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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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 30 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 30 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Join the chorus

The words are related to singing.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are roles in a singing group.

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 ChoirPart.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 30

• Alto

• Mezzo

• Soprano

• Treble

• Bass

• ChoirPart

• Tenor

• Baritone

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.

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 March 30 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: Not out of the ordinary

• Green: Parts of our nation's emblem

• Blue: Seen on a NYC theater marquee

• Purple: The second half of the word is the same

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: Average

• Green: Pictured on the U.S. Great Seal

• Blue: Proper nouns in Broadway musical titles that are spoken phrases

• Purple: ___ Man

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 #657 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Average: MEAN, NORM, PAR, STANDARD

• Pictured on the U.S. Great Seal: ARROWS, EAGLE, OLIVE BRANCH, SHIELD

• Proper nouns in Broadway musical titles that are spoken phrases: BIRDIE, DOLLY, KATE, YANKEES

• ___ Man: BOGEY, CRAFTS, GENTLE, SPOKES

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 March 30

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.

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 March 30 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 March 30, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A share or allocation.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no reoccurring letters.

Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...

Today's Wordle starts with the letter Q.

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...

QUOTA.

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 March 30

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

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

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

Unless you're vegan or vegetarian, you probably eat and enjoy meat. It's one of the most important food sources for our species, and possibly why we evolved our big brains in the first place, but meat has its problems.

Boomer shooters are quite possibly experiencing their golden age right now. Not only is this the easiest time in history to play the best version of the classics, but new boomer shooters are polishing the formula to a shine.

When it comes to TVs—size matters! However, it might not matter in the way you think. We have a tendency to think that larger and more expensive TVs are the way to go.

Open earbuds may sound a little counter-intuitive. Don't you want to hear your music as well as you can? Believe it or not, life and music are both all about balance, and open earbuds do just that.

We're more than halfway through the ninth console generation, but it feels like things have barely started. While the PS5 and Xbox Series X have largely delivered on the hardware front, I can't help but notice things haven't been as exciting as previous generations this time around. I think I know why.

When you're new to Linux, it's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of distributions (distros) available. But what if I told you that the distro isn't important? For new users, the desktop environment matters far more than the distro itself. Here's why!

If you've bought a new pair of earbuds and downloaded an accompanying app on your phone, you may have noticed an in-app ear tip fit test. Here's what that is, how it works, and why fit matters.

Both Sony and Microsoft have now produced flagship gaming consoles with no optical disc drive, though in Sony's case you still have the option to add one later. It might seem like a good idea to save some money and skip the drive, but if you do there's a good chance you'll end up regretting it at some point.

Samsung's S Pen is a digital stylus packing Wacom technology that first appeared on the original Galaxy Note in 2011. You can now find one tucked away inside every Galaxy S Ultra—but I feel its natural home is on a line of phones that doesn't actually come with an S Pen: the Galaxy Z Fold series.

New models of smartphones get released on a constant churn, and even if you don't upgrade every year, it's a safe bet that your current phone is not your first. The chances are that you have some old phones lying around your home. The same is probably true of other devices such as tablets and e-readers.

SAVE $50: As of March 29, the brand-new 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip is available for $949 at Amazon. That’s $50 off its regular price of $999.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 2025 MacBook Air with M4 chip $949 at Amazon
$999 Save $50 Get Deal

I don’t know who’s asleep at the wheel over at Amazon, but they’ve got the just-released 2025 MacBook Air with the M4 chip sitting pretty at $949. Yes, already. Yes, somehow still in stock. This is the kind of deal that feels like it should come with a countdown timer and dramatic music.

Apple just announced the M4 chip, and we’re already getting a discount on a MacBook that has it baked in. This version comes with 16GB of memory and 256GB of SSD storage—aka the sweet spot for anyone who wants a laptop that won’t flinch when you open five apps and 28 tabs at once. It’s fast, smooth, and just obnoxiously good at everything.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

The design hasn’t changed much from last year’s MacBook Air, but when something already looks this sleek and weighs practically nothing, I’m not complaining. The Midnight finish? Gorgeous. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display? Still serving up a billion colors like it’s trying to show off.

Apple also upgraded the webcam to a 12MP Center Stage camera, which is perfect for video calls where you want to look like you have your life together. Add in three mics, four speakers, and Spatial Audio, and you’re basically set to produce a podcast without trying.

• Price: $949.00 (Was $999.00)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Model: 2025 MacBook Air (M4)

• Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

• Memory: 16GB Unified Memory

• Storage: 256GB SSD

• Processor: Apple M4

• Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

• Extras: Touch ID, 12MP Center Stage camera, Spatial Audio

What really gets me is that the M4 chip is supposed to make this laptop even more efficient, with up to 18 hours of battery life and full support for Apple’s new Intelligence features. I can barely make it through a day with my current setup without needing a charger and a nap.

This is a brand-new laptop. It should be sold out. It should definitely not be on sale. And yet, here it is. Sitting in my cart. Waiting for me to make one slightly irresponsible (but entirely justified) purchase.

SAVE $70: As of March 29, 2024 MacBook Air with M3 chip, 24GB RAM, and 512GB SSD is on sale for $1,099 at Amazon. That’s $400 off its usual $1,499 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple 13.6 MacBook Air M3 2024 $1,099 at Amazon
$1,499 Save $400 Get Deal

I thought this one would vanish from Amazon faster than a Lightning cable port. 2024 MacBook Air with the M3 chip is not only the newest kid on the block, but this particular config (24GB RAM and 512GB storage) is a power user’s dream. And yet, somehow, it’s still up for grabs for $1,099. That’s $400 off. I checked twice.

This is the kind of laptop that makes my current one look like a potato with a keyboard. The new M3 chip boasts an 8-core CPU and 10-core GPU, which is Apple’s way of saying, “Go ahead, open 43 Chrome tabs and Photoshop at the same time. We can take it.” I genuinely think this MacBook is overqualified for my Google Docs and occasional Netflix, but that’s not stopping me.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

What makes this deal even more ridiculous is the 24GB of unified memory. That’s the kind of RAM you usually only see in developer builds or MacBook Pros that cost as much as rent. Pair that with 512GB of SSD and you’ve got a machine that keeps up with your ambition, or your TikTok editing habit. No judgment here.

It’s also stunning. The 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display supports a billion colors, which sounds excessive until you see your desktop background and suddenly feel something. The Starlight finish is classy without screaming “look at me,” and it’s absurdly light at under half an inch thick. Toss it in a tote bag and go pretend you work at a café like the rest of us.

Price: $1,099.00 (Was $1,499.00)

Retailer: Amazon

Model: 2024 MacBook Air (M3)

Display: 13.6-inch Liquid Retina

Memory: 24GB Unified Memory

Storage: 512GB SSD

Processor: Apple M3, 8-core CPU, 10-core GPU

Battery Life: Up to 18 hours

Extras: Touch ID, Spatial Audio, 1080p camera

Battery life is listed at up to 18 hours, which is code for “yes, you can skip packing the charger.” Plus, it has the usual perks like Touch ID, a 1080p FaceTime camera that doesn’t make you look like a potato, Spatial Audio, and enough microphones to host a podcast you’ll never finish editing.

MacBooks don’t usually go on sale this soon after launch, and yet this one’s hanging out on Amazon like it isn’t one of the hottest laptops of 2024. If it disappears tomorrow, I won’t be shocked. I’ll just be annoyed I didn’t click “Buy Now” fast enough.

SAVE $70: As of March 29, Apple AirPods Max are available for $479.99 at Amazon. That’s $70 off their regular price of $549 during Amazon’s Spring Sale.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Apple AirPods Max $479.99 at Amazon
$549 Save $69.01 Get Deal

I fully expected the AirPods Max to be wiped from Amazon’s shelves the second the Spring Sale went live. People love these headphones. They’ve got Apple’s seal of luxury, every tech influencer has raved about them, and they come in colors with names like “Starlight,” which sounds more like a candle scent than a gadget. And yet they’re still in stock. I’m stunned, and also one impulsive click away from owning them.

At $479.99, you’re saving $70 off the list price, which is basically a miracle for Apple gear. I’ve been side-eyeing these for a while, waiting for a rare sale like this. The price isn’t the lowest ever, but it’s close. For a product this popular, I’m not waiting around for a unicorn discount that may never come.

SEE ALSO: The best Apple deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale: New iPads and M4 MacBook Airs are already on sale

Apple packed these with features that make me feel like I’ve been listening to music with rocks in my ears until now. The sound is crisp and immersive thanks to the H1 chip and Spatial Audio, and they block out noise like they’ve got a personal vendetta against background chatter. I could probably sit on a plane next to a crying baby and still enjoy my moody playlists in peace.

Comfort-wise, they don’t just sit on your head — they lounge there. The memory foam ear cushions feel like tiny pillows for your ears, and the mesh canopy is far more breathable than the hoodie I refuse to take off.

• Price: $479.99 (Was $549)

• Retailer: Amazon

• Color: Starlight (other colors vary in price)

• Form Factor: Over-ear

• Noise Control: Active Noise Cancellation, Transparency

• Audio Tech: Personalized Spatial Audio, Dolby Atmos

• Chip: Apple H1

• Extras: Smart Case included

If you live inside the Apple ecosystem like I do, the seamless syncing between devices is the kind of sorcery that actually justifies the hype. Pop them on, and your iPhone, MacBook, and iPad play nice without you lifting a finger. I love when my tech just works.

The Starlight color is the one on sale right now, which works out because I’m a sucker for anything that looks like it belongs in a fancy tech museum. Other colors are still available too, but they’ll cost you a bit more, because fashion has a price.

I honestly thought I’d be writing about these being sold out. Instead, I’m writing while inching closer to the “Buy Now” button. This deal might not last, and I’d rather have regrets about the purchase than regrets about missing it.

SAVE $100: As of March 29, the iRobot Roomba Q011 is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. This is a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: iRobot iRobot Roomba Q011 $149.82 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $100.17 Get Deal

We'll always be shouting about robot vacuums here at Mashable, especially now, when you can find great deals in Amazon's Big Spring Sale.

If you've been shopping around for something for a while, the name Roomba won't be new to you. And as of March 29, we've found you an incredible deal at Amazon on the iRobot Roomba Q011, now down to just $149.99.

This model has a three-level cleaning system that delivers customizable suction for carpets and hard floors. It comes with smart navigation that cleans in neat rows, dodges furniture, and steers clear of stairs or any other obstacles in your house. And for those hard-to-reach corners and edges, the Edge-Sweeping Brush won't miss any dust buildup.

Controlled from the iRobot Home App, you can do things like schedule cleans while you're away from home, check to see where it has cleaned, and more. And with up to 120 minutes of cleaning on one charge, if it doesn't manage your whole house, it'll return itself to the charging station to reboot.

This is a limited-time deal at Amazon, so if you don't want to miss out, move fast.

SAVE $320: As of March 29, the Shark Robot Vacuum and Mop is on sale for $379.99 at Amazon. This deal saves you 46% on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Shark Shark Robot Vacuum and Mop $379.99 at Amazon
$699.99 Save $320 Get Deal

We're big fans of robot vacuums here at Mashable. Anything that reduces your chore list is a plus in our book. So, with Amazon's Big Spring Sale currently underway, we've been tracking all the best vacuum sales for you to enjoy, and this latest on the Shark Robot Vacuum and Mop deserves your attention.

As of March 29, you can take home this impressive model for $320 less than usual, now $379.99.

This is a great vacuum because it doesn't just pick up dirt; it mops your floors, too. It uses Sonic Mopping to scrub hard floors 100 times per minute, and if you know it's about to encounter an extra deep stain, head to the app and initiate Matrix Mop to get 50% better stain cleaning in certain spots.

This vacuum also boasts an impressive precision matrix grid, meaning it takes multiple passes over dirt and debris to ensure it is all removed. And the smart features don't end there: the CleanEdge Detect system uses blasts of air and corner recognition to remove debris from edges and corners pulling the debris into the cleaning path. Plus, there's no need to manually map out the path for this vacuum because it uses 360-degree LiDAR vision to learn your space, detect obstacles, and pick up dirt.

Like all high-end vacuums worth shouting about, this machine self-empties, self-charges, and holds up to 60 days' worth of dirt, limiting your work even further. The base is bagless, so it is both useful and environmentally friendly as it eliminates the need for waste bags.

This is only a limited-time deal at Amazon, so act quickly so you don't miss out.

SAVE $147: As of March 29, the iPhone 15 Pro Max is on sale at Amazon for $832.99. That's a 15% discount on the list price, and the lowest it's ever been.

Opens in a new window Credit: Apple iPhone 15 Pro Max $832.99 at Amazon
$979.99 Save $147 Get Deal

There are still a few days left of the Amazon Big Spring Sale, and you can find discounts on pretty much anything. Whether you're after a new TV, new earbuds, or a new phone, there really is something on sale for everyone.

And if a new phone is top of your list, we've found a fantastic deal on the iPhone 15 Pro Max, currently at its lowest-ever price. As of March 29, you can save 15%, as it is now down to $832.99. This deal is specific to the 1TB storage option, but you can find discounts across all models.

The iPhone 15 Pro Max is a top-tier phone. It’s got a titanium frame, so it’s lighter but still super durable if you're someone who likes to drop it a lot. The camera quality is next to none, boasting a 10x zoom lens and 48MP main camera.

It's built with the new A17 Pro chip, making everything run fast and smooth, whether gaming or texting. It's also one of the most impressive iPhone batteries, promising to last all day.

And you can enjoy work, play, streaming, and all sorts on the clear 6.7 inch Super Retina XDR display screen.

This great deal will end with the Big Spring Sale on March 31, so don't miss out.

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 preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for March 29 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for March 29 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Power plants

The words are related to food.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words are vegan foods.

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 VeganProteins.

Featured Video For You Strands 101: How to win NYT’s latest word game NYT Strands word list for March 29

• Tofu

• Nuts

• VeganProteins

• Seeds

• Beans

• Seitan

• Yeast

• Tempeh

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.