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How to watch Czechia vs. Ireland online for free

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 16:00

TL;DR: Live stream Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Some huge World Cup qualifiers are taking place this week, including Czechia vs. Ireland. The winner of this one-off semi final will face either Denmark or North Macedonia for a place in the 2026 World Cup. The Fortuna Arena is going to be absolutely electric when these two sides come together to battle it out for a place in this summer's showpiece event.

If you want to watch Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Czechia vs. Ireland?

Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 3:45 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Fortuna Arena.

How to watch Czechia vs. Ireland for free

Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

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

Lve stream Czechia vs. Ireland 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 Ireland

  4. Visit RTÉ Player

  5. Stream Czechia vs. Ireland 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ Player, 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 eight 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 Czechia vs. Ireland in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

Spring cleaning deals at Amazons spring sale: Save on kitchen, bathroom, and laundry supplies

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:54
A quick look at the best cleaning deals from Amazon's spring sale Best cleaning product deal Mrs. Meyer's Clean Day Multi-Surface Cleaner Spray (3 pack) $13.20 at Amazon (save $4.08) Get Deal Best laundry deal Seventh Generation Free & Clear Laundry Detergent Packs (64 count) $12.85 at Amazon (save $6.46) Get Deal Best cordless vacuum deal Shark PowerDetect Pet Plus Clean & Empty $399.99 at Amazon (save $200) Get Deal

No, Amazon's Big Spring Sale doesn't only apply to spring refresh-related products. Yes, Amazon's spring sale is still home to a ton of great deals on cleaning supplies to get you in the refresh headspace.

Not sure what your spring cleaning routine should entail? Start by picking out just one task in each room that you know you've been putting off: Deep cleaning the bathtub? Scrubbing the crusted grease off the stove? Getting that stain off the couch? Vacuuming more often than once a week? There's an Amazon deal for that.

SEE ALSO: I found the best robot vacuums for every floor, budget, and level of laziness

Definitely stock up on your laundry pods and emotional support multi-surface spray while you're at it — big brands like Seventh Generation, Cascade, and Mrs. Meyer's are all participating in the sale. Spending $50 on select products from Clorox, Dawn, The Honest Company, Charmin, and Tide unlocks a $15 Amazon credit.

Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2026 runs from March 25 to 31. Here are the best spring cleaning deals we've spotted so far:

Multi-purpose cleaning dealsKitchen cleaning dealsBathroom cleaning dealsLaundry dealsRobot vacuum and mop combo dealsBroom, mop, and cordless vacuum dealsStain remover tool and upholstery deep cleaner deals

Save 20% on a Roblox digital gift card during Amazons Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:42

SAVE $20: As of March 25, get 20% off a $100 Roblox digital gift card. That means you only need to pay $80 for a $100 gift card to redeem on Roblox.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roblox $100 Roblox Digital Gift Card $80 at Amazon
$100 Save $20   Get Deal

Whether you're a Roblox fan or you've got kids who won't stay away from it, Robux are a hot in-game commodity.

As of March 25, get 20% off a $100 Roblox digital gift card. That means you only need to pay $80 for a $100 gift card to redeem on Roblox. Saving $20 on the in-game currency is a great idea if you've got your eye on something you'd like to buy, and you can give it to the kids to top up their accounts, too.

This digital code will be emailed to you upon purchase. So you'll get it near-instantly, and you don't have to wait around for a physical card to be mailed to you.

SEE ALSO: Amazon's Big Spring Sale is here and surprisingly good: We found 100+ deals on Apple, DJI, and Sony

The premium Roblox currency can be used for a variety of things, including in-game costumes, accessories, and other items. Players can spend it on special abilities, weapons, game passes, changing usernames, and anything else you can think of. While Robux can be earned in small increments in Roblox itself, it's better to to just purchase the currency in the real world for you or your kids to spend en masse. And now, it's even cheaper to do right now thanks to this deal.

If you want to grab this deal, best to do it now so you can fill that virtual Robux wallet before the Amazon Big Spring Sale ends. This is one game-centric discount that's going to be selling like hotcakes, as Roblox has a massive fanbase and even more new players with each day that passes.

Meta Lays Off 700 Employees, While Rewarding Top Executives

NYT Technology - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:22
The jobs cuts and a new stock program for executives come as Meta continues to shift its focus to artificial intelligence.

Meta Lays Off 700 Employees, While Rewarding Top Executives

NYT Technology - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 15:22
The jobs cuts and a new stock program for executives come as Meta continues to shift its focus to artificial intelligence.

Meta, YouTube found guilty of negligence in history-making social media addiction trial

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:10

A Los Angeles jury has ruled that social media giants Meta and Google-owned Youtube are guilty of negligent platform design that resulted in harm to a young user's mental health.

The ruling came after several days of deliberation in a personal injury lawsuit that industry experts say will have rippling effects on Big Tech.

SEE ALSO: Meta loses major child safety trial, ordered to pay $375 million

The jury agreed with the plaintiff that the platforms' design features were a "substantial factor" in causing mental health-related harms and that company leaders knew their products were dangerously addictive. The companies have been ordered to split compensatory damages of $3 million, with Meta paying 70 percent and YouTube 30 percent. Meta says it is exploring legal options to appeal the decision.

"Today, a jury saw the truth and held Meta and Google accountable for designing products that addict and harm children," said court-appointed plaintiff counsel Lexi Hazam and Previn Warren, in a statement following the decision. "Top tech executives took the stand, and their own internal documents were put before a jury, revealing that company leadership knew their platforms were hurting kids and repeatedly chose profits over children's safety. This verdict sends an unmistakable message that no company is above accountability when it comes to our children." 

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri and Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg both testified in front of the jury last month. Other social media platforms were also named in the lawsuit, brought forth by a young user referred to as K.G.M and her mother. K.G.M. accused the platforms of knowingly investing in site features that led to addictive behavior, self-harm, and suicidal thoughts, even after safety warnings were flagged by internal employees — it's the first of a consolidated group of lawsuits filed by more than 1,600 plaintiffs, known as a watershed case. TikTok and Snapchat both settled with K.G.M. prior to the jury trial.

"Social media giants would never have faced trial if they had prioritized kids' safety over engagement. Instead, they buried their own research showing children were being harmed, and used kids and society as guinea pigs in massive, uncontrolled, and wildly profitable experiments. Now, executives are being held to account," wrote James P. Steyer, founder and CEO of child safety nonprofit Common Sense Media.

Hours before the K.G.M decision was announced, a different jury announced another guilty verdict for Meta, which ordered the tech giant to pay $375 million in damages for misleading users about its platform's safety features and endangering young users. The case was brought forth by New Mexico Attorney General Raúl Torrez, amid a wave of similar state-level lawsuits against social media platforms over the last few years.

The Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade for Super Mario Bros. Wonder has a little bit for everyone

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:08

I'm going to get one thing out of the way first: The full, official title for this game is Super Mario Bros. Wonder - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition + Meetup in Bellabel Park. I'm saying this now because I don't want to ever type all of that out again.

Anyway, that's the name for the $20 Nintendo Switch 2 upgrade (or $80 if you don't already own the original game) for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, a rather excellent 2D platform adventure for Nintendo's venerable mascot that came out a couple of years ago on Switch. Nintendo's "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" experiment has yielded fascinating and inconsistent results so far; some games like Xenoblade Chronicles X: Definitive Edition got barebones $5 graphics upgrades, while Wonder is getting a whole slew of new stages, modes, and boss fights for $20.

I've gotten to play some of this new version of Wonder and while it's not all for me, I do think there's roughly $20 worth of fun to be had here for almost any kind of player. I don't think all of it is super great, but as a de facto DLC add-on for an already very good game, it's hard to complain.

SEE ALSO: Hands-on: 'Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream' is perfect for a daily dose of laughs Super Mario Bros. Wonder on Switch 2 is a grab bag of varied activities I love the Koopalings. Credit: Nintendo

When Nintendo first announced a paid Switch 2 upgrade for Wonder, my mind immediately went to "oh, they're going to add a bunch of new levels, awesome!" That's not exactly what happened here.

Instead, the contents of this Nintendo Switch 2 Edition do a pretty nice job of remixing and reusing what was already there to add several hours worth of gameplay on top of the existing adventure. On the single player side of things, the Toad Brigade has arrived in Wonder's world with seemingly several dozen "training exercises" that are actually really cool little challenge levels to test the skills of anyone who has already played a decent amount of Wonder.

SEE ALSO: A cool 'Pokémon' GameCube game is now on Nintendo Switch 2, but there's a catch

There are a handful of different variants here. Some levels ask you to collect a certain amount of coins within a time limit, others ask you to do the same but for defeating enemies instead of collecting coins, while my favorite category challenges the player to get to the end of the level without ever losing the power of an invincibility star. Even as a lifelong, veteran Mario platformer fan, I found these levels appropriately challenging, and surprisingly some of the early ones actually made me sweat a bit. Like the optional late-game challenges in Wonder's base game, I imagine the later Toad Brigade challenges are legitimately extremely hard.

The other main pillar of Wonder's new solo content on Switch 2 is a series of boss fights against the Koopalings. Each one shacks up in a different part of the game's overworld map, waiting for Mario to come challenge them. While there's a short, pretty basic level before each boss, the main appeal here is the fights themselves. Each Koopaling uses the power of Wonder Seeds (which made every level wild and wacky in the base game) to transform into some kind of nonsensical, unpredictable form for Mario to fight. Without spoiling them, as there are only a handful of these fights in the game, they're genuinely pretty neat and give Wonder some fun and creative boss fight juice the original release didn't really have.

I'll admit that I was initially pretty turned off by these single-player offerings (some of which can also be played in local co-op, though I didn't get to try that). In my mind, a Switch 2 Edition of Mario Wonder should've provided maybe a whole new world with new music and backgrounds, rather than remixed challenge levels. However, after actually playing this stuff, I can't say with any honesty that it's bad at all. The Toad Brigade challenges in particular are meaty enough to satisfy Wonder fans, I reckon.

There's also some multiplayer stuff It can get pretty chaotic. Credit: Nintendo

The "Meetup in Bellabel Park" part of that gargantuan title I referenced earlier refers to a new area on the map called, well, Bellabel Park. It's essentially a hub for a whole gang of new local and online multiplayer activities, meaning those who prefer solo play like me will get next to nothing out of it. Bummer!

Still, having said that, my limited experience in playing these modes at press events and during the review period was still fairly fun. Most of them are some variant of "race to the end of the level before everyone else," though obviously with some fun modifiers for each mode. Different races use different power-ups, stage features, and badges to create unique experiences for different skill levels. It's pretty fun when you get a GameChat session of 12 people together, though I can't speak to the local experience, as I am a single man with no children.

I'm simply not the target audience for the multiplayer side of Wonder on Switch 2 and that's fine. If I had kids, I could easily see getting hours of playtime out of this part of the game. It's basically a series of Mario Party minigames that play better and don't have a bunch of random board game nonsense between each round.

Overall, I don't quite think Wonder on Switch 2 is an incredible standard-bearer for Nintendo's Switch 2 Edition release strategy, but for $20, you could do a lot worse. If nothing else, you get native 4K resolution in TV mode, and it looks fantastic. That's going to be worth the money by itself for some people.

How to watch Turkey vs. Romania online for free

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 14:00

TL;DR: Live stream Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers for free on TV8. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are some absolutely enormous World Cup qualifiers taking place this week, including Turkey vs. Romania.

This semi-final matchup is hosted by the Tüpraş Stadium in Instabul — expect a seriously passionate home support driving Turkey onto the next round. The winner will meet either Slovakia or Kosovo in the playoff final. It's win or bust at this late stage, with all eyes on this summer's showpiece event.

If you want to watch Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Turkey vs. Romania?

Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers kicks off at 1 p.m. ET on March 26. This fixture takes place at the Tüpraş Stadium.

How to watch Turkey vs. Romania for free

Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers is available to live stream for free on TV8.

TV8 is geo-restricted to Turkey, but anyone can access this free streaming service with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Turkey, meaning you can access free live streams on TV8 from anywhere in the world.

Lve stream Turkey vs. Romania 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 Turkey

  4. Visit TV8

  5. Stream Turkey vs. Romania 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select World Cup qualifiers before recovering your investment.

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

What is the best VPN for TV8?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on TV8, 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 eight 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 Turkey vs. Romania in World Cup qualifiers for free with ExpressVPN.

Meta and YouTube Found Negligent in Landmark Social Media Addiction Case

NYT Technology - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:30
A jury found the companies negligent in their app designs, harming a young user with design features that were addictive and led to her mental health distress.

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on March 25

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:22

Tonight's Moon phase is the First Quarter. This is when half of the Moon that faces Earth is lit up. It comes halfway between the New Moon and the Full Moon phases.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Wednesday, March 25, the Moon phase is First Quarter. According to NASA's Daily Moon Guide, 44% of the Moon will be lit up tonight.

Tonight, without any visual aids, you can see the Mares Fecunditatis, Crisum, and Serenitatis. With binoculars, you'll also be able to catch a glimpse of the Endymion Crater, the Posidonius Crater, and the Mare Nectaris. Also, with a telescope, you'll be able to spot even more, including the Apollo 11 landing spots, the Rupes Altai, and the Rima Ariadaeus.

When is the next Full Moon?

In North America, the next Full Moon is predicted to take place on April 1.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon completes one orbit around Earth in roughly 29.5 days, cycling through eight distinct phases. While the same side of the Moon always faces us, sunlight illuminates varying portions as it travels, making it appear full, half, or a narrow crescent. These shifting appearances are known as the lunar phases, and there are eight in total:

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Lawsuit against Elon Musk threatens DOGE actions, survives early court challenge

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 13:00

An attempt from the Trump administration to squash a lawsuit against Elon Musk for illegally exercising executive-level power as the head of DOGE has failed.

A federal judge dismissed the U.S. government's dismissal request earlier this week.

“Defendants appear to make the extraordinary argument that an individual who holds an important office and wields immense power is not subject to the Appointments Clause so long as the office was unlawfully created, and the power was unlawfully seized,” US District Judge Tanya Chutkan said in her memo dismissing the request.

DOGE's actions could be reversed

Why is it significant that this lawsuit goes ahead? If the Plaintiffs win the case, this lawsuit could result in a reversal of all of Musk's and DOGE's actions, including federal cuts.

“If Plaintiffs prevail on their claim that Musk was not constitutionally appointed and therefore lacked authority to exercise the power of a principal officer, the court could vacate Musk-initiated policies or cuts that are causing Plaintiffs ongoing harm,” wrote Chutkan.

The lawsuit against Musk, DOGE, and President Donald Trump was filed last year by a group of non-profits that claimed that Musk was illegally exercising powers under the Appointments Clause or powers similar to those of a Senate-confirmed Cabinet official, even though Musk was not confirmed by the Senate for a position within the administration. 

The plaintiffs say that DOGE cut federal grants, fired federal employees, and shut down government agencies “despite lacking lawful authority.”

The lawsuit was later combined with a similar lawsuit filed by a group of 14 state attorneys general led by New Mexico.

According to Judge Chutkan, "the head of DOGE is not merely an influential advisor who counsel the President and then communicates the President’s decisions to government officers.“ In fact, Chutkan wrote, the head of DOGE "makes decisions and issues directives on matters as weighty as the termination of federal grants, contracts, and workers."

Musk's own social posts cited

The lawsuit frequently uses Musk's own posts on his social media platform X against him.

"USAID is a criminal organization," Musk posted on Feb. 2, 2025. "Time for it to die."

"What is this 'Department of Education' you keep talking about?" Musk said in a reply on X on Feb. 7. "I just checked and it doesn’t exist."

"CFPB RIP," Musk published on X in another post that same day.

Judge Chutkan also pointed out that DOGE officials publicly bragged about terminating government contracts and shutting down agencies.

All of these posts are cited in the lawsuit against Musk, DOGE, and Trump to help bolster the case that Musk was unlawfully calling the shots.

Chutkan decided in favor of the Trump administration on two claims in the lawsuit regarding the violations of the Administrative Procedure Act and violations of the constitutional separation of powers.

Musk said he was stepping down from DOGE in May 2025 and then had a public falling out with President Trump shortly after. However, the two appear to once again be on good terms.

I highly recommend grabbing Kindle Unlimited for 99 cents during the Big Spring Sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 12:27

SAVE $34.98: As of March 25, the first day of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, new and returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. It usually costs $11.99 per month, so you'll save nearly $35 across three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited $0.99 for 3 months (save $11.99/month) Get Deal

I'm doing some digital spring cleaning this season, and several streaming services and digital subscriptions have been cut from my lineup after astronomical price hikes (looking at you, Peacock). One that remains unscathed? Kindle Unlimited. I cannot recommend it enough if you're looking to get back into reading or just read more in 2026. And signing up during the Big Spring Sale is a smart move, as it'll only cost you 99 cents.

One of our favorite deals from Cyber Week is back for Amazon's third-annual Big Spring Sale. As of March 25, new and eligible returning subscribers can get three months of Kindle Unlimited for only 99 cents. That's the next-best thing to free. Usually it's $11.99 per month ($35.97 total for three months), so you'll save about $34.98.

Kindle Unlimited basically gives you unlimited access to as many books as you want. Technically, you can only borrow up to 20 books at once. But at any time, you can return those and borrow more. Plus, there's no wait times or due dates like Libby (the beloved free library app).

The Kindle Unlimited library is brimming with excellent reads, from new releases to bestsellers to classics. Currently, you can find popular titles like Dear Debbie by Freida McFadden, Dungeon Crawler Carl by Matt Dinniman, and The Wedding People by Alison Espach, as well as recent book-to-screen adaptations Reminders of Him by Colleen Hoover and His & Hers by Alice Feeney.

The best part? You don't even need a Kindle to take advantage of Kindle Unlimited (although several Kindle devices are discounted during the Big Spring Sale). You can download the app onto any device and read from wherever.

Of course, after your three-month promotional period ends, you'll automatically be charged the full $11.99 per month until you cancel. Though, you might find that Kindle Unlimited is one of the rare subscriptions that's worth its entry fee.

iOS 26.4 available now: All updates, security improvements to know

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 12:26

Apple released iOS 26.4 on Tuesday, bringing a wide range of new features, quality-of-life improvements, and numerous security patches.

The release touches nearly every corner of the operating system — from the Music and Podcasts apps to the kernel — and includes changes that will be noticeable to casual users and security-conscious ones alike. The update is available for iPhone 11 and later and iPad models going back to the iPad Air 3rd generation, iPad Pro 11-inch 1st generation, iPad 8th generation, and iPad mini 5th generation.

Here's what to know.

Apple Music gets smarter

Music lovers have a few reasons to update. A new Playlist Playground feature lets Apple Music generate a 25-song playlist from a text prompt, with the option to refine the results with follow-up prompts. The feature is currently available only in the US.

Apple Music has also added a "Concerts Near You" section, powered by a Ticketmaster partnership, that surfaces local show info directly in the app. And song recognition — think Shazam-style identification — now works offline, queuing up results to deliver once you're back on a network.

Additionally, the Podcasts app now supports video podcasts, bringing it in line with platforms like YouTube and Spotify that have offered the format for some time.

Security and privacy improvements

One of the more meaningful changes in iOS 26.4 is that Stolen Device Protection is now enabled by default, rather than requiring users to opt in. The feature, which adds biometric requirements for sensitive actions when your iPhone is away from familiar locations, is now on by default for everyone.

On the security patch front, Apple addressed dozens of vulnerabilities across the OS. Notable fixes include a Siri flaw that could have allowed someone with physical access to a locked device to view sensitive information, a Keychain vulnerability that could have given a local attacker access to stored credentials, and several WebKit issues that could have enabled cross-site scripting attacks, sandbox bypasses, or Content Security Policy circumvention when visiting malicious websites.

Multiple kernel-level vulnerabilities were also patched, including issues that could have allowed apps to corrupt kernel memory or leak sensitive kernel state.

New features across the system

iOS 26.4 brings a handful of additions scattered across the operating system. The Messages app has new animations, and a new ambient music widget has been added for the home and lock screens. Freeform now includes a Creator Studio for subscribers, offering access to high-quality graphics, photos, and illustrations not available to free users.

The Reminders app now includes an Urgent section for high-priority tasks. In the Health app, a new average bedtime metric helps users better understand how their sleep schedule affects overall sleep quality, and the Vitals section now shows blood oxygen levels on its line graph overview.

For accessibility, a new "Reduce Bright Effects" option minimizes bright flashes from interface elements, and the existing Reduce Motion setting now more reliably damps down liquid glass animations.

Camera, CarPlay, and more

The Camera app gains Audio Zoom, which focuses recorded audio on the subject when you zoom in — the feature can be turned off in settings. In CarPlay, AI assistants, including Claude, Gemini, and ChatGPT, are now accessible for hands-free questions, though none require a wake word to activate.

Rounding out the update: a new Set Charge Limit action has been added to Shortcuts, and Apple says it has addressed a longstanding keyboard bug that caused characters to be dropped during fast typing.

To update, go to Settings > General > Software Update.

The Heated Rivalry soundtrack is coming to vinyl and CD: Where to buy every variant

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 11:21

The viral bops from Heated Rivalry are finally getting a physical release. Billboard reports that the soundtrack album to Crave's hit gay hockey show will drop this summer on CD and vinyl (in two different variants, no less).

Preorders open this Thursday, March 26 through Milan Records, a Los Angeles-based record label. Fans can sign up for availablity updates on its website. Pricing hasn't been announced yet.

The album includes 11 songs that were featured in the first season of Heated Rivalry, including Wet Leg’s "mangetout," t.A.T.u's "All the Things She Said," and Harrison's clubby cover of the latter. It also comes with a previously unreleased bonus track called "One Soul (Cottage Mix)," written by Peter Peter, the Canadian composer behind the show's original score.

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That full 34-track score will be available on the CD, while the vinyl version has a selection of 18 tracks from it. Both formats will ship with a double-sided poster and liner notes by Heated Rivalry showrunner Jacob Tierney. The vinyl includes two extra trading cards and double-sided disc sleeves printed with imagery from the show, making it a true collector's item.

SEE ALSO: 'Heated Rivalry' fans, we've got your next must-see MLM romance

Based on author Rachel Reid’s bestselling Game Changers book series, Heated Rivalry follows a secret romance between Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie), two fictional rival hockey players. The show debuted on HBO Max and the Canadian streaming service Crave last November to surprise success, spawning a passionate fandom and turning its leading men into superstars overnight.

Season two of Heated Rivalry will begin production this August, a month before Reid releases her seventh Game Changers installment, Unrivaled. It's now available for preorder.

Heated Rivalry soundtrack variants The "Icy Inferno" variant will be sold exclusively through Milan Records and Sony Music Canada. Credit: Milan Records

The Heated Rivalry soundtrack CD features two discs printed with shirtless photos of Rozanov and Hollander. The vinyl comes in two variants that are identical save for their pressing colors:

  • The "Montreal vs. Boston Edition" includes two-toned LPs pressed in red/blue and black/yellow, representing the show's two main hockey teams.

  • The "Icy Inferno" variant has two clear LPs.

The CD and the Montreal vs. Boston Edition vinyl will both be widely available at major retailers and indie record stores. The Icy Inferno vinyl variant will only be sold through Milan Records and Sony Music Canada.

Summer playlist secured. Credit: Milan Records

Listings will start to go live at 12:01 a.m. ET on Thursday, but don't bother setting your alarm. "Stock is not limited for the pre-order, so no need to wake up early or worry about missing it!" Milan Records states on an FAQ page. "There will be plenty of options for purchase during the initial pre-order launch."

The CD and both vinyl variants are slated to start shipping on July 10, the same day the album arrives on digital, per Billboard. Visit Milan Records' website to check out the complete tracklist.

OpenAI’s Sora shutting down: When it happens, 2 AI video alternatives

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 11:10

You may have heard that OpenAI is killing its Sora AI video generation tool. However, that doesn't mean it's the end of the line for AI video generation in general.

Sam Altman's company announced the surprising move on Tuesday afternoon, in conjunction with Disney axing its big-money partnership with OpenAI at the same time.

The nature of the announcement made it seem, at least from the outside looking in, that things are moving quickly inside OpenAI right now. In other words, when Sora will fully shut down and what that means for your creations hasn't been revealed. In an X post announcing the decision, the Sora account merely said "We’ll share more soon, including timelines for the app and API and details on preserving your work."

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Well, OK then! While OpenAI works all of the specifics out, it's time for anyone who really liked using Sora to investigate other alternatives for AI video generation. Here are some easy options.

Google Veo 3

The most mainstream option is going to be Google's Veo 3 model, which Mashable called "shockingly realistic" when it launched last year. You can make videos that look better than most other models, but obviously, nothing is free. You'll need one of Google's paid AI plans, which also come with enhanced Gemini features and access to Nano Banana, among other things. These start at $7.99 per month, so they aren't the most expensive thing in the world, but you'll need to ask yourself if you want to pay monthly for the ability to generate videos. That question will come up again as you look for alternatives to Sora.

Luma Ray3

Speaking of money, Luma's Ray3 model is also known for producing realistic, high-quality videos, but at a cost. And it's a steep one compared to Veo 3. The cheapest plan is $30 monthly, so by comparison, Veo 3 is a steal. That said, Ray3 has a deep bench of editing tools, native 1080p video generation, and some other bells and whistles that might make it worth the price, depending on what you plan on doing with it.

Netflixs Apex trailer teases Charlize Theron being hunted in the Australian wilderness

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 10:39

If there's one thing we've learned from Australian survival thrillers, it's that it's never a good idea to venture out solo into the wilderness — and if you do, you definitely want to avoid asking the locals for directions.

A cat-and-mouse survival game plays out in the Netflix trailer above for Apex, which sees Charlize Theron being hunted through the mountains by an impressively creepy Taron Egerton.

From the looks of things we can expect beautiful scenery, rock climbing and kayak-based action sequences, and plenty of shots of Egerton grinning while wielding a crossbow.

Apex is streaming on Netflix from April 24.

Amazon just dropped the Apple iPad Air to its lowest-ever price — save $199 during the spring sale

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 09:24

As of March 25, the Mashable-tested Apple iPad Air 11-inch (M3) is down to $549.99 in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Not only is that $199.01 off the list price of $749, but it's also the lowest-price ever for this device, beating the previous record by about fifty bucks.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air 11-inch $549.99 at Amazon
$749 Save $199.01   Get Deal

So, if you’ve been looking to add a new iPad to your arsenal of smart devices, now’s the moment to strike. Amazon’s Big Spring Sale, which officially launched today, has delivered a ton of Apple deals. But so far, this is the one that’s really caught our eye — thanks in part to its stunning Liquid Retina Display and our first-hand experience with it.

When Apple released the M1 version of the iPad Air back in 2022, we said that it was too powerful. And that's quadruply true for the new M4 version that was just released a few weeks ago. Honestly, this previous-gen iPad Air is right in the sweet spot, with a relatively affordable price tag and a genuine discount.

We've practically composed poems to this tablet's design in our reviews over the years. The iPad Air is incredibly thin and light, and until it's capable of folding, it's hard to imagine how this tablet could get much sleeker. The only thing it's really missing is the HDR and OLED display of the iPad Pro, which also costs a lot more.

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It’s not all about looks, of course. That stunning display needs power, which comes in the form of Apple’s advanced M3 chip with support for Apple Intelligence (which will be important when the new AI Siri makes its debut later this year).

Other features include Touch ID, an all-day battery, and great tools for graphic designers. And as a lightweight Air model, it’s easy to take in your bag — perfect for commuters or anyone who works on-the-go. The 12MP camera is also perfect for high-quality video calls and general snaps.

Don’t miss the Apple iPad Air 11-inch in the Amazon Big Spring Sale. Now reduced to just $549.99, its lowest ever price for savings of $199.01.

Read our full review of the M3 iPad Air.

Im a tech editor, and I found 35 Big Spring Sale tech deals at Amazon Id actually shop

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:51

As Mashable's tech editor, it's my job to test the latest and greatest products from brands like Apple, Samsung, and DJI. But I also get to test cool under-the-radar finds and random gadgets only true tech nerds know about. With the Amazon Big Spring Sale kicking off today and running through the end of March, I hand-picked a fresh batch of tech deals that are actually worth shopping.

Amazon Big Spring Sale tech deals: Best of the best Best Kindle deal Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Budget Headphones Sony WH-CH520 Wireless On-Ear Headphones $48 (save $21.99) Get Deal Best Noise-Cancelling Headphones Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 (save $61.99) Get Deal Best Drone Deal DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 (save $50) Get Deal Best Amazon Device Deal Amazon Echo Dot Max $74.99 (save $25) Get Deal Best Apple Deal Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) $199 (save $50) Get Deal Best MacBook Deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 (save $250) Get Deal Best Creator Deal DJI Mic Mini $45 (save $14) Get Deal Best Streaming Deal Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Select $14.99 (save $25 with code FTVSELECT) Get Deal

Between inflation, a global memory shortage, and overall economic anxiety (trust me — I'm feeling it, too!), you don't want to miss a chance to save some money.

I've personally tested many of these products, and I'm only recommending genuine deals, because we all know big retailers like to play fast and loose with the definition of the word "deal."

So, whether you have an old laptop that needs replacing or want to check out last-chance deals on last-gen tech, check out my guide to the best Big Spring Sale tech deals.

Kindles starting at $94.99

I don't know what I'd do without my Kindle. As an avid book collector, I have literally run out of space to store books, and so I depend on my Kindle Paperwhite. And just like during Black Friday, you can grab my beloved Kindle on sale for $134.99, with the base Kindle available for under $100.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle $94.99 at Amazon
$109.99 Save $15   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $134.99 at Amazon
$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal More Kindle dealsGrab Sony Headphones on sale

During the Big Spring Sale, you can shop wireless Sony headphones starting at just $48. On day one of the savings event, Sony's flagship cans, the famous XM6 headphones, are also discounted to $398, their best-ever price.

However, if you're looking for something in the mid-range, you can also grab the bass-heavy Sony ULT Wear Headphones on sale for $148, a 41% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-CH520 Wireless Headphones Bluetooth On-Ear $48 at Amazon
$69.99 Save $21.99   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony WH-1000XM6 Noise-Cancelling Headphones $398 at Amazon
$459.99 Save $61.99   Get Deal MacBooks, iPads, and Apple Watch are all on sale

Amazon always delivers solid Apple discounts during its big sales, and this time around, you can score record-low prices on M4 MacBook Airs, previous-generation Apple Watches, and even some of the newly released MacBook Pro laptops. See also: AirTags and AirPods.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inches (M4, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD) $949 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $250   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 3 $199 at Amazon
$249 Save $50   Get Deal More Apple dealsDJI drones on sale starting at $149

Yes, technically, DJI drones are banned in the United States, but they're still widely available from third-party sellers at Amazon. (It's complicated.) If you're a creator, real estate professional, or wedding photographer who wants to take beautiful aerial videos in 4K — or just an aspiring pilot looking to have some fun outdoors — these drones are by far the most popular choice.

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Neo Mini 4K Drone $149 at Amazon
$199 Save $50   Get Deal More deals on DJI dronesTV deals

During Prime Day, you can grab TVs starting at just $99. However, I recommend spending a little more than that. You can grab 55-inch Fire TVs at a very reasonable price, and Hisense has a good 65-inch QLED TV for just $377.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon 55-inch Fire TV 4 Series $279.99
$459.99 Save $180   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense 65-inch E6 Series QLED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $376.97 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $173.02   Get Deal More TV dealsDJI creator deals

For the Big Spring Sale, Amazon is going hard with DJI deals, and you can find massive discounts on the brand's popular line of creator gadgets. I personally use the DJI Mic Mini and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal when shooting videos for Mashable.

But let me also call your attention to the cult-favorite DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Vlogging camera, which almost never goes on sale like this. Pro creators and YouTubers are obsessed with this camera, so grab it before it goes out of stock again!

Opens in a new window Credit: DJI DJI Mic Mini (2 TX + 1 RX + Charging Case) $79 at Amazon
$99 Save $20   Get Deal Opens in a new window DJI Osmo Pocket 3 Creator Combo $569 at Amazon
$629 Save $60   Get Deal More DJI creator dealsShark vacuums are 50% off

Spring cleaning is a big theme during the Big Spring Sale, and one of our all-time favorite Shark vacuums is currently marked down to just $149. The Mashable-tested and approved Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum is a pet hair hero, but you can also save on the brand's popular robot vacuums, now up to 60% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum $149 at Amazon
$299 Save $150   Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Plus 2-in-1 Robot Vacuum & Mop $299.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $450   Get Deal Save on Dyson stick vacuums

Looking for a more premium cleaning machine, preferably one with lasers? Then you need a Dyson Detect stick vac. For the Big Spring Sale, you can grab one of the latest Dyson Detect vacuums, complete with the dust-illuminating laser attachment, while it's on sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 Detect Plus Cordless Vacuum $599.99 at Amazon
$849.99 Save $250   Get Deal

Sony and Honda have killed their Afeela electric car

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:51

It was not meant to be.

Shortly after Honda discontinued several upcoming electric vehicles of its own, Sony and Honda's joint electric vehicle project Afeela has come to an abrupt end.

In a joint statement, the companies said they would "discontinue the development and launch of its first model, AFEELA 1, and its second model," as well as review their business direction together.

While Sony Honda Mobility (SHM), the joint automotive venture between Sony and Honda, has not effectively been killed yet, the statement said the company will "continue to discuss and evaluate the future of SHM," with an announcement coming "at the earliest possible opportunity."

In other words, with no cars on the horizon, SHM is on life support, and it seems unlikely it will ever do much besides be unceremoniously dismantled in the near future.

Unlike Honda's "0 Series" concepts, SHM's Afeela appeared to be quite close to production, with the company showing an upgraded version of Afeela 1 just months ago at CES.

SEE ALSO: Remember those cool Honda 0 Series electric cars? They're not happening.

The sleek, techy Afeela 1 was envisioned as a car that puts entertainment first, with features including PlayStation Remote Play, an AI assistant, and videoconferencing. The starting price was set at $89,000 in the U.S., with the launch intended for late 2026.

The "second model" mentioned in SHM's statement is likely the Afeela 2 SUV, which was supposed to launch further down the line.

Walmart just launched its own Spring Sale — save on Apple, Shark, Ninja, and more top brands

Mashable - Wed, 03/25/2026 - 08:37
The best Walmart Spring Sale deals at a glance: Best tech deal Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 (Save $50) Get Deal Best headphones deal JLab JBuds Lux Headphones $41.99 (Save $38) Get Deal Best Home Deal Dreo 42-inch Tower Fan $79.99 (Save $63.99) Get Deal Best kitchen deal Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle $24.96 (Save $13) Get Deal

Now that Amazon's Big Spring Sale has kicked off, we're watching all the savings roll in. And deals are going far beyond Amazon — other retailers are joining in too. Target and Best Buy got in on the savings early and now Walmart is catching up.

Walmart's deals are admittedly the least impressive of all the retailers running spring sales. We've found some gems, but Walmart is only matching Amazon right now. So if Walmart is your preferred retailer, t's time to get shopping. We've rounded up all the best deals to shop during Walmart's Spring Sale.

Best tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (A16, 128GB, WiFi) $299 at Walmart
$349 Save $50   Get Deal

Walmart is matching Amazon's price on the Apple iPad. The 2025 iPad features the A16 chip and 128GB of SSD. It has a gorgeous liquid retina display that's responsive to a room's color so you always have the best viewing experience. Plus, it's compatible with iPadOS, which now features multi-window multitasking.

It's the latest version of Apple's base iPad and right now you can grab it for $299, saving you $50 off its $349 list price.

More tech dealsBest headphones deal Opens in a new window Credit: JLab JLab JBuds Lux Headphones $41.99 at Walmart
$79.99 Save $38.00   Get Deal

Our favorite budget headphones are the JLab Lux headphones, which bring excellent active noise cancellation and 70 hours of battery life. While they won't deliver the best sound you've ever heard, it is going to be clear, well-balanced sound.

Plus, when the JLab headphones are on sale, they offer unbeatable value. Right now, score the JLab Lux headphones for $41.99 and save $38 on the over-the-ear headphones.

More headphones dealsBest home and outdoor deal Opens in a new window Credit: Dreo Dreo 42-inch Tower Fan $79.99 at Walmart
$143.98 Save $63.99   Get Deal

With spring in full swing, warmer temperatures are underway. If things are getting too hot, it might be time to reconsider your cooling setup. A fan is more than a quick fix, but an essential way of keeping cool. Dreo makes our favorite tower fan, which is powerful but safe with its bladeless design.

During Walmart's Spring Sale, get the Dreo 42-inch tower fan for $79.99. That saves you $63.99 off its $143.98 list price.

More home and outdoor dealsBest kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Beautiful Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle $24.96 at Walmart
$37.96 Save $13   Get Deal

Drew Barrymore's Beautiful collection at Walmart earns its name with affordable yet stunning appliances and furnitures. During Walmart's Spring Sale, grab the Beautiful 1-Liter Electric Gooseneck Kettle for just $24.96, saving you $13 off its list price.

This kettle catches your eye right away with its vibrant tomato red color. But it also has a sleek design of a kettle that's far more expensive than $25.

More kitchen deals

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