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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.

"Deadpool & Wolverine" arrives on digital Oct. 1, and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on Oct. 22.

Remember that time in "Futurama" Fry wanted to propose atop a tall tower? Because he doesn't.

BEST BUY MEMBER DEALS DAYS: Now, through Sunday, Best Buy members can shop for exclusive offers and daily deals during Best Buy's Member Deals Days. Bonus: Plus and Total members will get a $50 reward when they spend $500 or more between Sept. 27 and Oct. 10.

Our top picks: Best TV deal 58-inch INSIGNIA Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $209.99 at Best Buy (save $170) Get Deal Best soundbar deal Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar with wireless subwoofer $199.99 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best earbud deal JBL Tune 235NC true wireless noise-canceling in-ear earbuds $49.99 at Best Buy (save $50 ) Get Deal

With Prime Big Deal Days right around the corner, retailers are doing the most to compete for consumer attention and dollars.

Now, Best Buy’s getting in on the action with a little sale called Member Deals Days (super original, we know), where Best Buy members can score exclusive deals and daily discounts on a wide range of products. Bonus: Best Buy Plus and Total members can also score a $50 reward whenever they spend $500 or more through Oct 10.

If you're not a member, signing up is easy. Just visit the Best Buy website and create an account. The My Best Buy membership tier is free and includes free shipping along with a few other perks. The Plus and Total memberships cost $49.99 per year and $179.99 per year, respectively, and come with a ton of add-ons like free two-day shipping and 24/7 Geek Squad tech support.

The sale ends on Sunday, Sept 29, so if you’re looking to upgrade your smart home or buy some early holiday gifts, you might want to check out what Best Buy has in store.

Here are some of the best deals and discounts Best Buy is offering during this member-exclusive event.

Best TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: INSIGNIA Our pick: 58-inch INSIGNIA Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $209.99 at Best Buy
$379.99 Save $170.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The 58-inch INSIGNIA Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is just $209.99 (regularly $379.99) for members and non-members. This isn’t an exclusive deal, but it’s still a good one we thought worth mentioning.

At 58 inches, you can host game days and movie marathons or become the ultimate couch potato. Plus, it has 4K Ultra HD (2160p resolution), high dynamic range, and DTS Studio Sound to make your viewing experience even better. With Fire TV, you can access thousands of shows, movies, and apps or hook up your gaming console via one of the three HDMI ports.

Best soundbar deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar with wireless subwoofer $199.99 at Best Buy
$399.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung HW-B650/ZA 3.1 Channel Soundbar with wireless subwoofer is $199.99 for Plus and Total members. Without a membership, it’s $279.99, which is still a $120 discount.

This soundbar features Dolby Digital 5.1 and DTS Virtual: X surround sound, so you can feel like you’re really in the game, movie, or concert you’re listening to. With Bass Boost, you can feel every rumble and explosion. (I recommend queuing up some Supertramp Crime of the Century for an epic listening experience.)

The built-in center speaker helps make dialogue crystal clear, even if you have the volume cranked up. So you won’t have to ask, “What did they say?” every five minutes. There’s also a built-in subwoofer, a special night mode to prevent disturbing the rest of the house during late-night hours, and Bluetooth compatibility.

Best earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: JBL Our pick: JBL Tune 235NC true wireless noise-canceling in-ear earbuds $49.99 at Best Buy
$99.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The JBL Tune 235NC true wireless noise-canceling in-ear earbuds are $49.99 for Plus and Total members. That’s a $50 discount off the list price.

They come with a compact charging case, up to 40 hours of total battery life, and active noise cancellation to help you tune in and out of the world as you please.

Four mics make voice calls easier for you and the person on the other end, and the water- and sweat-resistant design means you can use these earbuds for workouts, runs, and other activities sans worry.

Other deals worth mentioning

• Plus and Total members save up to 60% on select PlayStation video games

• Plus and Total members save up to 40% on select video game accessories

• Plus and Total members save up to $50 on select Blueair air purifiers

• Plus and Total members get a free sound bar with TCL 98-inch class TVs

• Plus and Total members save $150 on select Surface Pro (11th Edition) Copilot+ PC devices

Check out the best Amazon deals of the day as of Sept. 27: BEST HOME SECURITY DEAL Blink Mini 2 $19.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST SMARTWATCH DEAL Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $369 at Amazon (save $30) Get Deal BEST KITCHEN DEAL GE Profile Opal 2.0 countertop nugget ice maker with side tank $449 at Amazon (save $150) Get Deal

The countdown to October Prime Day is progressing. We're less than two weeks away from yet another epic deal shopping event. But if the anticipation is killing you, there are plenty of early deals you can shop already. We've been keeping an eye on Amazon this week and rounding up the best deals to add to your cart each day.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Sept. 27. If these deals don't speak to you, check out our picks from Sept. 25 and Sept. 26. Many of those deals remain live, including a Blink security system that gets you three outdoor cameras for the price of one and a $130 discount on Amazon Echo Frames. Also, be sure to follow along with all of our Prime Day content as the big event nears.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Blink Blink Mini 2 $19.99 at Amazon
$39.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

Just released earlier this year, the Blink Mini 2 offers better performance in low light settings, a wider field of view, a built-in LED spotlight for night view in color, and a better image quality overall. You can also grab the Blink weather resistant power adapter (sold separately) and use it outdoors as well as indoors. Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, it's already back down to its all-time low price of $19.99. That's 50% in savings and just $2 more than the previous generation camera.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 (GPS, 42mm) $369.00 at Amazon
$399.00 Save $30.00 Get Deal

The Apple Watch Series 10 has only been out a week, yet it already has its first price drop, courtesy of early Prime Day deals at Amazon. The latest Apple Watch features a slightly larger watch face, a brighter display (from all angles), faster charging, and a new sleep apnea sensor. If you're already the owner of a Series 9, there's really not many reasons to upgrade, but if you're hanging on to an older model, the upgrades and the $30 discount might be incentive to grab this deal. Plus, you'll be one of the first people you know to own the new watch.

Opens in a new window Credit: GE GE Profile Opal 2.0 countertop nugget ice maker with side tank $449.00 at Amazon
$599.00 Save $150.00 Get Deal

If you need that crunchy ice fix at home, the GE Profile Opal 2.0 is the countertop nugget ice maker for you. As our buds at PCMag (also owned by Mashable's publisher, Ziff Davis) wrote in their review, "If you like fast food-style crunchy nugget ice and you're willing to pay a premium to make it at home, you won't be disappointed." It can crank out 38 pounds of ice per day and store three pounds at a time in the bin. And with the built-in side tank on this model, you don't even need to be near a sink. The Opal 2.0 is normally quite expensive at $599, but ahead of Prime Day part two, you can slash $150 off and get it for $449. That's 25% in savings and only the second time we've seen the price drop this low.

None of these deals catching your eye? Check out Amazon's daily deals for even more savings.

Hurricane Helene spawned tempestuous seas.

A collaboration between the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and Saildrone, the company that builds innovative sailing drones, sent a robust robot into Hurricane Helene, the major hurricane that made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday night. Before hitting land with catastrophic storm surge and extreme 140 winds, a drone captured footage in the storm's eyewall, home to some of its strongest winds.

The 30-second video below, beamed out from the drone, was captured on Sept. 26 at around 7:45 p.m ET (a short ad plays first). The average height of the tallest waves is around 30 feet, or 9 meters. Winds gusts knock the drone around.

SEE ALSO: Why it's impossible to forecast the weather too far into the future

These robots are specifically designed for hurricanes, and meant to gather novel data about these cyclones, and how they evolve.

The location of the Saildrone above, SD-1083, as it captured footage in Hurricane Helene's eyewall. Credit: Saildrone / NOAA

NOAA employs Saildrones because they've proven excellent at directly gathering observations of ocean and atmospheric conditions on the sea surface. It's there, where the oceans interact with the air, that hurricanes start to strengthen, sometimes rapidly.

Though a number of factors influence the formation of strong hurricanes (a lack of opposing winds that can break apart storms, moist or dry air, etc.), a vital influence is warm sea surface temperatures of over 80 degrees Fahrenheit (27 degrees Celsius). Warm oceans act as jet fuel for hurricanes, storm scientists explain. That's because warmer oceans fuel tropical storms as more water naturally evaporates into the air, giving storms energy and moisture to intensify.

Hurricane Helene, for example, exploited record warm ocean temperatures to rapidly intensify into a monstrous storm. Today, Atlantic hurricanes are already twice as likely to develop from a milder storm into a major hurricane.

Xiaomi's new top phone is here, and it looks familiar.

With the Xiaomi 14T Pro, it appears that the design heads at Xiaomi simply said: Well, let's imagine the next year's iPhone, and then design our phone to look like that.

The result, unsurprisingly, looks pretty great, even if it's not the most original. Xiaomi sent me a 14T Pro review unit in the Titan Gray color, and I was surprised at how much I liked it. It has flat, aluminum edges, interspersed with antenna lines, and on the back, there's a giant camera bump that's unmistakably iPhone-ish, with one big difference: It hosts four camera units instead of three.

Flat edges, aluminum body. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

The phone is slightly bigger than my iPhone 15 Pro Max, with ultra-thin bezels on the front. The only thing that really betrays it as an Android phone is the dot-sized camera cut-out on the top of the display; had Xiaomi placed a pill-shaped, Dynamic Island-like cut out there, it would have probably been too much.

All in all, I love the design. The phone is simple yet elegant. And I've had several people ask me "what kind of iPhone is that," so that's been fun.

Even the antenna lines remind me of the iPhone. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Other than that, the new Xiaomi phone is a mighty beast, with a MediaTek Dimensity 9300+ chipset powering things, 12GB of RAM, 256/512/1,024GB of storage, and a 5,000mAh battery with 120W wired charging and 50W wireless charging. The 6.67-inch AMOLED display has a 2,712x1,220 pixel resolution, a refresh rate that goes up to 144Hz, and 4,000 nits of peak brightness.

Finally, the Leica-branded rear camera on the back consists of a 50-megapixel main camera, a 50-megapixel telephoto camera, and a 12-megapixel ultra-wide camera (the fourth circle hosts the flash). On the front, there's a 32-megapixel selfie camera.

On the front, it's still recognizably Android. Credit: Stan Schroeder/Mashable

Finally, the phone comes with a number of AI features, including Circle to Search with Google and Google Gemini support. This is big, as these features were previously only available on Google's Pixel devices and some Samsung phones. There's also a number of other AI features on the Xiaomi 14T Pro that were made by Xiaomi, such as AI Notes, AI Recorder, and AI Image Editing.

SEE ALSO: Xiaomi Mix Flip is a flip phone that stretches the outer display to its limits

Xiaomi 14T Pro is available globally (but not in the U.S., at least not directly) and starts at €800. The Xiaomi 14T, a similar looking model but with a slightly less powerful chip and lacking certain features such as wireless charging, is also available, starting at €650.

Hurricane Helene has barreled down on Florida, with the extremely dangerous Category 4 storm making landfall on Thursday night. Those in its path are being instructed to shelter in place, with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) advising communities to prepare for "catastrophic, life-threatening inland flooding" in areas around Tallahassee, metro Atlanta, and western North Carolina. 

In fact, Hurricane Helene is expected to be so bad that 24/7 breakfast stalwart Waffle House has closed several locations in its path. Though you really shouldn't try to go for waffles in the middle of a hurricane anyway.

SEE ALSO: See Florida road conditions on live webcams as Hurricane Helene hits

Waffle House has reportedly closed all its locations in Tallahassee, battening down the hatches in preparation for Hurricane Helene. It has also closed Waffle House #2468 in neighbouring Crawfordville. This has put Hurricane Helene at a red on the Waffle House Index — the most severe rating on the restaurant-based disaster scale, and a strong indication that the community is likely to suffer significant damage.

"In areas predicted to be hit hardest hit [sic], we will preemptively close restaurants with a goal of reopening them as soon it is safe to do so, to serve communities that have been there for us over the years," Waffle House said in a statement to the Tallahassee Democrat.

Pictures of Waffle Houses that have been closed or boarded up are circulating on social media, with users widely acknowledging the sight as a portent of doom.

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Despite this, most of Tallahassee's Waffle House locations are still marked as open on the restaurant chain's official website. It's unclear whether this is because not all restaurants are being closed, or if the website simply hasn't been updated. It wouldn't be surprising if amending opening hours on the Waffle House website isn't a terribly high priority amidst a hurricane. Either way, now isn't really the best time for people in Florida to pop in for grits.

Mashable has reached out to Waffle House for comment.

What is the Waffle House Index?

In addition to its titular waffles, Waffle House is famous for serving its customers 24/7. The breakfast restaurant chain has stubbornly kept its locations open through tornadoes, blizzards, and hurricanes, albeit sometimes resorting to a limited menu.

This long-running practice has resulted in the Waffle House Index, an unconventional metric for determining the severity of a storm. Created by the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) former administrator Craig Fugate, the Waffle House Index offers an indicator of the damage to a neighbourhood.

"If a Waffle House can serve a full menu, they’ve likely got power (or are running on a generator)," FEMA wrote in a 2017 blog post. "A limited menu means an area may not have running water or electricity, but there’s gas for the stove to make bacon, eggs, and coffee: exactly what hungry, weary people need."

As such, an open, fully functional restaurant is a green on the Waffle House Index, meaning that the zone is more or less fine. A limited menu is yellow on the scale, indicating that the local area could use some assistance. The Waffle House Index hits red when a restaurant is closed, signifying that the local community needs significant help.

Fugate's metric is technically more suited to evaluating the damage after a storm than predicting its severity beforehand. Even so, the preemptive closure of Waffle House locations remains a decent indicator that something big is about to go down. It's also a visible, memorable sign of danger to the average American.

Judging by Waffle House's response to Hurricane Helene, those in its path should not take this storm lightly.

Listen, I, too, tried to be loyal to physical books. While you can't replace the feel of paper, the beauty of bound hardcovers, and the ritual of turning the page, an e-reader brings convenience and portability that, yes, a book can't beat. Sure, you can throw a book in your tote bag, but what about an entire library?

SEE ALSO: We tried every Amazon Kindle to find the best for every bibliophile — just in time for Prime Day

When you think of e-readers, your first thought is likely an Amazon Kindle, and while it wasn't the first e-reader to hit the market, it indeed became the one to dominate the market. While Kindles are great — there's certainly no denying that — there is a whole world of e-readers that are equally wonderful. And Prime Day might just be the best time to buy one.

Which e-reader is the best? From left to right: Kindle Paperwhite, Nook GlowLight 4 Plus, Kindle Scribe Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Choosing the right e-reader is a decision based on price, the need for special features, and where you get your books from. For instance, a loyal Barnes & Noble shopper might prefer a Nook over a Kindle simply based on where they like to shop.

To decide what kind of e-reader is right for you, consider the overall design that best suits you. Is a touchscreen okay, or do you need buttons? If you want to take your e-reader near water, whether it be a bathtub or a pool, you'll also need to make sure you have a waterproof device.

Plus, it's worth considering special features. Are you an annotator who wants to write in the margins of your e-book? Or are you sick of multiple devices and need a tablet that you can read and stream on? All of these questions help you determine which e-reader or tablet will blend into your habits.

Can you read on an iPad? The iPad Mini is just the right size for reading compared to a larger model like the iPad 9th generation. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable

Yes, you can read on an iPad, and as an iPad reader, I highly recommend it. iPads come with the Apple Books app. However, other reading apps, including Libby and the Kindle app, give access to the world of books.

For this reason, I included an iPad in my testing. The iPad Mini made my list because it is the perfect size to feel like you're reading a paperback novel versus larger iPad models like the 9th generation (pictured above), which feel like reading a clunky magazine.

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Unlike giant stars that explode into a supernova and collapse into a black hole, a medium star like Earth's sun just keeps on trucking until it runs out of nuclear fuel, suffering a more prolonged death. 

As a sun-like star nears the end of its life, it expands into a red giant, about 100 to 1,000 times its original size, eventually overtaking the space around it, including nearby planets.

For decades, astronomers have seen the "before" and "after" of this process — when a planet is orbiting very close to its star and the bloated stellar old-timer has engulfed the planet. Just last year, an MIT-led research team caught a dying star in the act of absorbing a planet. 

Many astronomers think this is the fate of Earth in about 5 billion years: The sun will puff up and eventually consume Earth, along with Mercury and Venus. But a new observation with the W. M. Keck Observatory's 10-meter telescope in Hawaii is challenging that prediction with another potential outcome. About 4,000 light-years away in the Milky Way, scientists have seen a rocky world continuing to orbit a white dwarf, the remaining dim core of the once-active star. 

"Whether life can survive on Earth through that (red giant) period is unknown. But certainly the most important thing is that Earth isn't swallowed by the sun when it becomes a red giant," said Jessica Lu, chair of astronomy at the University of California at Berkeley, in a statement. "This system … is an example of a planet — probably an Earth-like planet originally on a similar orbit to Earth — that survived its host star's red giant phase."

SEE ALSO: Spectacular Webb telescope image shows a stellar death like never before These side-by-side images show the area of the sky where astronomers observed the distant planetary system years before a microlensing event, left, shortly after peak magnification, center, and years after the event ended. Credit: OGLE / CFHT / Keck Observatory

The research, led by astronomer Keming Zhang while a doctoral student at Berkeley, will be published in the journal Nature Astronomy. The discovered exoplanet's system is composed of a white dwarf about half the mass of the sun, a so-called "brown dwarf" sometimes described as a failed star, and an Earth-size world. Viewing the extremely distant system was made possible through microlensing, a natural phenomenon that extends a telescope's range by acting as a colossal magnifying glass in the sky.  

The paper suggests that as a medium star inflates into a red giant, its diminishing mass could push its planets out to farther orbits. If this scenario happened in our solar system, this could offer a sliver of a chance for Earth to survive longer. 

By the end of the red giant phase, the sun is expected to have withered to a white dwarf no bigger than Earth with about half its mass intact. By that point, Earth would be in an orbit twice its current size.

A new discovery of a rocky world orbiting a dead star has astronomers rethinking the possibilities of what could happen to Earth billions of years from now. Credit: Mark A. Garlick / markgarlick.com illustration

Two years ago when the James Webb Space Telescope was commissioned, NASA revealed a highly detailed glamor shot of the Southern Ring Nebula, a gas cloud surrounding a white dwarf that sloughed off its outer layers. The sun, estimated to be at the midpoint of its own life, is halfway there, Klaus Pontoppidan, an astronomer at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, explained at the time.

Of course, Zhang points out, life on Earth will face mortality much sooner than when the planet comes face-to-face with the sun in its red giant era. A runaway greenhouse effect is expected to vaporize all of Earth's oceans in just a billion years.

But here's another thin shred of hope: As the red giant version of the sun grows, the habitable zone may move as far out into the solar system as Jupiter and Saturn. Perhaps some of these gas giants' moons — Europa, Callisto, Ganymede, and Enceladus — could turn into hospitable water worlds as their icy shells melt. 

"I think, in that case, humanity could migrate out there," Zhang said.

The 62nd New York Film Festival kicks off today, bringing some of the most heralded movies from preceding fests — like Cannes, Venice, Telluride, and TIFF — to the United States, ahead of their much-anticipated theatrical releases. With so many fascinating features and shorts to consider, NYFF's slate can be overwhelming. But whether you're a cinephile or simply seeking an early edge on your Oscar picks, we've got you covered.

This year, NYFF has on display a dazzling array of comedies, dramas, and documentaries from around the world. Keep an eye out for the latest features from Steve McQueen, Mike Leigh, Pablo Larrain, Pedro Almodovar, and Luca Guadagnino, just to name a few. Their movies, ranging from heart-warming to heart-breaking, are studded with the likes of Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, Zoe Saldaña, Marianne Jean-Baptiste, Angelina Jolie, and Daniel Craig.

What are you most excited to see? Sound off in comments.

Anora

This summer Anora took home the Palme d'Or, the top prize at the illustrious Cannes International Film Festival. But don't let its posh pedigree have you mistaking Sean Baker's latest with some stuffy art house drama. The writer/director behind such deeply poignant yet brightly funny films as Tangerine, The Florida Project, and Red Rocket has done it again, delivering a drama that is lusty and alive.

SEE ALSO: 'Anora' review: Sean Baker's 'Pretty Woman' is a triumph

Mikey Madison (Scream 5) stars as Anora, a Brooklyn sex worker whose fling with a Russian playboy swiftly leads to wedding bells. But the fantasy of wealth and wonder comes crashing down when the cronies for her new oligarch in-laws come banging at the mansion door. You might think you know how this story goes. You'd be wrong.*

Starring: Mikey Madison, Mark Eydelshteyn, Yura Borisov, Karren Karagulian, Vache Tovmasyan, and Aleksei Serebryakov

Blitz

Writer/director Steve McQueen has awed critics with hard-hitting dramas like Shame, 12 Years a Slave, Widows, and his anthology Small Axe. Now the acclaimed British filmmaker has turned his lens on World War II for this historical drama about a young boy in London who sets out for adventure but instead finds himself in the middle of a blitzkrieg.

Between McQueen's sterling oeuvre, a stacked cast, and this stirring first trailer from Apple TV+, Blitz looks primed to knock us out and lift us up.

Starring: Saoirse Ronan, Harris Dickinson, Benjamin Clementine, Kathy Burke, and Elliot Heffernan

The Brutalist

Actor-turned-director Brady Corbet polarized critics in 2018 with his daring pop star drama Vox Lux, but his latest film is drawing wild praise. In Mashable's review, Siddhant Adlakha writes, "The Brutalist is a towering paean to the American dream, in all its force and folly. Set over several decades, Brady Corbet's post-World War II immigrant saga is — like the architectural achievements of its protagonist — constructed with meticulous consideration, resulting in a work of multifaceted technique and piercing humanity."

Adrien Brody stars as László Tóth, a Jewish architect from Hungary who survives the Holocaust and emigrates to the U.S. with his wife, Erzsébet (Felicity Jones). Set over 30 years, the film is boldly ambitious and — per Siddhant — "a modern American masterpiece."

Starring: Adrien Brody, Felicity Jones, Joe Alwyn, Alessandro Nivola, Jonathan Hyde, and Guy Pearce

Emilia Pérez

Per Siddhant Adlakha's review out of Cannes, "The tale of a vicious cartel boss who undergoes gender-affirming surgery, Emilia Pérez places women front and center in a traditionally male-led gangster genre. But rather than subverting its visual and tonal hallmarks, French filmmaker Jacques Audiard compliments them with a liberating sense of expression through song and dance."

That's right, a gangster musical. We've gotten a taste of what Audiard has in store for us with the Cannes Jury Prize–winning film's tantalizing teaser. But we can't wait to see what leading ladies Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz deliver to this intriguing crime movie, as all four collectively won Cannes' Best Actress honor.*

Starring: Zoe Saldaña, Karla Sofía Gascón, Selena Gomez, Adriana Paz, and Édgar Ramírez

Hard Truths

English writer/director Mike Leigh reunites with Secrets & Lies star Marianne Jean-Baptiste for a new social drama about a misanthrope waging war in suburbia. Jean-Baptiste stars as Pansy, a very vexed wife and mother always ready with a rant. Could reconnecting with her joyful sister Chantal (Michele Austin) change things for Pansy?

In Mashable's review, Siddhant Adlakha writes, "Hard Truths becomes a complex showreel for humanity at its most bitter and pained, with characters forced to turn inward and at least recognize (if not introspect and improve upon) the worst corners of themselves. Through long, unbroken close-ups and scenes of familial interaction in which tensions subtly build, Leigh's stark naturalism is brought slowly and fiercely to the fore by an accomplished actress at the height of her power, and at the height of her vulnerability. Scene by scene, she slowly chips away at Pansy's armor until all that's left is sinew, blood, and bone, leaving her exposed to the world in all its cruelty and kindness and indifference. It’s harrowing to watch, but Jean-Baptiste makes it impossible to look away."

Starring: Marianne Jean-Baptiste, David Webber, Tuwaine Barrett, Michele Austin, Ani Nelson, and Sophia Brown

Maria Angelina Jolie as Maria Callas in "Maria," Credit: NYFF

Chilean director Pablo Larraín has previously helmed such breathtakingly bold biopics as Spencer and Jackie, which offered fresh looks at the lives of Princess Diana and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy. This time around he's teamed with Angelina Jolie to re-examine the last days of opera legend Maria Callas. Together, Larrain and screenwriter Steven Knight build what Mashable critic Siddhant Adlakha called "a platform to craft what is perhaps the most complex performance of [Jolie's] illustrious career."

From his review: "Not just a famous actress, but arguably one of the world's most famous people in the mid-2000s, Jolie has achieved a level of global stardom of which few can even dream....In a recent press junket for the movie's Venice Film Festival premiere, Jolie was asked about the degree to which she drew on her personal life for her performance, though she refused to elaborate. However, seeing the degree to which she places her most vulnerable self on screen in Maria, it's clear she doesn't need to. Everything she has to say on the subject is contained within the four corners of the frame."

Starring: Angelina Jolie, Alba Rohrwacher, Valeria Golino, and Kodi Smit-McPhee

Nickel Boys

NYFF's opening night film comes from Oscar–winning documentarian RaMell Ross (Hale Country This Morning, This Evening), who makes the leap to feature-length narrative film for this promising adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize–winning novel.

Ethan Herisse and Brandon Wilson star as Elwood and Turner, two Black teenagers who become friends while under the thumb of a grim reformatory school in Jim Crow-era Florida. Out of its world premiere at Telluride, Nickel Boys generated big buzz, with some critics declaring it a "masterpiece," as quoted in the trailer above. This seems certain to be one of the year's major award season contenders.

Starring: Ethan Herisse, Brandon Wilson, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Hamish Linklater, and Daveed Diggs

Pavements Credit: NYFF

From Alex Ross Perry, the director of Her Smell and Listen Up Philip, comes an odd and enchanting documentary about the Californian band known as Pavement.

In Mashable's review, Siddhant Adlakha writes, "Every band has its biggest fans. The '90s slacker/alt rock group Pavement is probably the greatest, most vital musical group in existence to someone, but right from its opening frames, Alex Ross Perry's Pavements deflates the grandeur of this idea, sarcastically overstating the band’s stature in its opening text. In an age of musical biopic plenty, this semi-ironic, postmodern take — which runs through Perry's part drama, part documentary, and part mockumentary — may be just what the doctor ordered."

Starring: Stephen Malkmus, Scott Kannberg, Joe Keery, Jason Schwartzman, Fred Hechinger, Nat Wolff, Tim Heidecker, and Logan Miller

Queer Credit: NYFF

Director Luca Guadagnino has awed critics and audiences with his distinctive romances, from the gay drama Call Me By Your Name to the coming-of-age cannibal tale Bones and All and the love-triangle thriller Challengers. Now, he re-teams with Challengers scribe Justin Kuritzkes for this adaptation of American author William S. Burroughs' 1985 novel.*

Queer stars Daniel Craig as an American expat wandering around the gay bars of postwar Mexico City seeking thrills — and maybe himself. There, he'll yuck it up with friends (Jason Schwartzman and Drew Droege), find a young new lover (Drew Starkey), and throw himself into booze and drugs in a chaotic quest for love. A challenging adaptation, a crackling cast, and a heralded filmmaker make Queer a must-see.

Starring: Daniel Craig, Drew Starkey, Drew Droege, Lesley Manville, and Jason Schwartzman

The Room Next Door

Boundary-pushing Spanish filmmaker Pedro Almodóvar has bestowed upon us such wondrous films as All About My Mother, The Skin I Live in, Talk to Her, and most recently, the queer Western short Strange Way of Life. Now he's tackling his first English-language feature with a cast that has us absolutely screaming in excitement.*

Based on Sigrid Nunez's acclaimed novel What Are You Going Through, The Room Next Door stars Tilda Swinton and Julianne Moore as two longtime friends who face a rough final chapter. Ingrid (Moore) is a novelist who finds inspiration in her life. Martha (Swinton) is a war journalist suffering from a terminal illness that makes her death imminent. Before she goes, she'd like to spend some time in a lovely retreat with her dear friend, and then she wants to go out on her own terms. What does this mean for Martha and Ingrid? You'll have to enter The Room Next Door to find out.

Starring: Tilda Swinton, Julianne Moore, John Turturro, and Alessandro Nivola

The New York Film Festival runs Sept. 27 – Oct. 14.

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