Mashable

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you dress to impress.

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 December 29, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 29, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Are you putting me on?

The words are related to clothing.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe sophisticated dress.

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 Suit Yourself.

NYT Strands word list for December 29

• Shirt

• Belt

• Cufflinks

• Suit Yourself

• Jacket

• Trousers

• Vest

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love clean eating.

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 December 29, 2025 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 December 29, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Naturally-sweet treats.

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 F.

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...

FRUIT

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 December 29, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

TL;DR: This refurbished 2017 Apple MacBook Pro with Touch Bar is on sale for $299.97 (reg. $1,499), features a Retina display, 512GB storage, and Intel Core i5 performance.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple Macbook Pro 2017 (Refurbished) $299.97
$1,499 Save $1,199.03   Get Deal

If you’ve ever “had thoughts” regarding Apple’s Touch Bar, you’re not alone. Some people loved the customizable shortcuts, while others … did not. Either way, this Touch Bar-equipped MacBook Pro is designed to give you a polished Mac experience at an affordable price for 80 percent off.

This refurbished 13.3-inch MacBook Pro (2017) features a 3.1GHz dual-core Intel Core i5, 8GB RAM, and 512GB SSD. It’s well-suited for everyday work like writing, browsing, streaming, and light photo editing. The Retina display pops with a sharp 2560 x 1600 resolution and 500 nits of brightness, great for anyone who spends hours in front of their screen. Stereo speakers, a Force Touch trackpad, and a backlit keyboard for when things get a little dark and you’re still typing away.

Mashable Deals Be the first to know! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Get editor selected deals texted right to your phone! Loading... Sign Me Up By signing up, you agree to receive recurring automated SMS marketing messages from Mashable Deals at the number provided. Msg and data rates may apply. Up to 2 messages/day. Reply STOP to opt out, HELP for help. Consent is not a condition of purchase. See our Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. Thanks for signing up!

The Touch Bar — polarizing as it is — offers app-specific shortcuts and controls that change depending on what you’re doing, from going through videos to adjusting volume or formatting text. It can be customized for different apps and functions, which may appeal to users who like having quick-access tools at their fingertips. Touch ID is built in, allowing quick and convenient logins and secure purchases.

This refurbished Apple MacBook Pro is rated Grade A, meaning it’s in near-mint condition with minimal signs of wear. It weighs just over three pounds and includes four Thunderbolt 3 ports for charging, displays, and accessories, making it easy to connect external monitors or expand your setup. Battery life is rated for up to 10 hours of wireless web browsing or video playback, which should comfortably cover a full workday for many users.

Get the 2017 MacBook Pro for $299.97 (reg. $1,499) through Jan. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Imagiyo’s AI image generator lifetime standard plan is down to $34.97 (reg. $495), offering commercial-use images without watermarks or ads.

Opens in a new window Credit: Imagiyo Imagiyo AI Image Generator: Lifetime Subscription (Standard Plan) $34.97
$495 Save $460.03   Get Deal

Curious about AI image generators, but don’t want to sign up for yet another subscription? The Imagiyo AI Image Generator is a tool you can use for work or play, offering text-to-image generation for only $34.97 (reg. $495). This is the lowest price yet for this lifetime standard plan, which runs through Jan. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT, so if you’ve been waiting for a one-and-done price on an AI image tool, this is it.

Imagiyo’s text-to-image platform is powered by FLUX Schnell and Modelslab Stable Diffusion models, both of which have been used in the AI art world for their versatility and speed. The plan includes up to 500 images per month, generating two images per request, so you can experiment with prompts and styles without worrying about running out of credits right away.

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All generated content is watermark- and ad-free, with unlimited downloads of your entire archive. Additionally, you’re cleared for commercial use so be sure to not violate the copyright rules. Gaining access is a plus for marketing teams, social media managers, or anyone making visuals for business projects. Imagiyo’s browser-based app works on both desktop and mobile, so you can generate images anywhere you have an internet connection.

We’ve covered the evolving landscape of AI image generators before, as more creators, designers, and marketers look for tools that fit their workflows or budgets. This Imagiyo deal is worth a closer look if you want the tools but not the recurring bank account withdrawals.

For anyone who values a one-time payment over ongoing charges, this Imagiyo deal stands out for its value and flexibility.

Get the Imagiyo AI Image Generator’s standard plan today through Jan. 11 at 11:59 p.m. PT for $34.97 (reg. $495).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is on sale for $29.97 (reg. $229), giving you lifetime access to Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and more on one computer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows $29.97
$229 Save $199.03   Get Deal

Software subscriptions add up quickly, especially when you only need the basics. If Word, Excel, and PowerPoint are already part of your daily routine, Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 is a practical alternative, offering a single payment with no additional fees for only $29.97 (reg. $229).

This edition includes the classic lineup, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, OneNote, Publisher, and Access, all installed locally on a single Windows PC. While it isn’t Microsoft’s latest version, Office 2019 brought real improvements over earlier releases, like enhanced inking tools across apps, new data analysis features in Excel, better presentation options in PowerPoint, and updated email management in Outlook. For most users, that’s more than enough for work, school, or home use.

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The main appeal is the low price. Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 for Windows is currently $29.97, which is price dropped from $229 for lifetime access.

Office 2019 works with Windows 10 and 11 (not Windows 7 or 8) and runs well on older or secondary computers thanks to its modest system requirements. If you’re also in the market for a new device, it’s worth checking out guides to top productivity laptops and other Microsoft software for more ways to save.

After purchase, you’ll get instant access to your license key and download links. You’ll need to redeem your code within seven days. If that fits your setup, this is a straightforward way to pick up Microsoft Office for a one-time fee with no ongoing commitment.

Whether you want it for home use, freelance work, or a backup computer, get Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019 while it’s still on sale today for $29.97 (reg. $229).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

Retractable door handles, popularized by Tesla, are now found on many electric vehicles. However, if automakers want to do business in China, they will have to adjust their approach to handling door handles in the country.

As noted by the outlet Autoblog, under new draft rules released by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, all vehicles in the country weighing under 3.5 tons must have interior and exterior handles with a mechanical emergency release.

SEE ALSO: Apple removes popular gay dating apps from China's App Store

This move will effectively ban all retractable EV door handles on new cars released in the country. The ban goes into effect on January 1, 2027.

Regulators didn't have to work too hard to make their case that electric-only retractable door handles are a safety issue. A recent Bloomberg analysis tied 15 auto deaths directly to Tesla's doors not opening. Although many EVs feature mechanical releases within the vehicle, there have been numerous cases where owners were unable to locate or operate them in the event of an accident.

China's ban will affect all EV companies, including BYD, which is based in the country. However,  no company will likely be more affected by the ban than Tesla. Every Tesla model features these retractable door handles, which means that if Elon Musk's EV company wants to continue operating in China, it has roughly one year to start producing cars with a different handle.

Tesla's woes regarding its door handles might not end with China either. US regulators are also investigating safety concerns related to Tesla's flush-mounted electronic door handles, following reports from owners who were unable to enter or exit their vehicles due to battery power loss. In fact, in some cases, first responders had to break the car windows in order to get to children who were trapped inside a Tesla vehicle. 

It is very likely that Apple will release a foldable iPhone in 2026.

Rumors have been circulating about the foldable iPhone for some time now. Bloomberg's Apple insider, Mark Gurman, has reported that Apple plans to release a foldable smartphone next year. Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has reported that the device is real, will be released next year, and Apple is already having trouble building enough of them to meet the expected demand.

And now, YouTuber Jon Prosser is sharing visuals and exact specs for the device in his most recently released video.

In a video posted to his FrontPageTech YouTube channel just days before Christmas, Prosser showcases 3-D renders of what he says the foldable iPhone will look like. In the video, Prosser focuses on one of the major issues for Apple that kept them from previously releasing a foldable iPhone: The crease down the middle of the foldable screen. 

According to Prosser, Apple has devised a solution to this issue by utilizing a "metal plate that disperses the pressure of bending the display" in conjunction with liquid metal in the smartphone's hinge.

Credit: Jon Prosser / FrontPageTech

Prosser also shares that the foldable iPhone will have a 5.5-inch external display, and the foldable screen will measure 7.8 inches when opened. Basically, the foldable iPhone will open into a mini iPad.

When closed, the foldable iPhone will be 9mm thick, and when opened, its thickness will roughly be 4.5mm, which is even thinner than the iPhone Air. The device is equipped with a total of four cameras.

According to Prosser, the foldable iPhone is expected to be released alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and 18 Pro Max next year.

Credit: Jon Prosser / FrontPageTech

While people like Mark Gurman and Ming-Chi Kuo have shared details about the foldable iPhone, Prosser's report is the most detailed yet. But is he to be believed, like the two former Apple leak veterans? As Gizmodo points out, Apple filed a lawsuit against Prosser earlier this year over his accurate leaks about iOS 26 and Liquid Glass. According to the lawsuit, a second person named in the lawsuit used an Apple employee's phone to send Prosser information about the iOS update, so his sourcing certainly seems to be legitimate.

With three separate and trustworthy Apple leakers now reporting on a foldable iPhone in 2026, it seems almost a sure thing, barring some significant change in direction from the company. 

OpenAI is hiring a new Head of Preparedness, a role that CEO Sam Altman calls a "critical role at an important time."

What is a Head of Preparedness? It's a role that basically helps OpenAI consider all the potential harms of its models and what can be done to mitigate them. Those harms encompass a wide range of issues, from mental health concerns to cybersecurity risks. 

"We have a strong foundation of measuring growing capabilities, but we are entering a world where we need more nuanced understanding and measurement of how those capabilities could be abused, and how we can limit those downsides both in our products and in the world, in a way that lets us all enjoy the tremendous benefits," Altman said in a post on X announcing the company's hiring for the role.

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As Engadget points out, OpenAI hasn't had a dedicated Head of Preparedness since July 2024. At the time, the role was assumed by two OpenAI executives as a shared position. However, one executive left just months later, and the other moved to a different team in July 2025. The company appears to have lacked a Head of Preparedness since then.

"This will be a stressful job, and you'll jump into the deep end pretty much immediately," Altman said.

OpenAI is no stranger to lawsuits at this point. Mashable's parent company, Ziff Davis, filed a lawsuit against OpenAI in April, alleging it infringed Ziff Davis copyrights in training and operating its AI systems. The New York Times and many other publications have filed lawsuits against the AI company, alleging similar infringement.

However, over the past few months, OpenAI has faced a new type of lawsuit: wrongful death lawsuits. In August, the parents of a teen who committed suicide filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that ChatGPT helped their son take his life. Earlier this month, a family filed a lawsuit against OpenAI after a man killed his mother and then took his own life. The lawsuit alleges ChatGPT gave in to the man's delusions and pushed him to commit the acts.

Altman isn't mincing words when he says it will be a stressful job.

According to the job listing, the role is based out of San Francisco and pays a salary of $555,000 plus equity. So, maybe that will help with the stress of the job.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! Welcome to your guide to Pips, the latest game in the New York Times catalogue.

Released in August 2025, the 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 onto 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 for 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 December 28, 2025

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 December 28, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 28 Pips

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this red space must be equal to 6. The answer is 5-6, placed horizontally; 6-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): Everything in this light blue space must be equal to 3. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 28 Pips

Greater Than (3): Everything in this space must be greater than 3. The answer is 6-2, placed vertically.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 1-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed vertically; 0-3, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 2-2, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed horizontally; 3-2, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 28 Pips

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

Equal (1): Everything in this orange space must be equal to 1. The answer is 1-1, placed vertically; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this purple space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 4-5, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

Number (15): Everything in this orange space must add up to 15. The answer is 5-6, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically; 5-2, placed vertically.

Equal (0): Everything in this green space must be equal to 0. The answer is 4-0, placed vertically; 0-5, placed horizontally; 0-2, placed vertically.

Number (15): Everything in this green space must add up to 15. The answer is 0-5, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally; 4-4, placed horizontally.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 0-2, placed vertically; 4-2, placed vertically; 2-2, placed horizontally.

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

AI is turning to supersonic jet engines to power its sprawling data centers. We talked to the company making these engines to learn about the symbiotic relationship between supersonic travel and AI.

TL;DR: Live stream Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors in the NBA for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The festive NBA games just keep coming on Prime Video. Next is Toronto Raptors vs. Golden State Warriors. We're expecting an evenly-matched contest between two talented sides.

If you want to watch Raptors vs. Warriors in the NBA for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Raptors vs. Warriors?

Raptors vs. Warriors in the NBA starts at 3:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. This game takes place at the Scotiabank Arena

How to watch Raptors vs. Warriors for free

Raptors vs. Warriors in the NBA is available to live stream for free with a 30-day trial of Amazon Prime.

This free live stream is geo-restricted to the UK, but anyone can secure access with a VPN. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the UK, meaning you can access free live streams of the NBA from anywhere in the world.

Stream the NBA for free by following these simple steps:

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

2. Subscribe to a VPN (like ExpressVPN)

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

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

5. Watch the NBA from anywhere in the world on Prime Video

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees or free trials. By leveraging these offers, you can watch NBA live streams without actually spending anything. This clearly isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select games from the NBA before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for the NBA?

ExpressVPN is the best service for accessing free live streams on platforms like Prime Video, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NBA for free with ExpressVPN.

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.

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

Jolted.

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

WOKEN

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Plump and soft.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 28, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

PLUSH

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Liquid.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 28 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 28, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

FLUID

Hurdle Word 4 hint

A Native-American dwelling.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for December 28 Hurdle Word 4 answer

TEPEE

Final Hurdle hint

Measured in beats per minute.

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

PULSE

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

We're now in the Gibbous period of the Moon's lunar phase, which means we're just a few days away from the Full Moon. There's lots for you to see tonight on its surface, so keep scroll down to see what you'll be able to spot.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, Dec. 28, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 58% of the moon will be lit up tonight.

There's more than half of the moon on display tonight, so there's lots to see. With just your naked eye, you'll be able to see the Mares Fecunditatis and Serenitatis, and the Tycho Crater. If you add binoculars, you'll also see the Endymion Crater, the Archimedes Crater, and the Apennine Mountains. With a telescope, you'll also see the Apollo 11 landing spot, the Descartes Highlands, and the Linne Crater.

When is the next full moon?

The next full moon will be on Jan. 3. The last full moon was on Dec. 4.

What are moon phases?

According to NASA, it takes roughly 29.5 days for the Moon to complete a full cycle, known as the lunar cycle. During this period, the Moon moves through a series of phases as it orbits the Earth. While the same side of the Moon always faces our planet, the amount of sunlight illuminating its surface changes over time. This is why the Moon appears fully lit, partially illuminated, or not visible at all at different stages of the cycle. The lunar cycle is divided into eight main phases:

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.

TL;DR: Live stream Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There are so many interesting fixtures in the group stage of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, including Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon. Most fans will be expecting these sides to battle it out for top spot in Group F. There are plenty of stars on display in this evenly-matched contest.

If you want to watch Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon?

Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 3 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. This fixture takes place at Marrakech Stadium.

How to watch Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon for free

Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 Channel 4

5. Watch Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Ivory Coast vs. Cameroon in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Live stream Algeria vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free on Channel 4. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The next round of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures includes some really interesting matchups, including Algeria vs. Burkina Faso. Algeria will be expected to progress from Group E, but there are no easy games in tournament football. They'll need to be at their best to secure three points against Burkina Faso.

If you want to watch Algeria vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Algeria vs. Burkina Faso?

Algeria vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off at 12:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. This fixture takes place at the Moulay El Hassan Stadium.

How to watch Algeria vs. Burkina Faso for free

Algeria vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations is available to live stream for free on Channel 4.

Channel 4 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 the UK, meaning you can unblock Channel 4 to stream AFCON for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream Algeria vs. Burkina Faso for free by following these simple steps:

1. Subscribe to 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 Channel 4

5. Watch Algeria vs. Burkina Faso 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 most do offer free-trials or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can access free live streams of AFCON without actually spending anything. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does give you enough time to stream Algeria vs. Burkina Faso (plus more 2025 Africa Cup of Nations fixtures) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for Channel 4?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on Channel 4, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including the UK

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

• Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure

• Fast connection speeds free from throttling

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

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

Watch Algeria vs. Burkina Faso in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations for free with ExpressVPN.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you think outside the box a bit.

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. 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: 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: Stats

• Green: 4th down play

• Blue: Famous Sams

• Purple: Types of coaches

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Soccer Statistic

• Green: Roles on a Punt Play

• Blue: Sams

• Purple: ____Coach

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 #461 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Soccer Statistic - ASSIST, GOAL, SAVE, SHOT

• Roles on a Punt Play - GUNNER, LONG SNAPPER, PUNTER, RETURNER

• Sams - COFFEY, DARNOLD, KERR, PRESTI

• ____Coach - ASSISTANT, BENCH, HEAD, PITCHING

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 today's Connections.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult to solve if you're a dog lover.

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 December 28, 2025 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: Packing cases

• Green: Frozen

• Blue: Part of a timepiece

• Purple: Canine breeds

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Containers for shipping

• Green: Unmoving

• Blue: Mechanical watch parts

• Purple: Dogs with first letter changed

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 #931 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Containers for shipping: BOX, ENVELOPE, MAILER, TUBE

• Unmoving: CONSTANT, STATIC, STATIONARY, STILL

• Mechanical watch parts: GEAR, PAWL, RATCHET, SPRING

• Dogs with first letter changed: DUSKY, NOODLE, PERRIER, SOXER

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for December 28, 2025

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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're always under the weather.

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 December 28, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 28, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Load up on tissues

The words are related to illness.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a common sickness.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.

NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Cold Symptom.

NYT Strands word list for December 28

• Sneeze

• Cough

• Wheeze

• Cold Symptom

• Sniffle

• Snort

• Hack

• Drip

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you practice Buddhism.

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 December 28, 2025 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 December 28, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A head monk.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter B appears twice.

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...

ABBOT

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 December 28, 2025

Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.

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

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

TL;DR: Stop juggling subpar free apps. A lifetime of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and more is just $34.97 (reg. $219.99) for a limited time.

Opens in a new window Credit: Microsoft Microsoft Office Professional 2021 for Windows: Lifetime License $34.97
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