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TikTok has finally added a group chat feature so you can send all those cucumber recipe videos to the group rather than just one person.

Announced by the company on Monday, the tool lets you add up to 32 people (including you) in one very demure, very mindful conversation. You can add friends or followers to a group chat, or friends can add you, but you can only invite mutual followed friends to the chat. If your TikTok settings ensure you don't get DMs, invites to group chats won't appear.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best books of 2024 so far, according to BookTok

To start a group chat, all you have to do is open your inbox on TikTok, press the + button to create a new chat, select which friends you want to add, then hit "Select group chat." As with most other messaging apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, Signal, and Instagram, you can change the name of the chat and add members.

You can also start a group chat by directly sharing a video — TikTok now shows a "Create group chat with friends" option when you select multiple people to share to.

TikTok said it has limited the number of groups someone can create and how many times messages can be forwarded. Muting and blocking tools have been brought over to the group chats, as well as the option to report harassment and abusive or hateful behaviour.

The group chat feature is not available for people under 15 (the minimum age to use TikTok is 13), and teens aged 16 to 17 have access restrictions. According to to TikTok: "If a teen is sent a link to join a group conversation, they will not be able to join unless the group includes at least one mutual friend. If they are eligible to join, they will be required to make a proactive decision to join. When a teen creates a group conversation, by default we will require them to review and approve new joiners."

In the same blog post, TikTok announced the addition of stickers in DMs, so you can plague your group chat with them.

It's the latest in a bunch of features TikTok has added of late, including the TikTok Spotlight entertainment tool, more in-FYP ticketing, and AI-generated digital avatars. That's all when the company isn't fighting U.S. legal battles from every angle.

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 13 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer hints for August 13

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, August 13, 2024:

AcrossGymnastics surfaces

• The answer is Mats.

They might be raised by something exciting

• The answer is Hopes.

More than enough

• The answer is Ample.

Highway payment

• The answer is Toll.

Food for farm animals

• The answer is Hay.

DownActor Jason of Dune

• The answer is Momoa.

Submit one's résumé

• The answer is Apply.

Poker player's giveaway

• The answer is Tell.

Direction that's down and a little to the right: Abbr.

• The answer is SSE.

"Hell ___ no fury like ..."

• The answer is Hath.

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

We’ve reached a new pinnacle of online dating absurdity: social media users have discovered that ChatGPT can now be utilized to uncover the truth about men’s height on dating apps.

Yes, really. Over the weekend, one user on X (formerly known as Twitter) revealed that OpenAI's popular tool can call others out on height-related lies men may tell on dating apps like Tinder or Hinge.

People are using ChatGPT as a height lie detector Tweet may have been deleted

In the viral tweet, a user known as Venture Twins uploaded four photos of herself to ChatGPT, asking it to guess her height. She didn’t stop there — she also tested it with photos of her friends. The results? ChatGPT’s estimates were surprisingly close, reportedly within an inch of their real heights.

Curious, I decided to give it a shot myself. The verdict? It sort of works. Depending on the photo, ChatGPT pegged me anywhere between 5'9" and 6'1". So, it seems the accuracy hinges on the snapshots you feed it.

Credit: ChatGPT screenshot / Chance Townsend

I ran another set of photos through ChatGPT, and it confidently declared that I’m "likely" 6 feet tall. While I’d love to claim those extra inches, the reality is I’m only 5'9". If you’re really desperate to catch a liar in the act, you might have better luck consulting Kentai Haven on TikTok — he seems to have a knack for it.

Credit: ChatGPT screenshot / Chance Townsend

That said, this is a fascinating if slightly unsettling, use of AI, especially when you consider how fed up women are with men fudging their height to score dates. The reasons for these height fibs range from the pressures of sociocultural norms around masculinity and attractiveness to plain old insecurity. The phenomenon of men exaggerating their height is so pervasive, it’s practically become a meme.

Using AI to guesstimate someone’s height isn’t exactly a trend — yet — but tread carefully if you’re tempted to try it. There’s a big difference between screenshotting a stranger’s dating profile for group chat banter and uploading their photos to a tech company with a questionable track record on privacy.

Should men stop blatantly lying about their height? Absolutely. But maybe we should all take a break from dating apps and go touch some grass instead. I hear speed dating is making a comeback.

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Ready to future-proof your career? This cybersecurity essentials bundle could be your gateway to high-paying opportunities in a field that's booming. In a world where we rely so much on technology, companies are desperate for skilled professionals who can protect their digital assets.

This bundle, on sale for $39.99, is designed to equip you with the most sought-after skills, ensuring you're ready for the cybersecurity jobs of tomorrow.

"The Cybersecurity: Implement Security Measures to Prevent Attack" course sets the foundation, covering important topics like threat identification and prevention methods. You'll learn how to safeguard personal and organizational data, ensuring you're prepared for the challenges of today's digital landscape. This course is perfect for anyone looking to understand the basics of cybersecurity and how to apply them in real-world scenarios.

For those aiming to specialize, "Advanced Strategies for Businesses" delves into cutting-edge techniques, including human-centric security approaches and AI-driven solutions. This course provides insights into how businesses can strengthen their defenses, making you an indispensable asset in any organization.

For a limited time, get this cybersecurity essentials course bundle on sale for $39.99.

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TL;DR: This durable 100W charging cable comes with magnetic attachments for Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB on one end and USB-A and USB-C on the other. Get it while it's on sale, starting at just $19.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Statik Statik® 360 Pro 100W Universal Magnetic Charging Cable $19.99 at The Mashable Shop
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You probably can’t even count how many charging cables you own, and yet how many times do you have to go searching for the exact one you need? Your iPhone wants Lightning, your tablet needs USB-C, and your Kindle? It’s stuck in the past with micro-USB. It used to be frustrating, but there’s a new solution with universal charging cables.

While not literally universal to every device on the planet, this Statik 100W phone cord has three interchangeable ends for Lightning, USB-C, and micro-USB to make a single cord more versatile. The 10-foot cable is $23.99 (reg. $27.99), the 6-foot cable is $21.99 (reg. $24.99), and the 3-foot cable is $19.99 (reg. $23.99) — all with free shipping.

How does it work? Strong magnets hold the cable ends together, but you can easily pull them apart to swap them out. An included cable organizer helps you store the tips so you don’t lose them. The other end switches between USB-A and USB-C, so you can get the right charging combo with a single cord.

Not only can you swap out the USB connector, but this is also a 360-degree charging cord, meaning it spins around and bends when it’s plugged into your phone, tablet, or laptop so it doesn’t get in your way. Imagine playing Genshin Impact without your annoying cord poking out and getting bent in the process. Thanks to the rotating hinge, it also acts as a right-angle cable when you're short on space.

The Statik cable also supports 480Mbps data transfer speeds if you need to move photos or files between your phone, camera, and computer, and 100W fast charging when you use the USB-C charging tip.

Throw out six of your charging cables because this one can replace the need for them all. Grab a phone cord with USB-C, Lightning, and micro-USB starting at just $19.99 with free shipping.

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TL;DR: This open-box Dell UltraSharp 4K monitor brings professional-quality video calls to your home office for $699.99 and ships free.

Working from home has its perks, but struggling with a subpar video setup isn't one of them. Enter the Dell UltraSharp 32-inch 4K Video Conferencing Monitor, a game-changer for anyone who wants to look sharp on screen.

This monitor delivers crystal-clear visuals that make you feel like you're in the room, even when you're miles away. For a limited time, take advantage of this major 41% discount and get this open-box model for $699.99 (reg. $1,199) with free shipping.

This item is labeled "open-box", which just means it was either leftover inventory or was returned and repackaged — but rest assured, it is a brand-new monitor.

Gone are the days of your pixelated face and poor microphone quality. The UltraSharp comes with a pop-up 4K webcam, built-in speakers, and noise-canceling mics, making your meetings less of a headache, and more of a productive session. Plus, the monitor has plenty of ports to connect all your gadgets, so your workspace stays neat — no more juggling cords or struggling to find the right connection.

This monitor isn't just for meetings. The 32-inch screen is perfect for multitasking while you work, allowing you to run all your essential apps and windows side by side. Whether you're designing, writing, or just browsing, everything looks sharp and vibrant on this display, keeping you focused and productive.

No more grainy video calls.

Pay $0 shipping and invest in an upgraded work-from-home lifestyle with this open-box Dell UltraSharp 32" 4K Video Conferencing Monitor on sale for $699.99.

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TL;DR: Save 25% on the Cheerble pet toy that rolls on its own and get it for $19.97. You won’t find a better price anywhere else.

It’s challenging being a pet parent. Your dog is restless all day, and your cat has zoomies all night, no matter how much attention you give them. Even though they probably don’t need another, this interactive pet toy can help them release some extra energy.

The Cheerble ball rolls on its own and keeps your pet guessing and moving while you’re sleeping, working, or not even home. As soon as your pet nudges it, it takes on a life of its own — you don’t even have to control its movement on an app or remote.

Depending on your pet’s activity levels or age, you can set the toy to three modes: normal, gentle, or active. Lazy cats like Garfield will love gentle, while a pup like Scooby-Doo would want active. There's also a companion mode, which means it'll liven up if your cat is in the mood to play or wind down if he just wants to snuggle up.

Take a look at the toy in action:

You can get the Cheerble self-rolling pet toy on sale for $19.97 (reg. $26.90) for a limited time. That’s an unbeatable deal.

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Opens in a new window Credit: Cheerble Cheerble Ball: Interactive Toy for Cats $19.97 at The Mashable Shop
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Mars didn't lose all its water without a fight.

The planet, today 1,000 times drier than the driest desert on Earth, gradually lost its insulating atmosphere. The Red Planet's once great Martian lakes and rivers evaporated some 3 billion years ago, and the rocky world plunged into a global freeze. But some pools of water with high levels of salt persisted, dramatically lowering the freezing point to some -40 degrees Fahrenheit (-40 degrees Celsius). Salt, as you probably know from swimming in the ocean, easily dissolves in water.

These ancient pools could have even hosted holdouts of life — hardy primitive microbes. But eventually these pools vanished, too. Salt deposits, like those shown below, were left behind. Today, these dried relics of Mars' watery past can resemble some familiar shapes.

"Most likely, those salt deposits formed from shallow ponds of water or brine that evaporated in the sun," Valentin Bickel, a planetary scientist at the University of Bern in Switzerland, said in a statement. "People use a similar method to produce salt for human consumption in saltwater pools on Earth," Bickel, who led the recent research published in the journal Scientific Data, added.

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

The European Space Agency's ExoMars Trace Gas Orbiter, a Martian satellite that's part of a mission to determine if life has ever existed on Mars, captured the imagery. In the colour-infrared image, the salty deposits are shown in purple on Mars' desert surface.

A "smiley face"-like deposit of salts on Mars' surface. Credit: ESA / TGO / CaSSIS Planetary scientists suspect these salt deposits are leftovers from briny ponds. Credit: ESA / TGO / CaSSIS Tweet may have been deleted

A collaboration between NASA and ESA will in 2028 launch a terrestrial companion to the ExoMars satellite, the ExoMars Rosalind Franklin rover. "A new instrument on the rover will be the first drill to a depth of up to 6.5 feet (2 meters) deep below the surface to collect ice samples that have been protected from surface radiation and extreme temperatures," NASA said.

It's here, beneath the surface, that scientists may detect compelling evidence of life. Robust bacteria, similar to those found on Earth, could have persisted underground, in dormant states, for millions of years.

We won't know until we look.

Dating is, famously, not easy. Single parenting, is also, famously, not easy. Put them together, and dating as a single parent feels damn near impossible.

The good news is, you're certainly not alone. According to the Pew Research Center, nearly a quarter of children in the United States live in single-parent households. That means there are tons of people out there just like you — single parents who are devoted to their family and wouldn't mind some romance in their lives. On top of that, the best dating apps for single parents can also connect you with men and women who aren't parents themselves but also aren't afraid to date someone with a family.

SEE ALSO: 16 expert-approved kid podcasts to hit play on right now

To help make online dating feel less impossible, we've vetted the best dating apps and sites for you. We know — dating apps don't always have the best rep, but there are actually apps made just for parents these days, and some features on more well-known apps like Hinge can help the dating process along.

Why it's so hard to date as a single parent

Sometimes, the most obvious answer is also the most accurate one, and for single parents, free time can be a huge constraint on their dating life. We know you don't have time to swipe through Bumble and send out dozens of messages that might lead to a date.

"If someone is full-time responsible for parenting their child(ren), time is the most difficult/delicate issue," said Karen Bonnell, a co-parent, stepfamily coach, and author of The Stepfamily Handbook, in an email to Mashable. "Even when the children move back and forth in a two-home family, dating time is often modified to reflect that schedule and can feel compressed and/or a bit like a whipsaw from 'independent adult dating' and 'responsible parent parenting.'"

SEE ALSO: The top 12 dating sites for finding a serious relationship

Even though dating apps take some effort and time, using the right ones can help streamline the process of meeting someone new. That's why we think they're a solid option for single parents looking for love, fun, and friendship. An algorithm that actually shows you people you're compatible with, rather than anyone with a pulse in a 10-mile radius, is a major bonus.

Bonnell also told us it's important to be upfront about your time constraints and responsibilities.

"Dedicating time for communication ('after the kids are down') or setting the children up in an activity while letting them know 'Mom/Dad’s going to do a little computer work now,' or 'taking a call' can work, but it’s not easy," Bonnell wrote. "The ability to openly talk about these barriers and to come to reasonable agreements will predict the long-term durability of the relationship with a parent."

What's the best dating site for single parents?

Popular dating sites are the best places to find a wide array of users, but when you're dating as a single parent, curation can be key.

The dating app market also includes apps specifically designed for parents. In 2020, single parents and family-minded folks alike could start looking for love on heybaby (sadly, this dating site for single parents is no longer active). In 2022, Match Group launched Stir, a platform made specifically for single parents (though anyone can join).

Keep reading to find the best parent-centered dating apps, plus our favorite mainstream dating apps for parents.

A new lineup of Google Pixel phones is on the horizon. We'll hear all about them at the Made by Google event on Tuesday, August 13.

SEE ALSO: The pink Google Pixel 9 resurfaces in another video leak — but the screen is turned on this time

Yep, August. That's not a typo. Google will hold its annual hardware event two months earlier than it normally does in October, which is great news for those of us who have been anxiously waiting for news on the newest Pixel phone. With this event, you can expect updates to the Pixel 9 lineup and the reveals of the already confirmed Pixel 9 Pro and Pixel 9 Fold.

Among those updates are rumors of a Pixel Watch 3 and perhaps some new earbuds. But all that and more will have to wait until Tuesday. So here's how to watch:

How to watch Made by Google 2024 event:

This year's Made by Google event will be hosted at its headquarters in Mountainview, California at 10 PM PT/ 12 PM CT/1 PM EST. You'll be able to catch the whole event live streamed on Youtube at this link here or in the embed below:

If you're close to the U.S.-Canadian border tonight, you're in luck. The Northern Lights may be sticking around a little longer, giving you another opportunity to catch a glimpse of the breathtaking natural light show.

The aurora borealis has already begun showing up across northern part of the U.S. since the weekend, with people in states such as Minnesota, Oregon, Pennsylvania, California, and Maryland reporting sightings. It also took place simultaneously with the Perseid meteor shower, which reached its peak on Sunday night. 

SEE ALSO: Sun unleashes solar storm at Earth, U.S. may see brilliant aurora

The U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center (SWPC) now states that the Northern Lights may still be visible in the top north of the country on Tuesday, gracing areas such as northern Michigan and Maine. 

Credit: The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center

Even if you aren't sure whether you're close enough to the north, it may still be worth going outside and looking up just to check. The SWPC states that auroras can be seen from over 600 miles away, provided the conditions are right.

To get the best view of the Northern Lights, you'll want to be in an area with as little light pollution as possible. Cloud cover can also obscure the display, though unfortunately there's little that can be done about that. You should also make sure your timing is right. The aurora borealis isn't visible during the day, so try searching for it after sunset. The SWPC recommends between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. as the optimal viewing time.

The solar winds that cause auroras can disrupt power grids and satellites. Fortunately, the SWPC only expects a possibility of "weak power grid fluctuations" and a "minor impact on satellite operations," so you can enjoy the light show free of concerns.

How are auroras formed? The Northern Lights during the Perseids meteor shower in California's Joshua Tree National Park on August 12, 2024. Credit: APU GOMES / AFP via Getty Images

Auroras are caused by activity on the Sun's surface, such as solar flares. This week's particular spectacle is thanks to a recent coronal mass ejection.

The Sun's corona is the outermost layer of its atmosphere, which consists of a superheated ionised gas called plasma. When a coronal mass ejection occurs, large amounts of plasma and magnetic field is expelled from the Sun's corona. Such solar farts travel more slowly than solar flares, with the fastest moving coronal mass ejections taking almost a full day to reach Earth. 

Once the solar wind does arrive, most of it is deflected back out into space by Earth's magnetic field. However, some of its charged ion particles enter said field instead, moving to the polar regions where it's weakest. These ions collide with oxygen and nitrogen atoms, creating a reaction which gives us an aurora.

Auroras that take place in Earth's Northern Hemisphere are called aurora borealis, or the Northern Lights. Ones that occur in the Southern Hemisphere are called aurora australis, or the Southern Lights.

Those down in Australia and New Zealand have also been enjoying the aurora australis this week, which lit up the night sky in bright pink and green.

The Southern Lights glowing on the horizon over the waters of Lake Ellesmere on the outskirts of Christchurch, New Zealand, on August 12, 2024. Credit: Sanka Vidanagama / NurPhoto via Getty Images

Brock Pierce arrived in Puerto Rico seven years ago, promising to use crypto magic to revitalize the local economy. Now he’s mired in legal disputes and fighting with his business partners.

TL;DR: Grab a lifetime pass to FolderFort's 2TB storage plan and enjoy secure, fast, and reliable cloud storage, available for £109.65 (reg. £391.62).

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Digital storage is critical in just about everyone's daily lives, and having enough space has become an irritating and expensive endeavor. FolderFort's lifetime deal could be the ideal solution, with 2TB of storage that guarantees 99.99% uptime, fast upload speeds, and BackBlaze encryption. Pay once for a lifetime of secure cloud storage — on sale for £109.65 (reg. £391.62). That's a 72% discount.

In addition to the 2TB plan, you can also buy a lifetime pass to the 250GB plan starting at just £31.32, a 62% discount.

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Normally £391.62, get a lifetime subscription to a FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan on sale for £109.65 for a limited time.

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Fact-checking Donald Trump’s claims about immigration, Vice President Kamala Harris, President Biden and more.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for August 13's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 13 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for August 13 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

The sound a horse makes.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter N.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

NEIGH.

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

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

Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Connections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for August 13's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

Tweet may have been deleted

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

Tweet may have been deleted

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for August 13 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Vocally instructed

• Green: Second name

• Blue: Right in front of you

• Purple: Houses but for living

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Stated

• Green: Nickname

• Blue: Obvious

• Purple: ___House (That Aren't Houses)

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #429 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Stated: SAID, SPOKE, TOLD, VOICED

• Nickname: DESIGNATION, HANDLE, MONIKER, SOBRIQUET

• Obvious: CLEAR, MARKED, PRONOUNCED, STRIKING

• ___House (That Aren't Houses): PORTER, POWER, ROUGH, WHEEL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.

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

The audio livestream of a conversation between Elon Musk and the former president ran late as users scrambled to try to access the site.

When Apple officially launches its own AI, Apple Intelligence, later this year – prepare to cough up … nothing.

In fact, according to Bloomberg's Apple insider Mark Gurman, Apple users will likely enjoy Apple Intelligence's suite of AI features for free for at least three whole years.

In the latest Power On newsletter, Gurman shares that Apple isn't planning on charging anything for Apple Intelligence – yet. Everything from image generation to its AI writing tools will be free for Apple users until at least 2027. 

It should be noted that while Gurman is a reputable source of Apple news, the company has not yet confirmed this new information.

Apple Intelligence is reportedly free until 2027

This news about complimentary Apple Intelligence counters what was reported by other analysts just last week.  Some analysts speculated that Apple could charge between $10 to $20 for its AI features, with a possibility that Apple Intelligence could be bundled with Apple One as well.

Gurman himself said last month that Apple might charge for Apple Intelligence at some point. Gurman now says that Apple may look to charge for premium Apple Intelligence features down the line, but the company is not currently looking to charge anything for the time being as it pertains to the AI products that Apple will launch later this year. Gurman didn't expand on what those potential premium features might be.

Mashable already tested out some of the Apple Intelligence features coming to iPhone in a few months and was impressed with the Writing Tools, the summarization feature on Safari, AI search for Photos, and the new and improved Siri. 

Apple, which is arriving to the AI market much later than any of its competitors, is clearly looking to focus on marketing its Apple Intelligence tools in order to catch up. When Apple Intelligence first arrives to the iPhone later this year, Apple fans will be able to use the features free of charge. And now it appears it'll be that way for quite some time, too.

As Donald Trump and his reelection campaign drops in the polls, the former president is making at least one big move in hopes of altering the trajectory. 

On Monday, Trump returned to Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, with a slew of posts promoting his presidential campaign and attacking the Democratic nominee Kamala Harris. Trump also promoted an upcoming interview with Musk over X's Spaces platform, which will take place on Monday night.

The first official post back on the @realDonaldTrump account was a campaign video upload published just after 11am ET. However, the account also posted a paid advertisement right before 3am ET. 

Some X users noted how they see Trump's sudden return to X as a desperate attempt to reverse his falling poll numbers.

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Others noted how they were excited to see Trump back on X.

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Trump's account previously posted just once before since being "permanently" suspended by the company then-known as Twitter in January 2021 following his supporters' Capitol building attack. Musk reinstated Trump's account in November 2022, shortly after he acquired the company. On August 24, 2023, Trump's account posted for the first time since his suspension. The post included a photo of his then-brand new indictment mugshot, which he has used for his campaign merchandise.

However, after that one August post last year, Trump has gone without posting on X again for nearly a year. As of the publishing time of this piece, Trump's account now has posted or reposted eight times.

It's unclear if Trump himself is posting as he did prior to being suspended  — or if his campaign is using the account.

Trump's (sometimes) unlabeled paid ad

Before Trump's account started posting again on Monday, a paid X ad started running on his account in the early morning hours of August 12.

"Are you better off now than you were when I was president?," the post asked, alongside a campaign video and the hashtag #TrumpOnX.

The ad post does not appear on Trump's account, which isn't out of the ordinary. X allows users to promote posts that are strictly ads and don't appear on their profile feed. However, this caused confusion amongst X users who were unfamiliar with X's advertising platform as the post appeared in feeds before Trump's account started publishing posts again.

One big issue with Trump's X ad, however, is that it doesn't always appear labeled as an ad. Trump's X ad has an "ad" label in the upper right hand corner when it appears in a user's feed. However, when opening Trump's X ad in the post view page, the ad label disappears. If a user was sent a direct link to the Trump ad on X, for example, they would not see the ad label.

Here's how Trump's X ad looks in the post feed with the ad label:

This is how the labeled Trump ad that appears in X users' feeds looks. Credit: Mashable screenshot

And here's how it looks on the post view page and via an embed without the ad label:

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As previously mentioned, X owner Elon Musk will interview Trump on Spaces tonight.

Mr. Musk has become a vocal supporter of Mr. Trump. It wasn’t always that way.