IT General

About a decade ago, I used to daily drive a custom Android ROM called CynanogenMod. In its settings app, there were in-built switches for cutting off any app’s internet access. Sadly, native Android still doesn’t have this feature, even in the latest version 16 update. Let me show you a workaround and why you might want to use it.

Believe it or not, the first ever 3D movie I saw was the original Avatar, and boy did that set a high bar for what 3D movies can be. During the peak of the last 3D movie fad, it was mainly a cinema experience for me. 3D TVs and Blu-rays were just too expensive for me back then, but these days people can hardly give their 3D movies away.

A small but significant victory for OpenAI: the court order requiring the company to preserve all of its ChatGPT data indefinitely has been lifted.

The original May 13 order — which OpenAI vehemently opposed — stemmed from an ongoing lawsuit filed by the New York Times in 2023. The paper alleges that OpenAI trained its AI models on Times content without proper authorization or compensation. The NYT is one of several news publishers currently suing OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement, including The Intercept, Alternet, and Mashable's own parent company, ZiffDavis.

In a new order filed on Oct. 9, federal judge Ona T. Wang released OpenAI from its obligation to "preserve and segregate all output log data that would otherwise be deleted on a going-forward basis." With a few exceptions, the company is no longer required to maintain logs past Sept. 26.

The initial preservation order had allowed NYT to investigate its claims of copyright infringement. OpenAI, however, argued that the requirement was an "overreach" — one that could compromise user privacy and data security. The company ultimately lost that fight, with Judge Wang ruling that ChatGPT users are "non-parties" to the lawsuit. By July, the plaintiffs had begun combing through the preserved logs, which largely consisted of ChatGPT outputs.

Although the preservation order has now been rescinded, any logs saved under it remain accessible. OpenAI is also still required to retain logs linked to accounts specifically flagged by the New York Times.

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.

There was a time when the first thing you did after getting a new Android phone was to throw a new launcher on it. Nova Launcher, Go Launcher, Apex Launcher, Action Launcher, ADW Launcher, and C Launcher come to mind. Today, however, outside enthusiast circles, people don’t seem to care about the launcher on their Android phone.

What’s the solution for someone trying to sober up, still wants to hang in beer culture, but also kind of misses being drunk? According to Saturday Night Live, it’s simple: non-non-alcoholic beer.

In the fake commercial, Andrew Dismukes plays a chipper spokesperson and family man who proudly drinks non-alcoholic beer so he can "do the right thing" while still kicking back with the guys. But before long, he realizes something’s missing — namely, the part where you actually get drunk.

Enter non-non-alcoholic beer: the first "alcohol-free" beverage that’s somehow over 90 percent alcohol.

Of course, things take a darkly funny turn. Just like the "CouplaBeers" sketch from Season 50, our happy host’s drinking problem quickly shines through. His buddy (Kam Patterson) points out his breath smells like gasoline, and his wife (Ashley Padilla) starts to worry he’s fallen off the wagon.

The commercial’s big selling point: "Now I can drink and drive." Cue the horrified laughter.

Much like cars, phones are a necessary part of modern life. It's time to approach buying them the same way.

You know a show has crossed into the pop-culture mainstream when it lands a spoof on Saturday Night Live. And that’s exactly what’s happened to Netflix’s glossy murder melodrama The Hunting Wives.

For the uninitiated, the show follows Brittany Snow (played here by Chloe Fineman) as a young woman from the East Coast who relocates to East Texas with her husband after a deadly drunk-driving accident. Once there, she becomes infatuated with her husband’s boss, played in the real series by Malin Akerman — and by Amy Poehler in the sketch — as the two spiral into a mess of drugs, secrets, and a young girl’s murder.

It’s got all the ingredients of a deliciously trashy Netflix hit, somewhere between You and Yellowstone. But what it’s really famous for — and what SNL zeroes in on — is just how gay the whole thing is. "Millions of Americans tuned into season one of The Hunting Wives, the straight-but-lesbian, horny Republican murder drama," the sketch’s narrator declares.

The parody nails every hallmark of the show: the overly sensual "teaching moments" between the lead women, gratuitous thigh-touching, terrible wigs, and — because it’s still a sudsy thriller at heart — wildly inappropriate relationships between adults and barely legal teens.

Even Aubrey Plaza pops up as a new arrival to the neighborhood, an actual lesbian whose presence isn’t exactly welcomed by the Hunting Wives themselves.

Most people only ever plug a charger into the USB-C port on their iPhone, but the interface is compatible with so many more devices. These can help you work or play, circumvent limitations, and get more done when you’re away from a “proper” computer.

Saturday Night Live continues its 51st season with a sharp take on the bizarre, roundabout Senate Judiciary Committee hearing featuring President Trump’s attorney general, Pam Bondi.

Bondi, played by this week’s host Amy Poehler, sits before Congress to face an avalanche of alleged transgressions from the Trump administration — including the Epstein Files, the deployment of troops in American cities, and the indictment of former FBI chief James Comey.

Unsurprisingly, just like in real life, SNL’s Pam Bondi has no answers.

"Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth, so help you God?" asks Senator Grassley, played by James Austin Johnson. Bondi replies with a resounding "no."

Instead, the attorney general comes armed with insults for each Committee member. When that fails, she calls in backup: former SNL stalwart Tina Fey, nearly unrecognizable under layers of MAGA makeup, as Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.

The Health app is the central hub for health tracking—from Apple Watch data to information from connected dietary apps that track your water intake or meals. The app organizes everything into easy-to-read graphics, metrics, and visuals to view your health data at a glance.

Just like a home made from bricks and mortar, laying a solid foundation for your smart home will reward you in the long run. That’s why I decided that my smart home would not be reliant on the cloud to function, long before I bought my first smart plug or bulb.

Your smartphone knows more about you than you know about yourself. Okay, that might be hyperbole, but it's still so important to manage the settings that track both your online and offline activity. Here are six Android settings that could put your privacy at risk and what you can do to keep your personal data safe.

Performance and practicality rarely go hand in hand, especially in the compact crossover world. Yet one model manages to break that rule, offering genuine excitement without sacrificing everyday usability or value. With its turbocharged powertrain, sleek design, and premium interior, this crossover proves you don’t need a sports car to enjoy a thrilling drive.

Today's Wordle answer is difficult simply because one uncommon letter could leave you with more guesses than chances to guess.

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for October 11, 2025 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

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 Pips hints, answers for October 12, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An injury.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

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...

WOUND

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 12, 2025

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today isn't too hard as long as you don't overthink it.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games 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 today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

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

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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.

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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 Pips hints, answers for October 12, 2025 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Longstanding

• Green: Opposite of ending

• Blue: Feathered friends

• Purple: Same first word

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: For all time

• Green: Establishes

• Blue: Birds

• Purple: Happy ____

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 #854 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• For all time: ETERNAL, EVERLASTING, FOREVER, PERMANENT

• Establishes: BEGINS, INSTITUTES, LAUNCHES, PIONEERS

• Birds: KITE, ROBIN, SWALLOW, SWIFT

• Happy ____: DAYS, ENDING, RETURNS, TRAILS

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for October 12, 2025

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

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 today's Connections.

“Designed by Apple in California” is a phrase that many have come to associate with the iPhone, but not all iPhones are built equally. Depending on where in the world you purchase and use your iPhone, you may have access to more features or other small differences in your device.

Microsoft is about to roll out patches to prevent the easiest way you had to skip signing into a Microsoft account during Windows 11’s setup, and if that seemed like a gentle nudge, it’s likely just the beginning. You’ve probably used these tricks before, or at least read about them: disconnect the network, run a command, or drop a patched ISO on a USB and roll right past the Out-of-Box Experience (OOBE) screens. Microsoft calling this out as “skipping critical setup screens” is partly true, but it seems like a convenient way to keep you locked into OneDrive, Office 365 trials, and a steady stream of telemetry that the company can use.

TL;DR: Get a lifetime subscription to the AdGuard Family Plan for just $15.97 with code FAMPLAN (MSRP $169.99) through 11:59 p.m. PT on Oct. 12 and protect 9 devices from ads, trackers, and online threats.

Tired of dodging pop-ups, dealing with slow-loading websites, and feeling like your every move online might be tracked? You’re not alone. The internet should be a safe, smooth, and private space. The AdGuard Family Plan can help you smooth things out, digitally speaking.

For just $15.97 with promo code FAMPLAN, you’ll get lifetime protection for up to nine devices. Whether it’s your phone, tablet, or laptop, AdGuard blocks intrusive ads, prevents trackers from snooping on your data, and shields your family from possible malicious websites.

Ads aren’t just annoying; they slow down your browsing, eat up your data, and sometimes even carry malware. And if you’ve got kids online, you want to make sure they’re safe from inappropriate content. The AdGuard Family Plan does all that and more. With built-in parental controls, you can filter out harmful sites and ensure your family’s online experience is both secure and enjoyable.

With up to 9 devices covered, the AdGuard Family Plan is ideal for households where everyone’s connected. And because it’s a one-time payment for lifetime access, you’ll never have to worry about recurring fees or annoying subscription renewals.

So, whether you’re protecting your own devices or your whole family’s, AdGuard makes it easy to have a more peaceful online experience. Say goodbye to annoying ads and hello to a safer, faster internet.

Don’t miss the opportunity to save on a lifetime of AdGuard Family Plan protection while it’s just $15.97 (MSRP $169.99) with code FAMPLAN through Oct. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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TL;DR: Learn piano for life with Skoove Premium Piano Lessons, only $109.97 (MSRP $299.99) while you can.

These days, you don’t need a classroom or a strict schedule to learn piano. Skoove Premium Piano Lessons lets you learn on your own terms, right from the comfort of your own home. All you need is the Skoove app, a keyboard, and a phone, tablet, or laptop.

Currently, you can secure a lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $109.97 (MSRP $299.99).

Piano lessons that work around your schedule

If you’ve ever wanted to pick up an instrument, Skoove Premium Piano Lessons lets you fit it into your busy schedule. There are no specific times or appointments to make — just grab your keyboard, open the app, and start playing. It’s ready to school total newbies and skilled pianists alike.

Over one million people are taking advantage of Skoove’s flexibility. There are more than 400 lessons and thousands of instructional videos in the app, and thanks to the power of AI, Skoove can listen to your playing and recognize your notes. It provides real-time feedback, and if you have any issues, there are music instructors available for more guidance.

You get to learn piano using music you actually like — from pop songs by Adele to classical tunes from Beethoven. And monthly updates ensure you never run out of fresh music to play.

Keep improving your piano skills for life with this lifetime subscription to Skoove Premium Piano Lessons for just $109.97 (MSRP $299.99).

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TL;DR: Windows 11 Pro is just $9.97 (MSRP $199) until 11:59 p.m. PT tonight — the smartest way to modernize your PC with a clean UI, better multitasking, and improved security.

Some upgrades just feel right. This is one of them.

If your PC has been running a little sluggish or you’ve been meaning to bring your system up to speed, Windows 11 Pro is just $9.97 (MSRP $199) through 11:59 p.m. PT tonight — a rare, time-sensitive offer that rewards quick, savvy decisions.

This isn’t about chasing trends; it’s more about giving your computer the modern foundation it deserves. Windows 11 Pro brings a sleeker UI, better multitasking, and enhanced security — all in a one-time lifetime license.

Think of it as the difference between driving a reliable car and suddenly upgrading to one with a smarter dashboard, smoother handling, and built-in security features.

For professionals, creators, and power users, this upgrade also unlocks features like Hyper-V, Windows Sandbox, BitLocker encryption, and seamless Azure AD integration — tools that make a real difference when you’re working across projects or managing sensitive data.

And yes, Windows 11 comes with Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant that can summarize pages, change settings, or even help you generate code on the fly. It’s like having a co-pilot (literally) inside your OS.

But you don’t need convincing — you already know a smart upgrade when you see one.

Get Windows 11 Pro for just $9.97 (MSRP $199) through Oct. 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

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