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Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love a good mashup.

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 May 11, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: A nice medley

The words are related to mixtures.

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Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe a combination of things.

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 Odds and Ends.

NYT Strands word list for May 11

• Hodgepodge

• Variety

• Ragbag

• Odds and Ends

• Mishmash

• Jumble

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

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

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

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you love a good mystery.

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.

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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 Pips hints, answers for May 11, 2026 Here's a hint for today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: On the prowl

• Green: A plot

• Blue: Solving crimes

• Purple: Anatomy

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Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Move stealthily, with "In"

• Green: Kinds of schemes

• Blue: Detective movies

• Purple: Body parts surrounded by two letters

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 #1065 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Move stealthily, with "In": CREEP, SLIP, SNEAK, STEAL

• Kinds of schemes: COLOR, PONZI, PYRAMID, RHYME

• Detective movies: CHINATOWN, KNIVES OUT, SEVEN, VERTIGO

• Body parts surrounded by two letters: ELEGY, KARMA, KEYED, SHANDY

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 May 11, 2026

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

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

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

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you just got married.

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 May 11, 2026 Where did Wordle come from?

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

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

What's the best Wordle starting word?

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

What happened to the Wordle archive?

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

Is Wordle getting harder?

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for May 11, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Fresh.

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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 N.

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...

NEWLY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.

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

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

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

TL;DR: Mashable readers who register with Nomad can score 30% off select Nomad eSIM plans with code MASH30.

Opens in a new window Credit: Nomad Nomad eSIM: 30% off with code MASH30   Get Deal

Summertime is just around the corner, and you know what that means: it's time to travel.

If you're planning some fun vacations in the coming months, or maybe you're someone who has to travel frequently for work, international data is the last thing you want to be worrying about. That's where Nomad comes in handy with its helpful eSIM data plans, and Mashable readers can score a deal on select plans right now.

Registered Nomad users can score 30% off Nomad eSIM data plans when using the code MASH30 at checkout. With over 200 locations worldwide to choose from, making use of this offer is an excellent way to save some cash ahead of your next trip. There are a few things to keep in mind, though: This offer only applies to registered users and does not apply to Day Plans or plans that cost less than $5. It's also not eligible for add-on data.

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The beauty of using a Nomad data plan is there's no need to worry about a complicated setup. For starters, eSIMs are a digital version of a physical SIM card, which already takes some hassle out of its setup. Nomad also makes activation simple and easy through their app. As someone who has used Nomad, their app offers a quick step-by-step guide for activation once you've landed. It gets you started right away with your chosen plan for your destination, so you can text friends and family immediately.

Plus, if you're worried you may have gone over your selected amount of data, Nomad's app even shows you how much you have left on your chosen plan. This is a great way to keep an eye on where you're at over the course of your trip. And by using a Nomad eSIM rather than your regular carrier, you can avoid hefty international roaming charges.

Before you jump on the Nomad bandwagon with one of its discounted plans, it's worth confirming that your device will work with them. Make sure to check out Nomad's page on eSIM-compatible devices before taking advantage of this offer.

If it is compatible, why wait? Don't miss out on this chance to get 30% off Nomad eSIM data plans with code MASH30.

SAVE $200: As of May 11, the ASUS ROG Swift is on sale for $999 at Amazon. That's a 17% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Asus ASUS ROG Swift 27-Inch $999 at Amazon
$1,199 Save $200   Get Deal

Good gaming equipment can completely change how your setup feels and performs, and if you’ve been thinking about upgrading yours with a new monitor, there's a great new deal at Amazon you won't want to miss.

As of May 11, the ASUS ROG Swift has dropped to its best-ever price, now just $999 instead of $1,199.

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This is a 26.5-inch, 4K QD-OLED gaming monitor with a resolution of 3,840 x 2,160, a 240Hz refresh rate, and a 0.03ms response time. It uses 4th-generation QD-OLED technology for a better image quality and improved text clarity, along with a longer lifespan compared to earlier OLEDs.

It features Asus OLED Care Pro with a Neo Proximity Sensor that can tell when you step away from the monitor and switches to a black screen to help reduce burn-in risk. It also has various connectivity options including DisplayPort 2.1a UHBR20 with up to 80Gbps bandwidth, USB-C with 90W power delivery, HDMI 2.1, and a tripod socket.

It also has OLED Anti-Flicker 2.0 technology, which uses a new luminance compensation system to reduce screen flicker, making it much easier on your eyes and a more comfortable viewing experience for long sessions.

You can find this monitor deal at Amazon right now.

SAVE OVER $20: As of May 11, the Kindle Paperwhite 16GB is on sale for $134.99 at Amazon. This is $25 off its list price of $159.99.

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$159.99 Save $25   Get Deal

If you've had your eye on the Kindle Paperwhite 16GB, time is running out to score a $25 discount at Amazon. It's on sale for $134.99 at Amazon, but this offer only lasts through May 11.

The Kindle Paperwhite 16GB is usually listed for $159.99. It's a Kindle model we think very highly of — landing on our list of the best Kindles as the best overall pick — so it's well worth the investment (especially at this new low price)

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And what is it about the Kindle Paperwhite that made it stand out as the best overall pick? Mashable's Samantha Mangino says in our roundup of the best Kindles that it "turns pages without stuttering, never slowing down when you’re in the thick of the action." On top of that, "The screen's front light is vibrant and has adjustable brightness, meaning it can adjust when transitioning from reading in the sun or shade."

The Kindle Paperwhite is also, "Lightweight and fits comfortably in small crossbody bags. Plus, it’s waterproof, keeping it safe against poolside vacations and spilled water bottles in bags." Not to mention, it has a beefy battery life that can last up to 12 weeks. That's perfect for bookworms hoping to cruise through their digital library this summer.

Again, this deal ends after today. Be quick to make a move on this offer on the Kindle Paperwhite 16GB at Amazon before the deal is done for good.

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I've been modding Kindles and Fire tablets for several years now. Even old devices have plenty of uses when you're finished with them. Originally, I was going to turn an e-ink Kindle into a secondary display. Just as I was preparing to work on the project, something crazy happened: the dang thing broke down and died on me. It could not be revived. I guess that's what happens when you pick up a Craigslist special for a deep discount.

Charli XCX has released a new song that's only available on Instagram and vinyl, in a very internet move from the brat artist.

Days after releasing her latest single "Rock Music," Charli XCX released another new track, a B-side called "I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night." The artist posted the song on her secondary Instagram account b.sides, with a video shot in Kyoto, Japan, by The Moment director Aidan Zamiri.

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"i went to kyoto for six weeks to shoot a film. while we were there, i made this video with aidan," she captioned the post, noting the track is only available on Instagram and the "Rock Music" 7" vinyl, "so rip the audio if you want it xx."

The very idea of ripping audio from an artist's page seems a) shocking and b) like some '00s Limewire Y2K energy to me, which, yeah, is extremely Charli XCX. It's also giving "secret single" from the age of CDs (those who know Hanson's Middle of Nowhere didn't end with "With You in Your Dreams" know what I'm talking about).

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As well as a very internet way to connect the song with fans, it's also a clever marketing move by Atlantic Records encouraging physical sales, as "I Keep On Thinking Bout You Every Single Day and Night" is also only available on the "Rock Music" vinyl. Charli XCX's success with physical media is long proven; her sixth album, the now-iconic brat, debuted at number one on the Billboard Vinyl Albums Chart, and her Wuthering Heights soundtrack followed a similar path.

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You probably already know what an ideal day looks like—you just can’t seem to have one consistently. From personal experience, I can testify that closing this gap is a lot more difficult than it seems. That said, what helped me the most was trying to gamify my goals, and these three FOSS apps became the backbone of that system.

TL;DR: Amazon has the Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box on sale for $139.85, down from its $164.70 list price. That saves you $24.85 on a 30-pack box and marks a new low for Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: Magic: The Gathering Magic: The Gathering Secrets of Strixhaven Play Booster Box $139.85 at Amazon
$164.70 Save $24.85 Get Deal

It’s not been long since Magic: The Gathering’s Secrets of Strixhaven expansion launched, but you can already grab it for a heavily discounted rate.

As of May 11, the 30-pack box is listed at $139.85 at Amazon, down from its $164.70 list price. That brings it down to Amazon’s best-ever price (as confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel). Better still, the Amazon listing is shipped and sold by Amazon, with free delivery as early as May 16 — or May 13 for Prime members. 

TCGplayer has unopened listings starting at $133.99 with shipping included, while its market price is sitting at $132.96 and the listed median is $148. Walmart has the same box listed from $137.95, with other sellers starting at $139.95. So Amazon isn’t technically the cheapest place to buy, but it’s still the ideal go-to if the retailer is your preferred place to stock up on the latest sets. 

Inside the box, you’re getting 30 Secrets of Strixhaven Play Boosters, with each pack containing 14 Magic cards. Every booster includes one to five rares or higher, three to six uncommons, five to eight commons, and one land card. You’ll also get at least one Traditional Foil card in each pack, while 20% of packs replace the land with a Traditional Foil Land. 

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There’s also a Mystical Archive card in every pack, giving you one instant or sorcery spell with special art and a showcase frame. 

For more TCG deals, you can still preorder Magic: The Gathering’s The Hobbit Play Booster Box for way under market price at $209.70. Elsewhere, the Magic: The Gathering Edge of Eternities Play Booster Box has also hit a record-low price at Amazon. 

Want to learn more about getting the best out of your tech? Sign up for Mashable's Top Stories and Deals newsletters today.

SAVE $250: As of May 11, the EcoFlow Delta 2 is on sale for $449 at Amazon. That's a 36% discount on the list price.

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$699 Save $250   Get Deal

Looking for a reliable power station that can keep your whole home powered in the case of outages? Meet the EcoFlow Delta 2. It has fast charging, an expandable battery capacity, and enough output to run a wide range of household electronics. And as of May 11, it's on sale for $250 off.

The EcoFlow Delta 2 has a 1kWh capacity that can be expanded up to 3kWh using additional batteries (sold separately). It supports AC charging which sees it reach 80% in just 50 minutes and 100% in 80 minutes. The unit provides 1,800W output and includes 15 outlets for powering a range of appliances. There's also support for up to 500W of solar input for off-grid or outdoor charging, which you can purchase separately.

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It uses an LFP LiFePO4 battery, so you know it's got longevity. In fact, it has a rated lifespan of more than 3,000 charge cycles, meaning it will last years. It also includes a battery management system designed to monitor performance and safety. With the unit, you'll get an AC charging cable, a user manual, and a five-year customer service plan.

Find this portable power station deal at Amazon now.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2026 Giro d’Italia for free on SBS on Demand. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

There is something incredibly special about watching the best cyclists in the world compete in the Grand Tours. The scenery is often incredible, the fans are always passionate, and of course, the racing is electric. You quickly become aware that you're watching something special. These athletes are simply not normal, and we're blessed to be able to watch these stars compete over three weeks of gruelling competition.

The Giro d'Italia is the first Grand Tour of 2026. This year's event features the likes of Jonas Vingegaard, Giulio Pellizzari, and Felix Gall. There are a number of talented riders very much in the running for the pink jersey this year.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Giro d'Italia for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is the Giro d’Italia?

The Giro d'Italia is an annual multiple-stage bicycle race primarily held in Italy. The Giro d'Italia is one of cycling's most prestigious three-week-long Grand Tours (alongside the Tour de France and Vuelta a España).

When is the 2026 Giro d’Italia?

The 2026 Giro d'Italia is the 109th edition of the famous race. This year's race will start on May 8 in Bulgaria and will finish on May 31 in Rome.

How to watch the 2026 Giro d’Italia for free

The 2026 Giro d'Italia is available to live stream for free on SBS on Demand.

SBS on Demand is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can unblock this free streaming platform with a VPN. These powerful tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can access SBS on Demand from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Giro d'Italia 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 Australia

4. Visit SBS on Demand

5. Watch the 2026 Giro d’Italia for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 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 the 2026 Giro d’Italia before recovering your investment.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services 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 SBS on Demand?

ExpressVPN is the best service for live streaming top sporting events from around the world, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Australia

• 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 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% 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 $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Giro d’Italia for free with ExpressVPN.

Apple's macOS Tahoe came with a new, Liquid Glass-infused design when it launched last September, but not all of it worked as well as it does on the iPhone and iPad.

Now, Bloomberg's Mark Gurman claims Apple is about to make some design changes in the upcoming macOS 27 to address some of the most glaring issues.

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The new macOS 27 won't be a complete overhaul of Tahoe; internally, Gurman's sources are talking about a "slight redesign," and the Liquid Glass design language will remain a big part of the new OS.

Mostly, these will be small tweaks that make certain parts of the user interface more legible and less confusing. The report doesn't offer many details about what, exactly, is about to change, but it does mention the legibility issues in Tahoe's Control Center, Finder, as well as apps with sidebars and dense lists.

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Furthermore, the advent of MacBooks with OLED displays (current Macs all have LCD displays) should further improve the look of the Liquid Glass interfaces in macOS. Apple is expected to launch several MacBooks with OLED displays over the next year or so.

Gurman also said that macOS 27 should bring bug fixes, battery life upgrades, and performance improvements, as well as more AI features, mostly reflected in Apple's smart assistant Siri.

Apple is expected to unveil macOS 27 during its WWDC conference, which kicks off on June 8 this year.

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

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

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

How to play Pips

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

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for May 11, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Strands hints, answers for May 11, 2026 Easy difficulty hints, answers for May 11 Pips

Less Than (10): Everything in this space must be less than 10. The answer is 5-2, placed horizontally.

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for May 11 Pips

Number (4): Everything in this purple space must add up to 4. The answer is 4-2, placed vertically.

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

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

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 0-6, placed vertically.

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

Equal (2): Everything in this space must be equal to 2. The answer is 3-2, placed horizontally; 2-0, placed horizontally.

Less Than (1): Everything in this space must be less than 1. The answer is 2-0, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for May 11 Pips

Equal (3): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 1-3, placed vertically; 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-4, placed vertically.

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

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

Equal (4): Everything in this yellow space must be equal to 4. The answer is 4-4, placed vertically; 3-4, placed vertically; 5-4, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally.

Equal (5): Everything in this dark blue space must be equal to 5. The answer is 5-5, placed horizontally; 5-4, placed horizontally; 5-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (6): Everything in this space must be equal to 6. The answer is 6-1, placed horizontally; 6-2, placed horizontally

Number (3): Everything in this space must add up to 3. The answer is 5-1, placed horizontally; 1-4, placed horizontally; 6-1, placed horizontally.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 2-4, placed horizontally; 0-6, placed vertically; 5-3, placed vertically.

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SAVE $50: As of May 11, the Garmin vívoactive 6 is on sale for $249.99 at Amazon. That marks a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer.

Opens in a new window Credit: Garmin Garmin vívoactive 6 $249.99 at Amazon
$299.99 Save $50   Get Deal

For those with an athletic lifestyle, a fitness tracker is worth having on your wrist to keep a close eye on your progress towards your goals. If you've been thinking about dropping some cash, why pay full price? Amazon has some great deals available on a variety of options at the moment. The Garmin vívoactive 6 is one of them, with $50 slashed off its full price tag.

As of May 11, this discount has dropped the price of every color of the Garmin vívoactive 6 from $299.99 to $249.99. This marks a return to its lowest-ever price at the retailer. No better time to snag it, then.

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The Garmin vívoactive 6 is a tracker that can help you with everything from exercise stats to keeping a closer eye on your day-to-day health. When it comes to the latter, it offers a wide variety of features including wrist-based heart rate, stress tracking, a sleep score, fitness age, and more. It even has a Body Battery energy monitoring feature, which shows you how rested your body is for the day.

In terms of fitness, it's packed with over 80 sports apps and even has advanced features that show you how a workout affects your body.

If this is a fitness tracker that's caught your eye, now is a great time to save on the Garmin vívoactive 6 at Amazon.

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When my wife and I rescued our dog, Milly, this winter, we registered her microchip right away, but we wanted another level of protection. From the rescue, we knew Milly was a runner, which meant taking extra precautions, like double-leashing and working with a dog trainer right away. But I'd also scooped up a four-pack of AirTags when they were at an all-time low during Black Friday so that I could attach one to Milly's collar.

But was an AirTag really the best solution? It's certainly affordable, but since owning a dog, I'm inundated with targeted ads for GPS dog collars. While GPS collars are the more expensive option, they promise greater reliability. Since I'm still fairly new to dog ownership, I turned to experts to find out whether there's a clear choice between an AirTag and a GPS tracker for a dog.

While AirTags are gaining popularity among pet owners, that doesn't mean they're the best option. "AirTags are flying off the shelves for dogs, and there is a big market for collars and harnesses that house them. Unfortunately, they are misunderstood and are providing a false sense of security," says Chris Edge, founder of K9 Edge Dog Training.

"For a working dog handler or trainer, the question isn't really AirTag vs. GPS collar — it's passive location vs. active monitoring. One tells you where your dog was. The other tells you where your dog currently is," says Jonathan Bensamoun, the founder and CEO of Fi, a company that makes GPS dog collars. But which is which? Here's what you need to know about AirTags versus GPS dog collars.

How do AirTags and GPS collars work for dogs? Is a GPS collar more effect than an AirTag? That depends. Credit: Halo / Awoo

AirTags, commonly used to track keys, wallets, and luggage, are not necessarily made for moving objects, like a dog. They work via a Bluetooth signal detected by iOS devices on the Find My network. AirTags feature a lost mode, so when a lost object is detected, you'll get a notification. Plus, NFC-capable iPhones can tap the AirTag to receive your information. But the key piece of information here is that AirTags require proximity to other Bluetooth devices to locate. Bensamoun says, "Your dog's location only updates when another Apple device passes nearby. In a suburban neighborhood, that might mean a delay of minutes. In a park, a trail, or a rural area, it could be hours — or never."

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A GPS collar works differently as it provides real-time info. These collars typically let you draw GPS maps in their apps so you can create boundaries for your dogs and receive notifications if they cross them. They provide real-time tracking, regardless of proximity to other smartphones, so you can still see live tracking information even in rural, sparsely populated areas.

AirTags vs. GPS trackers — it depends on where you live

The decision between an AirTag and a GPS tracker comes down to where you live. As a city dweller, an AirTag is a pretty good option, considering the more densely populated the area, the more likely an iPhone will be nearby. For those living in the suburbs or rural areas, though, it means a runaway dog will be less likely to encounter people; therefore, the AirTag won't be effective. Even if you live in a city, if you're frequently going on hikes or traveling into isolated areas, an AirTag won't be effective then either.

But a GPS tracker will work anywhere, regardless of cell service availability. So if you're considering which is best for you, I like to think of it this way. If your dog escapes the house, are there nearby woods or a bustling main street they're going to run to?

AirTags vs. GPS trackers for dogs: Which is cheaper?

AirTags are extremely popular and accessible. An AirTag four-pack puts the individual trackers at $24.75. Plus, you need something to attach it to a collar, which will run you less than $20. So all in all, the investment is under $50.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirTag $29 at Amazon
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Awoo Awoo AirTag Holder, 2-pack $16 at Chewy
  Shop Now

A GPS collar is much more expensive. A collar itself starts at around $99. Fi's payment structure is similar to that of the fitness tracker, Whoop, where, rather than purchasing the collar outright, you pay for the membership. While another GPS collar, Halo, costs $599 outright — and you also need to pay a monthly membership fee.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fi Fi Series 3+ $99 at Fi
Memberships start at $99 Get Deal Opens in a new window Credit: Halo Halo Collar 5 $598.97 at Halo
  Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: Tractive Tractive smart dog tracker $55.30 at Tractive
$79 Save $23.70 Plans start at $5 per month Shop Now Opens in a new window Credit: PetPace PetPace 3.0 $299.99 at Amazon
Plans start at $25 per month Shop Now AirTags vs. GPS trackers for dogs: Does battery life matter?

Edge presents a potential downside to GPS trackers: "GPS collars provide real-time info, but the battery is a real issue as it must be recharged almost daily." The more usage the GPS collars get, the more battery power they require. Halo collars last up to two days, and Fi collars technically have a longer battery life of up to three months. However, when in Lost Mode, which provides live tracking, the battery life lasts about two days.

AirTags on the other end, which require a CR2032 coin battery, last about one year. Battery life varies depending on usage and movement, so for a dog that moves more frequently, it could be just six months.

AirTag vs. GPS trackers for dogs: Which is better?

There's no definitive answer to whether an AirTag or a GPS tracker is better for a dog — it really depends on what you need and where you live. As a city dweller, I still feel comfortable using an AirTag for my dog. However, for trips into the woods, I'd consider getting a GPS collar to use then.

But if you live in a sparsely populated area or are hiking in the woods with your dog, then a GPS collar could be an actual lifesaver. But Edge says, regardless of which you choose, behavioral training is just as important: "Ultimately, both can be useful if used within their capacity. All dogs should be microchipped as a fail-safe, and of course, coming from a dog trainer, the real answer is a very solid recall."

SAVE $699.01: As of May 11, the Anker Solix C2000 is on sale for $799.99 at Amazon. That's a 47% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C2000 $799.99 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $699.01   Get Deal

The Anker Solix C2000 has gone down in price once again at Amazon, and this time you can save almost 50%. As of May 11, the price has dropped from $1,499 to $799.99, saving you just shy of $700.

The C2000 Gen 2 is a reliable portable power station to have on hand. It has a 2,400W rated output and a 4,000W peak output, so it's made to run multiple appliances at once, including some window and RV air conditioners. It uses 9W on standby and can power a dual-door fridge for up to 32 hours. The unit supports six charging methods and can recharge from 0% to 100% in only 58 minutes using AC and solar charging combined.

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It also supports 800W alternator charging through a vehicle. With this helpful feature, it can reach full charge in around three hours.

And it really is a portable option, weighing just 41.7 pounds. It much lighter than comparable models. So if you plan to take it on a road trip or a camping vacation, it won't stand in your way.

Find this portable power station deal online at Amazon right now.

SAVE $40: As of May 6, the Fitbit Charge 6 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's a 25% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Charge 6 $119.95 at Amazon
$159.95 Save $40.00   Get Deal

The Fitbit Charge 6 has dropped in price again at Amazon. If you're looking for a budget-friendly fitness tracker, it's the perfect choice.

As of May 11, the Fitbit Charge 6 has dropped from $159.95 to $119.95, saving you $40. And all three colorways are discounted, so you can choose from black, red, or white.

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This watch does a bit of everything. It has built-in GPS for accurately tracking pace, distance, routes, and steps, and you won't need a phone nearby to access the data. It also features 24/7 heart rate monitoring through Fitbit’s PurePulse 2.0 sensor, giving you data like resting heart rate, workout heart rate zones, and notifications for unusually high or low readings. During workouts you'll also get a breakdown of calories burned and Active Zone Minutes.

The tracker also supports overnight SpO2 monitoring to estimate blood oxygen levels during sleep, alongside advanced sleep tracking that records light, deep, and REM sleep stages, and restlessness during the night. It also gives you a daily sleep score out of 100 that helps you understand how well you really slept.

You can find this Fitbit deal at Amazon right now.

TL;DR: Get the Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD and get fast, durable storage for large projects and backups, on sale for $999.99 (reg. $1,144.99).

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD (Black) $999.99
$1,144.99 Save $145   Get Deal

Running out of storage in the middle of a large project is frustrating enough. Waiting forever for files to transfer makes it worse. If you regularly work with high-resolution video, massive photo libraries, or demanding creative workflows, the Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD could help speed things up while giving you more room to work.

Right now, you can get the Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD while it’s on sale for $999.99 (reg. $1,144.99).

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Tailored for creators, professionals, and power users, the T9 delivers read and write speeds up to 2,000 MB/s — twice as fast as Samsung’s T7 portable SSD. That speed can chip off valuable minutes from big project transfers, backups, or even editing straight from the drive.

The T9 also leans into portability without feeling flimsy. Compared to the slimmer T7, it has a slightly larger, more rugged build that’s better suited for travel, mobile setups, and on-the-go production work. Samsung says the drive offers drop resistance up to 3.2-feet, which could provide some peace of mind if your gear spends a lot of time in backpacks or camera bags.

Storage is another plus. With 4TB on board, the T9 keeps sprawling media libraries, high-res footage, game installs, and chunky backups in one place. It’s compatible with USB 3.2 Gen 2×2 and connects seamlessly across desktops, cameras, consoles, and supported mobiles.

Samsung also includes features aimed at long-term performance, such as Dynamic Thermal Guard technology to help prevent overheating during extended sessions, and access to Samsung Magician Software for firmware updates, encryption settings, and drive health monitoring.

If you’ve been looking for a fast external drive that can handle demanding workloads without being overly fragile, the Samsung T9 4TB Portable SSD is currently $145 off for a limited time, making its final price $999.99.

StackSocial prices subject to change.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free on IIHF.TV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

We're still buzzing from the international hockey at the 2026 Winter Olympics, but there's more to come. We know the focus of the ice hockey world is firmly fixed on the resolution of the NHL season right now, but the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is here to offer something to fans without a vested interest in the Stanley Cup.

This tournament doesn't have quite the same prestige as the Winter Olympics, but the 2024 World Championship was the most successful in terms of overall attendance. We're expecting this tournament in Switzerland to be just as popular as the USA, Canada, Czechia, Sweden, Finland, and other top sides battle it out on the ice.

If you're interested in watching the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships from anywhere in the world, we've got all the information you need.

What is the Ice Hockey World Championships?

The Ice Hockey World Championships are an annual international men's ice hockey tournament organized by the International Ice Hockey Federation. 16 teams are divided into two groups for the Preliminary Round played in a single round robin format. The top-four ranked teams of each group advance to the knockout rounds.

The defending champions are Czechia.

When is the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships?

The 2026 IIHF World Championship will take place from May 15-31. This year's tournament will be hosted by Zurich and Fribourg, Switzerland.

How to watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free

The 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships is available to live stream for free on IIHF.TV.

IIHF.TV is not available in some locations due to regional broadcasting restrictions (blocked locations listed here), 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 a location with access, meaning you can stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world.

Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships 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 a location with access

4. Connect to IIHF.TV

5. Watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free from anywhere in the world

Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Month Plan) $12.99 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get Deal

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer pretty generous money-back guarantees. By leveraging these offers, you can watch the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships without committing with your cash. This is obviously not a long-term strategy, but it gives you enough time to stream the tournament 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 the Ice Hockey World Championships?

ExpressVPN is the best choice for streaming live sport on free platforms, 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

• Up to 10 simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A two-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $68.40 and includes an extra four months for free — 81% 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 $12.99 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2026 Ice Hockey World Championships for free with ExpressVPN.