Technology

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 5 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 5 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Every second counts

The words are time-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are ways to tell time.

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 Timekeepers.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 5

• Sundial

• Hourglass

• Timekeepers

• Chronometer

• Watch

• Clock

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 the latest Strands.

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for July 5 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT's The Mini crossword answers for July 5, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A packer.

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 B.

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...

BALER.

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 5

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 the latest Wordle.

It's ironic that the very job I do—writing for online publications—killed technology magazines over the last ten years or so. Circulation started to drop when you could get pretty much the same content, instantly, and for free as long as you can put up with a little advertising to pay the bills—thanks for that, by the way!

People these days obsess over minimalistic user interfaces, to the point that they sacrifice functionality for aesthetics, and I get it. I keep my desktop fairly clean, too. But when it comes to my taskbar, it’s a different story; I keep every system tray icon shown, and it's been working great for me.

USB ports don’t all offer the same speed. Using a slower port can cause delays in file transfers, slower charging, and poor performance for high-speed devices. So, how can you identify the fastest one? You can figure this out by checking the port symbol or color, or performing a quick speed test.

SentinelPro is a powerful, all-in-one analytics platform offering real-time insights, full data ownership, and both free and affordable paid plans for businesses of all sizes.

If you join meetings on your Windows 11 PC, you can make your system prepare for the upcoming meetings by itself. Thanks to a custom script, your computer can automatically adjust the brightness, enable do-not-disturb mode, close distracting apps, and launch your meeting apps.

What if you could get a really good pair of over-ear headphones that didn't cost more than $400?

That's the question Nothing, a UK-based tech startup, is trying to answer with the new Nothing Headphone (1) headphones, just unveiled this week. A bunch of tech publications got to try out the new headphones prior to their reveal and launch, meaning there are now a good number of reviews available out there for folks interested in potentially getting this $299 pair of over-ear cans.

SEE ALSO: Nothing Phone (3) announced. See specs, price, preorder details Nothing Headphone (1) price

What did the critics have to say about these new headphones? For starters, many agree that they're a great value at $299. The closest points of comparison in terms of features and audio quality are things like the Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones and the Apple AirPods Max, both of which retail for well over $400. From that perspective, Nothing is already at an advantage.

But what about everything else?

The design

For starters, these headphones have kind of a funky design that might turn off some customers, but might appeal to others. They have big, rectangular cases for the ear cups, and they only come in two colors: white and black. Ben Schoon summed it up nicely in 9to5Google's review:

"Nothing’s design here is unique, to say the least. The partially square, partially rounded design gives off cassette tape vibes, which I rather like," Schoon wrote.

Pretty much every other review I read aligned with that viewpoint. Whether you personally are into the design or not, Nothing deserves some credit for trying something.

Matt Bolton, meanwhile, made sure to emphasize in TechRadar's review that the headphones are comfortable for long sessions, regardless of how they look.

"This fit will also be a little divisive – some people really prefer just a lighter-weight headphone that doesn't need to grip so much – but I found them more comfortable than the AirPods Max, and fine to wear for a good stretch of time," Bolton wrote.

The sound

This is the tricky part. Little else, not design, comfort, or active noise cancelation features, matters more than the sound quality when it comes to headphones. Unfortunately, it's pretty broadly agreed in most reviews I read that this is one area where the price difference between Headphone (1) and its closest competition manifests.

That's not to say the sound is bad, though. In James Pero's review for Gizmodo, he praised the quality of the noise cancelation and the audio output in general. It may not be quite at the level of AirPods Max, but there's a $250 price difference between the two, so that's probably to be expected.

"I still think Apple’s AirPods Max have a slight edge in the sound department — mid-to-highs just have slightly more texture and room, which makes vocals feel more organic and clear," Pero wrote. "That being said, Nothing holds its own against a competitor that charges a very hefty premium."

Bolton, on the other hand, was more critical in his review for TechRadar.

"The audio is tuned by the great hi-fi brand KEF, and is reasonably refined, well-balanced, and broadly enjoyable," Bolton wrote. "But it also feels compressed, and lacks the openness and expansive sound I'm used to from testing the competition at this price."

The battery life

For $300, you'd expect good battery life out of a pair of headphones. It sounds like Nothing delivered in that department. Schoon said in his 9to5Google review that the batteries lasted 35 hours with ANC turned on and 80 without it. My goodness, that's pretty darn good.

Based on these reviews, it sounds like Nothing's first over-ear headphones are solid, at worst. You may have to deal with slightly worse audio quality than some of the more expensive models, and you may not like the design, but they seem like a good value where it counts.

As someone who uses a MacBook Pro all day, every day; I didn’t realize how much use I’d get out of a cheap used Mac mini. As I build up my smart home ecosystem, I’ve taken to using Apple’s “tiny PC” as a local hub.

It's officially summer as of Friday, June 20, which can only mean one thing: Amazon Prime Day is right around the corner. You may be wondering if you should pull the trigger on deals you've been eyeing once the official sale kicks off or wait until the next Prime event. We're here to lay out all the details to help you decide, including when to expect the next Prime Day.

When is the next Prime Day?

While it may seem like Amazon is holding Prime events every other month, Prime Day technically only happens once a year in the summer. However, Amazon has also been holding another major sale event the past three years in the fall (called Prime Big Deal days in 2024). For all intents and purposes, it's essentially Prime Day 2. Amazon has also held a week-long shopping event in the spring dubbed Amazon's Big Spring Sale for the past two years. The deals aren't quite at the level of Prime Day, but it is considered Amazon's first major savings event of the year.

In 2025, Prime Day proper kicks off on Tuesday, July 8 and runs through July 11. That's four full days of deal shopping, marking the longest Prime Day ever. While it's longer than usual by two days, the sale still comes at its usual time: Amazon historically holds the Prime Day event in mid-July with a Tuesday start date. Deals are already floating around ahead of the big event and will likely linger after the event concludes at 2:59 a.m. ET on Saturday, July 12 (aka 11:59 p.m. PT on Friday, July 11).

Once the sales dry up, you'll have to wait until the fall for another Prime-centric shopping event. The next Prime Day likely won't take place until October, 2025 (unless, of course, Amazon decides to throw us a curveball) and it won't actually be called Prime Day.

In 2022, 2023, and 2024, the October Prime Day-esque event was held the second week of October. If we assume Amazon will stick with a similar schedule as the past few years, the next Prime Day will probably fall on Oct. 7 and 8, 2025.

Are Prime Day deals worth it?

It's hard to get excited for a huge shopping event when you have recession on the brain. Everything from electronics to clothes to cleaning supplies has become more expensive this year due to President Donald Trump's tariffs and other general economic chaos.

If you're wondering whether or not Prime Day 2025 is actually worth shopping, inflation-weary shoppers can rest assured that Prime Day is notoriously full of great summer deals. Besides Black Friday, it's probably the best time of year to buy Amazon devices, Apple products, robot vacuums, everyday essentials, smartwatches, headphones, and more. If you're in the market for tech, it's certainly worth perusing. Mashable has a hub for Prime Day coverage that can give you more in-depth analysis on what products are worth grabbing and which ones are worth passing on.

The best early Prime Day deals, hand-picked by Mashable's team of experts Products available for purchase through affiliate links. If you buy something through links on our site, Mashable may earn an affiliate commission.

• Fire TV Stick 4K Streaming Device With Remote (2023 Model) — $24.99 (List Price $49.99)

• Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 1070Wh Portable Power Station — $448.98 (List Price $799.00)

• Ring Indoor Cam 2nd Gen 1080p Camera With Cover (White, 2-Pack) — $59.98 (List Price $99.99)

• Blink Outdoor 4 XR 2 Camera Kit With Mini 2 Camera — $129.98 (List Price $219.98)

• Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise Cancelling Headphones — $194.99 (List Price $348.00)

• Shark AV2511AE AI Robot Vacuum With XL Self-Empty Base — $297.99 (List Price $599.00)

• Amazon Fire HD 10 32GB Tablet (2023 Release, Black) — $69.99 (List Price $139.99)

• Amazon Fire Max 11 64GB Wi-Fi Tablet (2023 Model) — $139.99 (List Price $229.99)

• Fire TV Stick 4K Max Streaming Player With Remote (2023 Model) — $34.99 (List Price $59.99)

• Ring Battery Doorbell Pro With Ring Battery Outdoor Cam Plus — $329.98

• 55" Amazon Fire TV Omni Mini-LED Series 4K QLED Smart TV (2024 Model) — $699.99 (List Price $819.99)

Open-ear earbuds have taken the world by storm, and Baseus has thrown its hat in the ring with a new range of buds covering the entry-level, midrange, and high-end of the market.

Sharing files between Linux and Android has often been a complicated process involving unreliable Linux utilities or complex network setups. A new application, Packet, aims to solve this by providing a simple, wireless file transfer solution. Let's find out how!

Apple is introducing a bold new look to all of its operating systems this fall. But this isn’t the first time the company has introduced drastic changes that have reshaped the way its software looks and feels. In fact, the company has a bit of a thing for it.

Jonathan Bailey, you are the bane of my existence and the object of all my desires.

The Bridgerton and Jurassic World Rebirth star joined Amelia Dimoldenberg for the latest instalment of Chicken Shop Date. Naturally, as with all episodes of the beloved YouTube series, the latest episode doesn't fail to deliver on charm, wit, and a double helping of unabashed flirting.

Bailey (and his "slutty little glasses") is currently starring in Jurassic World Rebirth, the latest sequel in the Jurassic Park franchise.

In a market where car prices continue to climb, finding a brand-new sedan that’s truly affordable can feel impossible. But one model stands out as the most budget-friendly new sedan in America, and it still delivers more value than you’d expect at its price point.

TL;DR: Live stream Struff vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of interesting games in the third round of Wimbledon, but any game involving Carlos Alcaraz deserves your attention. Struff is the next opponent for the French Open winner. Can Alcaraz go all the way this year?

If you're interested in watching Struff vs. Alcaraz at Wimbledon 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Struff vs. Alcaraz for free

Struff vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Struff vs. Alcaraz for free from anywhere in the world

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 they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Struff vs. Alcaraz (plus the rest of Wimbledon 2025) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, 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 always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Struff vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Sabalenka vs. Raducanu in Wimbledon 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are a number of interesting games in the third round of Wimbledon, but Sabalenka vs. Raducanu might be the best of the bunch. It's the home favorite against the top seed. It doesn't get much better than that.

If you're interested in watching Sabalenka vs. Raducanu at Wimbledon 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

How to watch Sabalenka vs. Raducanu for free

Sabalenka vs. Raducanu in Wimbledon 2025 is available to live stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

BBC iPlayer is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in another country, meaning you can unblock free live streams on sites like BBC iPlayer from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Wimbledon 2025 for free by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

4. Visit BBC iPlayer

5. Live stream Sabalenka vs. Raducanu for free from anywhere in the world

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 they do tend to offer money-back guarantees and free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock BBC iPlayer without committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it gives you plenty of time to stream Sabalenka vs. Raducanu (plus the rest of Wimbledon 2025) before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming platforms from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for BBC iPlayer?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms like BBC iPlayer, 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 always secure

• Fast streaming speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $139 and includes an extra four months for free — 61% off for a limited time. This plan also includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month subscription for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Live stream Sabalenka vs. Raducanu in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

In the market for a new PC to replace that Windows 10 computer but want to try a different OS? Linux-first PC and laptop manufacturer System76 has refreshed its mini PC it calls "Meerkat" with better CPU options, including a more affordable configuration.

Are you looking for fun (or unique) pieces of software to expand your homelab with? I’ve been on the hunt for new software lately, and found 10 tools that everyone should try at least once. In no particular order, here are tools that have (or will) change how I run my homelab.

The Counterpart charger is a $44 wall plug with one standout feature: a built-in retractable cable. It’s designed to reduce clutter and simplify your everyday charging setup. But is smart cable management enough to justify the price?