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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 17 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 17 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sun shade

These words are on an advanced color wheel.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

The words are different shades of the color yellow.

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 Yellow.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 17

• Saffron

• Canary

• Daffodil

• Yellow

• Mustard

• Lemon

• Goldenrod

Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

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

SAVE $60: As of Feb. 17, the 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is on sale for $239.99 in Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale. This is 20% off its list price of $299.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Watch7 $239.99 at Best Buy
$299.99 Save $60.00 Get Deal

Best Buy's Presidents' Day sale is full of great deals on tech that are worth taking advantage of before the sale event is over. If a smartwatch has been on your shopping list, there are plenty of discounted options available, including on the Samsung Galaxy Watch7. If you're an Android user, this is an excellent investment to keep you on top of your goals.

The 40mm Samsung Galaxy Watch7 is on sale for $239.99 right now at Best Buy. This is 20% off its list price of $299.99, saving you $60. Not to mention, you'll also get a silver M/L Athleisure Band for free with your purchase, which is a fantastic bonus to get you started on your fitness journey.

SEE ALSO: Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra vs. Apple Watch Ultra: Which one takes the crown?

We ranked this smartwatch as the best pick for Android users in our roundup of the best fitness trackers. We consider it to be "a true (and slightly less pricey) alternative to the Apple Watch. In rivalling the Apple version, it's well stacked with AI-powered health and fitness features, including a daily energy score, automatic fitness tracking, sleep coaching, and tracking for literally hundreds of workouts." If you're looking for a smartwatch that can keep up with your daily activities, the Galaxy Watch7 is ready to assist.

Don't miss out on this Presidents' Day deal on the Samsung Galaxy Watch7 at Best Buy.

There are plenty more offers to look through at other retailers as well. Have a look through our roundups of the best Walmart Presidents' Day deals and the best Amazon Presidents' Day deals to see the latest discounts available before the sale event comes to an end.

SAVE $250: As of Feb. 17, the Peloton Bike is on sale for $1,195 in the Amazon President's Day sale. That’s $250 off its regular price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Peloton Peloton Bike $1,195.00 at Amazon
$1,445.00 Save $250.00 Get Deal

We know that fitness probably isn't top of your list of priorities on Presidents' Day, but if you have some time between swapping chairs and snack breaks, we'd like to suggest a standout deal on the Peloton Bike.

As of Feb. 17, the Peloton Bike is on sale for $1,195 in the Amazon President's Day sale. That’s $250 off its regular price.

SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day streaming deals live now: Peacock, Starz, and more

This isn't the cheapest we've ever seen this popular exercise bike, but it's only $100 off the record price. So if you've had your eye on this piece of equipment for some time, we recommend taking action to secure this low price. You're unlikely to see anything better until Prime Day, and there's no guarantee of a price drop during that event.

Looking for even more Presidents' Day deals? Check out our overall roundup of the best Presidents' Day deals at Amazon. And if you're curious what other retailers are offering, have a look at our roundups of Walmart's Presidents' Day deals and Best Buy's Presidents' Day deals.

SNL legend Laraine Newman took a stroll through Studio 8H for the show's 50th anniversary special this week, but she wasn't alone. Pete Davidson's Chad just happened to be there, so he came along for the ride.

Newman was part of the original SNL cast when it began in 1975, alongside Dan Aykroyd, John Belushi, Jane Curtin, Gilda Radner, Garrett Morris, and Chevy Chase. As for Chad? He just works here, I guess.

Walking through NBC's iconic SNL studio, 8H, Newman gets nostalgic alongside Davidson's recurring idiot character, and it's a strangely moving sketch. Even when Chad gets naked.

For the best sketches from SNL50, Mashable's got you covered.

Keeper Security is a popular password manager that promises to keep your data safe. It claims to be the most downloaded app of its kind, so I decided to take it for a spin and see if it lives up to the hype.

It's not the history lesson you expected, but it slaps.

For SNL's 50th anniversary special, Andy Samberg helps an anxious Bowen Yang to see that everyone on the show has had one thing in common over the years: anxiety. THROUGH SONG.

Somehow this sketch manages to be an absolute banger and a neat rundown of Saturday Night Live stars, including Samberg and Yang themselves. I'm gonna play it again.

For the best sketches from SNL50, Mashable's got you covered.

Molly Shannon's SNL character Sally O’Malley returned to the stage during the show's 50th anniversary special this week, declaring, "I'm proud to say I'm 50 years old — just like Saturday Night Live!"

Shannon's iconic character, who has been proudly 50 since she first appeared during the comedian's time on SNL in the late '90s, early 2000s, joined Emma Stone during SNL50 to present a history of the show's legacy in physical comedy.

"Emma, she's not one of those gals who's afraid to tell her real age and she likes to KICK, STRETCH, and KICK!" said Sally.

Cue some serious kicking and stretching.

For the best sketches from SNL50, Mashable's got you covered.

Kristen Wiig's Dooneese rides again! The SNL star appeared as the fourth Maharelle Sister from the Finger Lakes for the show's 50th anniversary special, alongside Scarlett Johansson, Kim Kardashian, and Ana Gasteyer.

During a song with Robert Goulet (Will Ferrell) in a special moment for The Lawrence Welk Show sketch (starring Fred Armisen as the host), Wiig rode back into her canine-toothed character from her time on Saturday Night Live in the 2000s and 2010s.

And it all ends with a moment of Kardashian percussion.

For the best sketches from SNL50, Mashable's got you covered.

SAVE $44: As of Feb. 17, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale for $115.95 at Amazon. That's 28% off its list price of $159.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $115.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $44.00 Get Deal

Today's the day to take advantage of some excellent Presidents' Day deals at a variety of retailers. Amazon's had a great selection of deals available over the last few days, and if you've been hoping to pick up a new fitness tracker, you can still score a sweet deal on the Fitbit Charge 6. We consider this the best option for everyday tracking in our roundup of the best fitness trackers, so you know it's worth every cent.

The Fitbit Charge 6 is currently marked down to $115.95, 28% off its list price of $159.95. Boasting all-day activity tracking, over 40 exercise modes, heart rate monitor, and so much more, this tracker is a must for those looking to stay on top of their daily fitness goals. It's listed as a limited-time deal, though, so you'll want to act fast to grab it at this price.

SEE ALSO: Fitbit vs. Apple Watch: Which should you buy in 2024?

As mentioned earlier, we consider this band to be the best for everyday tracking in our roundup of the best fitness trackers in 2025, noting that "Fitbit is the name in activity trackers, and the Fitbit Charge 6 is the top device when it comes to everyday health and fitness needs. More of a band than a watch, it will suit regular gym goers and offers a competitive range of specs."

Don't miss out on this deal on the Fitbit Charge 6 in Amazon's Presidents' Day sale.

Looking for even more Presidents' Day deals? Check out our overall roundup of the best Presidents' Day deals at Amazon. And if you're curious what other retailers are offering, have a look at our roundups of Walmart's Presidents' Day deals and Best Buy's Presidents' Day deals.

SAVE $130: As of Feb. 17, Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro are on sale for $99.99 at Best Buy. That’s $130 off their usual $229.99 price, making this one of the best Presidents’ Day deals around.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro $99.99 at Best Buy
$229.99 Save $130.00 Get Deal

I've tried a ton of wireless earbuds, and honestly, I wouldn't drop $230 on Samsung Galaxy Buds2 Pro — but at $99.99 at Best Buy, they're a total steal. These are some of the best noise-canceling earbuds out there. They sound amazing, and they've even got AI-powered real-time translations that you can pair with a Galaxy phone.

Let's talk sound first. The hi-fi 24-bit audio actually makes a difference, especially if you're streaming from Tidal or Apple Music's lossless tier. Everything sounds richer, sharper, and fuller, with way more depth than your typical Bluetooth buds. And the 360 Audio feature? It's basically Samsung's take on Apple's Spatial Audio, meaning movies, music, and games feel way more immersive.

SEE ALSO: The best Walmart Presidents' Day deals live now

The Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) is what really sold me on these. Samsung cranked up the noise-blocking this time, and I barely heard anything when I got them in — no plane noise, no coffee shop chatter, nothing. But when I need to listen to what's happening, Ambient Mode lets in just enough sound without making everything sound weird and robotic.

Comfort-wise, these are some of the smallest, lightest earbuds Samsung has made, and they actually fit well right out of the box. If you've ever had issues with buds falling out, these stay put — even during workouts. And speaking of workouts, they're IPX7 water-resistant, so sweat and rain won't kill them.

One of the wildest features is the real-time AI translation, but heads up — you'll need a Galaxy phone for this one. If you're traveling or just chatting with someone who speaks another language, the Galaxy AI interpreter feature plays translated speech right into your ears. I'm not going to lie; it's pretty cool.

Battery life is solid, too; about five hours with ANC on and up to 18 hours with the case. Fast charging also gives you an extra hour of playtime in just five minutes, and if you've got a Galaxy phone, you can even charge it wirelessly from the back of your device.

At full price, I'd probably still go for something like the Sony WF-1000XM5 or AirPods Pro, but at $99.99 at Best Buy? These are a no-brainer. If you want high-end sound, killer ANC, and cool AI features, grab them before this Presidents' Day deal disappears.

SNL brought back Black Jeopardy for its 50th anniversary special this week, with a star-studded throwback sketch featuring Eddie Murphy, Tracy Morgan, Leslie Jones, Kenan Thompson, Chris Rock, and Tom Hanks.

Or as host Darnell Hayes (Thompson, back in the role) calls the beloved parody game show, "the only Jeopardy where every single viewer fully understood Kendrick's halftime performance."

It was truly Murphy who stole the show, doing one of his signature impressions of Morgan (who was standing beside him as a character named Darius) in a nod to his days on Saturday Night Live in the '80s.

Come for Murphy's Morgan impression, stay for MAGA Tom Hanks back as Doug.

For the best sketches from SNL50, Mashable's got you covered.

Connections is a game from the New York Times that challenges you to find the association between words. It sounds easy, but it isn't—Connections categories can be almost anything, and they're usually quite specific. If you need a hand getting the answers, we've got you covered.

TL;DR: The Tinggly Experience Gift Box gives you the option to choose from thousands of incredible experiences around the world, and it's only $79. 

Finding the perfect birthday gift can be tricky. It’s easy to default to the mainstays like gift cards or a bottle of wine, but if you want something unique, check out Tinggly. This Birthday Gift Box isn't going to be another bottle in a cabinet. Instead, it gives the recipient access to over 17,000 activities in more than 100 countries. Happy birthday, here's the world.

What does Tinggly actually give you?

From adrenaline-pumping outdoor adventures to luxurious spa days or immersive cultural tours, there’s something for everyone to unwrap. What’s even better is that the recipient gets to choose the experience that resonates with them most. You’re not just giving a gift. You’re giving an opportunity for adventure, relaxation, or self-discovery.

The Happy Birthday Box is designed to be as flexible as it is thoughtful. With lifetime validity, there’s no rush to book an experience, so your loved one can take their time finding fun that suits them. And with options for one to four participants, these experiences can be shared with loved ones or enjoyed solo. Maybe they'll even bring you along. 

Whether it’s bungee jumping in New Zealand, learning to cook authentic Italian cuisine in Rome, or simply enjoying a luxurious retreat close to home, Tinggly makes it possible. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate birthdays by focusing on connection, discovery, and joy rather than material things. So instead of adding to the clutter, this gift turns a special day into a lifelong memory.

Get a Tinggly Experience Gift Box while it's on sale for $79. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

Opens in a new window Credit: Tinggly Tinggly Experience Gift Box - Happy Birthday $79.00
$99.00 Save $20.00 Get Deal

TL;DR: Protect 10 devices for 15 months with Norton 360 for only $32.99 (reg. $139). 

Opens in a new window Credit: Norton Norton 360 Premium $32.99
$139.99 Save $107.00 75GB Cloud PC Backup for 10 Devices (15-Month Subscription) Get Deal

Protecting yourself online has grown more complicated in the last few years. Instead of just avoiding seedy websites, now it helps to have your own advanced protection on your side.

Norton 360 Premium delivers that comprehensive protection that goes beyond plain old antivirus software, and just wait until you see everything it can do. Plus, it's only $32.99 (reg. $139) for a 15-month subscription on 10 devices. 

What does Norton 360 do?

This software is an all-in-one cybersecurity service. It defends against hackers, malware, and ransomware while providing real-time threat protection. With its secure VPN, you can browse the internet confidently, even on public Wi-Fi, knowing your data is encrypted. For families, the parental control feature helps you manage kids’ screen time and keep their online activities safe. If your kids can't do their homework without using the internet, now you can at least make sure they don't end up anywhere they shouldn't. 

Worried about losing important files? This subscription also comes with 75GB of secure cloud backup, which protects important files from being lost or compromised. Dark web monitoring even alerts you if your personal information is found where it shouldn’t be. Whether you’re a casual user or someone handling sensitive information, these extra layers of protection could help deliver some welcome peace of mind.

What makes Norton 360 even more appealing is its flexibility. It’s designed for a variety of platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, with features tailored to each system. The software installs quickly and is user-friendly, so you don't have to be a tech pro to protect yourself.

Don't miss your chance to get a 15-month Norton 360 subscription for $32.99. 

StackSocial prices subject to change. 

You’ve spent ages dreaming about your getaway plans this year — but finding affordable flights? That’s a headache waiting to happen. Luckily, OneAir AI Travel makes it easier to book smarter and stress less while saving big. Grab this low price before February 17 ends on an Elite Plan before its price increases again — just $49.99 with promo code FLY50.

With a lifetime membership, you’ll have an AI-powered travel assistant scanning for the best flight deals — real-time updates included. Whether you’re planning a beach retreat, a family reunion abroad, or a solo escape, OneAir keeps you ahead of price drops and promotions so you can lock in the best deals without endless searching.

OneAir’s features go beyond just finding cheap tickets. It includes fare protection services, helping you secure refunds if ticket prices fall after booking. Plus, personalized deal alerts and a streamlined dashboard let you focus on where you’re going, not how to get there.

Don’t wait to book your next adventure. Take those dream vacations with confidence — and keep your budget intact.

For just $49.99 when you use coupon code FLY50 by 11:59 p.m. PT on February 17, this lifetime OneAir AI Travel Elite Plan sets you up with all the tools you need for hassle-free travel planning.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Opens in a new window Credit: OneAir OneAir Elite: Lifetime Subscription (Book Unbeatable Hotel and Flight Deals + Earn Up to 10% in Cash Rewards on Most Bookings) $99.99
$790.00 Save $690.01 Get Deal

TL;DR: Get lifetime access to BitMar, a Bing-powered streaming content finder, for only $14.99 through Feb. 23 with code BITMAR5 — no ads, just endless content.

Opens in a new window Credit: BitMar BitMar Streaming Content-Finder: Lifetime Subscription $14.99
$150.00 Save $135.01 with code BITMAR5 Get Deal

Endlessly scrolling through apps trying to find something to watch can be exhausting. That’s where BitMar steps in — think of it as your personal content concierge.

With lifetime access to BitMar on sale for only $14.99 with code BITMAR5 through Feb. 23, you can search across multiple streaming platforms without jumping between apps.

Powered by Bing search and BitMar’s own filtering algorithms, it narrows down exactly what you want to watch, instantly. Whether it’s a new show, a niche documentary, or a hidden gem, BitMar makes it easy to find.

But here’s the best part: BitMar brings all this together without annoying ads. If you’re someone who streams YouTube, you’ll know how rare that is unless you’re paying a pretty penny for a premium subscription. With BitMar, you can watch content from YouTube, free of ads, saving you the monthly cost.

BitMar’s design isn’t just functional; it’s a breeze to use. The intuitive interface makes finding and streaming content smooth, even if you’re not super tech-savvy. And for all you cord-cutters and streamers, it’s a cost-effective solution with lifetime access. No subscriptions, no recurring charges — just an endless supply of free content at your fingertips.

Ready to ditch the endless scroll and simplify your streaming life? BitMar’s got your back, offering a huge library of content and zero ads.

Until February 23 at 11:59 p.m. PT, get a lifetime subscription to the BitMar Streaming Content-Finder on sale for $14.99 when you enter code BITMAR5 at checkout.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

SAVE OVER $30: As of Feb. 17, Marshall Minor IV True Wireless earbuds are on sale for $95.34 at Amazon. That’s 27% off their usual $129.99 price, making them a great pickup if you want long battery life, powerful sound, and a classic Marshall design.

Opens in a new window Credit: Marshall Marshall Minor IV True Wireless Earbuds $95.34 at Amazon
$129.99 Save $34.65 Get Deal

I go through earbuds way too fast, and honestly, I've learned the hard way that cheap ones don't last. I'm eyeing this Presidents' Day deal on Marshall Minor IVs. They're down to $95.34 at Amazon, a steal for earbuds that pack over 30 hours of battery life.

Marshall knows sound better than most, and these earbuds prove it. The signature tuning means you get deep bass, crisp highs, and balanced mids, so everything from rock to hip-hop sounds precisely how it should.

SEE ALSO: Apple iPad mini 7 review: Beefed up and ready for AI

If you like to fine-tune your audio, the Marshall app lets you customize the EQ, which most wireless earbuds at this price don't offer. Plus, Bluetooth multipoint allows you to swap between devices effortlessly — perfect for jumping between music on my phone and calls on my laptop.

Comfort is another thing I care about, and these have a lightweight, ergonomic design that won't kill your ears after an hour. I've worn earbuds that start feeling like torture devices after a while, but Marshall designed these for all-day wear, which is a huge win.

One thing I really appreciate is the battery preservation mode. Marshall lets you extend the battery's lifespan through their app, so you're not looking for replacements in a year. With OTA firmware updates and replaceable parts, these are built to last, unlike other brands that stop working after the warranty expires.

At $95.34 on Amazon, these are an easy yes. 30+ hours of battery, a customizable sound profile, and premium Marshall audio — all for under $100? I'm grabbing these before the deal disappears.

SAVE $39.99: As of Feb. 17, the Philips Hue Play Light Bar extension is on sale for $39.99 at Woot. That’s 50% off its regular price of $79.99. Keep in mind that this is just the extension, so you’ll need a Hue Play base kit with the power supply if you’re starting fresh.

Opens in a new window Credit: Phillips Philips Hue Play Light Bar Extension $39.99 at Woot
$79.99 Save $40.00 Get Deal

I've been deep into Philips Hue smart lighting for a while now, and if you've ever used Hue Play Light Bars, you already know how much they change your space. They're fantastic for gaming, movie nights, and setting the right vibe. Right now, you can expand your setup for half the usual price, which makes this an easy buy if you already own a Hue Play base kit.

What makes this Woot deal so good? First, they sync with movies, music, and games to create an immersive lighting experience. I've got mine mounted behind my TV, and how they react to on-screen action makes everything feel more cinematic. If you game with Razer Chroma or Corsair iCUE, these light bars sync up perfectly, matching the colors and intensity of your screen.

SEE ALSO: The best Presidents' Day streaming deals live now: Peacock, Starz, and more

They're also ridiculously versatile. You can mount them on the wall, attach them to your desk, or just lay them flat to create ambient lighting. I love using them for TV backlighting, but they work just as well for mood lighting in a gaming setup or home office. If you've got Alexa or Google Assistant, you can control them with your voice, and the Hue app lets you tweak everything from brightness to color effects.

Before you grab this deal, remember that this is just the extension — it doesn't include the power supply. If you're just starting, you'll need the Hue Play base kit first. But if you already have one, this is the perfect time to expand your setup for way less than usual.

$39.99 is a steal on Woot for a Hue Play extension, with the Amazon-owned site rarely dropping these this low. This deal won't last long if you want to take your smart lighting to the next level.

SAVE $400: As of Feb. 17, the Hisense Canvas TV is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon. That's a 31% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Hisense Hisense Canvas TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,299.99 Save $400.00 Get Deal

Are you looking for a new TV but don't want to spend a fortune? Well, luckily for you, Presidents' Day sales have kicked off and you can find a whole host of discounts at Amazon, including this latest deal on the impressive Hisense Canvas. As of Feb. 17, you can find it on sale at Amazon for just $899.99. This price is specific to the 65-inch model.

The quality of this TV is seriously impressive (just check out our review). This 4K QLED TV delivers a range of sharp, vibrant colors, but the big selling point is that when you’re not watching, the TV can be transformed into a digital gallery, displaying a single image or shuffling through a slideshow of your favorite photos or artwork. The hi-matte display makes the digital gallery look like the real thing, so prepare to trick your friends and family.

SEE ALSO: Grab the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet for under $100 this Presidents' Day

Not only that, this TV is also a great option for gamers, boasting a 144Hz Game Mode PRO. This is designed with top gaming technology, with a Variable Refresh Rate of 48Hz to 144Hz.

Head to Amazon to find this great deal.

SAVE $45: As of Feb. 17, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Fire HD 10 $94.99 at Amazon
$139.99 Save $45.00 Get Deal

Presidents' Day sales are underway, so if a tablet upgrade is something you've planned, now is the time to make the most of discounts. And at Amazon, you'll find the discounted Fire HD 10. Not being the latest in the range means it's more affordable, but still a great option for both work and play.

As of Feb. 17, the Amazon Fire HD 10 tablet is on sale for $94.99 at Amazon. That's a saving of 32% on list price.

SEE ALSO: My favorite Garmin is heavily discounted for Presidents' Day

This impressive tablet boasts a 10.1-inch 1080p Full HD display and is a great all-rounder. Perfect for streaming your favorite shows, reading, and searching the web. Like most Amazon devices, it comes with built-in Alexa for hands-free control and searching. This discount is available on all colorways for the 32GB model (with ads). Without ads, you can purchase for $109.99.

If you want the latest in the Fire tablet range, we recommend going for the Fire 11 Max. This model is even more advanced and features an 11-inch display, faster performance with 4GB of RAM, and support for a stylus and keyboard. This model is also on sale and is currently priced at $184.99 as of Feb. 17.

This tablet deal is only available for a limited time, so head to Amazon's Presidents' Day sale.