Feed aggregator

Nearly 3 billion people are affected by a recent data breach at a background check company. A large database compilation filled with billions of users' credentials was published just last month. Customers with AT&T, ADT, and countless other firms have had their sensitive data stolen by cyber criminals recently.

Data breaches are seemingly on the rise. Many times, there's little to nothing that the average consumer can do about it. Sometimes, affected individuals aren't even aware that their data was part of a breach.

If you do find out that you're the victim of a data breach, that means a company that has your data was compromised. Hackers, scammers, thieves, and other nefarious individuals now have access to data about you.

SEE ALSO: [Update: Meta responds] Scammers are using Meta's copyright takedown tool against influencers

Here's what you can do to protect yourself:

Change your passwords

First things first, change the password of the account affected by the data breach. Oftentimes, there's so much data stolen that most users will have a chance to stop any unauthorized use of their account.

Yes, you've been told time and time again to not use the same password for multiple accounts, but we know that you have. Cybercriminals can easily make the connection to those other accounts so go and change the passwords for any secondary accounts tied to your name or username that are the same or similar to the one that has been stolen. 

Use two-factor authentication

Two-factor authentication will stop any unauthorized access to your account, even if someone else has your password. If the service or platform in question offers two-factor authentication, it's highly recommended that you turn it on.

There are two basic types of two-factor authentication: one that texts users a code, and one that requires the use of an authentication app — usually (but not always) on a mobile phone. Since phone numbers can be stolen and SMS messages can be intercepted, it's highly recommended that users go with an authentication app. When signing into a platform once an authentication app has been enabled, a user will be required to open the mobile app, temporarily memorize the constantly changing code that appears on their screen, and input it into the platform that they are trying to access.

Monitor your accounts

It's important to know exactly what accounts on what platforms were affected to discern exactly what type of information could have been stolen. Services like haveibeenpwned.com help users monitor whether their account credentials have been stolen in a data breach.

Even if you know which account was affected in a breach, you should still check to see if there were any cascading effects that made its way to your other accounts.

After finding which accounts were affected, check with the company who experienced the data breach to see if they have any additional information or recommendations as to what their users should do to protect themselves.

Check your credit reports

Be on the lookout for the worst case scenario: Your identity being stolen as a result of a data breach.

It's certainly horrible to find a social media account compromised and going through a platform's process to regain access is never fun. But that ordeal pales in comparison to the headaches you'll have in store if someone used your data to access your bank account or commit fraud.

It's important to monitor your credit report if there's a breach at a company that stored relevant financial-related data. You can get a completely free credit report at annualcreditreport.com. In addition, services like Credit Karma provide a free daily summary of your credit score and report information.

If you are a victim of identify theft, it's important to immediately contact your bank and the credit institutions. You'll need to freeze your credit, apply for a new credit card number, and even potentially close accounts. Victims of identity theft can report a crime as well at identitytheft.gov.

Again, most users will likely find that they just need to change passwords and sign up for two-factor authentication. But, if you're one of the more unlucky victims of a data breach whose victimizer crossed over from from stealing data to stealing money, you need to be proactive and take action to protect your finances as soon as you can.

The billionaire owner of the social media platform X and Tesla’s chief executive will deliver the keynote speech at an annual event.

After purchasing Twitter, Mr. Musk failed to cash out Omid Kordestani’s stock, according to allegations in a new lawsuit.

A proposed $15 million settlement stipulates that account holders can file for losses related to breaches disclosed in 2022 and 2023. A deadline looms for those claims.

ChatGPT's Voice Mode has some security flaws, but OpenAI says it's on top of it.

On Thursday OpenAI published a report on GPT-4o's safety features, addressing known issues that occur when using the model. GPT-4o is the underlying model that powers the latest version of ChatGPT, and comes with a Voice Mode that was recently released to a select group of users with a ChatGPT Plus subscription.

SEE ALSO: What OpenAI's Scarlett Johansson drama tells us about the future of AI

The "safety challenges" identified include standard risks like prompting the model with erotic and violent responses, other disallowed content, and "ungrounded inference" and "sensitive trait attribution" — assumptions that might be discriminatory or biased, in other words. OpenAI says it has trained the model to block any outputs flagged in these categories. However, the report also says mitigations don't include "nonverbal vocalizations or other sound effect" such as erotic moans, violent screams, and gunshots. One can infer, then, that prompts involving certain sensitive nonverbal sounds might improperly receive a response.

OpenAI also mentioned unique challenges that come with vocally communicating with the model. Red-teamers discovered that GPT-4o could be prompted to impersonate someone or accidentally emulate the user's voice. To combat this, OpenAI only allows pre-authorized voices (minus the notorious Scarlett Johansson-sounding voice). GPT-4o can also identify other voices besides the speaker's voice, which presents a serious privacy and surveillance issue. But it has been trained to deny those requests — unless the model is being prompted on a famous quote.

Red-teamers also noted that GPT-4o could be prompted to speak persuasively or emphatically, a feature that could be more harmful than text outputs when it comes to misinformation and conspiracy theories.

Notably, OpenAI also addressed potential copyright issues that have plagued the company and the overall development of generative AI, which trains on data scraped from the web. GPT-4o has been trained to refuse requests for copyrighted content and has additional filters for blocking outputs containing music. On that note, ChatGPT's Voice Mode has been directed not to sing under any circumstances.

OpenAI's numerous risk mitigations covered in the lengthy document were carried out before Voice Mode was released. So the ostensive message of the report says that while GPT-4o is capable of certain risky behavior, it won't do it.

However, OpenAI says, "These evaluations measure only the clinical knowledge of these models, and do not measure their utility in real-world workflows." So it's been tested in a controlled environment, but when the broader public gets their hands on GPT-4o, it could be a different beast when out in the wild.

Mashable reached out to OpenAI for additional clarity about these mitigations, and will update if we hear back.

SAVE $105: As of August 9, the Apple iPad (9th gen) is $224 at Amazon. That's 32% off its normal price of $329 and the new lowest price we've tracked.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Apple iPad (9th gen) $224.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $105.00 Get Deal

Still looking to add a new iPad to your tablet collection? There's a new deal floating around that beats a similar one that we tracked earlier this week, and you won't want to miss out.

As of August 9, you can snatch up the Apple iPad (9th gen) at Amazon for just $224, which is down from its normal price of $329. That's $5 cheaper than when we shared this deal on August 7, and a new low price for this model. That means it's prime time to add it to your cart.

This is a fantastic option whether you're lookinig for a daily driver table or just something to enjoy the errant Netflix session. It can handle whatever you throw at it thanks to its A13 Bionic chip, and its 10.2-inch Retina display will have no trouble showcasing your favorite TV shows and movies in crisp and bright color. Additionally, it comes with an ultrawide front camera perfect for Zoom calls or taking a ton of selfies, whatever you prioritize.

It's not just good or entertainment or scrolling around online, though. You can use this iPad with your Apple Pencil and Smart Keyboard to make it a portable workstation while you're on the go. It's got plenty of storage space at 64GB, and enough battery life to last you all day – or longer, if you use it sparingly.

You can grab one for yourself, or it might be a good idea to go ahead and lock one of these iPads in for the holidays. They're coming up a lot faster than you might think, after all.

SAVE 46%: Get Cync by GE smart light bulbs for just $12.99 at Best Buy, down from the list price of $23.99. That's a discount of $11, almost 50% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: CE GE Cync Direct Connect smart light bulbs (pack of two) $12.99 at Amazon
$23.99 Save $11.00 Get Deal

It's back-to-school time, and there are a ton of deals right now on products for kids and teens alike. If you've been looking for an affordable way to jazz up a teen's bedroom or a college dorm room, this GE Cync Direct Connect smart light bulb deal is for you.

As of August 9, you can get a two-pack of the GE Cync Direct Connect smart light bulb for just $12.99 at Best Buy. That's a 46% (or $11) discount from the list price of $23.99.

These are a lot more affordable than the Philips Hue bulbs, and you're getting all the features you would want from a smart bulb, especially at this price. The biggest advantage these bulbs have is that they don't need a hub. So when you invest the $13, that's all you need to get started with some cool lighting for your dorm room.

You can also set schedules, cook up scenes, control your lighting remotely (even from outside your home,) and get Alexa and Hey Google support. These are the full-color version, which means you can make an RGB theme to go along with your gaming PC too, if you want.

SAVE 40%: As of today, Aug 9, the GoveeLife Smart Tea Kettle is on sale for just $35.99. This limited-time Amazon deal saves shoppers $24 off the smart tea kettle's usual price of $59.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: GoveeLife GoveeLife Smart Tea Kettle $35.99 at Amazon
$59.99 Save $24.00 Get Deal

New - and high up - on the list of things I never knew I needed until just now: a smart, voice-controlled tea kettle for brewing tea just as it was intended.

Today at Amazon, you can score the GoveeLife Smart Tea Kettle for just $35.99 at Amazon. That's $24 (or 40%) off the voice-controlled kettle's usual price of $59.99. It's a return to the Kettle's best price, which we also saw last month.

If you're like me, you bring your water to a boil on the stove with your old-school kettle, taking the exact temperature instructions on the box of your tea of choice totally for granted. But any true tea connoisseur will tell you that those steeping temperatures matter: water temperature has a major impact on the tea's favor. With the Goveeife Smart Tea Kettle, you have to-the-exact-degree temperature control within the range of 104°F to 212°F. You can control the WiFi-enabled Bluetooth tea kettle through the app, voice commands, or simple buttons. Not only do you have full control over temperature, but you can also set the Kettle on a schedule to save yourself some extra time in the morning.

Take your daily tea ritual to the next level when you score the GoveeLife Smart Tea Kettle for just $35.99 at Amazon.

SAVE $59.99: As of Aug. 9, you can get Madden NFL 24 on the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 for just $10 at Best Buy. Snag this deal and prepare for the launch of Madden NFL 25 on Aug. 16.

'Madden NFL 24' deals Xbox Series X/S 'Madden NFL 24' $10 at Best Buy (save $59.99) Get Deal PlayStation 5 'Madden NFL 24' $10 at Best Buy (save $59.99) Get Deal

Look, we know that Madden NFL 25 is out in just a few days on Aug. 16, and under normal circumstances, there'd really be no point in hopping into the previous entry if you haven't already done so. But, the circumstances have changed: Madden NFL 24 is a mere $10 on the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 ahead of 25's release. That's $59.99 in savings, and more than enough reason to play the game for a few days in anticipation of the new one.

SEE ALSO: Why 'College Football '25' means so much to its long-suffering fans

While you're at it, you may even want to place your preorder for Madden NFL 25, which you can do right now for the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 (as well as their previous console generations), and PC. If you pre-order Best Buy, you'll even get a fun little bonus in the form of a $10 Best Buy gift card. So, if you're going to pick up a copy anywhere, we say do it there.

And if you really can't get enough virtual football, we highly recommend picking up EA College Football 25 to round out your sports game collection, which we think is even better than the Madden titles. That'll run you $69.99 for the Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5 versions.

STOCK UP AND SAVE: Prep for hurricane season with emergency preparedness deals at Amazon. Save on flashlights, power banks, generators, and more essential supplies.

Our top picks: Best flashlight deal GearLight LED Flashlights (Two-Pack) $15.20 at Amazon (save $4.79) Get Deal Best battery deal Energizer Battery Pack (48 Count) $28.48 at Amazon (save $10.50) Get Deal Best power bank deal 24,000mAh Anker Power Bank $103.99 at Amazon (save $46) Get Deal

Hurricane season officially began on June 1, but depending on where you live, you might not have gotten more than a little sprinkle until now — peak season.

If you live on the East Coast (especially in the South), like I do, then you’ve probably been dealing with the aggressive wind and day-to-day rain from Storm Debby. My power’s flickered on and off a few times, and my dogs haven’t been on a walk since Monday — it’s been miserable.

SEE ALSO: Hurricane Debby track shows Florida landfall near. See the path online

As of August 8, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts there will be 17 to 24 named storms this season, including four to seven major hurricanes with 111 mph or greater winds. That's a lot of weather to weather, especially if you’re unprepared.

To help make sure you don’t end up stranded sans essentials, we've rounded up the best deals on emergency supplies like flashlights, batteries, and power banks.

Whether you're stocking up your home or your car, now’s the time to get ready for the storms ahead.

Best flashlight deal Opens in a new window Credit: GearLight Our pick: GearLight LED Flashlights (Two-Pack) $15.20 at Amazon
$19.99 Save $4.79 Get Deal Why we like it

Having a flashlight on hand (even if you live in an urban area) is a good idea. You never know when the power might go out.

Right now, you can get two GearLight LED Flashlights for just $15.20 at Amazon (with the on-screen coupon). This two-pack of mini but mighty flashlights has more than 79K reviews and a 4.6-star rating. Each 1040 Lumen LED tactical flashlight has five modes and a zoomable beam. Plus, they’re virtually indestructible — they can withstand a 10-foot drop and are water-resistant. These flashlights are battery-powered, so you’ll need AAA batteries to use them.

Best battery deal Opens in a new window Credit: Energizer Our pick: Energizer Battery Pack (48 Count) $28.84 at Amazon
$38.98 Save $10.14 Get Deal Why we like it

Speaking of batteries (the things we used before smartphones and USB charging became the norm), stocking up on a reliable set is a smart move.

This Energizer Battery Pack includes 24 Energizer MAX alkaline double AA batteries and 24 Energizer MAX alkaline triple AAA batteries. It may seem like overkill, but having both sizes on hand means you'll be able to power everything from your flashlight to your radio.

You can get this 48-pack for just $28.84 on Amazon.

Best power bank deal Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Our pick: 24,000mAh Anker Power Bank $103.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $46.00 Get Deal Why we like it

There’s nothing worse than being in an emergency situation with no way to call for help or reach the outside world. That’s why having a power bank charged and ready to go is a must. (It’s also handy to have one when traveling to keep your phone powered up.)

The 24,000mAh Anker Power Bank can power your laptop, tablet, and phone multiple times over. It has multiple ports, so you can charge up to three devices at the same time. The digital display makes it easy to see how much juice you have left.

It’s compatible with iPhone 15 (all models), iPhone 14 and 13 models, Samsung Galaxy phones, Macbook, and more. Just be sure to double-check the fine print to make sure your device is compatible.

While it’s normally 149.99 at Amazon, you can get it today for 103.99 with an on-site coupon.

What else should you stock up on to weather the storm? Bottled water, non-perishable foods, a first-aid kit, a NOAA weather radio, a portable generator, and sandbags (depending on your area) are all good places to start.

As hurricane season rages on, it's better to be safe than sorry.

There's something sinister about much of reality television. So often these shows appeal to our most hedonistic desires, deliberately stoking discord amongst their cast in pursuit of spectacle and commercial gain. Yet despite this, we just can't seem to stop watching.

Indie game The Crush House seizes upon this voyeuristic thirst for drama, positioning you as a reality show producer tasked with recording the flirting, fighting, and failed friendships synonymous with shows like Love Island, Big Brother, Too Hot to Handle, and the like. It also puts a menacing spin on such shows, lampooning our never ending craving for content. Even so, it unfortunately struggles to capture why people like reality television in the first place.

SEE ALSO: The 15 horniest reality TV shows, ranked Welcome to The Crush House Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

Developed by UK studio Nerial, The Crush House is a self-described "thirst-person shooter" centering on a late '90s reality television show of the same name. In it, four young singles are put up in a coastal Malibu mansion for five days, with the assumption that interpersonal drama will inevitably follow. Of course, this isn't the only conflict transpiring in the deceptively bright and welcoming house.

You play as Jae Jimenez Jung, The Crush House's producer. You're also the show's casting director, props master, and advertising coordinator, though the vast majority of your time will be spent as the reality show's cameraperson. In fact, aside from a lone production assistant delivering instructions via a walkie talkie, it seems as though you're the only staff member working to ensure the show goes on.

Stave off cancellation for five straight days and you'll have completed a season.

This responsibility doesn't come with as much freedom as you might imagine. Unseen corporate powers monitor your daily performance, and will cancel The Crush House if you fail to satisfy enough audience groups by filming their preferred content. You also have to choose when not to record, so you can let ads run to earn money for props around the house.

Stave off cancellation for five straight days and you'll have completed a season, winning you and the cast a trip down the Crush House's swirly pink Success Slide. Then it's time to do it all again with a new cast — and further The Crush House's ominous persisting story.

The audience is always right. Weird, but right. Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

The Crush House's audience demographics will vary each day, and have different preferences regarding the subjects, action, and cinematic techniques they like to see on screen. Most of them are fairly straightforward, though it isn't always clear exactly what every demographic is after. While Foot Fans, Butt Guys, and Girls For Girls' desires were obvious, I still have no idea what the Glitched or Libertarians wanted.

Fortunately, continuing to pander to an audience you've already fully satisfied will grant overflow points into all the other demographics watching. So if you film enough exercise equipment to make the Gym Rats happy, their contagious joy will begin to impact the Fish Freaks, Art Collectors, and Divorced Dads as well. Filming three or more audiences' preferred content in the same frame also nets you a very satisfying bonus, helping you fill the gauges faster. As such, it didn't matter too much that I never figured out what made the Activists or Cynics happy.

Featured Video For You Video game technology helps paralysed woman regain speech

I found the best strategy was to satisfy my audiences as early as possible, then simply put the camera down and let ads run until night falls and the day's episode ends. (Despite some discussion of voyeuristic sex, there isn't any risque after dark filming. It's all kept fairly PG-13, with nobody getting further than some enthusiastic kissing, while the residents sleep in unsexy pods kept in an off-limits area.)

Airing the same ad multiple times in one day does devalue it, making it pay out less. Even so, less cash is still cash, and there didn't seem to be any benefit of continuing to serve audiences once my quota was filled. It was also fun to see ads nodding to other indie games such as Cult of the Lamb and Mars First Logistics. I was typically able to net over $1,000 per day, which I used each night to buy audience-satisfying props such as karaoke machines and butt-shaped pillows.

Rules are made to be crushed Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

Nighttime is also when you can break one of the only two rules you're given as The Crush House's producer: Do not speak to the talent.

Cast members make requests regarding how you portray them on the show, creating an extra challenge on top of simply satisfying your audiences. Though never deep enough to stir up empathy or make you feel connected to the characters, these nighttime conversations further the game's progression while providing your best glimpse into the cast's personalities.

All 12 of The Crush House's rotating roster of sexy singles have individual profiles with separate likes and dislikes. Milo is the "volatile hippy kid," Ayo is a "scary gym chick," while Emile is described as a "French stud." The game encourages you to consider how their traits might interact when choosing four cast members at the beginning of each season. However, aside from surface level behaviour, these profiles seemed to have minimal bearing on how the housemates actually interacted. 

Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

The Crush House uses a "semi-procedurally generated dialogue system" which takes into account cast members' character traits and relationships when creating conversations. Yet they all tend to repeat the same base conversations, asking each other about their opinion on birds, starting fights over whether or not it's "margarita time," and failing to confess their affections to each other. People swing suddenly from enemies to lovers and back again at dizzying speeds, with no clear rhyme or reason to these changes. They'd also occasionally have conversations while in completely separate rooms.

The result is that, instead of feeling like you're in your favourite reality show, The Crush House feels more like watching chatbots talk to each other. I quickly stopped paying attention to relationships or trying to evaluate a cast's chemistry, simply choosing whoever I felt like tossing into the house next. Half my audience would prefer I film flowers, plumbing, or a drink dispenser than the cast's shenanigans anyway. In fact, I'd often ignore drama unfolding on the other side of the house in favour of filming a bush. What makes for well-rated television in real life in no way translates to The Crush House.

In a clever twist, the shallow and repetitive nature of the cast's conversations did begin to take on new significance as The Crush House's larger plot developed. It's always gratifying to see indie devs find clever approaches to managing their technical limitations, and in fact use such limits to enrich the narrative of their game. Even so, it still didn't make me want to listen to these conversations, nor compel me to care about the speakers.

'The Crush House' suffers from shaky early season syndrome Credit: Screenshot: Mashable

The lack of coherent in-universe cast plotlines and personalities is where much of The Crush House's untapped potential lies. The fun of reality television isn't just watching people fight or kiss. It's in getting to know the people and following their storylines, so you're elated when the couple you're shipping finally kisses or shocked when they betray each other. 

While The Crush House's procedurally generated conversations do attempt to make each playthrough feel dynamic, they sacrifice such stories and audience connection. As a result even the most fiery exchanges had no significance or weight, with their participants easily interchangeable and their words meaningless. It made me wonder whether the game might have benefitted from a smaller cast with more curated, impactful dialogue and relationships. 

Lacking such interpersonal dynamics, The Crush House relies on its darker underlying plot to try engaging players. Unfortunately, while this does add some interest with a clear narrative, its obvious predictability fails to make up for the lost potential. It's also difficult to become invested in the characters' fates when they feel so two-dimensional.

It took me approximately nine hours to play through to The Crush House's credits, and I didn't find much replay value unless you want to try rushing through a second playthrough to get the alternate ending. The game frustratingly auto-saves after you're already locked into one ending, so you have to go through the whole game again to see the other.

I do think The Crush House is an interesting title, particularly for reality show fans. A video game about filming a reality show is a fairly unique concept with undeniable potential. Sadly, it's such a big, fun idea that doing it justice is a difficult task. While the nature of reality shows is that they are largely unscripted, generated dialogue just doesn't have the same effect. There's a reason video game narratives and dialogue are typically carefully written and planned.

The Crush House is a short, sweet game that you can finish in a day, and reality show fiends will likely find it novel. But I can't shake the feeling that it could have been more.

The Crush House is out now on PC.

Some customers of ADT security equipment may have had personal information leaked onto the internet.

The home security giant acknowledged as much this week in an 8-K filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), per BleepingComputer. Hackers apparently got into ADT's systems and stole limited customer information to post on a hacking forum.

SEE ALSO: The best home security systems

"After becoming aware of the incident, the ompany promptly took steps to shut down the unauthorized access and launched an investigation, partnering with leading third-party cybersecurity industry experts," ADT's 8-K filing said.

According to ADT, the information that was leaked was limited to email addresses, phone numbers, and postal addresses. Without giving any hard numbers, ADT claimed that only a small percentage of its customers were affected by this hack.

BleepingComputer noted that data apparently stolen from ADT was posted on a hacking forum at the end of July. That data allegedly included customer user IDs and what products they had purchased from ADT. Companies are required to notify affected customers after data breaches in the U.S. and elsewhere, so if you were affected, you may hear from ADT soon, if you haven't already.

Whether you want to take gorgeous portraits or snap tons of pics at that party you have coming up, the best camera deals this week have you covered. Shop our picks below:

Best Camera Deals Best Mirrorless Camera Canon EOS R100 $399 at Amazon (Save $200) Get Deal Best Point and Shoot Camera Sony ZV-1 $648 at Amazon (Save $101.99) Get Deal Best Instant Camera Deal Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA (60 sheets bundle) $159.99 at Amazon (Save $30) Get Deal

When was the last time you took a photo with an actual camera? It might seem clunky this day and age to use single-function tech, especially if you're on the younger side of tech buyer, when your smartphone's camera can do so much. But having a camera, whether it's a sophisticated mirrorless camera or a simple instant camera for taking quick pics, can be fun and useful for preserving important memories. And it's a lot more fun than just scrolling through photos on your phone. There's just something to be said about having physical photos in your collection, taken by devices engineered to give you the best images possible.

If you're thinking about taking the plunge and grabbing a camera, now's a good time to do so. We've found a few deals you won't want to pass up on some of the best options around right now, with top names like Canon and Kodak to choose from. We've rounded up our picks below of the best camera deals of the week so you've got a few to choose from when you decide to start shopping.

Save money and take some awesome photos with the cameras below, which are all on sale now.

Best mirrorless camera Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Canon EOS R100 $399.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Canon EOS R100 is an affordable mirrorless camera that gives you more options than you'd get with a smartphone for an affordable price. It boasts a 24.2MP CMS sensor, 3.5 fps burst shooting mode with autofocus, 4K video capture, and 120 fps shooting at 1280 x 720. It has a sleek black body and is comparable to the more expensive DSLR EOS Rebel T7 but for less money, making it a good entry-level mirrorless option for anyone looking to get more into serious photography. Plus, its autofocus mode helps to pick out faces while shooting so you don't have to struggle with doing it on your own.

Best point and shoot camera Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Sony ZV-1 $648.00 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $101.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Sony ZV-1 camera is a fantastic point and shoot option that's especially great for vlogging, especially if you typically create content for video platforms like YouTube. It's a compact option that's also good at shooting still photos, with a 20.1MP 1-inch sensor that makes for absolutely excellent video quality paired with a 3.5mm mic that means you don't have to provide an external one if you're recording a lot of sound beyond voice. It's simple to use for beginners and professional users alike, and its autofocus is worth writing home about, too – it can nail down moving people and pets easily so you don't have to fiddle with your settings.

Best instant camera Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kodak Mini Shot 2 ERA (60 sheets bundle) $159.99 at Amazon
$189.99 Save $30.00 Get Deal Why we like it

This Kodak Mini Shot bundle comes with everything you need to take instant photos and print them to share with all your friends and family. It may look simple, but it has plenty of options, like auto-focus and face detection so you don't just take blurry photo after blurry photo. It has a thin, sleek and perfectly portable body that can print your images in seconds. Plus, this bundle gets you 60 additional printing sheets, so if you do take some throwaway pics here and there, you can try again. It's the perfect companion for a beach day or a vacation with friends. Plus, you get the instant gratification of photos in your hands in minutes.

At one point in time, finding love was a much more difficult process. It required you to commit to "putting yourself out there," relying on good old-fashioned luck to find what you were looking for, whether it be true love or a quick fling. But nowadays, the dating scene is easier to get into thanks to the best dating apps.

SEE ALSO: The dating app glossary: The A to Z of terms you need to know

People today are meeting their soul mates on dating apps — something that's becoming more and more common as society learns to navigate the ins and outs of online dating. A 2022 survey from the Pew Research Center found that out of nearly 6,000 respondents, one in 10 partnered adults (those who were married, in a long-term relationship, or living together) met through a dating app. For adults under 30 and members of the LGBTQ+ community, 20 to 24 percent found their partner on the apps.

A dating app for every desire

With so many dating apps out there, it's easy to feel confused or overwhelmed by the options. While Match Group (Tinder, Match, Archer, OkCupid, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and The League, among others) continues to dominate the market, you don't have to limit yourself to just one brand when looking for the best dating app.

There's a bit of an abundance of choice when it comes to settling on the best dating app for you, which can make an already tiring process that much harder. While Match Group (Tinder, Match, Archer, OkCupid, Hinge, Plenty of Fish, and The League, among others) continues to dominate the online dating market, you don't have to limit yourself to just one brand when looking for the best dating app. We encourage you to expand your horizons while picking one out, and maybe test a few to figure out what you like and don't like (kind of like dating, we guess?).

SEE ALSO: How to stay safe on dating apps

For example, First Round’s On Me (FROME) is a newer app that's gained popularity for its date invitation feature. Choose a drink, date, time, and venue, and the app will send a personalized invitation to your potential match. Once a date is confirmed, it's locked into both users' calendars, and the in-app chat feature is activated 12 hours before the date.

Other apps like Pure cater to people open to ethical, non-monogamous relationships or threesomes. There really is something for everyone, including more traditional dating apps like eharmony, Facebook Dating (think Tinder Lite, for your grandma), and Christian Mingle that swap endless scrolling for compatibility quizzes and faith-based connections.

One alternative app that we did originally recommend but can't anymore, though, is Feeld. The company's Dec. 2023 rebrand brought with it a slew of bugs and, more importantly, some location-related safety concerns. Since then, we've heard additional rumblings about security. Until we have more information, we'd suggest avoiding it for the time being.

The best dating apps of 2024

After testing out each of the apps and putting them through their paces, we've narrowed them down to just the best dating apps of 2024. Through hands-on testing, customer reviews, availability (all are available on the App Store or Google Play), privacy, and overall user-friendliness, we feel confident that you'll find your perfect match among these recommendations.

Amazon deals of the day at a glance: OUR TOP PICK Apple AirTags 4-pack $74.99 at Amazon (save $24.01) Get Deal BEST EARBUDS DEAL Sony LinkBuds S $128 at Amazon (save $71.99) Get Deal BEST STREAMING DEAL Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon (save $20) Get Deal BEST TABLET DEAL Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13 Bionic chip, 64GB, WiFi) $224 at Amazon (save $105) Get Deal

Before you kick off your weekend plans, you might want to check out some of the deals Amazon has to offer on Aug. 9. It may not be a big shopping event or holiday, but the mega retailer is still dishing out deals left and right — including on some of our favorite brands.

Here are our top picks for the best Amazon deals of the day on Aug. 9. And be sure to check back at our picks from earlier this week as well, since many of those are still live.

Our top pick Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTags 4-pack $74.99 at Amazon
$99.00 Save $24.01 Get Deal

An individual AirTag typically costs $29, which means it would cost you about $116 to buy four separately. With this four-pack deal, however, you'll pay just $74.99. That's basically like getting one and a half for free. Stick one on your luggage, keys, bike, tools, and anything else you don't want to lose and keep track of their location as long as there's an Apple device with Find My nearby. If you're an iPhone user, they're the best choice for a Bluetooth tracker.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sony Sony LinkBuds S noise-cancelling earbuds $128.00 at Amazon
$199.99 Save $71.99 Get Deal

The Sony LinkBuds S have "mighty noise cancellation features, immersive sound sure to please, and are also super portable and workout-friendly," former Mashable intern Stacia Datskovska wrote in her review. They might not be the best-looking buds on the block, but they definitely beat the original LinkBuds and are a solid choice for noisy commutes or flights. As of Aug. 9, they're also back on sale for just $128 at Amazon. That's a savings of 36% and about nine bucks away from their record-low.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad, 9th generation (A13 Bionic chip, 64GB WiFi) $224.00 at Amazon
$329.00 Save $105.00 Get Deal

On Wednesday, we featured the ninth generation iPad as our top Amazon deal of the day. At $229, it was matching a previous record-low price. On Aug. 9, however, that price has dropped even further to just $224 — a new record-low. Even though it's not the newest iPad on the market (it hails from 2021), it's still our favorite tablet for most people. It packs the A13 Bionic chip, a 10.2-inch Retina display, and up to 10 hours of battery life that'll help you power through all your basic tasks. I held off for awhile on buying this for myself, but at this price, I finally pulled the trigger.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00 Get Deal

For just $5 more than the typical Amazon Fire TV Stick, you can get the Fire TV Stick 4K. It does everything the regular streaming stick does, but better. As the name suggests, the 4K version offers support for cinematic 4K Ultra HD, as well as support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Dolby Atmos, and WiFi 6. Not to mention, Fire Stick now let you play Xbox games without a console. Snag it on sale for just $29.99 as of Aug. 9.

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

While back-to-school shopping has already begun, don't let it put a ticking clock on your summer. There's still plenty of time to get outside and make summer memories with friends and family, whether you're hitting the beach, taking off for a camping trip, or getting out to enjoy your local trails and parks. That's why we're rounding up some of the best outdoor deals at Amazon for this week - including paddleboards, beach chairs, and more.

These are the best outdoor deals of the week: Best beach chair deal Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair $71.50 at Amazon (save $12.49) Get Deal Best SUP deal Highpi Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board $187.49 at Amazon (save $72.50) Get Deal Best beach tent deal AMMSUN Beach Cabana $84.85 at Amazon (save $11.14) Get Deal

As of today, Aug 5, there are plenty of outdoor deals available at Amazon ranging from the ultimate folding backpack beach chair to a personal beach cabana. Keep your summer bucket list in mind as you look through this week's best outdoor deals.

Best beach chair deal Opens in a new window Credit: Tommy Bahama Our pick: Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair $71.50 at Amazon
$83.99 Save $12.49 Get Deal Why we like it

The Tommy Bahama Backpack Beach Chair is an ultra-functional comfy seat for the beach. It has five different positions, including the option to set it up so you can lie completely flat. Thanks to its backpack straps, it's super easy to pack the chair up and trek it to the beach or to the park for a picnic. With a rust-proof aluminum frame, it's durable for years of use. My grandmother got me the Tommy Bahama Backpack Chair for my birthday over ten years ago, and I still use it all through the summer to this day. While the sale price of $71.50 might still seem a little steep for a beach chair, it's a great value buy when you consider its quality and longevity.

Best SUP deal Opens in a new window Credit: Highpi Our pick: Highpi Inflatable Stand Up Paddle Board $187.49 at Amazon
$259.99 Save $72.50 Get Deal Why we like it

If your idea of the perfect summer day is less sitting and relaxing and more getting out and being active, a SUP board is a great way to enjoy the water while also getting good exercise. Whether you want to try SUP yoga or paddle around your favorite lakes and pods, the Highpi Inflatable Stand-Up Paddle Board has got you covered. This board measures 11 feet long by 33 inches wide, making it wide and steady enough for beginners who want that extra stability. It's made from military-grade materials for your safety and comes with a hand pump for easy setup. At under $200, this board makes getting into paddleboarding more affordable.

Best beach tent deal Opens in a new window Credit: AMMSUN Our pick: AMMSUN Beach Cabana $84.85 at Amazon
$95.99 Save $11.14 Get Deal Why we like it

While beach tents can be super helpful for staying cool and protecting our skin from harmful rays, sometimes traditional tent structures can feel a little cumbersome at the beach. That's why we're fans of the AMMSUN Beach Cabana - its canopy design provides shade while still being spacious and accessible. It's made from durable, waterproof fabric and offers SPF 50+ protection. According toAMMSUN, setup can be done by one person in as little as three minutes.

More great outdoor deals:

• The FitLife Nordic Trekking Poles — $19.98 $32.99 (save $13.01)

• Sportneer Camping Cot — $67.63 $80.99 (save $13.36)

• MTEN Pickleball Paddles — $35.99 $49.99 (save $14)

• CAMPROS 8-person tent — $35.99 $49.99 (save $14)

• Roc Inflatable SUP board — $229.49 $269.99 (save $40.50)

• YQXCC 4-pack cooling towels — $11.99 $14.99 (save $3)

• Overmont oversize camping chairs — $80.82 $109.99 (save $29.17)

Great news, cat lovers (and anyone who likes video games). The beloved dystopian feline adventure, Stray, is coming to the Nintendo Switch on Nov. 19. Announced by Annapurna Interactive on Aug. 8, which also happens to be International Cat Day, the award-winning game will be fully ported over to the popular handheld in all of its glory in just a few short months. It's unclear if this version will launch with any bonus content or extras at the moment, but we don't expect it to.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming deals of the week: Save on 'Baldur's Gate 3,' Xbox Game Pass, and a Switch Lite bundle

The debut title from BlueTwelve Studio released back in July of 2022 and was met with critical acclaim for its creativity, engaging puzzles, and overall cuteness. In it, you step into the paws of a nameless cat that is separated from its other cat friends and dumped into a cyberpunk-style city. Through exploration, platforming, and puzzle-solving, you'll have to find your own way out if you want to be reunited with your buddies. Although the situation isn't ideal, you'll still have the opportunity to partake in plenty of relaxing cat activities along your journey, like scratching random objects and taking short-but-frequent naps.

When can you pre-order Stray on the Nintendo Switch?

At the time of writing, Stray's Nintendo Switch port is not yet available to pre-order. But, we assume it will be in the coming weeks ahead of the Nov. 19 release date. If you feel like you can't wait until then and don't absolutely need to play it on a handheld console, the game is currently available on PlayStation, Xbox, Steam, and MacOS.

GET UP TO 33% OFF: As of August 9, Samsung is offering up to 33% off OLED TVs as part of its Samsung OLED Week sale.

Our top picks: Best gaming TV deal Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) $1,149.99 at Samsung (save $250 ) Get Deal Best 55-inch TV deal Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) $1,299.99 at Samsung (save $400) Get Deal Best 65-inch TV deal Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) $1,599.99 at Samsung (save $1,000) Get Deal

There are some staple items in every home that cost a lot upfront but provide years of use — washer and dryer sets, refrigerators, and TVs, to name a few.

While many people wait until their old TVs finally give out before upgrading, the latest advancements in OLED tech (like AI upscaling, Dolby Atmos, and super-fast refresh rates) may make it worthwhile to upgrade sooner rather than later.

SEE ALSO: The best time to buy a TV: A guide to the times of year that you'll find the best TV deals

Right now, Samsung is hosting its OLED TV Week with discounts of up to 33% off select OLED models, making now an opportune time to pull out your wallet and get yourself a new centerpiece for your living room.

Best gaming TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) $1,149.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $250.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 42-in Class OLED Gaming TV (S90D) is built for gamers. Its lightning-fast 144Hz refresh rate, combined with FreeSync Premium, guarantees tear-free, stutter-free, and low-latency gameplay for a true HDR experience. The AI Auto Game Mode is a game-changer (pun intended), automatically optimizing settings the moment you start playing. Plus, the Gaming Hub and Game Bar keep all your essential gaming tools at your fingertips so you can focus on the action and beat the competition.

Right now, you can get this TV at Samsung for $1,149.99 ($250 off the listing price). It’s the same price at Best Buy, but Amazon has it for $1,147.99, which is the lowest price you'll find it.

Best 55-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) $1,299.99 at Samsung
$1,699.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 55-inch Class OLED (S85D) isn’t a gaming TV but features Motion Xcelerator 120Hz for a smooth viewing experience. Its OLED HDR display delivers cinema-like visuals with perfect blacks, a wide spectrum of vibrant Pantone-validated colors, and exceptional contrast, making it ideal for movie nights or binge-watching your favorite series. The 120Hz refresh rate also means the sports fans in your life will be able to enjoy the Big Game without motion blur.

This model is priced at $1,299.99 at Samsung (a whopping $400 off the listing price). You can also get it at Best Buy for the same price, while Amazon is yet again undercutting at $1,297.99.

Best 65-inch TV deal Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Our pick: Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) $1,599.99 at Samsung
$2,599.99 Save $1,000.00 Get Deal Why we like it

The Samsung 65-inch Class OLED (S90C) is a premium TV that delivers vibrant, Pantone-validated colors, Dolby Atmos sound with Object Tracking Sound Lite, and a super smooth Motion Xcelerator Turbo Pro feature capable of a 144Hz refresh rate when in Game Motion Plus mode. It's also equipped with a Gaming Hub and comes with a convenient SolarCell Remote that you can control with your voice (if you want to).

This high-end model is going for $1,599.99 at Samsung, but you can get it for $1,499.99 at Best Buy and Amazon.

SAVE 27%: The Dirt Devil Portable Spot Compact is an affordable carpet cleaner, down to just $79.99 right now at Amazon. That's a $30 discount from its list price of $109.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dirt Devil Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner $79.99 at Amazon
$109.61 Save $29.62 Get Deal

Owning and maintaining carpets is hard work, which is why it's best to rely on carpet and upholstery cleaners to do the maintenance part. Although the Bissell Little Green Machine is our top recommendation, the Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner is a great alternative, and it's discounted right now.

As of August 9, you can get the Dirt Devil Portable Spot compact carpet cleaner for just $79.99 at Amazon, down from the usual list price of $109.99. That's a $30 (or 27%) discount. It's not the best price we've seen on this vacuum cleaner, but it usually retails for quite a bit more, so this isn't a bad time to snag.

We recently covered the Bissell Little Green Machine deal at $85.75, but if you missed that deal and have a $80 budget, the Dirt Devil should fit your needs. It promises simplified spot and stain removal, and a powerful enough motor to scrub away stubborn stains and dirt. It's also compact, so you can keep it out of sight when you aren't cleaning.

As Love Is Blind makes its big return to screens, this time with UK-based contestants, the dating reality TV series has shone a light on an important health issue for many women and AFAB (assigned female at birth) people.

One of the show’s contestants, Demi — who sat in the pods talking to an array of eligible men on her quest for love — was refreshingly candid about her experiences of endometriosis and how it's impacted her dating life in the past.

One particular conversation with her fellow contestant Ollie is an important story and example of representation of the disease, inside and outside of romantic storylines on the show.

What is endometriosis?

According to charity Endometriosis UK, endometriosis “is the name given to the disease where cells similar to the ones in the lining of the womb (uterus) are found elsewhere in the body”. This can lead to inflammation and the formation of scar tissue, and can cause a range of unpleasant symptoms: pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after sex, fatigue, an increased risk of having difficulty becoming pregnant, and more.

SEE ALSO: How to spice up your sex life when you have endometriosis

In the UK alone, around 1.5 million women and AFAB people are currently living with the condition. Demi, a contestant on Love is Blind UK, is one of them.

Love Is Blind UK makes space to talk about endometriosis

In episode 3, when Ollie asks Demi what’s stopping her from connecting with him emotionally, she explains how her endometriosis has been a barrier in past relationships.

"I’ve always wanted a family and to be a good mum," she tells him. "It’s hard for me to naturally conceive because I’ve got endometriosis."

"Sometimes I don’t feel like I’m enough which is really scary," Demi adds. "You really struggle each month – physically, mentally." She goes on to explain that fertility problems she has faced as a result of her endometriosis "really has ruined relationships".

Demi opened up about endometriosis on the third episode of "Love Is Blind UK." Credit: Netflix

These life-altering symptoms of endometriosis are so important to talk about with a partner, and receive support for. It’s a well-known fact that endometriosis is also under researched – making its representation in TV shows even more crucial for raising awareness and demanding change.

"Latest research shows that only 54 percent of people know what endometriosis is," Faye Farthing, head of communications at Endometriosis UK, tells Mashable. She adds that this directly impacts diagnosis times and awareness of symptoms — both crucial to improving treatment for and day-to-day experiences of the disease. 

Specifically, Love Is Blind UK’s spotlighting of endometriosis and how it can impact people's experiences of dating and relationships is a fantastic step forward for raising awareness. But it's also crucial for teaching people without it about the romantic and intimate difficulties that people with endometriosis may face.

Dating with endometriosis can mean challenging conversations

"Endometriosis can have a significant impact on people’s relationships," Farthing says. "It can be hard to start a conversation about your condition to a new partner, and it’s encouraging that this will be spotlighted on the new series of Love Is Blind, to show how open discussions can take place and the importance of highlighting your needs with a partner." 

"This can be a really difficult conversation, and can be challenging for both the person with endometriosis and their partner."

SEE ALSO: Orgasms trigger my endometriosis: The sex lives of people with endo

She adds that many with endometriosis report feeling isolated by their condition, feeling "frustrated at having to cancel social plans, and having an understanding partner is so incredibly important for those with the disease".

"Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves and shining a light on this not only helps remove the taboo associated with the disease and its symptoms, but also hopefully highlights how to have an open dialogue with a partner and the importance of being in a supportive relationship," Farthing says.

“Dating with endometriosis isn’t always given the spotlight it deserves."

Another fantastic example of endometriosis representation in pop culture right now is author Coco Mellors’ latest novel Blue Sisters. Published in May 2024, it explores the lives of four sisters — one of whom sadly passes away (before the novel even starts, so don’t worry, no spoilers) after an accidental overdose from attempting to medicate the pain from her endometriosis. Mellors has spoken openly about her reasons for incorporating endometriosis so centrally into a storyline — and it has everything to do with representation and spotlighting the need for more time and money to be put into women and non-binary people's health issues.

"In my first book, I have a character that has epilepsy, and that was because my best friend has epilepsy and I have never seen in any work someone dealing with the realities of it in a way that wasn't defining their life, but it was in their life, and I felt endometriosis is quite a similar disease in some ways," Mellors told Cosmopolitan in an interview. 

"It's just such an example for me of how male-centred the medical industry still is today, and how much women are expected to endure physically. It's a kind of lonely disease to be living with and I thought it felt true to this world that one of the sisters would have [endometriosis]."

It’s never been more important that endometriosis is talked about and recognised as a serious legitimate health condition — and watching storylines on TV and reading books about people and characters dealing with it can only further emphasise this.

Don't call it "benign"

Endometriosis UK is campaigning for healthcare professionals to stop using the word "benign" when referring to the disease, as well as other gynaecological conditions. The term can mean very real, often debilitating symptoms are underestimated, deprioritised, and ignored. Calling endometriosis "benign" stinks of medical misogyny, and lessens the perceived impact of diseases that affect so many women and non-binary people. 

We see the impact of the lack of awareness around endometriosis in author Sally Rooney’s debut novel Conversations With Friends and its TV adaptation. Protagonist Frances (played onscreen by Alison Oliver) has endometriosis, and struggles to be diagnosed and treated appropriately throughout the series. Frances experiences debilitating pain and excessive bleeding that she dismisses as "just her period". Then, when she does consult a medical professional, she is accused of having unprotected sex and is dismissed with a prescription of the contraceptive pill — a common tale. Eventually, she is diagnosed with endometriosis, but not after some wrong turns lead to her suffering from her symptoms for longer. Conversations With Friends perfectly encapsulates the importance of representing the realities of misdiagnosis and/or delayed diagnosis when it comes to conditions like endometriosis.

"Endometriosis care urgently needs to improve," Farthing says. "Not only does diagnosis in the UK take on average eight years and 10 months, but gynaecology waiting lists in England have grown faster each month than any other elective specialty in percentage terms and are now over double the size they were prior to the pandemic."

Campaigning for change, Endometriosis UK is calling for the UK government to commit to an average diagnosis time target for endometriosis, to recognise it as a common and chronic disease, and adjust menstrual wellbeing education to reflect this. More than that, more research and funding is needed "as part of an investment into women’s health" to discover better treatment, pain management, and a cure.

Representation of endometriosis on TV and in books...can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change. 

The sharing of endometriosis stories, on screen and otherwise, can help create real change, Farthing says. "We often hear from patients who have felt ignored and dismissed, and seeing other people’s experiences can be incredibly validating, and shows that you are not alone in what you are experiencing and that this is a disease that can have a huge impact on people’s lives."

So, representation of endometriosis on TV and in books — whether it’s on Love Is Blind UK, a bestselling novel or another form of pop culture — can help to raise much needed awareness to demand change. 

"Onscreen stories of endometriosis can go a long way in improving public awareness," Farthing says. "Driving public awareness is key to ensuring everyone recognises the symptoms of the disease and how to seek help."

How to watch: Love Is Blind UK is now streaming on Netflix.