Technology

Android's default keyboard, Gboard, ships with clever predictions and slick design, but it also ships with a permanent connection to Google's servers. HeliBoard, a free and open-source alternative, actually makes a pretty good case for a replacement.

I still value my Google Chromecast with Google TV dongle because I don’t mind when it slows down a little, since I only use it on an older TV to stream movies and shows. So when I ran into a visual problem and thought my dongle was dead, I found it just needed a quick settings adjustment to come back to life. Some have claimed their dongle received an update that broke their Google TV stick, but mine still worked until one day it showed that lovely black screen of death on an old TV that replaced my dead one. Sometimes it’s just one setting that causes the black screen; other times, it's more complex.

Sarah Michelle Gellar landed a perfect smack to the cancellation of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot on the Emmys stage.

Joined by her Buffy co-star David Boreaneaz to present Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie at the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards, the star took one moment to drive a stake through the heart of the unrealised series.

"You know, Sarah, I always through that Buffy and Angel would end up together,” said Boreaneaz.

"Well, I guess we won't find out," responded Gellar.

Gellar, who played vampire slayer Buffy Summers for seven seasons of the series from 1997 to 2003, had been working with director Chloé Zhao on a reboot, with Hulu and Searchlight Television on board. In March 2026, Gellar told People she got a call at SXSW and was told the series wasn't happening after all: "I was just about to take the stage in front of all the fans. Hulu had decided not to move forward with the Buffy revival. Let me tell you, nobody saw this coming."

For Buffy fans, the ceremony had a more heartbreaking moment, with the Emmys' "In Memoriam" segment paying tribute to late actor Anthony Head, who played debonair librarian and Watcher Rupert Giles in the series.

For everything that happened at the 2026 Emmys, we've got you covered.

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I'm no stranger to using different keyboard layouts. I'm a big mechanical keyboard fan, and I still use typewriters, even in 2026. The IBM Selectric I grew up with had a QWERTY layout, and the vintage (well, more like dilapidated and in bad need of some oil) Smith Corona I'm using now also uses the layout. In the late 1800s, QWERTY became the standard for typewriter keyboard layouts. But in the 1930s, another layout emerged: Dvorak. It looked like it could beat QWERTY on paper, but it never quite got there. I wanted to find out why (and give it a go myself).

In case you missed Apple's Sept. 9 event, there are a few new iPhones in town. And the big carriers are already competing to offer the best iPhone preorder deals and lock in new customers. Remember: The new iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max will be available for preorder from Sept. 12 at 8 a.m. ET, so you can secure your new phone ASAP.

The best iPhone 18 preorder deals at a glance: Preorder at T-Mobile Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in or by switching Get Deal Preorder at AT&T Get iPhone 18 Pro for free with qualifying trade-in Get Deal Preorder at Visible Get $480 of monthly service credits with purchase Get Deal Preorder at Total Wireless Take $600 off iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max Get Deal Preorder at Apple Get up to $885 in credit with trade-in Get Deal

By now, the annual iPhone launch is basically the first indicator of fall. The foldable iPhone Duo has captured most of the hype this year, but the tried-and-true iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max flagship models also deliver exciting new updates. While the Duo won't be available until October, the 18 Pro and Pro Max hit shelves on Friday, Sept. 18.

The new Pro models come in four new colors: deep black, silver, burgundy, and glacier blue. The 18 Pro starts at $1,199, while the Pro Max starts at $1,299 for the 256GB models (storage options go up to 2TB). That's a $100 price increase over last year, and new phones keep getting more expensive. Fortunately for our wallets, carriers like T-Mobile are offering up to $1,200 off, and you can also take advantage of the Apple Upgrade program if you don't mind leasing your iPhone.

SEE ALSO: Get an iPhone 18 Pro case to go along with your new phone Save up to $1,200 with iPhone 18 preorder deals

If you're ready to preorder your new device but your wallet isn't quite keeping up with your enthusiasm, we've found a few ways to save money. To take advantage of most carriers' offers, you'll need to switch providers, trade in an older iPhone, or choose a specific phone plan. Smaller carriers like Visible and Total Wireless are also offering up to half off the new iPhone if you sign up for certain plans.

Here are the best preorder deals for the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max:

• T-Mobile: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free when you switch to T-Mobile and bring your number or trade-in an eligible phone on an Experience Beyond plan. You can also score up to $930 in trade-in credit when you switch a line to T-Mobile's Experience More or Go5G Plus plans.

• Total Wireless: Save $600 on iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max on the All Access plan.

• Apple: Trade in an iPhone 13 or later model and get between $175 and $885 in credit towards the iPhone 18 Pro or Pro Max. You can also score up to $1,200 in trade-in credit through specific carriers.

• AT&T: Get the iPhone 18 Pro for free or up to $1,200 off iPhone 18 Pro Max with qualifying trade-ins of iPhone 14 or later and activation on AT&T Premium 2.0 plan or higher. You can also get up to $800 in credit to pay off your current device just by switching to AT&T.

• Verizon: Get up to $1,200 off when you add a new line (with qualified trade-in) on eligible myPlan or up to $1,020 off when you upgrade with an eligible trade-in on existing myPlan.

• Visible: Buy the iPhone 18 Pro with Visible+ Pro and receive $480 through monthly service credits. New and existing members are eligible.

• Walmart: The big box retailer doesn't have any preorder deals just yet, but you can finance the new iPhone and pay as little as $78/month if you qualify through OnePay, a Klarna-backed service.

• Xfinity: Get the iPhone 18 Pro Max for free with a qualifying trade-in and device payment plan on the Mobile Plus plan.

What about Amazon iPhone preorder deals?

As of this writing, Amazon's iPhone 18 Pro listings aren't live, and Amazon typically isn't the best place to shop for new Apple smartphones. However, we'll update this page if any iPhone 18 Pro Amazon deals appear in the days ahead. In the meantime, you can preorder the new AirPods 5 and Apple Watches at Amazon.

Apple AirPods 5 earbuds $129 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Apple.com Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple Watch Series 12 (GPS, 42mm) $399 at Amazon
  Pre-order Here at Amazon Pre-order Here at Best Buy Pre-order Here at Walmart Apple iPhone 18 Pro, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at AT&T Wireless See It at Walmart iPhone 18 Pro Max, 256GB Save up to $1,200 at T-Mobile
  See It at T-Mobile See It at Walmart See It at Apple.com SEE ALSO: Apple iPhone Duo vs. iPhone 18 Pro Max: How to decide between them

I've used Excel for long enough to know that it isn't the first tool I'd reach for when I want to draw a picture, plan a room, or design a craft project. But a blank worksheet has helped me get creative, have a bit of fun, and sometimes even solve a problem faster than I could with a piece of paper or a dedicated app. Once you stop thinking of Excel as just somewhere to enter data, its grid becomes a surprisingly useful playground.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tin is on sale for $68.40 at Amazon, down from its $75.95 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Elite Trainer Box $68.40 at Amazon
$75.95 Save $7.55   Pre-order Here

The Pokémon TCG’s 30th Celebration expansion is about to drop, but you can already buy one of its coveted mini tins for closer to market price at Amazon.

As of Sept. 15, the Pokémon TCG 30th Celebration Mini Tin is available to preorder on Amazon for $68.40, saving $7.55 off its current standard price of $75.95. Shipped and sold by third-party seller San Diego Cards, these Mini Tins (randomly selected) will be delivered between Oct. 8-13 at the time of writing. 

Unlike Pokémon’s main 30th Celebration collection that’s launching on Sept. 16, including the 30th Celebration ETB, the Mini Tins don’t release until Oct. 2 — and will be dispatched from then. If you want yours slightly earlier, Amazon also has a $69.95 option from Kings Games, which costs $1.55 more but currently carries an earlier Oct. 6 delivery estimate.

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Each Mini Tin packs in two 30th Celebration booster packs, a sticker sheet, a matching Pokémon art card, and a Pokémon TCG Live code card. There are 10 different tin artworks to collect, and putting all of the art cards together forms two larger images themed around the brightness of day and the coolness of night. 

In each 30th Celebration Pack, you’ll find five foil Pokémon cards, including one of 30 unique Pikachu illustrations, plus a foil Basic Energy card.

If there are any rare single cards from Pokémon’s 30th Celebration expansion you’d like, you can already preorder on TCGplayer. 

At last Rhea Seehorn has won the Emmy she's long deserved, and in her acceptance speech above you can see how much the moment means to her.

"Gosh, sorry. This is me on a beta blocker, it's pretty bad," jokes Seehorn in the 2026 Emmys clip above, as she takes to the stage to accept the Lead Actress in a Drama Series award for Pluribus.

"Thank you, Vince Gilligan, for giving me not only the role of a lifetime, but for creating sets where we all get to collaborate, and we are actually made to feel safe so we get better as artists."

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TL;DR: McAfee+ is on sale for $89.99 for your first year. This limited-time offer saves you $110 on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: McAfee McAfee+ with Scam Detector   Shop Now

In 2026, antivirus software is an absolute must. In fact, we’ll go one step further and say you need to be thinking beyond just regular antivirus software. This is the age of AI-powered scamming, and every day internet users — that means pretty much all of us — are vulnerable to all kinds of bad faith actors and online conmen.

Indeed, AI has raised the game with deepfakes, phishing, and other tricks designed to target your personal and financial details. Fortunately, there’s a solution to protecting yourself in 2026 — and one that will actually save you money. 

McAfee, one of the top names in online protection, has launched an AI-powered scam-protection feature called Scam Detector, which integrates with McAfee’s award-winning antivirus, identity monitoring, privacy tools, VPN, and financial protection as part of the straightforward, easy-to-use McAfee+ Individual and Family plans. 

You can save up to $110 on a yearly individual plan when you sign up for the McAfee+ Advanced tier, which costs just $89.99 for the first year, down from $199.99. You can also save up to $150 when you opt for the family plan, which covers six family members for $119.99 — down from $269.99. As an added bonus, all plans are covered by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Your protection plan will pay off in the long run. McAfee research found that Americans are bombarded with an average of 14 scam messages every day, resulting in almost 114 hours per year spent trying to determine what’s real and what’s fake online. The research also found that one in three Americans has lost money to online scammers, losing an average of $1,160.

McAfee’s Scam Detector is the antivirus equivalent of fighting fire with fire. In the battle against sophisticated AI scams, it uses its own AI to identify scams before they have a chance to impact you. It does by automatically identifying suspicious texts, emails, deepfake videos, and social media DMs — as well as identifying risky sites — and providing you with warnings.

It also includes a QR code safety check. This combats one of the new ways scammers are targeting unsuspecting people: QR codes that send an increasing number of people to untrustworthy sites.

The great news is that Scam Detector is included across McAfee’s core plans at no extra cost. Whatever plan you sign up for, McAfee Scam Detector has your back.

Sign up for McAfee+ with Scam Detector and save up to $110 on a yearly individual plan.

TL;DR: The Motorola Razr+ is available for free with T-Mobile. To qualify for this promotion, simply activate a new line on an Experience Beyond plan.

Opens in a new window Credit: Motorola T-Mobile: Motorola Razr+ for free   Shop Now

Everyone needs to breathe. We know that Apple's event was a lot. We got announcements of new iPhones, Apple Watches, AirPods, and much more. There was a lot to take in, but now that the dust has settled, we can all get back to normality. And by normality, we mean free deals on foldables (no, not the iPhone Duo).

We're talking Motorola, specifically the new Motorola Razr+. This foldable phone is available for free right now with T-Mobile, and you don't even need to trade in anything to qualify. The process of claiming is actually pretty straightforward.

To get the new Motorola Razr+ for free with T-Mobile, simply activate a new line on its Experience Beyond plan. The total cost is covered via 36 monthly bill credits. If you cancel or switch carriers before the two-year mark, you’ll owe the remaining balance on the phone’s full retail price. You will need to pay taxes and a one-time $35 connection charge, but that's a small price to pay for a "damn fine phone."

If you really do need to get your hands on the latest tech from Apple, you have choices. The new Apple iPhone 18 Pro is available for free when you trade in a qualifying device and activate a new line on T-Mobile’s Experience Beyond plan. New customers who switch to T-Mobile and keep their existing number can also qualify.

Earlier this year, Sharge released its original Disk Pro portable SSD and docking station. Now, we have the Disk Pro 2, which is upgraded in every way. Sharge really listened to its users and fixed some of the biggest complaints of the Disk Pro, and that makes this the portable SSD and docking station to beat, I think.

TL;DR: EA Sports NHL 27 is out now on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S. The newest entry brings 32 rebuilt arena atmospheres, real-world data playbooks, a fresh broadcast duo featuring John Buccigross and Darren Pang, and the long-awaited return of the 32-team online Connected Franchise.

Opens in a new window Credit: EA Sports NHL 27 (PS5) $69 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: EA Sports NHL 27 (Xbox) $69.99 at Amazon
  Shop Now

If you've been waiting for a reason to jump back into virtual hockey, EA Sports just dropped NHL 27 worldwide on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The game is available in two editions: a $69.99 Standard Edition for the base game, and a $99.99 Deluxe Edition that adds 4,600 NHL Points, HUT Packs, and day-one digital bonuses.

Whether you're a casual player looking to throw hits on the weekend or a strategist eager to run a 32-team online league with your friends, this year’s entry comes with serious upgrades.

Who’s on the mic?

Out with the old, in with the new. ESPN’s John Buccigross takes over play-by-play duties alongside former NHL goalie and TNT analyst Darren Pang. That means every big save or missed open-netter comes with Pang's signature color analysis and high-energy breakdowns in crisp digital surround sound.

Real-world NHL EDGE data powers every team's AI behavior. That means every squad executes its real-life tactics — from high-speed rush plays to aggressive forechecking — instead of sharing generic strategies. You can even grab real-world NHL coaches in Hockey Ultimate Team (HUT) to boost your squad’s chemistry based on authentic coaching systems.

The big upgrades on and off the ice

EA completely overhauled all 32 home venues from the ice up. Expect authentic goal songs, unique crowd chants, team-specific jumbotrons, and dynamic arena lighting that matches real-world game-night energy. Upgraded broadcast graphics, sharper camera angles, and dynamic crowd reactions give every matchup a cleaner, modern feel from puck drop to the final horn.

Beyond the visual overhaul, the most requested feature in community history is finally back. Connected Franchise lets you build an online league with up to 31 of your friends, complete with 32 human-controlled teams, full-season schedules, custom trade rules, flexible roster management, and deep commissioner tools.

If you're an EA Play member, you can also test the waters with a 10-hour free trial before buying. Subscriptions knock 10% off digital orders, bringing the Deluxe price down to $89.99, and toss in 3,000 bonus Chel Coins with Season Pass XP multipliers.

Ready to take your couch rivalry online? Pick up NHL 27 today and start building your 32-team franchise.

The iPhone Duo delivers top-tier craftsmanship and clever crease-hiding tech. Look closer, though, and you’ll find basic two-app windowing, delayed stylus support without pressure controls, and an upgrade cycle designed to keep your wallet on permanent lease.

Read more about Apple iPhone Duo comparisons: iPhone Duo vs iPad: How they differ
The iPhone Duo vs. Galaxy Z Fold 8: Which foldable has the edge?

Timecode chapters
0:00 Introduction
0:20 iPhone duo design and build quality
0:50 Galaxy Z Fold 8 vs. iPhone duo
1:21 Apple Pencil compatibility
2:21 Stylus usage and limitations
3:03 Display and crease reduction
3:42 Multitasking on iOS
4:20 Pricing and financing options
5:10 Final decision

Video credits
Host: Iyaz Akhtar
Scripted by: Iyaz Akhtar
Producer: Numi Prasarn
Camera: Numi Prasarn
Video editor: JD Christison
Thumbnail designer: Tharon Green

TL;DR: The Hisense RoamView is a 32-inch 4K portable touchscreen on a rolling stand with up to 10 hours of cord-free battery life. Priced at $1,199.99, it features an auto-framing wide-angle camera and an adjustable base for moving between rooms.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense RoamView Portable 4K Touchscreen Display $1,199.99 at Best Buy
  Shop Now

If your current home setup involves balancing your phone against a salt shaker while following a recipe, or hauling a laptop into bed to binge Netflix, Hisense just built something specifically for you.

The company officially launched the RoamView — a 32-inch 4K touchscreen display mounted on a rolling stand that is designed to wander freely around your living space. Priced at $1,199.99, it is part smart TV, part oversized tablet, and entirely built around the idea that you shouldn't have to mount a display on a wall just to enjoy a big-screen experience.

SEE ALSO: The 11 best new tech products we've seen at IFA 2026

You can roll it directly from your kitchen counter to your bed, or detach it from its wheels completely and set it up on a counter using the included tabletop easel. You also get bright, razor-sharp picture quality with multi-touch gesture controls that let you swipe, tap, and pinch through apps like a phone. If you don't feel like wheeling the base around, you can pop the display off entirely and set it up on a counter using the included tabletop easel.

Powering the screen is an impressive 10-hour built-in battery, giving you cordless freedom to binge movies in bed, follow recipes in the kitchen counter, or stream music on the patio. It runs on Android OS backed by an AI engine and a generous 8GB of RAM with 128GB of storage, making app navigation feel smooth and snappy. It even features hands-free voice controls and an AI light sensor that automatically adjusts brightness so you aren't blinded during late-night viewing.

SEE ALSO: TCL just announced a massive line of eye-friendly phones, versatile tablets, and 10,000-nit Mini LED TVs

Hisense also packed in productivity perks, including an auto-framing wide-angle camera for video calls that keeps you centered while you move around the room. Add in dual speaker drivers, built-in wireless screen mirroring, and standard HDMI and USB-C ports, and the RoamView easily bridges the gap between a portable smart display, a video-conferencing hub, and a mobile entertainment center.

Ready to give your arms a break and wheel your screen everywhere you go? Grab the Hisense RoamView today.

Each year, the Emmys' tribute to stars who've passed away is always a moving moment, however this year's "In Memoriam" segment seemed especially sombre.

As well as paying tribute to the late Catherine O'Hara, Rob Reiner, Tim Curry, Robert Duvall, Isiah Whitlock Jr., James Van Der Beek, Anthony Head, Hayden Panetierre, and sadly many more, the 78th Primetime Emmy Awards honoured a bright light missing from this year's ceremony: Dolly Parton.

Following the screen and music icon's death in August, the Emmys saw two of Parton's friends honouring her on stage: her Steel Magnolias co-star Sally Field and country music star Reba McEntire performing Parton's 1983 ballad "Appalachian Memories."

SEE ALSO: The complete list of 2026 Emmy winners

"If there are truly angels on earth, then we just lost one: Dolly Parton," said Field in her speech, seen in the video above. "Over the years, I never stopped loving her. Though we lived very far apart, I adored her from day one. How could you not? She was genuine and humble, supportive and blisteringly funny, with a bawdy sense of humor that would send any rude guy looking for a place to hide. I couldn't see then what a real giant Dolly was — not just as an artist, but as a human."

For everything that happened at the 2026 Emmys, we've got you covered.

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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 15, 2026 Caboose meaning

A railroad car attached to the back of a freight train to shelter and house the train crew.

December meaning

The last month of the year.

Dessert meaning

A sweet treat typically eaten after dinner.

Epilogue meaning

A final section or speech at the end of a book, play or film.

Handle meaning

To manage or control something.

Lid meaning

A removable or hinged cover used to close the top of a container.

Spout meaning

A small pipe on a container used to pour liquids.

Whistle meaning

A clear high-pitched sound made by blowing air.

Coach meaning

A person who trains a sports team or teaches a skill.

Direct meaning

Doing something with any intervention.

Guide meaning

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

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Train meaning

A connected line of railroad cars running on tracks..

Asset meaning

Something owned by a person or company tha has monetary value.

Mole meaning

A hidden spy who works for an organization or government for a long time.

Plant meaning

A living organism that grows in the ground.

Sleeper meaning

A spy who moves to another country and lives undercover for years before taking action.

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 tea drinker.

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 15, 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: To lead

• Green: A good cuppa

• Blue: A spy

• Purple: Finish line

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Instruct

• Green: Parts of a whistling kettle

• Blue: Undercover operative

• Purple: Things that appear at the end

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 #1191 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Instruct: COACH, DIRECT, GUIDE, TRAIN

• Parts of a whistling kettle: HANDLE, LID, SPOUT, WHISTLE

• Undercover operative: ASSET, MOLE, PLANT, SLEEPER

• Things that appear at the end: CABOOSE, DECEMBER, DESSERT, EPILOGUE

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're handy.

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 15, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: If you build it

The words are related to fixing things.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe tools.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Hardware

NYT Strands word list for September 15

• Bolt

• Nail

• Knob

• Joist

• Hinge

• Hardware

• Screw

• Bracket

• Anchor

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.

SAVE $400: As of Sept. 15, the Roborock Qrevo S5V is on sale for $499.98 at Amazon. That's a 44% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: roborock Roborock Qrevo S5V $499.98 at Amazon
$899.99 Save $400.01   Get Deal

Robot vacuum deals are always something to get excited about, especially when they take hundreds of dollars off the list price, like this latest Amazon deal on the Roborock Qrevo S5V.

Normally $899.99, this model is currently on sale for $499.98, taking $400 off the list price. Not only that, but this is the lowest-ever price for this robot vacuum, so you know you've landed a great deal.

This robot vacuum has 12,000Pa of suction power to lift dirt and stubborn debris from carpets, rugs, and hard floors. It has a Zero-Tangle system that prevents hair from wrapping around the brushes, making it a great option for homes with pets.

And it doesn't just pick up dirt. This model also has a built-in mop with dual spinning mops that rotate at 200 RPM, so even the toughest floor stains are no problem to clean. After vacuuming and mopping, the all-in-one dock automatically empties the dustbin into a 10-week storage bin, washes the mops, dries them with warm air, and refills the water tank, so it's ready to go for its next clean with no assistance required.

This robot vacuum deal is available at Amazon right now.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you're good under pressure.

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 15, 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 15, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Handled.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.

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...

DEALT

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.

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