Technology

NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 3 hours 33 min ago

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 SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Thursday, July 9, 2026:

AcrossSomething to look for while circling the block

  • The answer is Spot.

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

Grow weary

  • The answer is Tire.

This clue number x 2

  • The answer is Dozen.

Rice-shaped pasta

  • The answer is Orzo.

December 25th, for short

  • The answer is Xmas.

DownCalm before the ___

  • The answer is Storm.

Favorite food of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles

  • The answer is Pizza.

Black-and-white cookies

  • The answer is Oreos.

(This clue number x 2) + 2

  • The answer is Ten.

Release personal information about, informally

  • The answer is Dox.

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

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 yesterday's Mini Crossword.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Moon phase today: What the Moon will look like on July 9

Mashable - 3 hours 36 min ago

The Moon has now entered its final stretch of the lunar cycle before the New Moon. Over the next few nights, the illuminated portion visible from Earth will continue to decrease until it disappears completely from view.

What is today’s Moon phase?

As of Thursday, July 9, NASA's Daily Moon Guide tracker tells us the Moon phase is in its Waning Crescent phase, with 34% of its surface visible.

Tonight when you look up without any visual aids you'll see just the Oceanus Procellarum and the Kepler Crater. With binoculars or a telescope, you'll see this plus the Grimaldi Basin, Mare Humorum, and the Gassendi Crater.

When is the next Full Moon?

The next Full Moon will take place on July 29.

What are Moon phases?

According to NASA, the Moon takes roughly 29.5 days to orbit Earth, passing through eight distinct phases during that time. While the same hemisphere of the Moon is always turned toward Earth, the portion lit by the Sun changes as it moves along its orbit. This shifting illumination makes the Moon look like it’s changing shape over the course of the month, cycling through crescents, quarter phases, and the bright Full Moon. This regular sequence is known as the lunar cycle.

New Moon - The Moon is between Earth and the sun, so the side we see is dark (in other words, it's invisible to the eye).

Waxing Crescent - A small sliver of light appears on the right side (Northern Hemisphere).

First Quarter - Half of the Moon is lit on the right side. It looks like a half-Moon.

Waxing Gibbous - More than half is lit up, but it’s not quite full yet.

Full Moon - The whole face of the Moon is illuminated and fully visible.

Waning Gibbous - The Moon starts losing light on the right side. (Northern Hemisphere)

Third Quarter (or Last Quarter) - Another half-Moon, but now the left side is lit.

Waning Crescent - A thin sliver of light remains on the left side before going dark again.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The best Prime Day Australia deals for 2026 – live now

Mashable - 3 hours 49 min ago
A quick look at the best Prime Day 2026 deals we've spotted so far: Best robot vacuum deal Dreame X40 Ultra Robot Vacuum A$749 (was $2,799, 73% off) Get Deal Best budget robot vacuum deal Eureka E20 Plus A$349 (was $862.95, 60% off) Get Deal Best headphones deal Bose QuietComfort Ultra A$378 (was $649, 42% off) Get Deal Best Laptop Deal Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 14IPH11 Aura Edition 1429 ((was $2,499, 43% off)) Get Deal Best Wearables Deal Apple Watch Ultra 3 999 ((was $1,399, 29% off)) Get Deal Best TV Deal Prism+ Q75 Ultra 75" 4K QLED Smart Google TV A$1,299 (was $1,843, 33% off) Get Deal

Amazon's famed Prime Day sale has kicked off Down Under for 2026, with deals running across Amazon Australia until July 13. That means a whole week of eyewatering discounts on just about everything, with a strong focus on tech. If you need a new robovac, TV, headphones, or just about anything else gadget-y, now is the time. Below, we've listed the best deals we've seen so far and will be updating this page all week. Happy hunting!

Best robot vacuum dealsBest smart home dealsBest smartphone and tablet dealsBest wearable tech dealsBest headphone and speaker dealsBest TV and home cinema dealsBest laptop deals

After a new PC? Check out the top computer deals on our sister site, PCMag Australia.

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With literally thousands of deals on Amazon.com.au, finding the good ones can be a laborious task. So we've done the hard work for you and tracked down the best deals on everything tech. If you enjoy window shopping yourself (AKA, scrolling), you can check out Amazon's Prime Day page.

You will need to be an Amazon Prime member to partake in the fun. If this isn't you, fear not! You can grab a no-obligation 30-day free Prime trial and still get in on the action.

What is Amazon Prime Day? Is it different in Australia?

In 2026, Prime Day Australia is taking place on a completely different week to in the US, who had theirs in the last week of June this year. Previously, the dates had overlapped.

Prime Day is an twice-a-year online sales event (think Black Friday or Click Frenzy), only it is exclusive to Amazon Prime customers. It started as a one-day event in the US in 2015, but has since expanded to a week long event that takes place across the globe, including Australia. The first Prime Day Down Under happened in 2018, and has grown every year since. Australian users get access to deals on both Amazon.com.au and the Amazon Global Store until the conclusion of the event in the US.

Additionally, the Shop Local Businesses store highlights a number of small Australian businesses that are also partaking in the Prime Day fun.

What will be on sale this Prime Day?

While it can be difficult to predict specific products that go on sale, Amazon has promised over 100,000 deals in Australia from big brands, small local brands, and everything in-between. The brands that Amazon has confirmed will be a part of Prime Day include Apple, Samsung, Lenovo, Bose, and more – a pretty hefty list!

Expect deals across all categories, including tech, such as TVs, Smart Home, Headphones, Gaming, as well as homeware, sports, fashion, beauty and more.

How to find the best deals during Prime Day in Australia

Amazon is quite often the cheapest place to find a given product at the best of times, but the really good deals only come up a few times a year. The above list features some of the very best tech deals available right now. However, you can also properly prepare for the event to make sure you truly get the most out of it.

Before Prime Day kicks off, you should put together a shopping list of items that you are after, then 'wishlist' those products on Amazon and set deal alerts on the Amazon app. This will ensure you don't miss top deals on products that you especially want.

Ensure you are subscribed to Amazon Prime, or else you won't be able to secure the products for the Prime Day deal price. A subscription costs A$6.99 per month, but there is a 30-day free trial available if you are just looking to take part in Prime Day and nothing else.

It is also worth spending a bit of time on Amazon and familiarising yourself with its interface and how it works. This can save you time and hassle when the deals start dropping (many of which are only available for a limited time).

How to shop on Amazon Prime Day

Of course, we'll be keeping track of all the best Prime Day deals we spot in the lists above. But if you are keen to trawl through some deals yourself, here's how to best shop during the event.

  • Amazon app: If you'll be out and about on Prime Day, download Amazon's mobile app, log in, and you'll be ready to shop wherever you are.

  • Amazon Wishlist: Add items to your wishlist in the product interface to get alerted if it goes on sale.

  • Ask Alexa: Why move at all? The main idea behind Amazon's Echo devices is to sell you stuff, so Alexa is more than willing to help you add things to your cart.

  • Amazon Global Store: Check out the best deals from the US and across the world on the Amazon Global Store.

  • Support Local: Amazon's Shop Local Business initiative highlights deals curated from small Aussie businesses across Amazon.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Prime Day AU: Save up to 73% on these top Dreame robot vacuums

Mashable - 4 hours 8 min ago

Amazon Prime Day is back for another year! Running from July 7-13, you can grab a hefty discount on a variety of smart home products, including Dreame’s range of automated cleaning gadgets. From easy-to-use robot vacuums to powerful hair dryers, you’ll save up to 73% off and give your home the cleaning upgrade it needs.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame Dreame L10s Ultra Gen2 Robot Vacuum and Mop AU$529 at Amazon AU
AU$1,699 Save AU$1,170 Robot vacuum and mop with MopExtend RoboSwing technology, 10,000PA suction power, and Duo Scrub Mopping System. Get Deal

When looking for a solid starter robot vacuum for your home, you can’t go wrong with the L10s Ultra Gen2 for only A$529. Equipped with Dreame’s “advanced MopExtend RoboSwing Technology” and Pet Zone Cleaning, this gadget will rid your space of spills, stains, and pet hair with ease. However, if you want an automated cleaner with extra power, their flagship X40 Ultra is down to an unbelievable price of A$749. With 12,000Pa suction power and SideReach Edge Cleaning, this robot cleaner can clean the parts of your home you’ve been struggling to reach.

The best Dreame robot vacuum Prime Day deals

However, Dreame’s Prime Day sale extends beyond their range of robot vacuums. If you’d prefer to replace your cordless vacuum, the A$189 G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner can both suction and mop your floors in one go.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame G10 Wet Dry Vacuum Cleaner AU$189.04 at Amazon AU
AU$549 Save AU$359.96   Get Deal

Meanwhile, Dreame has also slashed prices on their range of smart hair dryers, with the ultra-fast drying Dazzle now only A$229.99 – and you can get an extra 15% off using code W444QFST.

Opens in a new window Credit: Dreame dreame Dazzle Hair Dryer AU$229.99 at Amazon AU
AU$499 Save AU$269.01   Get Deal

This promotion will run strictly during Amazon’s annual Prime Day from July 7-13, so you’ve got until stocks last to take advantage. However, since these deals are locked to Amazon Prime members only, just make sure your subscription is up to date (or sign up for a 30-day free trial).

Categories: IT General, Technology

Hurdle hints and answers for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 5 hours 55 min ago

If you like playing daily word games like Wordle, then Hurdle is a great game to add to your routine.

There are five rounds to the game. The first round sees you trying to guess the word, with correct, misplaced, and incorrect letters shown in each guess. If you guess the correct answer, it'll take you to the next hurdle, providing the answer to the last hurdle as your first guess. This can give you several clues or none, depending on the words. For the final hurdle, every correct answer from previous hurdles is shown, with correct and misplaced letters clearly shown.

An important note is that the number of times a letter is highlighted from previous guesses does necessarily indicate the number of times that letter appears in the final hurdle.

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If you find yourself stuck at any step of today's Hurdle, don't worry! We have you covered.

SEE ALSO: Hurdle: Everything you need to know to find the answers Hurdle Word 1 hint

A ringed treat.

SEE ALSO: Apple’s new M3 MacBook Air is $300 off at Amazon. And yes, I’m tempted. Hurdle Word 1 answer

DONUT

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Hello!

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

HOWDY

Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Copy.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 9, 2026 Hurdle Word 3 answer

CLONE

Hurdle Word 4 hint

Sway.

Hurdle Word 4 answer

SWING

Final Hurdle hint

A chump.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Games available on Mashable Hurdle Word 5 answer

PATSY

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 55 min ago

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you watch baseball.

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

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

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

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

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

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 anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

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

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

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

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

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

  • Yellow: Hit it with a net

  • Green: Pro wideouts

  • Blue: Lacrosse

  • Purple: How to spell FIFA

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

  • Yellow: Racket/Paddle Sports

  • Green: NFL Wide Receivers

  • Blue: Lacrosse Terms

  • Purple: FIFA

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 #653 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

  • Racket/Paddle Sports: BADMINTON, PADEL, SQUASH, TENNIS

  • NFL Wide Receivers: HIGGINS, LAMB, OLAVE, WADDLE

  • Lacrosse Terms: CLEAR, CRADLE, CREASE, RIDE

  • FIFA: ASSOCIATION, FOOTBALL, FEDERATION, INTERNATIONALE

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

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

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Pips hints, answers for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 55 min ago

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 9, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Number (4): Everything in this space must add up to 4. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 1-5, placed vertically; 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Equal (4): Everything in this space must be equal to 4. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 51-5, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed horizontally.

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-2, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (7): Everything in this space must be greater than 7. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 1-5, placed horizontally.

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 1-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

Hard difficulty hints, answers for July 9 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this red space must add up to 3. The answer is 4-0, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically.

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 22-3, placed vertically.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

Number (3): Everything in this red space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-1, placed horizontally.

Less Than (3): Everything in this space must be less than 3. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 2-5, placed vertically.

Number (3): Everything in this purple space must add up to 3. The answer is 3-0, placed vertically.

Less Than (2): Everything in this space must be less than 2. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally.

Greater Than (7): Everything in this space must be greater than 7. The answer is 3-1, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed vertically.

Number (6): Everything in this light blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 5-4, placed vertically; 2-6, placed horizontally.

Number (6): Everything in this dark blue space must add up to 6. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally.

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

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed vertically.

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 55 min ago

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a car collector.

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 July 9, 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: Sober

  • Green: Media outlets

  • Blue: Floor coverings

  • Purple: Car types

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

Here are today's Connections categories

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

  • Yellow: Non-alcoholic designators

  • Green: Music publications

  • Blue: Kinds of rugs

  • Purple: Pontiac models

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 #1124 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

  • Non-alcoholic designators: NA, SPIRIT-FREE, VIRGIN, ZERO-PROOF

  • Music publications: BILLBOARD, PITCHFORK, ROLLING STONE, SPIN

  • Kinds of rugs: PERSIAN, PRAYER, SHAG, THROW

  • Pontiac models: FIREBIRD, G6, GRAND PRIX, TRANS AM

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 9, 2026

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

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

NYT Strands hints, answers for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 55 min ago

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love a full beat.

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 July 9, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: On the lips

The words are related to beauty.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe mouth makeup.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Kiss and Makeup.

NYT Strands word list for July 9

  • Stick

  • Liner

  • Stain

  • Gloss

  • Kiss and Makeup

  • Balm

  • Tint

  • Plumper

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.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 9, 2026

Mashable - 7 hours 55 min ago

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

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 July 9, 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 July 9, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

To change.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter A.

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...

AMEND

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.

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

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

Categories: IT General, Technology

Obsession is now available to watch on digital. When will it be streaming?

Mashable - 11 hours 8 min ago

YouTuber turned feature filmmaker Curry Barker's indie horror movie Obsession has been a surprise hit of the season. Not only has it surpassed box office expectations, raking in over $400 million globally, but it has also become the highest-grossing Focus Features film ever.

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Leading lady Inde Navarrette's performance as Nikki has been celebrated by audiences and critics alike (including Mashable's own Kristy Puchko). Even horror icon Stephen King said he can't stop thinking about the film's blend of horror and humor.

If you missed out on the twisted flick in theaters, it's officially available to watch at home this month. But you'll have to hold off a little longer for its streaming debut. Here are all the details you need to know to watch Obsession.

What is Obsession about?

Obsession is a classic case of "be careful what you wish for." It follows lonely young man Bear (Michael Johnston) who's crushing on obsesssing over his friend Nikki (Navarrette). He's not very skilled in talking to women, let alone dating, so when he gets his hands on a "One Wish Willow" that promises to make his dream come true, he wishes for Nikki to love him more than anyone else. As you can imagine, things don't go as planned.

Check out the official trailer below.

How to watch Obsession at home Credit: Focus Features

As of June 30, Obsession is available to watch at home. You can buy it or rent it at digital-on-demand retailers for as low as $19.99, or you can wait a little while to stream it on Peacock. See all the details below.

Buy or rent it on digital

A little over a month after its theatrical release, Obsession made its digital debut on June 30, 2026. That means you can buy or rent the movie from on-demand retailers. If you choose to rent, you'll get 30 days to watch the film and just 48 hours to finish it once you start. If you choose to buy it, then it's yours to keep and watch forever.

Here are some quick links to rent or purchase the film:

Stream it on Peacock

While we don't have an exact streaming release date yet for Obsession, we do know that it will make its debut on Peacock. The NBC Universal streaming service is the first stop for Focus Features films out of the theater. Based on other recent Focus Features films (Song Sung Blue, Hamnet, Bugonia), we can make an educated guess that Obsession will be streaming in August 2026 on Peacock.

Note that Focus Features' licensing deal gives Netflix a 10-month streaming window after the film's initial Peacock debut, before sending it back to Peacock. If you have a Netflix subscription, you could wait a little longer and stream Obsession without having to sign up for another service.

While the cheapest Peacock subscription costs just $7.99 per month, it unfortunately won't grant you access to theatrical releases. Instead, you'll need at least Peacock Premium, which costs $10.99 per month. Before you sign up, be sure to check out the best ways to save some money on a subscription below.

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Paying for a year of Peacock Premium or Premium Plus up front can save you up to $33.89. Premium (with ads) costs $10.99 monthly, which adds up to $131.88. If you pay for the annual plan, however, it'll only cost you $109.99 — a savings of $21.89.

Likewise, the Premium Plus plan costs $16.99 per month, which adds up to $203.88. The annual plan, on the other hand, costs just $169.99 — a savings of $33.89. You'll essentially be getting two months of streaming for free by opting for an annual subscription.

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If you're an Xfinity customer, there's a good chance you can get Peacock for free. Here's a breakdown of who is eligible (head to Xfinity.com for more details):

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Both students and young adults (ages 18 to 24) can take $5 per month off a Peacock Premium subscription all year long. Verify your student status or age through SheerID, and you'll receive a unique promo code to knock the price down to just $5.99 instead of $10.99. Just note that once the promo year is up, you'll be charged full price unless you cancel.

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First responders, medical professionals, teachers, and military personnel can all unlock Peacock Premium subscriptions (with ads) for a discounted rate of $6.99 per month by verifying professional status through SheerID. Those who continue to meet verification qualifications can renew their subscription at a discounted rate each year. Prices are subject to change year to year.

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An Instacart+ membership ($99.99 per year) unlocks a free Peacock Premium subscription ($109.99 per year value) on top of free grocery delivery, lower fees, and credit back on eligible pickup orders. You'll even get a free two-week trial to kick things off. If you time your trial to match up with the release of Obsession on Peacock, you can easily watch it for free. Just be sure to cancel before you're charged the full amount. We recommend setting a calendar alert to remind you.

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One of the best ways to score streaming services for free is by signing up for a Walmart+ membership. With a $98 Walmart+ subscription, you can choose either Peacock Premium or Paramount+ Essential as a free perk — and you can switch every few months. Since Peacock Premium is a $109.99 value, the $98 Walmart+ membership is already a better deal than paying for Peacock on its own. Of course, you'll also get free shipping with no order minimums, fuel discounts, a Scan & Go checkout tool, and early access to deals during Walmart's major shopping events.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Fiat’s adorable new electric car isn’t actually legal on US roads

How-To Geek - 11 hours 54 min ago

The automaker has launched the Topolino in the United States, but it's not a car in the traditional sense. It's the brand's first entry into the country's growing micromobility segment, a category built around golf carts and neighborhood electric vehicles rather than for everyday roads.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Transfer files of any size for life for a one-time $80 through July 19

Mashable - 11 hours 55 min ago

TL;DR: Send unlimited files of any size with lifetime access to Transfr Pro for $79.97 through July 19.

Opens in a new window Credit: Drime Transfr Pro Fast & Secure File Transfer Subscriptions: Lifetime Subscription $79.97
$499 Save $419.03   Get Deal

If your work involves large files, you’ve probably run into upload limits, expired download links, or another monthly subscription just to send a project. Transfr Pro takes a simpler approach: unlimited file transfers, professional sharing tools, and a one-time payment instead of recurring fees.

Through July 19, you can get lifetime access to Transfr Pro Fast & Secure File Transfer for a one-time $79.97 (reg. $499).

Designed for freelancers, photographers, videographers, agencies, designers, and anyone who regularly shares large files, Transfr Pro lets you send files of any size without the restrictions that often come with traditional file-sharing services. Instead of juggling multiple upload services, everything happens in one browser-based platform.

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It also goes beyond basic file delivery. Built-in Send & Track analytics show when recipients view or download your files, along with transfer activity and visitor locations. If you’re waiting on client feedback or confirming a delivery, those extra insights can save a few follow-up emails.

Files are protected with end-to-end encryption, and the platform runs on GDPR-compliant European infrastructure developed by the team behind Drime. You can also customize transfer pages with your own branding, preview supported files before download, and store shared files for up to 60 days.

One thing worth noting: this isn’t a cloud storage replacement for long-term archiving. It’s designed primarily for fast, professional file delivery and collaboration.

If you regularly send creative projects, presentations, videos, or other oversized files, Transfr Pro offers a practical alternative to subscription-based transfer services.

Get lifetime access to Transfr Pro for a one-time payment of $79.97 (reg. $499) through July 19.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Justin Bieber is joining FIFA’s first-ever World Cup final halftime show

Mashable - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 23:38

FIFA officially has Bieber fever.

The World Cup governing body and the action platform Global Citizen announced July 8 that Justin Bieber will co-headline the World Cup final halftime show on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium. He'll share the stage with Madonna, Shakira, and BTS in support of the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund.

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The 11-minute show will also feature Burna Boy, Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, and the PS22 Chorus, the Staten Island elementary school choir, performing alongside Coldplay. The show is also set to feature Sesame Street characters, including Kermit, Miss Piggy, and other Muppets, as part of the broadcast's education-focused message. Coldplay frontman Chris Martin is curating the performance.

"The FIFA World Cup brings the world together in a way nothing else can," Bieber said in a statement. "I'm grateful to be part of this Halftime Show, and even more grateful knowing it's already helping expand access to education for children around the world."

The halftime show is the first of its kind in FIFA World Cup history. While major soccer events often include opening ceremonies or pre-match performances, FIFA is introducing a halftime performance for this year's final.

The show will support the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund, which is raising $100 million to expand access to education and soccer for children worldwide. According to Global Citizen, the fund has already raised more than $50 million. Throughout the tournament, $1 from every ticket sold to FIFA World Cup 2026 matches is being donated to the fund.

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Bieber's addition expands a lineup that already included several major global artists. Madonna, Shakira, and BTS were previously announced as headliners for the show back in May, while Burna Boy brings another connection to the tournament through "Dai Dai," the official song of the 2026 World Cup, which he performs with Shakira.

"The FIFA World Cup is one of the few moments that truly brings the entire world together," Burna Boy said in a statement. "To represent Africa on the first-ever FIFA World Cup Final Halftime Show is a privilege and a responsibility that I don’t take lightly."

The announcement has not been universally embraced, especially among soccer fans who already feel this World Cup has been "Americanized," especially with the addition of brand-sponsored hydration breaks that interrupt the usual rhythm of matches. Adding a Super Bowl-style performance in the middle of the New Jersey final feels, to some, like another step in that direction.

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That experiment will get its first test next week, and FIFA is hoping they don't have to say "Sorry."

Categories: IT General, Technology

PC sales plunged for the first time in two years—except for one company

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 23:34

The computer market just faced one of its grimmest periods in recent memory. IDC analysts estimate PC shipments fell 4.9 percent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2026, representing the first decline in over two years — although one company remained unscathed.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Google saw record-breaking number of searches after Messi and Argentinas comeback World Cup win

Mashable - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 23:33

Between match attendance and the sheer number of viewers watching at home or at fan events, there's no doubt that this year's World Cup is going to break many records.

However, this latest record-breaking achievement from the 2026 World Cup is truly astonishing.

According to Google, Google Search saw its highest usage ever on Tuesday immediately after Argentina scored the winning goal in its comeback victory against Egypt in the World Cup Round of 16 match. This moment surpassed all prior Google Search usage periods in the company's near-28 year history.

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"Google Search broke all prior usage records and saw its highest usage in history right after Argentina scored their winning goal in yesterday’s match!" said Google SVP of Knowledge & Information Nick Fox alongside the exploding head emoji in a post on X. 

Google confirmed to Mashable that the measure is based on the number of search queries per second that occurred on its search engine during the game, immediately following Argentina's third goal.

Argentina, the defending World Cup champions, were on the brink of elimination as Messi and the rest of the team were losing 2-0 up until the 79th minute of the game. Argentina pulled off a miraculous comeback, scoring three goals within 14 minutes, with the winning goal scored in the third minute of extra time after the 90th minute.

Google tells Mashable that the top search query after Argentina’s winning goal was “argentina vs egypt,” with users ostensibly searching for results of the match.

SEE ALSO: Hyundai's Atlas robot debuts on the biggest stage of all: The World Cup

Google also shared global Google Trends data with Mashable that shows other search queries that contributed to the record-breaking Google Search usage after Argentina's third goal.

In addition to “argentina vs egypt,” these queries include:

  • argentina x colombia 

  • how many world cup goals does messi have

  • who else is playing in the world cup today

  • how many world cups have argentina won

  • what is it called when a player hits another player in game

  • is it messi's last world cup

  • where is the final world cup game being played

  • how many assists does messi have in world cup 2026

  • who is the best football player in the world

  • who will argentina play in the world cup

As you can see, there was clearly lots of interest in Messi specifically, who scored the second goal and was credited with the assist for the first goal. Messi's goal was his eighth overall in this World Cup tournament so far. Also, based on the search data, it appears many users thought Argentina would go on to face Colombia next. However, later that day, Switzerland eliminated Colombia in penalties.

There is still plenty of World Cup left — and plenty more records to potentially break — with four quarterfinal matches, two semifinals, and then the final game left to go.

Argentina will now face Switzerland next on Saturday, July 11.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The affordable sports car that makes a used Porsche Cayman less tempting

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 23:00

The Porsche 718 Cayman has long been the sports car benchmark for enthusiasts who want a premium badge without stepping into full supercar territory. Its mid-engine layout, sharp chassis, and near-perfect balance give it the kind of driving feel that makes every corner more rewarding.

Categories: IT General, Technology

4 must-see shows you can't watch on Netflix anymore (and where to find them now)

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 22:31

Netflix's library of hit movies, award-winning TV shows, and unique originals is one of the reasons why the streamer remains so popular. Shows like Suits, which had a successful run on cable TV, exploded in viewership on Netflix. While Netflix would love to keep its licensed programming forever, it's an unrealistic ask, meaning many notable shows eventually leave for other streaming services.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Linux distro treats your PC like source code—and it almost works

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 22:00

Most operating systems work in the same basic fashion—you install apps from the binaries or an app store, change configuration files as needed, and perform piecewise updates as needed. NixOS changes that approach entirely.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why developers are ditching GitHub for Codeberg and self-hosting alternatives

How-To Geek - Wed, 07/08/2026 - 22:00

By many measures, GitHub is as popular as ever. One new user joins every second, the service hosts over 600 million repositories, and nearly one billion commits were made in 2025.

Categories: IT General, Technology
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