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I have this friend — let's call him Mike because that's his name — who loves iMessage Tapbacks. You know, those little reaction bubbles that appear when you click on a text on your iPhone. Send a good joke in the group chat, and he'll give a "haha." Ask to meet at a specific time, and he'll respond with a "thumbs up." Send a corny dad joke, and you'll get a "thumbs down" in return.

You get the picture; I hate the picture.

Tapbacks are annoying, and I don't like them. Write a real response! It takes five seconds.

I fully understand this is an "old man yells at cloud" take — this series is called Don't @ Me, after all — but sometimes the grouchy take is the correct one.

Tapbacks, which is how Apple has branded reactions in iMessage, launched with iOS10 in 2016. Even at the time, people were calling it lazy. Those people were correct.

Text messages should be a place for familiarity. It is primarily a place for conversation. Why would we willingly turn it into a workplace-like chat? Or, worse, social media? Do you want your conversation with friends to resemble Instagram, with mindless Likes sprayed about? Do you want it to look like Slack, where you thumbs up your latest assignment?

Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deleted

Just answer your texts. Write a couple of words. I know I sound like a Boomer complaining that nobody makes phone calls anymore — but seriously, are our lives so busy, our attention so short that we cannot be bothered to do more than a Tapback reaction? If I'm giving you comedy gold in the group chat, I want a hahaha or a lmao or, hell, even a lol.

I understand I am in the minority here. Most people use and like Tapbacks — one coworker at Mashable couldn't comprehend how I'd communicate without them. It's impossible to ignore the fact that they do hold some utility. Thumbs-upping a message like "Dinner's at six" makes sense. But watch any horridly long tech event, and you'll see a long parade of executives touting how efficient their tech will make your life. But a good portion of communication with loved ones happens over tech. I neither need nor want Tapbacks to make those conversations more efficient.

I should tell my buddy, "Sounds great, excited to see you," instead of mindlessly reacting to a text making plans. It's a little thing but a thing that matters. My life doesn't need to be reduced to its finest parts. I don't need to reclaim a minuscule amount of time at the expense of another human being on the other end of my inbox.

Think about it. What feels better: a thumbs up or a "sounds great?" An "omg that's cool" or a heart? A "gahahaha" or a little haha emoji?

SEE ALSO: No one agrees on what iMessage Tapbacks actually mean

Let's also not forget there's still no consensus on how to interpret some Tapbacks. They can easily come off as dismissive, rude, and passive-aggressive. A thumbs up so easily becomes the dreaded "ok." Perhaps some of this confusion will be alleviated with expanded emoji Tapbacks in iOS18.

I'm not saying to remove Tapbacks from your life entirely, though I rarely use them. They have utility for business-like interactions. But we must realize that Tapbacks are an insidious part of a broader movement to make our lives as efficient as possible. And do we need or want that? Do you need to signal to a friend that you're too busy to type five words? That you can't be bothered to have a reaction of your own? You don't need to heart or thumbs-up everything and everyone in your life. Use your words.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to XSplit Broadcaster Premium for $59.99 (reg. $200) and unlock advanced tools for streaming and video production.

Opens in a new window Credit: SplitmediaLabs XSplit Broadcaster Premium: Lifetime Subscription (Windows) $59.99
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If you’re still using basic streaming software, you may be missing out. Whether you’re live-streaming your gaming sessions, hosting virtual events, or crafting video content for your followers, it’s time to step up your game. You need a tool that not only makes your streams look professional, but also keeps your audience coming back for more.

That’s where XSplit Broadcaster Premium comes in — the secret weapon for turning everyday streams into show-stopping productions. This lifetime Windows version is the ultimate tool for anyone looking to take their streaming game to the next level, and it's on sale for $59.99 (reg. $200).

This isn’t just another app; it’s a complete broadcasting studio packed with features like multi-scene setup, live video mixing, and customizable transitions. You can create polished, high-quality video content that keeps your audience hooked, all from the comfort of your own setup.

You can drag and drop your media, switch scenes instantly, and even stream directly to platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook Live with just a few clicks. No complicated setups, no endless tweaking — just straightforward, powerful tools that let you focus on what you do best: creating awesome content.

For just $59.99, you’ll get lifetime access to XSplit Broadcaster Premium for Windows, giving you all the features you need to produce professional-quality streams and videos.

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TL;DR: Get a 3-year Windscribe Pro subscription for $79 through September 29 and enjoy unrestricted browsing from anywhere in the world.

If you’re working remotely or just want to explore content from across the globe, you know how frustrating geo-restrictions can be. Whether it’s accessing work files from abroad or streaming your favorite shows not available in your region, dealing with those barriers can be a hassle. You need a solution that’s not only powerful but also easy to use, so you can focus on what really matters.

Enter Windscribe Pro, your go-to VPN for convenient and flexible browsing. You can get a three-year subscription on sale for $79 until September 29. With its vast network of servers spread across multiple countries, Windscribe Pro lets you bypass geo-restrictions and access content from anywhere.

With servers in over 60 countries, Windscribe Pro lets you bypass those annoying geo-blocks with ease. Whether you’re catching up on a series that’s only available overseas or need secure access to your work files while traveling, Windscribe makes it happen without the fuss.

No complex setups or tech jargon here — just a simple interface that lets you connect to the server you need with one click. And with features like ad-blocking, double hop for extra privacy, and split tunneling, you can customize your experience to fit your needs. It’s all about making your online life easier and more secure.

Whether you're catching up on international news, connecting to global work resources, or simply enjoying a show that’s not available in your area, Windscribe makes it all possible.

Enjoy a seamless, unrestricted browsing experience with this useful tool for anyone who values convenience, security, and the freedom to explore the internet without limits.

Through September 29, get a three-year subscription to Windscribe VPN for $79 (reg. $207).

Still looking? Check out more deals on privacy and security.

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TL;DR: Upgrade your content quality with a lifetime subscription to Undetectable Humanizer for just $39.99.

Creating content with AI is a game-changer, but let’s be honest — it doesn’t always hit the mark when it comes to sounding natural. Whether you’re a blogger, marketer, or student, you’ve probably found yourself tweaking AI-generated text to make it sound more human, more you. It’s a time-consuming process, and not everyone has the time or patience to edit every sentence. For a limited time, you can get lifetime access to an AI content tool called Undetectable Humanizer, available for $39.99.

This tool is designed to refine that content to be engaging, relatable, and authentic. With a few clicks, you can transform AI-generated text into something that reads like it was crafted by a skilled writer. It takes the raw output of your AI tools and gives it that human flair, saving you time and effort while improving the overall quality.

Whether you’re working on a blog post, marketing campaign, or social media caption, the Undetectable Humanizer helps you polish your text to perfection, making it more persuasive and impactful.

Enjoy endless opportunities to fine-tune your content.

Elevate your writing, connect with your audience, and make AI-generated content truly your own with a lifetime subscription to Undetectable Humanizer on sale for $39.99 for a limited time.

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Jon Stewart has broken down the key moments of the Harris-Trump presidential debate.

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, September 11, 2024:

Across"You're slaying!," to a drag queen

• The answer is Werk.

"Same here"

• The answer is SodoI.

"Pipe" or "pump" instrument

• The answer is organ.

Ran away from the scene

• The answer is fled.

Things often skipped while listening to podcasts

• The answer is ads.

DownNew York ___, newspaper that published the first crossword puzzle (1913)

• The answer is World.

A cube has 12 of them

• The answer is edges.

The Beatles sang about a long and winding one

• The answer is road.

Family members, collectively

• The answer is kin.

Place for a couch potato

• The answer is sofa.

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

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

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

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

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: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for September 11 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for September 11 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Play-with words

These words are fun.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers all relate to children's toys.

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 ToyStore.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for September 10

• Truck

• Puzzle

• Tricycle

• ToyStore

• Blocks

• Puppet

• Doll

• Slime

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.

The World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) has named Australia's viral Olympic breakdancer Rachael "Raygun" Gunn as the No. 1 B-Girl in the world. Sure, why not.

Raygun rose to international notoriety during the Paris Olympics, with her widely panned moves failing to score her a single point across all six rounds in all three battles she danced in. Of particular note was a move in which she curled her hands in front of her and hopped like a kangaroo. Her performance quickly went viral, with people across the globe mocking her unorthodox style.

SEE ALSO: Viral Australian breakdancer Raygun stands by her moves in first post-Olympic interview

Despite this, Raygun has now managed to snag the top place on the WDSF Breaking World Ranking List of B-Girls. She is currently followed in rankings by Riko Tsuhako from Japan and Anna "Stefani" Ponomarenko of Ukraine. Australian breakdancers Molly Therese "Holy Molly" Chapman and Hannah Georgina Belet are ranked fourth and fifth, having also won second and third place at the competition where Raygun qualified for this year's Olympic Games.

How did Raygun become the No. 1 B-Girl in the world? Credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

According to WDSF, its world rankings are governed by the organisation's Breaking Rules and Regulations Manual and are based on each competitor's top four performances at ranking events within the past 12 months. 

However, such events were deliberately suspended from the start of this year in the lead up to the Paris Olympics. In a statement released on Tuesday, the WDSF said that this was in order to allow dancers to focus on qualifying for the Olympics without having to split their attention to ranking events.

While most of the Olympic qualifying breaking events were held in 2023 (including the Oceania Breaking Championships which resulted in Raygun's qualification), the final Olympic Qualifiers Series were held in May and June 2024. The results of both these qualifiers and the Olympic Games themselves weren't taken into account when determining the WDSF's rankings "due to limited athlete quotas."

Due to this disruption in the competitive breaking circuit, the WDSF noted that many competitors only had a single event contributing to their ranking. As such, Raygun's 2180 points across two events was enough to snag her the top position. 

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

"Until WDSF ranking events recommence later this year, therefore, the world rankings as they currently stand should be interpreted in conjunction with results from recent global Breaking competitions for a more accurate reflection of the global competitive landscape," said WDSF.

Riko technically earned more points overall than Raygun as well. However, the WDSF stated that more weight was given to Raygun's 1000 points from the Oceania Breaking Championships than Riko's 1000 from the Breaking for Gold World Series, as the former is considered a higher-level competition.

Basically, Raygun is only ranked first in the world right now due to a few technicalities. Even so, it's unlikely she'll hold her No. 1 position for long. Raygun's WDSF ranking points from the Oceania Breaking Championships are due to expire at the end of October, the same month another competition will be held in Shanghai.

Raygun stands by her Olympic performance Credit: Ezra Shaw / Getty Images

Raygun recently defended her Olympic performance in her first interview after the event, attributing the deluge of criticism she'd received to "people not being very familiar with breaking." When asked whether she thought she was the best breakdancer in Australia, the 37-year-old stated that she believes her "record speaks to that."

"It's just a different approach in breaking," Raygun told Australian talk show The Project. "You have the athletics style breakers, you also have the more artistic style breakers, and all of them are very valid."

Even so, the general public remains largely unconvinced. 

Reddit Reddit Breakers vs. The World DanceSport Federation Credit: Elsa / Getty Images

Unfortunately for the WDSF, the organisation's continued insistence on Raygun's skills has only undermined its authority to many who saw her performance with their own eyes. Some have further questioned the WDSF's suitability to govern breaking at all, particularly as the organisation's roots are in competitive ballroom dancing. 

These criticisms aren't new. In 2017 over 2000 people signed a Change.org petition by B-Boy Serouj "Midus" Aprahamian entitled "Get the WDSF's Hands Off Hip-Hop". Like Raygun, Midus is also a university professor with a focus on dance. Unlike Raygun, he stated in his petition that WDSF "has absolutely no connection or credibility with any legitimate entity in the worldwide breaking community." Midus accused the WDSF of pivoting to breaking merely to get a foothold in the Olympics, with the hope of eventually convincing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to add ballroom dancing.

Though the WDSF has denied such accusations, it had initially contracted consultant Jean-Laurent Bourquin to petition the IOC for ballroom dancing's inclusion in the Olympics. The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Bourquin convinced the WDSF to shift its focus to breaking as having a better chance of success. Sadly, he hadn't realised at the time that the WDSF held no authority in the breaking community.

The end result is the situation we are now living in, with breakdancing bringing to mind Australian university lecturers kangaroo hopping at the Olympics. Considering the international attention Raygun garnered with her performance, it's likely to be a while before that association fades.

TL;DR: Watch Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture is coming up and the latest teams to the court are the Seattle Storm and Los Angeles Sparks. The Seattle Storm have already claimed their postseason spot, but it's sadly all over for the Los Angeles Sparks who have been eliminated from playoff contention.

If you want to watch Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks?

Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA starts at 10 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. This fixture takes place at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, California.

How to watch Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks

You can watch Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks with the WNBA League Pass. However, keep in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

You can get around this with just a few simple steps, however. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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.

Stream Seattle Storm vs. Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Through Sept. 29, you can sign up for a 1-year subscription to Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for only £37.43.

Having a VPN seems essential nowadays with the thousands of cyber criminals roaming the web.

Along with providing digital safety, a VPN can also help you maintain online privacy from your internet service provider, who may or may not be keeping track of your activity. And some VPNs like Windscribe go the extra mile to shield you from being bombarded with pesky ads whenever you hop online. Right now at the Mashable Shop, the price of 1, 2, and 3-year subscriptions to Windscribe have been reduced for a limited time.

Available as both a desktop app and a browser extension, Windscribe works to protect your online privacy, help you bypass geo-restrictions, and remove ads and trackers from your everyday browsing. Touted for its simplicity, the service features a no-frills interface, so you won't have to deal with confusing settings to enjoy digital protection.

Free VPNs often come with strings attached, with many providers collecting your data and selling them to third parties. Windscribe prides itself on a strict no-logging policy and anonymous sign-up, meaning you won't even have to provide an email address.

Windscribe has servers spread across 69 countries and 112 cities worldwide. There are bonus features you may find helpful, too, including Time Warping (changing your timezone to make it appear like you're somewhere else), Cookie Monster (keeping track of cookies and deleting them upon closing the tab), and Split Personality (rotating your user agent to lessen the chances of basic fingerprinting).

Grab an exclusive 1-year Windscribe VPN Pro Plan for only £37.43 (reg. £52.71) through Sept. 29 at 11:59 pm PST. 

Prices subject to change.

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TL;DR: Live stream the final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming site from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

T20 cricket is a lot of fun, and even though the upcoming T20 series between England and Australia will be seen by some as a warm up to the upcoming ODI series, it doesn't change the fact that both sides will be desperate to win every match. This is England vs. Australia we're talking about. It doesn't get much bigger than this.

If you want to watch the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is England vs. Australia?

The England vs. Australia T20 international series takes place on the following dates:

• England vs. Australia (T20 1 of 3) —6:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 11

• England vs. Australia (T20 2 of 3) — 6:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 13

• England vs. Australia (T20 3 of 3) — 2:30 p.m. BST on Sept. 15

The good news is that the final match is available to live stream for free.

How to watch England vs. Australia for free

The final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, 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 the UK, meaning you can access free live streams on BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of England vs. Australia 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 the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream England vs. Australia 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the final England vs. Australia match without committing with your cash. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream the T20 game before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on BBC iPlayer, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 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.

Stream the final match of the England vs. Australia T20 international series for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture sees the Washington Mystics and Chicago Sky come together to battle it out. The Chicago Sky have already claimed their postseason spot, but the Washington Mystics are still hoping to secure the last available place. Currently fighting for this spot alongside the Atlanta Dream, this is a game you won't want to miss.

If you want to watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky?

Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. This fixture takes place at the Wintrust Arena in Chicago, Illinois.

How to watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky

You can watch Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky with the WNBA League Pass.

However, bear in mind that the WNBA League Pass might not live stream locally televised games in the participating teams' local areas.

You can get around this with just a few simple steps. You'll need to use a VPN, a tool that works by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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.

Stream Washington Mystics vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next WNBA fixture sees Las Vegas Aces and Indiana Fever go head-to-head. Both teams have secured their playoff positions, so will be looking to improve their positioning. This is especially true for the Indiana Fever, who sit in sixth place right now.

If you want to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out all the information you need.

When is Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever?

Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 11. This fixture takes place at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana.

How to watch Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever

You can catch the remainder of the 2024 WNBA season with the WNBA League Pass.

However, it's worth noting that the WNBA League Pass might not show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas. But all you need to get around this is a VPN. These tools work by hiding your real IP address and connecting you to secure servers in other locations. This means you can watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games hosted by Amazon Prime Video.

To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy 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 a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA

4. Log in to WNBA League Pass

5. Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)

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 What is the best VPN for the WNBA?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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.

Stream Las Vegas Aces vs. Indiana Fever in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Everyone's favorite childless cat lady, Taylor Swift, took to Instagram on Sept. 10 to endorse Vice President Kamala Harris after the presidential debate between Harris and former President Donald Trump.

SEE ALSO: Swifties for Kamala: How Taylor Swift fans are creating a new blueprint for political organizing

Swift wrote, "I will be casting my vote for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz in the 2024 Presidential Election. I’m voting for @kamalaharris because she fights for the rights and causes I believe need a warrior to champion them."

This comes after Trump shared AI-generated images of both Swift and her fans on Truth Social, falsely claiming both the Tortured Poets Department singer and Swifties endorsed his campaign for re-election. (Meanwhile, a cohort of Swift fans created Swifties for Kamala to campaign for the Vice President.) Swift addressed Trump's claims, writing, "Recently I was made aware that AI of 'me' falsely endorsing Donald Trump’s presidential run was posted to his site. It really conjured up my fears around AI, and the dangers of spreading misinformation. It brought me to the conclusion that I need to be very transparent about my actual plans for this."

View this post on Instagram

In recent weeks, pressure has been mounting for Swift to get political following the AI incident and the photograph she took hugging Trump supporter Brittany Mahomes at the U.S. Open.

In 2020, a month before the presidential election, she endorsed President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris in a V Magazine article. She also posted a photo holding Biden Harris 2020 cookies to social media. But in the past couple of years, Swift has reached unprecedented levels of stardom, leading to questions over whether she would risk her career highs to endorse Harris publicly.

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Swift first broke her silence on political issues in 2018 when she endorsed Tennessee U.S. Senate candidate Phil Bredesen, calling his opponent Marsha Blackburn "Trump in a wig." Her decision to talk about politics was a major focus of her 2020 documentary, Miss Americana. It shows her, her father, and her team discuss her choice to come out for Bredesen. On the verge of tears she expresses regret that she didn't use her voice against Trump in 2016. "I can't change that...I need to be on the right side of history," she said in the documentary.

She's since posted several Instagram posts about Black Lives Matter, tweeted about her terror after the overturning of Roe v. Wade, and encouraged her followers to vote, resulting in 35,000 new registrations.

Now, she's taken the opportunity to come out against Trump and for the potential first female president, something "The Man" singer can certainly get behind.

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 11'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 9 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A passage between rows of seats.

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 A.

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...

AISLE.

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.

After launching early on Tuesday, the billionaire Jared Isaacman and his crew traveled to altitudes not visited by any astronaut since the Apollo moon missions of the 1960s and ’70s.

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 11s Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 11 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: Lots of money

• Green: Giving some advice

• Blue: How they made dinosaurs in that one movie

• Purple: Purple

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: Large Amount of Money

• Green: Bits of Wisdom

• Blue: Featured in Jurrasic Park

• Purple: Things That Are Purple

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 #458 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Large Amount of Money: BUNDLE, FORTUNE, MINT, PILE

• Bits of Wisdom: KERNEL, NUGGET, PEARL, TIDBIT

• Featured in Jurrasic Park: AMBER, DINOSAUR, MOSQUITO, PALEONTOLOGIST

• Things That Are Purple: AMETHYST, EGGPLANT, GRIMACE, LAVENDER

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.

Are you an Apple user who found the iPhone 16 launch event to be dull, disappointing, a let-down? Did it seem like it focused on niche products, like the black Apple Watch Ultra 2, before it got to the main meat ... of what turned out to be relatively minor iPhone hardware updates?

Then, frankly, you weren't the target audience, even if you're an iPhone user. Your current model is likely doing just fine, and you're probably attached to its color (as with mine, a year-old deep purple iPhone 15 Pro). You're not ready to pony up for a slightly better device, and all the Apple Intelligence in the world won't make you.

SEE ALSO: Apple Event 2024: Everything announced, including iPhone 16, Apple Watch Series 10

Wait until the next hype cycle — which in this case, is already building around the 2025 model, a reportedly thinner iPhone 17 "Air." By then, you might find your phone's declining battery and tiny-seeming screen to be an embarrassment, and the Apple trade-in offer will suddenly make a lot more sense. Just as owners of the iPhone 14, and earlier models, were predisposed to find something to like in the iPhone 16 announcement.

SEE ALSO: iPhone 17: 3 credible rumors that may convince you to skip iPhone 16

In the meantime ... are you sure you don't want to test your hearing loss (requiring new AirPods) or find out if you have sleep apnea (requiring a series 10 Watch)?

Apple, a $3.3 trillion company, has been at this game some time, and the game is called "get users into our ecosystem." As each market that the tech giant has entered matures, it becomes harder to get current customers to upgrade individual devices. The more the iPhone becomes a luxury item, and the more aware consumers become of its environmental cost, the less likely they are to upgrade every year, or even every other year.

So if you're Tim Cook, and you have a fiduciary duty to keep growing the company, what do you do?

Sure, you make sure you're in the game when it comes to new technology. Cook has got a firm toe-hold in virtual space now with the Apple Vision Pro; if VR or AR suddenly look like the future, Apple is ready. He also understands the assignment with AI, which (for the moment, at least) is largely a matter of rebranding your machine-learning software so you don't look like you're falling behind: enter Apple Intelligence.

But most of your job as Apple CEO is to make multiple Apple devices seem more appealing to every user, even in a world of highly fragmented consumer groups. You find more groups served by the possibilities of new hardware-software combos: hearing loss and sleep apnea sufferers are huge and growing health niches, which is why manufacturers of hearing aids took a hit on the stock market in the Apple event's wake.

If you look at the steadily growing Apple user base for non-iPhone items, then front-loading Apple events with tedious-to-you Watch updates, for one, makes a lot more sense.

Credit: EMarketer

Moreover, to update a phrase that has differentiated Apple since its Jobs-Wozniak days, Tim Cook's job is to make sure everything just works ... together. Once upon a time, when Windows working well with Macintosh OS was what mattered, the Apple "walled garden" was a millstone around the company's neck. Now, the walled garden may be the company's biggest asset.

Take, for example, the Apple AirPods Max: beautifully-designed, massively expensive over-the-ear noise-cancelling headphones saddled with a terrible name. When they were launched, I scoffed: Why would I buy those when I could grab a comparable Bose pair for much less?

I discovered the answer this year: because the Max cans connect and switch so easily to and between my MacBook, iPad and iPhone — and most importantly, to my Apple TV — while providing incredible spatial audio.

I wasn't in the market for regular AirPods, because I don't like wax-producing earbuds (for exercise I use these Bose open-ear models instead). But the Max turned out to be totally my jam, so much so that here I am, seriously considering trading in my two-month old green headphones for the new USB-C model in purple, to match my iPhone.

I probably won't — not this cycle, anyway. My Apple budget for 2024 is entirely spent. But if Apple brings out a purple iPhone 17 next year, then it will almost certainly be time once more to hook up their vacuum cleaner to my wallet — no matter what new features are hyped up at the 2025 iPhone launch event.

TL;DR: The first Harris-Trump presidential debate can be streamed LIVE and for free on cable websites like ABC.com and CNN.com, and on YouTube via pages like PBS NewsHour. Paid streaming services also have options to tune in.

Tonight (Sept. 10), presidential candidates Kamala Harris and Donald Trump take the stage in what will be their first match-up on the debate floor.

ABC's "Race to the Whitehouse" will see Americans eagerly tuned in to see the two finally face off on national policy, following President Joe Biden's removal from the 2024 presidential ticket in favor of Kamala Harris' vibrantly-embraced bid to be the first woman in the White House.

SEE ALSO: How porn performers feel about Trump, Harris, and Project 2025

The debate will be available in traditional formats via ABC and other cable networks, but those without cable aren't out of luck. Disney-owned ABC, official host and broadcaster of the debate, has partnered with Warner Bros. Discovery's CNN (host of the previous Biden-Trump debate) to offer joint online broadcasting and options for current streaming subscribers.

Here's how you can watch online.

What time is the presidential debate?

Viewers should be primed to tune in to the debate at 9 p.m. ET. The event, taking place at Philadelphia's National Constitution Center, will last 90 minutes, and is hosted by ABC and moderated by ABC World News Tonight host David Muir and anchor Linsey Davis.

Presidential candidates will abide by new rules instituted at the last Biden-Trump debate, including muted microphones and a lack of opening statements.

Where can I stream the Harris-Trump debate?ABC.com & ABC News Live

The presidential debate will be streamed live and for free on ABC.com and on ABC's 24/7 news site, ABC News Live. The network has also created a dedicated presidential election hub for ongoing news and updates, including debate live streaming.

CNN.com

CNN will provide live commentary during its "CNN Special Event: Second Presidential Debate Hosted by ABC" coverage, available for free on CNN.com.

NBC.com

Debate coverage will be simulcast on NBC News channels, including online via the live NBC News Now page.

FOXNews.com

FOX News' live simulcast programming, "FOX News Democracy 2024: ABC Presidential Debate," will be available on FOXNews.com.

PBS NewsHour

PBS NewsHour's YouTube channel will stream special debate coverage, including pre- and post- event analysis.

The above livestream begins at 6 p.m. ET.

Paid streaming services

Disney+ and Hulu + Live TV subscribers will also have access to live debate coverage via ABC, as part of its ownership deal. Those who have bundled Disney+, Hulu, and Max can access the live debate, as well. Viewers will find streams on the apps' ABC News Live channels or on their homepages.

Peacock subscribers can tune into NBC's simulcast via the app's NBC News Now Channel.

Apple TV subscribers can stream the debate through the PBS NewsHour channel.

Select Sling TV and Fubo TV subscribers can watch the debate, if their subscription plan includes access to ABC.

National debate broadcasts may also be available for free on sites like Tubi or Pluto TV.

Falsehoods claiming migrants in Ohio are killing cats and decapitating ducks went viral this week. The Trump campaign embraced them.