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Pips is the newest game in the New York Times catalogue. Released in August 2025, the new game puts a unique spin on dominoes, creating a fun single-player experience that could become your next daily gaming habit.

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

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a passing familiarity for how Pips is played. Like dominoes, the tiles 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 August 26, 2025

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 25, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Equal (1): The domino halves in this space must be 1. The answer is 1-2, placed horizontally; 4-1, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 3-5, placed vertically; 5-1, placed vertically.

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

Equal (2): The domino halves in this space must be 2. The answer is 2-2, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 2-6, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 6-4, placed vertically; 4-0, placed vertically.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Aug. 26

Number (10): Everything in this space must add up to 10. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Number (1): Everything in this red space must add up to 1. The answer is 4-1, placed horizontally; 6-0, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally; 3-3, placed vertically.

Number (12): Everything in this space must add up to 12. The answer is 3-6, placed horizontally, 6-4, placed horizontally.

Not equal: The domino halves in this space must be different. The answer is 5-4, placed horizontally; 6-4, placed horizontally; 2-3, placed vertically.

Equal (3): The domino halves in this space must be 3. The answer is 2-3, placed vertically; 3-4, placed horizontally; 3-0, placed horizontally.

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

Less than (2): Everything in this space must add up to less than 2. The answer is 1-6, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

The New York Times has launched Pips, the latest entry in its daily habit-forming catalogue of games that includes Wordle, Connections, and Strands.

Released in August 2025, Pips is dominoes with a twist. You don't have to be good at dominoes to be good at Pips, which is designed to be a single-player experience.

How to play Pips

If you've ever played dominoes, you'll have a solid foundation for Pips. Like dominoes, the tiles are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The key difference for Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. Unlike dominoes, touching tiles don't have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 21, 2025

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

There are three difficulty levels: Easy, Medium, and Hard. The more difficult the setting, the more tiles to place and the more conditions that must be met.

Here are common examples you'll run into across 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 Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for August 21, 2025

If you get stuck, check out our hints for today's Pips 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.

Want to send a cool song or podcast to a friend? If you both use Spotify, you'll soon be able to message them directly through the app.

On Tuesday, Spotify launched in-app Messages on mobile devices, which will be rolling out to Free and Premium users aged 16 and older. The feature will only be available on mobile devices, and in "select markets" — Spotify did not elaborate on what they are.

The feature works exactly as you'd expect; messages are one-on-one conversations which allow you to share Spotify content such as songs, podcasts, or audiobooks, as well as react with text and emojis.

The feature will launch in select markets this week. Credit: Spotiy

To access Messages, tap on your profile photo in the top left corner, and either select an existing chat or tap "New Message" to send a message.

Messages within the Spotify app are just another way to share Spotify content. The company says they are designed to complement sharing Spotify content on other platforms, such as Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, or Tiktok, but not replace it.

SEE ALSO: Spotify now allows custom transitions in playlists

Spotify also built in some security and privacy controls to the Messages feature. Users have the choice to accept or reject message requests, and they can report content that they consider to be harmful. They'll also be able to block other users, or opt out of Messages completely through Spotify's Settings.

Finally, Messages are encrypted with "industry-standard encryption in transit and at rest." The company, however, says it will use "proactive detection technology to scan messages for certain unlawful and harmful content," and the company's moderators will review reported content.

The Pixel 10 Pro is here, bringing new features to Google's most affordable Pro handset that costs $999. So, should you spend your money on the handset, or spend another $200 and get Samsung's Galaxy S25 Ultra instead? Let's find out.

2025 is shaping up to be a big year for robot vacuums. Most major manufacturers are rolling out their best offerings, with models flaunting robotic arms to clear obstacles, self-lifting wheels to climb over steps, and more futuristic upgrades.

Due to ongoing negotiations, YouTube TV is about to lose access to several Fox channels, including Fox Sports. This couldn't come at a worse time, as the NFL and college football seasons are about to start. If a deal can't be met, you may lose access to the channels as soon as tomorrow, August 27th.

If you’re on the fence about subscribing to MGM+, or even if you’ve already subscribed but don’t know where to start, let me help. There’s one underrated gem that’s absolutely worth bingeing in just a month—From.

The Porsche 911 is iconic, but its price puts it out of reach for most buyers. Luckily, there are plenty of sports cars that deliver thrilling performance, timeless design, and everyday usability at a fraction of the cost. These alternatives capture the essence of driving excitement without demanding supercar-level budgets.

Hulu is home to some of the best shows on television, the kind with narratives so juicy, you find yourself detaching from your life to get back into theirs and see how things are playing out with your favorite characters. We call those kinds of series bingeworthy, and lucky for us, the platform is home to some of the best series that have ever graced our TV screens.

TL;DR: As of Aug. 26, Pokémon TCG Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare Elite Trainer Boxes are over 12% cheaper on TCGPlayer vs. Amazon.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG White Flare Elite Trainer Box Shop Now

If you’ve been waiting to dive into the brand-new Scarlet & Violet Black Bolt and White Flare expansions, the Elite Trainer Boxes are the best way to start, and TCGPlayer has both cheaper than Amazon. Right now, the Black Bolt ETB is $87.79 at TCGPlayer compared to $92.94 at Amazon, while the White Flare ETB is $82.49 at TCGPlayer versus $92.94 at Amazon.

• Black Bolt Elite Trainer Box — $85 at TCGPlayer vs. $92.94 at Amazon (save $7.94, or 5.71%)

• White Flare Elite Trainer Box — $80 at TCGPlayer vs. $92.94 at Amazon (save $12.94, or 12.20%)

On Amazon, both boxes are priced the same at $92.94 each. The better bet is TCGPlayer, where you’re saving between 6% and 12% depending on which half of the set you grab. That difference means more booster packs for the same money when you think about it in trade value.

Each Elite Trainer Box is packed with nine Black Bolt or White Flare booster packs, a full-art promo card, card sleeves, energy, dice, and all the accessories you need to play or collect. The Black Bolt ETB includes a Thundurus promo, while the White Flare ETB comes with a full-art promo.

These expansions mark the first-ever split release for the English TCG. Between them, they cover all 156 Unova-region Pokémon with new Illustration Rare and Special Illustration Rare cards. With prices already creeping up on big-box retailers, this is a good chance to lock in both ETBs below $90.

SEE ALSO: Where to buy Pokémon cards in 2025 — avoid overpaying or missing out on new sets

Across the board, these Black Bolt and White Flare products are more affordable on TCGPlayer than Amazon, often by double digit percentages. If you want to grab promo cards, crack open packs, or display sealed boxes, buying now ensures you are paying fair prices before the market tightens.

Most valuable Black Bolt and White Flare Pokémon cards Credit: The Pokémon Company

Black Bolt and White Flare expansions are packed with some of the coolest chase cards we’ve seen in a while. The Black and White Rares bring back Unova’s Legendary powerhouses in stunning new designs, while the Special Illustration Rares are every bit as collectible, turning favorites like Reshiram, and Zekrom into true centerpiece cards for any binder. Here's the top 5 most valuable Black Bolt and White Rare Pokémon card you could pull from your Elite Trainer Box, or just buy the card because they're super hard to pull:

1. Victini – 172/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $450
   Market price: $474.25
   Value at launch: $500

2. Reshiram ex – 173/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $420
   Market price: $445.20
   Value at launch: $488.50

3. Zekrom ex – 172/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $400
   Market price: $406.80
   Value at launch: $499.50

4. Victini – 171/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $430
   Market price: $430
   Value at launch: $440

5. Zekrom ex – 166/086 – SV: Black Bolt
   Near Mint Holofoil: $203
   Market price: $208.05
   Value at launch: $210.56

6. Reshiram ex – 166/086 – SV: White Flare
   Near Mint Holofoil: $190
   Market price: $203.13
   Value at launch: $210.56

SAVE UP TO $16: As of Aug. 26, a wide range of Xbox Wireless Controllers are on sale at Amazon. Prices now start from just $49.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Xbox Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller (2025) $49.99 at Amazon
$64.99 Save $15.00 Get Deal

The Xbox wireless controller is one of the most recognisable and versatile gamepads on the market, and right now you can pick one up at Amazon for noticeably less. As of Aug. 26, Amazon has marked huge discounts on the Xbox wireless controller in various colours, some only for a limited time.

Whether you’re upgrading your current setup, wanting to add in a second player for Gears of War Reloaded co-op, or just fancy a fresh colour, this is the perfect time to grab one for less.

SEE ALSO: Lightweight gaming mice are a game-changer — here's why the SteelSeries Aerox 3 Wireless is my new favourite

Here’s the full breakdown of the current controller deals:

• Robot white — $49.99 $64.99 (save 23%)

• Carbon black — $54 $64.99 (save 17%)

• Deep pink — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Pulse red — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Shock blue — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Velocity green — $54 $69.99 (save 23%)

• Electric volt — $59.99 $69.99 (save 14%)

• Carbon black + USB-C cable bundle — $54.99 $64.99 (save 15%)

Since prices on Xbox hardware, including consoles and controllers, went up in May 2025, deals this good have been quite rare. With that, it's more than the best time to jump in and add a new colour to your arsenal.

The 2025 edition of the Xbox Wireless Gaming Controller keeps everything players already loved and adds a few welcome refinements. For instance, sculpted surfaces and updated geometry make it one of the most comfortable gamepads to hold for long stretches, even compared to PlayStation's still-fantastic PS5 DualSense controller.

Meanwhile, the hybrid D-pad and textured grip on the triggers and bumpers provide extra precision in the heat of battle.

With up to 40 hours of battery life, you’ll spend more time playing and less time charging when you’re playing the new Xbox version of Helldivers 2. The dedicated Share button makes it effortless to capture and share screenshots or clips with friends.

SEE ALSO: The best gaming headset for every platform

Plus, thanks to built-in Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology, you can easily switch between devices. That means seamless gaming not just on Xbox Series X|S consoles, but also on Xbox Ones, Windows PCs, Android and iOS devices, Fire TV Sticks, smart TVs, and even VR headsets.

There’s also a 3.5mm jack for wired headsets, while the USB-C port ensures fast plug-and-play connectivity if you’d prefer a direct connection.

For those who like to tweak, the Xbox Accessories app allows full custom button mapping so you can tailor the controller exactly to your style of play.

To get some improved audio whilst playing with your new Xbox controller, check out our selection of the best gaming headsets in 2025 you can buy right now. 

SAVE $70: As of Aug. 26, the Bose Ultra open earbuds are on sale for $229 at Amazon. This is 23% off their list price of $299.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose Ultra Open Bluetooth Earbuds $229 at Amazon
$299 Save $70 Get Deal

Between Back to School deals and Labor Day sales, there are some really great discounts floating around right now. If you've been hoping to pick up some new earbuds on sale, you're in luck: Amazon has quite a few offers worth exploring, including a deal on the Bose Ultra open earbuds.

The Bose Ultra open earbuds are currently on sale for $229 at Amazon. This is a 23% discount from their list price of $299. Multiple color options are down to this price as well, so you can have your pick of the lunar blue, black, chilled lilac, diamond, moonstone blue, sunset iridescent, or white smoke earbuds.

SEE ALSO: The Apple AirPods 4 are within 99 cents of their best-ever price from Prime Day

With their open design, the Bose Ultra open earbuds allow you to hear the world around you while enjoying what you're listening to in a high-quality format, thanks to OpenAudio technology. They also boast up to seven hours of battery life. Our review found a lot to love, with writer RJ Andersen saying that these earbuds "have a unique design that prioritizes awareness over noise cancellation. Though we were skeptical at first, these buds are extremely comfortable and score top marks for battery life, spatial audio, and sound quality."

If they've been on your radar, now is your chance to score the Bose Ultra open earbuds for $229 at Amazon. And if you're looking for even more deals from the retailer, check out Amazon's Labor Day sale to see what other tech is on offer at the moment.

FREE BOOKS: The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day takes place on Aug. 26. Year of Queer Lit offers LGBTQIA+ fiction for free or $0.99. Looking to invest in a Kindle? Amazon's Kindle (16GB) is on sale for $89.99.

The latest Stuff Your Kindle Day is live, and this time the focus is on LGBTQIA+ fiction.

Year of Queer Lit is offering LGBTQIA+ fiction for free or just $0.99. The event promises over 100 books for absolutely nothing or at this heavily discounted rate, and everything that you download is yours to keep forever. And it's not just for Kindle books. Instead, this special event is highlighting anywhere that an author might sell their book. The choice is yours.

SEE ALSO: What is Stuff Your Kindle Day? The best way to fill your e-reader with free books.

Looking to make the most of the latest Stuff Your Kindle Day? We've lined up everything you need to know about this popular event.

When is Stuff Your Kindle Day?

The Year of Queer Lit Book Blast takes place on Aug. 26. Unlike a lot of recent Stuff Your Kindle Days, this event only lasts for 24 hours. That does provide a little more pressure. But remain calm, check out what's on offer, and see if you can find something you like for a lot less (or for nothing at all).

Who can take part in Stuff Your Kindle Day?

Stuff Your Kindle Day is for everyone. Kindle, Kobo, and Nook readers can download these books for free. You can even download these books on your preferred app and read them straight from your phone.

Which e-books are free?

The full list of titles is live on the Year of Queer Lit hub page, organized into sub-genres:

• Romance

• Fantasy

• New Adult

• Young Adult

• Mystery

• Horror/Psychological/Thriller

• Historical/Historical Romance

• Contemporary

• Sci-Fi/Paranormal

• Poetry

• Non-Fiction

Take your pick from this strong selection of free (or heavily discounted) reads.

Is Stuff Your Kindle Day the same as Amazon Kindle Unlimited?

Everything you download on Stuff Your Kindle Day is yours to keep, and there's no limit on the number of books you can download. Stuff Your Kindle Day downloads don't count towards the 20 books that Amazon Kindle Unlimited subscribers can borrow at the same time, so don't hold back.

The best Stuff Your Kindle Day deal Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite (Like-New) $106.99 at Amazon
$143.99 Save $37.00 Get Deal Why we like it

These popular e-readers help you take your entire library on the go. With weeks of battery life and an anti-glare display, you can read anywhere and anytime with the Kindle Paperwhite. According to Amazon, this like-new model is "refurbished, tested, and certified to look and work like new and comes with the same limited warranty as a new device." That's good enough for us.

Perhaps you're a developer or just have a passion for Linux? While Linux means something different to everyone, one thing that I've come to believe is that the freedom to craft a custom system allows Linux users to flourish. I outline three reasons why Linux has allowed me to flourish.

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

You might think that you can navigate the online world with total freedom, but your access is not actually guaranteed. There are restrictions and blockades at every turn, and sometimes your favorite site will be behind a wall.

A number of U.S. states have introduced laws that require visitors to upload ID before accessing pornography sites. As a result, Pornhub has banned visitors from those states from accessing their website. A similar situation is now taking place in other parts of the world. There are complicated reasons for this ban, but the workaround is straightforward.

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

How to unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas

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.

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, a one-month plan is available for just $12.95 (including money-back guarantee).

Unblock Pornhub for free in Arkansas 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.

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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's The Mini crossword answers for August 4 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: Identifying features

• Green: A mean person

• Blue: To annoy

• Purple: A type of seat

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: Distinguishing characteristics

• Green: A real jerk

• Blue: Pester

• Purple: Words before "stool"

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 #808 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Distinguishing characteristics: MOLE, PIERCING, SCAR, TATTOO

• A real jerk: CREEP, HEEL, RAT, SKUNK

• Pester: BADGER, BUG, HARRY, RIDE

• Words before "stool": BAR, FOOT, STEP, TOAD

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 August 4

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 August 4 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for August 4 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Bee friendly

The words are plant-related.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are types of blooms.

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 Wildflower.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for August 26

• Primrose

• Marigold

• Wildflower

• Bluebell

• Chamomile

• Daisy

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 August 4 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 August 4, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

An extension.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

The letter N 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...

ANNEX.

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 August 4

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

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TL;DR: Live stream Tomljanović vs. Gauff in the 2025 US Open for free on 9Now. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

The fourth and final Grand Slam of the season is up and running, with some standout games taking place in the first round. Tomljanović vs. Gauff is one such game that fans will be eager to catch, as the home favorite bids to win the US Open for the second time.

If you want to watch Tomljanović vs. Gauff in the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

How to watch Tomljanović vs. Gauff for free

Tomljanović vs. Gauff in the 2025 US Open is available to live stream for free on 9Now.

9Now is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone from around the world can access this site with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to secure servers in Australia, meaning you can unblock 9Now from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025 US Open 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 Australia

4. Visit 9Now

5. Watch the 2025 US Open for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but 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 2025 US Open before recovering your investment.

What is the best VPN for 9Now?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, 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 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 $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream Tomljanović vs. Gauff for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

E-readers are one of our favorite topics to cover here at Mashable. Partly because we love testing them, but also because there is just so much you can do with an e-reader to maximize your experience. We've covered instructions on how to download EPUB files to a Kindle, covered the joys of Libby and Stuff Your Kindle Day, and taught you how to save when you spend with Kindle Rewards, but now we want to talk about Kindle Unlimited.

If you're a Kindle user, when you got your device, you were probably offered a free trial of Kindle Unlimited. But what exactly are you signing up for? In short, it's like Amazon's very own library service... except you have to pay for it. Here's everything you need to know about Kindle Unlimited.

SEE ALSO: 8 Kindle features you should be using What is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited is a subscription service offered by Amazon. But rather than streaming shows, it offers a catalogue of books and magazines that users can borrow to read on an e-reader or through the Kindle app. It offers more than, say, a membership to Book of the Month does. Instead of getting one new book a month, with Kindle Unlimited, you receive access to the Kindle Unlimited library, which is full of millions of titles.

It works like a library where you can borrow up to 20 books at a time (magazines don't count toward your borrowing limit). To be honest, if you use Libby, you're basically getting the same service for free, but Libby often results in long wait times for popular books, which isn't the case with Kindle Unlimited — all of the books in the Unlimited library are available all of the time.

However, the Kindle Unlimited library doesn't offer every book. Its library has a regular rotation, and some books are only temporarily available through Kindle Unlimited.

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How much is Kindle Unlimited?

Kindle Unlimited costs $11.99 per month. It's a recurring payment, and no annual membership is offered. During shopping events, like Prime Day and Black Friday, Amazon typically offers a Kindle Unlimited free trial for three months.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Unlimited $11.99 per month Learn More What books are on Kindle Unlimited?

We can't go through every book offered on Kindle Unlimited because that would mean parsing through millions of titles; however, the mix of books in the Kindle Unlimited library is huge. It features books across all genres, plus bestsellers. The fantasy phenomenon Fourth Wing and the entire The Empyrean series are available on Kindle Unlimited.

Other featured titles included in Kindle Unlimited are The Housemaid by Freida McFadden and Regretting You by Colleen Hoover — both of which are getting movie adaptations soon.

Other popular titles include books that are now Amazon Video adaptations, including The Summer I Turned Pretty by Jenny Han and Red, White & Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston.

While browsing books, you'll know if a title is available on Kindle Unlimited if it's prompting you to "join now to read." If you're already a member, it will prompt you to add the book to your library.

If a book is available on Kindle Unlimited, it'll be noted on its listing in the Kindle store. Credit: Samantha Mangino / Mashable Do I need a Kindle to use Kindle Unlimited?

We love e-readers, and if you're thinking of getting one, especially a Kindle, you won't regret it. We have reviews on nearly every model, including the basic Kindle, Paperwhite, Paperwhite Signature Edition, and Scribe, all of which you can use to read with Kindle Unlimited. But you don't actually need an e-reader to use Kindle Unlimited.

You can read on any device with the Kindle app, including your computer, smartphone, and tablet. You can even read on a web browser.

Shop e-readers Kindle $89.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kindle Paperwhite $159.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kindle Colorsoft $219.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kindle Scribe $399.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kobo Clara Colour $139.99 at Amazon Shop Now Kobo Libra Colour $229.98 at Amazon Shop Now