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

If you're totally unfamiliar with virtual private networks, or VPNs, this is probably a good time to get to know the increasingly popular cybersecurity services.

There are a number of reasons why you might want to use a VPN, including but not limited to masking all of your internet traffic or accessing services that may be blocked in a particular location. If you want to get the most out of the internet these days, a VPN is absolutely essential.

What is a VPN?

VPNs provide 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, meaning that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

VPNs act like 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.

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. However, 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.

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.

What is the best VPN for privacy and anonymity?

Deciding that you need a VPN is the easy part, but which VPN should you pick, and which ones can you trust? Search for a VPN online and dozens of results appear, so choosing the best service can be tricky. It requires a lot of research, and you should absolutely do your homework before committing to anything.

The good news is that we have done a lot of the hard work to help you in your search for a VPN, and tracked down examples of great services that secure your data, hide your activity, and bypass online restrictions. You can pick from leading services like PureVPN, NordVPN, TunnelBear, and more.

These are the best VPNs for online privacy in 2024.

Tesla's main announcement coming from the company's recent "We, Robot" event was the Robotaxi (or the CyberCab, we're still not sure about the name). But perhaps the biggest impression was made by Tesla's updated Optimus robots, which freely walked among the crowd, talked to guests, served drinks, played games, and danced.

Tesla CEO Elon Musk hyped up the robot, saying how it'll be "the biggest product of any kind, ever" and that it "can be a teacher, babysit your kids, it can walk your dog, mow your lawn, get the groceries. Just be your friend, serve drinks. Whatever you can think of, it will do."

SEE ALSO: Tesla’s surprise announcements: Robovan and Optimus

But the company and its leader were (seemingly intentionally) ambiguous about what Optimus can really do autonomously right now.

At the event, it sure seemed like the robots could do a lot. In a particularly impressive demonstration, YouTuber Marques Brownlee played a game of charades with Optimus.

Tweet may have been deleted

And the way Optimus was behaving while serving drinks, interacting with people, and listening to instructions and executing them right away, seemed a little too good to be true.

Tweet may have been deleted

Well, it now appears that it was a little too good to be true.

Electrek did some digging and found numerous clues that the Optimus robots present at Tesla's event were at least partly remote controlled. For example, tech guy Robert Scoble said a Tesla engineer told him that Optimus was run by AI "when it walked" — the part about talking having seemingly been omitted on purpose.

Perhaps the best clue comes from this video, in which the Tesla Optimus bot not only talks and behaves extremely similarly to a human, but also confirms that it's "assisted by a human" and "not yet fully autonomous."

Post by @secondbreakfastinvesting View on Threads

Another clue comes from Musk himself, in a reply to an X post about the possibility of people with disabilities potentially making a living "by controlling an Optimus bot remotely making drinks for people, moving packages, or whatever else." To this, Musk replied "yeah."

It's a very Muskian thing to do: Bring the robots to an event, hype up how amazingly autonomous they'll be, but then be very shady about the fact that they're actually remotely controlled or assisted.

The problem with this approach is that it tells us very little about how far Optimus has progressed since it was just a human in a robot suit. Can it really talk, answer complex queries, react to visual cues from humans, serve drinks, and do household chores, or is this version still far off? We may find out at the next Tesla event. Then again, we may not.

Today, porn performer Siri Dahl is hosting an old-school telethon aptly called Corn Telethon. The 12-hour livestream — named after the censored word for "porn" among social media users — will be "silly," safe for work, and feature entertainers both in the adult world and beyond.

The telethon's announcement compares it to telethons of yore, like the ones hosted by comedian Jerry Lewis. The stream will be a fundraiser, with all profits going to the Sex Workers Outreach Project Los Angeles and towards funding a grant to support journalism covering sex worker issues. Additionally, Corn Telethon will bring awareness to Project 2025, the right-wing policy wishlist for Trump should he win the presidential election. One of the measures is to ban pornography and imprison those who make it.

SEE ALSO: Porn performers launch campaign against Project 2025

The telethon came about because Dahl and podcaster Alex Steed realized that politicians speaking out against Project 2025 aren't talking about this particular danger, according to the announcement — nor do many politicians speak out against broader threats sex workers face today.

"Lacking representation from elected officials brave enough to take these stands, we recruited the help of friends in the entertainment industry (both folks with backgrounds in porn and 'mainstream' entertainers alike) to bring awareness to the dangerous issues while telling jokes, singing songs, offering giveaways, and having fun in the way the entertainers we grew up watching on screens grew up back in the television age," the Corn Telethon website states.

"Corn Telethon will have such a wealth of wacky, fun, and engaging moments, I'm confident it will live on in the minds of our audience long after the 12-hour stream concludes," Dahl said in the announcement. "In my 12 years in the adult industry, I've never seen an event like this before — my goal isn't to host a perfect event, but to be a part of something new and interesting, while uplifting my industry and sex workers in general, and raising money for some fantastic causes."

Dahl is also involved with the recently-launched Hands Off My Porn campaign, which displays anti-Project 2025 ads on adult content sites in swing states.

Stream Corn Telethon on Dahl's Twitch and YouTube channels today from noon to 11:59 p.m. ET.

Oura Ring 4 has entered the chat and is here to let you know that your Apple Watch’s one-to-two day battery life is, well, cute — I guess?

While you’re frantically searching for a charger every night, this little wearable can survive for about a week — doing so without missing a beat in tracking your health and fitness. And with competitors like the Samsung Galaxy Ring in the mix, the battle for the best wellness wearable is heating up.

I can finally put my finger on what makes the Oura Ring 4 stand out (pun fully intended). Don't roll your eyes, but it has something to do with AI.

Although I adore the Oura Ring 4, my recommendation is dependent on which device you have. I've tested the Oura Ring 4 on both my Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra as well as the iPhone 16 Pro Max — and this beastly little wearable appears to be more compatible with one over the other.

Oura Ring 4 price

The Oura Ring 4 I tested in this review comes in the Gold variant. This finish is so stunning, when I first saw it, my eyes popped out like a cartoon character that spotted a shiny treasure chest.

Oura Ring 4 in Gold Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It costs $499 via Amazon and starts shipping on Oct. 15.

The Oura Ring 4 also comes in Black, Brushed Silver, Rose Gold, Silver, and Stealth.

Oura Ring 4 Brushed Silver Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Gold colorway, in my opinion, is the most attractive.

Oura Ring 4 finishes Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

In fact, Gold and Rose Gold are the priciest finishes at $499 (likely because they fly off Oura's shelves quite quickly) followed by Brushed Silver and Stealth at $399. Silver and Black are the cheapest at $349.

It's also worth noting that the Oura Ring requires a subscription fee that sets you back $6 a month (or $70 a year).

Oura Ring 4 sizes

Oura Ring 4 has expanded its sizing range, so whether you have slim or chubby fingers, you're more likely to find a fit.

Oura Ring Sizing kit Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Oura Ring 4 comes in the following sizes: 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15.

If you don't know your size, don't fret. During your purchase journey, you'll be given a sizing kit so you can order the right size for yourself.

Keep in mind that an Oura rep told me that the index finger is the most ideal place for your ring, which leaves your ring finger empty for trinkets like engagement and wedding rings (and other decorative jewelry). Interestingly, my ring finger requires a size 5, but my index finger is a size 7. As such, beware that you may not be able to use the Oura Ring 4 interchangeably between one finger and another if they have different circumferences.

The fit should be snug — not too restrictive nor too loose.

Oura Ring 4 design

If you have an Oura Ring 3, you'll notice that the sensors are raised, which produces a bumpy design inside the ring. (The Samsung Galaxy Ring has a similar design.)

I never found the bumpy sensors to be much of a bother. Still, Oura is determined to stay the reigning champ of wellness rings — expertly balancing cutting-edge sensors with a sleek, minimalist design. For the fourth-generation device, Oura has recessed the sensors for an even more refined look.

For comparison, check out Mashable Senior Editor Chris Taylor’s Oura Ring 3, sitting stylishly right next to his wedding ring.

Oura Ring 3 (pictured on the left) Credit: Chris Taylor / Mashable

Now take a look at the Oura Ring 4's new slick, inner design.

Oura Ring 4 Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

No bumps! It's as smooth as a baby's bottom.

I wore the Oura Ring 4 for 16 days, and even after hopping into the shower with it and washing dishes, it still managed to hold up for over two weeks. The Oura Ring 4 is water resistant up to 328 feet and can handle shallow water activities, but not deep-sea diving.

My Oura Ring still looking beautiful after 16 days of usage. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, it's still early days. I plan to write up a six-month review, too, to see if the Oura Ring 4 still looks good-as-new as time progresses.

Oura Ring 4 health and fitness features

The new Ring 4 doesn't necessarily have any new monitors nor sensors, but Oura boasts that they're more accurate (more on that later).

Oura Ring 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Oura Ring 4 can track the following:

• Heart rate

• Heart-rate variability

• Bedtime detection

• Sleep staging

• Blood oxygen levels (spO2)

• Cardiovascular age

• Cardio Capacity

• Daytime stress and resilience

• Body clock and chronotype

• Cycle insights

• Automatic Activity Detection

So you may be wondering, "How is the Oura Ring 4 more accurate?" Long story short, Oura increased the number of signal pathways in the Ring 4 to 18, up from eight.

Oura Ring 4 Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The additional 10 signal pathways produce more accurate readings. In fact, Oura says that it proved this by conducting research with a third-party organization and discovered the following data improvements:

• Blood oxygen sensing (SpO2) has improved by 120%, leading to a 30% boost in accuracy for average overnight SpO2 measurements

• Breathing disturbance index (BDI) is now 15% more accurate due to the enhanced signal quality

• There are 7% fewer gaps in the heart rate graph during the day

• At night, the heart rate graph shows 31% fewer gaps

I can’t personally vouch for the improvements in accuracy, as I never owned an Oura Ring 3. However, I can share my own experience with how well the Oura Ring 4 tracks workouts and other health metrics.

To clarify, I’ve only been using the Oura Ring 4 for 16 days, and certain features, like Cycle Tracking, need around two months of data to accurately predict my next period.

Oura app showing that more insights are required. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, my Oura Ring 4 is still "figuring me out." But based on what it knows of me so far, it's done an impressive job. For example, it can pick up on my stress quite well — showing an uptick of anxiety during work hours and more relaxed readings after hours while I'm watching Love Island USA on Peacock with my fiance.

Similarly, the Oura Ring 4 accurately spotted that my heart rate climbs as the day begins, but drops during nighttime and the wee hours of the day before work.

Stress and heart rate insights on Oura app Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

It also does a good job at recording workouts. I run on the treadmill at least three days a week. When I check the Oura app, there's often a prompt asking whether the run (or walk) that it detected is valid. All you need to do is hit confirm.

If there are days where you don't want the Oura Ring 4 to penalize you for not being active (you're given a score based on your sleep and activity), you can set up "Rest Mode" for your Oura Ring 4.

Oura Ring 4 AI advisor

The one feature on the Oura Ring 4 that gives it an edge over the Galaxy Ring and Apple Watch is the AI advisor, which is currently in experimental mode.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Samsung Galaxy Ring that utilizes Galaxy AI to generate an Energy Score (a daily measurement that analyzes your sleep, heart rate and activity level), but Oura takes it one step further with AI, giving users an advisor that understands your data and lets you ask it questions.

This is important for someone like me who gets overwhelmed with data, from my activity levels and sleep score to my stress readings and blood oxygen readings. What does all of this mean?

Thanks to the AI advisor, I can ask it questions like, "Based on my data, what can I do to become a healthier individual?" Check out its response below.

Oura AI advisor's response Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The AI advisor accurately pointed out that I have challenges with sleep, with a bad habit of going to sleep too late. Plus, it said that I have high activity levels, but being more consistent would be helpful.

You can adjust the tone of your advisor, too. You can have it be more of a motivational coach with a smidge of tough love — or it can have a softer side. I requested the latter; the world is cruel enough as it is.

Oura Ring 4: iOS vs. Android

I've tested the Oura Ring 4 on both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

My Oura Ring experience was more seamless on my iPhone compared to Android. For example, when you set up your Oura Ring 4 with your device, it will ask you to test the smart sensing technology. Setting it up with the iPhone 16 Pro Max went smoothly, but my Android device struggled to pick up the signals, eventually pairing after several resets.

Data like sleep information and stress populated ultra-fast on my iPhone, but it took a lot more time to converge on my Android.

Plus, the Oura app also takes into consideration information collected via the Health app on iPhone. Oura does not do the same with Samsung and other Android devices.

That being said, if you have an iPhone, don't consider any other ring but the Oura Ring 4. The Samsung Galaxy Ring plays nicely with Samsung devices and nothing more.

Oura Ring 4 battery life

Oura claims that the Ring 4 has an extra day of battery life (i.e., 8 days), up from the 7-day runtime of its predecessor.

Oura Ring 4 charging station Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, in my experience, the Oura Ring 4 appeared to have the same rating as the Oura Ring 3, lasting about 6 to 7 days on a charge — not 8 days. This is in line with the Samsung Galaxy Ring. This runtime is still impressively long, and makes these wearable form factors far more appealing than my Apple Watch Series 10, which can only last up to two days.

Still, your mileage may vary. As mentioned earlier, I was using both my iPhone and Android to test the Oura Ring 4, with the latter making the wearable work quite hard because, for whatever reason, the Oura Ring 4 doesn't play as nicely with Android devices.

On another note, one thing that I prefer with the Samsung Galaxy Ring is its charging station, which doubles as a portable case.

Samsung Galaxy Ring charging case Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

The Oura Ring 4's charging station is a bit too exposed for my tastes.

Is the Oura Ring 4 worth it?

The Oura Ring 4 is absolutely worth it, particularly if you have an iPhone. Your experience may be different, but when I tested the Oura Ring 4 with both the iPhone 16 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, it played far more nicely with the iOS device.

Plus, the Oura app considers the data collected in your iPhone's Health app, too.

The Oura Ring 4 requires a $6-per-month subscription, but the Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Ring do not. However, what gives this ring the edge is its AI advisor. As someone who has trouble making sense of what the gathered data is inferring about my health, Oura's AI advisor gives me clarity.

Overall, the Oura Ring 4 is a wellness powerhouse with a sleek design and cutting-edge AI that takes personalized health tracking to the next level.

Save $64: As of Oct. 15, the Nespresso Vertuo coffee machine is on sale for $155 at Amazon. That's a saving of 29% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nespresso Nespresso Vertuo Coffee and Espresso Machine $155.00 at Amazon
$219.00 Save $64.00 Get Deal

How do you like your coffee in the morning? We like ours with a discount.

From Oct. 15, you can snag the Nespresso Vertuo coffee and espresso machine for just $155 at Amazon. This is a reduction of 29% on list price, and the lowest price we've seen in months.

If you love good coffee but don't want an overly complicated process, this is the machine for you. The coffee comes from high-quality pods to make anything from americanos to rich espressos. It even recognizes the pod you inserted, and adjusts brewing settings accordingly. You get a perfect cup every time, with no fuss.

SEE ALSO: The best espresso machines for making perfect coffee at home

The machine heats up in just 25 seconds, ideal for when you're rushing out the door in the morning. And the 54oz water tank means you won't have to fill it up with every use. However, it's worth noting that this machine doesn't include a milk frother. You'll need to purchase a Nespresso Aeroccino for that.

Amazon has listed this as a limited-time deal, so if you want to make your morning coffee more fancy, be quick so you don't miss out.

Save $150: As of Oct. 15, the Dyson V15 corldess vacuum is on sale for $599.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V15 $599.99 at Amazon
$749.99 Save $150.00 Get Deal

Dyson is synonymous with a high-quality, thorough cleaning product (or, an incredible hair styling device), so you just know that with any Dyson product, you're going to be impressed. And that's exactly how you'll feel with the Dyson V15 cordless vacuum.

Shortly after its release, we reviewed the Dyson V15 and were seriously impressed. And that's why we're so excited about the latest offer on this product: As of Oct. 15, you can pick up this vacuum for $599.99 on Amazon, reduced from $749.99. This is the lowest price we've ever seen at Amazon.

A high-tech model, the V15's standout feature is the laser dust detection system that illuminates dust on hard floors, so you won’t miss any spots. And this model also benefits from an LCD screen that gives real-time updates on dust it has picked up, battery life, and some handy maintenance alerts.

You can expect up to 60 minutes of run time before it needs to be charged. And if you have pets, you'll really appreciate the hair screw tool. This one is great for sucking up pet hair, and the anti-tangle conical brush bar can remove stubborn hairs from pet beds, car seats, stairs, and more tricky spots. Pet hair be gone!

Save $160: As of Oct. 15, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum is on sale for $639.98 at Amazon. That's a saving of 20% on list price, and the lowest its ever been on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Eufy Eufy X10 Pro Omni Robot Vacuum $639.98 at Amazon
$799.99 Save $160.01 Get Deal

What's not to love about robot vacuums? They reduce that annoying list of chores, they clean, and they sometimes mop — bliss.

We can see why they're such a sought-after product. But of course, anything that makes our lives that much easier doesn't come without a cost — and for many high-end robot vacuums, that cost is a pretty hefty price tag. Luckily for us, there are always deals to be had, and the latest offer on the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum deserves some attention (just check out our review to see how much we love it).

As of Oct. 15, you can save $160 on this robot vacuum. Not only are you saving 20% on the original list price, but it has never been priced this low at Amazon, so you're really getting a good deal. And that's not all — on top of the sale price, this listing currently has a $90 off voucher that can be applied at the checkout. Just make sure to tick the box below the listing price, then head to the checkout to see your additional discount applied.

If you're not convinced yet, this vacuum need only speak for itself. Standout features include self-emptying functionality, AI obstacle detection, carpet detection, and voice reminders. If you have an Alexa device, it'll even work with voice control. And it doesn't just pick up dirt, this model also mops your floors, as well as self-cleans and refills, so your work is always done.

Get the Eufy X10 Pro Omni robot vacuum at its best-ever price on Amazon.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Oct. 15, the Apple Pencil Pro is on sale for $89.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 30% on list price, and the lowest its ever been on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Pencil Pro $89.99
$129.00 Save $39.01 Get Deal

Earlier this year Apple announced its latest iPad accessory, the Apple Pencil Pro. A new and improved stylus for the iPad, the Apple Pencil Pro is a great tool for note-taking and drawing.

And as of Oct. 15, you can snag this fancy new stylus for its lowest-ever price at Amazon. Reduced from $129 down to $89.99, you can save yourself 30% on list price.

But why upgrade to this new model? Well, this model has much more advanced control than previous Apple Pencils. By just rotating the pencil you can change the brush or pen tool settings mid-drawing. The squeeze interaction is also new and allows users to change modes or activate tools simply by squeezing the pencil.

The Pencil Pro also includes haptic feedback. This clever feature essentially mimics the feeling of writing or drawing on real paper, delivering subtle vibrations to match the activity being performed on the iPad.

Similar to the Apple Pencil 2, the Pro can be charged wirelessly by magnetically attaching to the side of compatible iPads. According to Apple, the Apple Pencil Pro is compatible with the iPad Pro 13-inch (M4), iPad Pro 11-inch (M4), iPad Air 13-inch (M2), and iPad Air 11-inch (M2).

Grab this best-ever Amazon price on the Apple Pencil Pro.

It's pretty much every performer's worst nightmare, but Olivia Rodrigo managed to style it out impressively.

During a recent performance in Melbourne, Australia, while running across the stage, the singer suddenly fell through a large hole (fortunately she was unharmed).

SEE ALSO: Olivia Rodrigo surprising Jimmy Kimmel's kids on the drive to school is hilariously adorable

Baxter Humeniuk shared footage of the incident on X (formerly Twitter).

Tweet may have been deleted

"Oh my god, that was fun, I'm OK," says Rodrigo in the clip as she clambers out. "Sometimes there's just a hole in the stage! That's alright. OK, where was I?"

Now that is an impressive recovery.

Rodrigo shared a remix of the footage on TikTok, writing "I am ok hahaha❤️" in a comment.

SAVE OVER $50: As of Oct. 15, the Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max with Xbox wireless controller bundle is on sale for $79.99 at Amazon. That's a 45% saving on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon/Xbox Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Xbox Wireless Controller, and Game Pass Ultimate (1-Month) $79.99 at Amazon
$146.97 Save $66.98 Get Deal

Gaming has changed so much over the years. What once required a dedicated setup can now be done from phones and TVs.

Earlier this year Amazon announced Xbox gaming on the Fire TV Stick, so you can play your favorite Xbox games without needing to pay out for a console. You do need to make some purchases, namely a Fire TV Stick, wireless controller with Bluetooth connectivity, and of course, a game pass.

SEE ALSO: Need a new gaming keyboard? Save over $100 on this powerful model from Logitech.

But you're in luck, because as of Oct. 15, Amazon is offering a great bundle deal including all three items for a reduced price of $79.99. In the bundle, you will receive an Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, Special Edition Core Wireless Controller, and a one-month Game Pass Ultimate. You can get the controller in the colors Sky Cipher, Astral Purple, and Deep Pink as part of this deal.

The Fire TV Stick 4K Max is one of the newest of the Fire Stick range and benefits from 16GB of storage — double that of the Fire TV Stick 4K. This is ideal for both streaming and gaming, giving you ample storage for apps, games, and downloads.

Head over to Amazon to grab this great deal for gamers.

The Hera spacecraft is flying to the site of a pulverized asteroid.

But on the way there, the probe looked back home, capturing views of isolated Earth and the moon floating in space. Some of Hera's instruments — designed to survey the impact site of NASA's successful asteroid-deflection test — snapped the images below.

"Farewell, Earth!" the European Space Agency posted online. "Last week, after we successfully launched our Hera mission, its instruments were switched on for the first time and the asteroid deck was pointed back towards our planet. This allowed Hera to capture the first images of Earth and the Moon from a distance of more than one million km!"

SEE ALSO: We could nuke an incoming asteroid. Scientists just proved it.

The first view below, taken by Hera's Asteroid Framing Camera, shows Earth's dominant white clouds over the sunlit Pacific Ocean, seen from 1.6 million kilometers, or nearly 1 million miles, away. The moon is located some 239,000 miles beyond, and you can see some dark lunar maria — expansive dark plains of dried lava — on the surface.

Earth (bottom left) and the moon (center) viewed from about 1 million miles away. Credit: ESA

The second and third images were captured by the Hera spacecraft's Thermal Infrared Imager — which will evaluate physical properties on the asteroid's surface (such as roughness and particle size) — and the HyperScout H instrument — which views light wavelengths invisible to the human eye to detect the asteroid’s mineral makeup.

Earth (center) and the moon (upper right) as viewed by Hera's Thermal Infrared Imager. Credit: ESA / JAXA Earth (bottom left) and the moon (upper right) as viewed by Hera's HyperScout H instrument. Credit: ESA

Hera will rendezvous with the impacted asteroid, Dimorphos, in December 2026. The aim of the mission is to fully grasp how NASA's DART mission (short for Double Asteroid Redirection Test), which proved humanity can alter the path of a potentially menacing asteroid, affected the 525-foot-wide (160-meter) asteroid Dimorphos.

"Now that NASA’s DART mission has impacted the moonlet, Hera will turn the grand-scale experiment into a well-understood and repeatable planetary defense technique," the European Space Agency explained.

Large asteroids rarely impact Earth, but when they do, regional to local devastation can ensue.

The risks of an asteroid impact

Here are today's general risks from asteroids or comets both tiny and very large. Importantly, even relatively small rocks are still threatening, as the surprise 56-foot (17-meter) rock that exploded over Russia and blew out people's windows in 2013 proved.

• Every single day about 100 tons of dust and sand-sized particles fall through Earth's atmosphere and promptly burn up.

• Every year, on average, an "automobile-sized asteroid" plummets through our sky and explodes, explains NASA.

• Impacts by objects around 460 feet (140 meters wide) in diameter occur every 10,000 to 20,000 years.

• A "dinosaur-killing" impact from a rock perhaps a half-mile across or larger happens on 100-million-year timescales.

TL;DR: Level up with knowledge on cloud computing and hands-on training in AWS, Azure, and more — just $29.99 for lifetime access.

In a world where cloud technology is king, getting certified in AWS, Azure, and cloud security can be the boost your career needs. This cloud computing course bundle provides over 50 hours of hands-on training across key platforms, making it a one-stop shop for aspiring cloud professionals and IT veterans alike. If you're looking to advance your career or break into the tech industry, this bundle offers all the skills you’ll need to make an impact.

This course lineup has something for everyone. Want to secure cloud environments? Dive into Azure Cloud Security and AWS Security Management courses. Interested in designing scalable applications? You’ll learn to build microservices using Spring Cloud and REST API. With comprehensive prep for certifications like CompTIA Cloud+ and AWS Security Specialist, you'll not only gain expertise but also have the credentials to prove it.

Practical experience is at the heart of this bundle. Whether you're managing cloud infrastructure, setting up IAM protocols, or deploying microservices, you'll be tackling projects that reflect real-world challenges. It’s more than just theory — it’s about giving you the tools to solve problems you’ll face on the job.

This isn’t just training — it’s a potential pathway to high-demand roles like Cloud Engineer, Cloud Security Specialist, and IAM Specialist.

Spend just $29.99 for lifetime access to this cloud computing course bundle and invest in your future.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Oak Academy The 2024 Cloud Computing Course Bundle (CompTIA and AWS) $29.99
$179.94 Save $149.95 Get Deal

TL;DR: Grab the MEZZO+ Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones for $49.99 (reg. $69.95) and experience music, calls, and podcasts without the discomfort of earbuds.

It's not surprising that we've all been guilty of cramming earbuds into our ears, only to feel uncomfortable after a short while. If you're not so pleased with in-ear living, the MEZZO+ Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones are a true game-changer for your listening experience.

These innovative headphones offer a healthier, more comfortable way to enjoy your music, podcasts, and phone calls without blocking out the world around you. And for a limited time, they are on sale for just $49.99 (reg. $69.95).

Unlike traditional in-ear or over-ear headphones, the MEZZO+ uses bone conduction technology to deliver sound through your cheekbones, leaving your ears open to hear everything else. Whether you're on a morning run in the burbs or commuting through a bustling city, you can still enjoy high-quality audio while staying aware of your surroundings.

Bone conduction is the same technology used in hearing aids for decades. It allows sound to bypass the eardrums and go straight to the inner ear, making it a more comfortable option for long-term listening. For those concerned about long-term ear health, this method is effective and much less intrusive than traditional headphones.

Its open-ear design means you'll know what's happening around you, whether it’s for safety reasons while jogging on a busy street or simply to chat with a friend during a hike. Plus, with its IPX6 water resistance, you can break a sweat or even get caught in the rain without worrying about damaging your headphones.

The lightweight, ergonomic design ensures the headphones stay securely in place, so you won’t be fussing with adjustments mid-run. It also has Bluetooth 5.3 technology, offering improved connectivity and faster pairing.

With its easy-to-use controls and sleek design, it fits seamlessly into your everyday routine, offering a premium listening experience without compromising comfort or convenience.

Get the MEZZO+ Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones for $49.99 (reg. $69.95) and try them for yourself. 

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Conduction Labs MEZZO+ Bluetooth Bone Conduction Headphones $49.99
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TL;DR: Edit, convert, and collaborate with a LightPDF AI-Powered Premium Plan lifetime subscription for just $79.99 (reg. $109).

If you're tired of wrestling with clunky, outdated software to make simple edits to your PDFs, it's time to take a look at LightPDF. This innovative AI-powered platform gives you complete control over your PDF documents in ways you never thought possible. For just $79.99 (reg. $109), you get lifetime access to a host of features that were made to simplify your work and save you precious time.

LightPDF allows you to interact with your documents in a way that feels almost magical—just talk to your PDFs. Need to edit text? Ask the AI to make the changes for you. Want to convert that PDF into a Word document? LightPDF does it instantly, preserving your formatting flawlessly.

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TL;DR: For a limited time, the CASA HUB 360 8-in-1 aluminum foldable USB-C Hub Stand is just $99.99 (reg. $129).

Self-care is a trend that almost everyone can get behind. But it doesn't just mean making time to exercise or prepare healthy meals. It also includes making changes in your lifestyle to elevate your well-being.

The thoughtfully designed stand is a simple way to make your workday better. It's on sale for just $99.99 (reg. $129). This sleek, versatile hub stand is more than just a tool—it’s a way to improve your comfort, productivity, and efficiency whether you’re working, writing, cooking, or enjoying some hard-earned entertainment.

The CASA HUB 360 helps you stay connected easily, offering multiple ports, including USB-C, USB-A, HDMI, and SD/microSD slots, all in an ergonomic design. You’ll also get crystal-clear 4K streaming capabilities.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Adam Elements CASA HUB 360 8-in-1 Aluminum Foldable USB-C Hub Stand $99.99
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The Daily Mini Crossword is one of the many popular daily word games available on Mashable. Powered by Arkadium, the mini crossword offers a speed round of puzzle fun with clues that are sure to challenge experienced crossword enthusiasts.

But there's no need to let the challenge get in the way of your enjoyment! If moments are turning to minutes after getting stuck on a clue, find the answers you need to progress right here.

And when you're done, check out the many other word games you can play on Mashable, including a full-size crossword.

Also, if you get stuck on any other daily word games, such as Wordle, Connections, or Strands — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 15 SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

Here are the clues and answers to Daily Mini Crossword for Tuesday, October 15, 2024:

AcrossDollars and cents

• The answer is Cash.

Retired NFL star receiver Shannon

• The answer is Sharpe.

German striker Timo

• The answer is Werner.

Have in mind

• The answer is Intend.

Hip hop supergroup collaboration between Kid Cudi and Jacques Bermon Webster II

• The answer is Scotts.

Mailed

• The answer is Sent.

DownEgg container

• The answer is Carton.

"Arrested Development" star Will

• The answer is Arnett.

Money used

• The answer is Spent.

Grazing groups

• The answer is Herds.

Cheese with holes

• The answer is Swiss.

As a consequence

• The answer is Hence.

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

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

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

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

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

Copper coin.

SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 15 Hurdle Word 1 answer

PENNY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Kitchen garb.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 15 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

APRON

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Highly skilled.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 15 Hurdle Word 3 answer

ADEPT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

An adhesive or coating material.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for October 15 Hurdle Word 4 answer

RESIN

Final Hurdle hint

Vacations can help you do this.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

RELAX

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

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, October 15, 2024:

AcrossShrimp ___ (garlicky entree)

• The answer is Scampi.

"Wow, so fancy!"

• The answer is OoLaLa.

Disney's take on the Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale "The Snow Queen"

• The answer is Frozen.

Paid for a poker hand

• The answer is Anted.

DownCommon place to find a lost TV remote

• The answer is Sofa.

With 4-Down, farm attraction in autumn months

• The answer is Corn.

Tons and tons

• The answer is Alot.

See 2-Down

• The answer is Maze.

Begged

• The answer is Pled.

McKellen who played Gandalf

• The answer is Ian.

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

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

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

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

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

Strands requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

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

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for October 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for October 15 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Beast mode!

These words are found in a zoo.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

Words used to describe animals.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is CreatureFeature.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for October 15

• Horn

• Hair

• CreatureFeature

• Wing

• Tail

• Feather

• Scale

• Shell

SEE ALSO: Hurdle hints and answers for October 15 SEE ALSO: Mini crossword answers for October 15

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

TL;DR: Live stream Scotland vs. Portugal in the UEFA Nations League for free on YouTube. Access this free stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Scotland have found things tough in the latest edition of the UEFA Nations League, and things aren't going to get any easier when Portugal come to town. Can the Scots deliver a performance they can be proud of in front of their passionate home support, or will Ronaldo's side come out on top again?

If you want to watch Scotland vs. Portugal in the UEFA Nations League for free from anywhere in the world, keep reading for all the information you need.

When is Scotland vs. Portugal?

Scotland vs. Portugal in the UEFA Nations League kicks off at 7:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 15. This fixture takes place at Hampden Park.

How to watch Scotland vs. Portugal for free

Scotland vs. Portugal in the UEFA Nations League is available to live stream for free on YouTube.

If this free live stream is not available in your location, you can use a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another location, allowing you to access free live streams from anywhere in the world.

Access a free live stream of Scotland vs. Portugal by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

3. Open up the app and connect to a server in a location with free access to Scotland vs. Portugal

4. Visit YouTube

5. Stream Scotland vs. Portugal for free from anywhere in the world

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The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most offer generous deals like free trials or money-back guarantees. Take advantage of these offers to watch Scotland vs. Portugal in the UEFA Nations League, and it won't cost you anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you plenty of time to stream select UEFA Nations League fixtures before recovering your upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for sport?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport from anywhere in the world, for a number of reasons:

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