Feed aggregator

Remember TUAW, or The Unofficial Apple Weblog? It was once a popular Apple blog which was shut down in 2015, but it was recently brought back from the dead -- in the worst possible way.

TUAW is now, it appears, an AI-generated content factory bringing Apple-related "news." According to the site's "About Us" section, the site was acquired by a company called "Web Orange Limited" from Yahoo "without its original content." Its mission? "To continue providing Apple enthusiasts and tech professionals with authoritative and engaging content."

The problem with that is that the company has falsified bios from authors which wrote for the site more than a decade ago. Christina Warren, which used to write for TUAW (disclaimer: Warren also later wrote for Mashable; she is now a Senior Dev Advocate at GitHub), noticed that her name and bio was used on the new TUAW site with a different, obviously fake author image.

https://www.threads.net/@film_girl/post/C9Nq7jLS6A_

The site also falsified names and bios of other former TUAW writers in a similar fashion.

Following Warren's discovery, the name next to her fake bio was changed to "Mary Brown," and other fake bios were also modified.

As noted by Ars Technica, the same company also acquired old Apple blog iLounge, giving it a similar treatment.

While buying an old news site's domain and populating it with AI-generated articles isn't exactly illegal (it would be nice if it were clearly communicated on the site, though), signing actual, human, authors under this content and falsifying their bios is extremely sleazy at the very least, and potentially grounds for a lawsuit.

SEE ALSO: Microsoft made an AI voice so real, it's too dangerous to release

At best, one has to wonder about the quality of content on this site, given the treatment it gave to its former authors (hint: we've read some of it, and it's not good, meaning it's clearly AI-generated crap).

The entire endeavor is likely an SEO play designed to extract some value from these old, still very recognizable names and web domains, but we'd much rather see these old sites laid to rest than resurrected in this, egregiously unethical way.

A&T customer data has been exposed in another data breach.

The company said "nearly all" customer call and text records were stolen by "threat actors" from mid-to-late 2022, as outlined in an SEC filing on Friday. The company revealed to CNN that the records were accessed on Snowflake, a third-party data warehousing tool which recently made headlines for hosting data stolen from Ticketmaster.

The news outlet also said "tens of millions" of A&T customers have been affected.

SEE ALSO: AT&T resets millions of passcodes after data leak

A&T said the content of calls and texts were not exposed, nor were other personally identifiable pieces of information like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. However, the telephone numbers and records of calls and texts of AT&T wireless customers were a part of the leak: such records include the total of a customer's calls and texts, as well as call durations.

While names weren't exposed, and AT&T acknowledged that "there are often ways, using publicly available online tools, to find the name associated with a specific telephone number."

This leak affected those who used AT&T's network between May 1, 2022 and Oct. 31, 2022. Additionally, the company said "a very small number" of customers were impacted on Jan. 2, 2023.

At this time, the data is not "publicly available", according to AT&T's customer support page for the unlawful access of data.

"We hold ourselves to a high standard and commit to delivering the experience that you deserve," AT&T wrote in a statement to Mashable, which is also available online. "We constantly evaluate and enhance our security to address changing cybersecurity threats and work to create a secure environment for you. We invest in our network’s security using a broad array of resources including people, capital, and innovative technology advancements."

Back in March, the telecoms giant had another, unrelated, leak on its hands: one that unfortunately included Social Security numbers and encrypted passcodes. It wasn't the first. In 2021, too, AT&T experienced another data leak which it has been accused of never acknowledging.

UPDATE: Jul. 12, 2024, 12:43 p.m. EDT Updated with AT&T's statement to Mashable.

Watch out, Elon Musk: The European Union is coming for your blue check brigade.

"Back in the day, blue checks used to mean trustworthy sources of information," EU commissioner Thierry Breton tweeted Friday. "Now with X, our preliminary view is that they deceive users."

Breton added that this deception infringes the Digital Services Act (DSA), the EU's powerful 2022 law that governs content moderation on social media. Musk's company would have the right to defend itself, but the EU will impose "fines" and force "significant changes" if its preliminary findings are confirmed.

Tweet may have been deleted

Prior to Musk's purchase of Twitter, blue checks were indeed added to accounts as a mark of expertise in various fields, or to accounts that ran a risk of being impersonated. Musk replaced that system by simply giving blue checks to any account that paid the company an $8 (or more) monthly fee, calling it "power to the people." Paid accounts would be prioritized in replies.

SEE ALSO: Musk tanked Twitter in 12 months. Let that sink in.

Result: months of absolute confusion as paid accounts trolled corporate accounts and impersonated celebrities (including Musk himself).

Musk soon added the ability to hide your bluecheck — hardly a vote of confidence in the system — and started personally paying for bluechecks on major accounts (including Mashable's Matt Binder) that didn't want the mark anymore.

For many Twitter users, the bluecheck has become a mark of derision, with major accounts such as @dril launching a campaign earlier this year to "block the blue."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk's 6 dumbest X / Twitter decisions of 2023

Tumblr, meanwhile, parodied Musk's change with its "entirely pointless" system that gave buyers "important blue internet marks" for the low, low price of $7.99 a month.

This isn't the first time Thierry Breton and Musk have butted heads over the DSA. The EU is already investigating whether X is in breach of the act for failing to counter illegal content (such as its growing plethora of porn bots), disinformation (which is exploding in wartime), and "deceptive design."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk, meet the Twitter resistance

Musk fired back by reportedly threatening to remove the service from Europe altogether, but has so far failed to do so. Europe accounts for nearly 10% of the company's user base.

Predictably, paid-account blue checks (which tend to support Musk) swarmed Breton's replies. One made reference to guillotines; others suggested freedom of expression would be infringed by any attack on the blue checks.

Much lower down, the non-paid X replies were more sympathetic. "The fines should be large enough so that Space Karen stops playing funny games," said one. As of this year, the EU commission can issue fines equal to 6% of a company's worldwide turnover, though no such sanctions have yet been collected.

The sequel to Spanish anti-capitalist sci-fi horror "The Platform" is coming to Netflix this autumn. Trailer.

A few months ago, Tesla CEO Elon Musk promised a Tesla Robotaxi unveiling in August. Now, a new report by Bloomberg claims it's not happening.

According to the report, the launch event has been moved to October to give the teams working on Robotaxis more time to build additional prototypes. The delay has already been communicated internally, though Musk hasn't mentioned it on X, his preferred medium of communication.

Tweet may have been deleted

Robotaxis are a major step for Tesla. For years, Musk has been promising a fleet of autonomous cars which will lug passengers around without the need for a driver (he also promised that all Tesla cars will be able to do so via the company's Full Self-Driving (FSD) and Autopilot set of features, but it hasn't happened yet). The unveiling, originally penned for 2023, keeps being pushed into the future.

Prior to Musk's announcement of the Robotaxi event in August, Reuters released a report claiming that Tesla scrapped its plans for a low-cost car in favor of the Robotaxi project (Musk responded by claiming, "Reuters is lying.").

It's unclear what caused this latest delay, but the main issue hindering Tesla's progress on autonomous cars has so far been the company's inability to create a truly autonomous car. To be able to do so, the company's FSD suite of driving assistance features should get to the SAE Level 5, meaning the car could drive itself without user intervention in all situations.

SEE ALSO: Tesla recalls every Cybertruck again

To be fair, other companies haven't been able to do so, either, but Musk has been promising it for years, with FSD still essentially being at Level 2 autonomy. Local, near-autonomous taxis do exist, though; Alphabet's Waymo and GM's Cruise are running an autonomous taxi service in San Francisco, and are expanding to other U.S. cities, but the progress is slow and not without controversy.

TL;DR: Live stream Musetti vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Lorenzo Musetti has done brilliantly to get to the Wimbledon semi-finals. The 22-year-old Italian is the 25th seeded player, which means he was far from favorite to go all the way. Musetti beat Taylor Fritz in a high-energy match to get here.

But Musetti has his work cut out against Novak Djokovic. Not just because Djokovic is a seven-time Wimbledon champion. Also because Djokovic got to the semi-final with a walk over, after his last opponent dropped out injured. Djokovic will be better rested.

Don't count Musetti out, though. This is the first time he's advanced beyond the fourth round at a major tournament and he now has real momentum behind him.

If you want to watch Musetti vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Musetti vs. Djokovic?

Musetti and Djokovic will meet in the semi-final of Wimbledon 2024 men's singles. The match will take place on July 12 from 10.30 a.m. ET / 3.30 p.m. BST.

How to watch Musetti vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the semi-final matchup between Musetti and Djokovic.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform via a VPN. A VPN can mask your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, such as the UK, which will help unblock free streaming sites based abroad, like BBC iPlayer, no matter where you are around the globe.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not actually free to use, but the top-rated VPN providers usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers and you'll be able to unblock the BBC iPlayer without spending any cash in the long-term. This will give you enough time to stream the remainder of Wimbledon 2024 matchups. Simply claim back any upfront investment once the trial is finished.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95, which means a saving of 49% — but for a limited time only. As part of this plan you'll also get a bonus three months for free, a year of free unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Musetti vs. Djokovic in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Medvedev vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Here it is. The Wimbledon men's singles semi-final. Just one more and these players get to play in the final and potentially etch their name in tennis history. Carlos Alcaraz has been there before. He won Wimbledon last year with a huge win over Novak Djokovic. Can Alcaraz do it again? Recent form suggests he can.

For his 28-year-old Russian opponent, Daniil Medvedev, it's the second year in a row in the semis. And he's already pulled off a huge victory in this year's tournament. He knocked out the top seeded player, Jannik Sinner, in an exciting five set match.

This has potential to be one of the best matchups of the entire tournament — a Wimbledon showdown that's not to be missed. The good news is, you can watch it for free no matter where you are around the globe.

If you want to watch Medvedev vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Medvedev vs. Alcaraz?

Medvedev and Alcaraz will meet in the semi-final of the men's singles at Wimbledon 2024. The match will take on July 12 from 8.30 a.m. ET / 1.30 p.m. BST.

How to watch Medvedev vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2024 for free

Wimbledon 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer, including the semi-final matchup between Medvedev and Alcaraz.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK. Only viewers within the UK can usually access this free streaming platform. But there is a way around the geo-restrictions with a VPN. VPNs are clever tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, in this case the UK, allowing you to unblock geo-specific streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere.

Live stream Wimbledon 2024 for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Wimbledon 2024 from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but the most highly recommended VPN providers usually offer free trial periods or money-back guarantees. By signing up to these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing any cash. It's not a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the Wimbledon 2024 fixtures before recovering any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

• 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 one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale at $99.95 for a limited time. That's a massive saving of 49%. The plan includes an bonus three months for no extra cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup, and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream Medvedev vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

'The Perfect Couple' on Netflix stars Nicole Kidman, Liev Schreiber, Eve Hewson, Dakota Fanning, Ishaan Khattar, and Meghann Fahy.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is one titillating timepiece, swooping in to potentially knock the Apple Watch Ultra off its pedestal. Unlike the Apple rival, the Galaxy Watch Ultra offers a blood-oxygen sensor (the Apple Watch used to have one, but er, it's a long story) and a sleep apnea monitor (though some rumors claim the Watch X will have it).

Oh, and did I mention the sleep apnea sensor is FDA-approved, too?

I got to spend a little over an hour with the Galaxy Watch Ultra, and in that short time, I spotted three things I love about it — and one thing that could use some improvement.

Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra hands-on experience

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra costs $729.98, but as of this writing, it'll set you back $649.99 via Samsung's official website. Conversely, the Apple Watch Ultra costs $799.99 on Amazon.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It comes in the 47mm size and offers three colors: Titanium Gray, Titanium White, and Titanium Black.

With the crucial details out of the way, allow me to dive into my short exploration of the Galaxy Watch Ultra.

A smooth display (though smaller than rivals)

Swiping through WearOS 5, the Galaxy Watch Ultra felt smooth and seamless. From the weather app to the ECG utility, the experience felt zippy. (This is likely due to the new Exynos W1000 processor.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, as someone who owns an Apple Watch Series 9, the Galaxy Watch Ultra's display is noticeably smaller at 1.5 inches (compared to the Watch Series 9's 1.7-inch display). The second-generation Apple Watch Ultra's display is even larger, coming in at 1.9 inches.

An eye-catching squircle, circular design

When I tried on the Galaxy Watch Ultra for the first time, the first thing I noticed was the intriguing frame that surrounds the watch face.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It's as if Samsung said, "We can't decide whether we want this to be circular or squarish, so let's go with both!" And you know what? I'm obsessed. A round design is classic, but yawn-worthy and boring (it's trite in Android world with the likes of the Google Pixel Watch and Galaxy Watch 7). And although no one owns "squircle," this shape would feel too Apple.

Using both seems like a good compromise, and it makes for an eye-catching design that no other popular smartwatch has achieved.

Some have argued that the Galaxy Watch Ultra is an Apple "clone," but I can't get myself to mind too much. You mean I get to walk around with an Apple Watch Ultra-esque smartwatch, but spend $150 less? I'm all for a dupe.

Competition-beating sensors

As mentioned at the outset, there are some sensors that the Galaxy Watch Ultra has that the Apple Watch Ultra doesn't.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I already pointed out the blood-oxygen and sleep apnea sensors, but add let's add a body composition tracker to the list, which isn't found natively on the Apple Watch Ultra.

Here are some other health-tracking features present on the Galaxy Watch Ultra:

• Skin temperature monitoring

• Cycle tracking

• Irregular rhythm notifications

• High or low heart rate notifications

• ECG testing

• Sleep tracking

I tested my ECG right on the spot, and I've got a healthy heart, thank you very much, at 92 beats per minute. Of course, I wasn't able to test the full scope of the Galaxy Watch Ultra's health and exercise sensors. I'll need to give them some time to do a proper testing, particularly since Galaxy AI plays a role in some features like Energy Score and Wellness Tips. The former generates a score for you based on metrics like your physical activity and sleep habits; the latter offers recommendations and suggestions based on your past actions.

The Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra, compared to its cheaper Galaxy Watch 7 sibling, is designed for rugged adventurers. It can reportedly handle temperatures between -4 and 131 degrees Fahrenheit, and it can tolerate deep-sea diving and other challenging environments. I haven't visited Antarctica nor strapped it to my wrist while scuba diving just yet, but once I do, I'll let you know how it holds up.

Bands are too tricky to swap

I removed the bands from the Galaxy Watch Ultra by pressing down on two small silver button mechanisms on the back. The bands are not easy to remove. (I almost broke a nail trying to push down on the buttons hard enough to release the band from the watch's grip.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Reattaching the bands were a pain, too. I just couldn't figure it out.

I haven't seen how Samsung packs the Galaxy Watch Ultra inside the box, but let's hope it ships with the bands attached (like the Galaxy Watch 6). This will save you the headache of snapping the bands together.

Speaking of bands, the Galaxy Watch Ultra comes in three different band styles, including Marine (great for swimming), Trail (breathable and lightweight), and PeakForm (OK for all workouts). Marine is the way to go, according to my short experience with it. It appears easier to clean — and won't collect as much dirt and sweat as the other bands.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra worth it?

It's too early to say whether the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra is worth it. I'll have to test it first. I'm particularly interested in the Galaxy Watch Ultra's battery life. On Power Saving Mode, Samsung claims the Galaxy Watch Ultra can last four days. Compare this to the Apple Watch Ultra, which lasts three days on Low Power Mode.

If I don't need to charge my smartwatch for four days, the Galaxy Watch Ultra may have my heart.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra $649.99 at Samsung
Get Deal

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 12 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 12

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 12, 2024:

AcrossBad thing to drop while riding a chairlift

• The answer is ski.

Batman's archenemy

• The answer is Joker.

What a cartoon character might grab onto if they're swallowed whole

• The answer is uvula.

Big name in PCs

• The answer is dell.

"For Your Eyes ___" (1981 Bond film)

• The answer is Only.

DownProp for Hamlet when he says "Alas, poor Yorick!"

• The answer is skull.

Grace who starred in three Hitchcock films

• The answer is Kelly.

Savings plan option, for short

• The answer is IRA.

Olympic sport from Japan

• The answer is judo.

Place for roasting

• The answer is oven.

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

The official trailer for 'Three Women' offers a first glimpse at the powerful movie based on Lisa Taddeo's bestselling book.

A city in Finland is using a sand battery to store excess electricity for district heating.

Demi Moore and Margaret Qualley lead Coralie Fargeat's sinister horror, "The Substance." Watch the trailer.

OK, real talk. Is it a red flag if someone tries to start sexting really soon after you start talking? This writer did a Twitter poll of 96 people asking this question, with results finding that 67.4 percent of people answered "Yes" and 32.6 said "No." While this is a small sample size, it does indicate this is worth examining. 

This question may prove especially complicated for women, femmes, and AFAB people who consider themselves to be sex positive. The moral quandary being: If I’m sex positive, does that mean I need to be willing to be open about all things sex, all the time? There can be a certain pressure to be super "open" at the expense of your boundaries.

While this question of "sex talk/red flag" on dating apps can certainly apply to anyone, of any gender – it appears to be most common when we’re talking about interactions between cis-men and women/femmes/AFAB folx. At least, anecdotally. With the ubiquity of gay hookup apps like Grindr and Scruff, the MLM (men who love men) community seem to follow different guidelines – ones where sex and hookups are often the center of the most interactions on the apps. While this certainly deserves interrogating, that is an article for another day.

For the purposes of this article we’re going to examine this question within a specific context: You (an AFAB person) are looking for a real relationship and the person you’ve connected with on an app seems great, but they want to start talking dirty right away.

What should you do? Let’s investigate. 

Is it a red flag if someone wants to sext right away on a dating app?

This is, of course, a tricky question because it’s entirely based on your comfort levels and what you’ve said you’re looking for in your app profile and/or to this person directly.

Lucy Rowett, a certified sex coach and clinical sexologist, tells us that if you’re looking to specifically DATE and someone comes right out of the gate wanting to sext, that you should be cautious. This kind of blunt approach can often mean that the other person is looking for something more sex-focused and casual, which may not be in-line with what you’re looking for. "Unless you've said you're specifically looking for a hookup and sex, and that you want to sext, and maybe if you feel the vibe is right, then go ahead," she says. Of course, this isn’t always true – but it’s certainly worth considering when it’s already hard enough out here as it is. 

"Please listen to this discomfort, it is a very important messenger that your value system is being breached."

Ask yourself: Am I comfortable doing this? Does it excite me to consider doing this? Or is this something I may be considering because I don’t want to seem like I’m a prude, rather than coming from a place of authenticity? "Please listen to this discomfort, it is a very important messenger that your value system is being breached," Rowett says.

SEE ALSO: The best free dating apps for budget-conscious singles You’re not a prude for having boundaries (even if you have sex positive values). 

Moushumi Ghose, MFT, a licensed sex therapist, points out that we live within a very confusing social context that calls us "prudes" for not being down to get sexual on the one hand, while slut shaming us for being "too open" on the other. The markers for what is acceptable are always moving, making finding solid footing in our own understanding of our sexualities really difficult.

The idea that you should always be down to talk about sex is problematic because while you may be entirely sex positive, and of the belief that sexuality is an important part of the human experience – one that should be talked about freely and without shame — this doesn’t mean you don’t have a right to engage with sexual content or conversations in a way that feels safe and authentic to you. Being sex positive does not equal having no boundaries around sex and sexual conversations. Ty David Lerman, a psychotherapist and certified sex therapist, says that the more telling thing is how a person responds to you when you tell them you’re not quite ready for that kind of conversation yet. "If they validate and respect your wishes and continue on, then there is no flag here. Quite the opposite actually — they’re hearing and validating your wishes, and actually meeting your needs — they’re a keeper."

"If they validate and respect your wishes and continue on, then there is no flag here. Quite the opposite actually."

We live in a world that doesn’t value sexuality as something to be understood and investigated. We’re not given the tools we need to openly have conversations about sex. This, combined with male privilege, might be why a cis guy who comes across a sex positive woman on a dating app might suddenly think that going right into sexting is appropriate. He lacks the basic knowledge and language to understand that sex positive ≠ up for anything, anytime.

Ghose tells us that being sex positive actually revolves around consent. "Being sex positive means having an open mind and accepting others where they are at, at any given moment," she says. "Being sex positive means we don't shame people for their questions, proclivities, desires, curiosities." Or their boundaries, as it were.

How to set your boundaries. 

OK, so you’re vibing with someone cool and they suggest sexting right away. How can you set your boundaries, if this is feeling like too much, too soon?

SEE ALSO: How to set sexual boundaries

We asked the experts for some scripts to get you started. 

Lerman suggests: I’m really flattered that you’re into me and it’s actually mutual, however, I feel uncomfortable and pressured chatting about sex this soon, and it would help me if we kick that down the road for a later conversation.

Ghose suggests: Hey, I like you and I'd love to get to know you first and I may be more open to sexting in the future.

Rowett suggests: So, I'm not comfortable with talking about sex/sexting right now as I don't know you yet/I don't know you well enough yet.

All of our experts agree, if you get pushed back on setting clear boundaries, the person gets defensive, or they try to convince you to change your mind – disengage. The block button is your best friend. Sometimes the biggest red flag of all is seeing how someone responds to your boundary.

If you’re OK with talking about sex, but want to make sure that isn’t 'all this is.'

It’s also totally possible that you’re down to sext, but want to be sure that this isn’t a gateway to keeping things permanently casual. We may worry that by engaging in sexually explicit conversation too soon, we might spoil our chances at cultivating something more long-lasting. This comes out of long-held social scripts that indicate that men are the "pursuers" of sex and women are the "givers" of sex. 

You can step out of these scripts and into sexual autonomy by owning your power and being crystal clear about your concerns. You can straight-up say: I’m open to sexting, but this is a way for me to get to know someone better, with the knowledge that we’re both looking for something more serious. "You will still have to weed through people who are dishonest, but speaking about this from the beginning will set the stage and expectation that we’re gonna talk about these things, however long that relationship lasts," Lerman adds.

Lastly, remember that there is no right way to practice sex positivity and there is no "right amount of time" to wait before sexting someone. What’s important is that you’re engaging in a way that feels safe for you, and free from pressure. Only you get to make those choices. Don’t let anyone try to make you feel badly for being true to yourself – and if they do, ditch them.

This article was first published in 2023 and republished in 2024.

Answers to your moral quandaries, ethical dilemmas and etiquette questions about technology.

Some far-right commentators have long argued that Democratic Party elites were plotting to replace President Biden. Now those commentators say they’ll be proved correct.

Thanks to a software program, the length, structure and contents of the movie are reconfigured each time it’s shown. It’s the only way the musician would agree to the project.

Say you're in bed swiping on Tinder, as one does, and then you see a pop-up: Upgrade to Tinder Platinum, it says. Message Before Matching! Priority Likes!

Longtime users are likely aware of these in-app Tinder ads, as several features — such as "rewinding" your last swipe — are only available if you pay up.

The dating app rolled out Tinder Platinum in 2020, and aside from the ultra-pricey Tinder Select that's $500 a month, this is the most expensive subscription level. Tinder's prices vary based on factors like previous account activity, how long you've had your account, if you've paid for a subscription in the past, and the like. According to Tinder, demographic factors like age, gender, and sexual orientation don't impact pricing. Still, it's difficult then to gauge how much you might have to pay. At the time of this review the price was $39.99/month. One source, Android Authority, said it's $35.99 for one month, but one user told Mashable they were offered $20.99 for the same time frame.

With prices from $20 - 40 a month, is Tinder Platinum worth it? The app gave me a three-month trial run to find out. Platinum's varied features, elimination of ads, and exclusive perks (like seeing who I already liked) changed how I used the app — but didn't change much when it came to finding matches.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know What is Tinder Platinum, and how's it different from Tinder's other subscription levels?

From least to most expensive, Tinder's paid subscriptions are Tinder Plus, Gold, and Platinum.

One month of Plus is $9.99 and Gold is $24.99, according to the App Store in 2024. Each of these also vary depending on the timeframe of your subscription — if you sign up for a longer period, the prices per month drop slightly — but this exemplifies the differences.

It's also worth noting, too, that Tinder has modified its paid features over time. For example, free users used to get one Super Like — a blue star that indicates you like someone before you match — a day.

Now, Super Likes are only available for a la carte purchase or as part of a subscription.

Tinder Plus no longer includes Super Likes or a monthly Boost (which "boosts" your profile to the top of others’ card stack). Tinder Gold and Platinum now include weekly Super Likes as opposed to daily.

With Plus, you get:

• Unlimited likes (as opposed to 100 right swipes per day with a basic account)

• Unlimited rewinds (which undoes left swipes)

• Ability to change your location with the Passport feature

• Incognito Mode

• No ads

Tinder Gold gives you all those features, plus:

• Weekly Super Likes

• One free Boost a month

• Seeing who already liked you

• Tinder's "top picks" for you every day

Platinum has all the aforementioned features, as well as:

• Message before Matching (though you must Super Like someone to do so)

• Prioritized Likes (the app makes sure your Likes and Super Likes are seen faster before those of non-Platinum users)

• Seeing the Likes you've sent in the last week

Is paying for Tinder worth it?

Tinder's standard paid features — the ones available to all subscribers — are pretty sweet. When Tinder Plus was around five dollars a month years ago, it was definitely worth it. Now, I'd say to only pay for any Tinder subscription if it fits in your budget and you're going to consistently use these features.

The most useful, in my opinion, is unlimited rewinds. You can't undo any mistaken left-swipe unless you pay for Tinder, period. Haven't we all experienced the anguish of Noping someone we wish we Liked? When you're not a paid user, it can be devastating. You're left wondering what such a connection would've been like.

With rewind, you don't have to wonder. Now, you can potentially change your destiny forever...OK, that's a stretch, but it is an incredibly useful feature I take advantage of often and miss now that my subscription has ended.

Then there's unlimited likes, which is useful if you're swipe-happy and live in a populous place. I will admit, there have been days I've swiped right over 100 times — and then can't Like anyone else for 12 hours (with a free account). If you're in a major city and there's plenty of people on Tinder, sometimes it just happens!

One feature I don't care much about is Passport to any location. I never used Tinder to meet people while traveling, but maybe you do.

Hidden advertisements are a sneaky feature, but one that you suddenly notice if you stop paying. As with every service, not seeing ads is always a plus.

Should I buy Tinder Platinum?

The features mentioned above are available with Tinder Plus, the cheapest paid option. Let's examine the exclusive Platinum features.

First up: Message before Matching. To do this, you must Super Like someone and can write a message up to 140 characters. According to Tinder, this increases the chances of matching by 25 percent.

I refrained from using Message before Matching too many times because I was afraid this would be seen as "cringe," as Super Liking itself is sometimes perceived. If my memory serves me correctly, however, most of the people I messaged early did end up matching with me.

With great power comes great responsibility, though. You may think it's funny to ask to rub your balls on a woman, like this Redditor did using Message before Matching, but it can (and will) come across as gross.

Next is Prioritized Likes, which I forgot about during my time as a Platinum user. I didn't measure my match rate before and after the subscription, but I haven't noticed any discernible difference.

SEE ALSO: How to use Bumble, and is it better than Tinder?

Finally, with Tinder Platinum you can see the Likes you've already sent in the past week. This is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it's cool to be able to see someone's profile again even if you haven't matched, and in that time you can also "upgrade" your Like to a Super Like if you want to increase your matching chances.

On the other hand, it sucks when you see someone you find attractive and fun but they haven't matched back. What gives?

While I started my Platinum "journey" looking at who I liked, by the end I avoided that tab.

Overall, Platinum wasn't worth it for me as the features I enjoyed the most are available on Tinder Plus. I didn't discuss the features only available on both Gold and Platinum — like seeing who already liked you — because I didn't take advantage of them much, either.

As far as I can tell, I matched and messaged people at the same frequency as a Platinum user as I did as a free one.

If you want to message before matching, get priority likes, and see who you already liked, by all means go for Platinum. If not, you can easily downgrade to Plus or Gold and enjoy the experience.

Compared to Bumble Premium, another paid subscription I tried, Tinder Platinum has some similar features, such as undoing a left swipe and peeking at who already liked you. Choose one depending on which app you already use more.

Tinder gifted me Platinum for review, but I'd pay for Tinder Plus myself. I can have all the features I want and save money. When I see the Platinum pop-up now, I know what I'm missing — and I tap away.

Tinder Platinum is available for $39.99/month.

UPDATE: Jan. 21, 2022, 3:30 p.m. EST This article has been updated with a comparison to Bumble Premium.

This article was first published in 2021 and republished in 2024.

The MSI Cyborg 14 took my breath away when I first grasped it at CES 2024 — it's as light as feather.

Now, I get to play around with it for this review, and I still can't get over how light it is. Gaming laptops are typically clunky, chunky, and chubby, and here comes the Cyborg 14, all slim and trim, being a portable haven for casual gamers.

No, it doesn't have the latest and greatest internals, but it packs just enough "oomph" to power your favorite triple-A titles without costing you an arm and a leg. Read more to see why the MSI Cyborg 14 has earned a spot on our best gaming laptops and best cheap laptops pages.

MSI Cyborg 14 price and specs

The Cyborg 14 in this review costs $1,099 on Best Buy, and it comes with the following specs:

• Intel Core i7-13620H CPU

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU

• 16GB of RAM

• 512GB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 1920 x 1200-pixel display with a 144Hz refresh rate

• Windows 11 Home

MSI made this laptop for the gamers who say, "I don't need all the bells and whistles — just give me what I need to play my favorite games." And as you'll find out later in this review, these specs may seem humble, but they pack a punch, with robust internals designed to deliver respectable gaming performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable MSI Cyborg 14 $1,099.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal

MSI Cyborg 14 design

Finally! A gaming laptop that doesn't feel like a brick. I can't say it enough — this MSI machine is breathtakingly light. When I first picked up, my jaw dropped. I was expecting heft, bulk, and load, but instead, it's as light as a whisper.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It weighs just 3.5 pounds. For perspective, the MSI Cyborg 14 weighs as much as a 14-inch M3 MacBook Pro. This bad boy is no heavier than a thick hardcover book.

Though it may weigh as much as a MacBook, it certainly doesn't have its sleekness. After all, it's still a gaming laptop. It's between 0.73 and 0.88 inches thick. (The full dimensions are 12.4 x 9.2 x 0.73 - 8.88 inches.)

The Cyborg 14 reminds me of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which is even lighter at 3.3 pounds (it's also thinner at just 0.62 inches).

Design-wise, the MSI Cyborg 14 has a chassis that balances reticence and minimalism with futuristic elements. What do I mean by this? Well, the lid has an onyx color with an ultra-subtle, barely there MSI insignia. But then, the lip — the part of the laptop that helps you open the lid with ease — is translucent and reminiscent of the see-through Game Boy released in the late 90s.

You can find the same "clear" vibes on the Cyborg 14's hinge and underside, giving you a peek into some internal components. However, keep a microfiber towel ready; the chassis is a bit of a fingerprint magnet.

Overall, this is the gaming laptop you'll want to bring with you on a plane. It'll barely add any weight to your travel bag once it's stuffed inside.

MSI Cyborg 14 display

The MSI Cyborg 14, as its name suggests, sports a 14-inch, 144Hz refresh-rate display with a 1920 x 1200-pixel resolution screen. But those mumbo-jumbo figures don't tell you much about the display quality, so I tested the screen by firing up the F1 trailer from YouTube.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

I wasn't expecting much — just a run-of-the-mill panel for budget-conscious consumers. However, once I saw Brad Pitt pop up on the screen, I was taken aback. I could see the tiny hairs between his brows. (Did he always have a unibrow?) I could even spot the faint pores on Pitt's face and the subtle five-o'clock shadow on his upper lip.

In another scene, a woman with stunning blue eyes appeared on the display. Showcasing the display's crisp and sharp details, the limbal ring that surrounded her iris looked particularly striking as dappled sunlight danced on her peepers.

However, at 235 nits, the MSI Cyborg 14 is dim AF. This isn't a laptop that will be forgiving during ultra-dark scenes in games. On Cyberpunk 2077, textures are bold and detailed, like the silver lamé suit of one character and the shimmery gold mask of another NPC, but dim environments were difficult to see. The display may also be a challenge if you're outside during a bright day or sitting next to a sunlit window.

The display is surrounded by a thick top bezel (that accommodates the transparent lip and 720p webcam) and mid-sized side bezels. The chin, however, is quite chunky, giving The Fairly OddParents' "Crimson Chin" character a run for his money.

MSI Cyborg 14 ports

MSI Cyborg 14 doesn't have a wide array of ports, but that's OK because this laptop is meant to support casual gamers and entry-level enthusiasts.

On the left side:

• Kensington lock slot

• USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)

• Headset jack

On the right side:

• HDMI 2.1

• USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 1)

• USB Type-C port (3.2 Gen 2)

On the back:

• Ethernet port

Keep in mind that the USB Type-C port can't be used to charge the laptop, but it can be used to connect a monitor.

MSI Cyborg 14 audio

Curb your expectations. At this price point, the audio won't be spectacular. The dual-speaker setup on the Cyborg 14 is nothing special. It's not bad, but it's not awful either.

I fired up Sabrina Carpenter's "Espresso" on the Apple Music app, and the funky tune sounded shallow and lacked depth. However, while playing Cyberpunk 2077, it's harder to perceive the mediocre sound quality (in a good way). From the myriad of intense conversations to heart-dropping fire fights, the audio delivers clear dialogue and impactful sound.

The speakers aren't quiet per se, but they're not bombastic either. For the most part, the Cyborg 14's sound system is quite middling.

MSI Cyborg 14 keyboard and trackpad

The Cyborg 14's keyboard is the one place where one can truly tell that this is, indeed, a budget-friendly gaming laptop.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

If I placed two laptops in front of you, one being the Cyborg 14, and blindfolded you before asking, "Which is the cheap one?", the Cyborg 14's plasticky keycaps would betray it.

And honestly? That's OK. Some budget-friendly gamers do not give a flying monkey's behind whether the keyboard is made of hay for chrissakes — they'll likely pair a controller to the Cyborg 14 anyway.

The Cyborg 14's keyboard is also very clicky — perhaps too clicky. While you're "in the zone" and typing up a storm at the office, I wouldn't be surprised if you attracted passive-aggressive side-eyes form your fellow co-workers.

No, the Cyborg 14's keyboard isn't my favorite, but at least it looks cool. It has a light-blue backlighting, which has three levels of brightness. (There's no RGB lighting on the Cyborg 14, by the way, because who wants their laptop to look like a maniacal disco ball?) Plus, the white letters and symbols are large and contrast nicely with the black keys.

Finally, MSI continues that transparent touch on the W, A, S, D keys (and the power button), breaking the monotony. Otherwise, it'd be another boring black-and-white keyboard.

The trackpad responds well to Windows 11 gestures, including pinch-to-zoom and two-finger scrolls.

MSI Cyborg 14 benchmarks and performance

Yes, MSI put a last-generation CPU inside the Cyborg 14. (It has a 13th-generation Intel Core i7-13620H, although we're currently in an era where 14th-generation processors are the latest and greatest.)

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

Why? To cut costs, making gaming accessible to people who don't have deep pockets. And also, as you'll find out in a bit, 13th-gen CPUs still slap.

On Geekbench 6, a benchmark that stress tests the CPU, the Cyborg 14 delivered a score of 12,073, which is quite similar to the performance of the Asus ROG Zephryus G14, which has an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and the same GPU as the MSI laptop (i.e., RTX 4060 GPU). It notched a score of 12,170.

We also ran the Cyberpunk 2077 benchmark on the Cyborg 14. With the High preset at 1080p, the MSI gaming laptop averaged 61 frames per second (60 frames per second is the baseline casual gamers often seek). With DLSS on, a feature that relies on AI upscaling to squeeze out more frames, the Cyborg 14 climbed to a whopping 113 frames per second.

For perspective, the ROG Zephyrus G14 scored an average of 102 frames per second (DLSS off).

MSI Cyborg 14 battery life

The MSI Cyborg 14's battery life is surprisingly long for a gaming laptop.

For example, the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which also packs an Nvidia GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, lasted just 1 hour and 17 minutes on the PCMark 10 gaming battery life test. Conversely, the Cyborg 14 lasted three hours.

This is the longest a gaming laptop has ever lasted on a charge since I've been testing gaming rigs for Mashable.

MSI Cyborg 14 webcam

The MSI Cyborg 14's webcam is a bit of a potato, as one would expect from a 720p shooter.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The laptop industry has always been historically awful at providing good webcams, but that is especially so when it comes to gaming laptops. The Cyborg 14's 720p renders color well enough, but you'll still find some noise, lack of detail, and poor sharpness. I wouldn't start a Twitch streaming channel with this webcam — that's for sure.

Is MSI Cyborg 14 worth it?

The MSI Cyborg 14 isn't for enthusiasts who turn their nose up at mid-level graphics, last-generation CPUs, and less-than-premium keyboards. It's for casual gamers who want something that's "good enough."

It delivers decent frame rates on graphics-intensive, triple-A titles and a good display for indoor gamers. Plus, it's unbelievably light. If you're looking for a decent gaming laptop for your travels, the MSI Cyborg 14 is a good choice.

Still, the Cyborg 14 has stiff competition with the likes of the Asus ROG Zephyrus G14, which is also super light. As of this writing, its just $100 more, but squeezes out more performance. However, it lasts just one hour and 17 minutes on a charge compared to the Cyborg 14's three-hour battery life. Yes, gaming laptops are known for being energy guzzlers, but at least you can unplug for three hours — which is as long as a Steam Deck lasts on a single charge — without being shackled to an outlet.

Packed with power and portability at a great price, the MSI Cyborg 14 is one of the best gaming laptops of 2024.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable MSI Cyborg 14 $1,099.99 at Best Buy
Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Asus ROG Zephyrus G14 $1,299.99 at Best Buy
$1,599.99 Save $300.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab these mini night-vision digital binoculars with HD recording for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.

Opens in a new window Credit: Mesay Mini Dual Tube Digital Night Vision Binoculars with 1080p HD Recording $89.97 at the Mashable Shop
$159.99 Save $70.02 Get Deal

In the world of outdoor adventures and nighttime explorations, having the right gear can make all the difference. Whether you're a wildlife enthusiast, a night-time explorer, or simply someone who has seen the movie Stepbrothers too many times, these binoculars could be a game-changer.

Available through July 21 for just $89.97, this pair of digital mini night vision binoculars uses advanced infrared technology to provide crystal-clear night vision. Whether camping in the wilderness, exploring a cave, or watching nocturnal wildlife, its 2.4-inch screen allows you to see what your naked eye can't for up to 980 feet in darkness.

Use the 4x digital zoom and 10x optical magnification to really hone in on a beautiful bird while camping or seeing the facial expression of your favorite ball player. And if you ever want to rewatch or share your experience, it has a built-in 1080p HD recording feature.

Record stunning videos and take high-resolution photos of your adventures day or night. Relive the excitement and share your discoveries through clear, vibrant footage that can truly capture the essence of your experience.

One of the best features of these digital binoculars is their compact and lightweight design. Easily portable, they can fit into your backpack or even your pocket, making them ideal for on-the-go adventures. Despite their small size, they pack a punch with their powerful features, helping to ensure you never miss a moment.

These binoculars come with a 32GB memory card, storage bag, and cleaning cloth.

Don't miss out on this limited-time opportunity to elevate your viewing experience. 

Get the mini night-vision digital binoculars with HD recording for just $89.97 (reg. $159.99) through July 21.

StackSocial prices subject to change.