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Like the beating of the hideous heart in Edgar Allan Poe's story, Netflix's Wednesday continues to tick with references to the 19th century American writer.

The first season of Tim Burton's spooky series was haunted with many a nod to Poe, from the Gothic setting of Nevermore Academy (named for Poe's most famous poem, 1845's The Raven) to the highly dangerous Poe Cup in which teams were story-themed, and the secret Nightshade Society, a possible hat-tip to the 1935 story Morella.

SEE ALSO: 'Wednesday' Season 2, Part 1 review: Does more macabre means more fun?

In Season 2, the references aren't as plentiful, but they're still there — Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) even calls a plot twist "worthy of Poe" at one point. We've rounded them all up below. And if you're not content with the long intervals of horrible sanity between the release of Part 1 and 2 of Wednesday Season 2, try a rewatch of The Fall of the House of Usher.

The Poe portrait

In Wednesday Season 2, episode 1, when teen siren Bianca Barclay (Joy Sunday) is called to the office of chipper new principal Barry Dort (Steve Buscemi), he directly points to a portrait of Poe on the wall, "our most famous alumni." The thing is, Dort also kind of looks like the author with that hairdo...

The ravens

While Poe's The Raven was mentioned a colossal amount of times in Season 1, there's a fair few actual ravens in Season 2. In episode 1, the Founder's Pyre constructed by the students is shaped like a stately raven. And in the main storyline, ravens aren't gently rapping at chamber doors like in Poe's story, instead taking a leaf out of Alfred Hitchcock's The Birds.

Featured Video For You 'Talk to Me' directors Michael and Danny Philippou choose their ultimate horror movie squad The clockwork heart

The ticking heart at the centre of the ghost story told by teen gorgon Ajax (Georgie Farmer) in episode 1, feels inspired by Poe's 1843 short story "The Tell-Tale Heart."

"The Tale of the Skull Tree," the episode's stunning, characteristically Tim Burton animation, follows a "brilliant boy with a fragile heart" who invents a mechanical ticker for himself. However, it changes him into a cold and ambitious man, one who attends Nevermore Academy and meets his untimely death there. "Legend has it," Ajax explains, "that his body is buried at the foot of the Skull Tree in an unmarked grave. But if you put your ear to the skull's hollow left eye, you can still hear his clockwork heart." The story shares attributes with Poe's protagonist, who is plagued by the beating heart of a man he murdered and buried under the floorboards.

The Tell-Tale Café

In the Nevermore quad, there's a food truck called The Tell-Tale Café, a reference again to "The Tell-Tale Heart." You can see in episode 2 it's selling themed offerings named for Poe stories like "Murders in the Rue Macchiato."

A stack of Poe books

In episode 2, Wednesday must solve a nasty little puzzle in the clocktower, in which she must figure out which book is missing from the stacks around her. They're works by literary legends including H. G. Wells, Marcel Proust, Ann M. Martin, and yes, Poe.

Did you spy any more Poe references? Let us know in the comments.

Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix. Part 2 lands on Sept. 3.

Eminem documentary Stans leaves you in no doubt, that if you're not a fan around here, you can GTFO.

While the Shady Films-produced movie does include cultural commentators, famous friends, and music journalists, the doc quite literally centers devoted fans as the primary lens through which to examine Marshall Mathers' life and cultural impact — those who've treasured every album, demo, and mixtape, travelled the world to cheer at concerts, and even had Eminem's face tattooed 22 times on their body.

In the documentary, these fans are deemed proud stans (though they differentiate themselves by not being "too much like Stan"). Stan is a cultural term around fan culture that's evolved from being somewhat derogatory to gently celebratory, but one that was ultimately born from Eminem's 2000 hit "Stan," in which the artist takes on the perspective of an obsessive fan who murders his girlfriend. "You're just like me," the famous refrain goes.

SEE ALSO: Social media feeds toxic fandoms. Is there a solution?

It's an interesting, unapologetically reverent tactic taken by director Steven Leckart and producers Paul Rosenberg and Tony DiSanto: almost completely tracking an artist's life and career through the deep knowledge and analysis of fans. It's an ode to the connection between artistic empathy and mental health, a compelling exploration of fandom itself and parasocial relationships, and — specifically thanks to Eminem's final line — a middle finger to anyone who has anything negative to say about it.

Stans, ultimately, safeguards itself from criticism. Because if it's not for you, it's not for you.

Stans puts fans to the front, keeping the line in mind.

The true heart of Stans, beyond its famous subject, is the collection of Eminem fans interviewed throughout the film. Each proudly takes a seat in front of the camera, introducing themself (of course) with "My name is..." and sharing their stories of discovering and following Eminem's work. One example is Zolt Shady, a dedicated fan since 2001, whose presence is one of the highlights of the entire documentary, showing us around various Detroit sites from Eminem's life like a tour guide. These fans share his wins, mourn with him, and simply want him to succeed. Each fan is treated with genuine respect, volunteering their time in the hope that their idol will potentially see their explanation for why they're fans at all. Importantly, the idea of actually meeting Eminem is not the point here; they just want him to know.

SEE ALSO: Meet the stans who DM their faves about their day

Stans quite literally provides a definition of parasocial relationships here, with each fan speaking about Eminem as friend. The artist himself admits a certain discomfort with the fact that fans visit sites like that of his now-demolished childhood home, saying, "It's cool that people care, but it's weird because it's me." However, Eminem does self-reflect on his own idols like LL Cool J, who also appears in the documentary, and defines parasocial relationships himself: "You're like their best friend, and you don't even know it."

Despite the titular song being entirely about the topic, Stans pulls back on the very real impact of specifically toxic fandoms, when parasocial relationships go scarily wrong — something Tegan and Sara documentary Fanatical managed with finesse. Any analysis of harmful celebrity worship and harassment is kept relatively contained to a look at the song "Stan" itself, a few comments from Eminem and his famous friends, some thoughts from a fan about what the character Stan would be like in the age of social media, and a montage of some pretty alarming fan letters demanding access and communication.

Instead, the film remains focused on what non-toxic fandom can look like, how people connect with an artist's work and even survive by it, finding solace in shared experience and their unapologetic "standom."

Stans is a wild ride through Eminem's career with zero criticism.

While taking a different approach, Stans is still a chronological music documentary, moving through Eminem's turbulent childhood in Detroit, Michigan, to his early mixtapes and being "discovered" by Dr Dre and Interscope Records' Jimmy Iovine, through his supercharged path to fame, including the Oscar–winning, box office-topping film 8 Mile (based loosely on Eminem's own life). As well as assessing Eminem's impact on hip-hop and the music industry, the film highlights some of the more rapscallion antics of Eminem's career in Stans, featuring many a bare butt cheek. It feels like you're moving through an energetic YouTube session — remember when Eminem did/said that? Fans do.

The film mainly tracks Eminem's discography through fan commentary, with each connecting their own experience to releases including his seminal, controversial second album The Marshall Mathers LP, towering seller The Eminem Show, to his post-hiatus releases Relapse and Recovery. Eminem and his collaborators speak to some of the writing and production of his work, and the toll that being so forthcoming with your own experiences can take. As Eminem says, "I was an open book, and sometimes you want to be able to close that book."

However, the film for the most part has fans reflecting on how each album has impacted them personally. It's an intriguing strategy, handing the critical analysis to those who have pored over each lyric with an emotional magnifying glass, and it leads the film to some really touching reflections about loneliness and the power of creative connection.

Through Eminem's own words and the analysis of the fans, Stans unpacks the onstage persona Slim Shady and how "uncancellable" the artist is behind such a character. However, what Stans refuses to do is adequately examine Eminem's more controversial statements and homophobic and misogynistic lyrics, whether delivered as Slim Shady or himself. "Anybody with half a brain is going to be able to tell when I'm joking and when I'm not," Eminem says. The documentary also doesn't engage any music journalists or cultural commentators with anything critical to say; it's the Eminem documentary, produced by Eminem, and foregrounding Eminem and his fans. The only music journalist in the entire documentary is Anthony Bozza, Rolling Stone journalist and author of the book, Whatever You Say I Am: The Life and Times of Eminem, and the film pointedly takes pains to patronise past Eminem coverage from the New York Times columnist Maureen Dowd.

Instead, the main talking heads beyond the fans are Eminem's close collaborators and admirers — Dr. Dre and Jimmy Iovine, Ed Sheeran, Carson Daly, Adam Sandler — all of whom provide insight into Eminem's impact. But it's the artist himself who gives the most raw opinions of himself in his darkest days.

Stans makes room to explore fame, mental health, and addiction.

Unfortunately, one of the most consistent turns in music documentaries often sees the artist struggling with fame and the pressure of celebrity, which can often lead to problems with mental health and substance abuse. It's a sadly common tale that seems to come with the territory.

Stans treats its subject, Eminem, with respect throughout this section of the documentary — namely because the artist himself leads the conversation. Through interviews down the camera, bolstered by commentary from his concerned fans, Eminem speaks to his own experience with addiction, which saw the artist almost lose his life after the shocking loss of his best friend and D12 member, MC Proof, who was shot and killed in a club on Detroit's Eight Mile in 2006.

One of the most raw moments of the documentary sees Eminem speaking frankly about his experience with addiction, revisiting painful memories with regret and determination. The film pairs this with commentary from Dr. Dre about the impact Eminem's own lyrics about mental health have had on rappers after him, pushing a trend of being open and vulnerable in hip-hop to promote authenticity.

It's this reverence for Eminem's authentic expression and persistence through struggle that remains at the core of both his collaborators' comments and the reflections from fans. Though an overtly reverent documentary, Stans is a compelling, respectful exploration of one of the world's most successful and famous artists mainly through the experiences and opinions of his fans.

And if you don't like it, according to Eminem, you can "s*** a fat d***." For real.

Stans has a limited theatrical run exclusively in AMC Theatres Aug. 7-10.

UPDATE: Aug. 5, 2025, 9:22 a.m. Stans was reviewed out of its global premiere at SXSW London on June 5, 2025. This article has been updated with the latest theatrical release information.

Independent testing has found several popular EVs fell short of their claimed driving ranges when placed in real-world conditions, including the Tesla Model Y, Model 3, and Kia EV6. In the most egregious discrepancy, one vehicle demonstrated an enormous 23 percent reduction in range.

SEE ALSO: Tesla grants Elon Musk $29 billion pay package, fights to give him $55.8 billion

The Australian Automobile Association's (AAA) Real-World Testing Program has published the results of its range and energy consumption tests on five EVs, the program's first evaluation of entirely electric vehicles since its launch. Unfortunately, all five EVs underperformed in real-world conditions when compared to their mandated lab results, including three popular models available in the U.S.: the 2024 Tesla Model 3, 2024 Tesla Model Y, and 2022 Kia EV6. 

The Tesla Model 3 had some of the worst results when it came to range, managing only 441km (274mi) compared to their lab result of 513km (318.8mi) — a 14 percent drop. The Model Y didn't live up to its 533km (331.2mi) lab range either, suffering an eight percent reduction to top out at 490km (304.5mi). The Kia EV6 also underperformed by eight percent, travelling 484km (300.7mi) in AAA's tests as opposed to the 528km (328.1mi) expected.

The AAA further tested the 2023 BYD Atto 3 and 2024 Smart #3, finding the latter performed the closest to the range it advertised out of all the EVs tested. Specifically, the Smart #3's real-world range of 432km (268.4mi) was five percent lower than its purported 455km (282.7mi) lab result. In contrast, the Atto 3 displayed the widest discrepancy of the five cars tested, with its real-world range of 369km (229.3 mi) landing 23 percent lower than its lab range of 480km (298.3mi). Though neither vehicle is currently available in the U.S., the Atto 3 is the fifth best-selling EV in Australia.

Credit: Australian Automobile Association

Fortunately, it wasn't all bad news when it came to the five EVs' energy consumption. The Tesla Model Y actually performed slightly better than its lab results, consuming one percent less energy at 167Wh/km rather than 169Wh/km. Sadly, the other four vehicles failed to impress, each one exceeding the energy use from their lab tests. The Kia EV6 consumed one percent more energy compared to its lab results, the Tesla Model 3 used six percent more, and the Smart #3 used four percent more. Shockingly, the Atto 3's energy consumption was a whopping 21 percent higher than expected, a poor result when considered in conjunction with its 23 percent lower range.

Mashable has reached out to Tesla, Kia, BYD, and Smart for comment.

AAA states that its program tested the cars on a 93km (57.8mi) circuit in Geelong, Victoria, between March and May, in both damp and dry conditions and temperatures ranging from 17 to 25C (62 to 77F).

"[The Real-World Testing Program] uses strict testing protocols based on European regulations to ensure results are repeatable and to minimise the influence of human factors such as driving style and changing traffic flows," AAA stated.

Funded by the Australian government, AAA's Real-World Testing Program was first proposed in the wake of the 2015 Dieselgate emissions cheating scandal. It was subsequently launched in 2023, with the intention to test 200 vehicles over four years and evaluate them against their claims. Of the 114 internal combustion engine and hybrid vehicles since tested, one in five has surpassed noxious emissions limits and 75 percent has exceeded fuel consumption when compared to lab tests.

TL;DR: Always have a scanner on hand with a lifetime subscription to this handy app, SwiftScan VIP, now £31.43 with code TAKE30.

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Want to live a happier life? Research points to 10 effective, practical strategies that can make all the difference, even for busy professionals. Here are the first five strategies—tune in tomorrow for the rest.   Invest in family and friends. The research is clear that though our natural impulse may be to buy stuff, we should […]

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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

Recently.

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

NEWLY

Hurdle Word 2 hint

A treat.

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

SNACK

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Impressive.

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

GRAND

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Not a man.

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

WOMAN

Final Hurdle hint

Attempted.

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

TRIED

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

Wondering what you're seeing when you look up at the moon tonight? Wonder no more, we've got all the information you need about the current lunar cycle.

What's the lunar cycle, you ask? This is a series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days, according to NASA, and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. 

So, what's happening with the moon tonight, Aug. 7?

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Thursday, Aug. 7, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, the moon will be 96% lit up tonight.

There's lots to see tonight, with your unaided eye alone, enjoy a glimpse of the Copernicus Crater, the Mare Fecunditatis, and the Oceanus Procellarum. With binoculars, you'll also be able to see the Mare Humorum, the Archimedes Crater, and the Clavius Crater.

With a telescope, look towards the left (right if you're in the Southern Hemisphere) to see the Reiner Gama and right (vice versa again) for the Rima Ariadaeus and Apollo 16.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on August 9. The last full moon was on July 10.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its 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.

Collecting all your favourite snacks and drinks, surrounding yourself with comfortable cushions and blankets, and then spending hours in front of a screen can be a truly therapeutic experience. Unfortunately, there is one big problem with this hobby: There is a limited amount of content out there to keep you entertained.

We're a greedy bunch, and regular streamers can easily get to a point where it feels like there's nothing left to watch. What are you supposed to do then? Don't panic, because there is a simple solution to this frustrating issue.

If you've reached this point of streaming shortage, you should consider investing in a VPN. It will likely unlock a lot of shows and movies on services to which you're already subscribed.

What is a VPN?

VPNs are security tools that provide protection for your information by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). All of your activity is untraceable and secure, because all of your online traffic passes through an encrypted tunnel. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like hackers, viruses, and malware.

SEE ALSO: 30 best movies on Netflix to stream right now

The act of hiding your real IP address is what can trick leading streaming sites into thinking you are based in another country.

Do you need a VPN?

VPNs are used to provide protection for your sensitive information, which is obviously super important. This isn't the only reason VPNs are so popular though, because these tools can be also be used to watch content that is normally blocked in your location.

By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another country, you can watch all your favourite content from that location. For example, you could watch all the extra films and shows on American Netflix that are not usually accessible outside of the U.S. There is so much content out there that can be accessed with the help of a VPN.

Everyone is in need of something that can bypass geo-restrictions to access all of this blocked entertainment, and that something is a VPN. These services are keys to the online world, granting you access to more of the shows and films you love.

How to unblock U.S. Netflix

If you think accessing American Netflix is going to be difficult with a VPN, think again. It's actually a really simple process that absolutely everyone can understand:

1. Sign up 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 the U.S.

4. Visit Netflix to watch movies and shows from the U.S. content library

If you're worried that this whole thing sounds a bit illegal, then maybe we can reassure you. It's currently legal to watch Netflix while using a VPN, although we should point out that Netflix states in its terms of service that it may restrict your account without compensation or notice if you are engaged in "improper" use. We're not entirely sure what that means, but consider yourself warned.

We should make it very clear that you still need to be subscribed to Netflix for this trick to work. A VPN is not going to grant access to the streaming site for free. A VPN provides access to more libraries from around the world, once you're subscribed.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions and free trials of VPNs, so why would you ever consider paying for a service? As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs.

There is always a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. These plans will be just fine if you're just an occasional user, but if you're going to be streaming or downloading anything, this isn't going to work. Free trials are different as come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you generally need to pay up. That being said, services like ProtonVPN offer an impressive set of features for free. However, you might have trouble streaming Netflix with this free version.

What is the best VPN for Netflix?

There are a lot of VPN services out there that can effectively unblock American Netflix, but which is the best? There are plenty of strong options for you to consider, but we wouldn't want you wasting your time checking everything out. To save you time, we've handpicked your best options. Each service has a different set of features that will suit some users better than others, and it's all about finding something that works for you.

ExpressVPN is at the top of this list because it combines essential features with impressive results, but it isn’t the only option available to you. We have lined up all the best VPNs for unblocking Netflix, with something for everyone on this list. We've highlighted the best deals on the likes of Surfshark, PureVPN, CyberGhost VPN, and NordVPN.

These are the best VPNs for Netflix in 2025.

VPNs are seriously useful security tools that can protect your identity and data, bypass online restrictions to access extra content, and much more. If this is all very new to you, you've probably got a lot of questions. Don't worry, because we can help.

We've done all the hard work for you and thoroughly researched these services to provide the information that matters to you. Here's everything you need to know about VPNs.

What is a VPN?

VPNs (or Virtual Private Networks) provide important protection for your data and identity when you're online. They offer this online privacy and anonymity by creating a private network that hides your real IP address (digital location). This means that all of your activity is untraceable and secure.

Basically, you can think about VPNs as encrypted tunnels through which all of your online traffic passes through. Nobody can see into the tunnel, and everything inside the tunnel is protected against online threats like viruses, hackers, and malware.

Do you need a VPN?

Any sort of activity on an unsecured WiFi network leaves your private information and browsing habits exposed to the world, unless you're using a VPN. There's no need to panic, because whether you're sending important emails, doing some online shopping, or paying essential bills, VPNs make sure that everything remains private and anonymous.

SEE ALSO: The best VPNs for your iPhone

First and foremost, VPNs are designed to provide online security, but there is another reason that millions of people use these services: streaming more content from around the world. By hiding your real IP address and connecting you to a server in another location, you can trick your favourite streaming services into thinking that you are based in a different country. This means that you can watch all of the shows and films from global libraries, like all the extra content on U.S. Netflix. This is the quickest and easiest way of boosting your content options, without the need to rely on a dodgy stream.

What should you consider before subscribing to a VPN?

There are plenty of things that you should consider when it comes to VPNs, but we don't have all day. Instead of listing off every feature offered by the best VPNs, we have highlighted a selection of the most important things to think about.

Before you make any sort of decision, you should look out for connection speed, server network, number of logins, and more important features:

• Bandwidth — There are some VPNs out there that place monthly caps on network bandwidth, meaning you can only download a certain amount of data. You should avoid these services, unless you're on a free trial. If you're paying for a VPN, you should be able to download and upload as much as you want.

• Connection speed — Using a VPN is going to produce a drop in your connection speed, but you shouldn't accept a significant drop that is going to result in buffering. Be sure to select a VPN that doesn't negatively impact your connection speed to the point that you can't watch a film or download a file without frustration.

• Encryption — There are different levels of encryption, and whilst it's important to take note of the grade provided by your VPN, the best options will all offer powerful protection for your data. You are likely to come across terms like "military-grade" and "enterprise-grade," which just means that you can rely on it to do its job.

• Number of connections — Some VPNs let you connect an unlimited number of devices with the same account. Others limit you to just a single device. You should look out for a service that offers multiple simultaneous connections, so you can stay protected on all your devices at the same time.

• Server network — The very best VPNs provide access to literally thousands of geographically diverse servers. It's useful if a VPN has a lot of servers in key locations, because you should always be able to find a stable and speedy connection for streaming, shopping, or browsing anonymously. It's not a straightforward case of more is better, but it's always good to have options.

• Privacy policy — It's worth paying special attention to the data-handling, storage, and usage practices of the VPN you are planning on using. These practices should be laid out in a privacy policy, and if they aren't clear, it's best to avoid. Most VPNs require access to your IP address, online transactions, and browsing history, plus your personal details when you sign up. If privacy is the objective, it's absolutely essential that your VPN is not going to store these details. If it does, the whole thing is kind of pointless.

There are other things to consider, like price and subscription plans, but these features are a good place to start.

Should you use free VPNs?

There are plenty of free versions of popular VPNs, plus free trials of VPNs with full access to everything you get with a premium plan. So why would you ever pay for a VPN?

As with most things in life, you get what you pay for with VPNs. There tends to always be a catch with free versions, and it's normally in the form of limited data usage. If you're just an occasional user, these plans will work fine. But if you're going to be streaming or downloading, this isn't going to work. Free trials are a little bit different: they come with everything you get in a paid plan, but obviously they don't tend to last very long. Trials are great for testing out a service before committing, but this isn't a long-term solution.

What we're saying is that the best option for streaming securely and accessing the online world without restrictions is with a paid subscription to a VPN. To gain access to advanced security features without limitations on usage, you need to pay up. The best VPNs are generally the most expensive, but there are plenty of cheap plans out there, especially if you're willing to commit to a lengthy contract.

What is the best VPN?

There are a lot of VPN providers out there all offering different sets of features, with different pricing structures. We recommend taking some time to carefully access your options, and decide on what you really need from a VPN. Once you have established your priorities, you can check out this definitive list of the best VPNs this month.

We have tracked down everything on offer and lined up a selection of the very best VPNs for streaming, shopping, and everything else. We have tried to find something for everyone and every budget, and you can find popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and CyberGhost VPN in this list. All you need to do is weigh up these options against your own set of priorities, and then pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best VPNs in 2025.

AI assistants from companies like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic are getting super-smart super fast. New models, agentic features, and new tools now drop on a weekly basis, making AI chatbots more capable and more helpful. ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok are some of the biggest and most famous, and easily the three that get the most attention.

But at this point in time, is one of them actually better than the others? If you were to pay for one, or at least use one on a regular basis, is there one in particular you should commit to? Are you a ChatGPT person or a Grok person? I’ve used all three of these AI tools extensively. Here’s a look at their features and which one is truly the best.

The basics: How do their features compare?

ChatGPT, Gemini, and Grok all have slightly different features, price points, and advantages.

ChatGPT

The free version of ChatGPT is very capable. You’ll get access to GPT-4.1 mini, which is pretty smart, and you’ll get limited access to OpenAI’s flagship multimodal model, GPT-4o, along with the GPT-o4-mini reasoning model. You’ll also be able to use the deep research feature (which conducts extensive research) on a limited basis, enter voice mode, upload files for analysis, and create custom GPTs. Free users can also generate images, with limits.

Upgrade to the Plus plan ($20 per month), and you’ll get higher usage limits on file uploads and models like GPT-4o, plus access to more advanced reasoning models like o3. Additionally, you’ll be able to create “Projects,” (essentially a way to organize chats) and receive limited access to the Sora video generator and the new ChatGPT agent feature. 

Last but not least is the $200-per-month Pro plan, which gets you unlimited access to all of OpenAI’s models, extended Sora access, and sooner access to new features.

Editor's note: OpenAI's GPT-5 model is expected to launch in August. We expect this model to make ChatGPT an even more desirable option.

Gemini

Gemini’s free version is also very capable. Without paying, you’ll get access to Gemini 2.5 Flash and limited access to the more advanced 2.5 Pro. You’ll also get image generation with Google’s Imagen 4 model, Deep Research, and features like Gemini Live (voice mode) and Gems (custom GPTs). Lastly, you’ll get access to Whisk, Google’s image animator, and NotebookLM. 

Upgrade to Google AI Pro, and you’ll get higher limits for basically every feature, including the 2.5 Pro model. You’ll also get access to Deep Search in AI Mode and limited access to Veo 3 via Flow, Google’s AI video editing tool. This tier also adds Gemini access in services like Docs and Gmail.

The highest-end plan is Google AI Ultra, which raises usage limits once again, plus full access to the impressive Veo 3 video generation model. More importantly, it gives users access to Project Mariner, Google’s version of an AI agent that can browse the web.

Grok

The free version of Grok includes access to the Grok 3 model, as well as X’s Aurora Image generation model. Free users can also use the Grok AI chatbot to help with research, writing, and other tasks. Free users may also get access to Grok's anime-style avatars through the Grok iOS and Android apps.

If you upgrade to the “SuperGrok” plan for $30 per month, you’ll get access to the newer Grok 4 model, plus a voice mode with the ability for Grok to "see" through your phone’s camera. Super Grok users also get access to the new image and video generation tool, Grok Imagine. Grok

Then there’s the SuperGrok Heavy plan, which costs $300 per month. This plan will get you access to the Grok 4 Heavy model (X’s most advanced so far), increased access to the Grok 4 model, access to new features as they roll out, and a larger context memory, which means that Grok will be able to process more information in a single chat.

Web searches

As we've said before, the Google Search era is over, and the AI search era is dawning. So, which AI chatbot is best at searching the web to find the info you need?

For this test, I used the three chatbots to help me with a review I’m working on, with the following prompt: “What are the full specifications of the AKG N9 Hybrid headphones?” I’m leaving the prompt somewhat open-ended by not specifying what kinds of specifications I want. Things like connectivity, audio, dimensions and weight, and more are all fair game. But, considering I’m asking for the full specifications, I’d expect a decently well-rounded response.

ChatGPT’s response with GPT-4o was indeed very comprehensive. It split specifications into sections, detailing the audio specs, connectivity, battery life (including with different use-cases), and in-the-box extras. All information was correct.

Gemini 2.5 Pro was also quite comprehensive, but its response was a bit less glanceable, and it missed some key specifications. The chatbot separated specs by type, but within those sections, it wrote paragraphs of information. And, it forgot to mention that the headphones support the LDAC high-res audio codec.

Grok 4’s response was a little more in line with ChatGPT. It delivered a comprehensive list of specifications, separated by type, and didn’t really miss anything major. It also went slightly further than ChatGPT, noting the price of the headphones and where they’re available. Grok doesn’t get extra points for this, since pricing wasn’t part of the prompt, but it was still appreciated.

ChatGPT and Grok both delivered detailed specs that were easy to see at a glance. I was pleasantly surprised to see correct specs listed, too. Gemini’s response was fine, but harder to read at a glance, and it missed a few things compared to the others.

Winner(s): ChatGPT and Grok

Instructional help Credit: alexsl / Getty Images

AI assistants are also helpful for getting deeper, more tailored instructional help. For this test, I asked each AI model to give me step-by-step instructions on replacing the ice maker in my freezer — something I did recently, so I have a good understanding of the process. The exact prompt read the following: “Explain step-by-step how to replace the ice maker in my Kenmore Elite 10645433800.”

ChatGPT’s response was mostly accurate. In one step, it directed me to unscrew two screws that aren’t there on my model, and it forgot to mention to remove a plastic cover that hides the wiring harness — something that, if forgotten, could cause that cover to snap. Apart from that, its instructions were relatively clear, and it mentioned the most important safety components, like unplugging the fridge.

Gemini’s response was similar to ChatGPT’s, and it actually made the same mistakes. It was a little less clear when it came to the exact position of things like a plastic locking tab, mentioning that it’s “on the left” of the ice maker, but not that it’s on the bottom-left. It’s a small part, and is easy to miss.

Grok’s response, again, was similar in quality, but it didn’t make the same mistakes as the other two. Instead, Grok made different mistakes: the instructions mentioned to tape a cover that wasn’t there, and it didn’t note a screw that needed to be removed on the bottom of the ice maker to remove it. 

All three tools got the general gist right in their initial approach, but each made mistakes in the instructions that, if followed exactly, could have damaged the ice maker or stalled the process. However, someone following these instructions in real time would be able to seek clarification on confusing or inaccurate steps by saying things like  “I don’t see the top screws” or even pointing your camera at the ice maker, which might cause the assistant to change its instructions for your setup. Overall, this one’s a tie.

Winner(s): Tie

Image generation I generated this image using ChatGPT. Credit: OpenAI

We’ve already covered the best AI image generators in a separate article. For this test, we gave each AI service four prompts, rating how closely the prompt was followed and the quality of the image. Here are the prompts that we used:

• Create a sketch of a futuristic Tokyo skyline at sunset, with flying cars, glowing advertisements in Japanese, and Mount Fuji in the background.

• Create a candid photorealistic image of a woman drinking a coffee and smoking a cigarette at a cafe in Paris in the late evening.

• Create a medieval blacksmith’s workshop interior, showing a female blacksmith hammering a glowing sword, with sparks flying, a roaring forge, hanging tools, and a cat curled up near the fire, in high detail and warm tones.

• Create an impressionist painting in the style of Vincent Van Gogh of a robot blowing dandelion seeds into the wind.

ChatGPT GPT-4o created the best images, following the prompts closely and generating images that looked great overall. Gemini’s Imagen 4 model came in second — its images were pretty darn good, but it didn’t quite follow the prompts as closely.

Grok came in last — it failed to follow the prompts closely (creating a photorealistic image of Tokyo instead of a sketch), and it struggled with things like fingers and the placement of objects. Grok’s images kind of look like what we would expect from a last-generation ChatGPT or Gemini image generator. Unfortunately, the new Grok image generator still lags behind other AI tools.

Winner(s): ChatGPT

Deep research

For this prompt, I asked each model to be a fact-checker for the finished AKG N9 Hybrid headphones review from the web search test, but I changed one minor detail to be factually incorrect. In my original review, I correctly note that the ANC button on the headphones cycles through ANC and “Ambient Aware” but not “Off.” I changed the prompt text to say that it cycles through ANC, Ambient Aware, and Off modes by default. It’s a very small detail, and to be clear, the button can be customized to include the “Off” mode. The prompt I used was the following: “Fact-check the review below. Only check factual information, do not focus on my subjective opinions.” I then pasted my full review.

ChatGPT delivered a relatively thorough report, which went through each factual claim in my review one by one. However, it did not pick up on the error that I planted, specifically noting that by default the button cycles between ANC on, Ambient Aware, and Off modes. Despite not catching the error, the report was well-formatted and included sources for its claims.

Gemini was much more of a mixed bag. While it was able to pick up on the specifications included in my review and fact-check most of them, it had trouble with the mention of another pair of headphones, the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones. Gemini seemed to think that these headphones were unreleased, and even stated that “The presentation of a direct, hands-on comparison to a product that is not yet commercially available is a fabrication.”

That’s despite the fact that it was able to determine that the WH-1000XM6 headphones had a “confirmed release date” of May 15, two and a half months before its research. (Gemini consistently struggles with basic questions like, "What day is it?") Gemini also did not pick up on my planted lie. As a whole, Gemini 2.5 Pro’s Deep Research mode was correct about most of the specifications related to the headphones, but completely false in other areas, like comparing them to the new Sony headphones.

I’ve used AI services for fact-checking before, and this is unfortunately not the first time I’ve had this experience with Gemini.

Grok was closer to ChatGPT in accuracy, but still didn’t catch the correction I planted. Outside of that issue, it verified each of the claims in my review.

When it comes to deep research, Gemini is lagging, but both ChatGPT and Grok performed well, though not perfectly.

Winner(s): ChatGPT and Grok

Voice

All three of the major AI assistants have voice modes that can be used in their associated apps and on the web. All three have been refined and developed to sound relatively natural. This test was much more subjective than the others – my goal was just to find out which sounded the most natural.

ChatGPT’s Advanced Voice Mode was the most impressive. It sounded more natural than the other two, largely due to human-like inflections, like using the word "um" and pausing mid-sentence, even though it doesn't necessarily need to do that for the purpose of thinking like humans do. The ChatGPT app also makes it easy to turn on and off the camera while in Advanced Voice Mode, which is handy if you're asking for help with a task.

Gemini was a little more robotic than ChatGPT, but still impressively natural compared to AI voice assistants from just a few years ago. Gemini wasn't quite as conversational, but it was still easy to activate and deactivate the camera in Advanced Voice Mode.

Grok was also more robotic than ChatGPT, but I do like the real-time text transcription, which is something you don’t get in ChatGPT or Gemini. Grok also has its new AI companions, but beyond using them for a brief minute, I stuck to using the normal voice mode. The AI companions just seemed a little creepy.

Generally, all three have the same tools when it comes to voice modes, but ChatGPT is clearly more natural sounding than the others, and a bit more conversational.

Winner: ChatGPT

Shopping Credit: Google

Shopping can also be a helpful use case for AI assistants. Google and OpenAI have been adding a lot more shopping features to Gemini and ChatGPT over the past few months. Mashable has tested some of Google's new tricks, like the virtual try-on and outfit inspiration tools. But for this test, I simply asked each assistant to find the best price for the new Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones.

ChatGPT pulled up a few links to online retailers, including one that offered the headphones for $50 below retail price, and one that it said offered them at a $50 discount, but actually did not. I liked the product cards that it was able to pull up, and the additional advice that it offered, including that it might be worth waiting for a larger sale. 

You can find some cool AI tools in Google Shopping, but Gemini itself wasn't as impressive. Gemini largely focused on offering advice for how to find lower prices myself, including looking for refurbished models or waiting for sales events. It did mention that Sony, Best Buy, Moon Audio, and Amazon all offered the headphones at retail price, but didn't include any links to these retailers.

Grok was somewhere in the middle. It did look for lower prices from a variety of retailers, but largely found deals from overseas. To be clear, I didn't mention anything about location in the prompt, but all three assistants have access to my location information and should know that I'm a US buyer.

As a whole, ChatGPT was the clear winner in this category.

Winner(s): ChatGPT

Conclusion: ChatGPT is the AI chatbot to beat

There's a clear winner in this AI assistant battle, and it's ChatGPT.

ChatGPT either outright won or tied for first in every single category of our test. That's not necessarily surprising given the fact that ChatGPT has been around longer than the others, and it doesn’t mean you should avoid the others. Personally, I've come to really like Anthropic's Claude 4. But if you only subscribe to only one AI assistant, I think ChatGPT should be your go-to.

In second place was Grok, which is the newest of the three. Last was Google’s Gemini, which offered false information and weak research, and ironically wasn't as good at web searches as the other two. (However, when it comes to video generation, Google Veo 3 remains unmatched.) It's worth repeating that none of the three AI assistants were completely accurate all of the time. None of them picked up on false information in deep research, and all three of them were a little off when it came to instructions for replacing my ice maker. 

The takeaway? Even though ChatGPT is still king of the AI hill, you still need to do your own research. And until AI companies solve the hallucination problem, you should expect your new chatbot to be confidently wrong with some frequency.

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.

Following in Eddie Murphy's footsteps is one thing; working with him is next-level. Pete Davidson can attest to this, having gone from being Saturday Night Live alumni to co-stars in the new action-comedy The Pickup, from The Blackening director Tim Story.

The Pickup stars Murphy and Davidson as a pair of armored truck guards who get blackmailed by a sleek thief, played by Keke Palmer, to conspire on a complicated heist. Action and comedy collide as this odd couple of co-workers is thrown way out of their comfort zone, with hilarious results.

Both Davidson and Palmer were honored to work with Murphy on the new film, as they told Mashable Editor-in-Chief Alesha Williams Boyd in a virtual interview.

Working with Murphy "was a dream come true," Palmer said. "I mean, he's somebody that I've looked up to since I was a kid. I've always been a big fan of his work. My whole family is a fan of his work. He's an icon... Just watching him work was like a master class. And I'm very observant, so I'm just watching everything and soaking in as much as I could.”

For his part, Davidson was quick to share how working with Murphy was a great way to impress his own family. He went on to compare his co-star ("the GOAT") to one of his uncles, adding, "I think he really likes me."

In a separate interview, Murphy confirmed this connection, saying, "Me and Pete have so much in common... Pete and I are opposites on paper. He's tall. He's 6'3" and I'm 5'10". He's white and I'm Black. But we're both stand-up comics that became actors. We're both Saturday Night Live alumni. We both lost our dads when we were, like, eight years old. So we have all that in common."

Murphy also noted that Davidson's role in The Pickup would have been the kind of role he'd have been right for not long ago, comparing the part to his famous Beverly Hills Cop persona, Axel Foley.

"I'm the voice of reason [in The Pickup]. In most of the action-comedies that I've done," Murphy explains, "I'd have been the Pete character, the young wild guy bouncing off the walls. But in this movie — if this were 48 Hours, I'd be playing Nick Nolte's character. So now I have to be funny from this perspective. And that was cool."

It was cool for Davidson, too, who said, "Everybody loves and wants to be in Eddie's world. There's a very select few that get to do that, and I'm honored to be able to."

As for Murphy, he notes, "I'd love to do another movie with Pete." So could a The Pickup 2 be a possibility? We'll see.

The Pickup debuts on Prime Video on Aug. 6.

Mashable staff contributed to this report.

Dreame just released its new L40s robot vacuums, a series of three models designed to give a professional-grade clean. If you're looking for a way to automate your home cleaning, the L40s Ultra, the L40s Ultra AE, and the L40s Ultra CE might be worth a look.

Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 is even more of an Addams Family affair than Season 1, looping in extended family members like Uncle Fester (Fred Armisen) and Grandmama Hester Frump (Joanna Lumley). But the show keeps bringing up one key relative we haven't met yet. No, I'm not talking about Cousin Itt (but where is he?). I'm talking about Ophelia Frump.

SEE ALSO: 10 burning questions we have for 'Wednesday' Season 2, Part 2

Ophelia is Morticia's younger sister. She's appeared in several other Addams Family films and TV shows, including The Addams Family series (played by Carolyn Jones), The Addams Family film (played by Allegra Kent), Addams Family Values (played by Laura Esterman), and The New Addams Family (played by Lisa Calder). She's frequently portrayed as cheerful, but given what we know of her in Wednesday, that certainly won't be the case if she ever shows up in the series.

Who is Ophelia in Wednesday Season 2, and why is she so important? Catherine Zeta-Jones in "Wednesday." Credit: Jonathan Hession / Netflix

In Wednesday, Ophelia's story is a tragic one that has stuck with Morticia (Catherine Zeta-Jones). Like both Morticia and Wednesday (Jenna Ortega), Ophelia is a psychic. Also like Wednesday, Ophelia pushed her psychic abilities too far while attending Nevermore, to the point that visions gave her black tears. This led Hester to send Ophelia away to Willow Hill Psychiatric Hospital. Morticia begged her mother not to have Ophelia committed, as her condition would only get worse, but to no avail.

SEE ALSO: 'Wednesday' Season 2 keeps the Edgar Allan Poe references alive. Here's all of them.

This dark splotch in the Frump family history is one of the reasons why Morticia and Hester don't get along. It's also why Morticia is so worried about Wednesday using Goody's book of spells and testing her psychic abilities without a guide. She doesn't want to see her daughter befall a similar fate, and she's determined to be a better mother to her than Hester was to Ophelia.

However, Ophelia's commitment at Willow Hill isn't the end of her twisted tale. Uncle Fester reveals to Wednesday that Morticia asked him to infiltrate Willow Hill once in order to check on her dear sister. However, when he arrived, he learned that Ophelia had vanished. By the time of Wednesday Season 2, she's been missing for 20 years.

Or has she?

Have we already met Ophelia in Wednesday Season 2? Fred Armisen and Jenna Ortega in "Wednesday." Credit: Helen Sloan / Netflix

In episode 4 of Wednesday Season 2, Wednesday and Fester discover a sinister experimental program at Willow Hill. Called LOIS (Long-term Outcast Integration Study), the program looks to extract Outcast abilities and give them to Normies. It's already been successful at least once, as program head Judi (Heather Matarazzo) obtained avian powers through LOIS.

None of the LOIS test subjects are in Willow Hill voluntarily. In fact, Willow Hill faked all their deaths so no one would know to come looking for them. You know what else they could have faked? Ophelia's disappearance.

That's right: I think Ophelia was thrown into LOIS due to her psychic abilities, and that's where she's been trapped for the past 20 years.

When Wednesday and Fester discover the LOIS subjects, they find one woman (Frances O'Connor) curled up in the corner of her cell, disappointed by the fact that Wednesday and Fester aren't here to put her out of her misery. The show separates her physically from other Outcast characters, and she's not given any visible Outcast powers. It also separates her from the others once they're freed from their cells, as she's the only one who doesn't chase after Judi in a fit of bloodthirsty rage. Instead, she sticks by Wednesday's side in the chaos that follows.

From all these differences from the rest of the pack, it's clear that Wednesday wants this one woman to stand out in particular. And why else would the show draw so much attention to her if she's not the long-lost Ophelia? Her presence at Willow Hill lines up with everything Morticia has told us about her, right down to her mysterious disappearance.

Plus, wouldn't it be poetic that Wednesday, a psychic suffering from the same black-teared visions as Ophelia, be the one to free her aunt from Willow Hill?

Wednesday Season 2, Part 1 is now streaming on Netflix, with Part 2 premiering Sept. 3.

The new Notepad lets you write Markdown without installing anything. It works with plain text, keeps your syntax visible, and formats when you want it to. One of the main advantages of Markdown is how widely supported it is across devices, operating systems, and different apps. Here's how to get started with it in Notepad.

Best anal sex toy deals as of Aug. 6: Best deal overall Snug Plug 1 $34.99 (save $15) Get Deal Best runner-up deal Anii $33.15 (save $5.85) Get Deal Best lube deal SUTIL Luxe 4oz + Rich 8oz Water-Based Lube $60 (save $15) Get Deal

Now that it’s officially Anal August (literally, where has the time gone?), I can share all my favorite anal sex toy deals with you! Of course, we just had National Orgasm Day on July 31, so there may be some lingering deals out there, but I’ve tried to prioritize the best deals right now. 

Whether you’re curious about butt stuff or are just looking to add a new fave to your nightstand, here are the best sex toy deals you can find as of Aug. 6: 

Best deal overall Opens in a new window Credit: b-Vibe Snug Plug 1 $34.99 at b-Vibe
$49.99 Save $15 Get Deal Why we like it

When it comes to anal play, you need to shop at a place that actually knows what the hell they’re doing, and this is it.

B-Vibe is a trusted name in the anal toy space, and right now they’re hosting a huge sale where you can get 20% off award-winning prostate plugs, up to 30% off best-selling vibes, and up to 60% off anal bundles and sets. There’s also a buy four for three deal where you can get one of four items (the cheapest one, obvs) free.

What to buy: If you’re new to anal play, I wouldn’t recommend splurging on a fancy vibrating set of plugs. I would, however, suggest starting with a small silicone butt plug like the Snug Plug 1. (The “1” signifies its size, BTW.) At 3.4 inches, it’s ideal for beginners. Just remember to use plenty of lube and to warm up first.

Right now, you can get it for just $34.99 (originally $49.99) and it comes in mint, black, fuchsia, and violet.

Best runner-up deal Opens in a new window Credit: biird Anii $33.15 at biird
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If you’ve read anything I’ve written in the past three years, then you know I’m absolutely in love with biird. I’m obsessed with their packaging, their toys, and everything their female-founded company stands for. The only reason I’m putting this as a runner-up deal is because they’re not an anal-specific retailer, and I wanted the best deal overall to be with a retailer dedicated to anal play.

That said, biird almost never has sales (it is very, very seldom), and they’re currently offering up to 30% off select toys, including best sellers like the Namii (my personal fave).

What to buy: If you’re an experienced anal player who’s looking for a cute new glass toy, I recommend the Anii. This medium-sized glass plug is gorgeous, and it comes with its own storage case (all that for less than $40 is a steal). Glass is also super easy to clean, and feels ahhmazing in practice.

Right now, you can get it for $33.15 (originally $39).

Other noteworthy deals

• Babeland: Now through Aug. 29, get 15% off anal toys

• Bellesa boutique: Right now, you can get up to 50% off sitewide, plus get Pebbly free on orders of $79+

• Good Vibes: Now through Aug. 29, get 15% off anal toys

• LELO: Get up to 40% off select toys, plus every order of $199+ comes with a free LIV 3

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• Lovehoney: Get up to 70% off select sex toys, plus get a free gift when you spend $69

• MysteryVibe: Get 30% off all products through August 20

• pjur: Right now, you can get 30% off all pjur anal products

With a new Naked Gun movie hitting theaters, having movie spoofs back in fashion is refreshing. Keeping up with the times, this latest iteration of the franchise seems as though it’ll mock modern action movie conventions. Since actor Liam Neeson has swum in that soup for years, he’s the perfect man for this wacky job.

Three-button navigation is still a thing, but it's really only used widely by Samsung these days, which still ships it as the default option over gestures. If you're more of a three-button nav person and you want to move to a Pixel, your muscle memory could soon kick right in after your next upgrade.

TL;DR: Upgrade your PC for just A$23 with this Microsoft Windows 11 Pro lifetime license, on sale for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Windows Microsoft Windows 11 Pro AU$23
AU$307 Save AU$284 Get Deal

Do you have an old computer that could use a refresh? Upgrade its operating system and give it new life with Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307) for life for a limited time.

If you’ve got an older device lying around, you don’t need to shell out hundreds of dollars for a brand-new laptop. Just give it a new lease on life with this Windows 11 Pro upgrade. This new operating system is filled with features that can help you tackle both work and play.

What’s new in Windows 11 Pro?

Microsoft Windows 11 Pro was created with modern professionals in mind, but you don’t have to be tackling work to appreciate the new features. It offers a seamless interface that’s easy to navigate, snap layouts, improved voice typing, and a more powerful search experience everyone can benefit from.

We should all be taking our cybersecurity more seriously, and Windows 11 Pro offers advanced security measures like a biometric login, encrypted authentication, and advanced antivirus defenses to beef up your protection.

Need to get work done? Windows 11 Pro includes Microsoft Teams, and also offers some unique professional features. Azure AD lets you manage logins and permissions for employees, while Hyper-V makes it possible to create and run virtual machines to test things. You’ll also get Windows Sandbox, a way to test files safely without risking your computer.

If you’d like to ditch the mouse and keyboard, Microsoft Windows 11 Pro gives you the option to go touchscreen. And it also puts Copilot, Microsoft’s AI-powered assistant, right on your desktop.

Once you tackle all your responsibilities, it’s time to start gaming. Windows 11 Pro includes DirectX 12 Ultimate, with graphics that make you feel like you’re right there in the game.

Note: You’ll need 4GB RAM and 40GB of hard drive space to run Windows 11 Pro, and if you’re running Windows 11 but can’t install upgrades via Windows Update, you won’t be able to install this version either.

Elevate your PC experience with this lifetime license to Microsoft Windows 11 Pro, now just A$23 (reg. A$307) while codes last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

In 2025, a lot of daters want to meet in person instead of on apps (even if they don't know how). This could account for the decline of some dating apps recently, including Bumble, which laid off 30 percent of its employees earlier this year.

Meanwhile, Tinder wants to shed its hookup reputation to appeal more to Gen Z, according to new CEO Spencer Rascoff. Rascoff is also the CEO of Tinder's parent company, Match Group, and took over at the helm of Tinder last month. Match Group also owns other popular dating and hookup apps, including Hinge, Match, OkCupid, Plenty of Fish, and OurTime.

At a Tuesday earnings call, Rascoff painted an optimistic picture for Tinder, despite declining revenue.

SEE ALSO: Dating apps to add age checks in the UK

While Tinder's paying users fell seven percent in the last quarter, Rascoff told the Wall Street Journal that, "Things are moving in the right direction."

Tinder's direct revenue also declined four percent in the second quarter, dropping to $461.2 million. However, revenue per user grew by three percent. Despite the dips, Rascoff told the Journal he's optimistic about the app's momentum because Tinder's team is acting urgently and "shipping more product than ever before." When Rascoff's takeover as CEO was announced, he posted Tinder's new product principles on LinkedIn, one of them being speed and urgency.

About 90 percent of the people who used Tinder's new double date feature are apparently Gen Z, a demographic that Tinder needs to attract. The Journal reported that Tinder plans to launch six new features in the next few weeks, including a new recommendations algorithm and a college mode for students looking to match with each other. Match also plans to pour in $50 million to invest in product testing at Tinder and other apps.

One Match Group property is soaring: Hinge. Paid users grew 18 percent in the second quarter, and revenue per user was up six percent. Hinge's revenue also grew 25 percent to $167.5 million. While dating apps are becoming more and more alike with similar features, daters apparently see a difference.

The NFL Sunday Ticket is expensive, costing fans upwards of $480 a year to watch endless football. To take some of the sting out of that price tag, Google and YouTube just launched an NFL Sunday Ticket Member Benefit program full of hardware discounts, free trials, and other perks.