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Oshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Category 5 hurricane  | TechCrunch

Oshen built the first ocean robot to collect data in a Category 5 hurricane  | TechCrunch

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Anahita Laverack was set on becoming an aerospace engineer, but her career took a different turn after a realization at an autonomous robotics challenge inspired her to launch Oshen, a company that builds fleets of robots that collect ocean data.

In 2021, Laverack, a storied sailor, decided to build and enter a robot in the Microtransat Challenge, a competition where participants build and send autonomous sail-powered micro-robots across the Atlantic Ocean. She, like everyone else that has tried this challenge, was unsuccessful.

“I realized half the reason that all of these attempts were failing is, number one, obviously it’s hard to make micro-robots survive on the ocean,” Laverack told TechCrunch. “But number two, they don’t have enough data on the ocean to know what the weather is or even know what the ocean conditions are like.”

Laverack set out for different conferences, like Oceanology International, to find this missing ocean data. She quickly realized that no one had really figured out a good way to collect it yet. Instead, she found people asking if they could pay her to try to collect the data herself. She figured that if people were willing to pay her for this data, she could try to build a way to capture it.

Those conversations were the basis for Oshen, which Laverack founded alongside Ciaran Dowds, an electrical engineer, in April 2022.

The company now builds fleets of autonomous micro-robots, called C-Stars, that can survive in the ocean for 100 days straight and are deployed in swarms to collect ocean data.

But Oshen started small. Laverack said she and Dowds chose not to pursue venture capital right away when launching the company. Instead, they combined their savings to buy a 25-foot sailboat, lived at the cheapest marina in the United Kingdom, and used the vessel as their testing platform while getting the company off the ground.

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For two years, Oshen would iterate on the bots on shore and immediately take them out on the water to test them.

“In the summer, that’s not too bad,” Laverack said. “The problem is you really need your boats to work in all seasons. When your robot breaks, [and] it’s a winter storm that’s raging, a 25-foot sailboat shouldn’t really be going out in those conditions. So, that led to some adventure, which I wouldn’t say any more about, but there were certainly some interesting events there.”

Getting the tech just right was difficult, Laverack said, because it’s not as easy as just taking an existing larger robot and shrinking it down. These bots needed to be mass deployable and cheap despite also needing to be technologically advanced enough to operate and collect data for long periods of time on their own.

Many other companies have successfully gotten two of the three correct, Laverack said. Oshen’s ability to get all three started to attract customers across defense and government organizations.

The company caught the attention of National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) two years ago, but Laverack said that their tech just wasn’t ready to be deployed reliably yet. The organization reached back out two months before the 2025 hurricane season after Oshen had successfully deployed the robots into winter storms in the U.K. This time, Oshen jumped at the chance and quickly built and sent over 15 C-Stars.

Five of these C-Stars were thrown overboard and made their way into position by the U.S. Virgin Islands where NOAA predicted Hurricane Humberto was headed.

Laverack said they were expecting the bots to just collect data leading up to the storm, but instead, three of the bots were able to weather the entire storm — minus a few missing parts — and collected data the whole time, becoming, she says, the first ocean robot to collect data through a Category 5 hurricane.

Now, the company has moved to a hub for marine tech companies in Plymouth, England, and has started racking up contracts with customers, including the U.K. government, for both weather and defense operations.

Laverack said the company plans to raise venture capital soon to keep up with demand.

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April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh">Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive) April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch. That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and 0 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.   The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.” As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks. In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh">Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive)Scare Your Neighbors With Life-Size ‘Alien’ Animatronic (Exclusive) April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch. That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.   The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.” As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks. In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films. Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who. #Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

April 26 is Alien Day, and Disney’s celebrating the occasion with a big new piece of xenomorph merch.

That would be an animatronic Xenomorph that stands at 6 feet and 8 inches tall. Sculpted in detail to look like it came from the movies, the animatronic also moves like the iconic monster—it’s got an inner mouth, and the torso moves in a side-to-side motion. For Alien fans with indoor space or a covered porch to put it and $450 to spend, the Xenomorph animatronic may be for you, and you can order it from Spirit Halloween starting today.

 

The Alien franchise got some recent news courtesy of Noah Hawley. Speaking about Alien: Earth, Hawley told Deadline shooting for season two would happen this summer, and teased he’s got an endpoint in mind. Whether he gets there or not is entirely up to the audience, but he thinks the show and overall franchise could go on for “a very long time if we nurture them.”

As for the movies, there’s not much news on the sequel to Alien: Romulus other than it exists. Last year, we learned Fede Álvarez would return to co-write its script and produce, but not direct. Instead, that duty will go to someone else, but Disney’s yet to announce a name. We’ll report once the news breaks.

In the meantime, there’s the animatronic Xenomorph, which will be perfect for Halloween—or even just as a buddy any time you rewatch the Alien films.

Want more io9 news? Check out when to expect the latest Marvel, Star Wars, and Star Trek releases, what’s next for the DC Universe on film and TV, and everything you need to know about the future of Doctor Who.

#Scare #Neighbors #LifeSize #Alien #Animatronic #ExclusiveAlien,Alien: Earth,Alien: Romulus,Xenomoprh

Kindle Holders

Hate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping">Your Kindle Is Better With Accessories. Here’s Where to StartKindle HoldersHate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.LamicallGooseneck iPad HolderThis holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read. LamicallTablet Pillow Stand HolderIf you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone. A Freestanding ChargerLooking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.AnkerWireless Charging Dock for KindleThis wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off. A Kindle Page TurnerThe hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote () with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping

struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping">Your Kindle Is Better With Accessories. Here’s Where to Start

Kindle Holders

Hate holding up your Kindle? Or struggle with chronic pain that makes holding it feel terrible? These holders will literally take the weight out of your hands.

Lamicall

Gooseneck iPad Holder

This holder works for Kindles and tablets alike, and even my Nintendo Switch. The clamp base lets you attach it to tables and furniture, and it’s easy to position in front of or even above you if you wanted to lie down and read.

Lamicall

Tablet Pillow Stand Holder

If you want something that’s freestanding, this pillow tablet stand holder works great for a Kindle. I use it on the couch, and I can sit up or lounge back and adjust the stand arm to suit my position. There are also two built-in cup and snack holders. Lamicall says they’re food safe, but I just use it to hold my tea mug and phone.

A Freestanding Charger

Looking to keep your Kindle charged without adding another cord to the floor of your desk or bedside table? Same. Here’s a more stylish solution if you have one of the Signature editions.

Anker

Wireless Charging Dock for Kindle

This wireless charging dock is made by Anker for Kindles, specifically for Kindle Paperwhite and Colorsoft’s seven-inch Signature editions. Those versions have wireless charging capabilities, and this stand takes advantage of that with charging coils that line up with the back of the Kindle, where the wireless charging is. You’ll want to take off any MagSafe cases; leaving mine on made the little light on the charging dock flash until I took it off.

A Kindle Page Turner

The hottest new item to get as a Kindle lover is a page turner. They’re especially handy for holders like the ones above, where your hands aren’t already on the device, and can make for a great accessibility accessory for readers with different needs.

My biggest irritation with these devices so far is that you have to charge them both individually, and if one runs out of battery, the whole thing is useless. I also don’t love that the turner does tend to block at least one letter while I read, and you can’t place it on the lower or upper margins since it’ll activate the menus instead of turning the page. Still, it makes reading ultra comfortable, especially for my strained wrists.

Here’s my favorite one so far, that’s been solid at holding a charge, and next I’m testing this remote ($15) with a wearable ring clicker instead of a remote.

#Kindle #Accessories #Heres #Startkindle,e-books,books,e-readers,tablets,shopping

There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr">4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetlyThe following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure: Hookup apps for everyone AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections Tinder — top pick for finding hookups Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. App-specific tips to retain your anonymityFeeldFor the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections. TinderTinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with. Mashable Trend Report If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.GrindrThe first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. AdultFriendFinderAdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with. #tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr

hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr">4 tips for using hookup apps discretely — advice for Feeld, Tinder, AdultFriendFinder, and Grindr

There are a lot of valid reasons for looking for a hookup and you certainly don’t need to justify your quest for a fling to us.

If you want to protect your privacy or at least keep a low profile while you swipe through sexy singles in your area, there are a few different approaches you can take, some general guidance that works across all apps and sites, and some more targeted advice depending on the service you’re using.

General tips for browsing hookup apps discreetly

The following tips work well across all hookup sites. Think of them as general guidelines for limiting your exposure:

Hookup apps for everyone

AdultFriendFinder — readers’ pick for casual connections

Tinder — top pick for finding hookups

Hinge — popular choice for regular meetups

  • Sign up using an alternative email address. Not only does this spare you in the event of a data breach (and trust us: they’re more common than you would think), but it also means that no one who catches a glance at your inbox will ever find out which hookup sites you frequent.

  • Anonymize your photos as far as possible. You don’t have to blur your face, but neither should you be taking photos of yourself that could show someone what neighborhood you live in or where you work. Additionally, ensure you leave out any identifying marks, such as unique tattoos, from any of your profile photos.  

  • Don’t link your social media in your profile. Too many people share their Instagram pages or TikTok handles in their profiles, but doing so dramatically increases your exposure, since every image and story you post there could inadvertently contain identifying information about you, from who your friends are to where you hang out.  

  • Take advantage of gift cards or prepaid credit cards. If you opt to purchase a premium membership to a hookup app or site, the paper trail linking your bank account or credit card to the service is a definite liability. To maximize your anonymity, use a prepaid card or purchase a gift card rather than using your main credit or debit card to register your membership. 

App-specific tips to retain your anonymity

Feeld

For the privacy-conscious dater, Feeld’s Incognito mode is a game-changer: you can scout the Discover feed without leaving a digital footprint, remaining invisible to anyone you haven’t explicitly “liked.” The app also supports private photo vaults that only unlock for confirmed connections.

Tinder

Tinder offers a few unique features that can help you lower your profile, even as you swipe away. First, consider turning off Discovery mode when you’re trying to keep a low profile. This will make it impossible for new people to find your profile in search without preventing you from speaking to the people you’ve already matched with.

If you really want to take things up a notch and you already have a Tinder Plus, Gold or Platinum membership, you can use Passport Mode to browse singles in a nearby city, or a place you’re travelling to for work or on a vacation. This is a great way to prevent your local friends and family from accidentally coming across your profile. 

You can also block phone numbers if you really don’t want certain individuals coming across your profile, like your boss or sibling.

Grindr

The first line of defence on Grindr is a relatively new feature called Profile Hide that works on one user at a time. Say, for example, you come across a co-worker on the app, and don’t want them to know you’re also using it. Simply click on their profile and find the Hide icon. If you tap this, your profile will become invisible to them and their profile will become invisible to you, like magic.

If you want to take things up a notch, you’ll need a Grindr Unlimited membership, which unlocks a really useful privacy feature called Incignito mode, which essentially allows you to use the service in total secrecy, without anyone knowing you’re there until you initiate an interaction. 

AdultFriendFinder

AdultFriendFinder is like the Wild West of hookup sites, a place where seemingly anything goes, but that carefree attitude can also be a privacy nightmare. We strongly recommend you limit the amount of identifiable information you put on your profile, including being very selective about which photos you choose to share.

One good way to strike a balance between total anonymity and a modicum of privacy is to take advantage of AFF’s many photo features, specifically their photo permissions options. You can make your main profile photo something reasonably discrete, such as a full-length picture of you wearing a hat or a photo shot from a distance or even a photo with your face blurred out, but then you can create a photo album of more identifiable, personal photos that you choose to share only with friends. 

That way, you become the final gatekeeper over your photos, allowing you to be selective about who you share them with.

#tips #hookup #apps #discretely #advice #Feeld #Tinder #AdultFriendFinder #Grindr

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