Mashable

Syndicate content
Mashable is a leading source for news, information & resources for the Connected Generation. Mashable reports on the importance of digital innovation and how it empowers and inspires people around the world. Mashable's 25 million monthly unique visitors and 10 million social media followers have become one of the most engaged online news communities. Founded in 2005, Mashable is headquartered in New York City with an office in San Francisco.
URL: https://mashable.com
Updated: 2 hours 27 min ago

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for November 5, 2025

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 10:55

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025:

AcrossFresh addition to a pasta sauce, perhaps

  • The answer is Basil.

Log ___ (water park ride)

  • The answer is Flume.

Group of ships

  • The answer is Fleet.

Some drinks from "streams"

  • The answer is Sodas.

Documentarian Burns

  • The answer is Ken.

DownClosest pals, for short

  • The answer is BFFs.

"No problems here!"

  • The answer is All OK.

Shoe material in an Elvis hit

  • The answer is Suede.

"That is to say …"

  • The answer is I Mean.

Tennis do-overs

  • The answer is Lets.

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

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 today's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day? Get ready to restock your TBR.

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 10:23

Stuff Your Kindle Day is a favorite among e-reader users. Hundreds of e-books are majorly discounted, with many reads going for absolutely nothing. The e-book event began in 2014 on the Romance Bookworms platform, but has spun out into dozens of events that take place throughout the year. That means even if you missed the last Stuff Your Kindle Day, there's probably not long to wait until the next one goes live.

And while Kindle is in the name, it's not just for Kindle users. So here's everything you need to know about the next Stuff Your Kindle Day.

What is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Day was started in 2014 by author Zoe York. It was run through York's platform Romance Bookworms, which still runs an annual event in July. However, plenty of other groups have started their own Stuff Your Kindle-style events. These events are typically author-driven and feature indepedent, genre titles like romantasy, sci-fi, and cozy mystery.

SEE ALSO: Kindle Scribe vs. Kobo Libra Colour: Which e-reader is better for journaling?

During these events, books are majorly discounted and often, totally free.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

So when is the next Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've spotted events at least once a month through 2026:

Do you need a Kindle or e-reader to participate?

Like Band-Aid, Kleenex, or Roomba, the name Kindle has become synonymous with e-readers. So while Kindle is in the name of Stuff Your Kindle Day, you can shop these events regardless of which e-reader you own. And actually, you don't need to own an e-reader at all, and with the Kindle app, Apple Books, and Google Play platforms, you can read books on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

That being said, if you are looking for an e-reader, the Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite Kindle and overall e-reader.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now
Categories: IT General, Technology

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Arizona

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 06:00

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Arizona with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Porn censorship and age-verification laws have rocked the world of adult entertainment.

More than a third of U.S. states have now introduced restrictions for online adult content. Pornhub has responded by blocking users from those locations. A similar situation is taking place in France and the UK, and the list of impacted locations is likely to grow longer. Fortunately, potential users can bypass these restrictions with a simple hack.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Arizona, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Arizona

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

  1. Sign up for a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

  4. Visit Pornhub

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries

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

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is always secure

  • Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Arizona with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for November 5, 2025

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 06:00

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

To engross.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

RIVET

Hurdle Word 2 hint

What dogs love to play.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FETCH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Strength.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

MIGHT

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Downward.

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

LOWER

Final Hurdle hint

Water vapor.

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

STEAM

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Apple deals that prove Black Friday 2025 is starting earlier than ever

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 00:30
The best Apple deals this week, at a glance: Best MacBook deal Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $799 (Save $200) Shop Now Best iPad deal Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) $472.60 (save $276.40 with on-page coupon) Get Deal Best M5 iPad deal Apple iPad Pro, 11-inch (M5, WiFi, 256GB) $949 (save $50) Shop Now Best Apple accessory deal Apple AirTags (4-pack) $64.99 (save $34.01) Shop Now Best Apple Watch deal Apple Watch SE, 3rd Gen (GPS, 40mm) $199.99 (save $49.01) Get Deal

Black Friday is still more than three weeks away, but apparently nobody told Apple. We're already seeing some pretty epic deals on some of our favorite Apple gadgets ahead of the major shopping holiday. Could it be that Black Friday is starting earlier than ever this year?

We're witnessing prices on the M3 iPad Air and M4 MacBook Air drop back down to their Prime Day deals, while brand-new M5 iPad Pros and MacBook Pros are getting their first decent discounts. AirPods are still holding out for now, but we'll be keeping our eyes peeled in the next couple of weeks. We're hoping to see some new record-low discounts on the AirPods Pro 2 now that the Pro 3s have arrived. We'd also love to see the AirPods 4 drop below $89. Fingers crossed!

For now, we've rounded up all the best Apple deals we could find this week. And we've marked 10 deals we think are already Black Friday-worthy with a 🔥.

Best MacBook deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) 🔥 $799 at Amazon
$999 Save $200   Get Deal Why we like it

Check out our full review of the M4 Apple MacBook Air.

The M4 MacBook Air is one of our favorite laptops of the year. The 15-inch version is our top pick for a MacBook for most people, while the 13-inch version is our top budget pick (even at full price). When it's on sale, it's practically a no-brainer upgrade. If you don't need the more advanced specs of the MacBook Pro for things like video editing and graphic design work, the M4 Air is a monstrous machine in a slim, portable package.

As of Nov. 4, the 13-inch base model with 16GB RAM and 256GB of storage is down to just $799 at Amazon. That's $200 off its retail price and matches its best price on record. It was our favorite MacBook deal on Prime Day, so we're happy to see it revived in the weeks before Black Friday. There's a good chance we'll see it drop even more when Cyber Week arrives, but we feel pretty confident recommending it at this ultra-low price.

More Mac and MacBook deals

MacBook Air

MacBook Pro

M4

M5

Mac

Best iPad deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad Air, 11-inch (M3, WiFi + cellular, 128GB) 🔥 $472.60 at Amazon
$749 Save $276.40 with on-page coupon Get Deal Why we like it

Several members of Mashable's shopping team spotted this on-page coupon that knocks the 11-inch M3 iPad Air with both WiFi and cellular connectivity down to just $472.60. That's a savings of $276.40 and a new record-low price by a long shot. It's also cheaper than the current deal price of the WiFi-only model. Unfortunately, the coupon appears to be for select customers only.

While the M3 Air isn't vastly different from its predecessor, it does pack a faster processor and better battery life that ups its performance. We think it's the best iPad for most people, especially now that the iPadOS 26 supports new multitasking and windowing that makes it a solid MacBook alternative for budget shoppers.

More iPad deals

iPad

iPad Mini

iPad Air

iPad Pro

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch SE, 3rd Gen (GPS, 40mm) 🔥 $199.99 at Amazon
$249 Save $49.01   Get Deal Why we like it

The third-generation Apple Watch SE just arrived a couple of months ago, but you don't need to pay full price. You don't even need to wait until Black Friday to grab one either. As of Nov. 4, the 40mm model with GPS only is down to just $199.99 — a $49 discount and its best price ever. After a long wait, the SE 3 dropped this fall with an S10 chip, always-on display, sleep scores, retrospective ovulation estimates, sleep apnea notifications, wrist temperature sensing, and other upgraded features. It's built as an entry-level smartwatch for Apple lovers and is much more affordable than its higher end sibling, the Series 11.

More Apple Watch dealsApple AirPods and accessory deals
Categories: IT General, Technology

Score the DJI Mic Mini bundle for its lowest price ever

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 00:00

SAVE $70: As of Nov. 4, get the DJI Mic Mini for $99, down from its usual price of $169 at Amazon. That's a discount of 41% and the lowest price we've seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mic Mini $99 at Amazon
$169 Save $70   Get Deal

If you're looking for a mic that records great audio without making your entire setup bigger or bulkier, you should check out DJI's wares. True, the company is known for its drones (which are likely being banned in the near future), but there's a reason its mics have become TikTok favorites among creators. You can see for yourself thanks to this Amazon discount that lowers one to its lowest price yet.

As of Nov. 4, get the DJI Mic Mini for $99, down from its usual price of $169 at Amazon. That's $70 off and a discount of 41%. It's also the lowest price we've seen.

SEE ALSO: DJI fights U.S. government classification as 'Chinese military company,' appeals ruling

With this bundle, you get two transceivers and one receiver to get things done. That gives you up to 10 hours of recording time, so you should be able to get plenty done in that timeframe without having to charge back up. And with these small, lightweight mics, you can put them just about anywhere. At just 10g, you can easily attach them to items or people and carry them while recording without any annoying added bulk.

They're small but mighty, too. They offer crystal clear recording quality with a 400m transmission range and DJI OsmoAudio that helps keep them connected from longer distances within the DJI ecosystem. And if outside noise is an issue, they have fantastic noise cancellation with both Basic and Strong options to change how things sound if needed.

DJI mics often go in and out of stock, so if you're looking to finally lock one in, now's the time to do so.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Pay once, speak another language for life — Babbel makes it that easy

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Babbel gives you lifetime access to 14 languages, 10,000+ hours of lessons, and practical, real-world fluency tools — and it’s just $134.99 with code LEARN, thanks to this exclusive StackSocial offer that runs through Nov. 9.

Opens in a new window Credit: Babbel Babbel Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $134.99
$299 Save $164.01   Get Deal

Your language education deserves more than what free apps can offer — and Babbel supports it. With lifetime access to all 14 languages and 10,000+ hours of lessons, Babbel is designed to fit neatly into your daily routine while delivering the kind of results you’ll actually use in the real world.

When we say “app,” don’t think phone-only. Babbel works across desktop, mobile, and even offline when you download lessons in advance. That means you can sneak in a quick 15-minute session on the train, at your desk, or while waiting for your coffee. And your progress syncs across devices, so you never lose track of where you left off.

SEE ALSO: Dating app Breeze launches sign language matching feature

Unlike other platforms, Babbel focuses on practical, real-life topics. Within weeks, you’ll be navigating conversations about directions, shopping, dining, and travel without hesitation. Developed by over 100 expert linguists and informed by research from researchers at Yale University, Babbel’s approach emphasizes building conversational skills first — not just memorizing vocab lists.

Speech recognition tech helps you fine-tune your pronunciation so you sound more like a local and less like a tourist, while AI-driven practice sessions adapt to your level. Plus, review sessions personalize the learning experience, making sure everything you’ve learned actually sticks.

Babbel also gives you educational freedom: learn one language deeply, or bounce between all 14 — including Spanish, French, Italian, German, and even Norwegian or Turkish. With lifetime access, there’s no pressure. Pick up a new language for your next trip abroad, sharpen your professional skills, or just scratch that “I’ve always wanted to learn Russian” itch.

Trusted by millions worldwide, Babbel isn’t just a learning app — it’s a lifelong investment in yourself. Ready to stop dreaming about fluency and start speaking it? With Babbel, that future starts today.

Thanks to this exclusive offer from StackSocial, you can get lifetime Babbel access for just $134.99 (reg. $299) with code LEARN through Nov. 9.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Word, Excel, and 1TB of OneDrive storage keep your world organized for $70

Wed, 11/05/2025 - 00:00

TL;DR: Get a one-year Microsoft 365 subscription for $69.99 (reg. $99.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft 365: 1-Year Subscription $69.99
$99.99 Save $30   Get Deal

If your digital life is spread across multiple devices, Microsoft 365 keeps everything connected — seamlessly. For just $69.99 (reg. $99.99), you get a 1-year subscription that includes the fully installed versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and OneNote for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.

That means one login, one license, and one easy plan that does it all — for work, school, and everything in between.

SEE ALSO: Treat your PC to Microsoft Office apps for less than $7 each

This subscription helps level up your workflow, storage, and security:

  • Access on up to five devices — Use Microsoft 365 across your PC, Mac, iPhone, iPad, and Android phone or tablet

  • 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage — Store photos, videos, and files securely and access them anywhere

  • Always up to date — Get the latest Microsoft apps, updates, and features automatically with no manual installs required

  • Microsoft Defender — Protect your devices and identity with built-in security and theft monitoring tools

  • Outlook email and calendar — Manage multiple accounts ad-free, with integrated calendars and to-do lists

  • Clipchamp video editor — Create and edit professional-quality videos using templates, effects, and stock media

  • Collaborate in real time — Co-edit documents, presentations, and spreadsheets seamlessly with colleagues or classmates

  • Microsoft support included — Chat or call for help anytime with Microsoft 365 or Windows 11 support

Everything stays synced, secure, and simple — no matter where or how you work. You get productivity tools, premium security, and 1TB of cloud storage that you can actually rely on.

Pick up a one-year membership to Microsoft 365 while it’s just $69.99 (reg. $99.99) for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google and YouTube $30 million settlement payment: Check if you or your kids qualify for a check

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 23:41

Do you or your child watch videos on YouTube? Were either you or your child watching videos on YouTube and were under the age of 13 between July 1, 2013 to April 1, 2020?

If you answered yes to those questions, you may be eligible for a check from a $30 million class action settlement.

The plaintiffs in the case, known as Hubbard v. Google, allege that Google and YouTube violated privacy laws by collecting personal data from children under the age of 13. The plaintiffs say children who watched cartoons and other kids-oriented content on YouTube had their data collected for the company's advertising business, in violation of privacy laws. The company was sued in a class action lawsuit, and Google recently agreed to settle the suit for $30 million without admitting any wrongdoing.

Earlier this year, a judge ruled that Google knowingly “engaged in highly offensive conduct” in collecting the data of users under the age of 13. The settlement decision has been a long time coming, as the case was first filed in 2019. It has been amended repeatedly over the years, before a judge's ruling in January.

There is now a settlement website, which can be found at YouTubePrivacySettlement.com, where anyone who believes they may be eligible can submit a claim.

The form is very simple. It asks for your name, address, phone number, and email address. If the claimant is a minor, a parent or guardian must fill out the form and add their name as well. Other than that, the submission form simply asks people to confirm if they watched YouTube content between July 1, 2013 to April 1, 2020 and if they were under the age of 13 at the time.

The deadline to file a claim is January 21, 2026.

How much will claimants receive? Well, it's a $30 million fund that will be split between eligible claimants, as well as attorney fees and administration costs. So, no, you won't get rich. But, if you're eligible, you'll get a few bucks — maybe even double digits — for doing nothing but filling out a form that your web browser's autocomplete will mostly take care of.


Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple is reportedly working on a Chromebook-style laptop, but weve heard that before

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 23:04

Apple is reportedly working on a Chromebook-style, pared-down, less expensive laptop. We've heard rumors of this before — but maybe this time it's different.

Bloomberg's Mark Gurman reported on Tuesday that Apple was "preparing to enter the low-cost laptop market for the first time, developing a budget Mac aimed at luring away customers from Chromebooks and entry-level Windows PCs." Gurman is a high-profile, reliable reporter on everything Apple, which certainly lends the news serious credibility.

Bloomberg's report noted that Apple plans to launch the laptop in the first half of next year, with a focus on more casual users who primarily use a laptop for browsing the web or working on documents. That's the sort of offering you get with Chromebooks.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

There were rumors of Apple entering the Chromebook-style laptop space in 2023. Those rumors came on the heels of Chromebooks outselling MacBooks during COVID lockdowns. Obviously, that didn't come to fruition, even though it was reported by reliable Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo at the time.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

The new report from Bloomberg noted that Apple plans to sell the lower-cost laptop for "well under $1,000" by relying on less advanced technology. Dropping a low-cost laptop would mark a major shift for Apple, which has typically sold high-quality — and often very expensive — products. But it could prove incredibly useful for large swaths of users for whom a laptop is effectively a machine for sending emails, making documents, and browsing the internet.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Job hunters are using dating apps to network, survey reports

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 22:20

At a time when AI is killing entry-level jobs and the only texts back you're getting are from Indeed scammers, professionals are resorting to unorthodox methods to find work.

In a new survey, ResumeBuilder.com found that 34 percent of 2,225 dating app users have used the apps for professional or career-related reasons in the last year. Almost 10 percent said that's the primary reason they use the apps.

SEE ALSO: Reputation is the new dating currency when everyone's keeping receipts

Tinder, Bumble, and Facebook Dating are the most common platforms for networking, followed by Hinge, Match, and OkCupid.

"I actually met people in my industry and got useful advice/leads," an anonymous user told ResumeBuilder.com. "Weird but effective," said another.

Among different age groups, the one-in-three figure remained relatively steady: 35 percent for adults aged 18 to 24, 34 percent of those aged 29 to 44, and 33 percent of those aged 45 to 55. Men were a bit more likely to do this than women (37 and 30 percent, respectively).

Most of these folks wanted to expand their network (63 percent), while 42 percent were hoping to receive a referral, and 40 percent wanted a job offer. Thirty-eight percent sought a mentor or career advice, and 34 percent hoped for a job interview.

Of those who used dating apps for professional reasons, a staggering 88 percent reported successfully connecting with someone for career purposes. A bit more than half (51 percent) met their connection in person.

Why are daters — or really, the un- or underemployed — doing this? A majority (58 percent) saw it as a creative or strategic approach, and most (56 percent) believed that personal connections were the most effective way to get hired. Forty-two percent were motivated by the difficult job market.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics hasn't released a jobs report in two months due to the government shutdown. However, the last one, in August, had economists alarmed, as non-farm-related employers added only 22,000 jobs that month, significantly lower than the estimated 80,000. Meanwhile, companies like Amazon are laying off workers due to AI implementation.

All that to say: It's bleak out there.

"Younger professionals in particular feel a lot of pressure to get ahead in a hypercompetitive market," ResumeBuilder.com's chief career advisor, Stacie Haller, said in the press release. "Traditional networking platforms, such as LinkedIn, can feel oversaturated and transactional, where everyone is pitching rather than genuinely connecting."

That's what daters and job seekers told Mashable earlier this year: That LinkedIn is so competitive, it was difficult to find a job there. Professionals may also try to flirt with you on LinkedIn, signaling a blurring of the purposes of these platforms.

"Dating apps, in contrast, provide a more personal and low-pressure environment for building authentic relationships," Haller continued. "The trend signals a broader cultural shift: professionals are moving away from rigid, performative networking norms toward more fluid, human-centered interactions."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google Chrome enhanced autofill now remembers passport and drivers license info: How to turn it on

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 21:51

Google just made its Chrome browser a little more useful — and for once the update has nothing to do with artificial intelligence.

For years, the autofill feature in Chrome has helped users fill in all the passwords they can't remember. On Monday, the company announced in a blog post that the autofill feature has been expanded to remember even more. Namely, autofill can now remember passport numbers, driver's license numbers, vehicle identification numbers, and more.

SEE ALSO: Apple's new AI-powered Siri will reportedly be powered by Google Gemini

Google also says autofill has been improved so it can "better understand complex forms and varied formatting requirements," though it didn't expand on what, specifically, it's better at now. The company also said that all of this data is secure and encrypted. Though, obviously no one would blame you for not wanting your personal identification information stored in Google Chrome.

Lastly, it should be noted that Google says this feature only works if you have something called "enhanced autofill" turned on. You can turn on enhanced autofill by clicking the three dots in the upper right-hand corner of a Chrome window, then going to Settings, then the section marked "Autofill and Passwords." That also means you can make sure Google doesn't remember and store this info by keeping the setting turned off.

Categories: IT General, Technology

6 Android apps reportedly recording users conversations — delete, delete, delete

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 21:44

We've all had that eerie feeling that our phone is listening to every word we say. And for some users, it really could be.

ESET cybersecurity researchers claim to have identified six malicious Android apps that reportedly spy on users, extract WhatsApp and Signal messages, and record their conversations. One of them, an app called WaveChat, could even record background audio when users weren't using their phone's microphone, according to ESET. After users download one of the malicious apps, the researchers say the apps run a remote access trojan (RAT) code known as VajraSpy.

SEE ALSO: Google denies reports that 2.5 billion Gmail users were impacted by security issue

The good news is that these VajraSpy spyware apps were not designed to target users in the United States, and the Android apps were only downloaded around 1,400 times. ESET researchers say the apps were primarily targeted at users in India and Pakistan. They concluded that "the threat actors behind the trojanized apps probably used a honey-trap romance scam to lure their victims into installing the malware."

The ESET research is outlined in a new post on WeLiveSecurity, an online publication and ESET partner. The researchers say they identified 12 spyware apps in total, including six Android apps available on the Google Play Store. The other six apps were available on VirusTotal, a well-known cybersecurity tool.

The malicious Android apps were called:

  • Privee Talk

  • MeetMe*

  • Let’s Chat

  • Quick Chat

  • Rafaqat رفاق

  • Chit Chat

*The researchers also noted that other apps by the same name may be available on the app store in your area. Specifically, the popular MeetMe app, which has been downloaded more than 100 million times, is not related to these spyware apps.

Remember: Just because an app is available on the Google Play or Apple App Store does not mean it is necessarily safe. Only download trusted apps from reputable companies, and be careful about what permissions you grant them. Malicious apps often mimic popular ones, as seen recently with imposter Sora apps.

In October, ESET researchers discovered two spyware apps disguised as the Android Signal app, targeting users in the United Arab Emirates.

Interestingly, one of the malicious VajraSpy apps may have preyed on fans of a popular Pakistani cricket player. One of the apps was uploaded by a user called Mohammad Rizwan, which is also the name of a popular professional cricket player (Rizwan is not associated with this scam).

ESET researchers concluded that the spyware apps were the work of Patchwork APT, a known threat in the cybersecurity world.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DoorDash and Instacart announce emergency SNAP assistance

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 21:44

Grocery and food delivery apps are stepping in as the federal government fails to reinstate food assistance for millions of Americans amid the government shutdown.

DoorDash and Instacart — two of the biggest names in online food delivery — have announced emergency food assistance for users who receive support through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which is the country's largest food assistance initiative.

SEE ALSO: Elon Musk uses paid feature to boost his anti-Zohran Mamdani views on X before NYC election

Starting this month, DoorDash will waive delivery and service fees for grocery orders paid for with linked SNAP benefit cards, applying once per customer. The company estimates it will total 300,000 grocery orders. The company has also pledged to deliver 1 million meals for free, waiving all fees for more than 300 partner food banks, food pantries, and community organizations in the U.S.

Instacart customers using SNAP benefits can also get 50 percent off their next grocery order — up to $50. Individuals discount codes will be sent to Instacart customers who previously ordered groceries using SNAP. The company is also organizing additional food drives to support 300 food banks across 48 states.

DoorDash added SNAP and EBT payment processing in 2023, following on the heels of its online grocery delivery competitor Instacart. Both companies had previously announced food insecurity initiatives intended to support the nation's network of food banks and to address a growing need for consistent food access.

Project DASH, for example, provides food donations and free grocery deliveries alongside its nationwide partners. Instacart's Community Carts allows users to donate directly to local foodbanks through the Instacart platform. At the time, more than 18 million American households were deemed food insecure by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

SEE ALSO: Everything you should know about community fridges, from volunteering to starting your own

"As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on practical, immediate solutions: helping families who use SNAP stretch their grocery dollars and helping food banks stock up to support their communities," said Instacart's chief corporate Affairs Officer at Instacart Dani Dudeck.

While the Trump administration cancelled its annual Household Food Security Report for 2025, which tracks food insecurity levels across the country, around 20 percent of children are still food insecure, reported Feeding America. SNAP served around 42 million individuals per month in 2024, according to the USDA, and the federal government paid about $99.8 billion toward the program.

Prior to the government shutdown, advocates warned that a lapse in funding could impact 40 million Americans, including 16 million children and 8 million seniors. In response to such concerns, a federal judge recently directed the administration to use emergency funds to help SNAP recipients — about $4.65 billion of the necessary $9 billion for November payouts.

Just one day after stating the administration would restart SNAP benefits at just 50 percent of their normal payment amounts, President Donald Trump said he would continue withholding benefits until the "Radical Left Democrats open up government" — the administration has blamed Democratic leaders for the extended lapse in federal funding. In a post to Truth Social, Trump alleged that the increased $100 billion SNAP allotment was a corrupt decision by President Joe Biden.

Meanwhile, the USDA sent a notice to independent grocery stores nationwide saying that they couldn't offer discounted prices on SNAP-eligible groceries.

DoorDash called the situation "a food emergency unfolding in real time" in a recent press release.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Viral TikToks show neighbors setting up pop-up food pantries amid SNAP benefit turmoil

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 21:14

It's no secret that times are hard. And it's not often that trends online actually make things better. But as a struggling economy collides with a government shutdown — and SNAP benefits hang in the balance for millions — TikTok has become an unexpected hub for mutual aid, filled with people setting up pop-up food pantries to feed their communities.

In an era often lamented for its loneliness and loss of community and third spaces, it's genuinely heartening to see people rally together. Few things feel more human than saying to someone, "Here, let me feed you."

One of the most viral examples of these DIY food pantries came from AJ Owen (@ajpgh412). In a teary TikTok, Owen describes how his front-yard food pantry has helped countless people, before revealing that an anonymous donor dropped off an envelope stuffed with cash.

"We're really not letting people go hungry, man," he says through tears.

That post has racked up nearly 13 million views and 3.5 million likes on the app. Owen, a 36-year-old Pittsburgh native, started the pantry with his children, ages 7 and 9. In other videos, he shows how the community continues to rally behind the project and how the idea has spread like wildfire online.

"The outpouring online is…overwhelming in the best way possible," Owen wrote in an email to Mashable. "Seeing so many other people touched by what we are doing and deciding to do something as well brings tears to my eyes. Give people an opportunity to help and they will absolutely do it!"

Scroll through the comments, and you'll find hundreds of people saying they've created or helped stock their own local pantries just like Owen and his kids.

Credit: Screenshot: TikTok / @ajpgh412 Credit: Screenshot: TikTok / @ajpgh412

The reason it resonates is simple. Despite — gestures broadly at the world — everything, people genuinely want to help each other.

"With just days looming on the impending SNAP benefits being cut, we decided to start a small food pantry in our front yard," Owen wrote. "It was Sunday, Oct. 26, and we had a single tote and two hand coolers with a foam board sign from the dollar store. We spent roughly $150 at ALDI, and approximately 70 percent of the food was utilized overnight. With benefits not even being cut, that immediately told us that there was a bigger need, and thanks to posting in local community groups, people stepped up (and still are) and helped tremendously."

Across TikTok and other platforms, similar pop-up pantries are multiplying — digital proof that grassroots generosity can spread as quickly as any viral trend.

It's worth noting that these pop-up pantries emerged in the wake of fears that SNAP benefits would be discontinued due to the government shutdown, a concern that was reignited after President Donald Trump threatened on Tuesday to withhold U.S. government payments for the benefits in defiance of a court order. It is inspiring to see neighbors helping neighbors, but it remains nearly impossible to fill the gap left by a program that helps about 12 percent of the country.

But that won't stop people from doing their best. There's perhaps no clearer evidence than the envelope with thousands of dollars in cash left for Owen's pantry.

"Seeing people be moved, restoring their hope and faith in people, is so rewarding and helps me see the good in people again," Owen said. "We won’t let people go hungry."

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nintendo confirms that its sold more than 10 million Switch 2 consoles

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 20:58

In a very non-shocking development, it turns out Nintendo is doing just fine.

The company updated its official hardware sales tracking page this week to reflect that the Switch 2 console has sold 10.36 million units as of Sept. 30. For reference, the Wii U (easily Nintendo's biggest failure of this century) sold 13.56 million units in its entire lifetime. That console was on the market for four years, while the Switch 2 has been on the market since June. These sales numbers don't even reflect the month of October, during which Pokémon Legends: Z-A probably shifted at least a few Switch 2 units, despite also being available on the OG Switch. We already know that game has sold a lot of copies.

Gamers may remember that the Switch 2 was incredibly difficult to find in stock in the weeks after its June launch, but it's been much more widely available since late July.

SEE ALSO: 'Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment' is fine. It's also the most disappointing Switch 2 exclusive.

Of course, there's also an entire holiday season coming up, featuring releases like Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, Kirby Air Riders, and Metroid Prime 4. There's an outside chance that the Switch 2 outdoes the Wii U's lifetime sales by the end of 2025.

Again, none of this is particularly surprising, despite some negative discourse from people on YouTube and message boards surrounding the console's high price (by Nintendo standards) in tough economic conditions. The first Switch was a massive success, and the Switch 2 is a new version of that, so of course it's doing well. Nintendo also provided sales numbers for some of the console's early exclusives: Mario Kart World has sold 9.57 million units, and Donkey Kong Bananza has sold 3.49 million units.

All of this is to say that Nintendo probably understands its own business better than angry YouTubers.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Big YouTube channels are being banned. YouTubers are blaming AI.

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 20:54

YouTuber Enderman ran a tech YouTube channel with more than 350,000 subscribers, and he knew his channel was about to be terminated before it happened.

Why? Because one of his smaller channels was banned by YouTube just days before. On YouTube, creators can't just create an alternate channel to get around a ban. YouTube will know what other accounts a user has and ban that channel, too.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

What is bizarre, however, is the reason Enderman's channels were terminated in the first place. According to Enderman, YouTube sent him a notification when his first channel was terminated. YouTube claimed Enderman's channel had connections to a non-English language YouTube channel that had previously been terminated itself for receiving three or more copyright strikes.

Again, that makes sense, knowing what we know about how YouTube enforces its policies on terminated channels. But Enderman says he has nothing to do with that non-English channel and knew nothing of it before this whole issue came up. The Japanese-language channel in Enderman's screenshot, 椛のスターレイル遊び, translates roughly as "Momiji plays Honkai: Star Rail Adventures," a reference to a Japanese role-playing game.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

And, it appears Enderman isn't the only one.

Over the past few days, numerous YouTube creators with large channels and hundreds of thousands of subscribers have shared that their accounts have been mysteriously terminated by YouTube. Mashable has come across at least half a dozen large channels that have received a similar notification, all of which tie their ban back to the same non-Honkai: Star Rail Adventures YouTube channel.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Scratchit Gaming, with more than 402,000 subscribers, shared on social media that their YouTube channel was banned due to an alleged connection to the Japanese channel. Another channel, known as 4096, with around half a million subscribers, also says it was terminated for the same reason.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

However, over the past few weeks, it appears even more large channels have also been terminated, with YouTube stating it was due to "spam, deceptive practices, and scam policy."

While these YouTubers have yet to get an answer from YouTube, Enderman is blaming YouTube's new reliance on AI for moderation and policy adherence. In a video posted to his channel before it was banned, Enderman questioned why YouTube was allowing such "drastic measures like channel termination" to be decided by AI without a human reviewing the process first.

Other YouTubers are also blaming AI and the platform's appeals process, which they believe is also powered by AI.

Earlier this year, YouTube shared information about its new AI-powered moderation for video ads on its platform. 

"While human reviewers are still used for some videos, YouTube has invested heavily in automated systems using LLM technology to review ad content," Mashable's Timothy Beck Werth reported at the time. And according to a YouTube policy page, the company uses a combination of automated and human review for non-advertising content.

"When our systems have a high degree of confidence that content is violative, they may make an automated decision. However, in the majority of cases, our automated systems will simply flag content to a trained human reviewer for evaluation before any action is taken."

Mashable has reached out to YouTube for more information and will update this piece when we hear back.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Grindr for lesbians? Here are the best dating apps for LGBTQ women.

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 20:00

Online dating as a lesbian can be a joyous experience, but it can also involve having your space invaded by straight people or seeing your ex-girlfriends (and your ex-girlfriends' ex-girlfriends) show up in your feed over and over.

Over the decades, queer women have turned to personal ads, roaming bars, and word of mouth to find love. These days, it's not too different. From trying to find a date on WLW TikTok to entrapranureal lesbians creating new apps just for them, LGBTQ women are down to get creative to find their special someone.

Thankfully, in 2025, there are both niche and general apps where queer women can find a partner — whether for one night or for life. Which ones are the best dating apps for lesbians? We tested the most popular dating sites and apps and got some insight from our Dating & Relationships writers to find out.

How to find the best dating apps for lesbians Niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only option for finding love. Credit: Stacey Zhu / Mashable

Mainstream dating apps attract the most users — including queer users. That means niche lesbian dating apps aren't your only options for finding love. These days, Hinge, Bumble, OkCupid, and even eharmony all have clear filters to help you match with people of the same gender (or any gender at all), as well as filters that acknowledge the existence of non-traditional relationships (like polyamory). Especially if you don't live in a densely populated area, going for the more popular dating apps over lesbian dating sites can often lead to more results.

With that said, there is one dating app lesbian women should try. HER is an app by and for queer women, and it's grown to have a strong user base. According to its website, the app has more than 15 million registered users worldwide. The app also emphasizes finding community and making friends, in addition to dating, providing you with numerous ways to connect with other queer women and non-binary users.

Check out our guide below for the full rundown of our recommendations and dating app reviews.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Microsoft warns that an OpenAI API is being abused as a backdoor for espionage

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 19:42

On Monday, Microsoft Detection and Response Team (DART) researchers warned that an OpenAI API was being abused as a backdoor for malware. The researchers concluded that bad actors were using the novel backdoor to conduct long-term espionage operations.

Specifically, Microsoft's cybersecurity researchers discovered that cybercriminals were taking advantage of the OpenAI Assistants API, a clever way to hide their illicit activities, according to Bleeping Computer.

"Instead of relying on more traditional methods, the threat actor behind this backdoor abuses OpenAI as a [command-and-control] channel as a way to stealthily communicate and orchestrate malicious activities within the compromised environment. To do this, a component of the backdoor uses the OpenAI Assistants API as a storage or relay mechanism to fetch commands, which the malware then runs," the researchers wrote in a Microsoft Incident Response published on Nov. 3.

Read on to find out how the exploit worked and how to guard against it.

How bad actors exploited the OpenAI Assistants API

In July, the researchers say they discovered a new backdoor within OpenAI's Assistants API while investigating a "sophisticated security incident." They named the backdoor SesameOp. (Cybersecurity researchers often give catchy names to new strains of malware or cybersecurity exploits.)

The Assistants API is a developer tool that lets OpenAI's enterprise clients build AI assistants within their own apps. Essentially, it brings OpenAI tools like ChatGPT and Code Interpreter into other third-party apps. We should also note that this system is set to be replaced by OpenAI's Responses API.

The DART researchers found that the covert backdoor enabled threat actors to manage compromised devices undetected, using the Assistants API to piggyback malicious commands and encrypted data. While the incident response is short on specifics, the backdoor allowed the bad actors to harvest data for "espionage-type purposes." By using the OpenAI API, the cybercriminals were able to mask their activities.

"This threat does not represent a vulnerability or misconfiguration, but rather a way to misuse built-in capabilities of the OpenAI Assistants API," the researchers concluded.

How to guard against the SesameOp backdoor

Along with an in-depth technical analysis of the threat, Microsoft researchers provided a list of recommendations to mitigate the impact of the exploit.

You can read the full list of recommendations in the Microsoft Incident Response. Some suggestions include "Audit and review firewalls and web server logs frequently," and "Review and configure your perimeter firewall and proxy settings to limit unauthorized access to services, including connections through non-standard ports."

Because the OpenAI Assistants API is set to be deprecated next year anyway, developers may also want to go ahead and migrate to the Responses API that replaces it. OpenAI has a migration guide on its website.

Disclosure: Ziff Davis, Mashable’s parent company, in April filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch PSG vs. Bayern Munich online for free

Tue, 11/04/2025 - 19:04

TL;DR: Live stream PSG vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free on Virgin Media Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League regularly showcases massive matchups between the best sides from the continent, but that doesn't make PSG vs. Bayern Munich any less exciting. Both teams are top of their domestic leagues and have won every game in this competition, so we're expecting a fascinating contest between two entertaining sides stacked with stars.

If you want to watch PSG vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is PSG vs. Bayern Munich?

PSG vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. GMT on Nov. 4. This fixture takes place at the Parc des Princes.

How to watch PSG vs. Bayern Munich for free

PSG vs. Bayern Munich is available to live stream for free on Virgin Media Player.

Virgin Media Player is geo-restricted to Ireland, 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 Ireland, meaning you can unblock Virgin Media Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream PSG vs. Bayern Munich for free 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 Ireland

  4. Visit Virgin Media Player

  5. Watch PSG vs. Bayern Munich for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of the Champions League without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream PSG vs. Bayern Munich (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Virgin Media Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Virgin Media Player, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including Ireland

  • 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 includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream PSG vs. Bayern Munich in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker