IT General

How Fast Charging Changed the Way I Use My Phone

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 16:30

What's your most important feature or specification when buying a new phone? Chances are, it's a big screen, cameras, or storage, and you rarely think about charging speed. Most phones have some type of "fast charging" technology, and we all take it for granted, but it changed how I use my phone.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Massive Allianz Life data breach details reportedly revealed

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 16:23

More information about the massive Allianz Life data breach has reportedly been revealed and it is decidedly not good. Like very not good.

The data breach notification site Have I Been Pwned reported that 1.1 million customers had their data stolen from Allianz Life, which is a major insurance provider. The data in question included email addresses, names, genders, dates of birth, phone numbers and physical addresses. At least some social security numbers were breached as well.

Allianz Life has not confirmed Have I been Pwned's number of customers affected by the breach, but the new info tracks with the relatively limited details shared by the company so far.

"On July 16, 2025, a malicious threat actor gained access to a third-party, cloud-based [customer relationship management] system used by Allianz Life,” Allianz Life spokesperson Brett Weinberg told TechCrunch in July. "The threat actor was able to obtain personally identifiable data related to the majority of Allianz Life’s customers, financial professionals, and select Allianz Life employees, using a social engineering technique."

It's never good when the "majority" of your customers are affected and now it seems we have a possible figure of 1.1 million.

If you're a customer of the insurance company, it feels safe to assume your info has been breached. Update your passwords accordingly.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Score a sizzling deal on a new phone at the 2025 POCO Carnival

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 16:05

If you’re not yet familiar with POCO smartphones, you want to be. As Xiaomi’s spinoff brand, POCO is a global go-to for sleek Android phones with top specs, standout battery life, brilliant displays, and prices that still let you indulge in your daily iced-matcha fix.

Now that POCO is getting more notice in the market, maybe it’s time you got dialed in. And there’s no better place to get in on the POCO buzz — and deals — than the brand’s virtual Carnival event, Aug. 13 – 27.

POCO’s sizzling phone lineup works with T-Mobile, Mint Mobile, and Tello in the US, and the brand’s ethos of “everything you need, nothing you don’t” will strike a chord with anyone who wants a solid and incredibly affordable phone for everyday use, gaming, and streaming.

Here’s a sneak peek at some of the fun and deals to be had during the POCO 2025 event

Play interactive games and win cool prizes

POCO Carnival will offer massive price slashes on the brand’s latest and most popular smartphones — including the POCO F7*, F7 Ultra*, F7 Pro*, X7*, X7 Pro*, and new M7* — but the online celebration is also packed with immersive fan experiences and giveaways on Facebook and X you don’t want to miss. Other than the deals, POCO Carnival aims to connect its community through engaging social media challenges, interactive contests, and special rewards for loyal fans.

Credit: POCO

From Aug. 14, the Ride Bold Challenge invites fans to tackle a word puzzle packed with POCO-related keywords and a visual hunt for POCO’s virtual avatar Rydr hidden in graphic art. Starting Aug. 20, Win Loud – #MyPOCO7Years celebrates POCO’s 7th anniversary by inviting fans to share their favorite memories — from their first POCO phone to their boldest adventures — for a chance to win exclusive souvenirs.

And, of course, all of the fun is complemented by sweet deals on select POCO smartphones.

The POCO F7 Ultra is a premium device at a killer price Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 Ultra From $509 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

With a starting price of $509 during Carnival, the F7 Ultra is a mighty beast that’s priced right. As the first Ultra model in the flagship line, F7 Ultra's biggest flex may be its Snapdragon® 8 Elite processor, while the 5,300mAh battery, paired with 120W wired and 50W wireless charging, will give you a full day of play on a single charge.

Add in the 50-megapixel triple camera and 60-millimeter floating telephoto camera and this device will do you right. The banana-yellow color is particularly grabbable.

The POCO F7 Pro is a slick gadget with a potent chipset Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 Pro From $379 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you want flagship-tier power, excellent battery life, and a gorgeous display without blowing your budget, the POCO F7 Pro delivers on all fronts. The Snapdragon® 8 Gen 3 chip tackles everyday tasks with ease, and the 2K 120Hz AMOLED display is a joy to look at. The massive 6,000mAh battery is also boosted by 90W HyperCharge capabilities for fast juicing. 

Aesthetics are another perk here, as the F7 Pro’s sleek, symmetrical curves feel great in your hand. Nab one starting at just $379 during POCO Carnival. 

POCO X7 Pro slays as a phone and gaming device Opens in a new window Credit: POCO X7 Pro From $259 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

Starting at an eye-popping $259 during POCO Carnival, the POCO X7 Pro offers speedy performance, solid build quality, and a sharp screen, delivering the specs you want at a very doable price. The Dimensity 8400-Ultra chipset’s blazing-fast performance and gaming capabilities seem like they’re worth more than the sticker price alone.

The device’s sharp CrystalRes 1.5K AMOLED display is capable of a 120Hz refresh rate, and ultra-slim bezels enhance your viewing pleasure even more. From pocket gaming to watching shows and scrolling cat videos, the screen’s punchy colors and pure blacks sing. 

The new POCO M7 packs a dreamy screen, starting at $129 Opens in a new window Credit: POCO M7 From $129 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you’re big on entertainment specs, the POCO M7 launches at Carnival this year and will be unbelievably priced at $129 for the event. Don’t let the cost fool you — the Snapdragon® 685 chip (expandable up to 16GB RAM) is ready for tasking, gaming, and streaming galore. But it’s the 6.9-inch FHD+ display with up to a 144Hz refresh rate that really wows. This is the largest wide-screen display in POCO's M-series, and a steal at this price.

Also worth noting is the 7,000mAh battery, which is the largest battery you can get in a US-compatible POCO phone. 

POCO F7: Flagship power with unstoppable stamina Opens in a new window Credit: POCO F7 From $339 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

If you want supreme performance and a display that wows, the POCO F7 delivers on all fronts. The Snapdragon® 8s Gen 4 chip handles everything effortlessly, while the 6.83" 1.5K 120Hz AMOLED display with ultra-slim bezels makes every scroll and stream immersive. Snap sharper with the 50MP Sony camera with OIS and go all day with the massive 6500mAh battery boosted by 90W HyperCharge. IP68 dust and water resistance adds premium durability.

Nab one starting at $339 during POCO Carnival.

The POCO X7 combines speed, stamina, and style in one Opens in a new window Credit: POCO X7 From $209 during POCO Carnival Get Deal

Starting at $209 during POCO Carnival, the POCO X7 is a device that won’t slow you down. The Dimensity 7300-Ultra 4nm processor with 5G readiness powers through multitasking, while the CrystalRes 1.5K AMOLED curved display and 50MP main camera with OIS deliver clarity at every glance. A 5110mAh battery gives up to 15 hours of continuous use, and IP68 dust and water resistance keeps it ready for any adventure.

If you’re looking for a slick flagship phone that won’t blow your budget, check out POCO Carnival, happening Aug. 13 – 27. In addition to fun games and prizes, you can get way more bang for your buck.

*Pricing is shown in USD, the currency may vary by region. Availability may vary by region. Consumers can visit mi.com with a coupon code POCO7TH or local e-commerce platforms for more details on the discounts and bundles. The discount details, such as amount, usage time, and requirements, may differ. Please check the specific Mi Store for each region.

Categories: IT General, Technology

How to watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge online for free

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:58

TL;DR: Live stream Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The Champions League group stage looms on the horizon for the remaining sides battling it out in the playoffs. Rangers have already progressed through two tough matchups against Panathinaikos and Viktoria Plzeň, and it's not getting any easier. Next they face Club Brugge at Ibrox Stadium.

If you want to watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Rangers vs. Club Brugge?

Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League kicks off at 8 p.m. BST on Aug. 19. This fixture takes place at Ibrox Stadium.

How to watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free

Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League is available to live stream on Prime Video in the UK, but you don't need to be subscribed to Amazon Prime to watch this fixture. Instead, you can watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to watch the Champions League for free on Prime Video. This process is straightforward:

  1. Sign up for a 30-day Amazon Prime trial (if you're not already a member)

  2. Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

  3. Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)

  4. Open up the app and connect to a server in the UK

  5. Watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge for free from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch Rangers vs. Club Brugge on Prime Video without committing with your cash. This isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream select Champions League fixtures before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Prime Video?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

  • Servers in 105 countries including the UK

  • Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more

  • Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

  • Fast connection speeds free from throttling

  • Up to eight simultaneous connections

  • 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Stream Rangers vs. Club Brugge in the Champions League for free with ExpressVPN.

Categories: IT General, Technology

CAPTCHA Chaos: AI Advances Making Tests Too Hard for Humans?

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:30

The internet has a bot problem, and it's had it for a long time. One solution is the "Completely Automated Public Turing test to tell Computers and Humans Apart" or CAPTCHA. You know, those little tests you have to do sometimes to open a site or complete a transaction.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple iOS 26 Beta 7 arrives: Preview all the new features

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:26

Apple has a new iOS beta for developers — iOS 26 beta 7. And if you have an Apple developer account, beta 7 is available now.

While this particular beta comes pretty late in the cycle — it's the seventh developer beta for iOS 26, launched alongside the fourth public iOS 26 beta — it still comes with a couple of notable new features.

Blood Oxygen Measurement

Perhaps most importantly, the new beta (alongside watchOS 26 beta 7), now supports (via 9to5Mac) Apple's blood oxygen measurement in the U.S., a feature that was disabled due to a years-long patent dispute with medical device maker Masimo. The feature was re-launched in iOS 18.6.1 and watchOS 11.6.1 a few days ago, and has now been brought to the new iOS 26 betas, too.

For the feature to work, you must have a n Apple Watch Series 9 or 10, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2.

Toggle Adaptive Power Notifications

Another new feature is the ability to toggle Adaptive Power Notifications. Prior to this beta, you could only set Adaptive Power to on or off, but now you can also choose whether you want to get notified that the phone has made performance adjustments to conserve battery life.

This feature is available in Settings > Battery > Power Mode.

Filter messages by drafts

Finally, if you go to Messages and tap the three-lines icon in the upper right corner, you'll now be able to filter your Messages by Drafts.

That's pretty much it for now as far as new features go, though other undocumented new features may surface as users dig into the release.

Screenshots bug fixed

MacRumors reports that this release also fixed a bug that resulted in screenshots being too dark.

How to install the new beta

As always, keep in mind that this is a developer beta, meaning it should only be installed if you have a backup of you're phone and you're ready to encounter bugs. For instructions on how to try it out, check out Mashable's guide to iOS 26 or head to Apple's beta portal.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Nanoleaf's New 4D V2 Bias Lightstrip Works With More TVs

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:00

Nanoleaf has just announced the release of the Nanoleaf 4D V2, an upgraded version of its screen mirror and lightstrip kit. This new kit comes with a re-engineered lightstrip and camera system that gives a much better screen mirroring experience, and the size of the strip can be modified with ease.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Anker's New SOLIX Power Station Can Recharge In Under an Hour

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:00

Power banks are fine when you need to recharge some of your mobile devices on the go, but when you go completely off-grid and you have more serious power needs, you need something better. If you haven't bought yourself a power station, this Anker one can go from 0 to 100% faster than your small power bank.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Thunderbird Mail 142 Has Arrived: Here's What's New

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:00

Thunderbird is rolling out its v142.0 and v128.14 ESR updates starting today, with the monthly release now being the default download option for everyone. The v142 update brings a few great new features and fixes, and the ESR has some important security updates.

Categories: IT General, Technology

10 Must-See Animated Films from Around the World

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:00

There’s more to animation than American cartoons and Japanese anime. Given the popularity of shows like SpongeBob SquarePants and movies like Spirited Away, it's easy to think that the medium is that binary. Some audiences may forget that incredible animated films are being made worldwide.

Categories: IT General, Technology

TikTok is reinventing 2004 Facebook with new features for college students

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 15:00

The first thing I remember about joining Facebook is my brother telling me it was for college students only. He had gone off to school and was annoyed to see his little brother on the newfangled social media site.

If you know anything about Facebook's history — or, hell, have even seen The Social Network — then you know it launched in 2004 as a social media site focused on connecting college students. At first, it was limited to Harvard, then it went to other colleges. It made Facebook an online Rolodex of sorts for college kids, complete with lists of interests, groups to join, and contact info.

In just a few years, however, Facebook opened up to everyone and everything changed. Now, in 2025, it seems TikTok is trying to recreate some of that '04 Facebook functionality. It announced a new feature on Tuesday morning called Campus Verification, just in time for the new school year. It makes sense, considering a 2024 Pew Research Center survey found that roughly six-in-ten teens say they use TikTok regularly.

SEE ALSO: TikTok rule changes are coming for creators and commenters

In a press release, TikTok called it "a new feature that lets students confirm their enrollment, connect with classmates, and turn TikTok into a hub for real-world connections and belonging on campus." In practice, it'll allow students to add their college to their profile, browse the school's page, filter by graduation year, and see which of their peers are most followed.

It'll be a simpler, easier way to 1.) confirm where you go to school and 2.) find others who attend the same college who may have similar interests. Here's a look at what it looks like, via TikTok.

Credit: TikTok

TikTok is rolling out the feature to 6,000 U.S. universities through a partnership with UNiDAYS, which is a student verification platform. The tool should work pretty simply: All you need to do is click "add school" on your TikTok profile and follow the steps.

Obviously, Campus Verification is not exactly like old-school Facebook, but it does provide a lot of the same utility. Everything that's old comes back around.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why This Luxury SUV Is Worth More Than Its Popular Mainstream Sibling

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 14:31

Sharing some of its underlying DNA with the popular RAV4, this luxury SUV takes the formula to a whole new level. From the moment you step inside, the difference is clear, plush materials, hushed cabin acoustics, and an attention to detail that elevates every drive.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DJI drones are still flying off shelves — here’s where to buy online

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 14:30

TL;DR: The DJI Mini 4K drone is available to purchase for $299 on Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon DJI Mini 4K Drone $299 at Amazon
Shop Now

DJI is one of the biggest names in drones, with a strong reputation for creating incredible aerial shots. The DJI product range is the top choice of TikTokers, YouTubers, and filmmakers. That being said, we were surprised to see the DJI Mini 4K drone as one of the best-sellers in recent months. We knew these drones were popular, but surely not as popular as AirPods?

Then the real reason hit us like a drone to the head.

President Donald Trump has signed two executive orders aimed at helping the U.S. drone industry and shoring up protections against malicious drone activity. The measures don't actually order a full ban on Chinese-made drones (yet), but talk of a ban on DJI drones has been doing the rounds for a while now. That uncertainty is clearly causing an uptick in sales.

SEE ALSO: The DJI Power 2000 portable power station means business, and it’s great for DJI drone owners

The good news is that you can still find the DJI Mini 4K drone on Amazon, listed for $299 right now. This popular drone is being sold by Fly Image Tech at the time of writing. We generally don't recommend third-party sellers, but they have decent reviews and times are tough right now. We'll take what we can get at this point. We're not going to quibble over the details.

The DJI Mini 4K is full of helpful features for beginners and advanced users alike. It has a one-tap takeoff function and a helpful return to home feature. But perhaps most importantly for content creators is the three-axis gimbal and 4K quality, as well as advanced wind resistance and extended battery life. It's a step up from the DJI Neo Mini 4K that we think creators will appreciate.

Get the DJI Mini 4K drone for under $300 at Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Skype's Tragic Demise: Microsoft's $8.5B Mistake?

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 14:00

Skype has been around for more than half of my life, and for a long time, to make a video call was to "Skype" someone. But now, Skype is officially dead and gone, and I'm not sure how I feel about that.

Categories: IT General, Technology

CMF Buds 2 earbuds have dropped to their best-ever price at Amazon

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 13:45

SAVE $20: As of Aug. 19, the CMF Buds 2 earbuds are on sale for $39 at Amazon. This is 34% off their list price of $59.

Opens in a new window Credit: CMF BY NOTHING CMF Buds 2 Wireless Earbuds $39 at Amazon
$59 Save $20 Get Deal

Have you had new earbuds on your shopping list, but don't want to drop a ton of money on a new pair? Thankfully, there are plenty of great budget picks available, but what's even better is when those budget options go on sale. That's the case with the CMF Buds 2 earbuds, which are currently down to their lowest-ever price at Amazon.

The CMF Buds 2 earbuds are usually listed for $59, but right now they're marked down to $39. At their best-ever price, there's truly no better time to pick them up. This discount applies to both the dark grey and light orange earbuds as well, so you can choose which pair you like best.

SEE ALSO: The $169 AirPods Pro deal is live — save $80 before the price jumps back up

If you're looking for noise-canceling earbuds to tune out the world around you, the CMF Buds 2 are here to assist. They offer 48dB Hybrid Active Noise Cancellation so you can stay focused on what you're listening to. They also offer spatial audio, so you can hear the sounds all around you as you listen. On top of that, they can even get up to 55 hours of battery life with the charging case and are IP55 water and dust resistant, so a little rain or intense workout won't be anything to worry about.

This deal on the CMF Buds 2 earbuds is currently listed as a limited-time offer, so act fast to score them at their lowest-ever price. And if you're looking for more great earbud deals, Amazon's also offering an excellent discount at the moment on the AirPods 4, which are back under $100.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Excel's Latest Feature Will Make Your Cells Way Smarter

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 13:24

It's the AI age, and most new features we'll see on the software we use daily will probably be AI features—until the bubble eventually pops, at least. Now, Excel is getting a new Copilot function, and if you use it right, it could be pretty useful.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 19, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 13:02

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.

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 Mini crossword answers, hints for August 19, 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: Plot twist

  • Green: Same grouping

  • Blue: Position rivals

  • Purple: Fictional characters

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: Unexpected result

  • Green: NL West teams

  • Blue: NFC North QBs

  • Purple: Characters in "Happy Gilmore"

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 #330 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today
  • Unexpected result - SHOCK, STUNNER, SURPRISE, UPSET

  • NL West teams - ARIZONA, COLORADO, LOS ANGELES, SAN DIEGO

  • NFC North QBs - GOFF, LOVE, MCCARTHY, WILLIAMS

  • Characters in "Happy Gilmore" - CHUBBS, HAPPY, SHOOTER, VIRGINIA

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

11 Epic Historical Series and Films to Binge on Netflix Now

How-To Geek - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 13:00

Historical epics are some of the most delectable works of art to ever grace big and small screens. They’re incredibly popular and consumable because they immortalize ancient civilizations and their legendary battles and heroes, allowing just enough of what’s needed to successfully transport audiences into a certain time period. They’re gritty, bold, brutal, and insightful while continuing to resonate with contemporary themes, and that’s why we love them. We’re lucky, then, that Netflix is home to so many good ones.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for August 19, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:43

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 August 19, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 19, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Dash it!

The words are punctuation-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are connected by a dash.

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 Hyphenated.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 19
  • Willy-Nilly

  • Hocus-Pocus

  • Hyphenated

  • Hoity-Toity

  • Pell-Mell

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for August 19

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 19, 2025

Mashable - Tue, 08/19/2025 - 12:42

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 August 4 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 August 19 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Unruly.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

ROWDY.

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 August 4

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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