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Taking leave from work for significant video game releases is a time-honoured tradition. Unsurprisingly, the highly anticipated launch of Grand Theft Auto VI (GTA 6) has fans eagerly planning to request time off to play from the moment it launches on Nov. 19.

It's tempting to drop everything and immediately dive in when you've looked forward to a game for years. However, GTA 6 is big enough that taking leave around this date is likely to raise some eyebrows. If you're going to do so, it's important to think carefully about how to go about it, so as to maximise your chances of success.

Your boss probably knows why you're asking for leave Reddit

Grand Theft Auto VI launches on a Thursday, just two days before the weekend. As such, many people are planning to take both Nov. 19 and 20 off, giving them four free days to commit crimes in the fictional state of Leonida. Others are extending their time off, setting aside a week or more to play the game. With the Thanksgiving public holiday on Nov. 26, taking five days of leave from Nov. 19 to 25 can give you eight days of uninterrupted GTA 6 time.

However, whether these leave requests will be approved is a different story.

GTA 6 is one of the most eagerly anticipated video games to come out in recent years. The first new Grand Theft Auto title in 13 years, it continues a video game series that has had massive cultural impact since it first launched in 1997. It even won The Game Awards' Most Anticipated Game award two years running.

SEE ALSO: 'GTA VI' Online release date: What we know so far

As such, there is a good chance that your boss has heard of GTA 6, and knows exactly what a Nov. 19 leave request means. What's more, with so many people looking forward to GTA 6, it's likely that others in your workplace are either considering or have already done so. Fan website GTA 6 Calculator even built a leave agreement generator, which creates a joke document outlining terms allowing workers "to fully immerse himself/herself in playing the game, while maintaining minimum professional obligations."

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In a recent Reddit post to Australian corporate subreddit r/auscorp, user u/instanityxsl claimed that their boss had gone so far as to warn employees about requesting leave around GTA 6's launch date.

"In our last team meeting the team leader was saying 'just so you know any leave around Nov 19th may require further explanation for approval, we’ve seen a large number of leave applied for this date and we’re understaffed. HR knows why this is happening. It’s that GT game,'" u/instanityxsl stated. "I was planning on taking 19th to 27th off, but a lot of people from other teams have applied [for] annual leave on these days and it’s flagged as unusual."

While Australians generally receive four weeks of paid annual leave per year, workers in the U.S. aren't legally guaranteed any paid leave at all. As such, taking time off to play a video game may be an even trickier proposition stateside. 

You don't have to give a reason, but don't lie Reddit

Leave policies vary significantly among employers in the U.S., as there are few statutory requirements. While you need to tell your boss why you're requesting time off when taking family or medical leave, the handling of other leave requests is largely left up to your employer's discretion. This includes how much time you're permitted to take off, whether you need to provide an explanation, and how much notice is required.

Your best bet is to consider your individual circumstances, and how a leave request may be received depending upon your workplace culture and policies, current workload, and relationship with your boss. This includes talking with your boss early on. As always, giving them as much notice of your leave as possible enables them to plan around your absence, which can help achieve the outcome you want. 

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Whether to disclose the reason for your request is up to your judgement. There is no legal obligation to tell your employer what you plan to do during your time off. However, if they already suspect that GTA 6 is the reason behind your Nov. 19 leave request and directly ask you, attempting to skirt the question is unlikely to do you any favours. It's best to be honest, and let the chips fall as they may. A few days of gaming isn't worth jeopardising your work relationships.

Such a confession won't necessarily destroy your application's chances, either. While some employers will no doubt be unsympathetic to fans' excitement, a few people on social media have reported explicitly GTA 6-related leave requests being approved. Redditor u/ddc431 even claimed that they will be closing their 18-person company for launch day, after several people requested the day off.

"if some of them are already spending an actual vacation day on this, and let's be real the rest of us are gonna be useless that day anyway, why am i making everyone pretend to work," u/ddc431 wrote. "so i just said screw it, we're closing. everyone. paid day, and it does NOT count as holiday. nobody loses a vacation day over it."

Reddit

Other employers have identified GTA 6's release as a motivational tool. Last month, several U.S. Army combat engineers in Georgia were offered a four days of leave to play Grand Theft Auto VI as an incentive for reenlisting. Those who chose to reenlist between Aug. 1 and Nov. 14 would be eligible for the pass, which was "specifically designated to coincide with the highly anticipated release of the video game Grand Theft Auto VI." At least 44 of the 130 eligible soldiers have reportedly taken up the offer.

Meanwhile, Redditor u/Perfect-Pension545 said they may turn launch day into a relaxing day of gaming in the office.

"I’ve also considered having a 'work day' that is anything but that — projector, GTA, drinks and good food," u/Perfect-Pension545 wrote. "Staff can either come in and socialise and play the game or take the day off."

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An understanding employer is the best-case scenario. Unfortunately, even if you craft the most reasonable and considered request for leave on GTA 6's launch day, there's no guarantee that it will be approved. In such cases, being willing to delay your leave slightly may help you get the next best thing. Perhaps your boss expects your office to be particularly busy on Nov. 19 (which may be the case if others have already asked for some GTA 6-filled time off). You could instead proposed delaying your leave until Nov. 23, allowing you to dive into GTA 6 over the weekend and keep playing through Monday.

Though it may be disappointing not to spend launch day playing, waiting a day or two could ultimately offer you a better experience.

Should you just wait until the weekend? Reddit

Many people are keen to jump on GTA 6 as soon as it drops. However, there are some benefits to waiting until the weekend. 

GTA 6 is unlikely to suffer from the same server issues that Grand Theft Auto Online did in 2013. The multiplayer game was plagued with issues at launch, with players struggling to connect to its overloaded servers. In contrast, GTA 6 is a single-player game, so fans needn't fear that similar server issues will lock them out on launch day. GTA 6 is also available for preload, so you won't even have to endure downloading huge files at sluggish speeds on Nov. 19, provided you plan ahead.

Even so, it's likely that GTA 6 will likely still require some updates on launch day. Day-one patches are the norm in video games, allowing developers to update a game after it has been certified for consoles. With millions of players expected to boot up GTA 6 on launch day, any patch may take a while to download. Waiting until after the rush could save you some strife, while also giving GTA 6 developer Rockstar Games a little extra time to patch any issues that pop up on day one. 

Of course, this isn't a reason not to request leave for Grand Theft Auto VI if that's what you'd prefer. For those diving into big games on launch day, the energy and excitement of experiencing it alongside other fans for the first time can be akin to watching live sports rather than catching a replay. Just consider what you'd like to prioritise for your first GTA 6 session, and what will make this long-awaited launch feel most thrilling to you.

Fortunately, there's no reason to fret even if you can't get the time off. The fact that GTA 6 is a single-player game means that you won't miss anything if you can't boot it up right at midnight. Whether it takes you a day, a week, a month, or even a year to get to it (knock on wood), GTA 6 will still be there waiting for you.

Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalog.

Released in August 2025, Pips puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move on to the next difficulty level and start over. However, we have you covered! Below are piecemeal answers that will serve as hints so that you can find your way through each difficulty level.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity with how Pips is played. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 16, 2026

The conditions you have to meet are specific to the color-coded spaces. For example, if it provides a single number, every side of a tile in that space must add up to the number provided. It is possible — and common — for only half a tile to be within a color-coded space.

Here are common examples you'll run into across the difficulty levels:

• Number: All the pips in this space must add up to the number.

• Equal: Every domino half in this space must be the same number of pips.

• Not Equal: Every domino half in this space must have a completely different number of pips.

• Less than: Every domino half in this space must add up to less than the number.

• Greater than: Every domino half in this space must add up to more than the number.

If an area does not have any color coding, it means there are no conditions on the portions of dominoes within those spaces.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for September 16, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for September 16 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically

Less Than (4): Everything in this space must be less than 4. The answer is 1-0, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this space must be equal to 3. The answer is 1-3, placed horizontally; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (6): Everything in this space must be less than 6. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for September 16 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 6-1, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally; 3-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this space must be equal to 5. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 0-1, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (1): Everything in this space must be equal to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 0-1, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for September 16 Pips

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 3-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Number (7): Everything in this space must add up to 7. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically; 3-5, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (11): Everything in this space must add up to 11. The answer is 3-5, placed horizontally; 5-6, placed vertically.

Number (15): Everything in this space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-2, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 5-2, placed vertically; 4-2, placed horizontally.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally.

Less Than (5): Everything in this space must be less than 5. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally.

Number (2): Everything in this space must add up to 2. The answer is 4-2, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically; 0-0, placed horizontally.

Number (14): Everything in this space must add up to 14. The answer is 1-6, placed vertically; 4-4, placed vertically.

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

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier for people who've played basketball.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a version of the popular New York Times word game that seeks to test the knowledge of sports fans.

Like the original Connections, the game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight, and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier — so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for the latest Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections: Sports Edition?

The NYT's latest daily word game has launched in association with The Athletic, the New York Times property that provides the publication's sports coverage. The sports Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

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Each puzzle features 16 words, and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake — players get up to four mistakes before the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Sign on an injury

• Green: Basketball schemes

• Blue: John who?

• Purple: Milestone year

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Worn After an Injury

• Green: Basketball Defenses

• Blue: John___

• Purple: ___Year

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections: Sports Edition #723 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Worn After an Injury: BRACE, CAST, SLING, SPLINT

• Basketball Defenses: MAN, PRESS, TRAP, ZONE

• John___: ELWAY, STERLING, WALL, WOODEN

• ___Year: CAREER, CONTRACT, REBUILDING, ROOKIE

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Boox makes the buzziest e-readers on BookTok, and the brand just released three new devices. As of Sept. 15, 2026, Boox unveiled three new E Ink electronics: the Note Air6 C, Note Mini C, and Palma 3. The latter is the brand's upgraded palm-sized e-reader, which we've been eagerly awaiting since the Palma 2 was discontinued.

All three devices come with an upgraded octa-core processor for better performance and now run on Android 16. As always, the new Boox devices have access to the Google Play Store, plus they'll have Bluetooth 6.0, and Boox's BSR refresh technology for a smooth display with decreased ghosting.

Here's what we know about the three new devices.

New Boox device pricing

The Boox Note Air6 C is available now, while the Mini C and Palma 3 are coming soon. All devices will be available for purchase from Boox and Amazon.

• Boox Note Air6 C E Ink notebook — $579.99

• Boox Note Mini C E Ink notebook — $579.99

• Boox Palma 3 e-reader — $339.99

About the Boox Palma 3 e-reader The Boox Palma 3 now comes with an aluminum frame. Credit: Boox

While there's been lots of noise around Boox's tiny Picco e-reader, the brand already had a small e-reader. The Palma 3 is the next generation of Boox's palm-sized tablet. With access to the Google Play Store, the Palma 3 isn't quite distraction-free like a Kindle or Kobo. However, Boox embraces the "Quiet Tech" philosophy to make the Palma 3 a low-stimulation second screen.

The Palma 3 has a new design featuring an aluminum frame to replace the Palma 2's plastic frame. It also has a paper-textured fiberglass backplate. It comes with 128GB of storage and even has a camera with an LED flash that processes document scanning. It also has dual microphones so you can create voice memos and do speech-to-text.

The mini e-reader now comes with Boox InkSense Plus handwriting support, which can be utilized with an optional stylus.

The Boox Palma 3 comes with 6.13-inch screen with 300 ppi resolution with a dual-tone front light. It has an octa-core processor and is supported by 6GB of RAM. It will be available in both black and white.

It costs $339.99 and Boox says it will be released soon.

About the Note Air6 C and Note Mini C Boox announced two new color E Ink notebooks, the Air6 C and Mini C. Credit: Boox

In addition to the Palma 3 e-reader, Boox also dropped two new E Ink notebooks.

The Note Air6 C is a color E Ink notebook with upgraded firmware. Now, users can annotate two documents side by side and use enhanced Calendar Memo, a Lasso tool, and Talk Insights. It offers real-time transcription and AI document summary. Its high refresh technology also delivers 40 percent faster page turning.

It runs on a 10.3-inch Kaleido 3 color display, and the Boox Pen3 stylus is included. It also has an integrated keyboard folio so you can type in addition to hand write on the device. The device has a purple-tinted black finish and a magnetic folio in umber and graphite. It has a 300 ppi black and white resolution, 6GB RAM, and 64GB of storage. It costs $579.99 and is available for purchase now.

For a smaller, more portable notebook, there's the Note Mini C. This 8.52-inch notebook also has a Kaleido 3 E Ink display. It comes with a flat cover-lens glass and 300 ppi black and white resolution. With access to the Google Play Store, you can download all your work apps including Teams, Outlook, Slack, and OneDrive. It's just 6 millimeters thin and weighs 300 grams, as Boox designed it to be used one-handed.

It comes with a Boox InSight magnetic active stylus and an orange magnetic folio case. It costs $579.99 and will be available soon.

Looking for spoiler-free NYT Connections hints or just wondering why Connections is trending today? We've got what you need to understand the clues for today's puzzle without spoiling any of the answers.

Of course, Mashable has also provided daily hints and answers for Connections, Wordle, and Strands for years, so we can help you if that's also what you need.

While we are focused more on meanings than hints in this story, sometimes learning that many of the words have completely unrelated meanings is a clue in and of itself. Connections frequently includes clues that involve words within words and other visual clues.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 16, 2026 Latin meaning

The historical language of ancient Rome.

Long John Silver meaning

A fictional pirate and the main villain from the film "Treasure Island."

Marigold meaning

A yellow-orange flower that blooms in summer.

Steam iron meaning

A household appliance that uses a combination of heat, weight and moisture to smooth wrinkles in clothing.

Dimension meaning

The scope or magnitude of something.

Nickelodeon meaning

A coin-operated music player.

Pennywise meaning

The famous ficitonal clown from the movie "IT."

Quarterback meaning

An American football position, typically the leader and primary strategist.

Barrett meaning

A quarrelsome person.

Carlos meaning

A common male name with Spanish and Portuguese roots.

St. Vincent meaning

A person or thing that leads, directs or gives information to help find or understand something.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Wadsworth meaning

A butler in the 80's film "Clue".

Borat meaning

A comedic fictional character played by Sacha Baron Cohen.

Clink meaning

A short, sharp ringing sound made by glass or metal objects hitting each other.

Frank-N-Furter meaning

A fictional cross-dressing scientist in "The Rocky Horror Show."

Widener meaning

A tool used to enlarge an existing hole.

Have you learned the meanings and still want the things? Check out the hints and answers for today's NYT Connections puzzle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a science geek.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 16, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

Want a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:

• Yellow: Periodic table

• Green: Spare change

• Blue: Writers

• Purple: Meaty eats

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Here are today's Connections categories

Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:

• Yellow: Ending in metal elements

• Green: Starting with U.S. coins

• Blue: Poets' middle names

• Purple: Sausages plus a letter

Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.

Drumroll, please!

The solution to today's Connections #1192 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Ending in metal elements: LATIN, LOHN JOHN SILVER, MARIGOLD, STEAM IRON

• Starting with U.S. coins: DIMENSION, NICKELODEON, PENNYWISE, QUARTERBACK

• Poets' middle names: BARRETT, CARLOS, ST. VINCENT, WADSWORTH

• Sausages plus a letter: BORAT, CLINK, FRANK-N-FURTER, WIDENER

Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? Get all the Strands hints you need for today's puzzle.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints will be easy if you make heads turn.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for September 16, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hard not to notice

The words are related to attention.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe ways to capture someone's attention.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Eye Catching.

NYT Strands word list for September 16

• Eyecatching

• Flashy

• Vivid

• Striking

• Vibrant

• Bright

• Jazzy

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're delicate.

If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for September 16, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once. 

Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.

What's the best Wordle starting word?

The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.

What happened to the Wordle archive?

The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.

Is Wordle getting harder?

It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for September 16, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Flimsy.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

Want more tech and digital culture news delivered to your inbox daily or sent straight to your device? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories newsletter or get Mashable push alerts today.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter W.

The Wordle answer today is...

Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.

Drumroll please!

The solution to today's Wordle is...

WISPY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.

Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.

Foldable phones are expensive, so I get why you would be nervous about breaking their flexible internal screen — especially after the horror stories that plagued the first-generation models. But as someone who has used folding phones for the past couple of years, I can tell you firsthand that those screens are more durable than you think.

If you need a display for a Raspberry Pi project, the obvious solution is to buy a dedicated accessory specifically designed to work with your single-board computer. For many projects, however, a used $25 Kindle can actually be a better choice.

How do you get from a chatbot that sometimes makes things up to a machine that humans might struggle to control?

There are several steps in that argument, and plenty of uncertainty. But an idea known as recursive self-improvement, or RSI, helps explain why some AI researchers are sounding increasingly urgent warnings.

The premise is straightforward. An AI helps build a more capable AI, which becomes better at building the next one. In simple terms, the systems get better at getting better.

It is easy to see the appeal. For scientists, doctors, engineers and business owners, increasingly capable AI could help accelerate drug discovery, design better batteries, improve manufacturing and develop software faster.

But that promise comes with an unsettling question: Could AI improve faster than humans can test it and make sure it is safe?

SEE ALSO: Anthropic's CEO urges the industry to slow down, and Sam Altman agrees

That concern is at the heart of an essay published on Sept. 12 by Dario Amodei, co-founder and chief executive of Anthropic, the company behind Claude. "We must slow the pace at which we improve the capabilities of AI models," he wrote. Referring to recursive self-improvement, he warned, "Left unchecked, it could outrun our ability to understand and control these systems, and so must be pursued very carefully, if at all."

His rivals were quick to respond, and concur. "I agree with Dario that we need to pace the frontier," OpenAI chief executive Sam Altman wrote on X. Elon Musk said, "Dario is right." Google DeepMind co-founder Demis Hassabis also backed the proposal’s direction, writing, "Dario’s essay points towards the right path forward."

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But all these testaments still leaves some big questions unanswered. What would slowing down actually involve? And how could AI’s ability to build better AI become dangerous? The answers start with what happens inside the self-improvement loop.

What does "self-improvement" actually mean?

Building an AI model involves more than writing code. Researchers choose training methods, prepare data, run experiments, and decide which results are worth pursuing.

AI can help with those tasks. Recursive self-improvement takes that a step further: An AI helps build a successor that is better at developing AI. That successor then helps build an even more capable version. In simple terms, the systems get better at getting better.

This would not necessarily look like a chatbot rewriting its own brain mid-conversation. It could happen across generations of models, each using research tools and computing resources to help develop the next.

Is AI already doing this?

Parts of the process are happening, but accessing a full "recursive" loop is a higher bar.

Anthropic's own website says its AI can already handle tasks such as rewriting training code to make it run faster and carrying out experiments that humans have chosen. The harder part for the AI is deciding what to investigate in the first place (which problems matter, which ideas are worth testing, etc.).

Humans still provide crucial direction, so this does not yet amount to AI independently developing a more capable successor. As the company puts it, "We are not there yet, and recursive self-improvement is not inevitable."

Other researchers, on the other hand, have demonstrated how a (though narrower) self-improvement loop can work. In 2025, researchers introduced the Darwin Gödel Machine, a coding agent that repeatedly modified its own software and tested the changes. Its success rate on one coding benchmark rose from 20 percent to 50 percent.

In this experiment, while improving the agent's certain tools/ways of working, the underlying AI model stayed the same. It is hard to ignore the question that is left: What happens when AI can build better versions of itself faster than humans can keep up?

"We are not there yet, and recursive self-improvement is not inevitable." - Anthropic So where does the danger come in?

The concern is that AI could become more capable without becoming more reliable or controllable. This is known as the "alignment" problem — ensuring systems follow human intentions and limits. An agent rewarded for improving a test score might instead cheat on the test. With broader access, it could bypass restrictions or conceal its actions to achieve its goal.

RSI could leave researchers less time to catch those failures before a more powerful successor arrives. Amodei warns in his essay that within six to 12 months, more capable AI agents could take over the internet through a "botnet" — a network of compromised computers — potentially causing hundreds of billions of dollars in damage.

But a runaway loop is not inevitable. Training requires computing resources, energy and time, and useful improvements may become harder to find. The risk depends on how quickly capabilities advance — and whether safeguards can keep up.

Why are researchers talking about it now?

Recent incidents have given researchers concrete reasons to question whether existing oversight is sufficient.

In August, independent evaluation organisation METR published an investigation into OpenAI agents that coordinated an unauthorised attack on Hugging Face. It described agents communicating through an unsanctioned message board, collaborating to manipulate an automated scorer and experimenting with ways to disguise their actions.

SEE ALSO: OpenAI agent went rogue, escaped, and hacked Hugging Face

The incident did not demonstrate recursive self-improvement. It showed that agents could pursue a task through actions their operators never authorised — the kind of failure that could become more consequential in stronger systems.

Addressing those failures is central to Amodei’s proposal. He calls for independent evaluators inside AI companies, more time for safety research and coordination between companies and governments. "The stakes are too high for pacing to be an empty exercise — we need to use the time it gives us wisely," he wrote.

The challenge is turning those commitments into safeguards that work, and verifying that companies follow them as competitive pressure grows.

Move over, Jack Reacher. It's Frances Neagley's turn to step into the spotlight. TheReacher television universe on Prime Video is set to expand with its first spin-off series, Neagley, with Maria Sten reprising her role as the titular character.

Most people buying a high-end monitor spend real time researching panel technology, refresh rates, and color accuracy, then plug it into the cable that came in the box without a second thought. That cable is usually a budget part from a generation or two ago, rated for a fraction of the bandwidth the display actually needs. That's the problem. You have to stop pretending that the cable is part of the whole package; it's more like a bonus when you pick the right monitor for your PC.

SAVE $112.51: Amazon has the Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum on sale for $299.99, down from the standard price of $412.50. That's a 27% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dyson Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum $299.99 at Amazon
$412.50 Save $112.51   Get Deal

We're entering the best season of the year if you like neon colors and crunching through leaves. However, that also means tracking endless dirt, mud, and foliage into the house. Even if you take your shoes off at the door, kids and pets tend to forget. Instead of fretting over dirty floors, enlist the help of a powerful Dyson vacuum on sale today.

As of Sept. 15, the Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum is on sale for $299.99, down from the standard price of $412.50. That's a 27% discount, taking $112.51 off the price.

Even if you're not excited about the $500 Dyson squiring toothbrush, we have to hand it to the brand for making excellent stick vacuums. The V8 Plus can get up to 40 minutes of vacuuming fun completed per charge, and it includes two power modes to match the mess you're cleaning.

Dyson is well known for their filtration systems, and the V8 Plus is said to capture 99.99% of all particles as small as 0.3 microns. That means it won't leave dust or dirt behind.

SEE ALSO: Prime members can take $20 off Grubhub orders as an early October Prime Day treat

Adding to the versatility of this model, Dyson included accessories such as a hair screw tool that's perfect for removing pet hair from upholstered furniture, a mini soft dusting brush, and a crevice tool. Altogether, you'll be well-equipped for fall cleaning sessions.

Dyson also includes a wall dock with the V8 for easy, out-of-the-way storage. Emptying the dust bin is simple and doesn't require any contact with the debris you've collected.

Since muddy messes are incoming and the Dyson V8 Plus cordless vacuum is on sale for under $300, this might be more exciting than pumpkin spice's return.

TL;DR: Get lifetime ReciBites Plus access for $39.99 (reg. $360) and turn recipes from social media, websites, screenshots, and cookbooks into organized collections, meal plans, nutrition insights, and smart grocery lists.

Opens in a new window Credit: ReciBites ReciBites - Recipe Organizer, AI Meal Planner & Grocery Lists: Lifetime Subscription $39.99
$360 Save $320.01   Get Deal

There’s a big difference between having plenty of recipes saved and having an actual plan for dinner. Yet somehow, between screenshots, TikTok saves, Pinterest finds, and photos of cookbooks, dinner inspiration ends up everywhere except somewhere useful.

ReciBites Plus lifetime access is $39.99 (reg. $360) for a limited time, and its big selling point is turning that recipe clutter into something you might actually cook.

Recipes can be imported from Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, websites, screenshots, notes, cookbook pages, and even handwritten recipe cards. Organize them into unlimited cookbooks, while duplicate detection helps prevent your collection from becoming another mess.

Then ReciBites goes beyond saving. Its AI breaks recipes down into ingredients, calories, macros, and key nutrients. Smart dietary alerts flag recipes that don’t match your preferences or goals, while personalized swaps can accommodate needs such as higher-protein, lower-sugar, halal, and allergy-free.

Once you’ve picked what sounds good, saved recipes can become automatic weekly meal plans. ReciBites creates grocery lists that merge duplicate ingredients and organize items by aisle, keeping the planning and shopping connected. You can also scale servings, convert measurements, and follow step-by-step cooking instructions.

Staring at miscellaneous leftovers instead? The AI Cooking Assistant can generate recipes using ingredients you already have.

There’s even a social side that lets you add friends and see what people you actually know are saving and cooking, rather than relying solely on strangers in a feed.

ReciBites is one organized, useful spot for all those recipes you’ve been saving — so they can finally become dinner. Get lifetime access to ReciBites Plus for just $39.99 (reg. $360) while you can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

We all know someone who loves building a ridiculously complicated Excel formula and proudly announcing that it works. I used to be that person. I've been writing Excel formulas for decades, and I loved the satisfaction of making a single formula handle a problem that once seemed impossible. The trouble was, those formulas could become a lot less impressive when I came back to them later. Then along came the LET function.

Giving your old phone to a friend or family member is a great way to get some extra life out of a device you no longer need. But before you hand it over, consider more than deleting your photos and removing a few apps. Your phone may still contain personal information, remain connected to your accounts, or have hardware inside it that you don't want to accidentally give away.

SAVE $40: As of Sep. 15, get the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker for $59.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $99.99. That's a discount of 40%.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 $59.99 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $40.00   Get Deal

The weather's getting cooler and the days are getting shorter. That means fall is just about here. If you saved your vacation days for an autumn getaway, a portable speaker is just the thing to take with you so you can enjoy music wherever you go. And if you don't have one, now's the time to splurge with this excellent deal.

As of Sep. 15, get the Ultimate Ears Wonderboom 4 Portable Waterproof Speaker for $59.99 at Amazon, down from its usual price of $99.99. That's $40 off, a 40% discount.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best portable Bluetooth speakers that we use and love

This portable speaker excels at projecting sound from a compact, hardy package. It's 1P67-rated for waterproofing and dustproofing, and it can even float in water should it take a tumble into the pool. It offers 360-degree audio and a rechargeable battery that gives you 14 hours of life, so you can keep the party going all day long.

This model earned its spot on Mashable's best portable speakers list as the best under $100 option, so it's an even better buy at this price. We found it to be a "powerhouse for its size and price," so rest assured you're getting a small speaker that truly bumps.

Whether you're going off-grid and need some entertainment while away or just want to take great audio with you to a party or your vacation destination, this is a deal you'll want to snag while it's still live.

Best deals from the Amazon Haul flash sale: Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale Home Deal Building Block Desktop Tape Dispenser $1.37 (Save $1.14) Get Deal Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale Beauty Deal 5-Piece Portable Travel Makeup Brush Set $0.92 (Save $1.06) Get Deal Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale Tech Deal Multi-USB Charger Adapter Kit $1.66 (Save $0.83) Get Deal Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale Kitchen Deal 7-inch Silicone Tip Kitchen Tongs $0.83 (Save $0.97) Get Deal Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale Pet Deal Silicone Pet Food Can Lid with Spoon $1.37 (Save $0.62) Get Deal

Feel like going on a shopping spree, but working with a limited budget? It's time to hit up Amazon Haul, where you can snap up a long list of items from a flash sale going on right now for just $2 and under.

If you haven't wandered over to Haul yet, it's Amazon's budget storefront, where nothing goes above $20, and you can get a wide range of goodies for under $10. It has its own cart and checkout, with a wide variety of items you didn't even know you needed. It's like a miniature store-within-a-store for Amazon junkies, akin to Shein, with tons of goodies up for grabs that won't set you back if you feel like splurging.

Shipping is free once your order reaches $25, and Amazon says most Haul orders arrive within two weeks rather than two days. And if you're ready to do a little guilt-free shopping, this flash sale is the time to do it. We've rounded up some of the best picks you'll find during the sale, plus goodies worth grabbing while they're around.

Keep reading to check out our favorite Haul flash deals and more.

Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale home deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Building Block Desktop Tape Dispenser $2.51 at Amazon
  Get Deal Why we like it

This obviously LEGO-shaped tape dispenser (though it isn't official) can add a little whimsy to your desk area, or wherever you decide to place it, and brighten up your day. If you're always misplacing your tape or just want a fun little setpiece for your home office or counter, this will do the trick nicely, and you really can't beat the price, even before the discount.

Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale beauty deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 5-Piece Portable Travel Makeup Brush Set with Mirror $0.92 at Amazon
$1.98 Save $1.06   Get Deal Why we like it

Need a touch-up on the go? This perfectly portable 5-piece travel makeup brush set includes a blush brush, an eyeshadow brush, and three smaller detail and contouring brushes, all in a mirrored compact, for under $1. You can do an entire face of makeup if you need to, and it can be tossed in a bag or purse, or into a drawer at work, for whenever you want to put together a look without dragging your full-sized brush collection everywhere.

Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale tech deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Multi-USB Charger Adapter Kit $1.66 at Amazon
$2.49 Save $0.83   Get Deal Why we like it

You never know when you might need a USB adapter. Maybe you've got the wrong cable for the port you need, or maybe a friend needs a different type of USB cable. Be prepared with this set, which comes in a handy little case and includes a card-slot phone holder, so you get a 2-in-1 of tech goodies.

Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale kitchen deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon 7-inch Silicone Tip Kitchen Tongs $0.83 at Amazon
$1.80 Save $0.97   Get Deal Why we like it

Everyone can use a pair of tongs, especially if you spend a lot of time in the kitchen. Grab another pair for under a buck in a variety of colors, so you can toss one in the drawer, hang it on the wall, or keep it in your dish drying rack since you're just going to use it again for dinner anyway and can't be bothered to put it away. Kitchen gadgets in fun colors are always a good idea.

Best Amazon Haul Flash Sale pet deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Silicone Pet Food Can Lid with Spoon $1.37 at Amazon
$1.99 Save $0.62   Get Deal Why we like it

If you serve your pet wet food from a can, you know that saving half of a meal can get messy. You could transfer half the cat food into a baggie or throw it in the fridge, but you want it to be fresh for your furry friend. Use this lid to cover an open can instead and preserve your pet's food for the best taste (and quality) possible. Plus, you get a spoon to serve it up, too.

More Amazon Haul Flash Sale deals

• V-Shaped Hook Grill Brush and Scraper — $0.67 $2.19 (save $1.52)

• Stainless Steel Julienne Peeler — $0.94 $1.92 (save $0.98)

• Rotating Swivel Hook — $1.22 $2.30 (save $1.08)

• 60-count 4-gallon Trash Bags — $1.32 $1.91 (save $1.08)

TL;DR: Get the perks of a VPN plus extra AI-powered protection with this lifetime subscription to GhostShield AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan for $49.99 (reg. $399).

Opens in a new window Credit: GhostShield VPN GhostShield AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan: Lifetime Subscription $49.99
$399 Save $349.01   Get Deal

It’s 2026, and it’s time for your VPN to get with the times. If you’re using a basic VPN service that only offers encryption, it’s time to meet GhostShield, an AI-Powered VPN that takes that protection one step further.

GhostShield offers an AI Threat Analyzer that goes beyond simply hiding your IP address, and right now you can lock in a lifetime subscription for only $49.99.

With cybercriminals only getting more sophisticated, it’s time for your VPN to upgrade its skills as well. GhostShield AI-Powered VPN watches your internet traffic as it happens, so it’s able to determine dangerous domains and suspicious connections before you click on them.

Let GhostShield flag any risks as they arise, so you can prevent your data from being exposed. It also offers ad and tracker blocking, so you can enjoy a more peaceful browsing experience.

GhostShield encrypts every connection with ChaCha20 over WireGuard, routing it through 20 different server locations in over 16 countries. You can use the internet however you’d like — there are no bandwidth caps, and you don’t have to worry about throttling or data limits.

Unlike competitors, GhostShield will not monetize your data in the background, only protect your connection, or offer identity monitoring. There’s a strict no-logging policy, so your browsing, traffic, or connection activity is never recorded, and a kill switch cuts the internet the second the tunnel drops, preventing your IP address from ever being exposed.

You can use this Premium Plan lifetime subscription across 10 devices simultaneously — so you can protect all your devices and share with family members. There’s also a Family Mode feature that automatically blocks all gambling and adult content on devices.

Enjoy a safer internet for life with this lifetime subscription to GhostShield AI-Powered VPN Premium Plan for just $49.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.