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Earlier this year, new Bumble CEO Lidiane Jones said in a Fortune interview that Bumble was rethinking women making the first move — the dating app's signature for its ten-year run. Today, Bumble officially announced updates to the "first move," as well as other feature upgrades and a fresh brand identity.

Since Bumble's inception in 2014, only women could message matches first. In the case of same-gender connections, anyone could message first. In 2022, Bumble announced that non-binary users can make the first move as well. 

SEE ALSO: Dating culture has become selfish. How do we fix it? Bumble Opening Moves

Now, Opening Moves is Bumble's "evolution" to this concept. Women users have the option to set a question for their matches to respond to, either from Bumble's recommended options or by writing their own. Non-binary users and those looking for same-gender connections can set and respond to an Opening Move, as well. Otherwise, men looking for women can't set an Opening Move, Bumble told Mashable.

Bumble's new Opening Moves feature. Credit: Bumble

In Bumble's press release, Jones cited how tiring online dating can be as a reason for this feature. "In listening to our community, many have shared their exhaustion with the current online dating experience, and for some, that includes making the first move," said Jones. "We're also hearing from women that empowerment today is not only about control but it's also about agency, and we're excited to offer more choice in how women make the first move with our new Opening Moves feature."

New Bumble profile changes

Bumble is rolling out other changes and updates to profiles in addition to Opening Moves. For one, the app refreshed its logo, font, and colors. 

The app is also expanding Dating Intentions badges. Bumble senior product manager Dara Alsulayman explained in a demo video shared with Mashable that, "We've heard a lot from our members that misalignment in dating intentions is one of the biggest pain points, and we feel this stems from dating intentions on dating apps and Bumble not necessarily reflecting how people feel about dating intentions." Some people feel that dating intentions on apps are rigid, so Bumble has added more options and the ability to pick up to two intentions, Alsulayman continued.

Up until now, users could express on their profile whether they're looking for a relationship, something casual, marriage, or "don't know yet." Now, users have more options:

• Fun, casual dates

• Intimacy without commitment 

• Life partner

• Ethical non-monogamy

Bumble's expanded Dating Intentions. Credit: Bumble

Bumble also updated its interface in terms of how interests, values, and causes look. Now, common interests (and Spotify artists) are at the top of profiles. Causes and communities have their own section in profiles too.

The app took a page from Hinge and added prompts to profiles to show off personality — though they're optional on Bumble.

Previously, Bumble required all users to upload two photos. Now, it's four. Alsulayman cited a finding that the more photos a user has on their profile, the more success they have in "finding meaningful connections."

Bumble also TikTok-ified Best Bees, a page featuring curated profiles based on your swipes and preferences. Now, Best Bees is called For You. Alsulayman said Bumble updated the algorithm to incorporate member feedback.

Given how much dating and the app space has changed in the last decade, these changes don't come as much of a surprise. In the demo video, Alsulayman said the team believes these features "usher in a new chapter in Bumble's evolution."

The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for April 30 SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Here's the answer and hints for April 30

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Tuesday, April 30, 2024:

Across"Everything must go!" event

• The answer is sale.

Lowest pocket pair in poker

• The answer is twos.

Is a chatty catty?

• The answer is meow.

Cook, as cookies

• The answer is bake.

Brewery offerings

• The answer is ales.

DownTotal bargain

The answer is steal.

Roused from slumber

• The answer is awoke.

Home improvement chain

• The answer is Lowes.

Letter mi_ ing from thi clue

• The answer is ess.

Degree for a corporate exec

• The answer is MBA.

Conan O'Brien described his experience on "Hot Ones" during an episode of "Conan O'Brien Needs a Friend".

It's been a week since I snatched the Rabbit R1, an AI pocket companion with a conspicuously loud orange chassis. I'm not ready to give a full review just yet, but I want to give you a rundown of my experience so far.

While the Rabbit R1 has its benefits and advantages, it has its quirks and flaws, too.

It's clear that Jesse Lyu, Rabbit's CEO, rushed this device to market. I get it, though. If I were in his shoes, I, too, would be jumping out of my skin to show off its LAM (Large Action Model) that makes it a shinier AI assistant than ChatGPT. But as the old saying goes, all that glitters isn't gold.

Without getting too much into the weeds of things, the LAM allows Rabbit R1 to step in and do stuff on your behalf. For example, it can supposedly — emphasis on supposedly — order DoorDash for you, with nothing but your voice in natural language. Something ChatGPT and its ilk cannot do.

But if the thought of an AI running errands for you, particularly when your money is involved, sent a chill down your spine, your uneasiness may be justified.

SEE ALSO: Rabbit R1: 7 things it can do that steals ChatGPT's shine Rabbit R1: 7 things it does terribly

When Lyu boasted that the R1 could order DoorDash on users' behalf, I was skeptical, but excited to try the feature.

Jesse Lyu ordering DoorDash at the Rabbit R1 event. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

I've tried to order DoorDash with the Rabbit R1 every single day since I received it on April 23, but unfortunately, I haven't had any success.

1. Ordering DoorDash isn't the best experience

At first, Rabbit R1 wouldn't even populate the DoorDash UI, telling me that it's not available at this time.

"There seems to be an issue with the food," the Rabbit R1 told me. Credit: Mashable

However, after removing my DoorDash account from Rabbit Hole (a companion browser site that also lets you connect Uber, Midjourney, and Spotify) and reinstating it again, I got a little further toward submitting my order — but not by much.

Tweet may have been deleted

Even after finally accessing the UI, scrolling through my options, and selecting my choice (e.g., Chipotle), I received an error message. Truth be told, the waiting process was so slow, I could probably order Chipotle faster on my phone.

Among users with a slightly better experience, some have expressed frustration in seeing a limited menu while others reported that the Rabbit R1 paid the courier the highest tip option without asking first.

2. Limited 'natural language' processing

The Rabbit R1 needs clearly defined prompts for some tasks to work.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

For example, if I were to say, "Record me speaking right now," the Rabbit R1 will not "understand" that I want it to record me. It will, instead, save a note — something I didn't ask it to do — and upload it to the Rabbit Hole.

To get Rabbit R1 to begin recording, I'd have to say, "Start a recording session," specifically.

Here's another example. If you want to play some games with Rabbit R1, naturally, you'd want to say, "Play a game with me." Unfortunately, with this prompt, Rabbit assumes that I want it to play a song from the Spotify catalog. Instead, I need to use the words "Let's play a game" for it to totally comprehend my request.

3. Lack of animations that tell you it's 'thinking'

While using the Vision feature (the camera capability that lets it identify and describe things), there were countless times that I experienced a lengthy pause between the Rabbit R1's responses that I thought it finished its reply — only to be met with more talking about five seconds later.

I tested the Rabbit R1 inside Mashable's office. Credit: Mashable

I didn't realize that Rabbit hadn't finished speaking because there wasn't an animation to indicate that I should wait for a complete response. A three-dot bouncing animation would do, for example, to inform me that there's more to come.

4. Time isn't its forte

I haven't been able to set my Rabbit R1 to my local time yet.

I haven't been able to change it to my local time, but an update is reportedly underway. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

As such, I haven't been able to set up an alarm with it. Hell, I can't even set timers with this device. Fortunately, Rabbit said that it's aware of these issues and a fix is on the way.

5. Inconsistent Spotify performance

The Rabbit R1 has been a bit buggy for me. To paint you a picture, the Rabbit R1 has a cool Spotify UI that shows an album cover and an orange bar trailing around it that displays that the song is progressing.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

When I ask it to play a song, and the Rabbit R1 is working properly, the orange bar will trail around the album cover while blaring the tune from the low-tier speakers. However, sometimes, I will see the orange bar progressing — with no audio. This happens to me far too often for it to be just a one-time misfortune.

6. Power efficiency

If I'm only using Rabbit R1 to tap into Perplexity, the LLM that underpins it, for run-of-the-mill questions and basic prompts, I can get one day and some change out of the Rabbit R1.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, while using the Vision feature and Spotify playback, the Rabbit R1 drains pretty quickly, lasting only several hours. Keep in mind, though, that this is another issue Rabbit says it will fix in an upcoming update.

7. Handwriting-to-digital format

You have to admit that it's pretty cool that it can snap a picture of my handwritten chart and email me a digitalized version of it.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

However, the Rabbit R1 didn't seem to get this handwriting-to-digital format transcription quite right. Is my handwriting that bad?

Rabbit R1 sent me a .csv of the chart I wrote. Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable Featured Video For You Rabbit R1 hands-on review Rabbit R1: 7 things it does well

During my seven days testing the Rabbit R1, there are some things that it does get right, specifically its Vision feature.

1. Suggest recipe ideas based on ingredients it 'sees'

I'll admit that it's pretty cool that I can point the Rabbit R1 at bunch of ingredients and make it tell me what I can cook with what I have on hand.

Tweet may have been deleted

As someone who is trying to ditch their reliance on UberEats and DoorDash (ironically), having Rabbit R1 give me recommendations for recipes based on what it sees in my refrigerator is helpful.

2. Rich visual descriptions

I've also been impressed with the rich, detailed descriptions the Rabbit R1 provides, whether it's describing a person in front of me or a vibrant object.

Tweet may have been deleted

The Rabbit R1 could potentially be useful for someone with low vision.

3. Striking, nostalgic design

This bright orange device will definitely be a conversation starter wherever you take it.

Credit: Kimberly Gedeon / Mashable

With the bobbing bunny on the screen, it takes Millennials like myself back to the 90s. We were obsessed with pocket toys and digital pets.

4. Spanish and French Translation

I could only test the Rabbit R1's Spanish-to-English and French-to-English capabilities, and while using it with friends and family with the native tongue, it had no issues translating from one language to another.

The Spanish-to-English translation worked well on stage, too. Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

However, it's worth noting that you do need to press and hold the side button whenever someone starts speaking, which can get tiresome. At times, I found myself cutting off the translation by either holding the side button too late or letting go too early.

5. Games (and even DnD)

There are games you can play with the Rabbit R1, including 20 questions, word association, and trivia questions.

Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable

None of them are compelling enough to be addicting, but they give you a little something to do to pass the time. I've even seen some colleagues claim they've played Dungeons and Dragons with Rabbit R1, too, which I believe since the AI was pretty good at co-creating a fantastical fairytale with me one night.

That being said, the Rabbit R1 might make a decent gift for kids between the age of five and eight.

6. Summarizing web pages

Another Vision feature that deserves some praise is the fact that the Rabbit R1 can "see" a webpage and summarize it in a snap.

I used it to summarize by Rabbit R1 hands-on impressions. Credit: Mashable

This can be helpful for those moments when you don't feel like reading lengthy articles — and you just want "CliffNotes."

7. Note taking and voice recording

Although you need to use specific verbiage to prompt Rabbit R1 to take notes and start a voice recording, I haven't had any issues with them.

Credit: Mashable

With the former feature, I can ask Rabbit R1 to save notes for me, allowing me to access them in the Rabbit Hole. This is useful if you don't want to forget something — this bright-orange device will quickly immortalize your thoughts.

You can record audio, too, which Rabbit R1 can summarize. These clips are also accessible via the Rabbit Hole.

Final thoughts

Before I give a proper review on the Rabbit R1, I want to see if the next big update, set to reportedly fix battery life drain and the local time issue, will adjust my current perception of it. So far, this device is equally as frustrating as it is intriguing — and there are just as many cons as there are pros.

In the meantime, I've had the Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses on my mind, another wearable that claims to push the envelope with AI. Once I get the Rabbit R1 review out of the way, I think it's time for a face-off between the orange box and Meta's spectacles.

Opens in a new window Credit: Joe Maldonado / Mashable Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses $329.00 at Amazon
Get Deal

iPhones come with so many new features these days, it can be hard to keep track — and sometimes to even know they exist. We hear ya. But some of those features can be extremely useful.

For instance, did you know you can hide photos on your iPhone? You can even create hidden photo albums on an iPhone, too. The "Hide" feature on your iPhone is definitely one you should be using, and not just because it's there. We're big fans of privacy here at Mashable, and we can think of multiple reasons (some obvious, some less so) why someone might want to hide their iPhone photos. Let's walk you through them, shall we?

Why would anyone want to hide iPhone photos?

We'll begin with the most obvious reason: Nudes. Yours? Someone else's? There's nothing wrong with that at all. A lot of us take them! But do you really feel comfortable knowing you're an accidental iPhone misplacement away from a total stranger having access to your intimate pics?

SEE ALSO: How to safely store your nudes

I lose my iPhone probably twice a day, and I barely ever leave home. On the chance that you lose your phone, you want to make it as difficult as possible for people to find those pics.

Maybe you're not worried about losing your phone, or about strangers looking at your photos. Maybe you're more concerned about showing your friends some great photos you just took and accidentally scrolling by something private. Or perhaps you don't want certain pics appearing in your Home Screen photo widget. I mean, it happens.

There are a bunch of apps you can use to hide nudes and other ways to safely store sensitive images on your phone, but you don't necessarily have to worry about those if you use your iPhone's "Hide Photo" feature.

Nudes may not be the only photos on your iPhone you want to hide. Maybe you don't take them at all, and that's fine, but consider the various other possibilities. For holidays, birthdays, or any special gift-giving occasion, you may have taken a photo of something you want to give to somebody else. And if you're hanging out with that person, you don't want them to accidentally find their present on your phone when it was supposed to be a secret! Hiding photos is a sneaky good move when it comes to keeping surprise presents an *actual* surprise.

Or maybe you have a not-so-secret selfie stash you don't necessarily want everyone to see. We're certainly not anti-selfie, but if you like taking selfies and aren't comfortable having them in a super-accessible place, a hidden album on your iPhone may be a perfect place to keep them.

How to hide photos on iPhone

First, make sure you've updated your iPhone's software to the latest iOS. Now let's hide those photos.

Total Time

• 2 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Open Photos on your iPhone and find the pic/s or video/s you want to hide.

To grab a whole batch, tap "Select" in the upper righthand corner, then tap the images you want to hide.

Step 2: Tap the "More" icon on the top right corner of your iPhone screen.

It's the three dots in the corner.

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Apple

Step 3: Tap "Hide".

It's marked by a symbol of an eyeball with a line going through it.

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Apple

Step 4: When prompted, tap "Hide Photo."

Your files will now be stored in your "Hidden" album.

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Apple

Step 5: Tap "Hidden" to see the hidden photos on your iPhone.

You can find the album by tapping "Albums" on the menu at the bottom of the screen, then "Hidden" which is characterized by the same eyeball icon as before. As Apple notes, with iOS 16, your Hidden album will be locked by default. To open it, you'll need to authenticate with your Apple ID or Face ID if you've set it up (more on that below).

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Apple How to activate a hidden album on your iPhone (and how to lock it with Face ID)

Perhaps you're not satisfied with simply hiding individual photos and you'd like to learn how to make and navigate hidden albums on your iPhone as well. If that's the case, here's what you do:

Total Time

• 1 min

What You Need

• iPhone

Step 1: Go to your iPhone Settings and scroll down to "Photos." Tap it.

Step 2: Scroll down and tap the "Show Hidden Album" toggle.

When the toggle is lit up green and switched to the right, that means the "Hidden" album designation (not the photos themselves) will appear under "Utilities" in your "Albums" tab in Photos. When "Show Hidden Album" is switched off, the Hidden album on your iPhone will no longer appear under "Utilities", meaning no one can even see it exists. You can switch it off without fear of your Hidden photos being deleted. Once you switch it back on, your Hidden album will be right where it was before.

Credit: Mashable screenshot / Apple

Step 3: To set up Face ID to view your Hidden album, simply tap the toggle to green.

This will require Face ID for both your Hidden album and Recently Deleted.

Please note that if someone knows all the information we discussed in this story — how to hide photos on an iPhone and how to access hidden albums on iPhones — then they know enough to be able to access your stealthily stored away photos, even if you've taken these precautions. The "Hide Photo" feature on iPhones is not a 100 percent fail-safe way to keep your photos hidden, though making sure you've got Face ID set up is a really strong recommendation.

Be that as it may, making use of the "Hide" iPhone feature for photos is still a great idea, because there's always the chance that someone looking through your phone doesn't know this information. Therefore, using the "Hide" feature still means you're better off than you were before, and it costs you nothing, so we'd say it's easily worth a try.

This article originally published in January 2021 and was most recently updated in April 2024.

From 2-in-1s with new Intel Core Ultra hardware to dual-display stunners and AI-ready gaming stations, the best Windows laptops run an impressive gamut. (Some of them, dare we say, will tempt even the most devoted Macbook disciples.) Users who need a new laptop for everyday productivity, creativity, or entertainment have no shortage of options — and that's for better or worse.

To help you have an easier time picking out your next PC from the crowded Windows market, we've broken out our best laptops rundown into this separate guide to the best Windows machines of 2024. They've each been rigorously hands-on tested by Mashable staff members or contributors for performance and build quality, and we stand by their value (or at least think they're worth finding on sale).

Keep reading to learn more about our favorite models, and check back soon: We'll be consistently updating this guide with additional picks in the coming months.

FYI: We've listed the pricing and specs of our testing units, which may not apply to each laptop's base model.

A favorite celestial target is getting the James Webb Space Telescope treatment.

The Horsehead Nebula, a cosmic masterpiece about 1,300 light-years away from Earth in space, got its name from a portion looking like a seahorse in profile, buoyed by thick waves of gas and dust. Actually, it's a bit of a Rorschach test: The sign of a true nerd is if you see a knight chess piece.

Other telescopes have snapped detailed photos of this object before. But now infrared cameras on the Webb observatory, a joint operation of NASA and the European and Canadian space agencies, are showing off with an extreme close-up.

The nebula, also called Barnard 33, is in the constellation Orion. The cloud is composed of other famous markers, such as the Great Orion Nebula, the Flame Nebula, and Barnard's Loop. It is one of the closest places to our solar system where new massive stars are under construction.

SEE ALSO: Webb telescope's Pillars of Creation shows us things Hubble couldn't

The new image reveals the horse's mane as a "dynamic region" that transitions from a mostly neutral, warm area of gas and dust to surrounding hot, ionized gas, according to the Space Telescope Science Institute. Formed from a collapsing cloud of star stuff, it glows because it's under the spotlight of a nearby hot star.

Tweet may have been deleted A comparison of telescope images of the Horsehead Nebula. From left: ESA's Euclid, Hubble Space Telescope, and James Webb Space Telescope. Credit: ESA / Euclid / Euclid Consortium / NASA / J.-C. Cuillandre / G. Anselmi; NASA / ESA / Hubble Heritage Team; NASA / ESA / CSA / K. Misselt / M. Zamani

But even now, scientists can see this iconic wonder won't last forever. The gas clouds surrounding it have already disappeared. Though the horsehead pillar is made of denser clumps of material that aren't as easy to erode, it too will eventually recede into the night.

In terms of the universe, it'll be gone in a flash. On a human timescale, well, that's about 5 million years from now.

This famous nebula, first discovered more than a century ago, is now well-known as a "photodissociation region," or PDR. Ultraviolet light shining from young, massive stars makes a toasty nest of gas and dust in between the plasma (super hot gas) surrounding the stars and the clouds from which they were born. That extra dash of UV radiation affects the chemistry of the region and creates a lot of heat.

Webb telescope investigators zoomed in on the Horsehead Nebula with the mid-infrared camera, capturing the glow of dusty silicates and soot-like molecules. Credit: NASA / ESA / CSA / K. Misselt / A. Abergel

The light beaming from such regions gives scientists a unique way to study the processes that cause interstellar matter to evolve, not just in the Milky Way galaxy, but throughout the universe.

"As UV light evaporates the dust cloud, dust particles are swept out away from the cloud, carried with the heated gas. Webb has detected a network of thin features tracing this movement," the institute explained. "The observations have also allowed astronomers to investigate how the dust blocks and emits light, and to better understand the multidimensional shape of the nebula."

The Webb telescope launched from Earth in December 2021, and is now orbiting the sun nearly 1 million miles away. NASA says the observatory has enough fuel on board to support research over the next 20 years.

Webb was built to see farther than Hubble, using a much larger primary mirror — 21 feet in diameter versus just under eight feet — and detecting invisible light at infrared wavelengths. In short, a lot of dust and gas in space obscures the view to extremely distant and inherently dim light sources, but infrared waves can penetrate through the clouds.

The largest chunk of Webb's time — about one-third of the program — is spent studying galaxies and the gas and dust that exists between them.

By now, you've likely heard that mobile software developers no longer have to go through Apple's App Store in the EU in order to distribute their apps on the iPhone. In addition, Apple also now has to allow "alternative marketplaces" (i.e., third parties) run App Stores on the iPhone.

This was all possible due to a new EU law that went into effect called the Digital Markets Act (DMA). The DMA classifies certain Big Tech companies' platforms as "gatekeepers," and in order to spur competition, the DMA requires that big corporations open up these gatekeeper platforms to third parties.

According to the EU, it's now classifying the iPad operating system, iPadOS, as a "gatekeeper." This means that all those changes that Apple was forced to make in the EU to open up the iPhone's iOS will soon have to be made to iPadOS as well.

SEE ALSO: 5 new iOS features you’re not getting because you’re outside the EU Why is iPadOS now classified as a 'gatekeeper'?

The European Commission opened an investigation into whether the iPadOS should be labeled as a "gatekeeper" in September, on the same day it classified iOS as one.

The EU opened the investigation into the iPadOS "despite not meeting the quantitative thresholds laid down in the DMA" because it "constitutes an important gateway for business users to reach end users and therefore should be designated as a gatekeeper," according to Margrethe Vestager, the European Commission's Executive Vice President in charge of competition policy.

According to the DMA, a platform receives a "gatekeeper" classification if its annual revenue is more than €7.5 billion or has a market cap of more than €75 billion. Its core platform must be provided to at least three EU member states. In addition, the platform must have more than 45 million monthly active users and more than 10,000 active annual business users all residing within the EU.

The EU says its investigation determined that iPasOS's business users "exceeded the quantitative threshold elevenfold, while it's end user numbers were close to the threshold and are predicted to rise in the near future." It also says that its decision was made due to both end users and business users being "locked-in to iPad OS" and this "disincentivizes users from switching to other operating systems" on other tablets.

According to the EU, Apple now has six months to ensure that the iPadOS complies with the DMA. 

But even then, based on how Apple changed iOS, there's a chance there will be additional investigations to follow. Shortly after other tech companies like Microsoft and Spotify criticized Apple's DMA-based iOS changes, the EU launched an investigation into whether Apple's new "DMA-compliant" iOS policies are actually DMA-compliant.

TL;DR: As of April 29, save time scouring the app store and get a bundle of apps for everything from revealing hidden Mac files, shutting down apps, organizing files, and more for $39.99 (reg. $221) when you get the Big Mac Utility Bundle. 

You may love your Mac, but you might not be using it to its full potential. Whether you're trying to troubleshoot, save memory by shutting down background apps, or just organize your files, some Mac operations aren't the most intuitive. That's why you find third-party apps that make it easier for you. 

The Big Mac Utility Bundle is a collection of 16 apps for everything from generating a color palette to batch-converting media or revealing all those hidden system files. And instead of paying $221 for lifetime access to all these apps, you can get them for $39.99. 

Unlock your Mac's potential

The Big Mac Utility Bundle comes with a set of 16 Mac apps that cover a broad range of functions. Instead of hunting down all of these apps individually, this bundle gives them all to you for life, and you can install them on up to two devices. 

Mac running a little slow? Don't fuss with the control panel. AppKiller instantly closes all open Mac apps with one click. That could come in handy if you're tired of slow startup apps keeping you from getting to work. 

Sometimes background apps aren't the only reason your Mac is running slow. If you need to troubleshoot, you might need to find your system files, but those may be hidden on your device. Use FileUnhider to instantly hide or reveal all your Mac files. 

If it's your internet that's crawling along, try WiFi Radar Pro to scan, monitor, and troubleshoot your network, and that's just a taste of the apps in this bundle. You also get tools to create icons for apps, batch-convert media and photos, convert text to audio, and a whole lot more. 

Apps for productivity, troubleshooting, and more

Whether you're troubleshooting or trying to customize your computer, being able to access more of your Mac is a major convenience. 

Get apps for enhancing your own productivity and unlocking more of your computer when you get the Big Mac Utility Bundle for $39.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: EnSili The Big Mac Utility Bundle $39.99 at the Mashable Shop
$221.83 Save $181.84 Get Deal

TL;DR: Through May 5, upgrade your computer for security and productivity when you get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for $49.97.

Your computer might age a bit quicker than your budget when it comes to an upgrade, but there's more than one way to give your tech an overhaul. Whether you need to get some work done, ensure digital security, or just want an upgraded interface, see how much you can get from this Microsoft bundle featuring Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office Pro 2019. 

This two-part bundle gives you lifetime access to Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2019. Windows 11 Pro is the latest operating system from Microsoft with a whole menu of upgrades to look through, but Microsoft Office 2019 is actually an older software version of modern apps. The real upgrade there is on your budget because you can get Windows 11 Pro and Microsoft Office 2019 on your PC for life with no recurring payments for only $49.97.

No more subscription fees

Windows 11 Pro is a pretty major update over most versions of Windows 10, whether you're looking for security features or just basic computing. 

Remote workers, business owners, and security-minded users can look out for TPM 2.0, smart app control, encrypted authentification, support for biometrics login, and advanced antivirus defenses. Even the basic interface gets an update with 11 Pro. Windows have been rounded, and there are a few other small changes like a centered taskbar. And you might enjoy new snap layouts, desktops, and improved voice typing. 

This version of Microsoft Office is a little different from Microsoft 365, but it does come with older versions of many of the same apps. This license includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access. You can install them on one computer one time and use them as long as you'd like. There are no recurring fees of any kind. 

Save on security and productivity

There's not much time left to give your computer a productivity overhaul with two awesome additions. 

Score a Microsoft Office Pro 2019 lifetime license plus Windows 11 Pro for only $49.97 until May 5 at 11:59 p.m. PT. No coupon needed. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King The All-in-One Microsoft Office Pro 2019 for Windows: Lifetime License + Windows 11 Pro Bundle $49.97 at the Mashable Shop
$428.00 Save $378.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: As of April 30, lifetime access to Consultio Pro is on sale for $29.99 (reg. $199). It gives you access to a variety of AI-driven experts to help steer your decisions.

No one is beyond needing support in this life. Whether professionally or personally, support can come in a variety of forms. If you are unsure of your next move, this software can be of use. Consultio Pro offers over 50 AI-driven chatbot experts in an array of fields to support you. Lifetime access to Consultio Pro is just $29.99 for a limited time.

Each expert presents data-driven, evidence-based information to you so you can make a more informed decision. It's like having an expert sounding board available to you any day, any time, that also can access helpful data and facts in an instant. And because it's AI-powered software, every time you ask a question, it makes the experts more proficient and nuanced in their answers.

Access financial, marketing, lifestyle, and tech innovation coaches, to name a few. Consultio offers an incredible span of topics where you can find advice and decision-making support. Because you have real-time access without the need for the long waits that come with appointments, it can be easier to make decisions in a timely manner.

This is a great option for small businesses looking to grow who can't yet afford the high price of consultant fees. It's also a solid option if you are stepping into a new role at work and could use a little help getting comfortable in your new role. And if you are in a profession like real estate, this platform can offer advice on market analysis and predict trends, too.

You'll get access for life on an unlimited number of devices, with updates included. 

If you're looking for help deciding on your next professional or personal steps, this offer might be for you.

Consultio Pro lifetime access is on sale for $29.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Plus 8 Group Consultio Pro: Lifetime Access $29.99 at the Mashable Shop
$199.00 Save $169.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: As of April 30, if you need a safe place to store your files, load them up into a 500GB Amaryllo lifetime cloud backup you can share with up to nine people for only $119.99. 

Those low storage warnings get frustrating fast, but there's only so much you can do. You could move files to another device, but that just puts it that much closer to its own warning. You could delete apps, but they're on there for a reason. A more practical solution is to find somewhere you can keep your files that doesn't bog down all your devices. There are plenty of cloud storage services, but many work on a monthly subscription, so it's more like you're renting the storage space than anything else. 

If you want a budget-friendly option that leans heavily into security and accessibility, try Amaryllo Cloud Storage. Instead of paying monthly, you can just pay once and get 500GB to use however you want for life. There's no recurring fees or subscription costs, just a one-time payment of $119.99, and that's marked down from $249. 

Share your cloud with nine other people

500GB is a lot of space, and you have this drive for life, so you could be accumulating photos, videos, and files of all kinds for years. That sounds like a recipe for digital clutter, but Amaryllo has a built-in AI that helps you search through your files. Don't worry, it won't tell anyone what's in there. The zero-knowledge privacy policy means only you and up to nine people you share your drive with know what's saved there. 

Your files may be secure, but that doesn't mean they're inaccessible. Amyrllo lets you share files of any size with your team, and they don't have to register or have an account. Just send them a link, and they're in. You can access Amaryllo on most smart devices, including iOS, Android, Windows, and macOS.

Back up multiple devices for life

Keep your files safe for life. 

Get the best price online when you get Amaryllo Cloud Storage for $119.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Amaryllo Amaryllo Cloud Storage: One-Time Payment $119.99 at the Mashable Shop
$249.95 Save $129.96 Get Deal

Ready to cancel NordVPN and get refund? We've got your back.

NordVPN is arguably the most popular VPN service. It boasts excellent speeds, a multitude of advanced security features, and incredible unblocking power to bypass geo-restricted content. It even takes our top spot in our list of best VPNs, but all these perks don’t come cheap. 

If you’re after a more affordable way to stay protected online, thinking of giving another VPN service a whirl, or NordVPN just isn’t your cup of tea, it’s time to cancel your NordVPN subscription and stop being charged automatically. Better yet, you may be able to get a refund, too.

How to cancel NordVPN (and get a refund)

Canceling a NordVPN subscription is straightforward, as it only requires heading into your Nord Account and canceling its automatic renewal system. The same method can be applied to Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android. 

Follow these steps to cancel NordVPN:

1. Log in to your Nord Account using your email and password.

2. Select the “Billing” or “Billing information” section.

3. In the “Subscriptions” tab, click on “Manage” in the “Auto-renewal” section. 

4. Select “Cancel auto-renewal.” 

NordVPN also offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you cancel your subscription within the 30-day period, you’ll be eligible for a refund. Follow these steps to request a refund:

1. Once you’ve canceled your subscription, create an email to support@nordvpn.com. 

2. Write “Request for refund” in the subject field. 

3. Provide your username or email address associated with your Nord Account, along with your date of purchase, amount paid, and reason for the request. 

NordVPN states you should receive the refund within 10 days. 

How to cancel NordVPN on iPhone

If you’ve purchased a NordVPN subscription on iOS through the App Store, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app on your iPhone.

2. Tap on the profile icon.

3. Select “Subscriptions.”

4. Tap “NordVPN.”

5. Choose “Cancel subscription.”

How to cancel NordVPN on Android

For Android users that subscribed to NordVPN via the Google Play Store, follow the steps below:

1. Go to the Play Store app on your Android. 

2. Tap on the profile icon. 

3. Select “Payments and subscriptions.”

4. Choose “Subscriptions.”

5. Tap “NordVPN.”

6. Tap “Cancel subscription.”

There you have it; you’re now free from NordVPN and its auto-renewal system.

There is no official tally of how many students have become victims of explicit deepfakes, but their stories are mounting faster than school officials are prepared to handle the abuse.

Last fall, girls who'd attended a dance at Issaquah High School in Washington state discovered that a fellow student had created explicit versions of photographs taken of them at the event, using software powered by artificial intelligence. In February, a 13-year-old girl in Southern California accepted a friend request on her private TikTok account from a male classmate. He then used a screenshot from a video to generate a nude version of the image and shared it with friends, according to the Orange County Register.

As cases like these proliferate, parents worried for their children may not realize that schools are woefully unprepared to investigate AI image-based abuse and deliver just consequences, or even deter the behavior in the first place.

Adam Dodge, founder of Ending Tech-Enabled Abuse (EndTAB), presents on the topic at schools across the country, often at the invitation of administrators. He says that while some schools are eager to learn about how to address explicit deepfakes, there are still significant gaps in people's understanding of the technology, and no universal guidelines for preventing and responding to such abuse.

SEE ALSO: What parents need to tell their kids about explicit deepfakes

"You've got some kids getting arrested, some expelled, some suspended, [and for] some, nothing happens to them, and nobody's winning there," says Dodge, referencing recent publicized cases of explicit deepfakes created by students.

Are explicit deepfakes legal?

There is no federal law that criminalizes the generation or dissemination of explicit deepfake imagery, though state legislatures have recently introduced bills aiming to make both acts illegal. The federal Department of Education hasn't weighed in on the matter yet, either.

A spokesperson for the agency told Mashable that the department hasn't launched guidance "to address the specific issue of students using AI technology to develop harmful 'deepfake' images of others," but noted that "all students deserve access to welcoming, supportive, and safe schools and classrooms."

The spokesperson pointed Mashable to the department's resources for school climate and discipline, as well as information shared by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security for creating safer schools.

Major app-purchasing platforms vary in how they regulate apps capable of generating explicit deepfakes. Apple's App Store does't have specific rules barring them, though it prohibits overtly sexual and pornographic apps. Google's Play store also forbids apps related to sexual content. While its AI policy doesn't use the term deepfake, it does require developers to prohibit and prevent the generation of restricted content, including pornography and content that "facilitates the exploitation or abuse of children."

Apple also told Mashable that developers should not submit apps to the store that "include defamatory, discriminatory, or mean-spirited content, particularly if the app is likely to humiliate, intimidate, or harm a targeted individual or group."

Still, since some image- and video-editing apps capable of generating explicit deepfakes may not be marketed as such, it can be challenging to detect those apps and then block them from a store. Last week, Apple removed three AI image generation apps that had advertised their ability to create nonconsensual nude images, following a 404 Media investigation into their availability on the App Store. Google also banned a similar app from Play earlier this month for marketing the same capability, according to 404 Media.

Many of these apps may be available online, hosted by websites that are not scrutinized like app stores.

So, in the absence of legal regulation and federal guidance, schools are typically navigating this unfamiliar, dangerous territory on their own, says Dodge. He and other experts say that schools and their communities must take swift action. The first step, they argue, is helping educators, parents, and students develop a firm grasp of AI image-based abuse and its harms. Other strategies include empowering young people to advocate for school-wide policies and setting clear expectations for student behavior as they're exposed to deepfake tools.

Dodge warns educators against moving slowly and underestimating the damage students can do with this technology.

"It allows these really technically unsophisticated students to do horribly sophisticated things to their classmates," he says.

What schools should do about deepfakes

Shelley Pasnik, senior vice president of the nonprofit Education Development Center, believes that because there are currently no state or national approaches to handling explicit deepfakes, school responses will vary widely.

Pasnik says that schools with financial resources and established health programs, along with heightened parental engagement, may be more likely have conversations about the problem. But in schools with less all-around support, she expects students to go without related instruction.

"In some settings, kids are going to grow up thinking, at least for some period of time, that it isn't a big deal," Pasnik says.

To counter this, she recommends that adults in school communities enlist students as partners in conversations that explore and establish norms in relationship to deepfake technology. These discussions should address what healthy boundaries look like, and what behavior is off-limits.

Much of this may already be clear in a school's code of conduct, but those rules should be updated to prohibit the use of deepfake technology, along with establishing consequences if it's deployed against students, staff, and teachers.

Pasnik recommends that educators also look for opportunities to talk about deepfake technology in existing curriculum, like in content related to privacy, civic participation, and media literacy and production.

She's hopeful that the U.S. Department of Education, in addition to state agencies that oversee education, will issue guidelines that schools can follow, but says it would be a "mistake" to think that such guidance "can solve this challenge" on its own.

Dodge also believes those recommendations could make a critical difference as schools struggle to chart a path forward. Still, he argues that schools will have to be the trusted source that educates students about deepfake technology, instead of letting them hear about it from the internet or targeted ads.

Explicit deepfakes at school: "History repeating itself"

The predicament that schools now face feels familiar to those who've watched cyberbullying overwhelm educators who can't stop student harassment and conflict from spiraling out of control.

"I am really worried about history repeating itself," says Randi Weingarten, president of the American Federation of Teachers.

The union, which has 1.7 million members, has lobbied the biggest social media platforms to address cyberbullying by implementing new or more robust features, like taking down accounts that primarily feature bullying content. AFT has argued that cyberbullying contributes to teacher burnout, in addition to worsening the school's climate.

Weingarten says that preventing explicit deepfakes from playing a similar role will require a response from corporations and government, beyond what schools and their communities can tackle.

A new collaboration led by the organization All Tech is Human and Thorn, a nonprofit that builds technology to defend children from sexual abuse, may help achieve that goal. The initiative convenes Google, Meta, Microsoft, Amazon, OpenAI, and other major technology companies in an effort to stop the creation and spread of AI-generated child sexual abuse material, including explicit deepfake, and other sexual harms against children.

Dr. Rebecca Portnoff, vice president of data science at Thorn, told Mashable in an email that the companies have committed to preventing their services from "scaling access to harmful tools."

"If they proceed as such and continue their own involvement in this way, then in theory, these apps would be banned," Portnoff wrote, referring to the apps that anyone, including students, can use to make an explicit deepfake.

Weingarten also suggests that federal agencies, including those that oversee criminal justice and education, could work together to develop guidelines for ensuring student safety and privacy.

She believes that there must be financial or criminal consequences to creating explicit deepfake content, with appropriate penalties for minors so they are initially diverted away from criminal court.

First, though, she hopes to see "affirmation" from government leaders that explicit deepfakes present a real problem for the nation's students that must urgently be solved.

"I think hesitation here is only going to hurt kids," says Weingarten. "The technology is clearly moving faster than regulation could ever move."

TL;DR: Watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians in the IPL for free on JioCinema. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket lovers have been well and truly hooked by this year's IPL, and it's not over yet.

We're only five weeks in and things are continuing to heat up, and the next fixture sees the Lucknow Super Giants and Mumbai Indians go head-to-head.

If you want to watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians for free from anywhere in the world, here's all you need to know.

When is Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians?

Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians starts at 3 p.m. BST on April 30. The match will be played at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow, India.

How to watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians for free

You'll find free live streams of every single IPL cricket match in 4K resolution on the JioCinema app.

However, to access JioCinema you'll need to use a VPN. JioCinema is geo-restricted to India, but anyone can unblock this free streaming service by using a VPN. These tools work by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and then connecting you to a secure server in India, meaning you can access JioCinema from anywhere in the world.

Unblock JioCinema to stream the IPL 2024 by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for 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 India

4. Visit JioCinema (you will need an Indian phone number to subscribe)

5. Watch Lucknow Super Giants vs. Mumbai Indians for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) £82.82 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

Most of the best VPNs for streaming are not free, but you'll discover that they offer free trials or money-back guarantees. Use these offers to watch IPL live streams without committing any money. Of course, this is not a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch the most sought-after IPL fixtures for free.

What is the best VPN for JioCinema?

ExpressVPN is the best service for unblocking JioCinema, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including India

• 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

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for £82.82 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.

Stream the IPL for free with ExpressVPN.

Are you building a gaming PC from scratch? Or upgrading your current set-up? Gaming PC experts will know that after the bare bones hardware — the PC itself, monitor, and keyboard — you can't overlook the importance of the graphics card.

But getting the right graphics card is sometimes easier said than done. There is just so much tech available — all with the rapidly-accelerating specifications and capabilities — so it’s easy to get blinded by science and muddled by jargon.

Fear not, PC gamers. We can help put you in the picture with the best graphics cards on the market. And just in case you’re new to the world of PC gaming, or you need a refresher, we've put together a quick guide on everything you need to know.

What is a graphics card?

A graphics card — also known as a GPU — is one of the most important parts of any PC. It works alongside the CPU (or processor) to turn data into images. The best graphics cards process data at a faster rate and make those images sharper and more realistic. Modern graphics cards are capable of processing incredible 3D images with an almost non-existent lag between the commands you physically input with your controller or keyboard and the resulting action on the monitor.

Do you really need a graphics card?

If you’re a reasonably enthusiastic PC gamer, then yes. Games are becoming increasingly sophisticated, with ever improving 4K and ray tracing, so you’ll need the hardware to keep up with the pace. Gamers are familiar with upgrading their machines regularly and the graphics card is the key component in next gen-level gaming.

Are graphics cards only for gamers?

Graphics cards are widely associated with gaming and that’s where most of the power lies. However, graphics cards can be important for creative professionals and designers too, with processing capabilities for video editing and decoding, 3D rendering, and graphic design-based apps. If you're upgrading your GPU for creative design work, check that it’s made to handle those tasks. Some graphics cards are for gaming only.

How much does a graphics card cost?

If you’re new to building a gaming PC, prepare yourself for a serious hit to your wallet. If you’re a veteran, you'll know the cost of a good GPU already. Indeed, graphics cards — at least, very good quality graphics cards — do not come cheap. Prepare to pay anything from £500 upwards (and we do mean upwards) for a decent option. However, don’t despair if you’re a newbie and want to get started by spending less. There’s a GPU on this list that costs under £275. Just don’t expect it to be a long-term option if you’re serious about gaming.

Does Nvidia make the best graphics cards?

A cursory glance at online reviews would suggest that to be the case. Nvidia GeForce GPUs lead the pack, certainly in the mid-range and premium end of the market. That doesn’t mean you have to pay big bucks for the best Nvidia GeForce. AMD offer good options, particularly at lower price points.

What are third party graphics cards?

This is when another manufacturer uses the GPU of a top brand — such as Nvidia and AMD — to create its own version. These are perfectly acceptable and in some cases more readily available. When Nvidia drops a new product, for instance, they can be like graphics card gold dust. In which case it’s easier to get a third party version.

What is the best graphics card?

That’s really for you to decide, based on the specifications and requirements of your PC setup. What we can tell you, however, is that we’ve done the work of researching for you. We've scanned the internet and reviews to find the best options for every gamer.

These are the best graphics cards in 2024.

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

Let's be honest, ladies and gents. We all do it. And by "it" we mean whacking off. Or to use the technical term, masturbation. But have you ever tried going solo with a sex toy? If you're a regular hand user, sex toys are great way for exploring new sensations.

The sex toy world is big and varied. There's almost certainly a sex toy out there for you. But with all those options, shopping for a new sex toy can be overwhelming. And though there are worse things than going through some trial-and-error with vibrators and dildos, shopping with some knowledge about what works, what's built to last, and what's safe to use will help avoid frustration — and potentially save you buying the wrong thing. Which is handy because many places don't accept sex toy returns.

Whether you're looking to buy your first ever toy or are rounding out your collection, we've lined up a list of top picks (plus some extras) of the best sex toys for going solo.

Do you need sex toys for masturbation?

If you're in a masturbation rut, you might be able to get there physically, but you still find yourself emotionally, spiritually, and who knows, maybe even still physically, wanting something more. Maybe you'd simply like to take more time before reaching climax or you want to figure out new turn-ons. Sex toys can help. And don't be afraid to take the plunge —owning a sex toy, not to mention your own sense of sexuality, is more common and empowering than ever before.

What are the different types of masturbation toys?

There's a good selection on this list, representing the most popular categories. Sex toys for masturbation can include different styles of vibrator, devices that simulate oral sex, penis sleeves, prostate massagers and butt plugs, and all kinds of vibrating gadgets.

Can masturbation toys be used with a partner?

Of course! If you want to incorporate a clit suction toy or a masturbation sleeve into partnered sex, go live your truth. The toys you'll find on this list are geared toward taking your time and exploring your body, which while fun with a partner, is especially gratifying to do at your own pace, on your own time.

That's also not to say this is an exhaustive list. Sexual pleasure is a deeply personal experience, so that super popular vibrator that everyone seems to rave about might not be your favourite, and that's more than okay.

What is the best sex toy for masturbation?

There's no one-size-fits-all approach with sex toys (which is ironic, because some of them literally are one-size-fits-all). It's about what works for you, which is totally different to what works for someone else. We can, however, give you a helping hand. We've highlighted the top picks for masturbation from top brands you might recognise. There is something for everyone to enjoy on this list.

These are the best sex toys for masturbation in 2024.

Mental health has become a bigger priority for both employers and employees in recent years. But there’s still more work to be done to support people’s mental health at work. Here are some impactful strategies to prioritize. Avoid one-size-fits-all solutions. Different roles and responsibilities require different interventions. To better support your employees, address how, where, and […]

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TL;DR: A lifetime subscription to Koofr Cloud Storage (1TB) is on sale for £103.81 with the voucher code KOOFR.

Living in the age of smartphones is both a blessing and a curse. One of the major cons? We're all addicted to the little handheld computers in our palms, and even little kids are hooked on devices. But a big pro is the ability to capture important events at any moment...which leads us to our next issue: where to store all of that data.

If you're tired of your smartphone or computer informing you that you're almost out of storage space, it's time to be proactive. Give yourself the gift of massive cloud storage with a lifetime subscription to Koofr, a service that offers you 1TB of space to keep your memories safe, now for just £103.81 with the voucher code KOOFR.

Unlike most cloud storage options, Koofr offers 1TB for a low one-time price — which means no more monthly charges costing you a fortune year after year. And if you already have cloud accounts on those kinds of services, they also make it simple to connect to your existing accounts and access all your files in one convenient spot. There are no limits to transferring huge files, and you can upload, access, and share your files easily, as well. And they make sure your files are encrypted in rest and in transfer. 

Koofr doesn't track you, so you can have peace of mind as you store your files privately in their cloud. They also offer some helpful perks like Koofr Duplicate Finder, which finds and removes unnecessary duplicate files and saves you space, and the advanced renaming option that helps you rename multiple files in a simple manner. And when you need to access a file, grab it easily straight from your computer with the Koofr Desktop App. 

Make 2024 the year you safeguard your data with a lifetime subscription to 1TB of storage with Koofr Cloud Storage for just £103.81 with the voucher code KOOFR.

Opens in a new window Credit: Koofr Koofr Cloud Storage: 1TB (Lifetime Subscription) £103.81 with voucher code KOOFR Get Deal

This content originally appeared on Mashable for a US audience and has been adapted for the UK audience.

The 21st Century is no time to be prudish. Sexuality and sexiness are things to be celebrated and explored. And what better way is there to try new things than invest in a sex toy? Everyone's using sex toys now, which means if you haven't got one, you're behind the times.

Indeed, sex toys are more widely available than ever before. And it can be tempting to splash out a lot of money on the biggest and best available. But there's no need to go crazy on the spending. Not only are there an abundance of sex toys available, there's a great selection of affordable sex toys. Trust us: You can get your rocks off for a budget price these days. You can certainly do it for under £50.

So, whether you're buying your first ever sex toy, or you're looking to upgrade, we've gathered some of the best budget sex toys out there.

Is it safe to buy cheap sex toys?

Budget-friendly does not mean cheaply made. Quality was a non-negotiable when compiling this list. After all, it's not worth saving a few pounds if you're using an unsafe toy (and not in the fun NSFW way) to put on your genitals. We're betting you want to avoid anything that can easily harbour bacteria, so we chose toys that use body-safe, non-porous materials, like silicone and metal. The greater the porosity of a toy, the easier bacteria can thrive in it, even if you're regularly cleaning it after each use (as you should with any toy).

That's not to say that porous materials like PVC, rubber, TPE, or even some silicone blends are entirely unsafe — it's just that they require a lot of special care to maintain that safety, and should always be used with a latex condom. When buying budget, knowledge is power and diligent care is key.

Are there different types of sex toys?

The world of sex toys and paraphernalia gets more colourful and creative all the time. But there are sex toys that you can rely on, and that remain absolute staples. The mighty vibrator is still the king of sex toys. It's possible to spend big on a vibrator, but it's also possible to buy cheaply. There's a whole spectrum available. Other classics include cock rings, butt plugs, and love eggs (all of which are included below).

Are sex toys for men or women?

We might tend to think of sex toys being for women — particularly when so many look like penises — but there are more sex toys than ever for men. The Fleshlight, for instance, has become the staple of men's masturbation aids in the way that the vibrator is for women. In fact, many of the toys that we've selected below are good for solo play and for couples to use together. Do be shy about combining your toy time.

What is the best sex toy for under £50?

We’re not going to try and tell you which sex toy should be top of your list, or which one you must love or there is something wrong with you. Instead, we’re here to lend a helping hand in the form of a selection of cheap recommendations. There should be something for everyone in this list. You just need to pick a favourite from the bunch.

These are the best sex toys under £50 in 2024.