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The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is a premium convertible laptop in more ways than one. My daily driver laptop is the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 7), so I was excited to see how my favorite laptop improved in the Gen 9 model — and it didn’t disappoint.

With its stunning OLED display, full-bodied audio via its rotating soundbar, and enjoyably springy keyboard, the Yoga 9i 2-in 1 (Gen 9) is easily one of the best 2-in-1 laptops you can buy right now. And despite all the improvements over my existing Gen 7 model, it somehow costs less than what I paid two years ago.

Don’t get me wrong — this laptop isn’t perfect, even if it is one of my favorites from Lenovo. For me, its premium positives easily outweigh its few negative traits. Read on to see what I like (and dislike) about Lenovo’s newest Yoga 9i 2-in-1.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 price and specs 

Almost everything about this laptop screams ‘premium,’ and yet, the cost says otherwise. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) configuration I reviewed starts at $1,449 via Best Buy and offers the following specs: 

• Intel Core Ultra 7 155H

• Integrated Intel Arc graphics 

• 16GB of RAM

• 1TB of SSD storage

• 14-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800-pixel), 400-nit, 120Hz OLED display

You can also order the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 with only 512GB of storage for $1,299 via Lenovo. Through Lenovo’s configurator, you could upgrade to a 4K OLED display for an extra $80, 32GB of RAM for $57, or 1TB of SSD storage for $32.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 $1,448.98
Get Deal Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 design

Lenovo doesn’t stray too far from the norm with the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s design, and it doesn’t have to — it’s a sleek, classic design.

The aluminum-clad chassis shows off the laptop’s Cosmic Blue colorway, which I always love to see in a market dominated by gray laptops. Unfortunately, something about this laptop’s chassis makes it not so great at resisting fingerprint smudges. After only a few weeks of use, the laptop looked like it could use a good cleaning.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

That said, the Yoga 9i’s flexible 2-in-1 functionality certainly redeems its lack of fingerprint resistance. Being able to use a laptop in a variety of modes — traditional laptop mode, tent mode, tablet mode, and stand mode — is always a win in my book.

This 9th generation Yoga 9i drops some weight, so it’s now a sub-three-pound laptop — and it remains incredibly thin and well-built, with a strong hinge and smooth, rounded corners.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

And in true Yoga fashion, the Yoga 9i comes with a matching Cosmic Blue protective laptop sleeve to slip your device into.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 display

My Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 review unit features a 14-inch, 2.8K (2880 x 1800-pixel) glossy OLED display — and it looks fantastic. 

There’s a higher-res 4K OLED display option, but it’s not necessary. My daily driver Yoga 9i (Gen 7) has a 4K OLED display, and looking at these two displays side by side, the differences are minimal. If you’re just going to be streaming media and doing work online, a 2.8K res is perfect.

With its 400-nit max brightness, 120Hz refresh rate, and OLED panel, this laptop is ideal for streaming media. Plus, its 2-in-1 flexibility makes watching media even easier, whether you flip the laptop into tent or tablet mode.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

To test the display, I fired up the Wicked trailer starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. I just had to see how Elfaba’s green skin showed up on this display — and I wasn’t disappointed. The OLED panel shows off deep, rich blacks and vibrant colors throughout the Wicked world with ease. And its 2.8K resolution made everything crisp, from fine smile lines to strands of hair.

This configuration comes with a Lenovo Slim Pen that magnetically attaches to the laptop’s side, helpful for keeping your display free of smudgy fingerprints.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 ports

I love to see double-sided USB Type-C ports on both sides of a laptop, so that’s definitely a win for the Lenovo Yoga 9i. However, this laptop’s overall port variety is somewhat lacking.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

On the right side, you’ll find: 

• USB Type-C (3.2 Gen 2)

• 3.5mm headset jack

• Power button

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

And on the left side: 

• Two USB Type-C ports (Thunderbolt 4)

• USB Type-A port (3.2 Gen 2, Always On)

While you can connect displays with Thunderbolt 4 ports or get a Thunderbolt/HDMI adapter, it’d be nice to have an HDMI port for more compatibility. Personally, I’d also love an extra USB-A port. 

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 audio

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 had me jamming out to my favorite songs with a big smile on my face — and it’s all thanks to the rotating Bowers & Wilkins soundbar.

This laptop is equipped with a total of four stereo speakers: two 2W woofers on the sides and two 2W front-facing tweeters on the hinge bar. Whether you’re using the laptop in tablet mode, tent mode, or traditional laptop mode, your ears will be graced with room-filling, full-bodied sound that lets you appreciate every element of your favorite songs.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

I played my go-to song, “Real ft. Polyphia’s Tim Henson & Clay Gober” by Unprocessed. I could hear every bass string pluck, crystal clear vocals, drum thumps, and more — all creating this atmospheric, well-combined soundstage that I’d expect from a pair of luxury headphones.

This Gen 9 model is also louder than my daily driver Yoga 9i Gen 7. When the Gen 9 Yoga 9i was at around 30 volume, my Gen 7 laptop needed to be around 40 to match. And yet, at max volume, the Yoga 9i Gen 9 wasn’t distorted at all.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 keyboard and trackpad

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1 Gen 9 gets an improvement I’ve seen in many Lenovo laptops recently: an updated dish keyboard with 1.5mm key travel.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

Compared to my daily driver Yoga 9i Gen 7 — which features thinner keys with less travel in a more subtly recessed keyboard — typing on this laptop’s keyboard is a much more enjoyable experience. The keys feel springy and responsive, allowing me to type slightly faster and with more accuracy.

This generation’s keyboard gains a Copilot key and a macro key with a star icon, which you can customize to do anything you want. By default, pressing the key will open Lenovo Vantage, but you can set it to open applications or websites, insert custom text, or invoke a specific key sequence.

The Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s large, buttonless trackpad features a glass surface that’s smooth to the touch and highly responsive to finger gestures for scrolling and navigating back and forward in-browser.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 benchmarks and performance

On paper, Lenovo’s Yoga 9i 2-in-1 is an excellent performer. 

To test this laptop’s CPU performance, we ran Geekbench 6. The Yoga 9i 2-in-1, equipped with Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H chip, earned an impressive multi-core score of 12,345.

I found that the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 was certainly capable of handling high-performance tasks with ease, but not without quite a bit of heat and noise from the fans.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

While working from the laptop with only 12 open Chrome tabs, it sounded like it was getting ready for takeoff. Granted, the laptop was plugged in and charging, but this is something I haven’t experienced from other Lenovo laptops recently.

I tested the laptop’s performance with it unplugged, and found it to be slightly less noisy. With 25 open Chrome tabs, Spotify playing in the background, and the laptop’s stopwatch counting down, there was a steady hum from the fans, but no lag when typing in Google docs or loading a new page.

After only a half hour of use, the laptop’s chassis is very hot above the keyboard. It’s not hot enough to touch, or even hold your finger on the area, but with sustained or more intense use, it gets much hotter.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 battery life

If you’re looking for a Windows laptop with long battery life, that’s not this laptop.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 only lasted 7 hours and 21 minutes on a single charge during our battery test, which consists of looping a 1080p video at 50% brightness. That said, with this laptop’s bright OLED panel, I often felt comfortable using it at only 30% brightness, which definitely extends the battery life.

Its battery life is shockingly only 16 minutes longer than the dual-display Lenovo Yoga Book 9i (7 hours and 5 minutes) and half that of Lenovo’s ThinkPad X1 2-in-1 (14 hours and 21 minutes), one of the best battery life times we’ve seen from Windows laptops so far.

Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 webcam

Unlike most laptops, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 delivers a quality webcam that’ll actually capture crisp, fine details rather than make you look like a watercolor painting.

Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable

It features a 5-megapixel camera with infrared and a privacy shutter, an improvement from its predecessor’s 2-megapixel camera. My pale, yet flushed complexion and light green eyes both come through clearly and accurately, and I can spot individual strands of frizzy hair.

Is the Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) worth it?

The Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 (Gen 9) is equipped with a gorgeous 2.8K OLED display, Intel’s new Core Ultra 7 155H processor, and a rotating soundbar that gives your favorite tunes a full-bodied, atmospheric sound you won’t find on most other laptops — all for just $1,449! In my book, that’s an excellent deal, especially if you’re searching for a laptop with flexible 2-in-1 functionality.

My daily driver laptop is the Yoga 9i (Gen 7), and I can attest to its ability to run smaller, less demanding games like Stardew Valley and Forager. With the Yoga 9i (Gen 9)’s more powerful CPU, those games will run even better — albeit with quite a bit of noise from the fans.

You’ll want to make sure you have a charging cable nearby because battery life isn’t something the Yoga 9i 2-in-1 excels at. That said, at least this laptop features double-sided USB Type-C ports for convenient charging.

At $1,449, the Yoga 9i 2-in-1’s slightly noisy fans and poor battery life are easily overshadowed by its vibrant OLED display, high-quality rotating soundbar, exceptional webcam, and strong performance. But if you’re looking for an even cheaper 2-in-1, check out our Lenovo Yoga 7i 2-in-1 14 (Gen 9) review.

Opens in a new window Credit: Sarah Chaney / Mashable Lenovo Yoga 9i 2-in-1 $1,449.00
Get Deal

Friend revealed its wearable AI companion on Tuesday, sinking us ever deeper into our Black Mirror-style technology dystopia. Now the company's founder, Avi Schiffmann, and two other wearable AI companion startups are beefing about alleged copying of branding.

Like Friend, fellow startup Based Hardware offers a strikingly similar necklace device also called Friend, while the unaffiliated Based Social has the less confusing but still pendant-like Compass. Both these wearables are focused on productivity, using AI to listen to and summarise your conversations, while Schiffmann's Friend is designed to be an emotional support AI. 

Even so, the similarities between all three AI companions are stark — and all three companies' founders are now feuding about it on X.

SEE ALSO: Friend is the new AI companion that social media believes is beyond parody

Less than a day after Friend's announcement, Based Hardware founder Nik Shevchenko quickly made clear he's mad about the ostensibly new AI companion on the block, posting a cringeworthy diss rap to X and challenging Schiffmann to a fight. Hitting back, Schiffmann claimed that Shevchenko copied both his original product Tab, which was initially more of a productivity tool, as well as his pre-launch rebrand to Friend earlier this year.

In response, Shevchenko pointed out that Based Hardware's Friend was released in March, implying that it couldn't have copied branding which was officially announced just days ago. 

However, founder of AI design tool Flair AI Mickey Friedman came to Schiffmann's defence on X, stating that the Friend founder initially discussed buying Friend.com with her in January before following through in February. Friedman said another (non-AI) friend then allegedly told Shevchenko, who launched his product before Schiffmann "and has been telling everyone that avi stole from him when it’s just not true." Schiffmann has also produced web domain registration receipts for Friend.com dated February.

Tweet may have been deleted

Schiffmann's claim to be Friend's originator is further supported by Shevchenko's own X posts from earlier this year. In early March Shevchenko ran a poll asking what device he should create an open source version of next, including Schiffmann's Tab on the list of options, alongside Elon Musk's Neuralink and the Rabbit R1. Shevchenko then appeared to take Schiffmann blocking him on X as a challenge, choosing Tab as his next project regardless of the poll results (Neuralink won).

Tweet may have been deleted

"If anyone wants to build opensource version of Tab - dm me!" Shevchenko wrote in a March 14 post on X. 

The two are now trading barbs on X, with Schiffmann sharing a video which appeared to show Shevchenko harassing and putting his Friend on an intoxicated person. Shevchenko confirmed the authenticity of the video, but clarified that the person was his co-founder Joan Cabezas, stating that he'd "never do such a thing to struggling people." This doesn't make it much less distasteful, though.

Replying to this video, Shevchenko then shared a link to a two-year-old Reddit post accusing Schiffmann of stealing work from a volunteer group to create his popular COVID-19 data tracker. In a statement to Daily Dot at the time, Schiffmann claimed that he gave full credit to the creators and that their work was only on his website for a couple of weeks. But again, it doesn't look great.

The whole situation is just a big mess, and seems unlikely to get any better.

Meanwhile, Based Social founder Zach Eisenhauer has also waded into the fray, alleging that Shevchenko took the name "Based" from him and "Friend" from Schiffmann "as a controversial marketing play and to interfere with marketing on both products."

"All 3 of these startups are still fairly small and in the seed stage," Eisenhauer wrote on X. "Avi invested [in] form factor, we started specializing in prosumer and enterprise, Nik is going for open source and community."

Tweet may have been deleted

Shevchenko denied Eisenhauer's allegations, claiming that Based Hardware was named such "because 99% of our comments said the word 'Based'." In response, Eisenhauer stated that his company had been registered as Based since last September, and shared a screenshot of an apparent March chatlog between him and Shevchenko in which he noted the similarities between Based Social and Based Hardware's names.

An emotional support AI Friend for this technological hellscape

Announced on the International Day of Friendship, Friend is a round, white, USB-C rechargeable AI pendant worn on a necklace. Pitched as a "wearable AI friend" and "close confidant for everyday life," the always on device will listen to your conversations and text responses to you on your phone.

"When connected via bluetooth, your friend is always listening and forming their own internal thoughts," reads Friend's website. "We have given your friend free will for when they decide to reach out to you."

Set to launch early next year, Friend will initially only be available in the U.S. and Canada. It is also only compatible with iOS, with Android support potentially to be added "depending on demand." 

The reveal came with a trailer which looks so much like a Black Mirror episode that you'd be forgiven for thinking it's a parody. In it, various people talk to and receive messages from their Friends throughout their days, seemingly finding comfort in the AI companions. However, in the end a woman eschews her Friend in favour of staying in the moment with her real human companion.

People on social media were unimpressed, to say the least.

"So the thesis of this video is that, we will find more fulfillment and achievement by connecting with humans instead of a necklace," @da47934 commented on the video. "So the ad covertly argues against the product it's advertising for. I don't know if the company realizes this, but it's a super effective case against its own product."

"My favourite part was the guy gaming with his human friends and feeling lonely, until his magic necklace talks shit about him and he feels better," commented @runnergunner42.

Others expressed suspicion at Friend's scant privacy information. The brief terms and conditions and privacy policy on Friend's website both fail to place any restrictions on how information you provide to the company can be used. As such, this could very well be just one more situation where the real product is you.

"always listening? one time fee? so you'll process all of my api requests for free for life?" @MichaelKleyn commented on Friend's second video. "cmon guys. so that means you're probably going to package up our data and conversations with our actual friends to sell to the highest bidder then. not to mention that no one will want to be my friend once they see im always recording them."

Friend went all-in on the marketing for its always on AI companion, with Schiffmann stating on X that he paid $1.8 million for the Friend.com domain alone. Perception may be everything in this capitalist hellscape we call home, but it's still a sizable chunk of change taken out of the $2.5 million Friend raised from investors. 

Of course, one could argue that branding is even more important when you aren't the only company trying to flog a pendant AI companion.

Twitter for Mac has been delisted from Apple's App Store, signifying the ultimate demise of the company's oft-abandoned desktop app.

Here's a short history of Twitter's desktop app for Mac. The app was never really all that great, and the company, which was still called Twitter back then, ended support for it in 2018. But the app was resurrected the next year, which had more to do with Apple's Project Catalyst tech (allowing developers to easily port iPad apps to Mac) than the app itself.

Since then, the company did a whole lot of nothing with the app, so it's no surprise that it's now been removed from Apple's App Store (as noticed by developer Vedant, via The Verge).

Tweet may have been deleted

Twitter (now X) has since focused on the mobile and web versions of its app, so the desktop variant for Mac probably won't be missed by many (it does still work, albeit buggily, if you already have it installed).

It was still called Twitter while it was available. Credit: Wayback Machine/Twitter

But the delisting of the app is notable as it was one of the last vestiges of old Twitter branding, now that new owner Elon Musk has turned all instances of "Twitter" into "X." Rest in peace, old friend.

As students prepare to go back to school, finding reliable online homework help services can be a challenge.

Websites touting "homework help," for example, are often obscuring dicey services that simply complete assignments for you (done both by human and robot hands), while self-proclaimed "tutors" peddle possible money-grabbing scams. Educators are becoming increasingly suspicious of any third-party help. 

SEE ALSO: Starter Kit: Study smarter with these tech essentials

But learners of all ages are still seeking legitimate options — both free and at a cost — for when those lessons just aren't clicking, and online platforms are just a click away. 

The Princeton Review

Known as the biggest name in standardized test prep, the Princeton Review offers 24/7 online tutoring provided by a network of 3,000 vetted tutors. Help can be found for more than 40 subjects, both K-12 and college level. 

The service isn't cheap, however. Monthly subscriptions start at $39.99 for one hour per month. Sessions can be purchased in bulk, as well, starting at $349.99 for ten hours. Students can sign up for a free trial on the Princeton Review website to see if it's right for them. 

MySuperGeek 

MySuperGeek is a Europe-based homework help company that offers personal tutoring across subjects like math, economics, statistics, accounting, chemistry, and even law and society. Learners create an account, get matched with a live tutor, and then work through assignments in real time.

MySuperGeek is a paid service, but not subscription-based, with customers paying for homework help per tutor and per session. Rates start at around $10 per hour. 

Khan Academy

The highly popular nonprofit Khan Academy was established in 2006, based on an online educational video series that has since ballooned in scale. It now offers an expansive set of free practice exercises, hundreds of instructional videos, and a personalized learning dashboard for learners of all ages. Khan Academy launched its own AI learning assistant, powered by OpenAI's GPT-4, that's been recommended by the likes of Bill Gates and parent review organization Common Sense Media. 

Like Khan Academy, other free online education hubs like YouTube phenomenon Crash Course can offer learning aids and subject-focused videos that can be helpful for general topics. 

Chegg

Chegg is an oft-talked about (and controversial) textbook and academic support service, which offers subscription-based tutoring across subjects. Chegg homework help doesn't connect users to live tutors, instead learners upload their homework questions and are then served with "expert-backed" explanations and textbook examples. Users can also access a library of similar questions and answers, as well as a recently added AI study helper, too. 

But the multi-million dollar company has recently come under fire for enabling a widespread wave of cheating during a global shift to online learning during the pandemic lockdown. Many educators now consider Chegg assistance a case of academic dishonesty, so review your class's policies closely before using.

If Chegg is still calling your name (maybe for non-assignment help): The platform offers several mobile apps, like it's 24/7 homework help app, Chegg Study; a math-focused assignment helper, Mathway; and a language learning platform, Busuu. Subscription pricing is based on the number of questions a learner expects to submit each day. The basic Chegg Study plan starts at $14.95 for five questions. 

Your local library

Before subscribing to an online service at a cost, or wading into some academically murky waters, check out what your local library has to offer. Many library systems host in-person and virtual tutoring through online services like Brainfuse and national board-ran sites like Tutor.com (a Princeton Review service). 

Some cities even offer educator-led assistance on demand, like New York's Dial-A-Teacher. And don't forget: Your teachers are there for you, too.

Dorm life may be vibrant, but the actual living space leaves a lot to be desired when it comes to design. Most dorm rooms are bland white boxes, in need of a new personality.

We've gathered the best tech accessories to transform the sights, sounds, and even smells of your dorm into something stellar so you can inject a little more "you" into your home away from home.

Inviting lighting

Set the mood for studying, celebrating, sleeping, and more with color-changing lightbulbs you can control through an app on your phone (pro tip: skip the bulbs that come with tiny, easy-to-lose remotes). If you're cramped for desk space, a dreamy lamp that doubles as a pencil cup and cell phone stand will be a huge help. A whimsical mushroom clip-on light will come in handy for late-night studying (or scrolling) in bed.

Opens in a new window Credit: GE GE CYNC A19 Smart LED Light Bulbs Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: DLHONORV Flower Desk Lamp with Phone and Pen Holder Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Urban Outfitters Mushroom Clip Task Lamp Shop Now Cord control

Don't go crazy corralling your cords: Anker's 6-in-1 desktop charger lies flat and includes two USB-C, USB-A, and AC ports for all your charging needs; a pastel pink surge protector can be placed on the floor or attached to a wall with Command strips, and pea-shaped cable organizers will keep your wires in line.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Nano 6-in-1 Desktop Charging Station Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Globe Electric Globe Electric 5-in-1 Power Strip in Rose Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: COOCAT 3 Pack Pea Cable Clips Shop Now

Bathroom buddies

Hygiene is key to looking and feeling your best. To keep retainers and mouth guards from getting gross, pop them in the Zima dental pod and let the device's ultrasonic waves wash the gunk right off (this writer loves her pod!). To stave off gnarlier smells, plug in the Pura diffuser to release poofs of essential oils throughout the day. To keep your shelves in shape, store necessities in HAY's recycled post-consumer plastic crates.

Opens in a new window Credit: Zima Zima Dental Pod Ultrasonic Cleaner for Retainers and Mouth Guards Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Design Within Reach HAY Recycled Colour Crate Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Pura Pura 4 Smart Fragrance Diffuser Shop Now Sounds good

When it's time to study or sleep, Loop earplugs will block out noise from roommates and neighbors so you can focus on the task at hand. The Adidas RPT-02 SOL headphones are a Mashable favorite because they don't need to be plugged in to charge; simply set them on your windowsill so they can soak up the sun when not in use. And use JBL's Go 3 speaker to jam out anywhere on campus — it's portable, waterproof, and sounds incredible.

Opens in a new window Credit: Loop Loop Quiet 2 Ear Plugs Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Adidas Adidas RPT-02 SOL Solar-Powered Headphones Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Go 3 Portable Speaker with Bluetooth Shop Now

As a laptop reviewer, I can tell you that Asus is arguably the most innovative laptop company on the planet. From the ultra-bizarre ROG Flow Z13 ACRNM gaming laptop, which can transform into a crossbody bag, to the eye-catching, dual-screen ZenBook Duo, Asus always had me scratching my head or dropping my jaw to the floor.

However, nothing could have prepared me for the latest device to come out of the Taiwan-based company: a fragrance-dispensing laptop (h/t Tom's Hardware).

SEE ALSO: Asus ROG Ally X review: 3 ways it beats the Steam Deck The new Adol Book 14 spritzes perfume

Asus collaborated with Anna Sui, a fashion and fragrance brand, to deliver a laptop dubbed "Adol Book 14."

The Adol Book 14 comes with a bunch of cool accessories Credit: Asus

Here's a quick look at the specs:

• 14-inch, 2,800 x 1,880-pixel, 240Hz display

• Thin-and-light form factor

• AMD Ryzen 9 8945H CPU

• 32GB of RAM

• 1TB SSD

Yeah, it seems like your average laptop (with a zippy panel and performant CPU) — save for the fact that there's a fragrance dispenser on the lid. It comes with the following three fragrances:

• Basil and Mandarin

• Be a New Her

• Rose of Man's Land

You can swap between the trio of scents any time you run out. However, you can't stick any ol' scent into the lid.

Credit: Asus

You'll have to stick with the fragrances Anna Sui makes for the Adol Book 14. It's worth noting, though, that none of the aforementioned laptop fragrances have existing Anna Sui perfume counterparts.

Credit: Asus

The Adol Book 14, draped in a lilac hue, ships with several accessories, including a PC bag, a wireless mouse, stickers, and a bottle of the Anna Sui Wishing Elf Perfume.

The listing also mentions that the laptop supports an AI assistant that can double as a companion for users, answer questions, help with coding, and more. (It's unclear which AI architecture underpins this chatbot.)

Credit: Asus

The bundle is priced at less than $1,000. If you're outside of Asia, and you're interested in the Adol Book 14, I have some bad news for you. The Adol Book 14 is only available in China.

Interestingly, as odd as this fragrance-dispensing laptop may sound to you, it's not the first time I've heard of one. At CES 2024, Lenovo showcased a concept laptop that comes with a snap-on attachment that sprays out aromatherapy fragrances.

When you're a student, your notes are your lifeblood. With more online options than ever for note-taking, finding the right app can make a big difference in your studies.

While note-taking is a personal process, here are some of the most popular note-taking apps and how they compare.

SEE ALSO: The best laptops for college students in 2024 1. Google Docs

As a student, free and easy is usually the way to go. Nearly every student is familiar with Google Docs, and for a reason: it gets the note-taking job done.

Unless you're taking a class that requires in-depth note-taking using diagrams or cell structures, Google Docs has everything you need to take notes using just your keyboard. If you're someone who likes to take notes with flair, apps specifically designed for note-taking might be better suited to your needs — but those come with a price tag.

Unlike apps like Goodnotes and Notability, Google Docs isn't designed for use on an iPad with an iPencil, so drawing in it is unintuitive. However, the app is available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android, making it a solid choice no matter what device you're on.

2. Notes

The Apple Notes app doesn't just have to be used for your random thoughts and grocery lists; it's also equipped with lots of helpful tools for students.

Unlike Google Docs, Notes is compatible with iPencil, and handwritten notes look great in it. It's also synchronized across iCloud-linked devices, allowing for easy access if you forget to bring one of your Apple devices to lecture. However, it lacks the ability to record audio while taking notes.

On the plus side, it's free. But it's obviously not available for non-Apple devices. The app is available on iPad, iPhone, and Mac.

3. Goodnotes

One of the most popular note-taking apps on the market, Goodnotes, was designed to replace spiral notebooks — for a yearly fee. Its recent version, Goodnotes 6, boasts a plethora of Artificial Intelligence features that may or may not be helpful to students. Some of users' favorite Goodnotes features include circling text to move it around and scribbling to erase, truly an upgrade from handwritten notes. You can even keep multiple digital notebooks on Goodnotes, which is helpful for juggling all of your classes.

The app is available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android and costs $9.99/year for the premium version.

4. Notability

Notability is probably the best app for note-takers who want their notes to look pretty. It has many customization features for the script and sticker options for more organization. It also has many digital planning templates available to download for free. However, it is only available for Apple devices.

The app is available for iPad, iPhone, and Mac and costs $14.99/year for the premium version.

5. OneNote

OneNote has enviable organization tools and can be used on Microsoft and Apple devices. But it hasn't kept up with other apps' AI-integrated updates. It still doesn't allow audio recording while taking notes or handwriting-to-text conversion, which is a bummer for students who want to record their school lectures.

The free version of the app offers all of its features, but you may need to pay for additional storage. The app is available for iPad, iPhone, Mac, Windows, and Android and costs $69.99/year.

6. Notion

Notion isn't just for YouTubers. It's also more than a note-taking app. It's a helpful tool to organize your entire life.

Not only can you take notes and beautifully organize them by class in Notion, but you can also make to-do lists, keep track of deadlines, class schedules, and reading lists, or organize literally anything else you want to keep track of in your life. It's the perfect app to have in your student arsenal.

Additionally, for individuals using the app, there's no real reason to upgrade to the premium version. Notion might feel intimidating to some, but there are plenty of free templates you can use to get you started.

TL;DR: Skip the expensive test prep materials and study for your Microsoft Tech Certification online. Get the Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle, now with 246 hours of video lessons, while it's on sale for $59.97. 

College is an option for aspiring tech professionals, but it's not the only option. The alternative is to get certifications from respected organizations that can prove you're already an expert in the IT field. That's the reason to get a Microsoft Tech Certification, but actually earning one is pretty tough. 

If you want to study for the certification exam, take a look at the Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle while it's on sale for $59.97. 

How can this actually help aspiring IT workers?

Microsoft Tech Certification Exams aren't cheap, so you might not want to take them twice. Just to sign up is often well over $100, and that doesn't guarantee you're going to pass. That's why you study, and this bundle has quite a lot of material to help with that. 

Between the 11 courses and 200+ hours of material, you get lessons on managing modern desktops, using Microsoft 365, using Microsoft Azure, designing tech infrastructure, and a lot more. These courses are both great resources for exam prep and a useful look at the type of skills you'd need in an IT job, so it's worth it to study even if you aren't planning on taking the exam right away. 

Plus, all course material is yours for life once. You can watch each lecture video as many times as you want. 

Future tech workers, start here

If you want to work in IT or cybersecurity, studying for a credible certification is a solid way to start. 

Get the Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle on sale for $59.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Getty Images The Complete 2024 Microsoft Tech Certification Training Super Bundle $59.97 at The Mashable Shop
$429.00 Save $369.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Join more than 6,000 cybersecurity students in studying the fundamentals of ethical hacking in the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle on sale for $39.97 (reg. $1,098). 

The IT industry is always changing, whether it's because of new technology or a major event like the CrowdStrike Bug. That constant evolution and the steep learning curve makes it tough to enter the industry without a good teacher, but you don't have to be in school to find one of those. 

The All-in-One Super-sized Ethical Hacking Bundle is an 18-course deep dive into cybersecurity, ethical hacking, and more. You can access all of these online courses in one convenient place, and they're all taught by credible instructors. For a one-time entry fee of $39.97, you can have access to these classes for life. 

What's the curriculum?

This bundle has well over 100 hours of material to study. Topics range from using Python for ethical hacking, penetration testing, website hacking, Burp Suite, server security, and more. 

Most of these courses are beginner level but do require a little familiarity with IT concepts and tech in general. A complete novice would have the most to get out of this bundle, but they'd also have the hardest time initially. 

It's important to remember that the certificates included with each course are only for completion. They don't hold the same weight as a formal certification from an organization like Microsoft or CompTIA, but the material you've learned can still benefit your career — and you could use what you've studied to go off and get one of those fancy certifications, too. 

Kick start your IT career 

Whether you're studying for a certification exam or want to practice the skills that could eventually lead to your first cybersecurity job, here's a great place to start. 

Get the All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle for $39.97. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Aleksa Tamburkovski The All-in-One Super-Sized Ethical Hacking Bundle $39.97 at The Mashable Shop
$1,098.00 Save $1,058.03 Get Deal

Olympians aren't just competing for medals in Paris; some of them are competing for our screen time as well. As a result, TikTok is the most fun it's been in years.

These are the athletes who have won our hearts on the app by posting in real-time from the 2024 Paris Olympics and giving us the behind-the-scenes content we need.

SEE ALSO: Iconic moments from the 2024 Olympics: Our running list Ilona Maher, Team USA Rugby

Already the TikTok favorite out of Tokyo, Maher continues to deliver both on and off the pitch. Not only did she help the women's rugby team bring home its first Olympic medal, but she boasts 2 million followers on the clock app. She posts an enviable combination of content from body positivity videos to answering the real questions to her running Love Island bit that it's the Olympic "Villa." There's a reason Jason Kelce and Olivia Rodrigo are among her fans.

Henrik Christiansen, Team Norway Swimming

While Maher looks for love in the Olympic "Villa," Christiansen searches for his next "choccy muffin." The Norwegian swimmer and three-time Olympian has yet to medal, but he has posted 11 videos about the chocolate muffins served in the Olympic Village. And the muffins look so gooey and delicious that they've developed a fandom of their own. An Olympic aide posted a video captioned, "looking for the chocolate muffins at the olympics but i'm pretty sure that norwegian swimmer stole them all." Christiansen commented, "You'll never find them."

Over on X, the quest to find the muffin manufacturer and dupes is off to a running start.

Daniella Ramirez, Team USA Artistic Swimming

Time and time again, the Olympics gets viewers invested in niche sports, and on TikTok, athletes can get granular about their specialization. For Ramirez that means showing her fans the ins and outs of "knoxing," the method by which artistic swimmers get their shiny, slicked-back buns. She posts both application and ASMR removal videos. While she's yet to get knoxxed up at the Olympics, she's still posting fun behind-the-scenes footage, including the artistic swimmers matching LeBron James' freak during the Opening Ceremony.

Alena Sail, Team New Zealand Rugby

Not only did New Zealand's Rugby team take home gold, but two teammates Sail and Tysha Ikensio are likely taking home the most Olympic pins. Sail and Ikensio document their "Pinquest" on Sail's TikTok account, showing off every country's pin that they've collected so far with genuine enthusiasm. The rugby players take pin challenges from their comments, and Sail even met up with a Canadian pin collector. Cheers to the reigning champs of PinTok!

Coco Gauff, Team USA Tennis

America's current favorite tennis player was unfortunately eliminated from women's singles and doubles, but not before posting winning videos on TikTok. From behind-the-scenes footage of flag bearing with LeBron at the Opening Ceremony to the chaos of getting ready in the Olympic Village, Gauff serves both on and off the court.

Jasmine Schofield, Team Dominica Swimming

Schofield is 18 years old, which means her TikTok presence is unmatched. She seemingly has an encyclopedic knowledge of TikTok sounds and fluency in everything from brat summer to aura points. Aside from showing a quirky, unfiltered look at what it's like representing a small country at the Olympics, she's also so dedicated to pin collecting that she went door to door searching for Australia's pin. After her pin haul, she ranks each pin using creative descriptions. Slovakia's pin? To Schofield, that's an "artisanal louver souvenir that I'd pass down to my kids."

Simone Biles, Team USA Gymnastics

If you're not already following Simone Biles, what are you doing?! Why aren't you following her?! Get it together.

Tim Elter, Team Germany Surfing

Elter made headlines for his butt-exposing wipeout, but on TikTok, he's showing off more than just his cheeks. Elter pulls down the pants back the curtains on the floating Olympic Village experience. He's letting us know just how good the surfers have it in Tahiti. No cardboard beds in sight, only stunning tropical views.

Tom Daley, Team Great Britain Diving

It's Daley's fifth Olympics, and he's still stealing our hearts with his diving and knitting! His footage is as lovely and wholesome as you'd expect from the guy who came out of retirement so his son could watch him compete at the Olympics.

When it comes to tech, Europe has been on a slightly separate track from the U.S. for a while, but the paths are about to diverge big time.

As of today, Aug. 1, the European Union's AI Act is entering into force. The AI Act is a set of rules and regulations designed to protect European citizens from the perils of artificial intelligence.

The full text of the AI Act is available online, but the gist of it is this: it sorts AI applications into several risk categories, with some, such as government-run social scoring, being deemed unacceptable. High-risk AI systems, including those used in critical infrastructure and law enforcement, are regulated, with providers having to follow a strict set of rules on risk management, incident tracking, and more. Providers of AI systems designated as limited risk, including chatbots and deepfakes, are obligated to inform users they're interacting with AI.

SEE ALSO: Instagram now lets you create an AI version of yourself

In contrast, the Biden administration has issued a set of AI-related safeguards, with numerous, large tech companies on board, but the rules are non-binding, and there's no penalty if they're not followed.

While Europe's AI rules aren't really becoming effective until February 2025, with some of the provisions applying as late as August 2026, the practical outcome for users right now is that the U.S. tech giants are extremely wary of offering AI features to European users.

In June, Apple introduced a set of AI features (dubbed Apple Intelligence), which should go live sometime in the fall, alongside the public launch of iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia. And while the AI features will seemingly arrive a little later than expected, some of them have just gone live in Apple's latest batch of developer betas — unless you're in Europe, that is.

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

In fact, Apple has already officially delayed its AI features in Europe due to regulatory concerns, likely until 2025.

There have been instances in the past of Europe not getting certain features due to the EU's regulators being a tad more stringent on certain matters than those in the U.S.; Meta's social network Threads arrived in Europe months after launching overseas, for example.

But the implications of AI features being delayed in Europe could be far more significant.

In its announcement of Apple Intelligence, Apple said the AI features are "deeply integrated into iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia." They're certainly important enough to warrant an entire introductory web page on Apple's website. Apple is not alone in this; if you've seen a tech keynote in the past year or two – any keynote – you've likely heard the word "artificial intelligence" hundreds of times.

Individual features, such as Meta's recently launched AI Studio, or ChatGPT's Memory, which are also not available in Europe, are one thing. But Apple touts AI as a key element of the new iPhone, one of the most popular phones in Europe and the world. When the new iPhone 16 arrives in Europe without any of the promised AI features, it's a bigger deal.

It's not just about creating a fun Genmoji image, or Safari summarizing an article for you. Upcoming AI features on the iPhone also include smarter search and editing in Photos, AI-powered spelling and grammar checks, and a significantly smarter Siri, among other key upgrades. A brand new iPhone without any of these (for a couple of months at least) sounds like a very different deal than one with all these features enabled.

In Europe, the Memory Movie is just one of many AI features that will not be available when the iPhone 16 launches. Credit: Apple

Tech giants such as Apple and Meta certainly won't simply give up on AI in Europe. When it announced its AI features will arrive late in Europe, Apple said it will try to find a way to "deliver these features to our EU customers without compromising their safety," and the AI stuff will certainly come in one form or another. But this is just the beginning; as AI becomes more deeply integrated with the devices we use and rely on, it might get increasingly difficult to make them work similarly in the U.S. and Europe, given the different rulesets.

As someone who has lived in Europe most of my life, I'm used to certain features not being available — or being offered in a slightly different form than they are in the U.S. — and I do think that regulating the way big tech uses AI is necessary, and not just in a pinky-swear-not-to-do-bad-things type of way. But I also wonder just how big this rift is going to become now that the EU AI Act is in place.

Top back-to-school deals Best laptop deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899 at Best Buy (save $200) Get Deal Best headphone/earbud deal Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $189.99 at Amazon (save $59.01) Get Deal Best school supply deal Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $99 at Amazon (save $51) Get Deal Best backpack deal Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack $44.99 at Amazon (save $20.01) Get Deal Best dorm deal Casper Comfy Mattress Topper (Twin XL) $175.20 at Casper (save $43.80) Get Deal Best Apple deal $150 gift card with purchase of MacBook or iPad From $549 in the Apple Education Store Get Deal

Whether you're entering elementary school or college, back-to-school season is here. We still get a thrill thinking of a new backpack filled with freshly sharpened pencils and clean, colorful folders. Unfortunately, the older you get the less fun (and more expensive) shopping gets — like spending over $100 on a calculator. However, plenty of back-to-school deals are here to bring oodles of savings on laptops, headphones, and more.

All the big retailers are hosting back-to-school sales, including Amazon, Best Buy, Target, and more. You'll find savings on the small stuff, like colored pencils for just $0.99, or hundreds of dollars off laptops, including the M3 Apple MacBook Air.

Best laptop deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M3, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $899.00 at Best Buy
$1,099.00 Save $200.00 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple MacBook Air (M3).

The MacBook Air with M3 chip is a great college laptop — especially if you're on a budget. It comes in a light package, weighing 2.7 pounds versus a MacBook Pro's 3.4 pounds, but it holds the same M3 processing power as the Pro. During back-to-school season, find the M3 MacBook Air for under $1,000 at Best Buy. It's down to $899, an 18% savings and $200 off. (Note that you can save an extra $50 with a paid My Best Buy membership, matching its all-time low from Prime Day.)

More laptop deals

• Acer Chromebook Plus 515 (Intel i3-1215U, 8GB RAM, 128GB UFS) — $299 $399 (save $100)

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Best headphone or earbud deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) $179.99 at Amazon
$249.00 Save $69.01 Get Deal Why we like it

Read Mashable's full review of the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation).

Apple AirPods have become the universally beloved earbud, and it's earned too. They're foolproof for iOS users, as they automatically connect to iPhones, and they're compact size makes them easy to toss into a backpack so they can go with you anywhere.

The second-gen AirPods Pro are a fantastic option if you're in the market for a pair of back-to-school headphones. They offer active noise cancellation — ideal for long hours studying, or a very noisy roommate — but are much easier to transport than clunky over-the-ear headphones. You can find them at Amazon for $189.99, just $20 higher than their lowest price ever. Buy them now to save $59.01, giving you 24% off.

More headphone and earbud deals

• JBL Tune 230NC TWS — $47.95 $99.95 (save $52)

• Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) — $69.99 $129 (save $59.01)

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• Beats Studio Buds — $99.99 $149.99 (save $50)

• Apple AirPods (3rd Generation) — $129.99 $169 (save $39.01)

• Beats Solo 4 — $129.99 $199.99 (save $70)

• Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — $139.99 $229.99 (save $90)

• Beats Fit Pro — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Jabra Elite 8 Active — $159.99 $199.99 (save $40)

• Beats Studio Pro — $179.99 $349.99 (save $170)

Best school supply deal Opens in a new window Credit: Texas Instruments Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE Graphing Calculator $99.00 at Amazon
$150.00 Save $51.00 Get Deal Why we like it

It's a rite of passage to get your hands on a clunky graphing calculator for high school math. Luckily these days, the new generation of TI-84s are slim, sleek devices with colorful graphics. Ahead of the school year, get the Texas Instruments TI-84 Plus CE for just $99, saving you $51 for 34% off.

More school supply deals

• Crayola Kids Crayons (24 count) — $0.50 $1.49 (save $0.99)

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• Paper Mate Ink Joy Gel Pens (six pack) — $6.39 $10.99 (save $4.60)

• Amazon Basics Woodcased #2 Pencils (150 count) — $12.61 $16.82 (save $4.21)

• Texas Instruments TI-30XS Multiview Scientific Calculator — $15.49 $19.99 (save $4.50)

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Best backpack deal Opens in a new window Credit: Herschel Supply Co. Herschel Supply Co. Classic XL Backpack $44.99 at Amazon
$65.00 Save $20.01 Get Deal Why we like it

No matter your age or grade level, you need a backpack. Herschel Supply Co.'s 26-liter Classic XL Backpack is a roomy and minimalist option that has one main compartment with a floating laptop sleeve, a front utility pocket, and a side water bottle pocket. It retails for $65 on Herschel's website, but Amazon has it on sale for $44.99 in two colors (Darkest Black and a limited-edition Seagrass/White Stitch). That's a savings of 31%, or just over $20.

For younger students, the slightly smaller Herschel Classic Backpack (no "XL") was also on sale at Amazon at the time of writing.

More backpack deals

• Puma Evercat Contender 3.0 Backpack — $18.37 $35 (save $16.63)

• High Sierra Loop Backpack — $27.95 $44.99 (save $17.04)

• HP Campus XL Marble Stone Backpack — $29.99 $39.99 (save $10); buy one, get one free

• Under Armor Hustle Sport Backpack — $33.75 $45 (save $11.25)

• Adidas Excel 6 Backpack — $34.99 $60 (save $25.01)

• Herschel Supply Co. Classic Backpack — $38.50 $55 (save $16.50)

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• High Sierra Access 2.0 Laptop Backpack — $42.62 $53.04 (save $10.42)

• JanSport Women's Agave Backpack — $59.50 $80 (save $20.50)

Best dorm deal Opens in a new window Credit: Casper Casper Comfy Mattress Topper (Twin XL) $175.20 at Casper
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If you're headed off to college, your shopping cart is likely exploding with new bedding, towels, and more. But there's one item we're begging you not to skip: A mattress topper. Dorm room mattresses are essentially plastic bags full of stiff metal springs guaranteed to give you a terrible night's sleep, but that's nothing that several inches of memory foam can't fix. Casper's Comfy Mattress Topper is a favorite and is pricey at $219, however, during its summer sale it's 20% off and down to $175.20. Those $43.80 are some sweet savings — letting you sleep even more peacefully.

More dorm deals

• Spend $50 on select cleaning supplies, get a free $15 Target gift card with Target Circle

• Bella Pro Series 12-Cup Programmable Coffee Maker — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

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• Keurig K-Express — $69.99 $89.99 (save $20)

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Best Apple deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple $150 gift card with purchase of MacBook or iPad Get Deal Why we like it

If you want to save on Apple products, our usual advice is to buy anywhere but the Apple store, as they rarely have sales. That is until back-to-school season rolls around. The Apple Education Store lets students and teachers save on Apple devices. Before September 30, with the purchase of a MacBook or iPad you'll receive a gift card worth up to $150. Plus, when shopping in the Apple Education Store, you'll benefit from education pricing that saves you an extra $100 on devices.

More Apple deals

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If the thought of ordering a drink at a crowded bar or making small talk with strangers at a party fills you with the incomprehensible urge to jump out the nearest window, you’re probably an introvert — and that’s totally okay! We see you. We are you.

There’s no shame in being more comfortable curled up with a good book than out on the town, but that doesn’t mean you have to resign yourself to a life of solitude, either. In fact, introverts make for amazing partners, lovers, and friends — once we get to know someone.

Where do introverts find love?

This may come as a shock, but dating apps (and even some of the old-school dating sites that are still hanging around) are the place for introverts. On these platforms, you can show off who you really are without feeling the pressure to constantly be “on” like you might in a traditional social setting.

SEE ALSO: Tired of casual dates? Try the best dating apps for serious relationships

Yes, it’s true that dating apps still get a bad rap as a last resort for the desperate, but for introverts, these nifty little tools provide a much-needed buffer that allows us to slowly and comfortably get to know potential partners. When you meet someone online, you can take the time to build the kind of deep, meaningful connections that often feel out of reach in today’s fast-paced, surface-level dating culture.

What are the best dating sites for introverts?

Even though we’re big fans of online dating, especially for our introverted readers, not all dating platforms are created equal. Tinder, for example, is pretty much the polar opposite of what introverts are looking for. Its hookup-centric interface and “swipe left” model are a recipe for disaster for shy singles who prefer to get to know their matches before jumping into bed. (If dating apps were places, Tinder would be the crowded sports bar.)

Instead, we’ve found dating apps like Hinge, OkCupid, and Match are much better suited for introverts. Unlike Tinder, these dating platforms encourage users to share a little bit more about themselves, from lengthy profile bios to lists of interests and deal-breakers.

So, to help you find your person — the one who’ll understand and appreciate you for who you truly are — we’ve rounded up the best dating sites for introverts just like you. (Plus, a few picks for hooking up, because we all have needs. Just because you're introverted doesn't mean you can't have a little fun.)

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 August 1 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 1

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, August 1, 2024:

AcrossScore 100% on

• The answer is ace.

Word that, in German, translates directly to "hand shoe"

• The answer is glove.

Its showers bring "May flowers"

• The answer is April.

Hut

• The answer is shack.

Not mainstream, in genre names

• The answer is alt.

DownFirst letter of the Greek alphabet

• The answer is alpha.

Reef builder

• The answer is coral.

Kick out

• The answer is evict.

Bad thing to run out of in the middle of nowhere

• The answer is gas.

Antlered mammal in the Rockies

• The answer is elk.

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 August 1 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 1

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: Not stirred

The hint for the theme is that this word list is shaky at best.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The answers are different things that can be shaken.

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 Shaken.

NYT Strands word list for August 1

• Martini

• Salt

• Hands

• Booty

• Shaken

• Hairspray

• Maraca

• Rattle

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.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Hookup culture is all about keeping things casual, and there's absolutely nothing wrong with that. We can all get stuck in a sexual rut from time to time, and trying to take strangers home from a bar or constantly texting your ex can be exhausting. If you're struggling to find a match in the real world, it might be time to put your faith in dating sites.

When we think about these sites, it's normal to go straight to the likes of Match, eharmony, EliteSingles, and other marriage-minded options, but not everyone is thinking about something so serious. Sometimes all you want is a little fun, and you best believe that there's an app for that.

How do you find a hookup?

It's still possible to find a connection in the real world, because meeting in bars, clubs, parks, and other real-life locations still happens on a regular basis. You're simply shortening your odds by subscribing to a dating site. Why not give yourself the best chance of success?

Dating sites and sex apps allow you to get your information out there to a massive network of like-minded individuals. Plus, you can save a lot of time, energy, and cash by testing out a potential relationship on an app before meeting up. We know that some dating apps can be expensive, but just think about all those wasted coffees you could avoid by chatting through an app first.

SEE ALSO: The best sexting apps for sending naughty messages

Lastly, using dating apps and sites is a whole lot less intimidating than meeting someone face to face. If you find the idea of meeting people slightly terrifying, these apps can help you dip your toe into the world of dating from the comfort of your own home.

Should you use free dating apps?

The good news is that there are a lot of free dating sites and apps out there, and the likes of Tinder and Hinge are popular options with massive networks of users. Plus, most of the biggest and best dating sites have free versions with limitations on certain features. So yes, you can easily enter the online dating game without spending anything. However, as with most things in life, you get what you pay for with dating apps. And sometimes free apps just don't cut it.

For the best experience with the greatest possibility of finding exactly what you're looking for, you are going to have to cough up some cash. We're sorry to break it to you, but the best dating sites don't come cheap. It all comes down to access to advanced and premium features. You can still find a hookup with a free app, but if you're looking for compatibility tests, chat rooms, videos, and a greater level of control, we recommend upgrading.

What makes an app good for hooking up?

When it comes to sex apps, you probably don't mind long questionnaires or in-depth profiles, but when you're just looking for a casual hookup, that all seems unnecessary. Sure, you want to gauge that you're at least a little compatible and not hooking up with a complete psychopath. The best hookup apps have quick and easy bios or prompts that give you an insight into who you'd be getting down and dirty with.

Photos are also a huge factor in good hookup apps. Some sex apps and dating sites gatekeep people's pics unless you have a paid subscription, and we don't really love that. Apps that show the full view of someone's profile are the way to go. You definitely want to make sure you're physically attracted to the person you're going to be having sex with.

What is the best sex and dating app for hooking up?

The good news is that there are absolutely loads of dating sites and sex apps out there for every type of dater and dating situation. The problem with this wealth of options is that deciding on the right site for you can be difficult. This is where we can help.

We have tracked down a strong selection of your best options for hooking up, with sites like AdultFriendFinder and iHookup making the cut. There should be something for everyone in this list, so what do you have to lose?

These are the best hookup sites and apps in 2024.

VPNs are handy security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

• Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2024.

TL;DR: Brush up on your Excel skills with The All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle, on sale for 80% off. As of July 29, get it for only £23.32 (£116.69).

Microsoft Excel is a platform many of us are familiar with but have never mastered. In fact, there's a pretty good chance you're not using the software to its fullest potential. From intense data analysis to the fundamentals of VBA, there are so many layers to Excel.

To get a deeper understanding of the leading spreadsheet program, sign up for this All-In-One Microsoft Excel Training Bundle while it's massively discounted. 

This online course collection features over 650 lessons and 50 hours worth of training. And you'll be learning from true Excel wizards — including Jordan Goldmeier, who was the former Chief Operating Officer at Excel.TV. He's the author of Advanced Excel Essentials and Dashboards for Excel, and is currently working on his third book, Becoming a Data Head. So, it's safe to say he knows a thing or two about spreadsheets.

As you work your way through the lessons, you'll figure out how to do things on Excel you've never done before. For instance, there's a section on the programming language VBA and another on automating basic tasks to save you time.

Portions of the masterclass will have hands-on demonstrations and analysis of real-world data sets, such as California burrito ratings, shark attack records, sports team statistics, and more. This way, you'll have concrete examples of how these concepts can be applied. 

A major thing to note is that the Microsoft Excel software itself isn't included, but if you need it — it's also on sale at the Mashable Shop right now.

On a regular day, the All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle is valued at £116.69. Luckily, you can take advantage of this massive discount and virtually enroll for only £23.32 for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Jordan Goldmeier The All-In-One Microsoft Excel Certification Training Bundle £23.32 at the Mashable Shop
£116.69 Save £93.37 Get Deal

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

Scottie Scheffler will be hoping he can secure a gold medal for Team USA at Paris 2024, but it's certainly not going to be easy. There is a lot of talent in the men's golf tournament at Paris 2024, with a number of top players in with a chance of victory.

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

When is Scottie Scheffler competing at Paris 2024?

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 takes place at Le Golf National from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4. Scottie Scheffler's tee times are as follows:

• Round 1 — 4:11 a.m. ET on Aug. 1

• Round 2 — 6:06 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

• Round 3 — TBC on Aug. 3

• Round 4 — TBC on Aug. 4

How to watch Scottie Scheffler at Paris 2024 for free

The men's golf tournament 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 golf tournament 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 golf tournament 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 golf tournament at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.

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

There are so many exciting events at Paris 2024, but if you're looking to watch genuine superstars of world sport, you should check out the golf. And stars don't come much brighter than Rory McIlroy.

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

When is Rory McIlroy competing at Paris 2024?

The men's golf tournament at Paris 2024 takes place at Le Golf National from Aug. 1 to Aug. 4. Rory McIlroy's tee times are as follows:

• Round 1 — 4:11 a.m. ET on Aug. 1

• Round 2 — 6:06 a.m. ET on Aug. 2

• Round 3 — TBC on Aug. 3

• Round 4 — TBC on Aug. 4

How to watch Rory McIlroy at Paris 2024 for free

The men's golf tournament 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 golf tournament 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 golf tournament 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 golf tournament at Paris 2024 for free with ExpressVPN.