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The weirdest dating apps you never knew existed

If you’re tired of swiping past dudes holding fish or bios that just say “6’2 because apparently that matters,” it might be time to venture into the weird and wonderful world of niche dating apps.

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Let’s face it—Tinder and Bumble are starting to feel more like Groundhog Day than a gateway to true love. If you’re tired of swiping past dudes holding fish or bios that just say “6’2 because apparently that matters,” it might be time to venture into the weird and wonderful world of niche dating apps.

But first, a reality check: mainstream dating isn’t serving everyone. People with disabilities, those over 50, overweight and marginalized groups have long felt left out of the generic dating app landscape. Thankfully, apps like Disabled Dating, OurTime, and Glimmer have stepped in to create more inclusive digital spaces that actually acknowledge different needs. And guess what? They’re thriving. Their popularity shows that love isn’t one-size-fits-all—and sometimes, neither is your dating app.

Now, for those willing to step even further outside the norm, let’s take a tour of the wackiest, most oddly specific, and straight-up hilarious dating apps the internet has to offer.

  1. Bristlr – Where beards meet their biggest fans. Bristlr connects facial hair aficionados with the bewhiskered individuals of their dreams. Think of it as Tinder, but furrier.
  2. SaladMatch – Apparently, nothing says romance like kale compatibility. This app helps Sweetgreen fans connect based on their favorite salad orders. Because true love is always dressed.
  3. TrekPassions – Set phasers to flirt. TrekPassions caters to die-hard Star Trek fans looking for a partner who understands the importance of the Prime Directive and can quote Spock at dinner.
  4. Clown Dating – Yes, it’s real. For people who clown professionally, recreationally, or romantically. Love is no joke here—except it kind of is.
  5. Settle for Love – This brutally honest app encourages users to showcase both their best and worst traits. No filters, no lies, just a sobering dose of reality. Catfish-proof, but also self-esteem-challenging.
  6. Mullet Passions – Business in the front, party in the profile. This niche site celebrates the iconic hairstyle and those who love it. Hair today, love tomorrow.
  7. DiaperMates – A controversial entry, DiaperMates is for adults into diaper roleplay and ABDL lifestyles. Definitely not everyone’s cup of juice box.
  8. FarmersOnly – Rural lovebirds, rejoice. This one’s for people who prefer boots over boat shoes and would rather meet someone in a barn than a bar.
  9. Spooky.Singles – For the paranormally-inclined. Ghost hunters, true crime fanatics, witches, and lovers of all things eerie can connect on this spooky dating platform. First dates might include EVP sessions or haunted house tours. Love can be scary—in a good way.

Cultural Vibes: Why Niche is the New Norm

These offbeat apps aren’t just gimmicks; they represent a shift in how we date. As online romance becomes more saturated, people crave specificity and connection over endless swiping. Niche apps can offer more safety, better conversations, and a sense of belonging that mainstream platforms often miss.

Embrace the weird whether you’re haunted by ghosting or just tired of the same old bios, there’s a dating app out there for you—maybe even one with fake blood, beard oil, or alien cosplay. Love doesn’t always show up the way you expect, and that’s exactly what makes it magical.

So go forth, swipe boldly, and remember: the weirder the app, the better the story. This is why the internet was invented, right?

Tech & Innovation

Acer launches TravelMate X14 AI business laptop to empower SMBs and hybrid workforces

The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

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Acer announced a suite of commercial products designed to empower the modern workforce. The lineup includes the Acer TravelMate X14 AI Copilot+ PC and three new additions to the eco-friendly Vero projector series: the Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n.

“As AI is becoming increasingly important in modern business workflows, small and medium businesses need devices that integrate intelligent tools, robust security, and mobility,” said James Lin, General Manager, Notebooks, Acer Inc. “The TravelMate X 14 AI was designed to deliver just that, powered by the latest Intel Core Ultra processors and Copilot+ PC experiences, offering professionals a lightweight yet durable solution crafted to accelerate productivity and collaboration from anywhere.”

“The Acer TravelMate X14 AI demonstrates what’s possible when advanced hardware and modern processors come together. With powerful performance, enhanced security, and unique AI experiences, it’s an ideal choice for today’s professionals looking to upgrade to a PC that prioritizes portability and performance. Together with Acer, we’re redefining what the modern workforce can expect from their Windows 11 PCs.” — Mark Linton, Vice President, Windows + Devices, Microsoft

TravelMate X4 14 AI: Lightweight, Secure, and AI-Ready to Boost SMBs

Built for small and medium businesses (SMBs) and mobile professionals, the TravelMate X4 14 AI (TMX414-51) is a sleek and secure AI business laptop. It features up to an Intel Core Ultra 7 Processor 258V with 115 TOPS[1] of overall performance, up to 32 GB LPDDR5X memory, and up to 1 TB PCIe storage, ensuring smooth multitasking. Running Windows 11 Pro, the laptop supports Copilot+ PC experiences[2], including Recall (preview), Click to Do, improved Windows search, Cocreator in Microsoft Paint, and Live Captions for real-time multilingual translations.

Weighing just 1.27 kg (2.8 lbs) and measuring 15.9 mm (0.63 inches) thin, it is ideal for professionals who travel frequently and work remotely. Built to meet MIL-STD 810H durability standards, it can withstand vibrations, humidity, and extreme temperatures, making it a reliable travel companion. Coupled with its stylish design, the portable AI business laptop can certainly make an impression within any work setup or business meeting.

The 14-inch 16:10 WUXGA display provides ample screen space, with an optional OLED panel with 500 nits peak brightness delivering vibrant colors with TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certification[3] (hardware solution) to support better eye comfort. Acer PurifiedView 2.0 and Acer PurifiedVoice 2.0 technology, paired with DTS:X Ultra Audio-enhanced speakers, ensure crystal-clear video calls.

This business laptop complies with TCO certification[4] and includes security features to help protect data and on-screen information. Acer UserSensing 2.0 enables the built-in proximity sensor to dim and then lock the screen when the user is away. Lightning-fast Wi-Fi 7 and Bluetooth 5.4 keep professionals connected for seamless streaming, lag-free video calls, and fast file transfers, and is equipped with two Thunderbolt 4 ports, a USB 3.2 Type-A port, a USB 2.0 Type-A port, an HDMI 2.1 slot and a Gigabit Ethernet port, offering versatile connectivity options.

Acer Vero Projectors

The Acer Vero XL2320p, Vero XL2521, and Vero SL2520n are mercury-free laser projectors made for sustainable and long-term use. With lifespans up to 30,000 hours and 40% lower power consumption compared to traditional lamp-based models, these projectors help reduce the total cost of ownership while delivering reliable performance. As a short-throw projector, the Vero SL2520n can produce a 100-inch image from just 1.1 meters, making it great for space-constrained environments.

All the projectors share the same high-performance specifications, including up to Full HD resolution1 and 4,000 ANSI lumens brightness, projecting crystal clear images with impressive brightness. They support 360-degree projection, portrait mode, and advanced 2D and 4-corner keystone correction, to adapt flexibly to any space or scenario. ​Their IP6X dustproof rating and 24/7 operation capability ensure performance even for demanding use cases, and their 93% Rec.709 color gamut and 50,000:1 contrast ratio deliver immersive images. Viewing experiences are enhanced with 15W built-in speakers and have dedicated modes tailored for entertainment – football mode for the Vero XL2 Series, and golf mode for the Vero SL2520n. The SL2520n comes with its own Ethernet slots, while all three models possess a pair of HDMI ports for flexible display setups.

Staying true to Acer’s eco-conscious values, all three Vero projectors feature 50% post-consumer recycled plastic in their chassis and 100% recyclable packaging, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability.

Pricing and Availability

Exact specifications, prices, and availability will vary by region. To learn more about availability, product specifications and prices in specific markets, please contact your nearest Acer office via www.acer.com.

[1] Specifications may vary depending on the model and/or region. All models are subject to availability. 

[2] Copilot+ PC experiences vary by device and market and may require updates continuing to roll out through 2025; timing varies. See aka.ms/copilotpluspcs 

[3] TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light (Hardware Solution) certified panel only available on the OLED display SKU. 

[4] Acer TCO-certified models are identified with the “TCO” suffix in the model name (ex: XXXXXX-XX-TCO). For more details on Acer TCO-certified products, please see https://tcocertified.com/product-finder/ 

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BizWiz

Always connected, always creating: Chef Ina Bilbao stresses need to stay online to be on point

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

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For culinary content creator and globetrotting chef Ina Bilbao, staying connected isn’t just a convenience—it’s a necessity.

Whether she’s navigating the bustling food markets of South Korea or live-posting from a Michelin-starred pop-up in Taiwan, Ina’s digital presence is as vibrant as her dishes. In this exclusive feature, she shares how Smart Roaming keeps her seamlessly connected, productive, and worry-free while traveling the world.

For Ina, connectivity is non-negotiable. “Before I head out on any international trip, I make sure I’ve pre-booked a Smart Roaming package,” Ina shares. “It’s always one of the first things I do because I know that as soon as I land, I need to be instantly connected to everything—from maps and apps to staying in touch with my team back home.”

One of the biggest challenges for frequent travelers like Ina is managing data usage without falling into the trap of bill shock. “It’s so easy to get caught up in the excitement of a new place and forget to keep track of data usage,” she says. “A Smart roaming package always helps me make sure I’m not running into any unexpected data charges.”

Smart GigaRoam’s transparent pricing and real-time data usage tracking help Ina stay in control, even in the busiest travel moments.

As a culinary explorer, Ina’s work depends on her ability to stay connected. “I’m always on the lookout for new spots to try, whether it’s a local hidden gem or a pop-up restaurant,” she explains. “I use navigation and transportation apps to get around, access e-wallets to pay for meals, and I’m constantly updating my social media for my followers.”

With Smart Roaming, Ina never misses a beat—or a bite.

Ina’s top tip for business owners and frequent flyers? “Never leave your connectivity to chance. Pre-book a Smart Roaming package so that the moment you land, you’re already online. Connectivity is the backbone of staying productive while traveling.”

She also recommends being mindful of data-heavy apps and checking usage regularly through the GigaRoam portal.

Having tried other roaming services in the past, Ina is confident in her choice. “Nothing beats the convenience and peace of mind that comes with Smart Roaming. The packages are affordable, and I never have to worry about my service dropping or getting hit with crazy bills.”

And if issues arise? “Smart Roaming’s customer support is always quick to respond. I can troubleshoot through the GigaRoam portal or check my phone settings to resolve things fast.”

For Ina, staying connected means more than just convenience—it’s about sharing her culinary journey in real time.

Chef Ina Bilbao’s recipe for stress-free travel? A dash of planning, a sprinkle of tech-savvy, and a generous helping of Smart Roaming. Whether you’re a business traveler, content creator, or simply someone who values staying connected, her story is a reminder that with the right tools, the world is truly at your fingertips.

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Tech & Innovation

Canon launches new imagePROGRAF TC-21 desktop large format printer

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

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Canon announced the new imagePROGRAF TC-21, successor to the imagePROGRAF TC-20 compact desktop large format printer. As a step up, the Auto Sheet Feeder (ASF) in the imagePROGRAF TC-21, has been enhanced to meet varied printing needs such as production of publicity materials, architectural and design drawings.

The printer’s tiltable panel and flexibility in installation location improve the user experience as adjustments can be made easily. For the first time ever, a large-format printer in the imagePROGRAF series has recycled steel in a part of its body, making it more environmentally friendly.

Tiltable Operation Panel for Easier Viewing

For the imagePROGRAF TC-21, it is designed to be as space-saving as possible. For example, print-related operations like the paper set and ink filling can be performed from the front of the printer. In addition, it has a tilt-type operation panel that provides comfortable and enhanced usability as the angle can be adjusted according to the user’s preferences. Even if the imagePROGRAF TC-21 is installed on a low shelf, users will still find it easy to operate.

Wide Range of Media Sizes and Types

With its versatile media handling capabilities, the imagePROGRAF TC-21 not only supports printing from A1+ roll paper, but also other types of media like A3 and A4 sizes, postcards, envelopes and labels fed via an auto sheet feeder. It can also adapt to printing the same content in different sizes, such as an A1 scale drawing for submission, an A4 drawing for review, a large poster for a restaurant menu and an A6 or postcard-sized flyer for table placement.

Printing Enhancements

The “Minimal Margin Printing” function allows users to print on roll paper with no top and bottom margins, with minimal margins on the left and right sides. The imagePROGRAF TC-21 adopts the image processing method like the higher-end model to print posters in vivid colours even on plain paper, thus making the creations more impactful. The high-capacity ink tank in the imagePROGRAF TC-21 also enables efficient printing and reduces the time required for ink refiling. To express their creativity, users can utilise the free software, “PosterArtist” to create posters and flyers that help bring their vision to life.

Environmentally Friendly Materials

As part of efforts to care for the environment, approximately 5% recycled steel and 40% recycled resin were integrated into certain parts of the printer’s body. In addition, the product packaging is made of recyclable cardboard instead of polystyrene foam. With high environmental performance, the TC-21 has been registered as a gold product under U.S. environmental assessment system EPEAT.

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