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Let's be real, we're damn lucky to live in a time when Simone Biles is competing on our screens. The most decorated gymnast in history and an undisputed embodiment of the term GOAT, the 27-year old athlete has owned the world stage and the medal podium for over a decade now. She's swimming in Olympic medals. Five gymnastic skills have been named after her. And with her return to gymnastics topped with the Paris 2024 Olympics, Biles is writing her next glorious chapter.

But it hasn't been an easy cartwheel down the balance beam by any means for Biles — a challenging, compelling road you can join her on in Netflix's excellent docuseries Simone Biles Rising. It's cleverly directed by Katie Walsh with gorgeous cinematography from Jessica Young, both of whom worked on the 2021 Facebook Watch documentary Simone vs Herself. Two episodes of the four-part series have been released on Netflix, with more coming in autumn, and it's the quintessential watch for Olympic enthusiasts, sports fans, and documentary lovers alike.

SEE ALSO: When is Simone Biles competing at the Olympics today? Simone Biles Rising covers a lot of ground

Simone Biles Rising always has Biles' path to Paris on the horizon, but it begins at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics, with the first episode mostly focusing on Biles' most challenging career moment to date: her decision to withdraw from the artistic gymnastics women's team final. Biles had the world's eyes firmly fixed on her, navigating intense pressure to bring home the gold. In the final, Biles lost her way midair during a vault, experiencing a disconnection with her spatial awareness — an indication of "the twisties". Biles describes the feeling in her interview as "in jail with my brain and body," and the series digs further into just how dangerous and heartbreaking it can be for a gymnast, as well as the intense psychological stress related to it.

But Biles' decision would redefine the term GOAT and publicly champion the need to take care of oneself. Walsh's documentary examines how much pressure that term actually puts on an athlete, with perfection expected at every turn amid press and social media noise — admirably, Biles is tough enough to read some mean tweets right into the camera. 

SEE ALSO: The 35 best documentaries on Netflix

Some of the most impressive parts of the documentary are the sections in which you're allowed to join Biles back in the gym post-Tokyo, starting her years of training to rebuild, with the 2021 World Championships on the horizon — yep, the one where she landed the never-seen-before Yurchenko double pike. Honestly, watching these training sections, if you're a gymnastics noob like me, you won't see anything wrong — the jaw-dropping skills are out, people. But for Biles, this was a long road to recovery. The word "inspiring" gets thrown around a lot, especially with sports documentaries, but watching Biles keep at it with the support of her teammates and coaches, you can't really put it any other way. 

Simone Biles is frank, courageous, and real about her personal experiences

Ever a powerful speaker, Biles is generously candid about her experiences in her interviews in the documentary, reflecting on caring for her mental health and the impact of trauma on one's mind and body. Notably, Walsh gives Biles the space to reflect on recovery after sexual abuse. In 2018, among the #MeToo movement, Biles came forward with hundreds of women against USA Gymnastics team physician Larry Nassar, who was charged for decades of abuse against over 500 girls and young women — including Olympians Gabby Douglas, Aly Raisman, and McKayla Maroney. Biles showed incredible courage revisiting her trauma and testifying before the Senate with a powerful statement, and in the documentary, she's generous again in speaking to it alongside her teammates (I can also highly recommend watching Bonni Cohen and Jon Shenk's outstanding and enraging documentary Athlete A on Netflix, which specifically centres the survivors and sheds light on the corrupt systems created by USA Gymnastics and the U.S. Olympic Committee that failed to protect athletes.)

Biles also gives viewers a personal insight into private elements of her life, speaking about her childhood and foster care over photo albums, sharing her personal video diaries following her Tokyo exit, and letting viewers into her "forbidden Olympic closet" — a genuine treasure trove fit for a future museum. Watching Biles suddenly confront her Tokyo leotard, the uniform she was wearing during her vault, is deeply moving — and seemingly cathartic for the athlete. But there's plenty of joy too; watching Biles celebrate her successes is a delight to watch. The athlete taking you through all the moves named after her — including "The Biles" — with footage of each staggering skill is the most satisfying flex, and seeing Biles herself ask Siri "how many Olympic medals does Simone Biles have" is pure squeal.

A quintessential and comprehensive portrait of one of the greats — and she's only 27.

Importantly, the series also takes a broader look at gymnastics itself, diving into the unethical pressure put on young athletes. This includes the impact of a lack of proper support for athletes through injuries, namely citing U.S. gymnast Kerri Strug who vaulted with a broken ankle in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. The series also covers problematic beauty standards and centred whiteness within gymnastics and the experiences of Black women gymnasts like champions Betty Okino and Dominique Dawes, both of whom are interviewed in the series. Here, Biles also reflects on her epic "Black girl magic" moment sharing the World Championship podium with Brazil's Rebeca Andrade and America's Shilese Jones in 2023, and it rules.

In fact, Biles' personal and professional story is told and supported by an impressive array of talking heads like these, including Biles' mother Nellie, father Ron, and sister Adria, coaches Cécile Canqueteau-Landi and Laurent Landi, teammates including Aly Raisman and Joscelyn Roberson, NCAA gymnastics champion and psychology professor Onnie Willis Rogers, journalists Alice Park and Céline Nony, sports commentator Olly Hogben, and many more. Plus, there's some very sweet moments with her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, whom Biles married in 2023. 

Ultimately, the first two episodes of Simone Biles Rising are a quintessential and comprehensive portrait of one of the greats — and she's only 27 — amid a broad brush consideration of the state of gymnastics itself by those in it. With two more chapters on the way, the series has already offered a compelling look at Biles' athletic career that will perfectly pair with your Olympic viewing, while giving you an understanding of what it means to rebuild, work hard, and challenge yourself to overcome life's curveballs — whatever form they may take.

How to watch: Simone Biles Rising is now streaming on Netflix.

Have you ever been in a situation where you were sexting your beau and couldn't find the right emoji to make the conversation pop? Well, LELO (the ultra-luxe sex toy brand) is working on making the emoji library better equipped to handle your steamy NSFW exchanges.

SEE ALSO: Is sexting right away on a dating app a red flag? A potential sex toy emoji

The company's asking you to help develop the world's first sex toy emoji (it looks like the suction vibrator SONA 2 Cruise) by signing the "Implement the Sex Toy Emoji in Unicode" petition on Change.org. Less than 100 people have signed as of publication, but LELO is hoping to obtain at least one million signatures. Then, they'll submit the petition to the Unicode Consortium, the nonprofit organization that manages the universal emoji standard (AKA the folks in charge of emojis).

Unicode currently adds new emoji on an annual basis. The latest — which could come to iOS 18 — appear to include a baggy-eyed face, a harp, and a fingerprint. Not very sexy.

This isn't the first time LELO has tried to get a sex toy emoji approved. In 2021, the company launched the "Support our application for an official #sexemoji" campaign, but it only managed to get 1,002 signatures.

"No matter how much we have all started paying attention to our bodies and minds, there's a worrying trend concerning sexual wellness; it is the silence," said LELO CMO Luka Matutinovic in a press release.

"We can talk about supplements, about mental health, but at the same time dread talking about masturbation. Both in the context of self-care and the context of pleasure! This also makes masturbation incredibly difficult to study," he continued. "People get increasingly uncomfortable with disclosing such personal and intimate details of their lives. As a sexual wellness brand, LELO is acutely aware of the lack of conversation surrounding the topic of masturbation."

A LELO survey shows that 76 percent of respondents use emojis when communicating about sex — so why not make life easier with a vibrator emoji?

Right now, we're stuck with peaches, eggplants, and water droplets (the most popular emojis among LELO's survey participants, by the way). While these emojis might subtly get the message across, they often turn intimate moments into a bit of a joke. (Genmoji, the ability to create our own emoji, likely won't help this front.) We're adults, and we deserve emojis that reflect the nuances of our desires without resorting to silly fruit metaphors.

"It is said that shame disappears when you create safe spaces for stories to be told," said Matutinovic. "We would like to add that having adequate words or substitution for words, like an emoji, further helps erase the shame. It is because of this that the next milestone in fully liberating the discourse on sex is this sex toy emoji."

Tesla has issued a recall for 1.8 million cars in the United States, one of the largest recalls in the company's history.

The issue has to do with the cars' software failing to detect an unlatched hood, Reuters reported on Tuesday. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), an unlatched hood can "fully open and obstruct the driver's view and increasing the risk of a crash."

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk sets new date for Tesla's Robotaxi reveal

The recall affects some 2021-2024 Model 3, Model S, and Model X cars, as well as 2020-2024 Model Y vehicles. The total number of vehicles that are potentially affected is 1,849,648.

Fortunately for Tesla and Tesla car owners, this is one of those recalls which can be fixed via an over-the-air software update, and Tesla has already started rolling out a fix. The company also issued a smaller recall for a similar issue earlier in July.

Tesla's list of recalls is growing long. While most issues were fixed with a software update, some, like the recent recall of nearly all Cybertrucks over a windshield wiper issue, did require owners to visit a Tesla service center.

The latest recall affects the majority of Tesla cars on the road, but it's not as big as the recall from last December, which affected more than 2 million Teslas, which was basically all of them at the time.

Tesla keeps an official, though oddly sparse, list of recalls affecting its vehicles on its website.

TL;DR: Stream a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There have been many massive moments at Paris 2024, but the fact that the U.S. men's gymnastics team has won an Olympic medal for the first time in 16 years should not go unnoticed. In fact, we encourage everyone to watch a replay of the event.

If you want to watch the a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final

A replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 is available to 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Stream a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 (plus all the live events still to come) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale 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 a replay of the artistic gymnastics men’s team final at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

BTS' Jimin and Jungkook made a travel show and the Disney+ trailer for "Are You Sure?" looks as delightful as that sounds.

Jon Stewart broke down the Republican reaction to Kamala Harris replacing Joe Biden on "The Daily Show".

In the 1800s, pioneering scientists foresaw how carbon in the air could warm Earth. By 1938, English engineer Guy Callendar had linked rising atmospheric carbon dioxide to global warming.

Now in 2024 — with atmospheric CO2 at its highest levels in at least 800,000 years — NASA found July 22 was the hottest day observed in the modern satellite record. With the use of spacecraft and modern instrumentation, NASA can run a relatively quick analysis of global temperatures. This scorching day (amid a scorching two weeks) demonstrates a "long-term warming trend driven by human activities, primarily the emission of greenhouse gases," NASA said in a statement.

"In a year that has been the hottest on record to date, these past two weeks have been particularly brutal," the space agency's administrator Bill Nelson said, noting the agency uses over two dozen Earth-observing satellites to collect climate data.

"Oppressive heat" recently blanketed the Western U.S. and Northern Plains, for example, helping boost global average temperatures to over 17 C (around 63 degrees Fahrenheit), which of course includes frigid realms like Antarctica. Summer heat waves are indeed normal, but a warmer climate boosts the odds of severe, persistent, and record-breaking temperatures.

SEE ALSO: NASA scientist viewed first Voyager images. What he saw gave him chills.

The graphic below shows daily data collected by satellites along with weather observations from land, sea, and air between 1980 and 2024. These millions of observations are then combined and analyzed by NASA’s Global Modeling and Assimilation Office computer programs — specifically using the Modern-Era Retrospective analysis for Research and Applications, Version 2 (MERRA-2) and the Goddard Earth Observing System Forward Processing (GEOS-FP).

- White lines show daily temperature data from MERRA-2 between 1980 to 2022

- Pink lines show daily temperature values in 2023 (MERRA-2)

- Red lines show daily temperature values in 2024 (MERRA-2)

- Purple shows global values between July 1 and July 23, 2024, using the GEOS-FP system, which provides a faster analysis from MERRA-2, though MERRA will assess these global observations, too.

Modern observations with instruments in space and on Earth allow agencies like NASA to track daily global temperature. Credit: NASA / Global Modeling and Assimilation Office / Peter Jacobs Earth's atmospheric CO2 levels over the last 800,000 years. Credit: NASA

The recent heat continues a stark and much longer warming trend than has been observed in the satellite record, and which began around 1980. "2023 was Earth’s warmest year since modern record-keeping began around 1880, and the past 10 consecutive years have been the warmest 10 on record," NASA noted.

The planet is already reacting to about 2 F (1.1 C) of warming since the late 1800s: Wildfires are surging in the U.S., major Antarctic ice sheets have destabilized, heat waves are smashing records, storms are intensifying, sea levels are rising, and beyond. It will only grow hotter for much of this century.

But, crucially, climate change doesn't mean humanity is inherently doomed. We can make energy choices that drastically slash the amount of heat-trapping gases society emits into the atmosphere. "We have a significant amount of influence over how much warmer it gets," climate scientist Zeke Hausfather previously told Mashable.

TL;DR: Grab this open-box MyCharge 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand on sale for only $23.99 and keep all your devices charged in one place.

Opens in a new window Credit: MyCharge MyCharge 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand (New - Open Box) $23.99 at The Mashable Shop
$79.99 Save $56.00 Get Deal

If you're always juggling multiple chargers for your devices, it's time to clear the clutter and streamline your charging routine. Designed for ultimate convenience, the MyCharge True Universal 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand can simultaneously power your smartphone, smartwatch, and wireless earbuds. Normally $79.99, you can get it for 70% off at $23.99.

Its universal compatibility means it works with all Qi-enabled devices so you can charge everything in one place. The stand can fold flat, making it easy to carry with you wherever you go. Plus, the sliding shelf feature ensures all your devices can fit.

Not only does this stand keep your devices powered up, but it also declutters your space. Say goodbye to tangled cords and multiple chargers taking up space. With its compact and functional design, the MyCharge 3-in-1 stand could be a stylish addition to your desk, countertop, or nightstand.

It offers all the functionality you need at a fraction of the cost, due to its "open-box" label, meaning it was excess inventory or was returned and repackaged. Despite this status, it's a brand new item with zero cosmetic flaws.

Get your hands on this versatile and practical charging solution today while supplies last, and experience the convenience of having all your essential devices charged in one place.

For a limited time, get this open-box MyCharge True Universal 3-in-1 Wireless Charging Stand at a 70% discount for $23.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: For a limited time, save 28% on this open-box Eufy WiFi Robot Vacuum and take the hassle out of cleaning your floors. Thanks to this robot vacuum deal, the Eufy BoostIQ 30C is now available for $99.99 (reg. $139.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy BoostIQ 30C Wi-Fi Robot Vacuum (New - Open Box) $99.99 at The Mashable Shop
$139.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

Picture this: it's a sunny Saturday morning, and instead of lounging on the couch with a good book, coffee in hand, you're spending precious weekend hours vacuuming. Enter the Eufy BoostIQ 30C WiFi Robot Vacuum, the smart cleaning companion that handles the dirty work so you can enjoy your day off. 

This sleek, low-profile vacuum is on sale for $99.99 thanks to an open box deal, and it's rated to be in brand new condition with zero cosmetic flaws. This handy robovac is designed to glide effortlessly under furniture, reaching those icky dust bunnies and crumbs hiding in hard-to-reach places. With its BoostIQ technology, the Eufy automatically increases suction power when it detects extra dirt or debris, making sure your floors are spotless.

Connect it to your home WiFi, and you're ready to control it via the EufyHome app, Alexa, or Google Assistant. Schedule cleanings, switch modes, or even locate your robot with just a few taps or voice commands. It has a triple-filter system, capturing allergens, dust mites, and other tiny particles. Whether you have kids who play on the floor or pets that shed constantly, this robot vacuum works to keep your carpets and hard floors squeaky-clean.

You can run this quiet vacuum while watching TV or having a conversation, without a distracting roar in the background. And with its 100-minute runtime, it can tackle multiple rooms on a single charge before returning to its base for a recharge.

This model is considered "open-box" because it was either returned and repackaged, or was considered excess inventory. But rest assured, it is a new item.

Embrace the future of home cleaning and reclaim your weekends with the open-box Eufy BoostIQ 30C WiFi Robot Vacuum, on sale for $99.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Upgrade your gaming setup with this open-box Dell 24" LED Gaming Monitor, discounted 60% for a limited time at $89.99.

Ready to take your gaming experience to the next level without breaking the bank? Dive into your favorite games with crystal-clear visuals and smooth performance, all thanks to this LED gaming monitor. This isn't just any screen — it's your path to more immersive gameplay and sharper, more vibrant images.

For a limited time, you can get this open-box gaming monitor for a massive discount at $89.99 (reg. $229). "Open-box" simply means that this item was either excess inventory or was returned by a customer and repackaged, but it is a brand-new monitor.

This monitor features a full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, providing sharp detail for every game. The 75Hz refresh rate provides smoother visuals and reduces motion blur, giving you a competitive edge in fast-paced games. With a 2ms response time, you won't have to worry about ghosting and lag, and you can enjoy real-time action as it happens.

The slim screen makes for an ergonomic setup, and the adjustable tilt feature helps you find the perfect viewing angle. Dual HDMI ports make it easy to switch between your PC and console, so you can game on whichever platform you prefer without hassle.

Whether you're a casual gamer or a dedicated enthusiast, this monitor is a great addition to your gaming setup, combining performance, style, and affordability. 

Regularly $229, take advantage of this sale on an open-box Dell 24" LED Gaming Monitor for $89.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dell Dell SE2417HGX 24" 1920x1080 75Hz LED Gaming Monitor (New - Open Box) $89.99 at The Mashable Shop
$229.99 Save $140.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Enjoy premium sound on the go with these open-box refurbished first-generation Apple AirPods Pro and MagSafe charging case for $119.99 (reg. $249).

Did you miss out on scoring a pair of Apple AirPods Pro for a discount in the last few weeks? Don't worry, because now is your chance to get these premium earbuds at an unbeatable price. Refurbished and ready to deliver top-notch audio, these refurbished AirPods Pro that include a MagSafe charging case are available for just $119.99.

These grade-A refurbished AirPods Pro are perfect for anyone seeking high-quality sound, noise cancellation, and a comfortable fit. The active noise-cancellation feature blocks out background noise, letting you immerse yourself in your favorite tunes or podcasts. When you need to hear what's going on around you, switch to Transparency Mode with one touch.

The customizable fit ensures comfort for all-day wear, with three sizes of soft silicone tips. These AirPods Pro also come with sweat- and water-resistance features, making them ideal for workouts and rainy days. The MagSafe charging case provides over 24 hours of battery life so your earbuds are always ready when you are.

With their grade "A" refurbished status, these AirPods Pro offer incredible value without compromising on performance, as that rating means they are in near-mint condition.

Upgrade your listening experience today and enjoy the convenience and quality that come with these renowned earbuds available at a super low price.

Normally $249, this open-box refurbished first-generation Apple AirPods Pro and MagSafe charging case is on sale for $119.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 1st Gen with MagSafe Charging Case (Refurbished) $119.99 at The Mashable Shop
$249.00 Save $129.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Secure access to your favorite free porn sites with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, XVideos, and Xnxx is ExpressVPN.

There is a time and a place for visiting your favorite porn sites. There are a lot of locations around the world that block access to sites like Pornhub and xHamster, and that's probably a good idea. That being said, the ability to retain your online freedom is important (when the time is right).

We're not suggesting that you bypass online restrictions to access porn sites in inappropriate moments, but sometimes you'll want to access your favorite sites in private, but won't be able to do that because a block is in place. In this situation, you should consider using a VPN.

If you're looking for the best way to unblock sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Xnxx for free

VPNs can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This simple process means you can bypass geo-restrictions to access porn sites like Xnxx from anywhere in the world. The process is actually really straightforward.

Unblock Xnxx by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location that supports access to Xnxx

4. Watch Xnxx videos from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for bypassing content restrictions are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Xnxx and then recover your investment at a later date. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can retain access to porn sites when traveling or temporarily away from home.

What is the best VPN for porn?

ExpressVPN is the best service for fast and reliable unblocking of porn sites like Xnxx, 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

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Unblock Xnxx for free with ExpressVPN.

There's a new way to create an AI version of yourself, and it's easier than ever.

Meta has announced it started rolling AI Studio out to people in the U.S. It's a tool that lets users create AI-fied versions of themselves, or custom AI characters of any sort.

There are two ways to interact with AI Studio; you can either go to ai.meta.com/ai-studio or just use the Instagram app on your phone. On Instagram, all you have to do is open messaging, start a new message, and then tap on "Create an AI chat."

You will then be led through a character creation wizard which will let you set your AI character's name, personality, tone, avatar, and tagline. Meta actually created an 18-page "AI Studio Handbook," a PDF document with instructions on how to make the most of AI Studio.

Your AI character is more than just an avatar; it has specific knowledge and its own personality. Credit: Meta

The AI character that you create is more than just an AI-fied avatar; it's an actual AI-powered character that has specific knowledge and personality. You can even set topics you don't want your AI bot to talk about, or accounts you don't want it to interact with. And yeah, responses from AI characters are labeled as such, so you can't have an AI actually take your place and interact with people while pretending to be you.

To show off what this tool can do, Meta listed a couple of characters created by celebs and professionals such as chef Marc Murphy or photographer and videographer Angel Barclay.

SEE ALSO: Apple's AI features will be late, report claims

There's a pretty big caveat to all this, though: It only works for users in the U.S. This means that users in, say, Europe, will not be able to create their own characters, but it also means they won't even be able to see the AI characters created by others, including the ones listed above. The European Union, in particular, has a specific set of rules when it comes to AI, and companies such as Meta and Apple are taking it very slow when it comes to anything AI in Europe.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 30 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 30

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, July 30, 2024:

Across"Style, charm or attractiveness," per a modern coinage

• The answer is rizz.

Close bud

• The answer is homie.

Black cats and red moons, supposedly

• The answer is omens.

Make a face, say

• The answer is react.

Prefix with fat or fiction

• The answer is non.

DownTitle Shakespeare role for a young DiCaprio

• The answer is Romeo.

"That is to say …"

• The answer is Imean.

Chemical element found in many immune-boosting supplements

• The answer is zinc.

Finely grate, as a lemon peel

• The answer is zest.

Car's noisemaker

• The answer is horn.

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.

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

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.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for July 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 30

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.

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: That's a stretch!

The hint for the theme is refers to things you would physically do.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are different names for yoga poses.

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 YogaPoses.

NYT Strands word list for July 30

• Chair

• Cobra

• Crow

• YogaPoses

• Tree

• Warrior

• Mountain

• Bridge

Looking for other daily online games? Find one you might like – or hints for another game you're already playing – on Mashable's Games page.

TL;DR: Live stream Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Spain and Egypt are back on the pitch for another Paris 2024 Olympic match. The Group C teams will be going head-to-head in Bordeaux as they hope to qualify for the quarter-finals.

If you want to watch Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024?

Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 takes place at 9:00 a.m. ET on July 30. The event will be held at Bordeaux Stadium, Bordeaux.

How to watch Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 for free

Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but if you want to catch Spain vs. Egypt from elsewhere in the world, you can do so with the use of a VPN. These are tools that hide your real IP address and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can unblock free streaming sites such as BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream select matches from the Olympics before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream Spain vs. Egypt at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Stay safe on the internet with a lifetime subscription to BulletVPN for £22.53 (reg. £125.96) — 82% savings as of July 28.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bullet VPN BulletVPN: Lifetime Subscription £22.53 at the Mashable Shop
£125.96 Save £103.43 Get Deal

If you're ready to (finally) take steps to up your security online, BulletVPN is a great place to start. Through August 4, you can save over £100 on a lifetime subscription to this digital security tool.

A VPN, or virtual private network, masks your IP address by re-routing your online activity through remote servers located all over the world, offering you true privacy while you're using the web. Not only does that keep you anonymous while you browse, but it also renders ad trackers and cookies obsolete.

BulletVPN uses industry-standard encryption protocols to offer the fast internet speeds you crave and the protection you need. Even if you're using a public WiFi connection, you can simply activate your VPN to encrypt your online activity.

This service has over 50 server locations all over the world. Once you sign up, you can activate your subscription on up to six devices, so you aren't limited to your laptop, smartphone, or tablet.

Is there a catch? Just one. This deal is so good that it's only available to new users. So long as you qualify, you can sign up at this reduced price.

Normally, a lifetime pass to this VPN costs £125.96. But for a limited time, you can get lifetime access to BulletVPN, protect your information, and unlock more streaming entertainment channels for just £22.53. That's 82% off, but only for a limited time. This sale only lasts through Aug. 4 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

TL;DR: Live stream the 100m final at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We've only just made it through the epic events of the Tour de France, and now Paris 2024 is coming through with what promises to be an exciting cycling road race. It's an awesome time to be a fan of cycling.

If you want to watch the cycling road race at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is the cycling road race at Paris 2024?

The cycling road race at Paris 2024 takes place at 5 a.m. ET on Aug. 3.

How to watch the cycling road race at Paris 2024 for free

The cycling road race at Paris 2024 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream the cycling road race at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the cycling road race at Paris 2024 (plus all the events that follow) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the cycling road race at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Armand Duplantis at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of stars competing for medals at Paris 2024, but Armand Duplantis could claim to be the best at his discipline. The world record holder has been absolutely dominant in the men's pole vault, and will be the heavy favorite to claim gold in Paris.

If you want to watch Armand Duplantis at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Duplantis competing at Paris 2024?

Armand Duplantis is set to compete in one event at Paris 2024:

Men's Pole Vault

• Men's Pole Vault Qualification — 4:10 a.m. ET on Aug. 3

• Men's Pole Vault Final — 1 p.m. ET on Aug. 5

How to watch Duplantis at Paris 2024 for free

The Men's Pole Vault at Paris 2024 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream the Men's Pole Vault at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the Men's Pole Vault at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the Men's Pole Vault at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sha’Carri Richardson at Paris 2024 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Sha’Carri Richardson is one of the stars of Paris 2024, with fans from all over the globe. Fortunately for those devoted fans, you can follow the talented sprinter in Paris without spending anything.

If you want to watch Sha’Carri Richardson at Paris 2024 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Richardson competing at Paris 2024?

Sha’Carri Richardson is set to compete in one event at Paris 2024:

Women's 100m

• Women's 100m Preliminary Round — 4:35 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

• Women's 100m Round 1 — 5:50 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

• Women's 100m Semi-Final — 1:50 p.m. ET on Aug. 3

• Women's 100m Final — 4:20 p.m. ET on Aug. 3

How to watch Richardson at Paris 2024 for free

The Women's 100m at Paris 2024 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 unblock free streaming sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Unblock BBC iPlayer for free by following this simple process:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

2. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream the Women's 100m at Paris 2024 from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it gives you time to stream the Women's 100m at Paris 2024 (plus all the other events) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

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

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Live stream the Women's 100m at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.