from March 20 to 25, and its press release specifies that "seasonally relevant items" are the stars of the show. Think robot vacuums that'll make spring cleaning easier, fitness trackers for warm-weather workouts, and... unlocked phones, apparently?

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

We'll let it slide: On the first day of the Big Spring Sale, the retail giant is doling out unseasonably good deals on smartphones that can be used with any carrier, the likes of which it usually reserves for Black Friday and Prime Day. That includes several record-low prices on current Google, Samsung, and Motorola models in brand-new condition that may sway hesitant upgraders. Apple's iPhones are MIA so far, but that may change as the sale progresses: New offers are being added every day.

Keep reading for a list of the best unlocked phone deals from Amazon's Big Spring Sale thus far — none of which require a Prime membership.

Samsung Galaxy deals

Note: Best Buy was matching all of the following offers at the time of writing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra (256GB) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal Why we like it

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

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

More Samsung Galaxy smartphone dealsGoogle Pixel deals

Note: The Google Store and Best Buy were matching all of the following offers at the time of writing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Google Our pick: Google Pixel 8 (128GB) $499.00 at Amazon
$699.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Google Pixel 8.

Google's latest flagship smartphone nabbed a Mashable's Choice Award for its 6.2-inch 120Hz display, peppy Tensor G3 chip (which supports AI features), stellar cameras, and extra-long battery life; this particular configuration comes with 128GB of storage. It's not a wildly different handset compared to its predecessors, the also-great Pixel 7 and Pixel 7 Pro, but it's a pretty compelling buy at this new all-time low price.

More Google Pixel smartphone dealsMotorola deals

Note: The Motorola website and Best Buy were matching all of the following offers at the time of writing.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola Motorola razr+ (256GB) $699.99
$999.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This isn't 2004's razr: The Motorola razr+ from 2023 is a snazzy flip phone with dual pOLED screens, a three-camera setup, and 256GB of storage. Now on sale at its all-time low of $699.99, it's a budget-friendly alternative to other foldables like the Google Pixel Fold and the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold5. It's available on Amazon in several colors, including the very Barbiecore Viva Magenta variant that used to be exclusive to T-Mobile and the Motorola website.

More Motorola deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Save up to 40% on Fire TV Sticks in the Amazon Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 15:10

SAVE $20: In Amazon's Big Spring Sale, you can save up to 40% on Fire TV Sticks.

Best Amazon Spring Sale Fire TV Stick deals Best for the basics Amazon Fire TV Stick Lite $19.99 at Amazon (Save $10) Get Deal Best for most people Amazon Fire TV Stick $24.99 at Amazon (Save $15) Get Deal Best for 4K Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon (Save $20) Get Deal

Everyone wants to have more options when it comes to home entertainment, but not everyone possesses the technology to access literally thousands of extra movies and shows without so much as breaking a sweat.

That's a terrible shame, because all of that extra content really could be in the palm of your hand with an Amazon Fire TV Stick. These handy little devices can help you to stream more than 1.5 million movies and TV episodes, and watch favorites from Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Max, and more. And you can even quickly find, launch, and control content with just your voice, because who wants to actually get up and move?

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here: Shop Apple devices, robot vacuums, unlocked phones, more

Amazon's Big Spring Sale has delivered deals on Fire TV Sticks, saving you up to 40% on list price. For a limited time, you can secure your own Fire TV Stick at these discounted rates:

So what are you waiting for? This sale might be a celebration of spring, but there's nothing wrong with investing in your home entertainment. Spring will come and go, but you can always rely on your couch.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Dating app coaches promise to upgrade your love life. But what do they actually do?

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 14:49

Dating apps can sometimes be a drag. Swiping till your thumbs hurt and racking your brain for witticisms about your matches' ski holiday, before the conversation inevitably fizzles out and you're left with a wasteland of matches unless some bizarre alchemy takes place, is hardly the romantic dream many of us have fantasised about and it can leave you feeling hopeless.

Enter the dating app coach. Singles of all ages are turning to coaches who specifically tailor their services to dating apps. These services range from simple advice around how to upgrade your dating app profile, to full-blown app management, in which an expert will set up your profile and reply to messages for you, as well as providing support – often both administrative and emotional.

Relationship experts are nothing new, with plenty of people historically turning to professionals in the field, from marriage counsellors to matchmakers, to improve their romantic relationships. Half of U.S. adults under the age of 30 have used a dating app, according to a 2023 study conducted by Pew Research Centre and one in five partnered adults within the same age range met their current partner on a dating app, so it makes sense that people are seeking specific professional help.

SEE ALSO: What is cockfishing? Why some men lie about their size on dating apps.

Erika Ettin has been a dating coach for 13 years and she offers a variety of services to a wide range of clients. "One of the services I offer is doing people's online dating for them, as crazy as that sounds," Ettin says, explaining that this involves swiping yes and no on their behalf and starting conversations with their matches. Ettin's services involve a complete overhaul of her clients' dating profiles, getting their photos professionally taken, rewriting their bio and, if they opt in for this, managing their dating apps for three to six months.

"One of the services I offer is doing people's online dating for them, as crazy as that sounds."

Of course, it's not just the administrative side of dating apps that makes them difficult to use –  they can be emotionally taxing too. 91 percent of people who use the dating app Hinge say they’ve been ghosted, according to a survey carried out by Hinge. These experiences can be very isolating and demoralising. 35-year-old Olivia, who is based in New York, decided to get in touch with Ettin after a recent short-term-relationship that she described as friends-with-benefits ended. "I was just feeling kind of defeated," she says. "It was nice to hear from somebody who was an expert that I wasn't doing anything wrong — there wasn't anything wrong with me."

Olivia opted in for just a few of Ettin's services, rather than handing over complete control of her dating apps. As well as helping edit her profile initially, this includes once-a-month meetings on Zoom where Olivia* shares her screen so Ettin can see exactly how Olivia is using her dating apps, and looking through her messages. On top of this, Olivia is also able to message Ettin for advice as and when she wants it. "A lot of people want to talk about how to handle the emotional stress that comes with [things like] ghosting," Ettin says, explaining that it varies from client to client when it comes to what her coaching looks like, adding: "I'm very clear with people that I'm not a therapist but it does often feel that way."

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

One of the benefits of dating coaches is that they're able to provide unbiased advice, something a lot of people lack, particularly when loved ones might have their own opinions that don't always align with what you want. "My mom and my sister are both married and they just want me to be happy, so I could go on a date with someone who was just awful and they'd tell me I'm being too critical and that I should give him another chance," Olivia says, explaining that the advice Ettin provides her with is totally different and focussed on exactly what she wants and what's best for her.

Lily Womble is the founder of a feminist dating programme called The Brazen Breakthrough, designed to help people navigate digital dating in a healthy way. "The dating landscape is full of patriarchal advice that tells women to shrink what they want and be less picky, or be more feminine," Womble tells Mashable. Womble's programme not only helps people revamp their dating profiles and navigate messaging matches, but it also puts them through courses that cover topics like 'caring for your dating nervous system' and 'claiming preferences on a deeper level'. "The skills that I teach are both the mindset and the tactical strategy to qualify the right people quickly," Womble says. She adds that, for women especially, dating apps provide "access to bad behaviour at rates we've never had before," which is another reason people are looking for support.

SEE ALSO: It's easy to catfish strangers on dating apps

Not all dating app coaching is quite so grounded, however, particularly a lot of the advice dating app coaches on the internet hand out. One TikTok user who describes himself as a dating coach for 'the modern man' recently shared a video claiming that "every man should be controversial". "If you're not controversial at all that means you have no opinion and no backbone, neither of which is attractive to women," he says, also mentioning well-known misogynistic figures like Donald Trump and Andrew Tate. Most dating coaches don't have specific qualifications — Womble and Ettin were both previously professional matchmakers — so for people seeking out their services, it's important that you find someone whose beliefs align with your own. This also means that dating app coaches, especially those sharing advice online, might be potentially dangerous for impressionable people who are new to dating apps and dealing with insecurity or self-doubt.  

58-year-old James* is another one of Ettin's clients. He began looking for help with dating apps after getting divorced in his early 50s and finding himself baffled by how much the dating landscape had changed since he met his ex-wife at school. According to Ettin, many of her clients have been through a similar experience, or are completely new to dating apps, which makes sense as the dating app Bumble reported that 39 percent of people on Bumble have ended a marriage or serious relationship in the last two years and 36 percent are using dating apps for the first time. James had his dating apps managed by Ettin completely, so she would swipe through his account and make the initial contact with matches. This was partly due to the administrative load of dating apps, but James says that he also benefited from working with a female dating coach: "She gives great advice and she would check my biases and ask me, 'why don't you want to go out with this person?'" he says. James says that Ettin would also advise him against moving forwards with certain people, particularly if she sensed he might not be committed or treating them fairly. "It was really good for me to have someone of the opposite sex to speak to," James says.

"My wife constantly teases me about it. She says: 'I can't believe you delegated this to an agent!'"

James eventually met the woman who is now his wife through Ettin's services, which raises the question: how do you tell a partner or potential partner that you're using a dating coach and is it even ethical to have your messages written by a professional? "My wife constantly teases me about it," James says, explaining that it was actually Ettin who made the first contact with her. "She says: 'I can't believe you delegated this to an agent!'" he adds, jokingly. For some, it might feel deceitful to find out that your communication with the person you're dating is being intercepted by a professional dating coach, whereas others might see it as a positive sign that you're willing to take your dating life seriously. And not only take it seriously, but invest in it too, as dating app coaches tend to cost thousands, or even tens of thousands, of dollars.

Ultimately, dating apps are still in their very early days of existence and there's no guidebook on how to use them effectively or ethically (ideally, both). And despite the fact that apps are designed to make it easier to find what you're looking for romantically and sexually, Womble believes that "dating apps have made it more existentially exhausting to find love", providing us with so many options that actually hinder our decision-making abilities because of increased stress. Sounds familiar, right? After all, there's only so many "you up?" messages, cancelled dates and swiping left one can go through until professional help starts to appeal. And though coaches are not magicians who can conjure up your perfect partner out of thin air, if you find the right one, they might be able to make dating an enjoyable experience again. Womble says that she cannot guarantee her clients that they'll immediately find a partner if they invest in her coaching but she says that they often take away so much more from the experience: "My promise is that you will create a confident and joyful dating life that makes the right relationship inevitable."

*a pseudonym has been used for privacy

Categories: IT General, Technology

'Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire' review: It could be worse, but parents should be warned

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 14:00

Fire up the Ecto-1's siren, because here we go again. Despite a chilly reception from some critics (me, I'm some critics), Ghostbusters: Afterlife has spawned a sequel: Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire. Ignoring the Paul Feig venture with Melissa McCarthy, this string of horror-comedies ties to 1984's Ghostbusters and its 1989 sequel, Ghostbusters II, but has doubled down on lore, following the family of the late Egon Spengler. 

This makes for a new chapter that is overcrowded with characters, CGI ghouls, and science yelling. While at points, there's jokes that actually land (thanks to the likes of Kumail Nanjiani and Patton Oswalt), overall, this sequel is a confounding mix of fan service and inexplicable choices meant to cater to a broad audience. Actually, parents might welcome a warning. 

What’s Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire about?  Credit: Jaap Buitendijk / CTMG, Inc. / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Transplanted to New York City, the descendants of Egon have taken over the iconic Lower Manhattan firehouse and taken up the call to bust ghosts. Egon’s daughter Callie (Carrie Coon in cruise control) has lightened up and is shacking up with her "ghost dog" buddy Gary Grooberson (an unflappably jaunty Paul Rudd), who timidly steps into his role as stepdad to her kids. Trevor (a whiny Finn Wolfhard) is 18 now, a fact he repeats over and over instead of showing any actual character growth. Phoebe (an earnest McKenna Grace) is now 15 and the solid center of this sequel, grappling with a complicated crush, child labor laws, and an icy armageddon. 

The script — from Afterlife director Jason Reitman and Frozen Empire helmer Gil Kenan — lays down an exhaustive amount of lore to set up a simple premise: Big, angry, icy deity wants to take over the world. Ghostbusters new and old must team up to stop it. 

Combining the old and new crew of ghostbusters makes for a messy movie, one that fails because of its urge to appeal to grown ups who grew up with the original two movies and their kids who might be snared by merch ploys and product placement. (Just buy Cheetos in advance. They get more screen time than several supporting characters.) 

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire clumsily taps into nostalgia.  Credit: Jaap Buitendijk / CTMG, Inc. / Sony Pictures Entertainment

This slapdash sequel brings back Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Annie Potts — this time in more than cameo mode. (Thankfully, the GCI ghost of the late Harold Ramis is left to rest in peace.) Frozen Empire also loops in familiar settings like the Ghostbuster's firehouse and the exterior of the Bryant Park library with its signature lion statues, allowing for callback scares from memorable past apparitions — including Slimer. There's also a montage of classic clips from the past movies, TV commercials for toys and the Ghostbusters cereal, as well as the Ray Parker Jr. music video.

These allusions might make lovers of the original movies perk up in joyful recognition. But none of the old relics are given new polish. Even the original cast's performances ranges from politely game to clearly over it. (Well, aside from Aykroyd — he is clearly elated to be back in this supernatural saddle, though his enthusiasm is not contagious.) So the throwback content for grown ups is achingly faded. But the kid-focused stuff is at times shockingly miscalculated. 

What should parents know before taking kids to see Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire? Credit: Jaap Buitendijk / CTMG, Inc. / Sony Pictures Entertainment

Some parents might worry about scary spirits that creep into this ghost story. But like past installments, these sinister apparitions include the mirthfully menacing (Stay Puft and his mini-minions), the confusingly sultry (Gozer), and the gothic spooky (Vigo the Carpathian). No real nightmare material will be found in this new installment as ghosts range from the inexplicable "sewer dragon" to a horned deity that feels like a tame knockoff from Pan’s Labyrinth.

What’s more disturbing is how the screenwriters treat their teen girl characters. Returning from the last movie, both the poorly nicknamed Podcast (a plucky Logan Kim) and Trevor's love interest Lucky (a woefully underused Celeste O'Connor from Madame Web) conveniently get internships that bring them far from their Oklahoma hometown into this NYC-set tale. Yet only the latter is saddled with a string of sex jokes that are just confounding.

Wandering into a stranger's apartment on an investigation assignment, Lucky breezily makes comments about nipple play, loud sex, and a hidden room she assumed to be a "sex dungeon" — pushing the flustered resident (Nanjiani) to get defensive about his late grandmother's collection of artifacts. It's an uncomfortable series of jokes for social reasons, but also it is unnerving to place the bawdy humor on the Black teen girl when the movie is full of full-on grown ups.

Elsewhere, Phoebe stumbles into a star-crossed lovers subplot, in which she falls for a ghost girl named Melody (Doctor Sleep's Emily Alyn Lind). Swiftly, Phoebe is established as a queer character in a sapphic flirtation. Following a cliched path of coming-of-age queer stories, Phoebe feels so isolated by her friends and family — though because of ghostbusting, not her sexuality — that she's desperate to get closer to her crush. This leads to a troubling grand gesture that plays alarmingly close to a suicide attempt. Nitpickers will note Phoebe offers a disclaimer ahead of the act that it "isn't lethal," suggesting not permanent — so the effect is more Ghost Dad coma zone. But in depiction, it's nonetheless grim and could be triggering.

Considering the harrowing statistics about suicide among LGBTQ youth in the U.S., that this scene made it to the screen feels incomprehensible. Plotwise, it would have been easy to concoct different movie science to reach the same plot point. So how is it that the filmmakers sought to make a family friendly movie but touch on something so sensitive with so little caution?

SEE ALSO: 5 ways you can help prevent LGBTQ youth suicide Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire lacks chemistry and community.  Credit: SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC

Beyond these tremendous red flags, this sequel is just too overstuffed to be consistently entertaining. The reason the original two Ghostbusters movies were such a hoot, was largely the chemistry between its four leads. Egon, Venkman, Ray, and Winston were fun to follow around. Here, it seems Kenan and Reitman don't trust that their audience is invested enough in the Spengler family to succeed without the quirky besties and nearly every lead from the first two films. This army of characters is too much for the film to substantially support, and so many of the roles feel little more than guest appearances. They offer no arc but chances to cheerfully dump exposition or movie science babble and on rare occasion a punchline.

This lack of cohesion has the most profound effect on the central plot line, which is all about how Phoebe feels about her place into the family and the Ghostbusters. Smartly executed, this disconnect might’ve allowed the audience to feel as unmoored as she does. Instead, Kenan runs the risk of the audience feeling disconnected from this ensemble as a whole, as the films jumps haphazardly from one scene to another with little sense of tone, setting, or plot cohesion. Sometimes even the characters' roles seem to function less by who they are or what they know and more by who might’ve been available to shoot that day. How else to explain why characters who haven't shared a scene operate with the exact same information?

Another loss to this lack of connectivity is how New York City is portrayed. In the first two films, the city itself proved a vital component of the film. Snarling New Yorkers and their harried mayor were hard to win over, creating conflict for the upstart paranormal scientists. The gruff persona of 1980s New York gave these movies color, and in Ghostbusters II the community of the city comes together (in song no less!) to chip in and save the day. 

Credit: SONY PICTURES ENTERTAINMENT INC

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire was largely shot in Georgia and looks like it. Exteriors in New York City can't make up for Kenan's apparent disinterest in depicting the culture and chaos of the iconic metropolis, where locals might shrug off the Titanic coming into dock at last. Instead, when icy havoc is unleashed, he offers a jarring sequence on a sunny Coney Island that looks like anything but, then a handful of aerial views of a wintry New York. The everyman on the street barely makes the montage.

Say what you all about Ghostbusters II, personally, it’s my favorite of the bunch. But it’s impossible not to get caught up in the excitement and good will of that festive finale. On the other hand, Frozen Empire's climax is full of grimacing and CGI nonsense, undercutting the emotional undercurrent, leaving the audience feeling frosty over enthused. 

In the end, Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire is not a good movie or a good kids movie. (Notably this critic would argue that plenty of movies — recently Turning Red, Luca, and Nimona — has proven you can do both.) However, it is still better than Ghostbusters: Afterlife, a movie that I described as "a ghoulish re-animated corpse, stuffed with half-baked new characters and lazy fan service."

The best I can say about Ghostbusters, Frozen Empire is, it’s not the worst. That would be Ghostbusters: Afterlife. 

Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire opens in theaters March 22.

If you're feeling suicidal or experiencing a mental health crisis, please talk to somebody. You can reach the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988; the Trans Lifeline at 877-565-8860; or the Trevor Project at 866-488-7386. Text "START" to Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Contact the NAMI HelpLine at 1-800-950-NAMI, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m. ET, or email info@nami.org. If you don't like the phone, consider using the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline Chat at crisischat.org. Here is a list of international resources.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grab the Echo Buds with active noise cancellation for under $55

Mashable - Wed, 03/20/2024 - 13:58

SAVE 54%: The Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation are just $54.99 at Amazon, down from the regular price of $119.99. That's a savings of $65.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation $54.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $65.00 Get Deal

The world outside has some wonderful sounds. Birds chirping as spring warmth rolls in, waves lapping onto a tropical beach, and leaves rustling in the wind are all enjoyable and relaxing. But other noises — like rush-hour traffic or neighbors' terrible music tastes — can be less appealing. If you're looking to block out the noises that make you grit your teeth, today's deal at Amazon could provide relief.

As of March 19, the Echo Buds (2nd gen) with active noise cancellation are just $54.99, marked down from the standard price of $119.99. That's a 54% discount or a savings of $65.

SEE ALSO: The best wireless earbuds: Our top 8 picks for the best sound on the go

The design of the Echo Buds with active noise cancellation features sealed in-ear buds that limit unwanted background noise while also being small and lightweight. To make sure you get the best fit, the Echo Buds come with four sizes of ear tips and two sizes of wing tips. You'll get up to five hours of playback time on a single charge or up to 15 hours with the included wired charging case. If you're in a hurry, a 15-minute quick charge adds up to two hours of listening time.

Mashable's Alex Perry gave the Echo Buds a 4.25 rating in his review, noting a solid sound quality and effective ANC for a low price, while taking on the cons of low battery life and overly-sensitive touch panels. But you might be willing to overlook those flaws when the price is this right.

Tune out unwanted background noise and tune into your own music, podcasts, and calls with the Echo Buds for just $54.99 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology
Syndicate content

eXTReMe Tracker