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TL;DR: Watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WNBA playoffs are almost here. Some teams are looking toward the postseason and hoping to vie for the 2024 title, while others are resigned to regrouping.
The Los Angeles Sparks have had a poor season and at this point they're playing for pride, having been ruled out of a playoff spot. Minnesota Lynx, meanwhile, have been one of the top teams this year and will look to begin their playoff campaign with momentum. Can they score a big win against Los Angeles?
Fortunately, you can watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx from anywhere around the world. Keep reading to find out how.
When is Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx?Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA starts at 8 p.m. ET on Sep. 19. This fixture takes place at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
How to watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota LynxBasketball fans can watch Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.
The WNBA League Pass unfortunately doesn't show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas, but you can sidestep the blackout rules by using a VPN. A VPN is a super helpful online tool that works by masking your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in another location or country. This will allow you to watch every WNBA League Pass game live, excluding games streamed by Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently on sale for $99.95 for a limited time, which gives you an overall saving of 49%. Within this offer you get a bonus three months for no extra costs, as well as a year of unlimited cloud backup and a generous money-back guarantee within 30 days.
Stream Los Angeles Sparks vs. Minnesota Lynx in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The regular season is coming to a close, but the WNBA playoffs are just around the corner. While some teams are confirmed for the postseason, others are fighting for a spot — which will make Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty very interesting.
New York Liberty have been the strongest team this season. They're sat top of the national league and secured a playoff berth weeks ago. Atlanta Dream are still just about in the running for the playoffs but they'll need to pull out something special here and hope other results go their way.
If you want to watch Atlanta Dream vs New York Liberty in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, read below to find out how.
When is Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty?Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York.
How to watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York LibertyBasketball fans can watch Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.
The WNBA League Pass doesn't show locally televised games in participating teams' local areas, but you can sidestep these blackout rules by signing up with a VPN.
VPNs are super useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you with a secure server based in another location. This will allow you to watch WNBA League Pass games as they happen, though this excludes the select games streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for a limited time at $99.95 — a saving of 49%. This deal includes an extra three months of usage along with an entire year of unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Atlanta Dream vs. New York Liberty in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA with WNBA League Pass. Avoid blackouts and watch the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WNBA regular season is coming to an end, which means it's almost time for the WNBA playoffs. Before that though, Chicago Sky visit Connecticut Sun for what promises to be an exciting showdown.
Connecticut Sun have had a strong season, sitting third in the overall league standings with a playoff spot in the bag. For Chicago, however, recent weeks have been tough and their playoff dreams are up in the air — can they turn those dreams into a slam dunk and secure a berth in the postseason?
If you want to watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world, keep reading to find out how.
When is Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun?Los Angeles Sparks vs. Chicago Sky in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Mohegan Sun Arena in Uncasville, Connecticut.
How to watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut SunBasketball fans can watch Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun plus the remainder of the WNBA 2024 season from anywhere in the world with a WNBA League Pass.
While the WNBA League Pass doesn't show locally televised games live in the participating teams' local areas, you can dribble around the blackout rules by employing a VPN.
VPNs are helpful online tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location). You can then connect to secure servers based in other locations and watch WNBA League Pass games as they happen, though select games are streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
To access every WNBA League Pass game, follow these easy steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with no broadcast deals for the WNBA
Log in to WNBA League Pass
Stream every WNBA game live (except games hosted by Amazon Prime Video)
ExpressVPN is the best choice for hiding your real IP address and streaming more sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is now on sale for $99.95, which includes an extra three months of usage for free. That's an overall saving of 49%. Within this offer you also get a whole year of unlimited cloud backup and a very generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Chicago Sky vs. Connecticut Sun in the WNBA from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
The WNBA regular season is almost done, but not before Indiana Fever visit the Washington Mystics for an end-of-season showdown.
Indiana have already claimed their postseason berth, but the Washington Mystics have been battling to clinch that all-important 8th place in the league, which would see them also join the playoffs. Can Washington get the win to stay in contention?
The good news is you can watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free from anywhere in the world. Keep reading to find out how.
When is Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics?Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA starts at 7 p.m. ET on Sept. 19. This fixture takes place at the Entertainment and Sports Arena in Washington, DC.
How to watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington MysticsIndiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics is free to watch on Prime Video in the U.S. If you're not already subscribed, don't worry, you can still watch the game for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video in the U.S.
For WNBA fans not in the U.S., you can still watch the WNBA by using a VPN. The process is simple:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Watch Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not technically free, but top VPN services tend to offer free trials or money-back guarantees. By taking advantage of these offers, you can watch the WNBA on Prime Video — all without committing with your cash in the long run. It's a short-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select WNBA fixtures before you claim back your investment.
What is the best VPN for Prime Video?ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
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. As part of this plan you also get a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Stream Indiana Fever vs. Washington Mystics in the WNBA for free with ExpressVPN.
TL;DR: Live stream New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free with a 30-day trial of Prime Video. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Prime Video has bagged the rights to Thursday Night Football this season, with an exciting lineup of fixtures including New England Patriots vs. New York Jets. This heated rivarly often delivers exciting games, so fans will be delighted to hear that they can access a live stream of Patriots vs. Jets without spending anything.
If you're interested in watching New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free, we have all the information you need.
When is Patriots vs. Jets?New England Patriots vs. New York Jets takes place at 8:15 p.m. ET on Sep 19. This fixture will be played at the MetLife Stadium.
How to watch Patriots vs. Jets for freeNew England Patriots vs. New York Jets is available to live stream on Prime Video in the U.S., but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch New England Patriots vs. New York Jets (plus more Thursday Night Football fixtures) for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.
Fans from outside the U.S. will need to use a VPN to watch the NFL for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:
Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Watch New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video
The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but top VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these deals, you can access free live streams of the NFL without actually spending anything. It's a short-term solution, but this gives you enough time to watch select NFL fixtures before recovering your investment.
What is the best VPN for the NFL?ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure
Fast connection speeds
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is currently available for $99.95. Within this limited time deal you'll get an extra three months at no additional cost, a whole year of unlimited cloud backup for free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Live stream New England Patriots vs. New York Jets for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.
Get ready to grapple with one of the most pivotal eras in professional wrestling history, now finally getting the Netflix treatment in The Queen of Villains. The Japanese semi-biographical drama, which first hit screens in 2023, centers on none other than Dump Matsumoto — the baddest heel wrestler you’ve probably never heard of, but definitely should have. She was the ultimate foil to the beloved Crush Gals, the unstoppable idol-pop duo of Lioness Asuka and Chigusa Nagoya, who combined wholesome charm with serious in-ring talent and some pretty good J-Pop.
These three icons, along with Matsumoto’s gang of misfits known as The Atrocious Alliance, helped catapult All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling into the big leagues and revolutionized the sport for both men and women. So, before The Queen of Villains drops stateside, we’re giving you a crash course on the legends, the rivalries, and the epic matches that took these women to the top in Japan.
What are AJW and Joshi Proresu?For some context, The Queen of Villains takes us back to the chaotic, high-stakes world of 1980s pro wrestling, focusing on Joshi Proresu — the Japanese term for women's wrestling that cuts through gender divides in a way you won’t find in WWE or All Elite Wrestling. Unlike its Western counterparts, Joshi wrestling didn’t treat women’s matches as an afterthought. Instead, it put them front and center, demanding the same level of fast-paced, hard-hitting, and emotionally charged storytelling that male-dominated promotions like New Japan Pro Wrestling and All Japan were known for. It’s a sports meets spectacle, with an intensity that rivaled anything the guys were doing.
Founded in 1968 by Takashi Matsunaga, All Japan Women’s Pro-Wrestling (AJW) was the place for joshi wrestling in Japan — and for a long time, the only one. This is the company that booked the legendary clashes between Matsumoto and the Crush Gals during the mid-80s, captivating the entire country. AJW first found success in the early '80s thanks to stars like Jaguar Yokota and Devil Masami, but it was the unprecedented mainstream fame of the Crush Gals — and their explosive rivalry with Matsumoto — that really took things to the next level, even topping TV ratings across Japan.
AJW dominated the Joshi scene until the 1990s when the forced retirement of the Crush Gals started a slow decline. A series of bad investments led to bankruptcy in 1997, and the company lost media deals until it eventually folded in 2005.
AJW was an absolute breeding ground for innovation, giving us some of the most iconic moves in wrestling, courtesy of its stars like Manami Toyota, Bull Nakano, and Kyoko Inoue. Ever heard of the Jackhammer? The Air Raid Crash? How about the Vertebreaker or Death Valley Driver? Yeah, those were all created by Joshi women, and they’ve become staples of the wrestling world. These trailblazers weren’t just redefining women's wrestling — they were reshaping wrestling as a whole, leaving a lasting imprint on the sport’s DNA that’s still felt in the ring today.
AJW matches can be hard to find whole on the internet but if you're curious about the company's body of work, you can find a match guide on Cagematch.
Who are the Crush Gals?In the 1980s, The Crush Gals were the faces of pro wrestling in Japan, rivaling the similar cultural zeitgeist Hulk Hogan had in the US with Hulkamania. Formed in 1983, Lioness Asuka (Tomoko Kitamura) and Chigusa Nagoya captured the hearts of Japan with a mix of youthful charm, fierce in-ring skill, and a massive following of teenage fangirls — not to mention their successful run as pop idols. Together, they dominated the scene, winning AJW’s World Women’s Wrestling Association Tag Team Championship four times.
But it was their blood feud with Dump Matsumoto and her Atrocious Alliance that really solidified their legacy. In 1985, their rivalry pulled in a jaw-dropping 12.0 TV rating on Fuji TV, meaning that around 14 million people in Japan were glued to their screens every week. Just to put that into perspective, even during WWE and WCW’s Monday Night Wars in the ’90s, the best they could pull was 8.1 and 6.0 ratings, respectively. The Crush Gals were bigger than big — they were a phenomenon.
The Crush Gals’ rivalry with Dump Matsumoto hit its dramatic peak on August 28, 1985, with one of the most important matches in wrestling history — a brutal hair vs. hair showdown between Chigusa Nagoya and Matsumoto. It’s a must-watch for any serious wrestling fan. While the Gals finally triumphed over Matsumoto’s stable in the 1987 Tag League the Best tournament, by then, Nagoya and Asuka had made names for themselves as singles stars.
So, what does AJW do with a duo that’s launched their company into mainstream superstardom? Force them to retire at 26, of course. Yep, despite the Crush Gals’ insane popularity, AJW had a strict rule that women had to hang up their boots by that age. The rule was partly driven by societal expectations in ’80s Japan, where women were expected to settle down and embrace domestic life. Plus, considering the physically intense style of Joshi wrestling, early retirements might have been a smart call — AJW ran 250-300 shows a year and pro wrestling already has a troubling premature death rate.
Despite this, AJW never saw the same level of success after retiring the Crush Gals and yet the company still kept the policy in place.
After their forced retirements in 1989, both Nagoya and Asuka took a break from wrestling, but it didn’t last long. Nagoya made some brief returns in the ’90s with AJW and JWP Joshi Puroresu, eventually founding her own promotion, GAEA Japan, in 2000. Asuka returned to AJW in 1994, though not with the same star power she had in the ’80s. The two reunited in GAEA, reforming the Crush Gals for semi-regular matches until GAEA folded in 2005.
Nagoya would retire two more times, with her most recent send-off match happening in 2024 with West Coast Pro in San Francisco. As for Asuka, her career was sadly cut short in 2004 due to a neck injury, with her final match fittingly being one last tag team bout with Nagoya.
Crush Gals Recommendations:
Crush Gals vs. Devil Masami & Jaguar Yokota (September 26, 1984)
Crush Gals vs. Dump Matsumoto & Crane Yu (February 25, 1985)
Lioness Asuka vs. Jaguar Yokota (August 22, 1985)
Chigusa Nagayo vs. Dump Matsumoto (Hair vs. Hair) (August 28, 1985)
Crush Gals vs. Dump Matsumoto & Bull Nakano (October 10, 1985)
Chigusa Nagayo vs. Lioness Asuka (Feburary 26, 1987)
Dump Matsumoto (real name Kaoru Matsumoto) was the living nightmare of 1980s pro wrestling and the ultimate heel. With her menacing face paint, wild hair, and a collection of weapons that would make even the most hardcore wrestler flinch, Matsumoto redefined what it meant to be a villain in the ring. We don't get The Road Warriors without Matsumoto.
Her brutal, no-holds-barred fighting style was a stark contrast to the pop-idol charm of the Crush Gals, cementing her as the quintessential "monster" heel of her time.
Leading the Gokuaku Domei, also known as the Atrocious Alliance, Matsumoto and her gang of misfits were perfectly positioned as the nemesis of the fan-favorite Crush Gals. They didn’t just play the part of villains — they were the villains, bringing extreme violence and chaos wherever they went. Matsumoto’s use of chains, kendo sticks, and sheer brutality pushed the boundaries of what was acceptable in women’s wrestling at the time. Her matches weren’t just intense; they were groundbreaking, forever changing the landscape of the sport and redefining what joshi wrestling could be.
After the feud that cemented her as one of the most iconic villains in wrestling, Dump Matsumoto tried her hand at the global stage. In 1986, she popped up in the World Wrestling Federation (now WWE), pairing with Bull Nakano as “The Devils of Japan.” Their time in the U.S. may have been brief, but it showcased Matsumoto’s heel brilliance to a whole new audience.
She didn’t stay away from AJW for long, coming back for various matches and storylines in the late '80s. But by 1988, she officially retired—well, sort of. Like most wrestling icons, Matsumoto wasn’t done. She came back to the ring multiple times over the years, and as of now, she’s still keeping a foothold in the wrestling world.
Dump Matsumoto Recommendations:
Dump Matsumoto & Bull Nakano vs. Jumping Bomb Angels (August 22, 1985)
Dump Matsumoto vs. Chigusa Nagayo (Hair vs. Hair) (August 28, 1985)
Dump Matsumoto vs. Yukari Omoroi (March 20, 1986)
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for September 19's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:To gently apply force to something.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?There is one letter that appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter P.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
PRESS.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for September 18's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for September 19 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Something in a high degree
Green: Types of parties
Blue: Classic public television
Purple: France
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Prefix Meaning "Very"
Green: Kinds of Parties
Blue: PBS Shows
Purple: Places in France
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections #466 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayPrefix Meaning "Very": EXTRA, HYPER, OVER, SUPER
Kinds of Parties: BIRTHDAY, COCKTAIL, DINNER, SURPRISE
PBS Shows: FRONTLINE, MASTERPIECE, NATURE, NOVA
Places in France: ANGERS, CHAMPAGNE, NICE, REUNION
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.
Agatha All Along feels like a witch's potion brewed specifically to make me giddy with joy. How could it not, when its ingredients include magical trials, rocking songs, and Patti LuPone herself?
The MCU's latest TV series serves as a follow-up to 2021's WandaVision, focusing on Wanda Maximoff's (Elizabeth Olsen) nosey neighbor turned witchy nemesis Agatha Harkness (Kathryn Hahn), and taking its name from her Emmy-winning introductory theme song.
Yet even though Agatha All Along finds itself in superhero sequel territory, the series and showrunner Jac Schaeffer (also the creator of WandaVision) forge their own path down the Witches' Road. Yes, you'll still find genre pastiche in the vein of its predecessor — although far less extreme — as well as witchy characters struggling to regain what's been taken from them. But Agatha All Along's focus on a coven of underdogs also invites new kooky characters into the MCU, whose chemistry with Agatha is the show's biggest superpower.
SEE ALSO: 40 shows we can't wait to see this fall What's Agatha All Along about? Kathryn Hahn in "Agatha All Along." Credit: Chuck Zlotnick / MarvelAgatha All Along kicks off with a WandaVision-esque TV show spoof. This time, instead of Wanda taking the lead, it's Agatha. Sporting a scarf, a hardboiled detective attitude, and hints of a Delco accent, she's the spitting image of Kate Winslet in Mare of Easttown. (A fake credit sequence calls the show Agnes of Westview.)
However, Agatha's gritty murder mystery is nothing more than the distorted remains of Wanda's spell over Westview. In reality, she's completely powerless after her fight with Wanda — it takes a mysterious Teen (Heartstopper's Joe Locke) to break her out of her enchanted prison. (Yes, Agatha All Along purposefully obfuscates Locke's character's name, going so far as to cover his lips and silence him when he introduces himself. Trust that there's a witchy reason why.)
SEE ALSO: All Marvel Cinematic Universe movies, ranked worst to bestTeen — as Agatha calls him — wants Agatha's help to get to the Witches' Road. It's a legendary path riddled with deadly trials, and whoever reaches its end receives the thing they want the most. For Agatha, that would be the power Wanda sucked away during their battle. For Teen...well, just like with his name, Agatha All Along plays that reveal close to its chest. But in order for this unlikely duo to reach the Witches' Road, they'll need to assemble a coven.
Get ready to fall in love with Agatha All Along's coven Sasheer Zamata, Joe Locke, Kathryn Hahn, Patti LuPone, Debra Jo Rupp, and Ali Ahn in "Agatha All Along." Credit: Chuck Zlotnick / MarvelIt's no surprise that Hahn is delightful in her return as Agatha Harkness. She commands the screen with just a single twirl of her many cloaks, or a disgruntled groan at the compassion of those around her. But it's Hahn's chemistry with Agatha's new coven-mates that ends up being Agatha All Along's greatest strength and surprise.
First up on Agatha's recruitment list is Lilia Calderu (Patti LuPone), a psychic with a bit of a diva streak. (And yes, Patti LuPone playing a witch is exactly as fun as it sounds.) Joining her is potions witch Jennifer Kale (Sasheer Zamata), sporting a sarcastic streak that often rivals Agatha's own disdain. Alice Wu-Gulliver (Ali Ahn) is the daughter of a mystical rock star who mysteriously vanished in her attempts to find the Witches' Road, leaving her with a hard protective shell and a skepticism of all things magic. And a surprise addition to the crew is none other than Agatha's Westview neighbor Sharon (Debra Jo Rupp). She's no witch (she's really more there to fill a coven quota), but her perpetual confusion makes for a welcome foil to the centuries-old witches' blasé approach to witchcraft.
SEE ALSO: Sasheer Zamata talks 'Agatha All Along' and 'The First Woman'Teen is a great foil for the coven as well. His fanboying and bouncy enthusiasm over the Witches' Road break up the other witches' resentment for each other (but mostly Agatha). Frankly, he acts as a bit of an audience stand-in as well, because who wouldn't be excited to hang out with this coven and watch these actors play off one another?
Rounding out Agatha All Along's cast of witches is Rio Vidal (Aubrey Plaza), a powerful witch whose first interaction with Agatha post-spell is holding a dagger to her throat. Clearly, there's some history there. Based on the crackling chemistry between Hahn and Plaza, my money's on former lovers. (With Agatha All Along being toted as "the gayest Marvel project yet," here's hoping I'm right.)
Rio and Agatha aren't the only witches with troubled pasts. Every member of the coven has experienced some kind of pain or setback. Why else would they be desperate enough to try their hand at the life-threatening Witches' Road? Watching these women open up about traumas — many hinted at in some genuinely spooky visions — proves a fairly moving (if sometimes heavy-handed) experience. These backstories add depth to the otherwise hilarious group interactions, chock-full of the kind of fast-talking and sniping that only occurs when you're in a room with larger-than-life personalities.
The Witches' Road is a highlight of Agatha All Along Patti LuPone, Sasheer Zamata, Kathryn Hahn, Debra Jo Rupp, and Ali Ahn in "Agatha All Along." Credit: Chuck Zlotnick/MarvelThe bonds of Agatha All Along's coven are forged in the fire of the Witches' Road, which feels like a twisted play on The Wizard of Oz's own yellow brick version. Among swaths of gnarled trees and stretches of mud that devour anyone who strays too far from the path lie tests that Agatha and her companions must conquer. Each test is not only a chance for the witches to prove their mettle, but also for Agatha All Along to have some more genre-bending fun with a trial-of-the-week format.
Take, for example, a dangerous pit stop in a beachside mansion that feels like something right out of Big Little Lies. Or a perilous visit to a '70s-era recording studio. These trials come complete with their own magical costume changes, paying tribute to WandaVision's episodic change-ups. They're also a total blast, especially the multiple moments when singing becomes a life-saving tool. Seriously, any moment that sees Hahn and LuPone leading a witchy girl group had me punching the air in excitement.
That excitement may start slow in Agatha All Along's earlier recruitment stages, but by the end of the first four episodes sent to critics for review, it was at a fever pitch. Here is a Marvel show that's unafraid to be campy, kooky, and weird, that ditches the "eight-hour movie" formatting of other MCU series and embraces the episodic power of TV that WandaVision harnessed so well. Add that to the dream team of Hahn and her coven, and you've got a show that's nothing short of magic.
At Made on YouTube on Wednesday, Sept. 18, in New York, YouTube CEO Neal Mohan announced various new AI tools for creators on the platform.
SEE ALSO: YouTube to add tools to detect AI-generated faces and voicesThe AI tools aim to "support creators at every step of the journey" and range from AI-powered inspiration to AI video generators. Mohan emphasized AI's ability to further YouTube's mission of being "the best home for creators" and ensured creators that it will build on its "track record of responsibility." He added that 92 percent of creators already use AI tools. The new features will become available to creators in the coming months and by early 2025.
Johanna Voolich, YouTube's chief of product, told Mashable that the team prioritized the full creative lifecycle when building these products. Here's a breakdown of the tools that were announced.
VeoPerhaps the biggest announcement of the event was Veo, six-second AI-generated video clips designed for YouTube Shorts, the platform's TikTok competitor. It runs on Google's DeepMind technology and uses text prompts to produce clips.
Following a demonstration from Joe Ano, the creator and fashion designer behind Ella Emhoff's Democratic National Convention dress, where he used Veo to generate dresses in motion, Sarah Ali, senior director of product, side-stepped potential criticisms of the feature by saying, "[Veo] only works because of Joe's creative vision." Other demonstrations included an AI-generated video of a dog and sheep becoming friends.
Veo Shorts will be watermarked with SynthID ensuring AI-generated content clearly is labeled. "Over time, how people think of this may change, but right now, we want to have that level of transparency so people can make their own judgments about what they're watching," said Voolich.
Veo's announcement comes on the heels of other platforms launching AI-generated video abilities like OpenAI's Sora.
Inspiration tabYouTube wants to make the creative process easier and aims to do so with the Inspiration tab, an AI-generated hub that helps creators come up with video ideas, titles, thumbnails, and outlines. User comments will also be incorporated into the AI-idea inspiration. Users will not be able to opt out of their comments' inclusion. "The way YouTube works is based on contributions, the contributions from creators are their videos, but viewer's contributions are what they are watching and what they are commenting on. That's what makes the platform work," said Voolich.
Users are already involved in what Voolich calls the "invisible AI." "That's the AI we have been using forever at YouTube to build out our search and recommendation systems," she said. "That's what you see on your home feed and your up next. That's the user-focused AI."
Engaging with audiencesYouTube also announced the use of AI to help creators keep up with their audiences. The tool will highlight key commenters, show creators their "profile cards" and past comments, and provide AI-enhanced reply suggestions in the creator's voice.
It also announced another way to engage viewers, "Communities." Reminiscent of Substack's Chat, Communities allow creators to post directly to their audiences and viewers can post their own photos and text posts too.
Additionally, YouTube is launching "Hype," a way for viewers to support their favorite up-and-coming creators by suggesting that their videos be brought to a wider audience. The tool gamifies liking a creator and will only be available for videos posted in the last 7 days by a creator with 5,000 subscribers or less. Users will receive a limited number of Hypes a week, but the platform is exploring selling more hypes for a new revenue stream for creators.
Auto-DubbingUsing AI, YouTube is transforming automatically-generated captions into dubbing in different languages. A feature called "expressive speech" aims to make the dubbing as close to the original speech as possible by mimicking tone, pitch, and external noise. It will expand to 100,000s of creators in coming months.
In non-AI news, YouTube is expanding its rewards for livestreaming by launching a model similar to TikTok and Twitch of "gifts" given by viewers to creators. It will also allow creators to sort their videos into Seasons and Episodes as more people watch YouTube on television screens and YouTubers strive to win Emmy Awards.
Apple made history this month when a feature in the company's forthcoming AirPods Pro 2 was approved by the Food and Drug Administration as the first over-the-counter (OTC), clinical-grade hearing aid software. The Hearing Aid Feature, as Apple refers to the software, amplifies sound for adults with perceived mild to moderate hearing impairment (it also features a user-friendly hearing test).
Stigma over hearing loss — and old-school hearing aids — persists, even though over 30 million Americans suffer from some level of hearing loss. Can the new AirPods convince more people to get their hearing tested, boost their aural faculties, and lead better lives? Attorney Haben Girma, the first deafblind person to graduate from Harvard Law School and the author of Haben: The Deafblind Woman Who Conquered Harvard Law, is optimistic about what the new AirPods — available this fall in many countries — can offer. Girma connected with Mashable about the AirPods' innovation and Big Tech's role in improving disabled lives.
SEE ALSO: I demoed the new AirPods Pro 2 hearing test — and here's how it went Mashable: As a disability advocate, are the hearing aid-assisted AirPods a game-changer?Haben Girma: The AirPods Pro 2 is a powerful new tool for people with hearing disabilities! The diversity within this community includes a variety of different types of hearing and life experiences. Extensive accessibility features throughout the Apple ecosystem means more people with combined hearing and other disabilities (visual disabilities, learning disabilities, mobility disabilities, and more) will have the ability to personally adjust their own hearing aids.
Do you believe the Air Pods could help those with profound hearing loss, as opposed to only those experiencing age-related hearing loss?The goal is to give people choices. The more communication tools available to us, the more likely it is that every single person will find their right fit. When I think of past visits to hearing aid clinics, the memories bring back the stress and frustration that many other deaf and hard of hearing people experienced. Apple has eliminated some of the emotional, administrative, and time-based barriers that cause people to delay exploring their hearing. The portability and friendliness of the iPhone and AirPods Pro 2 makes it easier for more people to learn about their hearing at a comfortable time and place, try on hearing aids, and then go to a hearing professional—if they choose. How exciting to have these choices at our fingertips!
Haben Girma has thoughts on the new Air Pods' hearing aid feature. Credit: Darius Bashar Could this help normalize the use of assistive tech among the general public?Many people already use AirPods for hearing assistance, without realizing they are doing so. Many people assume disability tech must be ugly, but disability tech can be absolutely delightful! Disability tech is all around us, from the touchscreen to audiobooks. Disabled people spark innovation, and over time those developments travel into the mainstream. Future people will be surprised to learn listening devices didn’t always have hearing aid capabilities. Apple is leading the way in showing how disability innovations move tech forward for all of us.
Could there be a danger in removing the physician's role in providing these devices?Medical professionals still have a role to play, and many people may find themselves booking that appointment after taking Apple’s hearing test.
SEE ALSO: I demoed the new AirPods Pro 2 hearing test — and here's how it went Anything else you would like to see from tech companies like Apple in regards to making disabled lives better?Disabled people are innovators, developing powerful solutions. I’m hopeful Apple and other tech companies will increase hiring of disabled engineers, designers, AI researchers, and others.
Does the FDA approval make you feel more confident in the hearing aids' practicality?I can’t predict whether these hearing aids will help my very rare type of deafness, but I am excited to try them out!
LinkedIn has been training generative AI with user data — a quiet change the public noticed on Wednesday.
Users of the professional social networking platform owned by Microsoft were the first to notice a new option pop up in their data privacy settings called "Data for Generative AI Improvement."
SEE ALSO: How to turn off Google AI OverviewsThe setting options come with an explanation saying that this feature gives "LinkedIn and its affiliates" permission to "use your personal data and content you create on LinkedIn to train generative AI models that create content."
The setting is turned on by default.
In addition, as 404 Media discovered in its initial report, LinkedIn appears to have launched its AI training without updating its terms of service to inform users.
Don't want LinkedIn and other third-parties using your LinkedIn data to train their generative AI to create content using your posts? Here's how to turn it off.
How to turn off LinkedIn's AI trainingLogin to your LinkedIn account.
Click your profile image on the header menu and select Settings & Privacy in the dropdown menu.
Credit: Mashable screenshotChoose Data privacy on the left hand side menu.
Credit: Mashable screenshotSelect the Data for Generative AI Improvement option at the very bottom of the How LinkedIn uses your data section.
Credit: Mashable screenshotToggle the "Use my data for training content creation AI models" switch off.
Credit: Mashable screenshotThanks to the EU's strong data privacy laws, LinkedIn is not using EU users' data for its AI training.
"We are initially making this setting available to members whose profile location is outside of the EU, EEA, or Switzerland," reads a statement posted on the company's AI training FAQ page. "If you live in these regions, we and our affiliates will not use your personal data or content on LinkedIn to train or fine-tune generative AI models for content creation without further notice."
SAVE $40: As of Sept. 18, the Ninja Professional Plus Blender Duo with Auto-iQ is down to just $109.99 at Target. That's 27% in savings and cheaper than at competing retailers.
Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Ninja Professional Plus Blender DUO with Auto-iQ $109.99 at TargetAs we transition from frozen margarita season to soup season, you might want to check and see if your blender is up to par. If you could use an upgrade, the Ninja Professional Plus Blender Duo is on sale at Target just in the nick of time.
As of Sept. 18, you can grab the Ninja Professional Plus Blender Duo with Auto-iQ for just $109.99 at Target. That's $40 or 27% off the usual cost. That's also cheaper than you'll find it at competing retailers. In comparison, it's $129.99 at Amazon and the Ninja direct website, and $132.99 at Best Buy. Walmart has a similar deal for $109, but it comes with one less single-serve cup.
The Professional Plus Duo features a 1,400-watt motor, which puts it in the high-performance blender range. That means its powerful enough to handle heavy-duty tasks, like crushing ice, liquefying fruits and veggies, and blending fibrous greens. It's not the most powerful blender in Ninja's lineup, but it can hang with the big dogs. It also features three speeds, four manual programs, and two auto-iQ programs.
It's dubbed the "Duo" model because it works double duty. It can blend directly in the 72-ounce pitcher or into one of the two included single-serve cups. That way you can take your blended-up smoothies on the go in only one step.
Prepare yourself for the ultimate soup season without breaking the bank by snagging this deal at Target while it's still around.
Google is expanding efforts to properly label AI-generated content, updating its in-house "About This Image" tool with a global standard for detecting the origins of an AI-edited image.
The new label was formulated as part of Google's work with the global Coalition for Content Provenance and Authenticity (C2PA). Members of the C2PA have committed to developing and adopting a standardized AI certification and detection process, enabled by a verification technology known as "Content Credentials." Not all C2PA members, which include Amazon, Meta, and OpenAI, have implemented the authentication standards, however.
Google is taking the first step among key players, integrating the C2PA's new 2.1 standard into products like Google Search and eventually Google Ads (the "About This Image" prompt is found by clicking on the three vertical dots located above a photo uncovered in a search). This standard includes an official "Trust List" of devices and technology that can help vet the origin of a photo or video through its metadata. "For example, if the data shows an image was taken by a specific camera model, the trust list helps validate that this piece of information is accurate," Laurie Richardson, Google vice president of trust and safety, told the Verge. "Our goal is to ramp this up over time and use C2PA signals to inform how we enforce key policies."
SEE ALSO: Sam Altman steps down as head of OpenAI's safety groupAfter joining the C2PA in May, TikTok became the first video platform to implement the C2PA's Content Credentials, including an automatic labeling system to read a video's metadata and flag as AI. With the launch of Content Credentials for Google platforms, YouTube is set to follow in its footsteps.
Google has been vocal about widespread AI labeling and regulation, especially in its efforts to curb the spread of misinformation. In 2023, Google launched SynthID, its own digital watermarking tool designed to help detect and track AI-generated content made using Google DeepMind's text-to-image generator, Imagen. It introduced (limited) AI labeling mandates for YouTube videos earlier this year, and has committed to addressing AI-generated deepfake content in Google Search.
The company joined the C2PA steering committee in February, a group that includes other major industry players and even news organizations, like the BBC.
SAVE $70: The Marshall Major IV headphones are on sale at Amazon for just $79.99, down from the list price of $149.99. That's a 47% discount.
Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Major IV headphones $79.99 at AmazonThere's a particular heart-sinking feel when you take off for the day only to realize your headphones have exactly zero charge left. If you encounter this problem regularly, Amazon has a special deal in store for you today.
As of Sept. 18, the Marshall Major IV headphones are on sale at Amazon for just $79.99, down from the typical price of $149.99. That's a 47% discount, or a savings of $70. This sale price also beats the last major sale we saw on this model back in June.
SEE ALSO: The 7 best noise-cancelling headphones for flying in 2024It's not a secret that sometimes marketing claims aren't entirely true. But in this case, Marshall is telling it like it is. The brand claims the Major IV headphones get 80+ hours of wireless battery life, so Mashable Shopping Reporter Bethany Allard put them to the test. In her review of the headphones, she explains she got a whopping 106 hours and 48 minutes of playtime before the Marshall Major IV headphones ran out of juice.
Allard was also impressed by the well-balanced sound profile that came from the Marshall headphones. However, it's worth noting these don't come with noise cancellation, which many of us have come to rely on for getting some serenity in our modern world. But if you don't care about ANC, the Marshall Major IV could be a hit.
If your headphones always seem to be dead even though you recall just charging them, the Marshall Major IV could fix that issue for good. Thanks to today's sale price at Amazon, you can grab the headphones for a huge 47% discount.
The best pet tech deals at Amazon as of Sept. 18:
Our top picks: Best automatic pet feeder deal Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder $38.39 at Amazon (save $9.60) Get Deal Best water dispenser deal RIZZARI Automatic Pet Waterer $17.99 at Amazon (save $8) Get Deal Best de-shedding tool deal Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Rake $9.49 at Amazon (save $0.50) Get DealI have two beagles, and they’re my world. I’m always looking for stuff they do and don’t need (it’s a shame we can’t claim our pets as dependents), so I’m pretty well-versed in pet tech.
This week, I found deals on automatic feeders, water fountains, and de-shedding tools that are actually worth adding to your cart. Save up to 50% off:
Best automatic feeder deal Opens in a new window Credit: Voluas Our pick: Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder $38.39 at AmazonIf you’re gone for long hours during the day or have a fur baby with special dietary needs, an automatic feeder could make your job as a pet parent a little easier.
The Voluas Automatic Pet Feeder is an affordable auto feeder ($38.39 at Amazon) listed for cats and dogs. It features a 10-second voice recorder so you can call your pet to meal time, and has a built-in desiccant to keep kibble fresh.
While my beagles would probably try to tear this thing apart, it might be a good option for cats or smaller dogs like Jack Russells or Dachshunds. Or, you know, a dog that behaves.
More automatic feeder dealsBEMOONY Automatic Pet Feeder — $20.48 $33.99 (save $13.51)
PETLIBRO Automatic Pet Feeder — $49.99 $89.99 (save $40)
Pawsync Automatic Pet Feeder — $50 $99.99 (save $49.99)
Okay, this isn’t a fancy water fountain (you can see deals on those below), but it is a functional gravity-fed water dispenser that’ll keep your pet hydrated throughout the day. I spend what seems like half the day refilling my dogs' water bowls, so an auto dispenser is a total time-saver.
The RIZZARI Automatic Pet Waterer comes in multiple sizes with or without a filter. At just $17.99 for the 3 liter version (with filter), it's an affordable and easy way to make sure your pets always have access to fresh water. It’s also heavy enough that they can't tip it over.
Note that you will need to replace the filter every so often. Because this thing has multiple nooks and crannies, you’ll also need to clean it thoroughly to prevent bacterial growth or algae buildup.
More water dispenser dealsVeken Pet Fountain — $17.99 $26.99 (save $9)
PetSafe Seaside Stainless Cat & Dog Fountain — $30.96 $36.45 (save $5.49)
PETLIBRO App Monitoring Water Fountain — $62.99 $89.99 (save $27)
If you have a floof, your floor has probably seen better days. My girls are short-haired and still get hair everywhere — in the bed, on the couch, in my food (somehow??). With a pet grooming rake, like the Maxpower Planet Pet Grooming Rake, you can cut down on cleanup time and reduce hairballs.
This dual-sided tool is designed to demat and de-shed dogs and cats with long coats. (It’s not for short-haired animals.) It has 17 teeth for de-shedding and nine teeth for de-matting.
More pet hair tool dealsDakPets Deshedding Tool — $12.97 $16 (save $3.03)
Chom Chom Roller Pet Hair Remover and Reusable Lint Roller — $24.99 $27.99 (save $3)
oneisall Pet Grooming Vacuum Brush — $67.99 $79.99 (save $12)
If you're sending a "View Once" message, photo, or video through WhatsApp, don't be so sure that the receiver can't view it again.
Security researchers with crypto wallet ZenGo recently discovered a bug that allowed WhatsApp users to view "View Once" messages as many times as they liked.
SEE ALSO: Meta updates WhatsApp and Messenger third-party chats in EuropeIn response, WhatsApp patched the issue. But, ZenGo researchers then discovered another exploit in WhatsApp's fix that once again allowed them to access these messages that had supposedly disappeared.
WhatsApp View Once exploitWhatsApp launched its View Once feature in 2021. View Once allows users to send texts, photos, and videos that disappear after the recipient initially accesses them.
Furthermore, to ensure the ephemeral nature of these messages, WhatsApp disables screenshots from being used in the app on View Once messages through iOS and Android. In addition, WhatsApp limits View Once messages to the mobile apps only.
However, in a post last week, ZenGo Security Research Manager Tal Be'ery detailed an exploit that allowed his team to access View Once messages over and over again.
Basically, as Be'ery explains, the View Once messages are only restricted from view in the mobile apps after being viewed. The media continues to exist on WhatsApp's servers. If a user can find the URL for the media file, they can access the message or media file that was supposed to have disappeared.
Be’ery went through the official channels with WhatsApp's parent company Meta and reported the exploit through their bug bounty program on August 26. It was too late though. Be'ery soon found that the bug was already in the wild, as a Chrome extension popped up allowing users to access their already-viewed View Once messages through WhatsApp's web app. ZenGo went public with the exploit and published their report last week on Sept. 9.
Meta's fix and exploit #2It appears the issue has been taken seriously by Meta, at least after Be’ery went public with the exploit. Meta appears to have released a fix for the WhasApp View Once bug on Sept. 12.
According to a new report by Be'ery, Meta's patch "changes the way View Once media messages are saved to the application’s databases and redact some of the information that enables the media viewing."
The fix appears to have broken the previously mentioned "View Once Photos Bypass" Chrome extension as well.
Tweet may have been deletedBut, the fix is "still not enough," according to Be'ery and can be exploited with a workaround. In fact, as Be'ery discovered, the creator of the View Once bypass Chrome extension published an update saying that they've already discovered a new exploit in order to once again access View Once media.
Be'ery also published a video showing how View Once messages are still accessible.
Mashable reached out to Meta regarding the issue and will update this post when we hear back.
According to The Register, sources familiar with the issue claim that the fix was only meant to be a temporary one as Meta works to completely restructure how View Once messages are handled.
SAVE $35: As of Sep. 18, get the Google Pixel Buds A-Series for $64 at Amazon. That's a 35% discount and the lowest price we've seen.
Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Google Pixel Buds A-Series $64.00 at AmazonApple may have just debuted its newest set of earbuds with the AirPods 4, but what if you don't use iOS devices or just want something a little more affordable? Good news: there are plenty of headphones and earbuds out there, and you can get a great pair for far less than you'd pay for new AirPods. And if you're interested primarily in seeing what the competition has going on, you'd be best served by getting in on a pair of earbuds from Google, which you can snap up right now for a great price.
As of September 18, you can get a pair of Google Pixel Buds A-Series for just $64. That's $35 off their normal price of $99, and a discount of 35%. The Dark Olive and Clearly White colorways are discounted, but Charcoal is a dollar more at $64.99. The Sea colorway is not currently included in the sale.
SEE ALSO: Amazon deal of the day: Save $30 on our favorite Roku streaming deviceThese mid-range earbuds are a bit older as far as Google tech goes. But if you like the kind of look Google imbues in its tablets and earbuds, there's plenty to love here. They'd also work well as a companion for your Pixel 8 or Pixel 8a. They come with three ear tip sizes to better fit your ear and boast up to five hours of listening time — that's 24 hours if you use the charging case.
These buds also include adaptive sound tech to adjust the volume based on your surroundings, as well as the option to find them if you misplace them. Plus, you can use the earbuds themselves to control your music, get directions, have notifications read to you, and more using Google Assistant.
If you don't want to pay over $70 for a pair of earbuds or just want to try something new, this is a nice discount. And it's always good to have a backup should your go-to pair go missing.
SAVE $50: The new black titanium Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular) is on sale for paid members of the My Best Buy program starting at $749 (typically $799). Meanwhile, non-members can get it for $779.99 at Amazon. It's set for release on Sept. 20.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Ultra 2 (GPS + cellular) with black titanium case $749.00 at Best BuyThe Apple Watch Ultra 2 will stun in a slick new satin black colorway this Friday, and Best Buy is offering a sizable preorder discount for certain someones.
As of Sept. 18, paid members of the My Best Buy program (Plus and Total tiers) can knock $50 off the price of the upcoming black titanium Ultra 2. The premium wearable starts at $749 (normally $799) with a trail loop, an alpine loop, or an ocean band, and it's upgradable with a titanium Milanese loop for $100 more. All styles come with free trials of both Apple Fitness+ and Apple Music.
If you aren't a paid My Best Buy member and don't plan on becoming one, know that Amazon had the black titanium Ultra 2 listed for $779.99 at the time of writing — a $19.01 savings that isn't paywalled. Choose from a black trail loop or a dark green alpine loop.
Moreover, if you're not committed to that new black titanium case color, a natural titanium Ultra 2 with a black/blue trail loop was on sale at Amazon for the all-time low of $689 (or $110 off).
SEE ALSO: Best Buy's fall deals schedule includes major October Prime Day competitionOriginally released last fall, the Ultra 2 is plugged as "the ultimate sports watch." It's powered by a speedy S9 chip that supports features like Double Tap gestures and on-device Siri. It comes with cellular connectivity, not just WiFi, and it can last up to 72 hours per charge on Low Power Mode. It also sports the brightest display you can get on an Apple Watch — a nice-to-have for outdoor use. (It's even more intense than the display on the Series 10, Apple's latest flagship wearable.)
With this week's release of watchOS 11, the Ultra 2 brings support for new health and fitness features like sleep apnea notifications, customizable Activity rings, and two new apps: Vitals and Tides. The former provides an overview of the user's overnight health metrics, while Tides is meant to keep surfers, swimmers, and divers abreast of changing tidal conditions.
For those interested in upgrading to a paid My Best Buy membership, the Plus tier's annual fee gets nullified by this Ultra 2 discount. (It unlocks free two-day shipping, extended return windows, and exclusive discounts for $49.99/year.) A My Best Buy Total plan is a bigger investment, tacking on 24/7 tech support, a repair discount, and free protection plans — including Apple Care+ — for $179.99/year.
A paid My Best Buy membership will pay off in an even bigger way in the coming weeks during Best Buy's fall savings events, which includes a Member Exclusive Sale for the Plus and Total crew in late September. It's a good time to sign up if you plan on purchasing more tech ahead of the holidays.
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