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Where to buy Pokémon Pokopia: Last chance to preorder and score a free canvas tote

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 10:36

PREORDER NOW: Today is your last chance to preorder Pokémon Pokopia for the Nintendo Switch 2 before its March 5 release, and you can get a free canvas tote at Best Buy or an in-game gift at Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon Pokopia $69.99 at Best Buy
  Pre-order Here Opens in a new window Credit: Pokémon Pokémon Pokopia $69.99 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here

The highly anticipated Pokémon Pokopia officially launches tomorrow for the Nintendo Switch 2, which means today is your last chance to score a preorder bonus. Whether you want a physical freebie or an exclusive in-game perk, you have two options for grabbing the game before release day.

SEE ALSO: 'Pokémon Pokopia' is 'Minecraft' for Pokémon, and fans will lose hundreds of hours to it

As of March 4, you can preorder Pokémon Pokopia for $69.99 at both Best Buy and Amazon. Here are the deets:

  • Best Buy ($69.99): Preordering here gets you a free canvas tote bag to carry around your real-world items. This is only valid while in-stock supplies last and excludes prior purchases.

  • Amazon ($69.99): Preordering here scores you an exclusive in-game gift. More importantly, it qualifies for Amazon's Pre-order Price Guarantee — if the price drops before the end of release day, you automatically pay the lowest amount. (Just keep in mind this promotion expires tonight at 11:59 p.m. PT, and the game must be listed as "sold by Amazon.com").

As for the game itself, our own Tech Reporter Alex Perry recently went hands-on and called it the "best Pokémon spin-off I've ever played." Perry describes Pokopia as a mashup of Minecraft, Animal Crossing, and Stardew Valley. You play as a human-like Ditto tasked with rebuilding ruined settlements using the abilities of the Pokémon you befriend. The amount of mechanical depth is genuinely impressive — you can dig out creeks, power an entire town with utility poles, or just focus on becoming roommates with a Scyther (something Perry says he did at the "earliest opportunity, because Scyther is cool as hell.")

Amazon knocked over $600 off the Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 10:24

SAVE $600: As of March 4, Amazon has the Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station on sale for $1,298.98. That's 32% off its list price of $1,899 and its lowest price on record.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bluetti Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station $1,298.98 at Amazon
$1,899 Save $600.02   Get Deal

Between off-grid adventures and unexpected power outages, portable power stations have become must-have gadgets. But they're definitely not cheap. So any chance you have to sweeten the deal, we recommend jumping on. For instance, Amazon has one of Bluetti's most premium power stations on sale for $600 off right now — its best price on record.

As of March 4, you can invest in the Bluetti Elite 400 portable power station for $1,298.98 at Amazon instead of dropping the usual $1,899. That's 32% in savings and the cheapest this particular model has ever been, according to our favorite price-tracking tool.

While the Elite 400 is technically considered "portable," thanks to its telescopic handle and wheels, it weighs over 80 pounds. So it's more like toting around a hefty suitcase. But there's a reason for that bulk; this baby is hella powerful. It has a 3840Wh capacity and 2600W output (3900W surge power), so it can reliably keep everything from a refrigerator to power tools to coffee makers up and running. It packs nine versatile ports, including four AC outlets, two USB-C ports, two USB-A ports, and a DC port.

You can bring the Bluetti Elite 400 back up to a full charge in just 2.5 hours using a regular outlet. If you're living off-grid, a solar panel or car port can also give you a power boost.

It may not be the most portable amongst power stations, but the Bluetti Elite 400 packs a huge punch. And at $600 off, it's a pretty stellar value.

The new Apple iPad Air is live on Walmart: Pre-order now to save up to $60

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 10:24

SAVE UP TO $60: Walmart has the new iPad Air with M4 chip available to pre-order for up to $60 less than retail price. The 11-inch model with 128GB is available to pre-order for $559, down from the standard price of $599. The 11-inch model with 512GB is storage is selling for $839, down from the list price of $899.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad M4 (WiFi) from $549 Pre-order Here

Mashable's favorite iPad just got better. It used to come with the M3 chip, but the latest version (finally) comes with the zippy M4 chip, and we're thrilled. Pre-orders are live for the new Apple tablet and if you're interested, Walmart is likely your best retailer. Check out this deal on offer today.

As of March 4, Walmart is offering a preorder deal on the new iPad Air M4 that shaves between $40 and $60 off the list price. The 11-inch iPad Air M4 with 128GB of storage is sitting at $559, down from the list price of $599. That's a savings of $40. You can also save with the 128GB 13-inch version, which is at Walmart for $749, marked down from the standard price at Apple of $799.

We're not asking questions, but somehow, Walmart is offering deals on preorders for the brand new iPad Air. These sale prices aren't actually listed as discounted prices, so we're suspicious about these deals sticking around for long. Our advice would be to click "buy" as soon as possible if you're hoping to snag a sale price while pre-ordering a new iPad Air M4.

SEE ALSO: The iPad Air is finally getting the M4 chip: Preorder now

"With the M4 chip and $599 price tag, the new iPad Air is an exceptional value," writes Mashable Shopping Reporter Samantha Mangino. The upgrade from the M3 to the M4 chip means we can expect the new model of the iPad Air to come with zippier performance and processing. That'll be especially nice if you like to pair your iPad with a Magic Keyboard to use it as a laptop.

Apple lists the new iPad Air as being available on Wednesday, March 11. Preorders from Walmart currently indicate a delivery date of March 11, too. That means pre-ordering from Walmart will not only score you a sale price, you also won't have to take a trip to the Apple store.

Before this deal disappears, secure your new M4 iPad Air from Walmart. Both the 11-inch and 13-inch model are on sale, and you'll save in every storage size available.

How to preorder the $599 MacBook Neo, Apples new budget MacBook

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 10:11
Preorder the Apple MacBook Neo: Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 Pre-Order Here Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $699 Pre-Order Here

Apple finally announced its long-rumored budget MacBook today, and it's called the MacBook Neo. Its starts at just $599, or $500 less than the latest 13-inch MacBook Air, and preorders are now open. Education buyers save $100 by ordering it directly through the Apple Store.

The MacBook Neo will begin shipping on March 11 alongside a slew of other new devices, including new iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Airs, M5 Pro and M5 Max MacBook Pros, and Studio Displays. Apple announced them earlier this week, and their preorders also start today.

We're still waiting to get our hands on a MacBook Neo for testing, but in the meantime, let's take a closer look at its specs. They were heavily leaked ahead of time, so if you've kept up with the rumors, most of what you're about to read will sound very familiar.

Meet the MacBook Neo The MacBook Neo comes in (left to right) blush, indigo, citrus, and silver finishes. Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The MacBook Neo is technically Apple's first dedicated budget laptop. It informally succeeds the M1 MacBook Air, which Apple sold through Walmart for around $699 from March 2024 to early this year. But instead of an M-series chip, the MacBook Neo runs on the A18 Pro chip, the same processor inside the iPhone 16 Pro. This is the first time Apple's ever put an iPhone chip inside a laptop.

The MacBook Neo has a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness chassis. It's configurable with 256GB of storage or 512GB of storage and Touch ID; both options have 8GB of memory.

The MacBook Neo includes WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6, two USB-C ports, a MagSafe charging port, and a headphone jack. Its aluminum chassis comes in four colors: silver, indigo, blush, and citrus.

MacBook Neo: Great price, but you need to take a close look at those specs

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 10:03

Apple's MacBook Neo is the sort of device that's sure to cause ripples in the market: An elegant, colorful laptop with a surprisingly low starting price for Apple standards: $599 ($499 for educators and students).

Before you splurge, however, you need to take a close look at MacBook Neo's specs.

For example, MacBook Neo runs on Apple's A18 Pro chip, the chip powering Apple's iPhone 16 Pro and Pro Max, which came out in 2024. Not only that, it's running a slightly less powerful version of said chip, with one less GPU core (five vs. six).

A phone chip inside a computer, you may ask, what kind of travesty is this? Well, it's easy to forget just how powerful Apple's mobile chip are; just consider that Apple's current iPad is running on an even older A16 Pro chip. You definitely shouldn't expect M-chip level performance, though.

Touch ID is optional. Credit: Apple

The amount of storage memory is reasonable for the price; 256GB for starters and 512GB if you pay a hundred bucks extra. But the amount of RAM you get in the MacBook Neo is fixed at 8GB; no upgrades are available.

Oh, and if you haven't noticed, Touch ID is optional; you need to pay $100 extra to get it.

SEE ALSO: Apple announces new Studio Display and Studio Display XDR — preorders now live

The caveat here, of course, is that the MacBook Neo only just launched, and we don't know how it performs in the real world. We don't know how well it'll run demanding software such as Logic Pro or Final Cut Pro, for example, or whether it can handle graphically intensive games at high resolutions. Apple is extremely good at optimizing software to run on its own hardware, so the results might be surprising, but if you're the kind of user that simply has to have more RAM, you might have to step up and get a MacBook Air.

On the flip side, some of the MacBook Neo's specs are really good for the price. This includes the 13-inch LED display with a 2,408x1,506 pixel resolution, and two USB-C ports, one of which supports connecting a 4K external display while running the device's own display at the same time.

As for the 36.5-watt-hour battery that provides up to 11 hours of wireless browsing and up to 16 hours of video streaming, it's also a pretty big step down from the 13-inch MacBook Air, which comes with a 53.8-watt-hour battery.

SEE ALSO: Apple just announced the new M4 iPad Air, coming March 4 for $599

We'll have to spend some more time with the MacBook Neo to give it a full verdict. It's a lot cheaper than other Apple MacBook computers (MacBook Air starts at $1,099), but also very different in many regards. It'll take some testing to see how well, and for how long, it can handle demanding tasks.

Apple announces the all-new budget MacBook Neo, starting at $599 in 4 colors

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 09:51

The budget MacBook is here. Today, Apple announced the all-new MacBook Neo during "special Apple experiences" in New York, London, and Shanghai. The 13-inch laptop comes in four fun colors and starts at just $599 (or $499 for students), making it $500 cheaper than the MacBook Air. It tees up fierce competition for Chromebooks and entry-level Windows laptops — a new frontier for Apple.

Preorders for the MacBook Neo opened Wednesday, March 4 ahead of its formal launch on March 11. The new iPhone 17e, M4 iPad Air, M5 MacBook Airs, upgraded MacBook Pros, and Studio Displays, which Apple unveiled earlier this week, are also now up for preorder. The company is reportedly anticipating high demand for this wave of new devices.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 at Apple.com
  Pre-order Here

The MacBook Neo marks Apple's first dedicated entry in the low-cost laptop space. It replaces the M1 MacBook Air that Apple started selling through Walmart for $699 in March 2024, then eventually discounted to $649. That model has been out of stock in new condition since early 2026, fueling reports of the MacBook Neo's arrival.

Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

Speaking of: The MacBook Neo's announcement comes after months of spec leaks and rumors, which were pretty much spot-on. Here's everything we know about it so far.

MacBook Neo specs Credit: Timothy Beck Werth / Mashable

The MacBook Neo has an aluminum design and runs on an A18 Pro chip, the same processor powering the iPhone 16 Pro. (It's the first MacBook with an iPhone chip.) In a press release, Apple said it "can fly through everyday tasks, from browsing the web and streaming content, to editing photos, exploring creative hobbies, or using AI capabilities across apps." The company claimed it's 50 percent faster in everyday tasks and up to three times faster running local AI workloads compared to bestselling Windows laptops with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chip.

Here's a closer look at the MacBook Neo's spec sheet. It's only available in two configurations: one with 256GB of storage, and another with 512GB of storage and Touch ID.

  • Processor: A18 Pro chip with 6-core CPU and 5-core GPU

  • Memory: 8GB RAM

  • Storage: 256GB to 512GB SSD

  • Display: 13-inch 2,408 x 1,506 Liquid Retina display with 500 nits of brightness, 60Hz refresh rate, and an anti-reflective coating

  • Battery life: Up to 16 hours

  • Webcam: 1080p camera

  • Ports: Two USB-C ports and a headphone jack

  • Connectivity: Wi6E and Bluetooth 6

  • Audio: Dual side speakers with Dolby Atmos and Spatial Audio support

  • Keyboard: Magic Keyboard with optional Touch ID

  • Colors: Silver, indigo, blush, and citrus

  • Weight: 2.7 pounds

Mashable tech editor Timothy Beck Werth is on the ground at Apple's "special experience" in New York, where Apple is showcasing the MacBook Neo for the first time. Stay tuned for his initial hands-on impressions.

How to watch India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup online for free

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 08:30

TL;DR: Live stream India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free on ICC.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The stage is set for the 2026 T20 World Cup final. India face off against England for the last place in that showpiece event. We're expecting an incredibly tense and exciting contest between two talented sides.

India strolled through the initial group stage but lost out to South Africa in the Super 8. England were beaten by West Indies in the group stage but topped their Super 8 group that included New Zealand, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It's difficult to predict the winner from this semi-final matchup. India perhaps have the edge, and playing in front of a passionate home support at the Wankhede Stadium can only help.

If you want to watch India vs. England in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is India vs. England?

India vs. England in the 2026 T20 World Cup starts at 8:30 a.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Wankhede Stadium.

How to watch India vs. England for free

India vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup is available to live stream for free on ICC.TV.

This free live stream on ICC.TV is only available in select regions (see full list of territories here), but anyone can live stream the T20 Cricket World Cup for free with a VPN. These helpful tools can hide your IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in a location with free access. This simple process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can live stream on ICC.TV from anywhere in the world.

Live stream India vs. England in the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free 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 a location with access

  4. Visit ICC.TV

  5. Watch the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

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 live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch every game from the 2026 T20 Cricket World Cup before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ICC.TV?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on ICC.TV, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

  • 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 10 simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Watch the 2026 T20 World Cup for free with ExpressVPN.

Magic The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night preorders hit new low price at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 07:45

TL;DR: Preorders of Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night are $86.99 at Amazon ahead of the March 6, 2026 release.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night $86.99 at Amazon
$119.99 Save $33 Get Deal

If you’ve been eyeing Wizards’ Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles crossover but didn’t want to commit to a full trading card booster box buy-in, this is the perfect time to jump on a preorder before it releases this week. As of March 4, Amazon has cut the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night box to $86.99, down from the $119.99 list price.

Amazon’s listing also notes the "pre-order price guarantee," so if it dips again before launch on March 6, you’ll get the lowest price.

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Not only is this price only eight cents above the TCGplayer market price, it's also the lowest price we've ever seen on Amazon — as confirmed by price tracker camelcamelcamel

This is a self-contained kit for a Pick-Two Draft for four players, which keeps things moving faster than a traditional draft and works especially well for kitchen-table nights where you want the fun part (building and battling) to start sooner.

Here is everything you get in the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Draft Night: 

  • 12 TMNT Play Boosters (14 cards each), with typical Play Booster collation that can include 1–5 rares or higher, plus a guaranteed traditional foil of any rarity in each booster

  • 1 TMNT Collector Booster (15 cards) as the winner’s crown — featuring multiple foils and 5 cards rare or higher, with a borderless signature Kevin Eastman headliner card showing up in under 1% of boosters

  • 90 land cards, so your group isn’t scrounging through deck boxes before the first pick

If you want to pull even more rare cards from TMNT’s MTG expansion, you can also buy the Magic: The Gathering Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Collector Booster Box under market price at Walmart. Alternatively, the MTG Final Fantasy three-pack is now $7 off.

The Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant is over $10 off at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 07:30

SAVE OVER $15: As of March 4, the Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (71426) is down to $41.99 at Amazon. That's $18 off its list price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Lego Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant (71426) $41.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $18   Get Deal

Mario Day — otherwise known as MAR10 Day, since it lands on March 10 — is coming up, and Amazon already has some nice discounts for Nintendo fans to make a move on. The Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant set (71426) is one that caught our eye at the retailer, as it's currently on sale for $41.99.

The Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant set usually etails for $59.99, so this deal gives you a chance to grab it for $18 less. If you're an adult Lego fan, this 540-piece set looks like a fantastic project to piece together, especially ahead of Mario Day.

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The Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant set comes together to create the Piranha Plant in a green pipe, complete with two coins. The plant's head, mouth, stalk, and leaves are all posable, which makes for fun detailing once you put it on display. And even though the box says it's recommended for those ages 18 and over, a younger fan that's interested can tackle this set with help.

Don't miss out on this great chance to save on the Lego Super Mario Piranha Plant set (71426) at Amazon. Alternatively, if you're wondering what new releases Lego has dropped so far this year, have a look at our breakdown of the best new Lego sets.

What is Cerca? The dating app is reminiscent of Hinge in 2014.

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 07:28

Despite all the hubbub about dating app fatigue, new apps still pop up to compete with the household names. In order to duke it out with the likes of Tinder, Bumble, and Hinge, these startups must try something new — even if it's technically not. 

One example is the dating app Cerca, which is about to turn a year old. Taking its name from the Spanish word for "near," Cerca aims to connect mutual friends. At a time when the major apps are trying to increase shareholder value and shove in AI features, focusing on human connection is a novel idea. (Almost.)

SEE ALSO: The 11 best dating apps for women who want real connections in 2026 What is Cerca?

Cerca is a dating app you might not have heard of yet, but it's already gotten the media treatment, from college newspapers to the New York Times. Launched in March 2025, according to an article in Business Insider, Cerca seeks to combine mutual friends with privacy.

The tagline? "Date Mutuals, Not Strangers." 

But what's old is new again on Cerca. The "friends of friends" tactic was originally what Hinge was built on. Back in 2014, founder Justin McLeod (who recently left Hinge to start an AI dating service, Overtone), told Bloomberg, "We're introducing you to people through your friends like you would in real life when you go to house parties and dinners and weddings and the kind of places that you forge great relationships."

SEE ALSO: App fatigue is real. I tested the best dating apps of 2026 to find the ones that really work.

While Hinge eventually moved away from this model, this ethos makes sense for a new app. People are increasingly frustrated with major apps. If you scroll the dating side of TikTok, you'll see users quick to bemoan "The Apps" to their selfie camera. Last year, several daters expressed this sentiment, telling Mashable they wanted to meet potential partners in person

Meanwhile, major apps are rapidly implementing AI-based features. In the last year alone, Hinge has introduced Convo Starters, Tinder's AI personas, and Bumble announced AI-driven Profile Guidance and AI Photo Feedback features last week. 

It's not all AI, though, and it seems at least Tinder has picked up on the "mutual friends" angle. Tinder's latest CEO, Spencer Rascoff, said last year he wanted to move away from its hookup reputation to attract Gen Z users. Soon after, Tinder introduced Double Date, a feature to swipe with your friend.

How Cerca works

Cerca works differently from Tinder and other apps, however. According to its website, you first create your profile and sync your contacts. (Your contacts aren't notified that you're joining yet another dating app, thankfully.) Then, Circa only surfaces matches with a first or second-degree connection — aka, friends of friends. 

You're then free to "like" profiles, but the likes remain anonymous until both people have liked each other. As is written on Cerca's website, "We prioritize trust and safety — that's why we only pair you with mutuals. No unsolicited messages or catfishing. Because when it comes to dating, you deserve privacy, context, and confidence in who you're talking to."

As of this publication, Cerca has an average of 4.4 out of 5 rating on Apple's App Store, based on 1,300 ratings. It touts 170,000 singles — a far cry from Tinder's 50 million monthly users, but if you're sick of the biggest dating apps in the game yet don't want to totally throw your luck to bars and clubs, there are newer apps like Cerca. 

Grab 10 Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Mini Tins for $234 at Walmart — save $28 vs. Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 07:02

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Mini Tin Display Unit (10 Mini Tins) is down to about $234 at Walmart, undercutting Amazon’s $261.95 listing by roughly $28 for the same 10-tin display.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution: Ascended Heroes Mini Tin Display (10 Units) $233.95 at Amazon
  Shop Now

The Ascended Heroes Mini Tins have been seeing some of the wildest pricing since the Pokémon TCG expansion came out, but the latest pricing at Walmart has made it so you’re saving money when buying more. As of March 4, display units of 10 Pokémon TCG Ascended Heroes Mini Tins are now available at Walmart for $233.95, a notable dip from the $261.95 price on Amazon

Each tin contains two Ascended Heroes booster packs, a sticker sheet, and an art card — with five different art cards to collect and combine. Ascended Heroes is also the latest in the trading card game’s Mega Evolution-era lineup, leaning hard into big-name Pokémon Mega Evolution card — including Mega Dragonite ex, a set stuffed with Trainer’s Pokémon, and Stellar Tera Pokémon ex cards.

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Although Amazon’s new $261.95 price comes after a price cut (25% off from $349.99), Walmart is giving you the best value for money compared to buying Mini Tins individually. Ascended Heroes Mini Tins will cost you between $32 and $50 on Amazon. At $233.95 for 10, Walmart’s listing means you’re paying the equivalent of $23.39 per Mini Tin — hitting the market price for each version on TCGplayer.

Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes are still available at Amazon for under $117. What's more, Perfect Order Booster Bundles are available to preorder for a new low price of $43.13 at Amazon.

Why wait for the iPad Air M4? Score the 13-inch iPad Air M3 for its best-ever price at Amazon.

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 06:54

SAVE OVER $100: As of March 4, the 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 512GB, WiFi) is back to its lowest-ever price of $949 at Amazon. That's $150 off its list price of $1,099.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 13-inch M3 $949 at Amazon
$1,099 Save $150   Get Deal

The release of the new M4 iPad Air is exciting news for a couple of different reasons. Of course, it means a brand-new iPad model is available to get our hands on, but it also means that some of the previous generations go on sale. This is the case right now for the 13-inch iPad Air (M3, 512GB, WiFi), which has dropped to $949 at Amazon.

This model of iPad Air usually retails for $1,099, so this deal saves you $150 overall. Not to mention, it marks a return to its lowest price point at the retailer. No better time to scoop it up.

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This sleek iPad Air features a high-quality 13-inch Liquid Retina display with P3 wide color, True Tone, and ultralow reflectivity that offers up great picture quality, no matter if you're streaming or scrolling. And on the inside, it boasts fast performance thanks to the M3 chip. This model even comes with 512GB of storage, which is perfect if you have a lot of apps, photos, or videos you're hoping to load.

The M3 iPad Air is our favorite iPad model for most people. Mashable's Samantha Mangino says in our roundup of the best iPads that, "It will be your new go-to device for streaming, reading, or creative projects. And if you plan on using your tablet as a substitute for a laptop, it'll work for that, too, especially when paired with the new Magic Keyboard for iPad Air or Apple Pencil. It's fast, moves smoothly between apps, and has a stunning high-definition display."

If you've been searching for a new tablet, treat yourself to this great deal on the 13-inch iPad Air at Amazon.

TikTok wont encrypt your DMs

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 06:51

TikTok won't encrypt your direct messages like other platforms including Instagram, Messenger, and X, which offer the privacy option.

According to a report by the BBC, TikTok will not add end-to-end encryption to DMs. The company told the news outlet it believes encryption puts users at risk, as it stops law enforcement and safety teams from accessing private messages.

SEE ALSO: AI has made us all surveillance targets. This tool helps you fight back.

This argument has come under scrutiny with Big Tech companies when it comes to users handing over their private chats, as companies including Meta have been required to turn data, including DMs, over to police.

Mashable has reached out to TikTok for comment.

Featured Video For You Is U.S. TikTok censoring its users? So, what is end-to-encryption and why is it important?

A means of securing up your communication online, end-to-end encryption ensures that only you and your recipient can see your messages. Christianna Silva summarises it for Mashable:

End-to-end encryption means no one — not hackers, not government officials, not the company that owns your device — can read your message while it's being sent. It basically takes your message, jumbles it up, sends it, and unjumbles it once it reaches your recipient. So anyone who tries to intercept your message in between you and your recipient just gets a bunch of mess instead of the message itself. This is important because messages can pass through loads of hands on their way from sender to recipient, such as the service you use to send the message, the internet service providers involved, and servers that store the message data for any amount of time.

Apps and platforms like Signal, iMessage, and WhatsApp all provide end-to-end encryption, but it's not that straightforward — and the technology's backdoors and compliance with authorities can lead to major problems.

Apple's iMessage kicked off the party in 2011 as the first messaging service with end-to-end encryption enabled by default — Apple boosted it in 2024 with post-quantum encryption key PQ3. Law enforcement can request data from Apple with a search warrant, but they've been foiled before.

SEE ALSO: What is Lockdown Mode on iPhone and how do you enable it?

Meta has had a rollercoaster ride through end-to-end encryption, slowly adding it to platforms like Facebook and Instagram. WhatsApp switched it on in 2016, but law enforcement can request access to your metadata. As for Facebook and Messenger, between January and June 2025, over 374,000 data requests were logged by government sources with Meta, of which the company says 78 percent had data supplied. Some of these have made headlines; in the immediate aftermath of the reversal of Roe v. Wade, police used Facebook chat logs to prosecute a person seeking an abortion.

Signal has long been associated with its end-to-end encryption, becoming a communication method of choice for activists, journalists, and those worried about privacy. Signal says its services "do not provide access to emergency service providers like the police, fire department, hospitals, or other public safety organizations," though the FBI has found ways to spy on users.

Telegram, which has been around since 2013, doesn't have end-to-end encryption on by default. There are two types of encryption in Telegram, one for private and group chats and one for "Secret Chats" which adds another layer of encryption (that has to be enabled). But Telegram has had multiple controversies over the years, including a colossal revenge porn problem and a case of human rights violation.

Elon Musk's X replaced its DMs with Chat, which is end-to-end encrypted but not by default. Users must set up a private-public key pair when they first use the feature and X says it uses "a combination of strong cryptographic schemes to encrypt every single message, link, and reaction that are part of an encrypted conversation before they leave the sender’s device and remain encrypted while stored on X's infrastructure. Once messages are received by the recipient devices, they are decrypted so that they can be read by the user." It's not watertight though.

Zoom, meanwhile, straight-up lied about its encryption in 2020, resulting in a class-action lawsuit and an $85 million settlement.

There are plenty more apps and platforms using end-to-end encryption, which makes TikTok's decision stand out. And it's not the only reason TikTok is raising concerns with users.

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Stephen Colbert roasts Trumps answer on what wars worst case scenario could be

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 06:28

The U.S. may have launched "major combat operations" in Iran, but Trump is being surprisingly candid about the things that might go wrong.

"He was asked about what the war's 'worst case scenario' might be, and his answer was not the best," says Stephen Colbert in the Late Show clip above, playing footage of Trump telling reporters the worst case would be "we do this, then someone takes over who's as bad as the previous person."

"Yeah. Yeah, that could happen," says Colbert. "Because sometimes, you get a really bad guy out of office and then like four years later you get the same guy back. And he's somehow worse."

Ahead of the new MacBook Air M5 launch, you can save $200 on the MacBook Air M4 at Amazon

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 06:27

SAVE $200: As of March 4, the Apple 15-Inch MacBook Air M4 is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount off the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M4 $999 at Amazon
$1,119 Save $120   Get Deal

It’s a big week for Apple products, and if you’ve been waiting for a MacBook deal, now might be the perfect time to grab something for less.

As of March 4, the Apple 15-inch MacBook Air M4 is sporting a $200 discount, bringing the price down from $1,199 to $999. This deal is only available for the starlight color.

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This is a seriously powerful laptop, and we even ranked it as our favorite laptop of 2025 and 2026. Thanks to the M4 chip, you'll get a super fast performance alongside an all-day battery life, no matter what tasks you're tackling. It's great to bring on the go thanks to its sleek, ultra-portable design.

This MacBook also benefits from Apple Intelligence features. These help you work and create more efficiently, with tools to help you write, edit, and more. There's also a 12MP camera with Center Stage, so your video calls will always be in incredible quality, and you'll be kept front and center throughout.

The benefits don't end there: this model also has a six-speaker system, Thunderbolt 4, MagSafe, WiFi 6E, and seamless integration with your iPhone and any other Apple devices.

Pick up this great MacBook deal at Amazon now.

Score the Garmin Forerunner 55 on sale for $169 right now at Amazon — save over $30

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 05:44

SAVE OVER $30: As of March 4, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is on sale for $169 at Amazon. This deal saves you $30.99 on its list price of $199.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin Forerunner 55 $169 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $30.99   Get Deal

If you have running goals you're hoping to hit in 2026, it's worth investing in a fitness tracker. While some can come with very high price tags, there are quite a few on the more affordable side, including the Garmin Forerunner 55. If this model has caught your eye, now is a great time to check it out as it's dropped to $169 at Amazon.

This is a 15% discount from the Garmin Forerunner 55's regular list price of $199.99, allowing you to save just over $30. All of the available colors are down to this price right now as well, so you can have your pick of the black, aqua, or white models.

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For those with a steady running routine, the Garmin Forerunner 55 is worth grabbing thanks to features like PacePro for GPS-based pace guidance, training tools like race time predictions and finish time estimates, and its heart rate monitor. Plus, it boasts a battery life that lasts up to two weeks in smartwatch mode or up to 20 hours in GPS mode.

In our breakdown looking at whether the Garmin Forerunner 55 can replace a personal coach for half-marathon prep, writer Lois Mackenzie highlighted that, even if this watch can't replace a dedicated coach, it's still a great pick for everyday workouts. She said that, "For those with a more ambitious running goal, a running coach can provide personalized guidance, tailored workouts, and personal adjustments that a watch can’t replicate. For most casual or beginner runners, the Forerunner 55 is more than enough to shave seconds off your PR."

Don't miss out on the chance to grab the Garmin Forerunner 55 on sale for $169 right now at Amazon.

Jimmy Kimmel makes direct appeal to Trump to let him host the White House Correspondents Dinner

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 05:31

Donald Trump has announced that he's planning to attend the White House Correspondents' Dinner for the first time as U.S. president, but rather than a comedian — who traditionally makes jokes about the sitting president — it'll be hosted by mentalist Oz Pearlman.

Jimmy Kimmel is unimpressed, but in the clip above he does suggest a possible solution.

"This feels like a cop-out to me, and I want to address the president directly on this," says Kimmel, turning to face a side camera. "Mr President, please: Let me host this dinner. I've never asked you for anything before. Can you imagine you, me, the commissioner of the FCC, all at a table together? Think of the ratings! I'll even throw in an award."

In fairness, people would definitely tune in.

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Pokémon TCG Perfect Order Booster Bundle preorders are way under market price at Amazon — save $35 vs. Walmart

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 05:24

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available for preorder for $43.13 at Amazon. That's about $35 cheaper than Walmart’s $78.95 listing ahead of its March 27 release.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Perfect Order Booster Bundle $43.13 at Amazon
  Shop Now

It’s a few weeks before Perfect Order releases, but Amazon has come in with a shocking bargain after finally adding the expansion’s Booster Bundles to its storefront. 

As of March 4, the Perfect Order Booster Bundle is available to preorder for $43.13 at Amazon — not only massively coming under the TCGplayer market price, but also deeply undercutting Walmart’s $78.95 price. That's a pretty wild gap for a sealed product this close to launch. And better yet, this comes with Amazon's pre-order price guarantee, so you know you're getting the very best price even if further discounts go live.

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Like those from past expansions, these Booster Bundles contain Perfect Order booster packs in one box, each with 10 Pokémon trading cards. With preorders on new Booster Bundles for new expansions usually going well above $60-70 at first, this is a genuinely low price that will surely sell out soon. 

Amazon is also selling Pokémon TCG: Ascended Heroes Elite Trainer Boxes for as low as $116.85. You can also grab a Pokémon TCG: Perfect Order Elite Trainer Box for just over $105 at TCGplayer.

The Acer Aspire 14 is over $300 off at Amazon — buy now for $499.99

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 05:18

SAVE $330: As of March 4, the Acer Aspire 14 is on sale for $499.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Acer Aspire 14 $499.99 at Amazon
$829.99 Save $330   Get Deal

If you've been looking for an affordable laptop that still delivers strong performance, head to Amazon and take a look at the latest deal on the Acer Aspire 14. As of March 4, this model is down to $499.99 from $829.99 — a saving of over $300 on list price.

Despite the low price, this is a seriously impressive laptop. It's built with an Intel Core Ultra 5 processor (Series 2), so it can handle multitasking and creative work with ease, and no lagging. Plus, the 14-inch WUXGA display means everything you do will be displayed in sharp, vibrant quality.

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For work on the go, it more than performs thanks to its 22 hours of battery life. It's lightweight too, ideal for taking with you on travels or a commute.

Built-in AI tools will help make your daily tasks easier. Things like Copilot plus PC features and AcerSense make things quicker and smoother. These tools are easy to access too, just press the AcerSense key on the backlit keyboard to enjoy all the benefits.

Get this laptop deal at Amazon now.

Comparing iPhone 17e vs. iPhone 17: Is the new $599 phone good enough?

Mashable - Wed, 03/04/2026 - 05:15

Apple's latest budget iPhone is here, and you're faced with a classic dilemma: Do you splurge on the iPhone 17 (starting at $799), or is the more wallet-friendly iPhone 17e ($599) good enough?

Sure, they share some DNA — including the exact same A19 chip — but make no mistake: these two devices have key differences that could make or break your decision. We're talking price, design, display tech, battery life, and, of course, camera prowess.

SEE ALSO: How to preorder the iPhone 17e, Apple's new budget phone

At $599, the iPhone 17e is the budget-friendly model that delivers a surprising number of flagship features, while the iPhone 17 gets you some real upgrades — but are those upgrades actually worth $200?

Let's break it all down.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Price and specs The iPhone 17. Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

At $799, the iPhone 17 comes with the following specs:

  • A19 chip with 5-core GPU

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.3-inch display with ProMotion (120Hz)

  • Always-On display

  • Dynamic Island

  • Camera Control button

  • Action button

  • MagSafe wireless charging up to 25W

Meanwhile, the iPhone 17e packs nearly the same internals at $599. Here are the specs:

  • A19 chip with 4-core GPU

  • 256GB of storage

  • 6.1-inch display (60Hz)

  • Standard notch

  • Action button

  • MagSafe wireless charging up to 15W

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Design

The most immediate difference between the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 is the color selection — and it's significant. The iPhone 17 comes in five colors:

  • Black

  • White

  • Mist Blue

  • Sage

  • Lavender

The 17e is limited to:

  • Black

  • White

  • Soft Pink

If variety matters to you, the 17 has the clear edge.

Both phones share an aluminum design with Ceramic Shield 2 on the front, but the iPhone 17 weighs slightly more at 6.24 ounces versus the 17e's 5.96 ounces. The 17e is also a touch more compact overall (6.1 inches versus 6.3 inches), which some people will actually prefer.

The bigger design story, though, is what the 17e is missing: Dynamic Island. The iPhone 17e sticks with the traditional notch, while the iPhone 17 features Apple's pill-shaped interactive cutout that doubles as a live notification hub. If Dynamic Island has become something you rely on, that's a real trade-off.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Display The iPhone 17e lock screen and Dynamic Island. Credit: Apple The iPhone 17 cut-out design. Credit: Apple

When it comes to displays, the gap is more noticeable than it looks on paper. Both phones feature a Super Retina XDR OLED panel with 460 ppi and standard Apple perks like True Tone, Wide Color (P3), and Haptic Touch. But the similarities start to fade fast.

The iPhone 17 has a larger 6.3-inch screen with ProMotion adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz and an Always-On display — features the 17e simply doesn't have. The 17e runs at a standard 60Hz on its 6.1-inch panel.

Brightness is another gap. The 17e tops out at 800 nits typical and 1,200 nits HDR. The iPhone 17 cranks up to 1,000 nits typical, 1,600 nits HDR, and a blazing 3,000 nits outdoors. If you spend a lot of time in bright sunlight, that difference is very real.

If you're all about a smoother, brighter, more dynamic display, the iPhone 17 has a meaningful edge. Otherwise, the 17e's screen is still excellent by any standard.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Cameras

This is where things get interesting — and a little complicated. The iPhone 17e has a single lens on the back but uses Apple's 2-in-1 camera system, combining a 48MP wide-angle and a 12MP 2x Telephoto in one.

iPhone 17e:

  • 48MP Fusion Main camera (26mm, f/1.6)

  • 12MP 2x Telephoto

  • Digital zoom up to 10x

  • Night mode, Portrait mode, Photographic Styles

  • 12MP TrueDepth front camera

iPhone 17:

  • 48MP Fusion Main camera (26mm, f/1.6)

  • 12MP optical-quality 2x Telephoto (52mm)

  • 48MP Fusion Ultra Wide (13mm, 120° FOV)

  • 4x optical zoom range

  • Digital zoom up to 10x

  • 48MP macro photography

  • Spatial photos and Spatial video

  • 18MP Center Stage front camera with autofocus

The iPhone 17's 48MP Ultra Wide lens is a meaningful upgrade — you get macro photography, spatial video recording, and a much wider field of view that the 17e simply can't match. The 17 also packs a next-gen 18MP front camera with Center Stage, compared to the 17e's 12MP TrueDepth. If photography is a priority, the iPhone 17 is the stronger pick.

That said, the 17e is no slouch. For most everyday shooting — portraits, landscapes, and social media — it delivers results that would have been considered flagship-quality not long ago.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Performance Credit: Stan Schroeder / Mashable

Here's a genuine surprise: the iPhone 17e and iPhone 17 are powered by the exact same A19 chip with a 6-core CPU and 16-core Neural Engine. The only difference is the GPU — the iPhone 17 has a 5-core GPU, while the 17e has a 4-core GPU.

In real-world use, you're unlikely to notice that gap unless you're doing heavy gaming or GPU-intensive tasks. Day-to-day performance — app launches, multitasking, Apple Intelligence features — will feel essentially identical on both devices.

The 17e also packs Apple's new C1X modem, which is reportedly twice as fast as the C1 found in its predecessor, the iPhone 16e. Both phones support 5G, though the iPhone 17 adds mmWave 5G support and Wi-Fi 7, while the 17e tops out at Wi-Fi 6.

iPhone 17e vs iPhone 17: Battery Life

Apple's battery test clocked the iPhone 17e at up to 26 hours of video playback. The iPhone 17, despite its larger size, comes in at up to 30 hours. So the 17 does have the edge here, but the 17e's 26 hours is genuinely impressive and likely more than enough for most users.

Fast charging also differs slightly. The iPhone 17 can hit 50 percent in 20 minutes with a 40W adapter, while the 17e reaches 50 percent in 30 minutes with a 20W adapter. Both are MagSafe-enabled — a first for the budget line — but the 17 supports faster MagSafe charging at 25W versus the 17e's 15W.

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