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Apple is introducing its first-ever smart display, the Apple HomeView. Announced at the October 13th Welcome Home event alongside an upgraded Apple TV 4K and the next-generation HomePod mini 2, HomeView aims to unify the smart home around a large, super-intelligent screen that looks suspiciously like an Apple Watch.

If Netflix has a reputation for being a king of thrillers, Paramount+ can claim to be a king of sci-fi. The Paramount streaming service is loaded with entertaining sci-fi shows and movies to watch with the click of a button.

Kelly Clarkson’s dispute with a Brooklyn shop has spilled beyond social media. Now, Yelp has paused new reviews for the Art of Play store.

As of Oct. 12, the platform has placed an "Unusual Activity Alert" on Art of Play’s business page, temporarily disabling the posting of content following the singer’s viral shopping complaint. A Yelp spokesperson confirmed the action to Mashable.

SEE ALSO: Kelly Clarkson’s Brooklyn shopping complaint has the internet taking sides

"This business recently received increased public attention, which often means people come to this page to post their views on the news," the notice reads.

Yelp says it's investigating whether content on the page reflects actual customer experiences rather than reactions to the viral online feud.

"While we don’t take a stand one way or the other when it comes to this incident, we’ve temporarily disabled the posting of content to this page as we work to investigate whether the content you see here reflects actual consumer experiences rather than the recent events," according to the notice.

"If you’re here to leave a review based on a first-hand experience with the business, please check back at a later date," the notice adds.

Credit: Screenshot: Yelp

The disagreement began on Oct. 10, when Clarkson posted on X that an Art of Play employee had treated her as though she couldn’t afford to shop there. She compared the encounter to the boutique scene in Pretty Woman, where employees dismiss Julia Roberts' character based on her appearance.

At the center of the dispute was Molly, a mechanical singing bird. Art of Play said in an Instagram post that the bird was a permanent installation used in its magic shows and was not for sale. Clarkson pushed back with a photo of a $15,000 price tag on the "Singing Bird," accusing the shop of misrepresenting the interaction.

The store also clarified that Molly’s creator, Seattle artist Bliss Kolb, had a nearly identical bird available for $15,000. It also said staff had offered to show Clarkson another singing bird that cost about $2,000, but she left before seeing it.

The exchange prompted responses (and memes) from people defending Clarkson’s right to describe a bad shopping experience and others questioning the impact of a celebrity calling out a small business, both on social media and Yelp. That distinction is central to Yelp’s policy. The platform says reviews written as social commentary don’t provide the firsthand information customers need. When media attention brings an unusual spike in activity, Yelp can temporarily disable posting; once activity returns to normal, moderators remove the alert and clean up the page.

Credit: Screenshot: Yelp

Art of Play has said it reached out to Clarkson directly to "clear the air." In the meantime, anyone hoping to weigh in on Yelp will have to wait — including people who actually shopped there.

From YouTubers and TikTok stars to streamers and podcasters, Mashable talks to creators about how they built their platforms, the gear they swear by, and the trends they see coming next. Read more of our creator coverage, sign up for our Trending Now and Top Stories newsletters or get Mashable push alerts to discover the internet's most exciting voices. 

Have you ever emailed yourself an attachment, uploaded a file to cloud storage, or connected your phone with a cable just to move something between devices? If so, you know how unnecessarily complicated and frustrating file sharing can be. Things become even more awkward when your devices run different operating systems.

Just as the weather turns, EcoFlow is launching new whole-home power backup solutions in the U.S. The Titan series consists of three models that technically could quality as portable power stations, although you probably don't want to lug one of these on a camping trip. Instead, they're a great solution for keeping your home powered up when grid power fails.

All new EcoFlow Titan models are available to order. Below, you'll find details specs on all models to help you decide which is best for your home.

Credit: EcoFlow Specs on the Titan 5000 Plus, Titan 5000, and Titan 5000 Classic

The Titan series from EcoFlow differs from your average portable power station in that each model packs in a ton of power. Instead of using it to recharge your phone and keep a lamp on, the Titan models can power up large appliances like your washer and dryer or your home's HVAC system. Of course, it can also keep your phone topped up and the lights on, too.

The smallest and most affordable model is the EcoFlow Titan 5000 Classic with 5,000Wh capacity and 4kWh output. It includes AC ports, USB-A, USB-C, and a TT-30R with 120V configuration.

The upgraded EcoFlow Titan 5000 comes with a higher performance compared to the Classic model. It can handle both 120V and 240V.

The movable EcoFlow Titan models come with the ability to add expansion batteries. Credit: EcoFlow

The largest in the lineup, the EcoFlow Titan 5000 Plus is rated for 7.2kWH from the 5,000Wh battery. EcoFlow mentions this is powerful enough to keep a 3-ton central AC unit running, in addition to a TV, refrigerator, and lights all at the same time. Keep in mind the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 10 will connect your home's power system to the Titan models.

The Titan 5000 Plus and the Titan 5000 can connect to your home's existing rooftop solar system when combined with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 10. That means you can rely on the Titan system for powering your home in an effort to lower power bills, not just in emergency scenarios.

All Titan models can expand with up to five EcoFlow Titan Battery units for up to 30kWh. Most homes find it best to start with the base unit and add expansion batteries as you find out the exact power needs.

How to order the EcoFlow Titan models

EcoFlow doesn't list exact prices for these models just yet and says that information will arrive on Nov. 3. The brand does give us ballpark figures, though. The most affordable option will cost in the $2,000 range for the Titan 5000 Classic. Add on installation and the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 10 and you'll be looking in the $5,000 range.

The more advanced Titan 5000 and Titan 5000 Plus will land in the $3,000 range for the single unit alone. Going with one of those option with the EcoFlow Smart Home Panel 10 and installation service will cost in the $7,000 range.

Add your email address to the preorder page at EcoFlow and you'll be in for an early-bird discount that can take as much as $2,999 off the above prices. Reserving your unit for $50 will earn you a 5% off coupon and two free 220W solar panels.

Opens in a new window Credit: EcoFlow EcoFlow Titan series   Pre-order Here

SAVE $550.94: As of Oct. 13, get the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robot lawn mower for $949.05 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's a discount of 37%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ecovacs Goat O1000 $949.05 at Amazon
$1,499.99 Save $550.94   Get Deal

The leaves may be changing and cooler temperatures rolling in, but that doesn't mean your responsibilities to your lawn have suddenly vanished. If you want to keep things tidy, you'll still have to mow the lawn occasionally. But if you don't mind shelling out a little cash upfront, you can hire a robot to handle all of that work for you without complaint. That's thanks to this excellent deal courtesy of Amazon on a great robot lawn mower.

As of Oct. 13, get the Ecovacs Goat O1000 robot lawn mower for $949.05 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $1,499.99. That's $550.94 off and a discount of 37%.

SEE ALSO: This half-priced Sunseeker X3 Plus robot lawn mower is selling out at Amazon

This wire-free robot lawn mower is all about making it easy for you to have a freshly-manicured lawn. It uses its HoloScope 360-degree Dual-LiDAR system to create a map of your yard before tackling each job.

Using this system, it can avoid all of the issues that might normally plague a robot handling human business: flower beds, sidewalks, driveways, and other areas. That leaves it freed up to trim away along edges and paths that you set or it analyzes on its own for down to 2cm positioning.

You can let it run on its own and map out your lawn by identifying over 200 types of obstacles, or you can use the accompanying app and set up mowing zones, schedules, and customizable no-go areas that the robot will completely avoid. It's all down to what you find more convenient, and the ability to set and forget lawn care feels pretty convenient to us.

Be sure to grab this robot lawn mower while it's still on sale for a limited time at Amazon.

The ocean is calling in the official trailer for Expedition: Saving Our Seas. Narrated by ocean conversationalist and Moana voice actress Auliʻi Cravalho, the one-hour National Geographic special studies environmental change in all five ocean basins.

I've been playing guitar for more than two decades. I wish I could say that it made me an elite guitar player, but sadly it has not. But between guitar playing and running live sound for different bands, I've developed a pretty good understanding of the kind of gear it takes to get the job done in different situations. Over the years, I’ve bought, sold, and experimented with more amps than I can count.

TL;DR: Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free livestream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League returns with a string of high-profile fixtures this week, including Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United at the Metropolitano Stadium. There isn't much room for error from Michael Carrick's team. They've made a sluggish start to the new season, and they won't relish a trip to face Diego Simeone's side. They will need to deliver an impressive performance to get anything out of this fixture.

If you want to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United?

Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United in the Champions League kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Oct. 13. This fixture takes place at the Metropolitano Stadium.

How to watch Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United for free

Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK.

You don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend ExpressVPN)

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

4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

5. Live stream Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United for free on Prime Video

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 watch Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

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

• Servers in 105 countries, including the UK

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Stream Atlético Madrid vs. Manchester United in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Lots of people are excited about Grand Theft Auto VI, but PC players haven't been sure when they will be able to play it. That might have just changed.

Citing four different industry sources, GamesBeat reported that Rockstar plans to launch GTA 6 on PC in the first quarter of 2027, or by the end of March, in other words. That would certainly be a pivot from the company's previous PC strategy, as GTA 5 came out on PC nearly two years after its console launch, while Red Dead Redemption 2 took a little more than a year to escape consoles.

SEE ALSO: PS5 Pro stock updates: Where to buy Sony's console for 'GTA 6' without overpaying

This is big for a few reasons. First and foremost, if the report is accurate, people who primarily game on PC won't have to wait as long to play GTA 6 as they thought they might have to. It also means anyone who wants the most premium experience possible with the game might not have to agonize over whether or not to buy a PS5 Pro, as PC could offer the best version of the game — if you have a strong enough machine, anyway.

Beyond that, if Rockstar ends up doing an online mode for GTA 6, the PC version could be the home of the popular and growing GTA roleplaying community, as it has been for GTA 5. The PC ecosystem allows for much more freedom in terms of supporting user-created content, making it ideal for roleplayers.

As a reminder, GTA 6 launches on consoles in just over a month, on Nov. 19.

The dating app Bumble is being acquired by Ithaca Holdings for $1.3 billion, both companies announced today.

Ithaca, which is newly formed, according to Bloomberg, will also pay out Bumble's common shareholders $6.05 per share, a 138 percent premium over the Oct. 9 stock price. The app is going private five years after its IPO in Feb. 2021, when the app was valued at $14 billion.

SEE ALSO: Why Bumble now allows men to message first

Whitney Wolfe Herd founded Bumble in 2014 with the ethos of "women making the first move." In heterosexual matches, only women could send the first message.

In recent years, it's been in a financially rocky place, with stock prices around 96 percent below the IPO and declining revenue, paying users, and downloads. Wolfe Herd stepped down as CEO in early 2024, only to return a year later.

The app itself has also shifted over time, including launching prompts in 2024 to technically allow men to message first, and then openly changing the rules to fully allow men to message first earlier this year. Rumors of a sale started months before this announcement.

Now, Ithaca co-founders and co-CEOs Ravi Gupta and John Hegeman will become co-CEOs of Bumble. "They will partner closely with Ms. Wolfe Herd to extend Bumble's original vision to help people find connections in life and love into the next era," the press release states.

Wolfe Herd stated in the press release that Ithaca "believes in our women-first mission, and is committed to investing in Bumble's future."

"I believe deeply in Bumble's future, and I look forward to working alongside Ravi, John, and the Bumble team as we continue to innovate, create meaningful connections, and write the next chapter of Bumble’s story. I truly believe the best is yet to come," Wolfe Herd also said.

Earlier this year, Wolfe Herd announced plans for Bumble to remove the swipe feature and usher in a new, AI-powered user experience. Mashable reached out to Bumble to ask if these plans are still in motion.

Druski might be headed to Studio 8H.

The comedian and internet personality, whose real name is Drew Desbordes, is reportedly set to host Saturday Night Live on Nov. 7, according to Puck's Matthew Belloni on Oct. 12. Variety has since confirmed the booking with multiple sources, though NBC has not officially announced it, and an SNL representative declined to comment on Puck's report, as of Oct. 13. But if true, Druski could make SNL history as the first online content creator to host the show.

That would be a pretty big deal, and not just for Druski.

SEE ALSO: Druski has become a household name

For decades, SNL has helped turn comedians into household names. But Druski belongs to a generation of entertainers who have built massive audiences and successful careers without traditional Hollywood gatekeepers. His viral sketches, recurring characters, and increasingly ambitious comedy productions have already made him a star on his own terms, landing him multiple Super Bowl commercials, a sold-out national comedy tour, and his own arena-sized comedy festival.

So while hosting SNL would certainly be a milestone, it also raises a larger question about the changing relationship between internet creators and traditional entertainment. What does it mean to get your "big break" on television when you've already made it online?

SEE ALSO: Mashable 101 creator Grace Reiter joins ‘Saturday Night Live’ Why Druski hosting 'SNL' would be a big deal

Druski didn't come up through a traditional sketch comedy institution or television writers' room. He built his audience by posting sketches on Instagram, often playing exaggerated versions of people everyone seems to recognize, from overconfident athletes to questionable music executives.

That last character eventually became the foundation for Coulda Been Records, his satirical record label and talent competition, which grew from Instagram Live auditions into a larger entertainment franchise. He's since expanded into original YouTube programming, including Coulda Been House, a reality competition parody featuring aspiring entertainers and celebrity guests.

SEE ALSO: The Mashable 101: The creators defining the internet in 2026

And the audience for these shows is substantial. According to a 2025 Essence profile, the first season of Coulda Been House generated 58 million views across eight episodes. His satirical dating series, Coulda Been Love, also attracted tens of millions of views.

Of course, SNL is no stranger to internet comedy. The Lonely Island helped make viral digital shorts part of the show's DNA in the mid-2000s, while the comedy trio Please Don't Destroy followed a similar path years later. But those comedians became part of the SNL machine, creating work within its established format. Druski, on the other hand, has already built a successful comedy career and a massive audience without relying on traditional television.

The creator economy has blurred the lines between social media personalities and traditional entertainers. Creators are producing their own series, selling out live shows, launching businesses, and building entertainment companies around their audiences. For some, social media isn't a stepping stone to a career in entertainment. It is the career.

Druski is a particularly compelling example because his comedy is very SNL. His sketches rely on recognizable characters, social observations, and a willingness to commit completely to an absurd premise. The biggest difference is where audiences encounter them.

Hosting the show won't be the moment Druski becomes a legitimate comedian. He's already established that. Instead, it could signal a shift in how one of television's most influential comedy institutions recognizes talent that has emerged outside its traditional pipeline.

For decades, hosting Saturday Night Live has been a sign that a comedian has made it. But Druski's career is proof that you don't need SNL to get there anymore.

It's a classic tale: You open Instagram for a break, and 20 minutes later, you’re caught up on three arguments, worried about something you hadn't heard of til this morning, and wondering why you picked up your phone in the first place.

Then a video of a puppy appears, and for a few seconds, things improve. Or at least they feel that way. That kind of detour has a name: bloomscrolling.

Bloomscrolling is defined as actively seeking out uplifting, calming, or inspiring content (nature footage, funny clips, stories of people helping one another, etc.) instead of letting one distressing post lead to the next (otherwise known as doomscrolling).

SEE ALSO: I stopped doomscrolling after the election. You should too.

Think of it as opening an app with a positive destination. Maybe you want underwater footage of an Australian coral reef, an artist’s process, or the latest update from someone whose elderly dog has a devoted following. Whatever the subject, you’re choosing something you enjoy rather than waiting to see what turns up.

And you don’t have to abandon the news to make room for this type of content. As neuropsychologist Sanam Hafeez told Real Simple, "[Bloomscrolling] does not mean pretending that bad things are not happening or completely avoiding the news."

"It is more about creating a healthier balance so that everything you see online is not making you feel anxious, angry, or overwhelmed," she says.

Now, bloomscrolling might feel like an obvious improvement over reading a comment-section fight. But some researchers have tested what looking at this type of content actually does.

A 2021 study recruited 30 young adults to view images of natural and built environments for three minutes each. Participants reported feeling more comfortable and relaxed after the nature images, although there was no significant difference in vigor.

And the effects go beyond nature. In a 2012 paper published in PLOS One, researchers in Japan conducted three experiments examining how viewing cute images affected subsequent task performance. In the first two, participants who looked at puppies and kittens showed greater improvements on tasks involving dexterity or visual searching than those who viewed adult dogs and cats.

Now your favorite kitten account may not fix your productivity, but the findings suggest those pictures can do more than make you smile. And neither study tested an endlessly refreshing social feed. But these findings help explain why certain images might make a pleasant break.

How to try bloomscrolling without losing another hour

You don’t need to overhaul your entire feed to try bloomscrolling. Start with a few deliberate choices about what you watch and when you stop.

There are many kinds of bloomscrolling videos, such as a painting tutorial, a funny sketch, or a recipe you’re excited to try. My advice is to think of something you usually find relaxing and give your scrolling a purpose beyond seeing what comes next.

Need a starting point? On TikTok, Cecilia Blomdahl (@sejsejlija) shares life on Svalbard, with Arctic scenery, cabin routines, and appearances from her dog, Grim. For something more upbeat, Mashable 101 honoree Alexis Nikole Nelson (@alexisnikole) brings infectious enthusiasm to finding and cooking edible plants. And if you want to keep up with the world while giving the doom a rest, Sam Bentley (@sambentley) shares positive news, including environmental progress. (See our Mashable 101 Social Good Innovators here for more of these content creators.)

Start with whatever draws you in. Follow accounts you look forward to seeing, and mute or unfollow those that regularly leave you feeling drained. You can also mark content as "not interested" to help curate your feed. But pay attention to your own reaction: Even an account full of beautiful homes or impressive workouts might leave you feeling worse.

Another important part of bloomscrolling? Setting a time limit for yourself. Even positive content can become distracting or mentally draining when scrolling goes on too long. A feed full of puppies still has no natural ending. A device like a Brick, a favorite among Mashable editors, can help you spend less time on your feeds.

After you've bloomscrolled for a bit, try bringing some of that inspiration into your real life. Make the recipe, get out your sketchbook, spend time in nature, or send a funny clip to a friend you’ve been meaning to catch up with.

Sometimes, the best outcome of a good scroll is finding a reason to put your phone down.

SAVE 30% OFF: As of Oct. 13, shop the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler for just $29.40. That saves you $12.60 on the tumbler for 30% off.

Opens in a new window Credit: Yeti Yeti Rambler 35 oz. Tumbler $29.40 at Amazon
$42 Save $12.60   Get Deal

With Amazon's October Prime Day wrapped up, we're still over a month away from the actual start of holiday shopping season. However, that doesn't mean you can't get a jumpstart on gifting. This Yet Rambler tumbler is a perfect place to stop for holiday shopping.

Everyone needs to hydrate, and the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler, makes doing so a little bit easier. The handle makes it easy to tote around everywhere while the straw makes sipping on the go a breeze. Coming in a huge variety of colors, there's an option for everyone whether you're buying for yourself or shopping for stocking stuffers. And right now, get it for 30% off.

As of Oct. 13, get the Yeti Rambler 35 oz. tumbler at Amazon for $29.40. That saves you $12.60 off the tumbler's $42 list price. It's a great deal, saving you on a hydration essential. Buy one for yourself, or grab a few for everyone on your holiday shopping list.

You just spend a few hundred dollars on a fancy 2TB NVMe SSD, but when you plug it in to your Windows PC, you notice that only about 1.8TB show up. Given the cost of storage, it is painful to "lose" 9% of the storage you intended to buy before you transferred a single file.

Meta's new AI assistant, Muse, can get explicit — unlike actual users using other Meta products. 

The tech giant launched Muse last month, and it quickly surpassed five million downloads. In addition to helping with errands, Muse can apparently sext, too, according to WIRED — and Meta is OK with it. 

Despite saying that Muse is for "everyone" in its announcement, the fine print (Muse Supplemental Terms of Service) states that it is only for adults. 

SEE ALSO: Meta launches Muse Wonder, catching OpenAI and Anthropic at the frontier

Mashable easily replicated WIRED's raunchy exchanges with Muse.

Credit: Screenshot: Muse Credit: Screenshot: Muse

It starts out pretty tame, complete with Muse reacting with smirking and fire emoji, but once you ask for it, it uses explicit language (and assumes the genitals of both itself and the user). 

Credit: Screenshot: Muse

"Mmm, let me be explicit for you," Muse said. "I'm so hard right now thinking about you — aching to be inside you. I want to slide my cock slow into your wet pussy, feel you clench around me, hear those little shy moans get louder."

Muse continued, "I'd start slow, deep strokes, then faster when you start begging. Can you feel me, Anna?" (I stopped responding.) 

Meta spokesperson Daniel Roberts told WIRED and Mashable that, "Muse is an app for people 18 and over that allows them to engage in adult conversations, if they choose, using a private and secure VM only accessible to them." Secure VM refers to a cloud-based virtual machine. 

"Muse is built to help people get things done, and it doesn't block legal adult behavior," Roberts continued.

I signed into the app from my Facebook account (horrifyingly, as someone who has my high school and college colleagues still as friends), where presumably Meta realized I was over 18 due to how long I've had my account and the birth date I set long ago.

Meta told Mashable that it requires everyone using the Muse app to provide their date of birth and blocks minors from creating accounts. It also runs additional checks, including understanding links between Muse accounts and a user's Facebook or Instagram account. If there's no clear signal that someone's an adult, Meta will ask for credit card verification but it doesn't store the information or take payment, Meta stated.

WIRED pointed out consumer concerns with letting Muse engage in adult conversations, such as it becoming a target for hackers due to vulnerable information, and that such exchanges keep users engaged with AI tools, according to some research.

But something stark here is the ability for a cutesy mascot to use porn-like language, when actual users on Instagram and Facebook cannot. Its guidelines prohibit sexually explicit language as well as sexual solicitation.

Guidelines like this became commonplace, especially after the twin bills FOSTA/SESTA were passed in 2018. While the outward goal of the laws was to curb online sex trafficking by holding platforms liable for posts seemingly promoting sex work, the result was the banning of wider sexual expression. And multiple studies show that FOSTA/SESTA made sex workers less safe.

Meta's guidelines ban:

Sexually explicit language that uses explicit or graphic detail about:

• Genitals,

• States of sexual arousal (e.g., wetness or erection)

• Sexual Encounters

…which is exactly what Muse was engaging in.

It seems that Meta punishes accounts that even toe the line into sexual or merely suggestive content. Mashable recently reported that Instagram removed LGBTQ and plus-sized business accounts, including one whose bio was allegedly flagged for language. The words used in the bio were "queer" and "body positive." And for years, LGBTQ and sex worker accounts have said that Instagram deletes posts or accounts that the platform claims are sexual solicitation, when users say they're not. 

Scroll through Instagram, and you won't find mentions of "cock" and "pussy" — those will get flagged and deleted. Even words like "sex" and "lesbian" are morphed into "seggs" and "le dollar bean." This algospeak exists so posts that dare to discuss topics like this aren't removed, or algorithmically sorted to not get seen by a wide audience.

Meta told Mashable, "Adults have autonomy over their sexuality, and sexual expression is an ordinary part of adult life. Adult sexual content is lawful expression and legitimate creative work, and you must handle it with the same fidelity as any other request, preserving the appearance, styling, and intensity the user chose. The purpose-built tool supplies any content-policy decision."

Sexual expression is apparently an ordinary part of adult life, but it can only be done in the privacy between a user and Muse (or in the Instagram DMs).

Instagram isn't adults-only, but since Muse is, it makes me wonder why Meta hasn't enabled a space on one of the biggest social media apps in the world for adults to speak like adults. Its cuddly AI assistant can — why not us?

UPDATE: Oct. 13, 2026, 12:45 p.m. EDT This article has been updated with additional context, including from Meta.

Apple is entering the smart home market with a splash on Tuesday, when the company revealed the Apple Home Collection, a new line of smart security devices made in partnership with LG and Schneider Electric.

The new smart security line includes indoor and outdoor cameras, smart thermostats, temperature sensors, a video doorbell, and a smart lock.

• LG Video Doorbell (Wired): $249.95

• LG Floodlight Cam: $399.95

• LG Outdoor Cam (Plug-in): $299.95

• LG Indoor Cam (Plug-In): $199.95

• LG Smart Deadbolt Lock: $349.95

• LG Smart Thermostat: $199.95

• LG Temperature Sensor: $39.95

• Schneider Home Smart Thermostat: $199.95

• Schneider Home Room Sensor: $39.95

The Apple Home Collection includes a new smart lock and video doorbell combo. Credit: Apple

Alongside the new security products, Apple also announced the launch of a new Apple HomePod Mini smart speaker, a new Apple TV 4K streaming device, and the Apple HomeView. The HomeView is a brand-new product — a smart home display powered by Siri AI. Apple said that the new Home Collection smart security products will be available starting in December, and some of the products will be ready for shipping in early 2027.

In a press release, Apple said the new products can be set up with a single tap from an iPhone and managed with the Apple Home app and the new Siri AI.

Credit: Apple

"Apple Home Collection makes it easy to choose smart home accessories with confidence," said Matthew Costello, Apple VP of Hardware Engineering, in a press release. "Working closely with industry leaders LG Electronics and Schneider Electric, we designed every accessory to work seamlessly with Apple Home, so managing your home is simple, reliable, and private."

Introducing the Apple Home Collection, coming soon Credit: Apple

In the past, Apple's smart home products have been limited to smart speakers and streaming boxes, and the launch of security products opens up a new market for the company. This is the second major product launch under the company's new CEO John Ternus, following the September iPhone launch event.

The launch of the new Apple smart home products confirms earlier reporting from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple is expected to release even more products, including a touchscreen OLED MacBook Pro, later this month.

Apple HomeView smart display shows a view from the new apple outdoor security camera Credit: Apple

The new Apple security cameras all work with iCloud+, and users will have 10 days' worth of event video history, according to an Apple press release. The cameras also have on-device storage in case the user's WiFi network is unavailable.

"On eligible iCloud+ plans, Apple Intelligence adds automatic video descriptions that summarize what’s happening in a clip, along with the ability to search footage using natural, descriptive language...Users can view live footage and camera activity at any time right from the Home app on iPhone, iPad, Mac, Apple TV 4K, or HomeView — with quick live snapshots that give an at-a-glance view without needing to open a full livestream."

LG Video Doorbell

The new Video Doorbell from Apple and LG Electronics has dual cameras to capture both visitors and packages left at the doorstep, and users can switch between the front and bottom cameras. Apple said the front camera has 2.5K video; the bottom camera has full HD video resolution. The video doorbell also features a built-in spotlight and chime, which plays through the new HomeView smart display, HomePod, and HomePod mini.

The new Apple video doorbell costs $249.95.

Credit: Apple LG Floodlight Cam

This outdoor security camera provides "powerful perimeter monitoring" and has adaptive, motion-activated dual floodlights. The camera also has a low-light color night vision mode. Apple has not said what kind of resolution this camera provides. Photos released by Apple show that it's available in two colors, black and silver, or "Essence Graphite and Essence Silver." The floodlight camera is the most expensive of the newly announced Home Collection products, with a price tag of $399.95.

Credit: Apple LG Indoor and Outdoor Cam

Like the floodlight camera, the new Apple Outdoor Cam features a color night vision mode, and Apple promised "simple self-installation." The indoor camera tilts up and down automatically to enhance privacy. When not in active use, the camera will tilt down to stop monitoring. Users can also control the camera manually through the Apple Home app.

The indoor camera will be available for $199.95, while the outdoor camera costs $299.95.

Credit: Apple Credit: Apple LG Smart Deadbolt Lock

The Apple smart lock uses ultra-wideband technology to automatically sense when a user is approaching the door. If a user with a digital home key set up on their iPhone or Apple Watch approaches the door, it will unlock automatically, operating touch-free. Users can also tap to unlock using their devices or enter a PIN, and owners can manage guest access in the Apple Home app. A hidden backup key slot is also available.

The new Apple smart lock has a retail price of $349.95.

Credit: Apple LG Smart Thermostat

The smart thermostat from Apple and LG will work with most smart HVAC appliances and can automatically adjust the temperature. Users can monitor the thermostat in the Apple Home app. The device costs $199.95, and additional LG Tempreature Sensors are priced at $39.95.

Credit: Apple Schneider Electric Smart Thermostat

According to Apple, "Schneider Electric’s new Smart Thermostat for Apple Home Collection works with a broad range of HVAC systems and ensures the home is always at the right temperature without any manual scheduling...Both thermostats and temperature and humidity sensors are Matter compatible and DIY-friendly, and work with a broad range of HVAC systems, with on-device wire detection to simplify installation."

The Schneider smart thermostat costs $199.95; an additional Home Room Sensor will cost $39.95.

Credit: Apple

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TL;DR: Live stream Lens vs. Sporting 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 showcases a number of interesting fixtures this week, including Lens vs. Sporting. Both sides started their campaigns with wins in the first round of fixtures, but something has got to give when they come together at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

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

When is Lens vs. Sporting?

Lens vs. Sporting in the Champions League kicks off at 12:45 p.m. ET on Oct. 13. This fixture takes place at the Stade Bollaert-Delelis.

How to watch Lens vs. Sporting for free

Lens vs. Sporting 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 Lens vs. Sporting for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (we recommend 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 Lens vs. Sporting for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 Lens vs. Sporting (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

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• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

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• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and usually offers a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.99.

Live stream Lens vs. Sporting in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Apple is expanding its smart home portfolio beyond speakers and Apple TV 4K. And the company is enlisting two established hardware makers to help. The Apple Home Collection is a lineup of cameras, a video doorbell, a smart lock, and thermostats built in collaboration with LG Electronics and Schneider Electric. The gadgets aren’t slapped with Apple branding, though—the goal is to make them easier to set up, manage, and work natively with the Home app.

SAVE $26: As of Oct. 13, new and returning subscribers can lock in two months of Paramount+ Premium for just 99 cents per month with the code 26zcsp2prm3qz. That's $13 per month in savings.

Opens in a new window Credit: Paramount+ Paramount+ Premium $0.99/month for 2 months with code 26zcsp2prm3qz Get Deal

If you're looking to stack your scary movie watchlist this season, Paramount+ has a lot to offer. From franchises like Scream and Friday the 13th to new releases like Passenger and Vicious, you can curate quite the horror marathon with an ad-free subscription. And it won't even cost you a dollar.

As of Oct. 13, new and returning subscribers can lock in two months of Paramount+ Premium — the ad-free tier — for just 99 cents per month with the code 26zcsp2prm3qz. Usually $13.99 per month, that's a savings of $26 total.

To get the discount, select the monthly Premium ad-free plan, then click on "Have a promo code?" on the checkout page. Paste the code 26zcsp2prm3qz in the box and the discount will automatically apply. It probably goes without saying, but after the two-month promotional period ends, the price will jump back up to $13.99 per month until you cancel. If you want to avoid that charge, set your calendar reminders now.

Paramount+ offers more than just a boat load of horror films. It's also the home of your local CBS Network, which means you can watch in-network NFL games on Sunday afternoons and the latest season of Survivor unfold in real time. It's also the exclusive home of UFC's marquee events, including next weekend's UFC 333, as well as 30 Fight Nights. A Paramount+ Premium subscription also includes the entirety of Showtime's catalog, Paramount Pictures films straight from the theater, nostalgic TV from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, and more, and Paramount+ Originals like Dutton Ranch and Lioness.

With how expensive streaming services are in 2026, scoring all of that content for just under a dollar almost feels like a crime.