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You Think You Want Realism In Games, But You Don't Really
Realism is something I've seen gamers wish for often. They not only want games that look realistic, but want them to behave in realistic ways. But, is that really something that makes a game better? For the most part, I don't think so.
This German EV Has the Longest Driving Range in 2025
In the world of electric cars, one of the most important factors is range. With charging times still remaining fairly high, at least compared to filling an ICE car up with gas, going far on a single charge is something that buyers value highly.
7 of the Best Use Cases for ChatGPT's GPT-4o Model
ChatGPT offers multiple AI models, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The most versatile model is probably GPT-4o, which is the best choice for a wide range of uses.
A Beginner's Guide to ChromeOS: Tips for New Users
Powered by ChromeOS, Chromebooks are designed to be simple, fast, and user-friendly. However, if you're new to the platform, getting comfortable with its interface and features may take some time. If you're using ChromeOS for the first time, here are some tips to help you get familiar with it.
The internet thinks Drakes new album is a total flop
It is not the best time to be Drake.
The Canadian artist released a new album on Friday. So far it has not been well received. And that's putting it nicely.
And, in case the rock you live under doesn't have good WiFi, this came just days after Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show. Lamar devoted a good portion of that show — the most watched broadcast in the country, by far — to further annihilating Drake in the beef that Lamar already decisively won.
SEE ALSO: Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show is breaking the internetSo again: It is not the best time to be Drake, beyond, you know, the hundreds of millions of dollars in net worth.
The new album from Drake, in collaboration with PARTYNEXTDOOR, is titled $ome $exy $ongs 4 U. The album doesn't seem to dig too far into the beef with Lamar, referencing it mostly on the track "Gimme a Hug." Early reviews from critics have been pretty negative. And the album doesn't seem to be the internet's favorite — again, putting it kindly — at least thus far. The reactions on BlueSky, for instance, seem to range from indifference to loathing.
OMG THIS DRAKE ALBUM IS SO BAD
— Toure (@toure.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 12:53 AMkendrick’s halftime performance was so good that drake literally released an album today and absolutely no one gives a fuck about it
— Emmett Initiative (@emmett.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 11:18 PMSomeone said Drake made a Valentines Day album for men and they are not wrong. Those are his fans now...women, esp Black women, jumped off that bandwagon when he started taking shots at our faves.
— Britni Danielle (@britnidanielle.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 1:54 PM…for whatever reason i just do not care about this drake x pnd album. i feel like i already know exactly what it sounds like.
— Denver (@denver.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 12:54 AMI see NOBODY talking about Drake album like not a soul that shit must be trash
— Somebody Thick Ass Mama 💖 (@gawgeous.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 4:56 PMPlease stop making fun of Drake for making this R&B album with PARTYNEXTDOOR. Instead, encourage him to stick to singing.
— I'm Gary Suarez of CABBAGES (@imgarysuarez.bsky.social) February 14, 2025 at 7:17 PMDrake and PND put out a joint album?
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Of course, it's not like everyone is universally negative about the album. Drake fans, of course, have rushed to its defense, and reviews on TikTok, seemed to be more mixed.
Still, lots of posts online about the album being bad have gone viral.
Tweet may have been deleted Tweet may have been deletedSo again, it's not the best time to be Drake.
What Can You See in Space With Binoculars?
You might be surprised just how much of the night sky you can see using nothing more than a pair of binoculars, from the Moon to star systems. Of course, you're not going to get Hubble Telescope-like close-ups, but it may be enough to whet your appetite for more and launch you into a new hobby.
The Best Samsung Galaxy S23+ Cases of 2025
The Samsung Galaxy S23+ might be two generations old, but it's still a powerful flagship worth the money if you're looking for a budget option. That said, you'll still want a case for it.
How to Change the Default Fonts in the Microsoft 365 Apps on Windows
Most Microsoft apps use the same font by default. However, if you want to always use a different font in one or all of your desktop 365 apps, you can change the default manually. Although you can't change the default font for all apps at the same time, here's how to do it separately in each program.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for February 15, 2025
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 MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Saturday, February 15, 2025:
AcrossGoverning body of world soccerThe answer is FIFA.
The answer is Music.
The answer is Gentle.
The answer is Selfies.
The answer is Inland.
The answer is Crock.
The answer is Kent.
The answer is Fun fact.
The answer is I stink.
The answer is Filed.
The answer is Aces.
The answer is Mellon.
The answer is Genre.
The answer is Sick.
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 GamesAre 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.
YouTube Shorts is getting a tool for adding AI-generated video to your posts
It's about to get easier to add AI-generated video into your short-form posts. YouTube announced that Shorts will integrate Veo 2 — Google DeepMind’s newest video mode — which will allow users to generate and add AI clips into their videos.
The new feature will be a part of Shorts' Dream Screen, which already lets users add AI-generated backgrounds to their posts.
Wrote Youtube in a blog post announcing the news: "Need a specific scene but don't have the right footage? Want to turn your imagination into reality and tell a unique story? Simply use a text prompt to generate a video clip that fits perfectly into your narrative, or create a whole new world of content. It’s that easy!"
SEE ALSO: YouTube turns 20 years old. Did you know it was originally a dating website?YouTube claimed in the blog post that Veo 2 better "understands real-world physics and human movement," which should result in more detailed and accurate results. Users should also be able to create AI video that fits a specific "style, lens, or cinematic effect."
The blog post includes a (pretty cheesy) example of how creators could use the tool — a video in which a guy's dog grows to monster size.
It is both neat and a bit worrying that AI video is so easy to create. YouTube noted that AI-generated creations would feature both SynthID watermarks and clear labels. Hopefully, that will ease confusion from viewers.
For the time being, the new AI feature has been launched for users in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
The Kindle Downgrade and the Rockin’ SSD: Weekly Roundup
This was a busy week in tech, from new updates for Android and desktop Linux to TikTok's app store return. Here are the biggest stories from the past week you might have missed.
How to Rip Blu-Rays for Your Plex Library
DVDs are fine and all, and easy on storage, but Blu-rays can really elevate your Plex server. Just like with DVDs, Blu-rays can be ripped and added to your library for all your friends and family to enjoy.
The Joy and Madness of Hardcore Permadeath Characters in Games
Games are fun, but the stakes are never very high. If you lose, just load up your last saved game and you're good to go. However, what if there was no second chances? What if a single lapse in concentration mean your character died, and stayed that way? Welcome to the world of hardcore, permadeath characters.
8 Weird and Wacky Linux Hardware Devices
You can stick Linux in just about anything, and that's a big part of what makes it special. So here are some fun but still vaguely practical devices people have stuck Linux inside of.
What are "TATE Mode" Games (And The Best Way To Play Them Today)
Among the many types of beloved arcade games the TATE (vertical) shooter is a standout. The word "tate" simple means "vertical" in Japanese, but it also coincidentally sounds like "rotate", which, as you'll see, is pretty appropriate.
Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon Gen 13 Aura Edition Review: Focused On AI Features
As the first AI-powered ThinkPad, the Lenovo ThinkPad X1 Carbon (Gen 13) Aura Edition might not sell itself with AI alone. But its high-powered processing, featherlight build, OLED display, and overall performance make it a winning option.
Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 15, 2025
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: 8NYT Connections today: Hints and answers for February 15 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 February 15, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:A bend in a road, or someone dishonest.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?The letter O appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.
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...
CROOK.
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 February 15Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Wordle.
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 15, 2025
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.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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 February 15 Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: To reveal a secret
Green: Found on an Apple computer
Blue: Terms often abbreviated in music styles
Purple: Words that commonly come before "cake" in food names
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Divulge
Green: Words on a Mac Keyboard
Blue: Words Shortened in Rock Genres
Purple: ___Cake
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 #615 is...
What is the answer to Connections todayDivulge: BLAB, DISH, SPILL, TELL
Words on a Mac Keyboard: COMMAND, CONTROL, OPTION, RETURN
Words Shortened in Rock Genres: ALTERNATIVE, EMOTIONAL, POPULAR, PROGRESSIVE
___Cake: CHEESE, CUP, PAN, SHORT
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 February 15Are 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.
NYT Strands hints, answers for February 15
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 MashableBy providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.
If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.
SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for February 15 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for February 15 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Will you be my Valentine?These words are related to goal-oriented groups.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explainedThe words are names.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?Today's NYT Strands spangram is vertical.
NYT Strands spangram answer todayToday's spangram is HockeyTeam.
Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for February 15Sharks
Jets
Devils
HockeyTeam
Avalanche
Lightning
Wild
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.
NYT Connections Sports Edition today: Hints and answers for February 15
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.
Tweet may have been deletedEach 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.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers 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.
Here's a hint for today's Connections Sports Edition categoriesWant a hint about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Block
Green: THPS
Blue: High-flying jams
Purple: Same second word
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: Try to stop a basketball shot
Green: Skateboarding tricks
Blue: Two-time NBA Dunk Contest Winners
Purple: ___ Line
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 #144 is...
What is the answer to Connections Sports Edition todayTry to stop a basketball shot - CHALLENGE, CLOSE OUT, CONTEST, DEFEND
Skateboarding tricks - KICKFLIP, MANUAL, MCTWIST, OLLIE
Two-time NBA Dunk Contest Winners - LAVINE, MCCLUNG, MINER, RICHARDSON
____ Line - 3-POINT, BLUE, GOAL, MENDOZA
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.