Technology

AI is revolutionizing how we build software, and at lightning speed. Plenty of software engineers are moving toward a new normal where they essentially ask AI tools to code for them, then step in to fix errors and double-check work, for example. But thanks to vibe coding, it’s actually pretty easy to get started with software development, both with consumer-grade AI tools like ChatGPT and with dedicated software engineering tools with AI built into them.

The term “vibe coding” has certainly become a bit of a buzzword, but don't hold that against it. This phenomenon isn't just a passing trend. The promise of vibe coding is that one day soon, you’ll be able to create functional software simply by describing it in natural language.

Have a sweet idea for an app or website, but don’t have the coding know-how to actually make it yourself? Vibe coding is the answer. Here’s how to get started with vibe coding, so you can turn your ideas into reality.

Getting started

Before you start vibe-coding, it’s worth thinking about the kind of software you want to build and how much experience you have in coding and software development, if any. The good news is that AI is going to take care of most of the actual coding, but a basic understanding of how code works will be helpful, especially if you need to troubleshoot or your idea is too advanced for basic tools.

If you don’t have any coding experience, then it’s perhaps worth using a consumer-grade AI tool to help you figure out the right approach for your project. Essentially, basic AI chatbots like ChatGPT are likely to work fine for simpler tasks like single-file websites, but as soon as you start needing to manage multiple different files, in different types and folders, and with different folders of resources like images, you’re likely to need to rely on more professional coding tools. Many websites can be made in a single HTML file, but the more complicated they get, the easier it is to split them out into multiple files.

Rest assured, we’re here to help you get building, even with professional tools. I have some coding experience, and was able to get a professional coding setup together for very little money. Don’t assume that just because you’re new to coding, professional tools are off-limits to you — it’ll just take a little more effort to get started using them. You can also read about the pros and cons of using ChatGPT, Grok, and Claude for coding projects.

Vibe coding with beginner toolsCreating the code

If your project is basic enough, you may be able to build it straight from an AI chatbot, like ChatGPT or Claude, without even needing to pay for a subscription (though a subscription will likely help as you troubleshoot and customize your project).

In these tools, vibe-coding is much more about the prompt than anything else. ChatGPT and Claude can create decently fleshed-out websites and web apps, but take the time to be as descriptive as possible about what you’re looking for, down to the design, features, and look of the software. Here’s an example:

• Bad prompt: Make me a website that shows me the time in different time zones.

• Better prompt: Make me a website that shows me the time in different time zones. I should be able to select the time zones I want displayed when I first open the website, after which they should display in both analog and digital time formats, with a list of three of the major cities in those time zones. The website should have a colorful design, with a retro feel.

I ran both of these prompts through ChatGPT, and honestly, got decent results with both – but there’s no denying that the second had more direction in terms of how it worked and how it looked.

Credit: Christian de Looper Credit: Christian de Looper

In both instances, ChatGPT will create a simple HTML file, and you’ll be able to see all of the code it created, and a preview of what the website itself will look like. If you’re happy with it, you can move on, but if not, you should be able to ask ChatGPT to make revisions to better match your original vision. Just keep in mind that it’s not uncommon for services like ChatGPT to create bugs, and then have trouble finding or fixing those bugs.

Going from code to product

If you’re just tinkering around for fun, maybe you never intended to actually create a final product that anyone can access on the web, but if you want others to be able to access your project, you’ll need to upload the files that ChatGPT created to a web hosting account

That process really has nothing to do with AI, though ChatGPT or another tool might be able to help guide you through the steps. The basic gist is that you’ll need to buy a domain name (the name of your website) and pay for hosting from a service like GoDaddy, where you’ll upload the .html file that ChatGPT created, after which you’ll be able to access the website from any web browser.

You might notice that I’ve really only focused on actual websites, and not other kinds of software, like apps. That’s because, for the most part, if you’re going to create apps or more advanced websites, it’s probably worth getting set up with more professional tools that can look at multiple or many files at a time, making edits to those files as needed.

Vibe coding with professional tools

If you’re willing to use more professional tools to vibe code, then you can do so without paying too much. I’m not making a guide on all the different tools you can use to code — so for the purpose of this guide, I’m going to focus on using Cursor, which is an AI-first code editor that you can try out for free, after which you’ll need to pay a subscription starting at $20 per month. Despite being a professional tool, Cursor makes it relatively easy to chat with an AI assistant through a dedicated chat pane. Here you’ll be able to ask the AI assistant to make edits to your project, and ask questions about the project as a whole.

Here’s a quick overview that details how to get started with Cursor.

• Download and install Cursor from the website. Make sure you pick the right version for your computer. 

• When you first open Cursor, you’ll be asked to log in or sign up with a new account. 

• You may be asked if you want to import VS Code settings. If you’re not new to coding, you may want to do so — but if you don’t know what VS Code is, then chances are you don’t have VS Code settings to import in the first place.

• Follow the on-screen instructions to get set up with a project. If you’re new to coding, select “Agent” in the quick-start menu, and don’t worry about installing any Terminal commands.

• When you’re ready to start creating, click the “Open Project” button and select or create a folder where the project files can be stored. 

The Cursor interface is split up into a few different columns. By default, you’ll see your project’s files and folders on the left, an editor showing the code in those files in the middle, and a chat column on the right. The Cursor AI has two modes — Agent and Ask. Agent directly edits your code and the files in your project, while Ask lets you ask questions about your project without risking it making edits to the code if you don’t want it to. You can still ask Agent questions — but it might take those questions as direction, and start editing code.

While the Cursor agent can help with the actual code of a project, you still might need to use external tools or services during the creation of your project. For example, if you’re adding images or other media to your project, or you want to make use of complicated APIs to enhance your project, you’ll need to do so on your own. Cursor should be able to help guide you through the steps of doing so — but you may need to directly ask it to give you those steps. Make sure to note your skill level when you do so, so it can give you steps that are as easy to follow as possible. 

After you’ve created something in Cursor, you’ll need to test it — and then, if you want to actually publish it, you’ll need to follow the appropriate steps to do so. Those steps vary dramatically depending on what you’ve made – whether it be an app, a website, or something else entirely. AI assistants may be able to help guide you through those steps, but remember that for things like apps, you may need to pay to create developer accounts with the likes of Apple and Google. 

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.

SAVE $45: As of Oct. 1, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is on sale at Amazon for $134.99. This is 25%, or $45, off its list price of $179.99 and marks its best price yet.

Opens in a new window Credit: Kindle Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Kids 16GB $134.99 at Amazon
$179.99 Save $45 Get Deal

If you've been hoping to score some discounts on Amazon's own devices, the good news is quite a few are already marked down ahead of the Prime Big Deal Days sale event next week. Some are even down to their lowest price yet right now, including the Kindle Paperwhite Kids. If you've had your eye on one for your children, now is a great time to grab it.

Usually, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids is listed for $179.99, but it's currently on sale for $134.99. This makes for $45 in savings from its retail price, and again, marks it lowest price yet, according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. It's a device that's well worth picking up for avid young readers, too.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime ahead of Prime Big Deal Days

Packed with 16GB of storage, there's plenty of space on the Kindle Paperwhite Kids for younger readers to fill up their digital library. It also boasts a seven-inch Paperwhite display, an adjustable warm light, and a glare-free display so they can read in any sort of lighting situation, whether they're inside or outside or even reading at night.

On top of that, the Kindle Paperwhite Kids also comes with six months of Amazon Kids+ — which is a subscription for kids between the ages of 3-12 that offers unlimited access to thousands of books in their age range as well as a fun, kid-friendly cover. Keep in mind that after six months the Amazon Kids+ subscription will automatically renew at $5.99/month, but you can cancel at any point from the Amazon Parent Dashboard or by contacting Customer Service.

Don't miss out on the Kindle Paperwhite Kids down to $134.99 right now at Amazon. It's not the only Kindle discounted ahead of Prime Big Deal Days, either. Check out our breakdown of early Amazon device deals to see even more Kindles on sale right now.

Amazon's Prime Day has quickly become one of the biggest retail events of the year. So much so that there are two a year. October's event is set to kick off next week, Oct. 7, but with so much anticipation for a bargain, Amazon has already released some early deals.

Yep, a whole week early, you can find early Prime Day deal stamps across TVs, earbuds, and even high-end fitness trackers, including Garmin, Apple, and Fitbit. So if you need a new watch to track your 5K or monitor your sleep, we've rounded up some of Amazon's best early deals on fitness trackers.

Best Garmin deal Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $226 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $73.99 Get Deal Why we like it

The Garmin vívoactive 5 was recently replaced as the newest model by the vívoactive 6, but the 5 still holds a special place in our hearts. This is what we'd call a perfect all-rounder fitness tracker, perfect for tracking long runs and cycles while also still having a great range of lifestyle features like sleep tracking, stress levels, and body battery. It's also a vast improvement over the vívoactive 4, and even has a bright AMOLED display, making it appear even more high-tech.

More Garmin deals

• Garmin Forerunner 55 — $149.99 $199.99 (save $50)

• Garmin Lily 2 — $249.99 $299.99 (save $50)

• Garmin fēnix E — $499.99 $799.99 (save $300)

Best Apple Watch deal Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Watch Series 10 $329 at Amazon
$399 Save $70 Get Deal Why we like it

You can't go wrong with an Apple Watch, especially if you're an iPhone user. With the recent release of the Apple Watch 11, the 10 has naturally gone down in price, which ups the appeal as well. And for fitness and lifestyle tracking, there's a whole lot to shout about this watch: ECG, fall detection, and cycle tracking, to name just a few. The sleep tracking is fairly advanced too, and the sleep apnea notifications are a bonus. Go on, close those rings.

More Apple Watch deals

• Apple Watch SE (2nd Gen) — $179 $249 (save $70)

Best Fitbit deal Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $149 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $50.95 Get Deal Why we like it

I frequently cite the Fitbit 4 as my favorite Fitbit model, and for good reason. If you're looking for a fitness tracker that does a bit of everything, without breaking the bank, this is a stellar choice. It's got a neat design, controlled by a responsive touchscreen. Activity tracking covers just about anything, from running, swimming, cycling, and general workout sessions. It also gives you a sleep score each morning, presented alongside a breakdown of time spent in light, deep, and REM sleep. For short to medium runs, basic lifestyle tracking, and style, this is a fantastic budget option.

Other Fitbit deals

• Fitbit Inspire 3 — $79.95 $99.95 (save $20)

• Fitbit Sense 2 — $199.95 $249.95 (save $50)

• Fitbit Charge 6 — $134.49 $159.95 (save $25.46)

SAVE $50: As of Oct. 1, the Echo Show 8 is on sale for $99.99 at Amazon. That's a 33% savings on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Echo Show 8 $99.99 at Amazon
$149.99 Save $50.00 Get Deal

Amazon's smart home devices are some of the best on the market. From speakers, displays, and dots, these products can control pretty much all the smart products in your home (like light bulbs and robot vacuums). At the center of these devices is the Echo Show, a smart home hub. It's touch screen controlled and has all the features of your favorite Alexa device and even more.

And as of Oct. 1, the Echo Show 8 has a great early Prime Day discount, saving you $50. The new list price is $99.99, a low price we've not seen as low since January. There are two colors to choose from, white or charcoal, and both are at the same reduced price.

This version of the Echo Show 8 comes with a sharp 8-inch HD screen and spatial audio, so shows, music, and recipe websites look and sound more natural. You can pair and control compatible devices with Zigbee, Matter, and Thread without a separate smart home hub.

You can even video chat from this device, where you'll benefit from the 13 MP auto-framing camera and noise reduction. When you’re not using it, the screen can double as a digital photo frame through Amazon Photos.

Get this Echo Show 8 deal from Amazon now.

On Tuesday, OpenAI announced Sora 2, the company's "flagship video and audio generation model" that's powering its new Sora app.

But what exactly is Sora 2, and how can you try it out for yourself? We've broken down everything we know so far below.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI reportedly plans to launch TikTok-like app with Sora 2 launch What is Sora 2?

Sora 2 is the engine behind a new OpenAI video app called Sora. It's essentially an upgrade to the capabilities of OpenAI's video generation tool, adding sound to videos, enhancing realism, and introducing a "Cameo" feature that allows you to cast yourself or your friends in videos you've created.

How to try Sora 2 yourself

Sora 2 is currently available through the Sora app, which is in turn only available – at the time of writing – in certain countries.

"The Sora iOS app⁠ is available to download now," reads OpenAI's site. "You can sign up in-app for a push notification when access opens for your account. We’re starting the initial rollout in the U.S. and Canada today with the intent to quickly expand to additional countries. After you’ve received an invite, you’ll also be able to access Sora 2 through sora.com⁠."

We tried to find the Sora app from the UK, but it doesn't appear to have made it across the pond yet. There's no official word on how long it takes for access to open once you've downloaded the app, either.

How much does Sora 2 cost?

It's free! At least for now.

"Sora 2 will initially be available for free, with generous limits to start so people can freely explore its capabilities, though these are still subject to compute constraints," reads the site. "ChatGPT Pro users will also be able to use our experimental, higher quality Sora 2 Pro model on sora.com⁠ (and soon in the Sora app as well)."

Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert have swapped late night war stories, with the latter giving his first interview since news of the Late Show's cancellation broke in July.

SEE ALSO: Stephen Colbert announces 'Late Show' cancelled, CBS claims Trump deal unrelated

Revealing that he found out about his show's cancellation a mere day before its Emmy nomination, Colbert told Kimmel that their mutual manager James "Baby Doll" Dixon broke the news after requesting a 15-minute meeting. Considering that supposed five-minute meetings with Dixon apparently take an hour, this unusual request alerted Colbert that something strange was going on.

"I come home two and a half hours later," Colbert recounted. "And I walk into the apartment and [Colbert's wife] Evie goes, 'What happened? You get cancelled?'"

Colbert then explained how he told his crew, having initially debated whether to keep the Late Show's cancellation a secret so they could enjoy the summer break. He ultimately held off just until after they'd filmed the next day, so that his staff would be informed but wouldn't have to film the show while still digesting the news. Colbert's public announcement of the cancellation was recorded immediately after, the host having told the audience not to leave.

"I was so nervous about doing it right — because there was nothing in the prompter, I was just speaking off the cuff — that I fucked up twice and I had to restart," said Colbert. "And the audience thought it was a bit. And they started going, 'You can do it! Come on, Steve! You can do it!' Because I always messed up on the sentence that told them what was happening. And then I got to the sentence that actually told them what was happening and uh, they didn't laugh."

Kimmel shared that he was actually at a No Kings protest when he learned of Colbert's cancellation, and that he was "absolutely shocked because it's not right."

"I mean, it's their ball and they can take it home if they want," said Colbert. 

"They don't have any balls, Stephen," said Kimmel. "Let's be honest."

The two late night hosts subsequently discussed Kimmel's more recent suspension, with Colbert showing a clip of the moment he found out the news while filming the Late Show.

"The first people I texted when I got the news that we were pulled off the air, I came into my office and I told some people, and then I texted you and Jimmy [Fallon] and Seth [Meyers] and the two Johns [Oliver and Jon Stewart] to let you know what had happened," said Kimmel, listing off his fellow late night talk show hosts.

"A bit of collateral damage I think from that whole scenario was it happened to be Jimmy Fallon's birthday the next day.... But you on that day sent a text to the group wishing Jimmy a happy birthday, and you wrote, 'Fallon, I think it's really selfish of you to have a birthday right now given how divided this country is. If anyone deserves a birthday it's Kimmel. But you just do whatever makes you happy, I guess.'"

The U.S. federal government shut down at midnight on Wednesday, bringing a halt to numerous government services after Congress could not agree on a crucial funding bill. Unsurprisingly, the Trump administration was quick to point the finger at its opponents, clearly blaming Democrats for the shutdown. However, it even went so far as to feature its accusations on an official government website, potentially violating the law.

SEE ALSO: Government shutdown looms. Will online services be disrupted?

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) added a blatantly partisan pop-up notification to its home page, which was also repeated on a bold red banner.

"The Radical Left are going to shut down the government and inflict massive pain on the American people unless they get their $1.5 trillion wish list of demands," read the prominent message. "The Trump administration wants to keep the government open for the American people."

Shortly after the shutdown came into effect, the HUD pop-up and banner had both been altered to instead read, "The Radical Left in Congress shut down the government. HUD will use available resources to help Americans in need."

NPR reports that staffers at multiple government agencies also received emails on Tuesday from the White House Office of Management and Budget laying blame on Congressional Democrats.

The HUD website less than an hour prior to the government shutdown coming into effect. Credit: Mashable screenshot: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) The HUD website less than an hour after to the government shutdown came into effect. Credit: Mashable screenshot: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)

While President Donald Trump frequently blames Democrats for his setbacks and grievances, his administration publishing such sentiments on an official government website carries new concerning implications. The HUD popup may be a violation of the Hatch Act, which prohibits federal employees in the U.S. government's executive branch from taking part in partisan political activities. (The President and Vice President are exempted from this legislation.)

Nonprofit consumer advocacy group Public Citizen has filed a Hatch Act complaint against HUD secretary Scott Turner over the popup.

"This is such an obvious violation of the Hatch Act that it raises the question: 'How on Earth does HUD think they can get away with this?'" said Craig Holman, a government ethics expert with Public Citizen. 

"The answer is that the Trump administration has managed to neuter the ethics enforcement offices in the executive branch. Those who are responsible for enforcing the Hatch Act — namely, the Office of Special Counsel, followed by the Office of Government Ethics and the Attorney General’s office — have all been taken over by Trump loyalists or those who are intimidated by Trump."

Even so, Holman expressed hope that the "sheer crassness" of the popup message may still force the ethics offices to act.

"The public sees it. The world sees it. And it is clearly partisan and political," said Holman. "To turn a blind eye to what everyone else sees may be too embarrassing.”

The government shutdown took effect due to Congress' failure to pass a funding bill to keep it operational. While Republicans backed a short-term funding bill that would have kept the government operational until Nov. 21, Democrats refused to vote for it unless they agreed to extend federal healthcare subsidies and reverse cuts to Medicaid. Democrats instead put forward a separate bill which included such changes to keep healthcare more affordable, and would have funded the government through October. Republicans similarly refused to support it, leaving both parties at an impasse.

On Tuesday, Trump stated that, if a government shutdown went ahead, his administration would take the opportunity to make changes that are "bad for [Democrats] and irreversible." Specifically, the president declared an intention to lay off a significant number of Democrats while cutting programs that they advocate for. Trump holds the record for longest U.S. government shutdown, having seen a 35-day shutdown during his first term as president in 2018.

The moon is shining nice and bright tonight, so let's take a look at what we can see tonight, day 10 of the lunar cycle.

The lunar cycle is a series of eight phases of the moon. NASA explains that these phases occur as the Sun illuminates varying portions of the moon while it moves around our planet. The cycle in general lasts around 29.5 days.

Keep reading to see what you can see when you look up tonight, Oct. 1.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Wednesday, Oct. 1, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous, and according to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 65% of its surface is illuminated tonight.

There's more than half of the moon is illuminated tonight, with lots to see. You won't need any visual aids to see the Mare Crisium, the Mare Vaporum, and the Mare Fecunditatis. With binoculars, you can add the Archimedes Crater, Endymion Crater, and the Mare Nectaris too. Lucky enough to have a telescope nearby? Set it up and you can also see the Linne Crater, Apollo 12 landing spot, and the Descartes Highlands.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Oct. 7. The last full moon was on Sept. 7.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, the moon’s phases are part of its 29.5-day orbit around Earth. As the moon moves, the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth shift, creating the changing phases we see. From our perspective, the moon sometimes appears full, sometimes seems to vanish completely, but we always see the same side. What changes is how much sunlight is reflected off its surface, depending on its position in orbit.

This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

New Moon - The moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third Quarter) - Another half-moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

TL;DR: Live stream Barcelona vs. PSG 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 is back with another round of exciting fixtures, but Barcelona vs. PSG has got to be the standout matchup. It's the defending champions against the five-time winners Barcelona. It doesn't get much bigger than this.

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

When is Barcelona vs. PSG?

Barcelona vs. PSG in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 1. This fixture takes place at the Lluís Companys Olympic Stadium.

How to watch Barcelona vs. PSG for free

Barcelona vs. PSG 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 Barcelona vs. PSG 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 Barcelona vs. PSG 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 Barcelona vs. PSG (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 Barcelona vs. PSG in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle 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 is back with the second round of group stage fixtures. Newcastle battled hard against Barcelona in their first matchup, only to come away second best. They'll be looking to come back strong against Union Saint-Gilloise, a team that shocked everyone with a 3-1 victory over PSV in their opening game.

If you want to watch Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle in the Champions League from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle?

Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle in the Champions League kicks off at 5:45 p.m. BST on Oct. 1. This fixture takes place at the Constant Vanden Stock Stadium.

How to watch Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle for free

Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle 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 Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle 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 Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle 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 Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle (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 Union Saint-Gilloise vs. Newcastle in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

What does an array of seemingly random items — a coffee cup, a tennis ball, a fire extinguisher — have in common? What might such objects, if they could speak, or even sing, have to say?

A tech demo with an unusual twist by Axis Communications, a Swedish company best known as a global industry leader within video surveillance, offers one answer to this curious question. To show off its AI-powered cameras and analytics software — which can be trained to recognise almost any object and trigger instant responses — the company arranged a stunt to turn mundane objects into musical cues.

The Object Detection Orchestra shows off Axis' AI-powered cameras and analytics software. Credit: Axis Communications

The resulting performance is a stirring rendition of Richard Strauss’s Also Sprach Zarathustra, the same poignant piece that accompanied the dawn of humankind in 2001: A Space Odyssey. It’s a fitting score for our new era of intelligent technology.

The project, dubbed the Object Detection Orchestra, blends cutting-edge surveillance tech with creative expression. It’s a bold way of showing that modern cameras can do far more than passively record; they can interpret, react, and, yes, even play.

Turning cameras into playable musical instruments

In the experiment, lenses became instruments and everyday objects became notes. To turn cameras into “playable” instruments, each device’s field of view was divided into “zones” tied to a specific musical note. When the AI detected an object — say, a tennis ball moving into the right square — the system sent an MQTT signal to a MIDI controller, which then triggered the corresponding sound.

Multiply that setup across four cameras manned by performers, add a live mixer, and voilà: you have a fully functional, sensor-based orchestra.

Any household item could join the scale of the Object Detection Orchestra. Credit: Axis Communications

To arrange the unconventional ensemble, Axis brought in Swedish music producer Jonas Quant, whose credits include Kylie Minogue and No Doubt. To master the mechanics of the performance, musicians had to “play” invisible instruments in mid-air; they carefully moved objects through the camera zones to cue notes with split-second timing.

From Strauss to smart cities

For decades, cameras have been mostly reactive — tools for watching and recording. But Axis’s experiment points to a bigger shift: surveillance devices are evolving into intelligent sensors. The Object Detection Orchestra demonstrates that the same AI-driven capabilities behind the performance could just as easily power a smart city system or automate processes in a factory.

Think of a city intersection where cameras don’t just record traffic but automatically detect congestion and adjust signals. Or, a retail environment where cameras double as operational tools, identifying empty shelves or long checkout lines and triggering alerts.

Axis' technology supports exactly these kinds of integrations. The same real-time MQTT signalling that turned tennis balls into timbres could just as easily trigger an automated door or redirect a delivery drone. It’s a leap from observing what has already happened, to actively shaping what happens next.

Axis' camera technology can be integrated across many industries. Credit: Axis Communications

Axis envisions applications for its camera technology across a wide swath of industries, including:

• Urban infrastructure and smart cities: Cameras that automatically manage traffic flow, detect hazards, or coordinate with public safety systems.

• Manufacturing and logistics: Real-time monitoring of assembly lines or warehouses, with cameras flagging bottlenecks before they become costly delays.

• Healthcare: Intelligent detection that helps ensure patient safety or streamline facility operations.

• Retail: Cameras that don’t just prevent theft but also track customer flow and improve shoppers’ experiences.

Axis’s Object Detection Orchestra is an apt metaphor for what’s possible when AI and advanced hardware join forces. Cameras that once sat quietly in the corner are now interactive, programmable, and capable of transforming raw video into actionable intelligence.

Of course, the AI-infused orchestra is unlikely to replace your local symphony anytime soon. But the idea that a coffee cup can cue a trumpet blast — and that the same system could one day help manage a city block — points to a bigger truth: our tools are only as limited as our imagination.

To learn more about Axis Communications' Object Detection Orchestra, head to the website.

TL;DR: Live stream Arsenal vs. Olympiacos in the Champions League for free on RTÉ Player. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League is back with another batch of high-profile fixtures involving Europe's elite. Arsenal vs. Olympiacos is a particularly interesting matchup, with both sides taking points from their opening games. Arsenal will be expected to win this one, but anything is possible in this competition.

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

When is Arsenal vs. Olympiacos?

Arsenal vs. Olympiacos in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Oct. 1. This fixture takes place at the Emirates Stadium.

How to watch Arsenal vs. Olympiacos for free

Arsenal vs. Olympiacos is available to live stream for free on RTÉ Player.

RTÉ 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 RTÉ Player to stream the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Arsenal vs. Olympiacos 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 RTÉ Player

5. Watch Arsenal vs. Olympiacos 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 Arsenal vs. Olympiacos (plus more Champions League fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for RTÉ Player?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on RTÉ 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 Arsenal vs. Olympiacos in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

It's always bad when we're affected by security breaches. It's even worse when our sensitive information is exposed as a result. This is exactly what's happening to a number of WestJet users. Yikes.

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 result.

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

ENSUE

Hurdle Word 2 hint

To pretend.

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

BLUFF

Hurdle Word 3 hint

A medical attendant.

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

PASTE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A sheen, often found on a donut.

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

TIMER

Final Hurdle hint

A messenger.

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

MOUNT

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

VPNs are a popular tool that aim to help improve your online security and keep you anonymous while you browse. But they're not quite the click-once-for-privacy tool many think they are. VPNs do have some limitations, and poor privacy practices elsewhere can make them almost useless. Here's what you need to know.

Our day-to-day lives have come to depend on the internet and being proactive about your cybersecurity has never been more important. Everything from your browser to the server you connect to could be the weak link that lands you in trouble. Here is what you need to know about incognito mode and VPNs, so you know how each tool affects your security.

So you've been putting off finally buying an air fryer — and then kicking yourself every time your food is taking forever in the oven. Amazon's October Prime Day is as good a time as any to find an air fryer on sale, especially if you're a connoisseur of fried snacks during football games. That'll give you several extra weekends to squeeze in new halftime recipes compared to waiting until Black Friday.

The best early deals on air fryers ahead of Prime Big Deal Days Best basket air fryer deal Instant Pot Vortex Plus (4-quart) $64.99 (save $60) Get Deal Best air fryer oven deal Ninja Prestige 10-in-1 XL $229.99 (save $120) Get Deal

Ahead of Prime Big Deal Days' start on Oct. 7, almost all of the good air fryer deals we saw at Amazon during July's Prime Day are already live again. Instant Pot, Nuwave, and Ninja deals are all in the mix, with options from mini two-quart basket designs to XL convection oven combos for the countertop. We're tracking the best air fryer deals at Amazon through the end of October Prime Day on Oct. 8 and will be updating the list as more pop up (or sell out).

SEE ALSO: Target announced dates for its fall Target Circle Week. Duh, it's during Prime Day. Best air fryer deal ahead of October Prime Day Opens in a new window Credit: Ninja Instant Pot Vortex Plus (4-quart) $229.99 at Amazon
$349.99 Save $120 Get Deal Why we like it

Out of all of the Ninja air fryer deals that have sprouted, this one's the biggest — both discount-wise (34% off) and capacity-wise (20 quarts). It's even $20 cheaper than its $249.99 Prime Day sale price in July.

The 10-in-1 Ninja Prestige convection oven has such robust possibilities that you might just forget how to preheat your oven. It can bake up to 20 cookies or roast a 12-pound turkey, with an optional middle rack included to air fry two different 9x9-inch trays of snacks at once.

More air fryers on saleBasket air fryers

• Chefman Mini Air Fryer (2-quart) — $39.99 $59.99 (save $20)

• Instant Pot Vortex Plus (4-quart) — $64.99 $129.99 (save $65)

• Chefman TurboFry Touch (8-quart) — $74.99 $119.99 (save $45)

• Ninja Pro (5-quart) — $79.99 $129.99 (save $50)

• Instant Pot Vortex Plus (6-quart) — $89.99 $159.99 (save $70)

• Nuwave Brio Plus (8-quart) — $111.98 $159.99 (save $48.01)

• Ninja Foodi DualZone Smart XL — $179.99 $249.99 (save $70)

Air fryer ovens and glass cooking systems

• Nuwave Bravo Pro (21-quart) — $139.98 $199.99 (save $60.01)

• Nuwave Brio (15.5-quart) — $146.99 $209.99 (save $63)

• Ninja Flip toaster oven and air fryer — $149.94 $219.99 (save $70.05)

• Ninja Crispi 4-in-1 portable glass air fryer — $151.99 $179.99 (save $28)

Array constants in Microsoft Excel are powerful tools for performing multiple calculations with a single formula. Using array constants in your Excel worksheets avoids the need for lengthy or repeated formulas and eliminates the risk of accidental data changes.

The best October Prime Day streaming deals at a glance: BEST Overall Starz annual subscription $11.99/year for your first year (save $58) Get Deal Best for movie lovers The Criterion Channel annual subscription $79.99/year for your first year (save $20) Get Deal Best Prime Video add-on deal AMC+ and MGM+ ad-free bundle $5.99/month for two months (save $12) Get Deal

Amazon's Prime Day events are no longer just a time to score TVs and laptops at a discount. Back in July, Amazon also dropped a ton of streaming deals. Now, ahead of October Prime Day — formally dubbed Prime Big Deal Days — we're seeing some sweet discounts on streaming services once again. So it's safe to say that Prime events are now a good time to diversify your streaming lineup.

There's a bit of fine print, however, when it comes to Prime Day streaming deals. Typically, most of the deals you'll find during these shopping events are in the form of Prime Video add-ons. In other words, you need to be a Prime member or a Prime Video subscriber to take advantage of them. (Not a member? Sign up here.) Add-ons still give you full access to the streaming service you choose; they just happen to live inside the Prime Video app, keeping all of your content under one roof.

Lucky for us, some other streaming services outside of the Prime Video umbrella have also tossed their hats in the ring for October Prime Day, which officially runs Oct. 7 and 8. While we're not expecting Black Friday-level streaming deals, we'll certainly be keeping our eyes peeled for anything that pops up in the coming week.

Below, we've rounded up all the best options so far, but stay tuned as we get closer to the official shopping event.

Best early October Prime Day streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: Starz Starz annual subscription $11.99/year for your first year (save $58) Get Deal Why we like it

While it may not be the most popular streaming service, Starz is still stacked with some excellent content, including originals like the female serial killer story Sweetpea, the historical drama Outlander, and the Lisa Taddeo book adaptation Three Women. It's also where you'll find Lionsgate films like From the World of John Wick: Ballerina and Americana right out of the theater. For an unspecified limited time, you can sign up for an entire year of the streamer for $1 per month. That's an outrageous 83% in savings — easily the best streaming deal this season. FWIW, that's less than a single month of ad-free streaming on Netflix, Hulu, Peacock, or HBO Max.

Best streaming deal for movie lovers Opens in a new window Credit: The Criterion Channel The Criterion Channel annual subscription $79.99/year for your first year (save $20) Get Deal Why we like it

The best streaming subscription for movie buffs, a Criterion Channel annual plan gives you access to the films in the Criterion Collection and Janus Films' library of more than 1,500 films. Instead of a fixed library with algorithmic programming, it hosts constantly rotating thematic programming, which ranges from mass-market to niche indie films. Subscribers can also enjoy over 500 shorts and 5,000 supplementary features, like trailers, introductions, behind-the-scenes documentaries, interviews, commentary, and rare archival footage. It's a cinephile's paradise, and it's typically just $100 for a full year. Through Oct. 5, however, you can sign up for your first year for just $79.99, saving you 20%.

Best Prime Video add-on streaming deal Opens in a new window Credit: AMC+ / MGM+ MGM+ and AMC+ ad-free bundle (Prime Video add-on) $5.99/month for 2 months (save $12) Get Deal Why we like it

Two streaming services for less than the price of one? That's unheard of in the streaming world, but that's exactly what Amazon is offering with this Prime Video add-on deal. For a limited time (likely through the end of Prime Big Deal Days), you can sign up for two months of ad-free MGM+ and AMC+ for just $5.99 per month. That's a grand total of $11.98 for two months of streaming on two different platforms. Actually, since AMC+ includes the Shudder library, it's technically three streaming services.

MGM+ is home to lots of movies we love, like Challengers, Better Man, Blink Twice, and Nickel Boys, as well as its own original series, like Godfather of Harlem, From, and Hotel Cocaine. Meanwhile, AMC+ is home to The Walking Dead universe, as well as Mad Men, Killing Eve, and Portlandia. It also includes full access to the entire Shudder, Sundance Now, and IFC Films catalogs as well, making it a must-have for horror fanatics this fall.

More streaming deals

• A&E Crime Central (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• A&E Crime Central and Lifetime Movie Club bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $2.50/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $8.98)

• AMC+ annual plan — $95.88/year $119.88/year (save $24 with code PLUS20)

• aspireTV+ (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• BET+ Essential (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 3 months $5.99/month (save $12)

• BET+ Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $3.99/month for 3 months $10.99/month (save $21)

• Criterion Channel — $79.99/year $99.99/year (save $20)

• Curiosity Stream (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• Daily Burn (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $14.95/month (save $25.92)

• France Channel (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $12)

• Kino Film Collection (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $5.99/month (save $8)

• KOCOWA (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $6.99/month (save $10)

• Marquee TV (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $8.99/month (save $14)

• MGM+ and AMC+ ad-free bundle (Prime Video add-on) — $5.99/month for 2 months $11.99/month (save $12)

• MUBI (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $14.99/month (save $26)

• MyOutdoorTV (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $9.99/month (save $16)

• NBA League Pass (Prime Video add-on) — $12.74/month for 2 months $16.99/month (save $8.50)

• NBA League Pass Premium (Prime Video add-on) — $18.74/month for 2 months $24.99/month (save $12.50)

• Qello Concerts (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $7.99/month (save $12)

• Screambox (Prime Video add-on) — $1.99/month for 2 months $4.99/month (save $6)

• Starz (Prime Video add-on) — $2.99/month for 3 months $10.99/month (save $24)

• Starz annual plan — $11.99/year $69.99/year (save $58)

Digital movie deals

• Buy 2 horror films, get a $5 Prime Video credit

• A Complete Unknown — $7.99 $19.99 (save $12)

• Captain America: Brave New World — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• I Know What You Did Last Summer (2025) — $13.99 $24.99 (save $11)

• Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• The Materialists — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Sinners — $7.99 $19.99 (save $12)

• Smurfs (2025) — $9.99 $19.99 (save $10)

• Sorry, Baby — $11.99 $19.99 (save $8)

After purchasing ATI, AMD became the primary competition for both Intel and NVIDIA, and honestly the relatively small company has held its own against these juggernauts admirably by carving out niches that neither of them can seem to challenge.