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Connections: Sports Edition is a new 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.

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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.

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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 Mini crossword answers, hints for July 6, 2025 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: Teams of the Evergreen State

• Green: Rain delay

• Blue: Liberty stars

• Purple: Current and former homes of Heisman-winning QB

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Seattle Teams

• Green: Seen During a Baseball Rain Delay

• Blue: Members of the New York Liberty

• Purple: Teams Baker Mayfield Has Played For

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 #286 is...

What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition today

• Seattle Teams - KRAKEN, MARINERS, REIGN, SEAHAWKS

• Seen During a Baseball Rain Delay - GROUNDS CREW, LIGHTNING, PONCHOS, TARP

• Teams Baker Mayfield Has Played For - CLOUD, IONESCU, JONES, STEWART

• ___Base - BROWNS, BUCCANEERS, OKLAHOMA, TEXAS TECH

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.

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 Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 6, 2025:

AcrossGaping hole

• The answer is Chasm.

Conversation opener

• The answer is Hello.

Group of five found in "Julia Roberts" and "Austin Powers"

• The answer is AEIOU.

Ben of Broadway

• The answer is Platt.

"Keep it down!"

• The answer is Shh.

DownBloke

• The answer is Chap.

Inside part of a golf club

• The answer is Heel.

A.k.a. name

• The answer is Alias.

Animal that talks comically slowly in "Zootopia"

• The answer is Sloth.

Conversation opener?

• The answer is Mouth

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

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

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

Wimbledon continues this weekend with Rublev vs. Alcaraz, arguably the biggest game of the Round of 16. Carlos Alcaraz hasn't had it easy so far in this tournament, but he's still in contention to make it all the way and build on his French Open success.

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

How to watch Rublev vs. Alcaraz for free

Rublev 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 Rublev vs. Alcaraz for free from anywhere in the world

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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 Rublev 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 Rublev vs. Alcaraz in Wimbledon 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Wyoming with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

Wyoming has joined the list of U.S. states to introduce age verification laws for adult sites like Pornhub. In response, Pornhub has banned potential users in Wyoming from accessing their site. Do not fear, because there is a quick and easy hack that can provide access to Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

If you want to unblock Pornhub for free from Wyoming, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Wyoming

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: There are only 2 free VPNs I actually recommend. Ignore all the rest.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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The best VPNs for unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Wyoming with ExpressVPN.

TL;DR: Watch Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 2025 for free on BBC iPlayer. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The second round of Women's Euro 2025 group stage games is here, and the race for qualification is heating up. Norway and Finland won their opening games in Group A. Three points here should be enough to secure a spot in the knockout rounds.

If you want to watch Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 2025 for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

When is Norway vs. Finland?

Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 2025 kicks off at 12 p.m. ET on July 6. This fixture takes place at the Stade de Tourbillon.

How to watch Norway vs. Finland for free

Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 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.

Unblock BBC iPlayer 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 BBC iPlayer

5. Stream Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 2025 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 leading VPNs do tend to offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can gain access to free live streams without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you time to watch Norway vs. Finland (plus the rest of the tournament) before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for streaming sport?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 always secure

• Fast connection speeds

• 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 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 (including money-back guarantee).

Watch Norway vs. Finland in Women's Euro 2025 for free with ExpressVPN.

Ever wonder why the moon looks different every night? Well, that's because of a thing called the lunar cycle.

This is a recurring series of eight unique phases of the moon's visibility. The whole cycle takes about 29.5 days (according to NASA), and these different phases happen as the Sun lights up different parts of the moon whilst it orbits Earth. The moon is always there, but what we see on Earth changes depending on how much it is lit up.

See what's happening with the moon tonight, July 6.

What is today’s moon phase?

As of Sunday, July 6, the moon phase is Waxing Gibbous. According to NASA's Daily Moon Observation, 83% of the moon will be lit up and visible to us on Earth.

This is day 11 of the lunar cycle, and we're only one phase away from the Full Moon. So, what can we see tonight?

With just the naked eye, you'll see plenty, the most notable being the Mare Vaporum, the Mare Imbrium, and the Mare Crisium. With binoculars, you'll also spot the Alps Mountains, Archimedes Crater, and the Alphonsus Crater.

Add a telescope to your lineup and you'll see even more, including the Rima Ariadaeus, Apollo 14, and Apollo 16.

When is the next full moon?

This month's full moon will take place on July 10. The last full moon was on June 11.

What are moon phases?

Moon phases are caused by the 29.5-day cycle of the moon’s orbit, which changes the angles between the Sun, Moon, and Earth. Moon phases are how the moon looks from Earth as it goes around us. We always see the same side of the moon, but how much of it is lit up by the Sun changes depending on where it is in its orbit. This is how we get full moons, half moons, and moons that appear completely invisible. There are eight main moon phases, and they follow a repeating cycle:

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

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

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

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

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

Waning Gibbous - The moon starts losing light on the right side.

Last Quarter (or Third 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.

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

A moral principle.

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

ETHIC

Hurdle Word 2 hint

Entirely.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for July 6, 2025 Hurdle Word 2 Answer

FULLY

Hurdle Word 3 hint

Similar to a shirmp.

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for July 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 6, 2025 Hurdle Word 3 answer

PRAWN

Hurdle Word 4 hint

To stop.

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for July 6 Hurdle Word 4 answer

CEASE

Final Hurdle hint

Seaweed.

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

ALGAE

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

TL;DR: Unblock Pornhub from Tennessee with a VPN. The best service for unblocking porn sites is ExpressVPN.

A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing porn sites. Pornhub kicked back by banning users in those states from accessing their website. These restrictions are still in place, so a lot of potential users will be seeking a simple solution.

Fortunately, a straightforward workaround exists.

If you want to unblock porn sites like Pornhub for free from Tennessee, we have all the information you need.

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Tennessee

VPNs are useful tools that can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in other locations. This straightforward process bypasses geo-restrictions so you can access sites like Pornhub from anywhere in the world.

SEE ALSO: There are only 2 free VPNs I actually recommend. Ignore all the rest.

Unblock Pornhub by following these simple steps:

1. Sign up for a 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 a location that supports access to Pornhub

4. Visit Pornhub

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 unblocking porn sites are not free, but most do offer free-trial peiods or money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can unblock porn sites like Pornhub without actually spending anything. This is obviously not a long-term solution, but it does give you the opportunity to temporarily retain access to Pornhub before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to sites like Pornhub, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for bypassing content restrictions is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for Pornhub?

ExpressVPN is the top choice for unblocking porn sites like Pornhub, 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 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 generous 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Tennessee with ExpressVPN.

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's The Mini crossword answers for July 6 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: Dishware

• Green: A bit

• Blue: PhD

• Purple: Body parts

Featured Video For You Connections: How to play and how to win Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Fired objects

• Green: Particle

• Blue: Drs

• Purple: Ending with homophones of parts of the leg

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 #756 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Fired objects: CERAMICS, CHINA, POTTERY, WARE

• Particle: CRUMB, GRAIN, MORSEL, SHRED

• Drs: DRE, EVIL, PEPPER, SEUSS

• Ending with homophones of parts of the leg: CRYPTO, DECAF, DISNEY, PRUSSIAN

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 July 6

Are you also playing NYT 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.

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 6 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for July 6 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: My hero!

The words are superhero-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are great strengths.

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 Superpower.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for July 6

• Strength

• Flight

• Speed

• Superpower

• Invisibility

• Healing

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.

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 6 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 6, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Heart chambers.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter A 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...

ATRIA.

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 6

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.

Google has swapped icons of the Gemini apps on iPhone and Android, 9to5Google reported. What used to be a purple to blue gradient on a four-point star is now a rainbow gradient more reminiscent of the Google logo, with yellow, green, red, and blue.

Credit: Google Credit: Google

The star points are also more rounded than the old logo. In addition to the new app icons, 9to5Google writes that this new star is featured on the home screen widget on Android but not the iPhone. The Gemini website currently features the old blue and purple, too.

But, Google Gemini's Instagram account has also debuted the new look. This change does make Gemini more part of the Google "family," as all the other product logos — like for Search, Chrome, and Google Play — all feature the same colors.

In the ongoing discussion of trade and tariffs, Politico and others reported that the US and China are following through on a deal to lift export restrictions on items essential for technology production.

Following the temporary trade deal between the two countries to slash tariffs back in May, talks continued in June as the US and China agreed to resume the flow of rare earth minerals and magnets (which are essential in civilian and military technology manufacturing) from China to the US Meanwhile, the US would lift export restrictions on items like chip software, ethane, and jet engines.

SEE ALSO: Is the Home Depot's viral 12-foot skeleton a victim of President Trump's tariffs?

"The Chinese side is examining and approving applications for export licenses for eligible controlled items in accordance with the law. The US side has also taken corresponding actions to cancel a series of restrictive measures against China, and the Chinese side has been informed of the relevant information," a spokesperson for China's Ministry of Commerce said on Friday, as translated by Politico.

President Trump also agreed not to revoke Chinese student visas, as he had threatened to take them away, and agreed to a maximum of 55 percent tariffs on China. Chinese tariffs on US goods will be ten percent.

SAVE $150: The Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale at Amazon in all colorways for $849, down from the list price of $999. That's a 15% discount that matches the lowest we've ever seen.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) $849 at Amazon
$999 Save $150 Get Deal

While we enjoy leftover potato salad and watermelon post 4th of July, it's time to consider what'll be on your Prime Day shopping list. If you're one to shop early, there are hundreds of deals already included in the Amazon Prime Day sale, and there's a particular Apple discount we can't stop recommending.

As of July 5, the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) is on sale for $849 in all colorways at Amazon, marked down from the standard price of $999. That puts you in line for a savings of $150 from a 15% discount. It also matches the record-low price for this Apple laptop that just debuted in March.

Buying a new laptop can be a scary decision. It's possible you'll use the machine everyday and for important tasks like your dissertation or a major project at work. That spells high stakes for choosing the right model. Pair that with laptop jargon and you might be dreading the purchase. But Prime Day is here to save the day because there's a great deal on a great MacBook.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads at record-low prices

The M4 MacBook Air impresses in performance. Mashable Senior Editor Stan Schroeder wrote in his review, "The new MacBook Air is great. It's powerful, silent, and comes with a couple of much-needed upgrades. It's also cheaper than before, making it the best-buy Apple laptop, period."

Some of the much-needed upgrades Schroeder is referring to include the zippy M4 chip and the significantly improved 16GB RAM. Plus, the new Sky Blue colorway is included in today's deal. Schroeder also commends the laptop's silent operation and the ability to use support two external monitors.

If the 13-inch display doesn't seem like enough for your liking, the 15-inch version is also on sale for $150 off. This early Prime Day sale brings the 15-inch M4 MacBook Air down to $1,049 instead of the usual price of $1,199.

While the Prime Day sale doesn't start until Tuesday, if you snag these deals over the weekend, the items could very well be on your doorstep by Tuesday. That includes this record-low price on the Apple MacBook Air, 13-inch (M4, 16GB RAM, 256GB SSD) which is down to $849. Snag this model today and leave Tuesday open for browsing the rest of sale.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this weekend

• 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)

SAVE 14%: As of July 5, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad (128GB) for just $299 at Amazon, down from $349. That's a $50 savings (14% off) and the lowest price we've seen on this model since May.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple iPad (128GB) $299 at Amazon
$348.98 Save $49.98 Get Deal

Amazon Prime Day officially kicks off on Tuesday, July 8, but this weekend is a sweet spot for shoppers. Tons of retailers extended their Fourth of July sales into the weekend, and those discounts are now overlapping with the first wave of early Prime Day deals. We're covering the best discounts as they pop up, and so far, we’ve seen major price cuts on Amazon devices, robot vacuums, and select Apple products.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals live ahead of Prime Day: Apple Watches, MacBooks, and iPads at record-low prices

As of July 5, you can get the 11-inch Apple iPad (128GB) for just $299 at Amazon, down from $349. That's a $50 savings (14% off) and the lowest price we've seen on this model since May. For a 2025 tablet with an 11-inch liquid retina display, 2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 (ppi), and an A16 chip, this is one of the best iPad deals you’ll find on the web right now, and it's available for all four colors of the device: blue, pink, yellow, and silver. (Best Buy is also matching this price.)

The 11-inch Apple iPad has an all-day battery life, supports WiFi 6, and has a 12MP wide back camera, which makes it a great device for taking on the go. One of the coolest features (pun intended) of this iPad is that its True Tone technology adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room, so you can read, browse, scroll, etc., in just about any lighting.

The best early Prime Day deals to shop this weekend

• 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)

In the years following the start of the COVID pandemic, the concept of antiwork grew in popularity — but so did the opposite, "overemployment." As of this publication, the r/overemployed subreddit has nearly 450,000 members, and this week its Redditors are celebrating one person in particular: Soham Parekh.

Parekh is a software engineer in India who went viral on Reddit and X for working at multiple startup companies at once (which is the concept of overemployment: having multiple full-time jobs with hopefully no one noticing). Suhail Doshi, founder of Playground AI and other companies, first broke the news on X. He posted, "PSA: there's a guy named Soham Parekh (in India) who works at 3-4 startups at the same time. He's been preying on YC companies and more. Beware."

SEE ALSO: Meta reportedly replacing human risk assessors with AI

"I fired this guy in his first week and told him to stop lying/scamming people," the post continued. "He hasn’t stopped a year later. No more excuses."

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Other people in the tech industry posted their stories of interacting with and sometimes hiring and firing Parekh.

Matthew Parkhurst, cofounder and CEO of startup Antimetal, quoted Doshi's post and said, "Funnily enough, Soham was our first engineering hire in 2022...Really smart and likable; enjoyed working with him...We realized pretty quickly that he was working at multiple companies and let him go."

Arkadiy Telegin, cofounder of Leaping AI, posted a photo with Parekh and said, "I also tried giving him [the] benefit of the doubt. He was denying it till the very end. Funnily enough me and his other 'employer' [Fuse AI] did a photo together when we found out. Never ended up sending it to him sadly."

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Even more people in the quotes shared screenshots of email exchanges with Parekh and calendar events for interviews.

In an interview with Technology Business Programming Network, Parekh said it's true that he worked at multiple companies at once. He said he's not proud of what he's done, but "out of necessity" due to his "dire" financial circumstances (though he didn't go into detail), he claimed to work 140 hours a week. (That is 20 hours a day. He also said he's notorious among his friends for not sleeping.)

Parekh also said he's written "every inch" of the code he built, not relying on junior engineers and only using AI "to assist" him.

The situation has opened a conversation about the interviewing process at these tech companies as well as whether it's actually wrong to "moonlight" at multiple companies.

And, of course, this being social media, it also spurred a lot of meme reactions:

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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.

With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.

So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.

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

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 4, 2025:

AcrossBlasts with unwanted messages

• The answer is Spams.

Orderly assortment

• The answer is Array.

Its state mammal is the bison, and its state sport is rodeo

• The answer is Wyoming.

"Let me think …"

• The answer is Hmm.

Hawaii's Mauna ___

• The answer is Loa.

Shanghai-born N.B.A. Hall-of-Famer who stood at 7'6"

• The answer is Yao Ming.

Emotionless, as a gaze

• The answer is Stony.

Another name for an earthquake

• The answer is Seism.

DownLead a Catholic ceremony

• The answer is Say mass.

Hype up

• The answer is Promote.

Place for Popeye's anchor tattoo

• The answer is Arm.

Ballots cast from home

• The answer is Mail-ins.

Thesaurus listing

• The answer is Synonym.

Alphabetically last of the "five W's"

• The answer is Why.

Silly joke

• The answer is Gag.

"Excusez-___!"

• The answer is Moi.

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

Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of Games

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

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to the latest Mini Crossword.

Can you tell which is which? Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable XM6 vs. XM5: Specs

At a glance, here are the spec differences between the two headphones:

XM6 specs

• Processor: Sony QN3

• Microphones: 12

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.3 (LDAC support)

• Battery: 30 hours with ANC (40 hours without)

• Quick charge: 3 hours in 3 minutes

• Noise cancellation settings: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, off

• Spatial audio: Yes

• Colors: Midnight blue, black, silver

• Inputs: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack

• Weight: Approx. 8.96 ounces

XM5 specs

• Processor: Sony QN1

• Microphones: 8

• Connectivity: Bluetooth 5.2 (LDAC support)

• Battery: 30 hours with ANC (40 hours without)

• Quick charge: 3 hours in 3 minutes

• Noise cancellation settings: Active noise cancellation, transparency mode, off

• Spatial audio: Yes

• Colors: Midnight blue, black, silver, smoky pink

• Inputs: USB-C, 3.5mm audio jack

• Weight: Approx. 8.82 ounces

From a spec perspective, you might notice right off the bat that there aren't that many differences. Here's how that plays out in actually using both pairs:

XM6 vs. XM5: Sound quality

According to the XM6 press release, Sony worked with Grammy-winning and nominated audio engineers to make these headphones sound as good as possible.

In short, it does show. Out of the box, the XM6s generally sounded fuller and warmer, letting more elements of the song shine through. Mashable's Timothy Werth wrote in his standalone review for the XM6s that he found vocals to shine particularly, and I wholeheartedly agree.

We put both headphones to the test with a variety of different songs. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

That said, it wasn't as if every song featured a day or night difference — it was harder for me to pick out major differences on a live version of the Eagles' "Hotel California." But for the majority of the songs I tested, like Hall & Oates' "Rich Girl," to simpler songs that heavily feature vocals like Feist's "Now At Last," and Natalia Lafourcade & Los Macorinos's "Soledad y el Mar," the differences stood out almost immediately. Their vocals sounded more dynamic — not quite as if they were in the room with me, but marginally less like I was streaming it from my phone or computer.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best headphones of 2025 — how do the new Sony XM6 compare?

With the app, both headphones offer plenty of equalizer settings. With the XM6s, you'll actually get fewer presets — eight compared to the XM5s' 12 — but the same two custom preset slots. The XM6s' presets also feel more distinct and offer helpful descriptions underneath each one, whereas the XM5s feature a couple of more vague names like "bright" and "excited." The XM6s also feature a gaming preset, showing an effort to make these headphones more seamlessly versatile for daily use.

The Sony XM5 equalizer presets. Credit: Screenshot: Sony Versus the XM6 equalizer presets. Credit: Screenshot: Sony

Unlike the XM5s, the XM6s offer three listening modes: standard, background, and cinema. You can't use the equalizer with the latter two, but both are meant to simulate a certain experience — for background, a "distant ambiance," according to Sony's app, and for cinema, a more immersive experience powered by Sony's 360 Audio Upmix tech. Each of the three modes does actually provide a distinct sound, giving the XM6s an edge over the previous generation.

Winner: WH-1000XM6

XM6 vs. XM5: Noise cancellation

From a pure specs point of view, the XM6s should offer better noise cancellation than the XM5s: They have 12 microphones compared to the XM5s' eight microphones. The XM6s also feature a new QN3 processor, which Sony says improves the headphones' adaptive noise-cancelling capabilities.

In practice, I didn't notice a vast world of difference between the XM5s and XM6s. My partner records a lot of audio for his work, so noise-cancelling headphones are a necessity for our dual work-from-home space. With my first few wears of the XM6s, it was hard for me to tell if any less noise was getting through — only after being very nitpicky did I think his voice was slightly more dampened by the newer headphones.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones we use and love

This isn't necessarily a knock against the XM6s, considering that the XM5s do have really impressive noise cancellation. More so, it feels like a limit of what noise cancellation in general can do — I've never tested a pair of headphones that offer pure silence in every situation. Relatively speaking, though, both of these headphones sit near the top of the pack from what's available on the market these days.

In addition to my apartment, I used both headphones at a park next to a busy street, a cafe with plenty of music and patrons coming in and out, a busy press room at VidCon, and while taking walks in my neighborhood. In each of those situations, I didn't notice huge performance differences.

Both headphones give the right amount of noise cancelling so you can focus while you work. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Considering the XM6s are $50 more, it's hard to make a case for why they're objectively better. The addition of a feature like manually adjustable ANC — something I've been seeing more and more on cheaper options like Skullcandy's latest earbuds — could've helped justify the higher price point.

Winner: WH-1000XM5

XM6 vs. XM5: Comfort and design

As similar as they look, the biggest difference between the XM6s and XM5s is a design change: the ability to fold up the ear cups.

It's easier to tell the difference between the two pairs now. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

The XM5s did away with the folding design found on the XM4s, making them a bulkier option for traveling. With this newer generation, Sony brought the feature back while retaining the overall look of the XM5s. While there will be some personal preference at play here, in my mind, this brings together the best of both worlds.

SEE ALSO: The best noise-cancelling headphones for flying: 8 picks to improve your travel experience

This design difference does result in an XM6 case that's both thinner and more compact, making it a better option for frequent travelers.

The WH-1000XM6 case got a good downsizing thanks to the foldable ear cups. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

On a less dramatic note, Sony also switched up the button designs on the XM6s, making the power and Bluetooth button a circle. Though not drastic, it's a nice quality-of-life upgrade that makes it easier to identify which button is which without looking, or memorizing their positions.

The XM5s (left) have two rectangular buttons, compared to the circle and rectangle combo on the XM6s. Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

Both headphones also feature the same exterior touch controls that can be toggled on and off.

As for the actual wear of both headphones, the XM6s are ever so slightly heavier, with a weight of 8.96 ounces compared to the XM5s' 8.82. Does this result in any real difference in comfort? For me, not particularly. The headband on the XM6s was also slightly thicker, resulting in a more cushioned feel, but overall, these headphones use the same exterior materials, making them virtually indistinguishable by touch alone.

Winner: WH-1000XM6

XM6 vs. XM5: App features

The WH-1000XM6s and XM5s both use Sony's Sound Connect app. The in-app functions are basically the same, with minor differences.

Reviewing these headphones side by side is essentially one long game of spot the difference. Credit: Screenshot: Sony Credit: Screenshot: Sony

The XM6s have the listening mode section that the XM5s don't (as mentioned in the sound quality section), but beyond that, the app is pretty much identical. Sony's app isn't my favorite — though it offers a fair bit of customization for your device, it ultimately has so many different areas to navigate that it doesn't feel the most intuitive.

The app itself offers the standard fare, including automatic powering off, voice control settings, multipoint toggling, and automatic pausing. As someone who prefers buttons to touch controls, I wish the XM6s allowed you to toggle the NC button to pause or play music, but like the XM5s, it can only be set to quickly enable Spotify Tab, Endel, or Amazon Music Play Now. I'll keep my fingers crossed for a future update.

Winner: Tie

XM6 vs. XM5: Value

Sony still sells its circa-2020 WH-1000XM4 headphones for $350, so I guess it shouldn't be a surprise that it's keeping the XM5s available at $400, and upped the price on the XM6s to $450. Then there's the fact that competitors' headphones are priced similarly: Bose raised the price on the QuietComfort Ultra headphones to $449 from $429 sometime in the spring, while Apple's AirPods Max continue to sit at the impressively high $549.

The Sony headphones and the Bose QuietComfort Ultras, in order of their release date (from left to right). Credit: Bethany Allard / Mashable

But I'm not so convinced that we should expect a $50 price raise with each generation. If anything, the XM6s' new price makes the XM5s more appealing, especially if they drop to the $300 sale price we see them hit with some regularity. Sure, you won't be getting the absolute latest and greatest, but if you don't particularly care about folding ear cups, it's a much better value than going for headphones that don't make any hugely sweeping changes.

Winner: Sony WH-1000XM5

Winner: WH-1000XM6s for frequent travelers, XM5s for everyone else

Like I said up top, if you have the XM5s, there's no real reason to upgrade to the XM6s. If your current headphones or on their absolute last legs or you travel frequently, the XM6s are a worthy upgrade.

But if the folding ear cups don't call to you, I recommend saving the $50 (or even more, depending on available deals) and grabbing the XM5s. The sound difference between the two headphones is noticeable side by side, but the XM5s are still excellent-sounding headphones in their own right — you'll just likely have to play around with the equalizer a bit more to draw out the best possible sound. And don't get me wrong, the other design differences are nice upgrades to the XM6s, but ultimately, they're minor and don't quite justify a price bump.

Despite being a 2022 release, the XM5s are far from feeling outdated at this point in time, making them a great option for sound quality, comfort, and noise cancellation.

Check out the Sony WH-1000XM5 and Sony WH-1000XM6 headphones Sony WH-1000XM5 $299.99 at Amazon Shop Now Sony WH-1000XM6 $448.00 at Amazon Shop Now

Still can't decide? Check out our full reviews of the Sony WH-1000XM5 headphones and WH-1000XM6 headphones.

Smart speakers like Amazon's Echo family of products are a great starting point if you’re looking to get a smarter home. They're affordable and easy to use, and beyond just playing music, they can help you find your next binge-watch, read the news, and adjust room settings. 

Since debuting a decade ago, Amazon’s Echo devices have multiplied quickly. There are nearly a dozen iterations of the smart home devices, but let’s not overcomplicate it. The Echo (Fourth Generation) and Echo Dot (Fifth Generation) fall in the middle of the Echo lineup. While they look like virtually the same device, the Dot offers the perks of an Echo in a smaller package.

So what’s one to do? To help you out, we compared these smart speakers side by side. Here’s everything you need to know if you’re deciding between the Echo and the Echo Dot.

When is the best time to buy an Echo or Echo Dot?

Before we even get into all the logistics of both devices, you should be prepared for when to shop. Yes, they start at affordable prices — the Echo starts at $99.99 and the Dot at $49.99. However, you don't need to (and shouldn't) buy them at full price. The best time to buy is during shopping holidays like Black Friday, when you'll find Echos at their lowest prices ever. We've seen the Echo Dot go as low as $22.99.

Because Echos are Amazon devices, Amazon Prime Day presents huge savings opportunities. Be sure to stay on the lookout when Prime Day 2025 kicks off on July 8.

Privacy concerns on Echo devices

Another thing to mention before we get into the Echo vs. Echo Dot debate is something that affects all Echo users, no matter the specific device. Rightfully so, there are privacy concerns around Echos as they've been known to record entire conversations, listening in when you're talking about potentially sensitive information.

To limit some of this risk, in the Alexa app, you can review your daily voice history and delete anything you don't vibe with, manage the access to data certain skills have, and more. On the exterior of both the 4th Gen Echo and 5th Gen Echo Dot, you can also find a mic-off button that will prevent any audio input from reaching Alexa.

However, in 2025, Amazon is making even bigger changes that could affect user privacy. Previously, users could choose "Do Not Send Voice Recordings" in settings, which meant that all requests you made were processed locally rather than getting sent off to Amazon's servers. As of March 28, 2025, Amazon is taking away this setting, meaning all requests will be sent through Amazon servers.

While Amazon promises that all information requests are encrypted and secure, it still means that the retailer has access to all user data now. If you have concerns, there are other smart home options to explore with better privacy.

Good things come in colorful packages. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Difference between Echo and Echo DotAmazon Echo smart speaker review (4th Gen) Amazon Echo (4th Gen) $99.99 at Amazon
Shop Now

The Echo weighs 34.2 ounces and its dimensions are 5.7 x 5.7 x 5.2 inches. On its round exterior, you'll find an action button, volume buttons, a mic-off button, a light-up ring, a power port, and a 3.5-millimeter audio output. With three distinct color options currently available at Amazon, this under-$100 device is sure to fit your home decor seamlessly.

Setting up the Echo is also seamless and you can use it within minutes. Indeed, the only things inside the package are the device itself, a power adapter, and two guides. The setup guide is highly visual, which is always a perk. To begin, you have to download the Alexa app and sign in. No, you don't need to have a Prime account to use an Amazon smart device (though its range of possibilities surely increases for those of us who are Prime members). Plug in the included power adapter into the Echo and then plug the Echo into a wall outlet. The light ring on the Echo will turn blue when it’s on and then orange when Alexa greets you. Next, connect the Echo to your home WiFi network. The Alexa app will then walk you through the rest of the setup process, including customizing your "wake word," mastering the pronunciation of your name, allowing access to phone contacts, and more.

SEE ALSO: The 10 best Echo devices to add to your smart home

Once all that is ready, you're good to go. Give your newest smart home companion a warm welcome: After all, it will be your go-to from now on for blasting music, waking you up in the morning, providing news and weather reports, calling loved ones, and so much more.

Amazon Echo Dot smart speaker review (5th Gen) Echo Dot (5th Gen, 2022 release) $31.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $18.00 Shop Now

The Echo Dot takes smart living to a new level. Though this device is two years newer than the aforementioned Echo (4th Gen), it's actually $50 cheaper.

The Echo Dot weighs 10.7 ounces, a third of the size of the Echo, and its dimensions are 3.9 x 3.9 x 3.5 inches. This baby can easily fit on countertops, shelves, or nightstands. Similar to the Echo, it boasts an action button, a microphone-off button, volume controls, a light ring, and a power port. It pretty much comes with the same color options as the bigger Echo, except for its deep sea blue shade being slightly darker than the Echo's twilight blue shade. Potayto, potahto.

Setup is also a breeze with the Echo Dot. First, plug it into a wall outlet and open the Alexa app to start setup. (You’ll need to download the Alexa app on your smartphone beforehand.) Once you open the app, select “devices” and then select the “+” icon. Follow the on-screen instructions from that point on and personalize the device to your liking.

What you get when you order an Amazon Echo Dot. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Smarter, easier living featuresEcho

The Amazon Echo functions as your personal butler and best friend. Since it's a smart speaker that connects to the Alexa Voice Service, you use it to do everything from playing the latest hits to purchasing some kitchen staples to killing your boredom with a round of Jeopardy! Advanced sound technology helps the Echo immediately respond to you and recognize your voice. In fact, during the setup process on the Alexa app, Echo learns your voice's cadences and pitch by making you repeat some sample prompts. Impressive.

You can tell Alexa exactly what to put on your grocery list and manage the items on your Alexa app. Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Prompt response: Beamforming technology, noise-cancellation, and seven microphones will enable the Echo to hear you from your nearby location. Just speak the wake word and say commands like “Alexa, find an Amazon Music playlist,” or “Alexa, call Dad” for immediate assistance. Something to note: Your speaker does not by any means have to be called Alexa. Other fun options include Echo, Ziggy, or Santa. Referring to your device as that last option unlocks a whole new Ho-Ho-Ho personality for it. Another thing to note: Amazon is getting better about accessibility, in the form of Adaptive Listening. This feature, when enabled, essentially gives you more time to finish speaking — Alexa's way of accommodating speech patterns like stuttering.

Beats master: Of course the Echo can play music, but it’s more than a basic speaker. It comes with Dolby premium sound that fills a whole room — with deep bass and clear high notes alike. If you have two Echo devices in one room, you can actually tell one of them to "play music everywhere," which will amplify sound to even higher levels and make for an actual at-home clubbing experience. Word of caution, however — Alexa didn't cooperate with me, strangely, when I tried to test out this feature. For those of us who are highly picky about music streaming services, Amazon lets you set default options which you can change at any time. Do you want Alexa to pick music from Apple Music but podcasts from Spotify? No problem, there's an option for that.

Hands-free communication: If you need to message or call loved ones, the Echo has your back. You can use Alexa to communicate with people via phone or text on the Echo, without grabbing your smartphone. Plus, Alexa can also make household announcements across Amazon Echo devices at home, so your family knows if dinner is ready or guests are arriving. Use the Drop-In feature to connect to other Amazon Echo devices or the Announcement feature to record cute messages in your own voice (accompanied by a range of sound effect offerings, including dinner bell, kiss, trumpet, as well as, a bit alarmingly, toilet flush and fart).

Control smart devices: If you have other smart devices that work with Alexa, you can easily control them with Echo's Zigbee smart home hub. Just ask Alexa to dim the lights, adjust the room temperature, or turn on a compatible smart-plug-connected appliance. The best thing about this? You don’t have to press any buttons, and you can even engineer routines for yourself ahead of time to set these processes in motion at a certain time in your home.

The Echo can double as a night light Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Echo Dot

Making the smart living switch isn’t always budget-friendly, but the Echo Dot is affordable and provides great voice control features. These features aren't all that different from what you get with the Echo. The only true upgrades are new motion sensors that let you touch-control the device, the 1.73-inch front-firing speaker (versus a woofer and tweeters), and "Eero mesh network support so the Echo Dot can serve as a node for your Eero network if you use one," according to our sister site, PCMag. Use the Dot to receive reminders, save cookie recipes to your app for future reference, bask your room in a night light glow, communicate with friends and family, soothe yourself with some white noise, and beyond.

Listening companion: We’ve all tried the conventional speaker setup, which typically involves too many outlets and wires. Echo Dot offers the opposite experience for all your listening needs. You can use your voice to play music through streaming services, including Amazon Music, Apple Music, and Spotify. Plus, Audible and other media forms are available on the Echo Dot. Ask Alexa to find the perfect playlist or podcast, and you’ll have something to listen to when you cook in the kitchen, lounge on the couch, or work out in your living room. Another extra-cool feature? The Dot will start playing deep sleep music when it detects sounds of snoring — if you enable it to do so.

Task help: There are times we wish that we had a personal assistant for little things, including making lists and scheduling calendars. The Echo Dot helps make your everyday routine (and entertainment) more seamless with voice control. Try saying: "Alexa, set a timer for five minutes," "Alexa, play the Reuters news briefing," "Alexa, open my daily horoscope," or "Alexa, find my phone." The possibilities are endless. Be sure to reference the "more" tab on the Alexa app to browse through all of the Echo Dot's offerings.

Use the Dot to send messages to houseguests, remind you of tasks, and more! Credit: Screenshot: Amazon

Converse with and check in on loved ones: Like the Echo, the Echo Dot allows you to send messages, make phone calls, and use other Echo devices as intercoms. Enjoy hands-free communication with loved ones and make announcements via Drop-In to keep everyone in touch at home. If you have elderly parents at home, you can also take advantage of Alexa Together — Amazon's remote caregiving offering that does cost extra but allows you to connect compatible fall detection devices to the Echo Dot, see snapshots of your loved ones' daily interactions with Alexa, get 24/7 access to trained agents who can call 911 in case of an emergency, create gentle reminders such as "take your pills," and more.

Monitor your smart home environment: The Echo Dot also offers the option to monitor smart devices at home. If you have light bulbs, thermostats, or streaming media players that are compatible with Alexa, you can control their activity with the Echo Dot. Just speak to Alexa in your room of choice, and you can easily monitor lighting, temperature, and more with verbal commands. Also, if you enable sound detection routines, you can program a particular sound (dog barking, oven dinging, door opening) to trigger a certain Alexa Routine. This feature has an accessibility bonus since it can be used as a way to provide visual cues to those with hearing challenges. For instance, "if Alexa detects running water for a period of time... she can trigger the living room smart lights to flash on and off, serving as a visual reminder to shut off the faucet," as reported in USA Today.

Don't let the Dot's size fool you — it's mighty smart. Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable Price and competitionEcho

At $99.99, the Echo is moderately priced, but it comes with benefits that go beyond other smart speakers. With its high-tech sound features, including Dolby audio, you’ll be able to enjoy your favorite beats at the right volume. When you’re entertaining guests, you can engage the multi-room music feature to turn your pad into a dance floor (adjusting bass settings accordingly). In addition to playing music, the Echo allows you to control smart devices and communicate with loved ones via voice control. It also comes with a skills range so extensive that it might take you months to try them all out.

The Echo comes with a one-year limited warranty that covers defects in materials and workmanship. If you would like additional protection, you can buy an extended warranty separately at Amazon.

In terms of competition, the $99.99 Apple HomePod mini can be considered a pretty close match (at least price-wise). It's teeny compared to the Echo, though, and a larger/more advanced Apple smart speaker — the HomePod — will cost you $299 (see our full review of the Apple Homepod). While this competitor might be a better choice for Apple fans, due to its easy iOS compatibility, Siri isn't as smart or loyal of an assistant as Alexa in our opinion.

Echo Dot

For those on a technology budget, the 5th Gen Echo Dot delivers all the smart speaker benefits at a fraction of the price. At $49.99, it’s more affordable than other Amazon Echo devices (despite being the newest Dot) and still has desirable features like advanced voice recognition, smart device control, and assistance with small tasks via Alexa.

Unlike the Echo, the Echo Dot only comes with a 90-day limited warranty. It’s applicable to defects in materials and workmanship and you can contact Amazon’s Customer Service for assistance. This warranty, too, can be extended to a one-year, two-year, or even three-year plan for an additional fee.

If we're talking about what's available on the smart speaker market that can compare to the Dot, the Google-Assistant-powered Nest Mini (2nd Generation) immediately comes to mind, as it also costs $49.99. The Nest Mini is cute as a button (and weighs almost as much). It's compatible with streaming services like Spotify, Pandora, and iHeart Radio, as well as Youtube, has smart home pairing with Arlo, Nest, Ring, and other appliances, and it allows you to voice-purchase essentials from storefronts that aren't limited to Amazon. Still, with the Dot's new-and-improved front-firing speaker, there's no question that it wins the contest when it comes to quality audio. Also, with its upgraded temperature and movement sensors, the Dot seems to be leading the smart home game. I mean, what other speaker will listen for the sound of broken glass and immediately alert you to a potential robbery happening when you're MIA?

Clearly, the Echo is way bigger than the Echo Dot (reflected in their price difference). Credit: Stacia Datskovska / Mashable So, to Echo or to Echo Dot?

If you want a large smart speaker that delivers high-quality sound, allows you to engage in hands-free control, and use your voice to communicate with loved ones, the $99.99 4th Gen Echo is a good call. Another perk of this device is that it’s customizable: You can choose a decorative shell to compliment your home decor vibe. Plus, it works with other Amazon Echo devices for the ultimate sound setup whenever you need it.

If you don’t want to fork over a lot of cash for a smart speaker, the Echo Dot is a great pick — especially considering it's newer than the 4th Gen Echo. At only $49.99, it’s a steal compared to other Amazon-connected devices and offers the same smart speaker benefits... and then some.

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