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The Testaments trailer: Handmaids Tale sequel sees Junes baby all grown up

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:41

The Handmaid's Tale may have concluded in 2025, but our time in Gilead is far from over thanks to Hulu's sequel series The Testaments.

Based on Margaret Atwood's 2019 novel of the same name, The Testaments is the coming-of-age story of June (Elisabeth Moss) and Luke's (O-T Fagbenle) baby Hannah. Taken from her parents at the beginning of the Gilead regime, she was renamed Agnes and adopted by a Commander.

By the time The Testaments begins, Agnes (One Battle After Another breakout Chase Infiniti) is a teenager. She and the other daughters of high-ranking Gilead officials are in training to become wives at an elite preparatory school run by Aunt Lydia (Ann Dowd).

The Testaments' first trailer presents Agnes and her fellow students as being just like any other high schoolers. They complain about their plum-colored uniforms, play games at recess, and stroll down the hallways in tight-knit friend groups. That, coupled with the use of The Cranberries' hit "Dreams," gives The Testaments a slight Derry Girls vibe — if Derry Girls were full of murder, religious fanaticism, and sexual violence, that is.

Agnes's world changes with the arrival of Daisy (Lucy Halliday), a convert from Canada who's been taken into Gilead. However, as the trailer reveals, Daisy is actually an undercover operative trying to save the young women at the school. Could she be working alongside June, who ended The Handmaid's Tale with a promise to keep fighting Gilead? Moss is not confirmed to be starring in the show, but she is an executive producer, so a June return may be in the cards.

The Testaments premieres Apr. 8 on Hulu and Hulu on Disney+.

Beef Season 2 teaser is pure tension

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:41

Lee Sung Jin's Beef is back, and this time, the proverbial shit hits the fan within an exclusive country club.

Though Season 1's Ali Wong and Steven Yeun don't star in this round, Season 2 has one hell of a cast: Oscar Isaac, Carey Mulligan, Youn Yuh-jung, Song Kang-ho, Cailee Spaeny, and Charles Melton.

The teaser doesn't give away much, only fleeting glimpses of couples across generations and a hectic moment between Isaac and Mulligan's characters captured by Spaeny and Melton.

Considering the edge to which Lee pushed the last season of Beef, we're in for a wild ride.

Beef Season 2 lands on Netflix April 16.

Pre-order Apples new budget MacBook Neo at Best Buy and get a $25 gift card for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:21

FREE $25 GIFT CARD: As of March 5, you can get a free $25 gift card when you preorder the new Apple MacBook Neo for $599 at Best Buy. The budget laptop will begin shipping on March 11.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Neo (A18 Pro, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $599 at Best Buy
+ free $25 Best Buy e-gift card Pre-order Here

Preorders are officially open for Apple's new budget laptop: the MacBook Neo. Announced Wednesday during "special Apple experiences" in New York, London, and Shanghai, the long-rumored MacBook marks Apple's first foray into the low-cost laptop space. Not only does it start at just $599 (that's $500 cheaper than the MacBook Air), but if you lock in a preorder at Best Buy, you'll also get some free cash to spend.

As of March 5, when you pre-order the new Apple MacBook Neo at Best Buy, you'll get a free $25 e-gift card to spend at your leisure. The laptop will begin shipping on March 11 and you'll get an email with your gift card after you receive your product. Triple check that you enter the correct email address to ensure you collect your free gift.

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The MacBook Neo comes in two storage configurations, 256GB or 512GB, and four colors: silver, indigo, blush, and citrus. The gift card preorder deal is valid for all configurations.

Besides being the first budget MacBook in Apple's lineup, the Neo is also the first MacBook to run on an iPhone chip, the A18 Pro (the same as the iPhone 16 Pro). According to Apple, it can "fly through tasks" everyday tasks like streaming and web browsing 50 percent faster and run on-device AI workloads like advanced photo effects up to three times faster than PCs with the latest Intel Core Ultra 5 chip.

Other specs include a 13-inch Liquid Retina display with a 60Hz refresh rate and 500 nits of brightness, WiFi 6E, Bluetooth 6, 8GB of RAM, two USB-C ports, a MagSage charging port, and a headphone jack.

Apple is anticipating high demand for its new wave of devices, so lock in your MacBook Neo preorder (and $25 gift card) ASAP.

Pre-order the new MacBook Air at Best Buy and get a free $50 gift card

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 10:17

FREE $50 GIFT CARD: Pre-order any model of the new Apple MacBook Air from Best Buy and receive a free $50 Best Buy e-gift card. The 2026 M5 MacBook Air starts at $1,099.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple M5 MacBook Air (13-inch, 16GB, 512GB) $1,099 at Best Buy
get a free $50 Best Buy e-gift card Get Deal

It's an exciting week for Apple fans. We have a new budget phone, the iPhone 17e, a $599 MacBook Neo, and an upgraded model of the MacBook Air. While these products aren't shipping out quite yet, now is a great time to pre-order to get a deal. If you plan on grabbing a new M5 MacBook Air, check out this deal from Best Buy.

As of March 5, preorders for the new M5 MacBook Air come with a free $50 Best Buy e-gift card. The cheapest option for the M5 MacBook Air comes in at $1,099 for the 13-inch model with 512GB storage.

The MacBook Air is waving goodbye to the M4 chip. Earlier this week, Apple announced the new M5 MacBook Air with the upgraded chip and more storage. The M4 MacBook Air started with 256GB of storage while the new M5 MacBook Air comes with at least 512GB. Surprisingly, we didn't see a price hike for this new model. In fact, it's $100 less than its predecessor M4 MacBook Air models.

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

If you were already planning on ordering the new M5 MacBook Air, it could be wise to pre-order from Best Buy. Every order comes with a free $50 Best Buy e-gift card, delivered via e-mail after your order is fulfilled.

Apple has the launch date set for March 11 and Best Buy is offering both pickup at your local brick-and-mortar store or shipping. Keep in mind the shipping option says it'll arrive by release date. The updated MacBook Air comes in a 13 and 15-inch version with prices starting at $1,099 and $1,299, respectively. All models come with 16GB RAM and storage options range from 512GB to 4TB. Colorway options include sky blue, midnight, starlight, and silver.

Get your preorder in today for the new M5 MacBook Air to get a free $50 gift card, and reassurance you'll have a new laptop on March 11.

Ryan Gosling wreaks havoc in SNL promo

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 08:01

If there's one man who knows how to rock a pair of shades and a bad attitude, it's Ryan Gosling.

In the SNL promo above the Project Hail Mary star grabs a jacket emblazoned with the number five from the prop cupboard before wreaking havoc around the SNL office, smoking in the corridor, drinking champagne, and riding on a toy horse.

The problem? He think he's allowed to act how he wants because he's made it to the five-time SNL host club, but he's actually only on his fourth time (this is Ryan Gosling we're talking about, mind you, so it kind of feels like he can still get away with it).

Beats Studio Pro headphones are under $200 right now at Amazon — save $150

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 07:34

SAVE OVER $150: As of March 5, the Beats Studio Pro are on sale for $199.95 at Amazon. That's $150.04 off the list price of $349.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Beats Beats Studio Pro $199.95 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $150.04   Get Deal

The Beats Studio Pro headphones are our favorite Beats headphones. If they've been on your radar but you've been waiting for them to get a good price cut before picking them up, now is the time to make a move. Select models have dropped to $199.95 at Amazon.

This sale price is a 43% discount from the Beats Studio Pro's original list price of $349.99, allowing you to save $150.04. As of March 5, here are the colors available at this price from Amazon: black, deep brown, navy, and sandstone. Pick up your favorite and save some cash in the process.

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The Beats Studio Pro earned our top spot as the best overall Beats headphones. In our roundup dedicated to the best Beats headphones, writer Alex Bracetti explained that this is because, "Beats’ flagship headphones come with custom 40mm drivers and a built-in DAC that enables lossless audio when connected with a USB-C cable. While music sounds lively and vibrant out of the box, lossless audio enhances fidelity, so you can hear more details in your favorite songs." On top of that, "ANC on the Studio Pro is up there with the AirPods Max."

Our Beats Studio Pro review had high praise for them, with Mashable's Alex Perry saying, "It's hard to find a pair of over-ear headphones with a better all-around experience than Beats Studio Pro." Plus, they offer up to 40 hours of battery life.

If new headphones have been on your wishlist this year, don't miss out on this excellent Beats Studio Pro deal at Amazon.

Stephen Colbert gives a brutal breakdown of McDonald CEOs infamous burger launch

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:56

What should have been a simple product launch video went a bit wrong for McDonald's recently, with CEO Chris Kempczinski receiving a fair bit of attention for the tentative bite he took of a new burger on the menu.

In the Late Show clip above, Stephen Colbert breaks down the launch video bit by bit — starting with Kempczinski referring to the burger as a "product".

"OK, weird to refer to food as 'product'. Kids, you eat your product! If you don't I swear to God I will send you to bed with no content!" says Colbert, before pausing to acknowledge the impressive job done by food influencers: "I just want to take this moment to apologise to influencers. It turns out what you do is incredibly difficult."

Finally, Colbert plays a clip of the bite itself, and Kempczinski's "that is so good" comment.

"Really? Because it looks like you took the smallest possible bite in the history of human chewing," says Colbert. "That's the bite you take when your three-year-old say, 'Try the cookie I made, daddy!'"

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Seth Meyers calls out Trump and Republicans clashing over the word war

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:55

The use of the word "war" to describe the U.S.-Israel strikes on Iran, and Iran's retaliation, has President Donald Trump and his administration at odds with Republican supporters over messaging.

During Late Night on Wednesday, Seth Meyers used his deep dive segment "A Closer Look" to lay out what Trump and former-defense-now-war secretary Pete Hegseth have called it, and what Republicans are calling it, whether it's a "war" or "major combat operation" or otherwise.

"There are two reasons they're all talking in Orwellian circles like this," said Meyers. "One, if they acknowledge it's a war, they also have to admit that it's illegal, since only Congress can declare war. And two, they don't want to admit that Trump lied. He said he would keep us out of exactly these type of open ended wars, and specifically 'forever wars.'"

"What we're seeing play out is the absurdity of life inside the Trump cult," Meyers concluded. "One minute, they all have to pretend Trump is a working class savior who will end foreign wars. The next they have to pretend the war he started isn't a war, even though he's the one calling it a war."

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Score AirPods Max headphones for $429.99 at Amazon — save over $100

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:50

SAVE OVER $100: As of March 5, the AirPods Max have dropped to $429.99 at Amazon. That's $119.01 off their list price of $549.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $429.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $119.01   Get Deal

A variety of brand-new Apple products have recently been announced, but if you don't mind scooping up older devices from the brand, there have been some very nice discounts popping up. This includes a couple of deals on the AirPods Max headphones. Over at Amazon, select colors have dropped to just $429.99.

Considering they usually come with a price tag of $549, this deal saves you $119.01 on the AirPods Max. It's also a little over $30 away from their lowest-ever price of $399, which is certainly worth making a move on.

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The AirPods Max boast high-quality audio that'll make any music or audiobooks you listen to sound incredible. Our review from Brenda Stolyar back when they were initially released said, "Both music and podcasts sound a lot fuller and richer than they do with the earbuds."

They also boast Active Noise Cancellation and Transparency mode, so you can choose how much of the outside world around you that you want to hear while you listen. Stolyar noted in the review that, "Noise cancellation worked super well for me, too. It did a good job of drowning out the very loud radiator in my room and the traffic outside my window."

All in all, Stolyar found that, "The AirPods Max have excellent audio quality, easy-to-use controls, and good battery life, but their size isn't a good fit for everyone." If you're still hoping to grab them, act fast to save at Amazon.

Our favorite iPad for professionals is $100 off right now at Amazon — score the 256GB model for $1,199

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:42

SAVE $100: As of March 5, the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is on sale for $1,199 at Amazon. This deal saves you $100 off its list price of $1,299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Pro 13-inch (M5) $1,199 at Amazon
$1,299 Save $100   Get Deal

While new iPad models are on the way, quite a few older models have received nice discounts. The powerful iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) is among them, with its price knocked down to $1,199 right now at Amazon.

Overall, this is a $100 drop from this iPad Pro's original list price of $1,299. It's also just $50 away from its lowest-ever price of $1,149. It's a model we think is worth every cent.

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If you're a creative or designer, we chose the iPad Pro M5 as the top pick for professionals. In our roundup of the best iPads, Mashable's Samantha Mangino notes that this is because it's, "Loaded with Apple's fastest processing power thanks to the M5 processor, giving it way more power than the average user really needs." On top of that, it also boasts a sharp 13-inch Ultra Retina XDR Display with extreme brightness, precise contrast, ProMotion, P3 wide color, and True Tone so you can catch every color and detail on its screen.

Our review of this iPad Pro from Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth also highlighted that it's, "Truly a Pro device for power users. Everyday use is wasted on this tablet, which is a shame because the incredibly thin and lightweight design is truly irresistible, as is the OLED display. It's the kind of gadget that makes you feel like you're living in the future." And as for storage, this model sets you up with 256GB.

If you're looking for premium power in a tablet, this is a great chance to save on the iPad Pro 13-inch (M5, 256GB, WiFi) at Amazon.

How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:38

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The NBA bounces into action with several games this evening, including the Los Angeles Lakers at the Denver Nuggets.

This Western Conference clash could be a preview of an upcoming playoffs fixture, with both the Lakers and Nuggets currently in line for a spot in the first round. The playoffs are now just over a month away — a win here could be crucial for either team.

If you want to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Lakers vs. Nuggets?

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Ball Arena in Denver, CO.

How to watch Lakers vs. Nuggets for free

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • 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).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

How to watch Warriors vs. Rockets online for free

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:37

TL;DR: Live stream Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Prime Video hosts more NBA action today with a Western Conference showdown between the Golden State Warriors and Houston Rockets. The Rockets have been flying high in the standings — they currently sit at No. 3 in the Western Conference — while the Warriors are hoping to bounce back from two straight losses.

This is arguably a more crucial game for Golden State, who want to maintain a winning season — with a record of 31-30 — and hold on to their current playoffs berth.

If you want to watch Warriors vs. Rockets in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Warriors vs. Rockets?

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA starts at 7.30 p.m. ET on March 5. This game takes place at the Toyota Center in Houston, TX.

How to watch Warriors vs. Rockets for free

Golden State Warriors vs. Houston Rockets in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the U.S. and UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S. or UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, 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 secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • 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).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

The Samsung QD-OLED Odyssey G9 gaming monitor is over $300 off at Amazon — save vs. Walmart

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:27

TL;DR: Amazon has the Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G93SC QD-OLED gaming monitor on sale for $899.99, which is nearly $330 off its typical $1,229.99 price and a hefty $500 less than Walmart’s current $1,399.99 listing for the same monitor.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 QD-OLED Gaming Monitor $899.99 at Amazon
$1,229.99 Save $330 Get Deal

Big-screen gaming monitor deals don’t usually get this aggressive, especially when you’re talking about a 49-inch QD-OLED model with flagship-tier specs. 

As of March 5, Amazon has cut the price of the 49-inch Samsung Odyssey G9 gaming monitor (G93SC model) down to $899.99 from its typical price of $1,229.99 — knocking $330 off in a limited-time deal, alongside a code for a free PC copy of Resident Evil Requiem. This new 27% price drop has also made it only $1.99 shy of hitting its all-time-low price of $898 — as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel.

For anyone comparison shopping, it’s also dramatically cheaper than Walmart, where the same model is still listed for $500 higher at $1,399.99. That higher price point is without the latest hit entry in the Resident Evil gaming franchise, as well.  

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The Odyssey G93SC offers a 240Hz refresh rate, 0.03ms response time, DisplayHDR True Black 400, plus G-Sync compatibility and AMD FreeSync Premium Pro support to help keep gameplay looking smooth no matter what you’re playing — even if it’s a chaotic shooter like Fortnite or Marathon.

There are also built-in speakers and ports, including HDMI, DisplayPort, and Micro HDMI, so it’s not short on connectivity either.

If you’re open to an OLED that’s a bit smaller, you can still grab LG's ultra-fast 27-inch OLED gaming monitor for 20% off at Amazon. Meanwhile, Amazon also has a 39-inch LG Ultragear Curved Gaming Monitor on sale for almost half off

Nothings new over-ear headphones arrive with an almost unbelievable battery life and mid-range price

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:15

Nothing officially announced the Headphone (a) on March 5, at Mobile World Congress 2026 in Barcelona.

The headphones, launched alongside the Phone 4 (a), are the third-ever pair of over-ear headphones from the British tech brand, which made a name for itself with retro-style earbuds and smartphones. Last year, Nothing released its first over-ear model, the $299 Nothing Headphone (1), and shortly followed them with the Headphone Pro from their sub-brand CMF. The brand first teased out the launch of the Headphone (a) earlier this week.

The Headphone (a) stand out for their mid-range price point at $199, and still offers a similar look to the more expensive Headphone (1).

SEE ALSO: The 11 best headphones of 2026 — see the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

Mashable just received a review unit ahead of the official launch. I'll have a full review in the coming weeks, but I've already gathered everything you need to know, including specs, feature comparisons, and my first impressions.

Nothing Headphone (a): Price and specs

The Nothing Headphone (a) cost $199. They feature:

  • Adaptive and manually adjustable ANC

  • 40 mm RF drivers

  • 135-hour battery life without ANC, 75 hours with ANC

  • Quick charge with eight hours of playback after five five-minute charge

  • Eight band equalizer

  • Spatial audio, including concert and cinema mode

  • Bluetooth 5.4

  • Codecs: AAC, SBC, LDAC

  • Four mics, with two hybrid ANC mics

  • IP52 dust- and water-resistance

  • Available in white, black, pink, and yellow

Nothing Headphone (a) vs. Headphone (1): What's different?

There's a $100 price difference between the Nothing Headphone (a) and Headphone (1), making it worth understanding whether you'd be satisfied with the newer and cheaper model, or whether the upgrades on the Headphone (1) are worth the extra cash. No matter which you choose, these headphones both have a battery life that outlasts the best headphones in the world.

The Nothing Headphone (a) bear a strong resemblance to the Headphone (1). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable The same design, kind of

Out of the box, you can immediately see where Nothing scaled back on the Headphone (a). Instead of the hardshell case found on the Headphone (1), the (a) come with a carrying pouch, which isn't ideal if you plan to travel a lot.

Design-wise, they retain the same iconic rectangular look established by the Headphone (1), but swap some features — a plastic decal replaces the transparent one of the older headphones, with the transparency featuring along the perimeter. The Headphone (1) ditch plastic in their ear cups, offering aluminum CNC components instead, which lends to an overall more premium feel. That said, they are noticeably heavier — 329 grams compared to the Headphone (a) 310 grams. In my experience so far with the cheaper cans, that translated to a slightly more comfortable fit.

Rounding out the design, Nothing kept the exact same tactile designs between the two models, which I am personally thrilled to see. Both myself and Mashable contributor Alex Bracetti were impressed by the Headphone (1) on-ear controls. Consisting of a roller for volume and playback, paddle for changing through tracks, action button, and dedicated Bluetooth button on the inside of the ear cup, these buttons — all found on the right ear cup — feel innovative, incredibly functional, and are hands-down some of the best you can find on a pair of headphones. These controls are maybe the only ones that make me feel like I can truly keep my phone out of reach.

SEE ALSO: Nothing’s new, eye-grabbing headphones are impressive, but not in the ways you expect Listening experience

Beyond design, there's a pretty hefty battery life disparity. The Headphone (1) offer 35 hours with ANC, and 80 hours without. As a reminder, the Headphone (a) offer 75 hours with ANC, and 135 hours without. I should note that's not a typo. These headphones really do promise 135 hours of listening time.

While I haven't had a chance to test how they play side by side just yet, it is worth noting the Nothing collaborated with the hi-fi audio brand KEF on the Headphone (1) to give them an extra boost in performance. That said, I do find the sound to be relatively well-rounded and plenty customizable with the app upon my first couple of listens with the Headphone (a). Like their more expensive counterpart, they also offer manually adjustable and adaptive ANC.

Nothing Headphone (a) first impressions

I've spent less than 24 hours with the Headphone (a), so my opinions are subject to change. That said, I don't remember feeling this immediately impressed with the Headphone (1) when I tried them out last year.

Largely, I contribute to that to not noticing a huge difference in the performance between the two headphones, even though the (a) headphones are $100 cheaper. While great mid-range and budget headphones certainly exist, typically, there's a pretty obvious caveat: the design isn't great, the ANC falters, or the app sucks. So far, I haven't been able to identify the obvious flaw of the Headphone (a). The design is way more unique than I'd expect for this price point, the sound is relatively clear and well-rounded, the ANC and sound profile are customizable, and the app is easy to navigate.

And to top it all off, they have the best battery life I've seen on the market — topping the 70 hours of the Marshall Monitor III and the 55 hours of the significantly more expensive Dyson OnTrac headphones.

Where to buy the Nothing Headphone (a)

The listing for the Nothing Headphone (a) isn't live at the time of writing, but we'll be updating this section as soon as it is.

Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC) are under $100 at Amazon — act fast to save $30

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:13

SAVE $30: As of March 5, Apple AirPods 4 are on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 22% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 $99.99 at Amazon
$129 Save $29.01   Get Deal

It’s been a busy week for Apple, with the announcement of new products including the iPhone 17e and the MacBook Neo. But if you’re more interested in using this time to get a discount on existing Apple products, you’ll appreciate this latest Amazon deal on the Apple AirPods 4 (without ANC). As of March 5, these earbuds have dropped below $100 at Amazon.

This price is for the AirPods without active noise cancellation, although the ANC earbuds are on sale as well. Right now you can find them for $119 at Amazon, down from $179.99.

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These AirPods are some of the best you can get. In fact, the AirPods 4 have been redesigned for extra comfort and stability, and they now have a refined shape and shorter stem that makes them easier to wear all day. 

They also include quick-press controls for music and calls, which sound great thanks to the H2 chip. And like you’d expect from Apple, the integration with your devices is seamless. You can pair them instantly by just bringing them near your device and you can control features with “Siri” or “Hey Siri.” You can even share audio with another pair of AirPods. 

The battery life is solid too, giving you around five hours of listening with one charge. This is increased to 30 hours with the case. And they’re robust too, both the earbuds and the case are rated IP54 for dust, sweat, and water resistance. They’re ideal for workouts, even in a little rain.

Get this AirPods deal online at Amazon now.

Apple Music will tag up AI-generated tracks, report says

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 06:04

It's getting harder to distinguish AI-generated music on streaming platforms, and companies including Spotify and now Apple Music are attempting to make it clearer.

Apple's audio streaming service is adding "Transparency Tags" to content generated by artificial intelligence, according to a report by Music Business Worldwide. In a newsletter sent to industry partners, viewed by the news outlet, the company reportedly has new requirements for metadata when uploading tracks to Apple Music, which would disclose whether the song (or anything related to the making of the song) is AI-generated or not.

SEE ALSO: Spotify Smart Shuffle played a song I'd never heard before. It was AI generated.

The metadata tags reportedly cover artwork, track, composition, and music video, and labels must apply tags to each if AI has been used in production. However, as MWB noted, the Transparency Tags appear to be "optional" in Apple Music Specification 5.3.25 and "if omitted, none is assumed," so it will be on Apple Music to enforce the need for such tags.

Mashable has reached out to Apple Music for further information.

It's tricky territory for music streamers and listeners feeling caught unawares with AI-made music, as Mashable's Rachel Thompson asks, "How should we feel about AI-generated songs finding their way into our listener library? Some people aren't necessarily opposed to giving AI music a try, but their open-mindedness begins to shift once they feel deceived."

Featured Video For You How TikTok is Changing the Music Industry

After the whole Velvet Sundown-fiasco, audio streaming competitor Spotify started adding AI disclosures through metadata in Sept. 2025, working with the Digital Data Exchange (DDEX) to allow "artists and rights holders a way to clearly indicate where and how AI played a role in the creation of a track — whether that’s AI-generated vocals, instrumentation, or post-production." However, this is separate from Spotify recommending AI-generated music to users, which we've still seen happening in 2026.

In a 2025 study by Deezer and Ipsos, 97 percent of people surveyed couldn't tell an AI-generated song from a human-made one, 80 percent want clear labels for AI music, and 72 percent want to know if they're being recommended it.

Honestly, more tags on AI-generated content is welcome news, and that doesn't just apply to music.

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Jimmy Kimmel reacts to Trumps latest meeting with tech leaders

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 05:47

In between giving troubling answers about the war in Iran, Donald Trump found time recently to meet with tech leaders to talk about AI.

"He had a meeting of executives from Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Meta and OpenAI, who gathered to grovel at his feet," says Kimmel in the clip above. "He had the tech bros sign a pledge that says they will supply their own power for their AI data centres — wouldn't it be great if they do it by building like a hundred million windmills, just to drive Trump nuts?"

Kimmel finished with a clip of Trump attempting to pronounce the name of Oracle co-CEO Clay Magouryk, getting it wildly wrong in the process.

"Not even close," says Kimmel. "He might have bone spurs of the brain now."

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NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for March 5, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 05:12

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, March 5, 2026:

AcrossPoli ___ (college major)
  • The answer is Sci.

Person with a superior attitude
  • The answer is Snob.

Word whose letters are appropriately found from left to right in … CHARISMA
  • The answer is Charm.

… PRECIPITATION
  • The answer is Rain.

… UNSIGHTLY
  • The answer is Ugly.

DownSlow-moving creature
  • The answer is Snail.

Like a groan-inducing joke
  • The answer is Corny.

Co. that created the first floppy disk
  • The answer is IBM.

Furry variety of carpet
  • The answer is Shag.

World Class Wreckin' ___, music group in which Dr. Dre got his start
  • The answer is Cru.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

You’ve Never Seen Ants Like This Before

NYT Technology - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 05:03
The Antscan database captures the tiny insects’ diversity and shows how the world’s living things could be rendered in three dimensions.

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 5, 2026

Mashable - Thu, 03/05/2026 - 05:03

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a handyman.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for March 5, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Found in a toolbox

  • Green: Put your thinking cap on!

  • Blue: To flip

  • Purple: Underneath

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Bits of hardware

  • Green: Places where ideas are developed

  • Blue: Go back and forth

  • Purple: What "Sub" might refer to

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #998 is...

What is the answer to Connections today
  • Bits of hardware: BOLT, NUT, SCREW, WASHER

  • Places where ideas are developed: INCUBATOR, LAB, SANDBOX, TEST BED

  • Go back and forth: ALTERNATE, SEESAW, SWITCH, TOGGLE

  • What "Sub" might refer to: BELOW, HERO, REPLACEMENT, SUBMARINE

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for March 5, 2026

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

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