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TL;DR: Watch the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The 2024 MotoGP season is going down to the wire as Jorge Martín and Francesco Bagnaia battle it out for the title. There are only a handful of races left this season, so every meeting really matters. Next up is the Indonesia Grand Prix, and you can watch all the action without spending anything.

If you're interested in watching the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

When is the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix?

The MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix takes place at the Pertamina Mandalika Circuit. The 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix race starts at 3 a.m. ET / 8 a.m. BST on Sept. 29.

How to watch the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix for free

Every MotoGP 2024 race is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

ServusTV is geo-restricted to Austria, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Austria, meaning you can bypass geo-restrictions to access ServusTV from anywhere in the world.

Unblock ServusTV by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a 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 Austria

4. Connect to ServusTV

5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for MotoGP?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking ServusTV, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is protected

• Fast streaming 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 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Watch the 2024 MotoGP Indonesia Grand Prix for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream South Africa vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Rugby Championship has produced some really big performances from the best international sides in the world. South Africa have been particularly impressive, and they'll be looking to end the tournament with a confident win at home. Of course, Argentina will not go down without a fight.

If you want to watch South Africa vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is South Africa vs. Argentina?

South Africa vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship kicks off at 11 a.m. ET on Sept. 28. This fixture takes place at the Mbombela Stadium.

How to watch South Africa vs. Argentina for free

You can live stream the 2024 Rugby Championship for free on NZR+, including South Africa vs. Argentina.

The catch is that this free live stream is only available to fans in Albania, Armenia, Austria, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, India, Kazakhstan, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Macedonia, Malta, Moldova, Montenegro, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sri Lanka, Sweden, Turkey, and Ukraine.

If you do not live in one of these countries, you can use a VPN to change your digital location and stream for free. VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other countries, meaning you can unblock free live streams of the Rugby Championship on NZR+ from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2024 Rugby Championship 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 one of the countries listed above

4. Visit NZR+

5. Live stream South Africa vs. Argentina for free 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to a free live stream of South Africa vs. Argentina without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you enough time to watch the 2024 Rugby Championship before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the Rugby Championship?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live rugby on NZR+ for free, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

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

• Fast connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Live stream South Africa vs. Argentina in the 2024 Rugby Championship for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 28 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Feeling good

These words you'll feel strongly about.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are all related to feelings.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Emotions.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 28

• Love

• Gratitude

• Happiness

• Emotions

• Excitement

• Pleasure

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for September 28

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 28's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 28 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A human's thinking organ.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter B.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

BRAIN.

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

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

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

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

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 28's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for September 28 What is Connections?

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

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Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 28 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Combo

• Green: Insert

• Blue: Monopoly pieces

• Purple: Items that control things

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Composite

• Green: Embed

• Blue: Items in a Monopoly Box

• Purple: ___Control

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

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

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #475 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Composite: BLEND, COMPOUND, CROSS, HYBRID

• Embed: LODGE, PLANT, STICK, WEDGE

• Items in a Monopoly Box: DEED, HOTEL, HOUSE, TOKEN

• ___Control: BIRTH, CRUISE, QUALITY, REMOTE

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

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

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

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

Lupita Nyong'o and Chris Sanders worked for two and half years on the character of Roz, 'The Wild Robot'. This is how they built her from the ground up together.

As the company looks for more outside investors, documents reviewed by The New York Times show consumer fascination with ChatGPT and a serious need for more cash.

Contrary to public reports last year, the passengers probably had no idea that the vessel was about to implode.

Something strange happens when an artist blows up in the social media age. Their fans begin to think they own a piece of the artist's success or, more precariously, the fans start to believe the artist owes them for their ascent. And that situation becomes tenuous for the newly popular artist — not too long ago, their actions and statements belonged only to themselves. We live in parasocial times.

That phenomenon has been unfolding online with Chappell Roan over the past week. As Mashable pointed out back in April, Roan quickly transitioned from a relatively small artist to the internet's favorite pop star in a short timeframe.

SEE ALSO: Chappell Roan is the internet's new favorite pop star

Recently, with that surge in popularity, a tense dynamic has emerged between Roan and her fans, primarily due to differing views on her public statements and the expectations of what fans feel they are owed. And, of course, the presidential election is involved, too. But it's clearly weighed on Roan, who has spoken openly about her struggles with mental health. Friday afternoon she cancelled a planned performance this weekend at New York City's All Things Go festival.

"I am unable to perform. Things have gotten overwhelming over the past few weeks and I am really feeling it," she said in a statement. "I feel pressures to prioritize a lot of things right now and I need a few days to prioritize my health. I want to be present when I perform and give the best shows possible. Thank you for understanding."

While Roan didn’t address it directly, it seems that backlash from parts of the internet may have contributed to the high-profile cancellation. Here’s what happened.

Calling out "creepy" fans

The back-and-forth between Roan and her fans began in August when the singer called out "creepy" fan behavior. This marked a shift for an artist who had built her popularity, in part, by being highly relatable online.

To be fair, superfans often cross boundaries, seemingly forgetting that their idols are just people. Roan specifically took issue with fans following her and her family, demanding hugs or photos, and generally invading her personal life.

In essence, she expressed gratitude for the support and the community surrounding her work but made it clear that fans were not entitled to her time or physical affection.

"I don't agree with the notion that I owe a mutual exchange of energy, time, or attention to people I do not know, do not trust, or who creep me out — just because they’re expressing admiration," she said in August. "Women do not owe you a reason why they don't want to be touched or talked to."

View this post on Instagram

The majority of the responses to this statement supported Roan. But, recently, things have gotten more complicated.

Election controversy

Roan's election controversy began with an interview with The Guardian. She told the outlet that she did not "feel pressured to endorse someone" while saying there were "problems on both sides."

Now, if you know much about Roan, you'd likely understand she was criticizing Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris for not being lefty enough. Still, fans online were not happy with the quote because, by and large, her fans are left-leaning. Some accused her of equating Harris' issues to Donald Trump's or even being a "closet Republican."

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Roan followed up with a pair of TikToks. In the first, she made clear she would not be voting for Trump and that she would always question people in power. Roan also noted that her music, shows, and actions have proven her support for liberal causes. Later, in a lengthier video on TikTok, she made clear she does not support Trump and would be voting for Harris. But she didn't feel the obligation to endorse a candidate because she had substantive issue with the current administration, namely its support of Israel in the war in Gaza.

She said, in part:

"Fuck Trump for fucking real, but fuck some of the shit that has gone down in the Democratic party that has failed people like me and you — and, more so, Palestine. And more so, every marginalized community in the world. So no, I’m not gonna put… I'm not gonna settle for what the options are that are in front of me, and you are not gonna make me feel bad for that. So yeah, I'm voting for fucking Kamala, but I'm not settling for what has been offered, because that's questionable."

She also said that she wasn't "playing both sides" but rather "questioning both sides" because that's all we have as options. Still, the reactions to Roan were mixed. Some felt that she talked down to her fans and that she had, in fact, played both sides.

Tweet may have been deleted

Many folks, however, backed Roan, noting that she was stating her policies were left of Harris, and she didn't want to endorse a candidate that didn't fully represent her. Some people also felt that Roan was being held to a different standard than other public figures.

Tweet may have been deleted

The entire controversy overall shows how fans — especially those who engage in the more intense forms of pop star fandom — feel they deserve their stars to act exactly as they hope or align directly with their morals.

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Whatever her feelings on newfound fame and expectations, fair or not, it's unlikely Roan will be out of the spotlight anytime soon. While she pulled out of the festival, she remains slated to make her Saturday Night Live debut and to continue touring.

With that will come even more expectations from fans — but hopefully, for everyone's sake, the furor and controversy will calm down with time.

Will Farrell and Harper Steele have been close friends and collaborators for decades. Here, they talk about what is at the heart of 'Will & Harper', a road trip documentary they made after Harper's transition.

Apple fans are still waiting for the release of M4 Macs later this year.

However, one Apple analyst suggests that the company is already looking ahead to the next iteration of the Apple Vision Pro, which will be reportedly powered by the next-gen M5 chipset.

According to a new report from Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, Apple is expected to start production for the new Apple Vision Pro in the second half of 2025.

The new Apple Vision Pro will also likely incorporate Apple's AI, Apple Intelligence, within the spatial computing realm, Kuo says.

The future of Apple Vision Pro

The Apple Vision Pro burst onto the market in February 2024 to much fanfare. But the conversation around the launch of Apple's brand new product quickly faded. Apple Vision Pro sales have apparently fallen well below the one million units goal that Apple had been targeting. 

Previous reports from earlier this year suggested that Apple is pausing the production of a new, full-featured Apple Vision Pro model, and instead, focusing on creating a cheaper version. The Apple Vision Pro currently retails for $3,499.

The M5 upgrade for Apple Vision Pro would see the device skip two whole generations of the Apple's silicon chipset. The Apple Vision Pro currently on the market is powered by the M2 chip. According to Kuo, it's possible that the M5 Apple Vision Pro price will be lower than the current model, but the Apple analyst adds that it "may not change much."

According to Kuo, the new Apple Vision Pro could potentially solve some of its user interface problems with the help of Apple Intelligence, or Apple's branded AI.

"Combining eye tracking, gesture control, and Apple Intelligence should provide a better user experience for spatial computing," Kuo writes in the report.

Kuo reports that the supply chain for the Apple Vision Pro will largely remain unchanged, which could contribute to cost reductions during mass production. He also expects improvements in both the device’s weight and battery life.

This latest report from the Apple analyst provides some important insight into the big picture of Apple Vision Pro's future. But any specifics read more like speculation from Kuo based on that broader knowledge.

At Mashable, at least for the near future, we're still crossing our fingers for those long-awaited M4 Mac releases before we get ahead of ourselves with any M5 possibilities.

From hurricanes to wildfires, a new generation of technologies could help utilities better plan for the risk of extreme weather to their electric grid.

Can ChatGPT generate images? With all the various ChatGPT features and models OpenAI has announced in the past year, it's hard to keep track of what's actually live and accessible to the average user.

But if you're wondering about one of the most popular features — image generation — we're here to tell you that it's available and free to all ChatGPT users.

In August, OpenAI brought DALL-E 3, its AI image generator model, to all users with a free ChatGPT account. However, there are some limitations. ChatGPT free users can only generate two images per day. But with a paid ChatGPT Plus account, users get unlimited image generation.

Whether you pay $20 a month for a ChatGPT Plus membership, or have a free account, the process is the same. Here's how to do it.

Total Time

• How to generate images with ChatGPT

What You Need

• A ChatGPT account on desktop or mobile

Step 1: Create or sign in to your ChatGPT account

Go to Chatgpt.com and create an account — or log in with your existing credentials.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / OpenAI

Step 2: Ask ChatGPT for the image you want it to generate

Starting with a prompt like "generate an image of" or "create an image of," type a description of the image you're envisioning, such as "dog chasing a tennis ball." The more descriptive the prompt, the better the results will be. So, include words like "photorealistic" or "renaissance-style" to describe the style of the image, and "chubby corgi" or "sleek greyhound" to describe what kind of dog you want it to depict.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / OpenAI

Step 3: Ask ChatGPT follow-up requests for any adjustments

If you're not quite getting the image you want, you can give ChatGPT feedback for any adjustments. In this example, let's say we want the chubby corgi to really portray its feverish desire for the tennis ball, you can type in a prompt like "make the chubby corgi desperately frantic to catch the tennis ball. Include drool and slobber." ChatGPT will understand the context of your request, so there's no need to include the original description in the follow-up prompt.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / OpenAI

Step 4: Download your DALL-E 3 image or keep experimenting

If you're happy with what DALL-E 3 has created, you can download the image from ChatGPT by tapping the download icon in the upper righthand corner. Otherwise, you can keep prompting ChatGPT for a different image with more detailed description.

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable / OpenAI

News of a sequel to Netflix's cult sci-fi/horror The Platform brought me mixed feelings.

The original's nightmarishly simple concept was so compelling I wanted to see more from that world, but I also worried about what a sequel could say or show that the first movie hadn't.

I'm happy to report my fears weren't necessary. The Platform 2 is a powerful continuation of the bad dream that began with Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia's 2019 movie, building upon its brutalist universe while changing the rules just enough to send a new message.

SEE ALSO: The best sci-fi movies on Netflix to escape reality What is The Platform 2 about?

The setting is the same as it was in the original: a vertical prison with cells stacked on top of one another. Each cell has a rectangular hole in the middle, and each day a platform filled with food descends from the very top of the prison to the very bottom. The platform contains a meal or food item that each prisoner requests when they first go into the prison, and there's enough for everyone — providing no prisoner eats more than their fair share. Which of course they do.

The Platform 2 takes this concept and builds on it, introducing new cellmates Perempuán (Milena Smit) and Zamiatin (Hovik Keuchkerian) at a time when the prisoners have implemented a strict system of rules to try and ensure as many people eat as possible.

Credit: NICOLAS DASSAS / NETFLIX The Platform 2 is familiar, but different.

This note of quiet revolution — almost hopeful — is how the film begins. The oppressive setting is instantly recognisable, as are the ominous clangs and rumbles that form the movie's backdrop, but the rules have changed.

"The higher up you are, the more responsibility," is how one character puts it, revealing a prisoner-enforced system where people eat only what they requested and are badly punished for doing otherwise. This tweak of the original idea — thanks to the script co-written by The Platform scribes David Desola and Pedro Rivero, along with Egoitz Moreno and Gaztelu-Urrutia – breathes fresh life into the franchise. The tension now comes not from trying to understand the prison itself, but from trying to navigate the system enforced by the people within it.

Credit: NICOLAS DASSAS / NETFLIX The Platform 2 is as cruel and beautiful as the original.

One of the reasons I love The Platform is the way it shows humanity at its best and worst. The script is moving at times, terrifying at others. Gaztelu-Urrutia's direction draws out this hope and horror in the performers, all of whom are raw and believable. Azegiñe Urigoitia's production design is a nightmarish work of art. In the background, composer Aitor Etxebarria's haunting score spools through the movie and ties it together like a thread. All of these things are true of the sequel, too.

Once again, it's not one to watch while you're eating, as there's plenty of disturbing and gory imagery. But the dialogue and the performances are powerful, and the underlying exploration of societal power structures is just as fascinating as it was in the original.

"We kill to build a future where no one will kill anyone," says a character at one point, showing how a system that strives for fairness can quickly devolve into brutality. "Only fear subdues beasts."

It's not easy to make a genre sequel, and it's even harder when the original is such a special and unique movie. But The Platform 2 is a clear example of doing it right.

The Platform 2 is streaming on Netflix from Oct. 4.

Windows Recall was the talk of the town when it was announced alongside the launch of the Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11 PCs in June.

Many poked fun at it, including myself, calling it a Black Mirror-esque feature.

The AI-powered Windows tool records your activity by taking screenshots every few seconds, which is reminiscent of the "Entire History of You" episode from the dystopian Netflix series.

With Recall, you can retrace your digital footsteps with a timeline scrubber — or you can use natural-language search to find something specific. For example, if you were shopping for a orange couch, but forgot to bookmark it, you can search "orange couch," and theoretically, Recall will find it.

Recall demo at Copilot+ PC launch Credit: Microsoft

Recall may be advantageous for forgetful users who want to retrieve a past moment, but some security experts called it "privacy nightmare."

Why? Because it captures everything, from innocuous moments like shopping and browsing, to more sensitive situations like logging in your password for an online bank.

As a result, Microsoft delayed the release of Recall to October. And on Friday, Sept. 27, the Redmond-based tech giant revealed its plans to make Recall safer and more secure for users.

Windows Recall: 3 things Microsoft did to make it more secure

Recall is still in preview. This means only Windows Insiders can get access to Recall in October. But even in its testing phase, Microsoft has outlined what it has done to make the new AI-powered feature safer for users.

1. Recall is an opt-in experience

Recall, only available on Copilot+ PCs like the aforementioned Surface Laptop 7 and Surface Pro 11, will not be toggled on by default.

Microsoft Surface Laptop 7 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashe

Before you even start using a Copilot+ PC, you'll get a prompt that asks you whether you'd like to opt into Recall.

2. You can delete Recall entirely

If declining isn't enough for you, you can remove Recall from your Copilot+ PC, so you won't have it on your system whatsoever.

Recall in action Credit: Microsoft

(Previously, it was reported that Microsoft had no plans to offer an uninstall option for Recall.)

3. Recall data is encrypted

Microsoft claims that any data that is saved via Recall is encrypted.

"The encryption keys are protected via the TPM, tied to a user’s Windows Hello Enhanced-Sign-in Security identity, and can only be used by operations within a secure environment called a Virtualization-based security Enclave (VBS Enclave)," said David Weston, Microsoft's VP of Enterprise and OS Security.

If this sounds like gibberish to you, allow me to explain. Recall's encrypted data is protected in three ways. Firstly, your PC's security chip, also known as the TPM, plays a role in securely managing Recall data. So even if a hacker breaks into your computer, the TPM ensures only authorized users can access it.

Secondly, Recall data can only be accessed via Windows Hello, which lets authorized users (you) keep things secure with biometric authentication like facial recognition and fingerprint scanning.

Credit: Shomik Sen Bhattacharjee / Mashable India

Thirdly, the "VBS Enclave" is technical jargon for an isolated environment within a PC, separate from the main operating system, that safeguards sensitive data, which Recall will use to securely process snapshots.

Microsoft stressed that it does not share your snapshots, and any other associated Recall data, with third parties. It also does not share Recall data with other users on the same PC.

Plus, you can customize how you want Recall to follow your footsteps. For example, you can filter out certain apps and websites.

"You are always in control, and you can delete snapshots, pause, or turn them off at any time. Any future options for the user to share data will require fully informed explicit action by the user," Weston said.

Check out the best gaming deals at Amazon ahead of Prime Big Deal Days:

Early Prime Day gaming deals: Best handheld console deal Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) $179.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal Best gaming headset deal Logitech G PRO X (Gen 1) $149.39 at Amazon (save $80.60) Get Deal Best gaming laptop deal 15.6-inch Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop (Core i5-10300H, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD) $690 at Amazon (save $129.99 ) Get Deal

Prime Day is here again, and while it’s not quite as exciting as Black Friday (guess that depends on who you ask), there are still plenty of deals worth checking out.

The official Prime Big Deal Days shopping ~extravaganza~ (cue RuPaul’s voice) doesn’t start until October 8, but Amazon’s been throwing pre-Prime Day discounts our way since last week, including deals on headphones and speakers, soundbars, and, of course, gaming consoles and video games.

Here are the best early Prime Day gaming deals we've spotted so far:

Best handheld console deal Opens in a new window Credit: Nintendo Our pick: Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) $179.99 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Nintendo Switch Lite (Gray) is $179.99 at Amazon right now. It might go down in price during Prime Day, but its record-low is $196.80, and that was back in February 2022, so this deal (even at just $20 off) is still worth considering. If you want to save even more, you can buy a renewed model for $168.79.

The Nintendo Switch Lite is a portable version of the original Nintendo Switch. You can play classic games like Super Mario Bros and Zelda on the go, and purchase and download other Switch games straight to the console.

If you prefer gaming on a TV, the Nintendo Switch is $282.99, down from $299.99. That's not a massive discount, but it's a decent price for a new Nintendo Switch.

Best gaming headset deal Opens in a new window Credit: Logitech Our pick: Logitech G PRO X (Gen 1) $149.39 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80.60 Get Deal Why we like it

The Logitech G PRO X (Gen 1) is wireless, can last up to 20 hours on a single charge, and features DTS Headphone: X 2.0 7.1 surround sound with object-based surround sound so you can hear your enemies coming from any direction.

The soft foam memory earpads are comfortable enough to wear for long gaming sessions, and the detachable 6 mm PRO microphone with Blue VO!CE filters make it easier to communicate with your team or trash-talk opponents.

Best gaming laptop Opens in a new window Credit: Acer Our pick: 15.6-inch Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop (Core i5-10300H, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD) $690.00 at Amazon
$819.99 Save $129.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If PC gaming is your thing, the 15.6-inch Acer Nitro 5 gaming laptop (Core i5-10300H, 8GB DDR4 RAM, 256GB NVMe SSD) is 16% off and selling for $690 — a pretty good deal for a laptop that can handle gaming on top of basic tasks.

It has a 15.6-inch screen, a backlit keyboard with Acer CoolBoost technology, a 10th Gen Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB of RAM, and a 256GB SSD. With a 144Hz refresh display and NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 Ti Graphics, it should be able to run most modern PC games at decent settings, making it a solid option for casual to mid-level PC gaming.

More gaming deals

• Gtheos 2.4GHz Wireless Gaming Headset — $36.99 $49.99 (save $13)

• Super Mario Bros. Wonder (Nintendo Switch) — $52.56 $59.99 (save $7.43)

• EA SPORTS College Football 25 (PlayStation 5) — $65.73 $69.99 (save $4.26)

• Logitech G915 Mechanical Gaming Keyboard — $159.99 $249.99 (save $90)

Genmoji, one of the most intriguing Apple Intelligence features, isn't available on iPhone 16 yet, but we just got a sneak peek at how it works.

Spotted by TechRadar, Apple updated its iPadOS 18 info page with some tips about Apple Intelligence features that are coming to its device ecosystem starting later this year. Of particular interest is Genmoji, AI-generated emoji that users can create on the fly for use in text conversations and whatnot.

Again, this feature isn't available as of this writing, but the new page gives a pretty succinct explanation of how it will work.

SEE ALSO: Apple Intelligence release date report: When will you get iOS 18 Genmoji, new Siri, and more?

"You’ll be able to create original Genmoji in supported apps with an emoji keyboard," Apple's website said. "Just tap the emoji icon, type a description of the image you want—'Golden Retriever catching the best wave ever,' for example—then tap 'Create New Emoji."

Credit: Apple

So, in essence, the Genmoji feature works like any other consumer-facing generative AI product. You type what you want to see, hit a button, and then a few seconds later, you see what you want to see. However, again, this feature isn't available to the public yet. Expect to see it sometime closer to the end of the year when iOS 18.2 launches.

Best early robot vacuum deals ahead of October Prime Day Best robot vacuum deal Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum $329.99 at Amazon (save $269.01) Get Deal Best combo robot vacuum deal iRobot Roomba Combo i5 robot vacuum and mop $349.99 at Amazon (save $120.99) Get Deal

Prime Big Deal Days — aka October Prime Day — is almost upon us. Like, literally days away. But, as usual, the early deals are already in full swing.

If you dislike doing chores as much as we do, there's no reason for you not to pick up a robot vacuum during October's Prime Day sale. They do all the work for you so you can spend less time cleaning and more time doing whatever "me-time" activities you prefer. Some even pack in mopping functions for double the peace of mind.

SEE ALSO: Everything you need to know about Amazon's October Prime Day sale: Official dates, the competition, and more

If you're ready to pull the trigger on a robotic housework companion, take a look at our favorite early deals on robo vacs ahead of Prime Big Deal Days.

Best robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark AI Ultra robot vacuum $329.99 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $269.01 Get Deal Why we like it

This robot vacuum from Shark packs in a ton of features, and it's over $200 off ahead of Prime Big Deal Days. In addition to its powerful suction, the Shark AI Ultra vac also includes a self-emptying and self-cleaning base, 360-degree LiDAR home mapping, and voice controls with Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. Get one for $329.99 before October Prime Day begins and save a total of $269.01.

Best combo robot vacuum deal Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Combo i5 robot vacuum and mop $229.00 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $120.99 Get Deal Why we like it

If you really despise doing chores and want the most bang for your buck, you'll want to snag a robot vacuum that also doubles as a mop. This one from iRobot does exactly that, and can handle both tasks simultaneously. This one doesn't come with a self-emptying base, but it's compatible with iRobot's Clean Base. Pick one up ahead of October Prime Day and save $120.99.

More robot vacuum deals ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

• iRobot Roomba Q0120 robot vacuum — $179 $249.99 (save $70.99)

• iRobot Roomba Combo Y0140 robot vacuum and mop — $199 $274.99 (save $75.99)

• Shark UR2500SR AI Ultra robot vacuum — $299.99 $399.99 (save $100)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j5+ self-emptying robot vacuum and mop — $449 $729.99 (save $280.99)

• ECOVACS DEEBOT N20 Plus robot vacuum and mop — $449.99 $549.99 (save $100 with on-page coupon)

• iRobot Roomba j9+ self-emptying robot vacuum — $599 $899 (save $300)

• Shark PowerDetect self-emptying robot vacuum — $599.99 $799.99 (save $200)

• iRobot Roomba Combo j9+ self-emptying and auto-fill robot vacuum and mop — $799 $1,399 (save $600)

All talk, no action. This phrase perfectly sums up a number of men in my orbit.

At parties, they encircle you, making you feel like the only person in the room. Online, they slide into your inbox. The chat is high-octane, compliments free-flowing, spicy undertones in abundance. And then... nothing. They flirt with you all evening, but don't shoot their shot, don't ask you out, don't make a move. The suspenseful storyline you've written together gets abandoned without an ending.

You're left wondering: did I just imagine that entire interlude? Am I not good at gauging when someone wants to date me? Was it all just a game to them? Were they even flirting at all? Am I imbuing meaning into something that's not there?

Of course, then there's the regret: should I have made a move? The overthinking: Were they waiting for me to shoot my shot? Then, the guilt at overthinking: perhaps I shouldn't be dedicating so much time thinking about someone who's not made a move?

Ultimately, for those of us who don't flirt for sport, who typically interpret flirting as a sign someone's interested in us, this kind of behaviour can be confusing. Especially when you genuinely want to meet someone and form a connection. Flirting with no follow-through just feels exhausting. You're left feeling emotionally toyed with. What was it all for?

SEE ALSO: Why some people on dating apps just want to be 'pen pals'

Those well-versed in online dating will know this behaviour is just as common online as it is offline. Anyone who's ever swiped has likely had some iteration of a "pen pal" on a dating app — someone who just wants to message to and fro, with zero intention of meeting up for a date. The curse of the interminable flirtationship (as I've decided to call it) can also manifest in the form of a neverending Instagram DM flirtation, or an acquaintance sliding into your WhatsApp or Messenger and sending flirty messages without any glimmer of an end-game.

So, what's it all about? Why do some people flirt with no follow-through? I asked the experts to see what could be behind this behaviour.

Annabelle Knight, sex and relationships expert at Lovehoney, tells me that flirting without follow-through is a complex behaviour with quite a few possible explanations. Those reasons range from "fear of rejection to just wanting an ego boost, or even just because it's a part of their personality and how they interact with those around them."

They flirt, but they're afraid of rejection

Knight says that a fear of rejection could prevent someone from making a move. "Generally, people will flirt because they're interested romantically or feel a physical attraction towards someone," said Knight. "If they go cold or don't follow through, in some instances, it's due to a 'fear of rejection.' If the person flirting feels they don't quite get the response they were hoping for initially, their ego may be bruised, so in an act of self-preservation, they go cold."

Flirty people with unserious intentions

Unfortunately, dating apps have their fair share of time-wasters — a fact that is also applicable to real-life flirtation.

As Marsha Goei, co-founder of dating app Breeze, tells Mashable: "We see time and time again that the intention behind some users on dating apps isn't a genuine interest to find love and often, those on the app get stuck in a neverending stream of messages which burns us out and makes us fed up."

For some, flirting is just an activity to dispel boredom and nothing much beyond that.

"Sometimes, users get stuck in this 'all talk, no action' phase as they're simply just trying to fill the time and find excitement outside of their day-to-day routine. For certain individuals, flirting offers a playful challenge and a quick pick-me-up for their self-esteem," adds Goei.

Knight echoes this assessment. "Some people aren't seeking a serious relationship and see flirting more as a playful, light-hearted experience. When things start to become more serious and the other person responds by flirting back, they may panic and want to shut down the situation. As a result, their behaviour shifts and instead of being playful, they might either go silent or change their tone."

They're flirting for validation

A need for validation can be another motivation. "Another reason someone might suddenly stop flirting is that their initial motive may have been to show off in front of friends or to appear attractive to those around them. Once they've received the validation or attention they were seeking, they often feel satisfied and move on from the situation," says Knight.

For others, it's just an innocuous bit of fun. Unless, of course, it's negatively impacting your emotions. "For some, flirting is a habitual, harmless way of interacting that doesn't necessarily have romantic or deeper intentions," Knight continues. "In this scenario, the person might simply be trying to make friends with someone or get them to like them. It might even be a behaviour they've picked up from those around them that they're mimicking."

How to avoid flirtationships Total Time

• Forever

What You Need

• Courage
• self-worth
• and your voice

Step 1: Make the first move.

If you feel that the person's intentions are genuine and that the flirting isn't just a hobby for them, they may be waiting for you to make the move. It's scary, particularly when you quite fancy someone and you're worried they'll knock you back. But nothing ventured, nothing gained. Ask them out.

Step 2: Call time on it.

If you feel the person's intentions aren't genuine, and the incessant flirting is becoming a time-sap for you, it's a good idea to nip it in the bud before it takes up any more time. You could say something like: "I really enjoy flirting with you, but I don't think it makes sense for us to keep doing this if it's not leading anywhere."

Step 3: When in doubt, do nothing.

If you don't feel like any action is required, you can quietly quit the situation. Extricate yourself and put your energy into a more fruitful connection.

With matters of the heart, people invest their emotions. Flirting is fun. But let's not put fun at the expense of someone else's feelings.

The tech giant, which wrapped up its arguments in the federal monopoly trial, simply says it has the best product.