IT General

SAVE $165: As of July 14, the Insignia 65-inch F50 Series 4K Fire TV is on sale for $284.99 at Amazon — that's 37% off its $449.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Insignia Insignia 65-inch Class F50 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV $284.99 at Amazon
$449.99 Save $165 Get Deal

For those who missed out on a great TV deal during last week’s Prime Day, Amazon still has a large 4K unit at its lowest-ever price according to camelcamelcamel.

As of July 14, the Insignia 65-inch Class F50 Series 4K UHD Smart Fire TV is on sale for just $284.99 at Amazon — that’s a $165 price drop and a solid 37% off the usual $449.99 price tag.

This set isn’t just about screen size — though at 65 inches, it’s certainly got your attention since it can fill any average living room’s entertainment space and then some. It delivers 4K Ultra HD resolution with HDR10, offering stunning contrast and vibrant colours whether you're streaming a blockbuster or watching live sports. 

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 adds 'Emoji Game' for Apple News+ subscribers

And if your movies, shows, or live programmes aren’t in 4K; whether it be Gen V, Slow Horses, Severance, Heads of State, or even the local news; that’s no problem, either. The F50 will always try to upscale it to near-4K quality where possible — achieving breathtaking results depending on the content.

With Fire TV built in, you get instant access to apps like Netflix, Disney+, HBO Max, and Prime Video, plus over a million free titles from services like Tubi and Pluto TV. You can even connect smart home gear, view security cams, and control lighting using the Alexa voice remote. It also promises to sound as good as it looks, thanks to DTS Virtual-X audio. You can hook up your game console or Blu-ray player easily with three HDMI ports, or use HDMI eARC for richer sound through a soundbar or receiver.

If you want that clean, cable-free look with more room on your display unit or TV cabinet, it’s even wall-mountable. 

With all of that for under $300, this deal feels kind of ridiculous. For extra savings on tech upgrades, check out our selection of the 10 best post-Prime Day deals that are still available to buy right now. And if you're seeking an extra screen, you can also grab a $200 refurbished MacBook Air at the Mashable Shop.

The best tech deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

FREE GIFT CARD: As of July 14, Amazon is offering a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic. This deal is valid until July 24.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic + $100 Amazon Gift Card $499.99 at Amazon
$599.99 Save $100 Get Deal

Alongside some great Prime Day deals that are still floating around after the sale event, Amazon has some exciting treats for shopper to check out. If you've had your eye on the recently-announced Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic, Amazon is currently offering a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the sleek new smartwatch.

This bundle costs $499.99. It's an offer that's only running until July 24. So there's no better time than now to pick it up and upgrade your smartwatch game with a little bonus cash to spend on something else.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2025 is over-ish: We found 125+ deals that are still live from Apple, Yeti, Ninja, and Sony

This smartwatch is well worth the investment, too. Alongside a stylish design, it boasts advanced health and sleep tracking features, an Energy Score that helps you plot out your activities for the day based on stats from the previous day, and for those with a love of fitness, it even comes with a Running Coach feature that tracks various factors such as age, weight, oxygen levels, and heart rate to help you out.

The Galaxy Watch 8 even offers insights into your diet, activity, and stress levels so you can keep a closer eye on your health. If you're looking for a smartwatch that keeps up with your daily health and fitness goals, it's packed with features to help.

This offer only lasts until July 24, so act fast to get a free $100 Amazon gift card when you pre-order the Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic at Amazon. If you're curious to see preorders for the standard Galaxy Watch 8, check out our Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 preorder guide.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

From reduced eye strain and fatigue to enhanced mood and productivity, good lighting offers many benefits. Although there are less expensive options, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo 2 makes a compelling case as being the best monitor-mounted lighting solution for your desk.

SAVE $109: As of July 14, the Garmin vívoactive 5 is on sale for $190 at Amazon. That's a 37% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 5 $190 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $109.99 Get Deal

Looking for a new smartwatch? For an all-rounder, check out the Garmin vívoactive 5, currently on sale at Amazon. This watch was released in late 2023, bringing a stark upgrade from the previous model. It boasts impressive health and lifestyle stats, and as of July 14, it's at its lowest price in 2025.

Right now, you can save $109 on list price. Prime Day may have come to an end last week, but deals like this are still lingering days later, and we're not mad about it.

SEE ALSO: The best fitness trackers 2025: Smartwatches and rings that you can buy during Amazon Prime Day

As an upgrade from the vívoactive 4, the 5 benefits from a bright and colorful AMOLED display, making everything look incredibly vibrant. It also has a much-improved battery life, boasting 11 days when in smartwatch mode.

As you'd expect from Garmin, the stats and tracking features are seriously next level; it offers an advanced range of health metrics, including heart rate, SpO2, stress levels, and detailed sleep analysis. The sleep tracking has been improved from previous models and now includes sleep coaching. For sports enthusiasts, it supports tracking for running, cycling, swimming, and a wide variety of other activities. Despite not being part of the more advanced Garmin ranges, this watch is more than capable of tracking long activities, up to marathon level and beyond.

However, it's worth noting that it does lack some of the more advanced training features, including training readiness and status. It is also no longer the newest in the range after the release of the vívoactive 6 earlier this year, but if owning the latest in the range doesn't matter to you, the 5 is still an excellent choice.

Get it from Amazon now, before the price goes back up to pre-Prime Day levels.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

Last week, Elon Musk said xAI's Grok chatbot would be coming to Tesla vehicles. Now, the company has made good on the CEO's promise, but perhaps not in the way many users had hoped.

Launched on Saturday, the latest firmware update for Tesla cars brings Grok functionality to some vehicles — namely, only those with an AMD chip inside. That means only Teslas produced around mid-2021 or later can access Grok.

SEE ALSO: xAI apologizes for Grok praising Hitler, blames users

There's a bigger caveat, though. According to Tesla's release notes for software version 2025.26, "Grok is currently in Beta & does not issue commands to your car — existing voice commands remain unchanged."

This means that Tesla owners won't be able to use Grok smarts to get better functionality out of the car's voice command interface, which often leaves a lot to be desired (I've personally struggled to issue basic commands to a Tesla Model 3, including choosing a song to play or simply getting it to understand what I'm trying to say).

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

Instead, Grok can now be used for non-car.-specific queries, including (Tesla's example) asking the assistant what it would do on a first date with Tesla's robot, Optimus.

There's no word on whether Grok's behavior in Tesla cars may change in the future.

The new functionality came after a tough week for Grok (and those who had the misfortune of seeing its posts), as it went on an antisemitic tirade on X — just a few days after Musk announced that the chatbot had been "improved significantly." Per The Verge, the chatbot's system had been tuned to "not shy away from making claims which are politically incorrect." In an update over the weekend, xAI apologized for the issue and said the code negatively affecting the Grok's "horrific behavior" has been removed.

Shortly after the incident, xAI launched a new version of Grok, which beats other AI assistant in a number of AI benchmarks.

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

Meanwhile, Musk promised the "most epic demo ever" by Tesla "by end of year," without going into specifics.

SAVE $100: As of July 14, Apple AirPods Pro 2 are still at their Prime Day price of $149. That's the best-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Pro 2 $149 at Amazon
$249 Save $100 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day may be in the rearview, but thankfully quite a few deals have hung around after the sale. One of our absolute favorite discounts from the sale was on the AirPods Pro 2, which are still at their lowest-ever price.

This discount saves you $100 on their usual list price of $249, which is an excellent bargain to jump on. Who knows how much longer it'll stick around, so if these AirPods have been on your radar, now is the chance to score them at their best-ever price.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2025 is over-ish: We found 125+ deals that are still live from Apple, Yeti, Ninja, and Sony

I'm a very big fan of these AirPods. Not only do they offer stellar sound quality courtesy of the H2 chip, but the noise-canceling features always come in handy. Whether you're looking to block out the sounds around you or let some noise in so you can stay aware of your surroundings, Active Noise Cancelation and Transparency mode are here to assist. There's also Adaptive Audio, which works as a mix of the two features to adapt to your environment.

On top of that, they have a nice fit. The silicone tips feel comfortable in your ears and help create a seal to keep sound out. They're also IP54 dust, sweat, and water resistant so you can wear them in various environments without any worry of damage.

Act fast to scoop up the AirPods Pro 2 at this fantastic all-time low discount at Amazon. Looking for more AirPods deals? Check out our breakdown of the best Prime Day AirPods deals to see which offers are still live after the sale event.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

SAVE OVER $600: As of July 14, the Dreame X40 Ultra Robotic Vacuum is down to $699.99 at Amazon — that’s 50% off its $1,399.98 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: DREAME Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum $699.99 at Amazon
$1,399.99 Save $700 Get Deal

The Dreame X40 Ultra robot vacuum is sporting a deep discount right now at Amazon — and if your home is begging for smarter, hands-free cleaning, this deal is hard to ignore.

As of July 14, the Dreame 40 Ultra is just $699.99 at Amazon. That's its lowest-ever price according to price tracker camelcamelcamel. That’s a whopping $699.99 off its usual $1,399.98 price tag — a 50% saving that’s unlikely to stick around for long.

SEE ALSO: iOS 26 adds 'Emoji Game' for Apple News+ subscribers

The Dreame X40 Ultra is built to deliver some serious cleaning. With a staggering 12,000Pa of suction, it’s one of the most powerful robot vacuums you can buy — easily pulling up embedded pet hair, fine dust, and more. It also comes equipped with OmniDirt detection and MopExtend RoboSwing tech, which means it can detect stubborn messes and scrub into corners and under furniture without missing a beat.

Another one of the standout features is its removable and liftable mop, which helps protect rugs from wet mopping. The mop lifts automatically or can be removed entirely — perfect for carpeted homes. The SideReach extendable brush even offers to get into baseboards and tight angles that most bots can’t reach.

When it’s done cleaning, the Dreame says the X40 takes care of itself. It returns to its dock to auto-empty, auto-refill, and even wash the mop with 158°F hot water to prevent odours and bacteria build-up — no hands required.

The Dreame app even adds smart mapping, pet zone control, and customisable cleaning settings, and the massive 6400mAh battery keeps the vacuum running for longer sessions.

For more high-value bargains from Amazon, check out these 10 popular post-Prime Day deals that are still available. What’s more, you can still get a refurbished MacBook Air for only $200 at the Mashable Shop.

The best deals right now, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

The official X account for Sesame Street's Elmo was hacked on Sunday, publishing several antisemitic posts as well as calls for President Donald Trump to "RELEASE THE [Epstein] FILES" (emphasis original).

SEE ALSO: xAI apologizes for Grok praising Hitler, blames users

Sesame Street's lovable red monster appeared considerably less lovable this weekend, with Elmo's X account posting an onslaught of antisemitic statements and calls for genocide to its 645,000 followers. The hacked account further responded to other users with slurs against Black people and the LGBTQ community.

Users were quick to identify that Elmo's incredibly uncharacteristic behaviour was the result of a hacker, and the offending posts have since been deleted. Even so, the posts quickly garnered widespread attention.

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

In addition to the aggressively racist comments, the hackers controlling Elmo's X account also took aim at Trump. Accusing him of being a "PUPPET" for Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the hacked account called for the U.S. president to publish files relating to convicted child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.

Trump has urged his followers to move on from the so-called "Epstein files," with the U.S. Department of Justice stating that no "incriminating 'client list'" of the deceased criminal's associates exists. Many of his followers have expressed scepticism regarding this claim.

Featured Video For You All You Need to Know About Neuralink's Telepathy Update

While Elmo's official X account has not made any posts acknowledging Sunday's hack, a Sesame Workshop spokesperson confirmed the incident in a statement shared with Mashable and other publications.

"Elmo’s X account was compromised today by an unknown hacker who posted disgusting messages, including antisemitic and racist posts," said the spokesperson. "We are working to restore full control of the account."

Hate speech has been a growing problem on X since owner Elon Musk acquired the microblogging platform in 2022 (known then as Twitter). X's integrated AI chatbot Grok went on its own antisemitic tirade just last week, labelling itself "MechaHitler." Grok creator xAI finally issued an apology for the chatbot's "undesired behavior" on Sunday.

UPDATE: Jul. 15, 2025, 11:21 a.m. AEST This article has been updated with comment from Sesame Workshop.

Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.

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 today: Hints and answers for July 14 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's The Mini crossword answers for July 14, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Reversed.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter D appears twice.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter U.

SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. 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...

UNDID.

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.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 14

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

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 today's Wordle.

TL;DR: For $79.99, you get lifetime access to Luminar Neo and 8 editing add-ons — an award-winning AI photo editing tool for Mac and Windows.

We’ve all had that one photo — perfect moment, perfect pose, totally wrecked by the weird lighting or some random object in the background. That’s where Luminar Neo steps in. It’s photo editing for people who don’t want to spend hours fixing things, but still want their pictures to look amazing.

This Luminar Neo bundle — on sale for $79.99 (reg. $682) is packed with AI tools that do the heavy lifting, like instantly replacing skies, removing clutter, retouching portraits, and balancing tricky lighting. You don’t have to learn a million Photoshop tricks or memorize where every button is. It’s built for regular people who love photography and want pro-level results without the stress.

This lifetime bundle includes not just the full version of Luminar Neo, but also eight creative add-ons to help you stretch your style: overlays for light effects, sky replacements, and LUTs that give your portraits or landscapes a specific mood (cozy winter? cinematic drama? you pick). You’ll also get a 10-video course from professional photographer Albert Dros, so you can learn the ins and outs of the software from someone who’s been featured everywhere from Time to National Geographic.

No subscriptions, no hidden fees — just a one-time purchase that gives you everything you need to make your photos look as beautiful as you imagined.

Get the Luminar Neo lifetime bundle on sale for $79.99 for a limited time.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: Luminar Neo The Award-Winning Luminar Neo Lifetime Bundle $79.99
$682 Save $602.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Lifetime access to My Notes AI Pro is on sale for $29.97 with code TAKE10 — transcribe, summarize, and organize your notes across all your Apple devices.

If you’re the type who means to take notes but ends up with a bunch of scattered recordings and a 12-hour backlog of Zoom meetings, you’re not alone. Let’s face it — taking notes while trying to listen is like juggling with one hand tied behind your back. That’s where My Notes AI earns its keep, with a lifetime Pro plan on sale for $29.97 with code TAKE10 — and that covers all your transcription, meeting recording, and AI-summarizing needs across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Save your meetings with one click — Zoom, Teams, Meet — directly on your Mac, no drama. Or upload your audio files later and let the app transcribe it all for you. With support for multiple languages and unlimited usage, you can keep your recordings going and let AI do the heavy lifting. And the best part? You’ll get a lightning-fast summary of every long-winded conversation, so you don’t have to relive every “circle back”.

Organize notes in tidy folders, export them when needed, and keep your workflow humming with zero stress. This is an Apple-only app, built specifically for iOS 16+ and macOS 13+ users on Apple Silicon chips — and it’s made to be ridiculously simple.

Talk more. Type less. Let AI take it from here.

For a limited time, take advantage of the lowest price ever on this lifetime subscription to a My Notes AI Pro Plan for $29.97 when you enter promo code TAKE10 at checkout.

See Deal

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: My Notes AI My Notes AI Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription - AI Note Transcriber & Summarizer $29.97
$299 Save $269.03 Get Deal

TL;DR: Level up your IT career with this CompTIA training bundle. Get lifetime access to five self-paced certification prep courses — including A+, Network+, and Security+ — for just $39.97 (reg. $2,748.75).

Opens in a new window Credit: ExamsDigest The Complete CompTIA & IT Exam Lifetime Access Training Bundle $39.97
$2,748.75 Save $2,708.78 Get Deal

If you’ve been thinking about a career in IT — or just want to level up your existing skills — CompTIA certifications are a solid place to start. Right now, you can get lifetime access to a complete training bundle covering a range of CompTIA exam courses for $39.97 (reg. $2,748.75).

This self-paced training bundle includes five courses and 180 hours of content designed to help you prepare for popular CompTIA certifications, including A+, Network+, Security+, PenTest+, and CySA+. These certifications are widely recognized in the IT industry and can be useful stepping stones into roles in technical support, network administration, cybersecurity, and beyond.

Each course includes video lectures, practice questions, and exam prep materials. You don’t need a tech background to get started — the A+ certification, for instance, is aimed at beginners and covers the fundamentals of hardware, software, and troubleshooting. From there, you can move into more advanced topics like ethical hacking or incident response.

The bundle is delivered online and accessible for life, so you can move through the content on your own schedule. It’s not official certification — you’ll still need to register and pay for the actual exams separately — but it’s designed to get you ready for them.

As far as value goes, this is one of the more affordable ways to explore multiple areas of IT without committing to a full-time course or subscription model. For less than the price of a single bootcamp session, you’re getting access to a broad curriculum you can revisit anytime, whether you’re beginning your certification study journey or want a last-minute review before the exam.

If you’re curious about a tech career or looking to sharpen your résumé, this might be a low-risk, high-reward way to explore the field. Grab lifetime access to these CompTIA courses, now just $39.97 while supplies last.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Qlango turns language learning into a game — and it’s just $34.97 through July 20 for lifetime access.

Opens in a new window Credit: Qlango Qlango Language Learning: Lifetime Subscription (All Languages) $34.97
$119.99 Save $85.02 Get Deal

If your language learning apps feel more like pop quizzes than progress, it’s time to switch it up. Qlango takes a totally different approach — one that actually makes you want to keep going. Instead of guilt-tripping you with daily streaks or shoving random vocab at you, Qlango keeps things light, fun, and goal-focused.

This one-time $34.97 deal gets you lifetime access to all 56 supported languages. The app encourages you to answer only in the language you’re learning, which helps you start thinking like a native speaker from the start. There’s a smart hint system if you’re stuck, but no fake wins — if you miss something, you’ll see it again until you get it right.

Qlango is built around spaced repetition, a proven method for locking in long-term memory. You’ll learn 6,679 of the most commonly used words in your chosen language, each with two real-world examples. And since nouns are taught with their gendered articles, you’ll actually remember which ones are masculine, feminine, or neutral.

Choose your own pace, pick your difficulty level, and customize how you learn — from matching games and dictation to sentence building. The app is available on desktop and mobile, and there’s no penalty for missing a day.

You’ve got through July 20 to grab this $34.97 lifetime subscription to Qlango Language Learning — then you’re free to study on your schedule, no guilt attached.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

If you're reading this, you're looking for a little help playing Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game.

Strands 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 preferrined pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 14 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 14 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Won't you be my neighbor?

The words are town-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are local occupations.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Community.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 14

• Teacher

• Mayor

• Community

• Librarian

• Firefighter

• Janitor

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 today's Strands.

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's The Mini crossword answers for July 14 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: Colors

• Green: Ways to describe a convertible

• Blue: Copy that

• Purple: Seen in children's films

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Shades of blue

• Green: Adjectives for a sports car

• Blue: Words before "Roger/s"

• Purple: Disney animated characters plus a letter

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 #764 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Shades of blue: BABY, ICE, POWDER, SKY

• Adjectives for a sports car: COMPACT, FAST, SLEEK, SPORTY

• Words before "Roger/s": GINGER, JOLLY, MISTER, ROY

• Disney animated characters plus a letter: ABUT, BELLE, FLOUNDERS, SCARY

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 14

Are you also playing NYT 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 today's Connections.

Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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. 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 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.

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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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 14, 2025 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: Difficult stretch

• Green: Analog gaming

• Blue: Hoop homes

• Purple: Heavy hitters

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Rough patch

• Green: Played on a table

• Blue: NBA arenas

• Purple: 2025 MLB HR Derby participants, informally

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 #294 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Rough patch - DROUGHT, FUNK, RUT, SLUMP

• Played on a table - AIR HOCKEY, PING PONG, POOL, SNOOKER

• NBA Arenas - BALL, ROCKET, SCOTIABANK, STATE FARM

• 2025 MLB HR Derby participants, informally - CAL, JAZZ, JUNIOR, ONEIL

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new 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 today's Connections.

RECORD-LOW PRICE: As of July 14, the 11-inch Apple iPad is on sale for $279.99 in Prime Day. This is $69.01 off and the lowest-ever price on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (11-inch) $279.99 at Amazon
$349 Save $69.01 Get Deal

Apple deals were so incredibly strong in this year's Prime Day, but the deals aren't stopping yet. You can still find record-low prices on some of Apple's most popular products, and you don't need to be an Amazon Prime member to secure these discounts.

The 11-inch Apple iPad is still on sale for $279.99. The catch is that only the blue model is still available at this record-low price, and we can't see this price sticking around for long. So if you're interesting in upgrading for the best-ever price, act fast.

SEE ALSO: Apple Watch Series 10 just hit a record-low price for Prime Day — get it for $119 off

The new Apple iPad offers a nice performance boost thanks to the A16 chip. And support for WiFi 6 keeps your connection smooth at all times.

This model comes with 128GB of storage so you can load up on apps, photos, and whatever else without stressing. Mashable's Samantha Mangino argues that it's "a great entry-level tablet" for anyone working on a budget.

Score the new 11-inch Apple iPad for its best-ever price after Prime Day.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

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

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

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

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Monday, July 14, 2025:

AcrossAccount used to log into Threads, familiarly

• The answer is Insta.

Upscale gym freebie

• The answer is Towel.

Bad thing to feel toward the end of a marathon

• The answer is Cramp.

Vowelless grunt

• The answer is Hmmph.

Vegetable in fried rice

• The answer is Pea.

DownReason to scratch one's head, perhaps

• The answer is Itch.

Standard

• The answer is Norm.

Shrek's home

• The answer is Swamp.

Arizona city between Phoenix and Mesa

• The answer is Tempe.

Gen ___ (kids born in the 2010s)

• The answer is Alpha.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.

SAVE $20: As of July 14, the Apple AirTag (four-pack) is on sale for $79.98 at Amazon. That's a 19% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag (4-Pack) $79.98 at Amazon
$99.99 Save $20.01 Get Deal

The Apple AirTag is back on sale at Amazon, so now's your chance to stock up. As of July 14, the four-pack bundle is just $79.98, saving you $20 on list price.

If you're a habitual misplacer of your most important items, you need these. Apple AirTags can be attached to nearly anything: keys, phones, purses, anything you lose regularly. And they couldn't be any easier to use; just attach the AirTag to your item of choice and track it in the Find My app. It even has a small built-in speaker, so you can trigger a sound from the Find My app on your Apple device, making it easier to find the AirTag if it's nearby but out of sight.

SEE ALSO: JetBlue adds Apple AirTag luggage tracking

The battery life is solid, too. According to Apple, all AirTags are designed to have a one-year battery life if used regularly. They use a standard CR2032 coin cell battery, which is user-replaceable. When the battery is running low, you’ll receive a notification on your iPhone, giving you plenty of time to replace it. It even has an IP67 water resistance rating, so it can cope with a maximum depth of one meter for up to 30 minutes.

Get this great deal at Amazon before the price goes back up.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)

SAVE $60: As of July 14, Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are on sale for $119 at Amazon. That's a saving of 34% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) $119 at Amazon
$179 Save $60 Get Deal

Prime Day is officially over, and we think it may have been one of the best years yet. If you missed out on all the fun, or you're still kicking yourself over a deal that got away, there’s good news: not all the record-low prices have vanished.

As of July 14, the Apple AirPods 4 (with ANC) are still at their incredible Prime Day price, which also happens to be their lowest price ever (by a long shot). Now just $119, this deal saves you $60 on list price. But if you're not fussed on noise cancellation, you can get the standard AirPods 4 also lingering at their best-ever Prime Day price.

SEE ALSO: Mashable's top 11 best-sellers from Prime Day 2025 — AirPods, LifeStraw, and Crest

But the Active Noise Cancellation is truly a selling point, especially if you want a "block the world out" kind of sound. With this feature, the AirPods will reduce outside noise before it reaches your ears, so you can immerse yourself in what you’re listening to. They are also powered by Apple's H2 chip, so these AirPods create an incredibly immersive listening experience. Personalized Spatial Audio and dynamic head tracking makes it feel like the sound is moving all around you, creating a theater-like listening experience.

The microphone is also really impressive. It uses advanced computational audio to reduce background noise while highlighting the sound of your voice. Making all your phone calls, voice notes, and recordings super high quality.

Get this lingering Prime Day price before it runs out.

The best deals this week, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts

• Apple AirTag (4-Pack) — $79.98 (List Price $99.00)

• Apple 2025 MacBook Air 13-inch Laptop — $849.00 (List Price $999.00)

• Apple AirPods Pro 2 ANC Earbuds With USB-C Charging Case — $169.00 (List Price $249.00)

• Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum With Removable and Liftable Mop — $699.99 (List Price $1399.98)