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Android phones have become remarkably powerful over the past several years. We've now reached a point where many can comfortably continue using the same device for four, five, or even seven years without feeling held back.

The terminal isn't just for running commands and editing config files. There's a whole category of TUI (terminal user interface) apps out there that can replace the graphical tools you reach for every day—and a lot of them end up being faster and lighter in the process. If you've got some free time this weekend, here are three I'd start with. None of them take long to set up, and will probably replace a few unnecessarily bulky graphical apps you’ve got installed.

If you thought PopSockets were too bulky, a new model is here: the Low-Pro Grip. CNET's Bridget Carey talks to PopSocket inventor and founder David Barnett to get the story behind the new design and how the iconic phone grip evolved through the years.

SAVE OVER $60: As of June 19, the Kindle Paperwhite Bundle has hit a new low price of $147.97 exclusively for Prime members. This is $69 off its full bundle price of $216.97.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Kindle Paperwhite Bundle $147.97 at Amazon
$216.97 Save $69   Get Deal

The Kindle Paperwhite is our favorite e-reader in the Kindle lineup, and if you've had your eyes on it, Amazon has an excellent early Prime Day offering for members. As of June 19, the Kindle Paperwhite Bundle — which comes with a cover and power adapter alongside the 16GB e-reader — has hit a new low price of $147.97.

If you were to pick up each of these items separately, it would cost you $216.97, so this deal saves you $69 in total. This deal is exclusive to Prime members as an early Prime Day deal. If you're curious how you can sign up before the sale event, check out our breakdown of how to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day.

SEE ALSO: Everything to know about Amazon Prime Day: Dates, competition, and the best early deals to shop already

If you love to get lost in a good book, the 16GB Kindle Paperwhite will help you tackle your summer reading list with ease. The 7-inch Paperwhite is glare-free, waterproof, and boasts a battery life that can last up to 12 weeks on a single charge. That's not all, though.

Mashable's Samantha Mangino wrote in our roundup of the best Kindles, where it landed as the best overall pick, that "It turns pages without stuttering, never slowing down when you’re in the thick of the action." Alongside 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."

Pair that with the cover and power adapter, and it's one unbeatable bundle. Don't miss out on the Kindle Paperwhite Bundle on sale for Prime members right now 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.

If you're looking for a productive way to spend a few hours with Excel this weekend, these three projects fit the bill. They're straightforward to build, but you'll still pick up useful skills along the way. So, let's get started.

SAVE $70: As of June 19, the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones are on sale for $379 at Amazon, down from $449 — a 16% discount.

Opens in a new window Credit: Bose Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) Headphones $379 at Amazon
$449 Save $70   Get Deal

The Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones are down to $379 at Amazon, with Prime Day just around the corner. That’s a $70 drop from the usual $449 list price on a pair of Bose’s newer over-ear noise-canceling headphones with spatial audio and up to 30 hours of battery life.

These headphones are a top pick in Mashable’s guide to the best noise-cancelling headphones, where they’re positioned as the best option for most people thanks to their comfort and easy all-day wear. The headphones are described as “the most comfortable headphones on the market” in Mashable’s review, with comfort remaining the standout feature across long listening sessions.

Bethany Allard, our lead shopping reporter, notes that “there was simply not a scenario where the fit didn't feel excellent,” whether worn for work, walking, or extended use, with the design largely unchanged from the previous generation.

SEE ALSO: The 12 best headphones of 2026 — we tested the top contenders from Sony, Apple, Bose, and Beats

On performance, our review calls the Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) “a good choice for someone who wants all-day wear and has yet to buy into the QC Ultra line,” but also points out clear limits.

Sound quality is described as solid but not highly customizable, and the headphones are “not all that different from the previous generation,” making them more of a refinement than a major upgrade.

Lock in a Bose QuietComfort Ultra (2nd Gen) headphones discount at Amazon before the price goes back up.

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

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

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

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable SEE ALSO: How to play Pips, the newest NYT game

Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, June 19, 2026:

AcrossDistort, as data

• The answer is Skew.

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Give a ❤️ on a text thread

• The answer is Love.

Like a post that's been shared a bajillion times

• The answer is Viral.

Signs of things to come

• The answer is Omens.

Dog walker's restraint

• The answer is Leash

DownSnail's trail

• The answer is Slime.

Home to kimchi and Kim Jong Un

• The answer is Korea.

Bob ___ (restaurant chain)

• The answer is Evans.

Like the phrase "pen gwyn" ("white head"), from which the penguin gets its name

• The answer is Welsh.

Loudness dial: Abbr.

• The answer is Vol.

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

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

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

SAVE $200: As of June 19, the Amazon Ember Artline 65-inch 4K QLED TV is on sale for $899.99 at Amazon, marking its lowest-ever price at the retailer. This is $200 off its full price of $1,099.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Amazon Amazon Ember Artline 65-Inch Fire TV $899.99 at Amazon
$1,099.99 Save $200   Get Deal

Amazon's line of Ember Artline TVs are pretty new on the scene, but if these artsy displays have been on your radar, early Prime Day deals have arrived to help you buy for less.

The Amazon Ember Artline 65-inch 4K QLED TV has dropped to $899.99 exclusively for Prime members. It's one of our favorite 65-inch TVs on sale before Prime Day, so now is a great time to grab it.

Usually this model comes with a price tag of $1,099.99, so you're saving $200 overall. According to price tracker camelcamelcamel, its never been this low before. There's also 10 different frame colors you can choose from at no extra cost, which is a huge bonus. Pick from midnight blue, ash, black oak, fig, graphite, matte white, pale gold, silver, teak, and walnut.

SEE ALSO: How to sign up for Amazon Prime in time for Prime Day

In the same vein as the Samsung The Frame TVs or Hisense's CanvasTVs, the Amazon Ember Artline is an art TV, designed to look like a painting on the wall rather than a standard TV. We particularly love it for its assortment of free frames.

Amazon's store page notes that it has over 2,000 free works of art to choose from. You can also upload photos if you'd rather have your favorite memories floating across its screen. And for when you're ready to watch something, its 4K QLED display, alongside support for Dolby Vision and HDR10+, will make movies and shows shine with bright color and clarity.

This Prime exclusive deal may not last for long. Act fast to save on the Amazon Ember Artline 65-inch 4K QLED TV 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.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you have World Cup knowledge.

As we've shared in previous hints stories, this is a 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. The sports 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 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 before 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: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. Here's a hint for today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Competitive segments

• Green: Celebrations

• Blue: American competitors

• Purple: Same second word

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: Portion of a race

• Green: Show off

• Blue: U.S. Men's Soccer players

• Purple: _____ bell

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 #634 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• Portion of a race: LAP, LEG, SEGMENT, STAGE

• Show off: FLAUNT, GRANDSTAND, HOTDOG, SHOWBOAT

• U.S. Men's Soccer players: BALOGUN, DEST, REAM, SCALLY

• _____ bell: BAR, COOL PAPA, KETTLE, VICTORY

Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new sports 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.

TL;DR: Amazon has slashed the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor to $189.99, down from its $329.99 list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung 32-Inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) $189.99 at Amazon
$329.99 Save $140 Get Deal

In a world where buying the components for a gaming PC is an increasingly pricey task, Amazon is still delivering major monitor deals when you know where to look. In a surprising early Prime Day deal, you can now get a Samsung monitor at its record-low price.

As of June 19, the Samsung 32-inch Odyssey G5 (G50F) QHD gaming monitor is on sale at Amazon for only $189.99, with $140 knocked off its $329.99 list price. With 42% bumped off, that brings this premium Samsung display down to its lowest price ever — confirmed with price tracker camelcamelcamel. 

For less than $200, the Odyssey G5 gives you a 32-inch QHD 2560 x 1440 screen, which is a proper step up from regular Full HD without making the jump to a much more expensive 4K panel. That should make games look sharper and fuller across the larger display, whether you’re working through massive RPGs like Kingdom Come: Deliverance II or getting ready for upcoming cinematic PS5 games like Marvel’s Wolverine.

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Its fast IPS panel has a 180Hz refresh rate and 1ms GtG response time, helping fast-paced games look smoother and feel more responsive when things start moving quickly. That should be especially handy in multiplayer titles like Fortnite, Overwatch, Rocket League, and Marvel Rivals. 

Samsung has also packed in some useful display extras, including HDR10 for brighter highlights and deeper-looking shadows, plus a wide 178-degree viewing angle to help the picture hold up from different positions. AMD FreeSync and NVIDIA G-Sync compatibility are included as well, helping cut down on screen tearing and choppy visuals while you play. 

If you’re open to making the jump to OLED monitors, the 34-inch ASUS ROG Strix gaming monitor is also on sale. Among early Prime Day deals, the even bigger Samsung 49-inch Odyssey G9 monitor has hit its lowest-ever price.

The fervor over Heated Rivalry may be over (until Season 2, at least), and so is the discourse about why women love it so much. But, for Pride Month, Pornhub might be reviving it, just a little.

It's no secret that some women think sex scenes between two men are hot, and now Pornhub shares in its Pride Insights 2026 blog that women make up almost exactly half (49.7 percent) of the viewership of gay porn on the site, compared to 50.3 percent of men.

SEE ALSO: I'm tired of bi women being the internet's Pride punching bag

The female proportion of gay porn viewership has grown in recent years, from 43 percent in 2024 to 47 percent in 2025, to nearly 50 percent now. Could it be because of "the cottage"? Maybe; Pornhub didn't offer up any explanation.

In 2024, Pornhub revealed that women account for 38 percent of worldwide viewership, proving that it's not just men who watch porn.

Now, Pornhub has also broken down gay porn viewership by age group, with people 65 and older only taking up nine percent of total viewers — but they're 26.3 percent more likely to engage with gay porn compared to other age groups.

18 to 24 year olds, meanwhile, make up the majority of gay porn viewership at 31 percent. Young adults are also the biggest fans of cartoon gay porn, as it's 267 percent more popular with them compared to other age groups.

Featured Video For You My awkward first date with an AI companion

Meanwhile, vintage porn and twink porn are 29 percent and 24 percent more popular with the 65 and older crowd, respectively.

Twink is universally popular on Pornhub, as it's the second most-searched gay term during Pride Month. The first? "Femboy" (a feminine man), which was also one of the most-searched terms on Pornhub's straight site in 2025.

Lesbian content is pretty popular on the tube site, too, so much so that last month, it launched a WLW-dedicated site called Pornhub Sapphic.

TL;DR: Amazon has dropped the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection to $171.99, taking $27.96 off its usual $199.95 list price. That brings the 10-pack box down to about $17.20 per booster before factoring in its promo card, poster, and Pokémon TCG Live code card.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection $171.99 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $27.96   Get Deal

Ascended Heroes is still one of the priciest expansions in the modern Pokémon TCG, but Amazon has now made one of its biggest collection boxes a little easier to buy before Prime Day. 

As of June 19, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes Premium Poster Collection is down to $171.99 at Amazon. That is down from its $199.95 list price, giving Pokémon collectors $27.96 off the sealed box while the discount lasts. 

This Premium Poster Collection comes with 10 Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Ascended Heroes booster packs, one full-art foil promo card (random between the Mega Lucario and Mega Gardevoir version), one double-sided poster, and one code card for Pokémon TCG Live. 

With 10 packs of trading cards included, Amazon’s new $171.99 price works out to roughly $17.20 per Ascended Heroes booster before tax, with the included extras giving the box more value than buying loose packs. 

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There are lower prices elsewhere, though with a few caveats. TCGplayer currently has the Mega Gardevoir Premium Poster Collection from $148 plus shipping, while the Mega Lucario version is specifically listed from $164.95 plus shipping. Walmart will save you the most money of all, sitting at $164.99 for randomly selected boxes. 

Among other Pokémon deals going right now, you can grab the Pokémon TCG’s Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box for below $90. We also found plenty of other early Prime Day Pokémon deals at Amazon, including trading cards, games, figures, and exciting gifts.

TL;DR: The Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Display Box, containing 36 booster packs, is on sale for $263.99 at Amazon. That takes around $16 off the sealed three-dozen-pack box and brings each Chaos Rising booster to about $7.33 before tax.

Opens in a new window Credit: The Pokémon Company Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Box $263.99 at Amazon
$279.99 Save $16   Get Deal

As the Pokémon TCG community starts getting ready for the launch of Pitch Black, the Mega Evolution expansion is back on sale ahead of Prime Day — giving you one of the lowest cost-per-pack rates possible. 

As of June 19, the Pokémon TCG Mega Evolution Chaos Rising Booster Display Box is listed on Amazon for $263.99 through Collectors Expedition, with free delivery currently set for June 25-26. That $16 saving takes the 36-pack display box back below the $265 mark. 

At the $263.99 price, you're paying roughly $7.33 per Chaos Rising booster pack before tax. That's still a much better per-pack rate than buying sleeved Chaos Rising Booster Packs separately on Amazon, which are listed at $11.89 right now.

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Walmart is the cheapest of all — with the same Booster Box listed for $229.95 with free shipping, sold by Realgoodeal and fulfilled by Walmart. That price goes even lower than the Chaos Rising Display Box’s market price of $233.74 set by TCGplayer. 

Speaking of TCGplayer, listings on the dedicated trading card marketplace are selling for $234.95.  

Each Chaos Rising Booster Display Box contains 36 booster packs from the Mega Evolution Chaos Rising expansion. The set has more than 120 cards to collect, including more Mega Evolution Pokémon ex, over 25 Trainer cards, and more than 35 Pokémon and Trainer cards with special illustrations. 

Your 36 packs will give you the chance to pull rare and valuable chase cards, like Mega Greninja ex, Mega Floette ex, Mega Pyroar ex, and Mega Dragalge ex — which are all available to buy individually on TCGplayer.

We found you can still buy the Pokémon TCG Chaos Rising Elite Trainer Box for under $90. There are also early Prime Day Pokémon deals at Amazon, including trading cards, games, figures, and exciting gifts.

TL;DR: Watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free on ServusTV. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Are you looking for thrilling and unpredictable racing? No we're not talking about F1, unless you like regular pit stops, safety cars, and the same driver winning almost every week. We're talking about a form of two-wheel racing where anything could happen.

MotoGP is where the real action can be found. Every week you see the best riders in the world go wheel to wheel with their rivals, throwing their bikes into corners with absolutely no sense of self preservation. It's an awesome spectacle, and it doesn't need to cost you anything to watch.

SEE ALSO: How to watch the NFL online for free

Want to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free from anywhere in the world? We have all the information you need.

What is MotoGP?

MotoGP is the oldest established motorsport world championship, with the inaugural season taking place in 1949. Races last approximately 45 minutes, without pitting for fuel or fresh tires.

The likes of Ducati, Honda, and Yamaha do battle for the constructors' championship. Marc Márquez is the defending champion.

When is the 2026 MotoGP World Championship?

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship features 22 races held all over the world between March and November:

1. Thailand GP — March 1

2. Brazil GP — March 22

3. USA GP — March 29

4. Qatar GP — April 12

5. Spain GP — April 26

6. France GP — May 10

7. Catalonia GP — May 17

8. Italy GP — May 31

9. Hungary GP — June 7

10. Czechia GP — June 21

11. Netherlands GP — June 28

12. Germany GP — July 12

13. Great Britain GP — Aug. 9

14. Aragon GP — Aug. 30

15. San Marino GP — Sept. 13

16. Austria GP — Sept. 20

17. Japan GP — Oct. 4

18. Indonesian GP — Oct. 11

19. Australia GP — Oct. 25

20. Malaysia GP — Nov. 1

21. Portugal GP — Nov. 15

22. Valencia GP — Nov. 22

The good news for fans is that it's possible to live stream the 2026 MotoGP World Championship without spending anything.

How to watch the 2026 MotoGP World Championship for free

The 2026 MotoGP World Championship is available to live stream for free on ServusTV.

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

Unblock ServusTV by following this quick and easy process:

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 Austria

4. Visit ServusTV

5. Watch MotoGP for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming are not free, but they do tend to offer money-back guarantees. By using these money-back guarantees, you can watch MotoGP live streams without fully committing with your cash. This obviously isn't a long-term solution, but it does mean you can watch select races without actually spending anything.

If you want to retain permanent access to free streaming services from around the world, you will need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for live streaming sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for ServusTV?

ExpressVPN is tough to beat when it comes to streaming live sport, for a number of reasons:

• Servers in 105 countries including Austria

• 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

• Impressive streaming speeds without buffering

• 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 MotoGP World Championship for free with ExpressVPN.

It looks like BMW has finally found the winning EV formula.

In 2025, the company launched the BMW iX3, a compact electric SUV based on BMW's new "Neue Klasse" philosophy, with a new infotainment system and a massive battery.

The auto company followed up with the sedan variant called the i3. Once again, BMW did its best to address the biggest pain point of owning an EV, and equipped the i3 with a massive battery giving it record-breaking range.

SEE ALSO: Tesla's Autopark is about to get a lot smarter, Musk claims

The strategy appears to have worked. The BMW i3 was originally slated to become available for preorder in September, but BMW decided to capitalize on the interest around the car and opened the preorders in Europe on Thursday, June 18.

The pre-orders are open in Europe now, and first deliveries are scheduled for September. Credit: BMW

The car that's being offered is called the BMW i3 First Edition, and it starts at €75,340 ($86,372) in Germany (the price varies slightly by market). For the money, you basically get the M Sport version of the BMW i3 50 xDrive, with a 108.7kWh battery with up to 912 kilometres (566 miles) of WLTP range, and super-fast 400kW charging that can get you 250 miles of range in 10 minutes. The car's two electric motors have a combined output of 469hp, and can take the car from 0 to 100 kph in 4.7 seconds.

The interior is similar to the iX3's, with a 17.9 central infotainment display, a super-wide, 43'' Panoramic Vision display, and BMW's 3D Head-Up Display. The First Edition also gets the M Sport exterior and interior design elements, including BMW's Iconic Glow, and the AC charging rate has been increased from 11 kW to 22 kW.

Some options are also available, and these include rear seat heating, panoramic glass sunroof, and an electronic tow bar.

Inside, you get the same massive display bonanza that debuted in the BMW iX3. Credit: BMW

First deliveries are expected this fall. There's no word on when BMW plans to open up pre-orders in the U.S.

For those willing to wait, a cheaper, base model will be available in the fall for €65,900 ($75,550), with the same battery and similar range, as well as dual motors, but fewer amenities.

As for why BMW is hurrying up with i3 preorders, the answer likely likes in the stellar sales of the BMW iX3. The car is outselling BMW's own X3 in Europe, with more than 50,000 orders being placed as of April this year.

The NYT Connections puzzle today is not too difficult if you're a musician.

Connections is the one of the most popular New York Times word games that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.

If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for today's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable What is Connections?

The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Each puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer.

If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.

This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.

Players can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.

SEE ALSO: NYT Pips hints, answers for June 19, 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: Savory eats

• Green: Instrumentals

• Blue: Popular publications

• Purple: To bring together

Meet The Mashable 101: Our list of the content creators shaping the internet today

Here are today's Connections categories

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

• Yellow: Umami-rich foods

• Green: Things a beginner might learn on the piano

• Blue: Starting with magazines

• Purple: Ending in synonyms for "Aggregate"

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 #1104 is...

What is the answer to Connections today

• Umami-rich foods: MISO PASTE, PARMESAN, SOY SAUCE, VEGEMITE

• Things a beginner might learn on the piano: CHOPSTICKS, FÜR ELISE, HEART AND SOUL, THE ENTERTAINER

• Starting with magazines: FORTUNE COOKIE, PEOPLE PERSON, SPINDERELLA, TIME MACHINE

• Ending in synonyms for "Aggregate": COINCIDENTALLY, DIM SUM, TEETOTAL, VISCOUNT

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 June 19, 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 today's Connections.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you love cowboys.

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 June 19, 2026 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Look to the West

The words are related to cowboys.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe the Wild Wild West.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is Cowpokes.

NYT Strands word list for June 19

• Saddle

• Cowpokes

• Jeans

• Spurs

• Stetson

• Bandana

• Chaps

• Boots

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.

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love to express yourself.

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 June 19, 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 June 19, 2026 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

Digital icon.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter E.

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...

EMOJI

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 today's Wordle.

Mastering the AirPods is easy work. Most core features can be activated directly on the wireless earbuds or through Siri voice assistance. Apple’s ecosystem also places shortcuts on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac for instant access to prime functions.

The critically acclaimed AirPods Pro 3 expand on the series’ true wireless capabilities, while strengthening popular hallmarks (e.g., Adaptive EQ, noise cancellation). Apple users already know about headline features like Hearing Aid, heart-rate monitoring, and Personalized Spatial Audio. It turns out there are numerous other perks waiting to be unlocked – upgrades that fully optimize these buds for all Apple platforms: iOS, macOS, tvOS, visionOS, and watchOS. 

Apple AirPods Pro 3 Noise Cancelling Heart Rate Wireless Earbuds $247.76 at Walmart
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So, as a professional headphone tester who loves his job, here are 10 ways to make the AirPods Pro 3 even better. 

1. Live Translation

Bridging language barriers is simple, thanks to Apple’s Live Translation feature. It provides seamless, hands-free communication in real time for over 10 languages: English, French, German, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Vietnamese. An Apple Intelligence-enabled iPhone (iPhone 15 or later) running iOS 26 is required.

• Settings > tap AirPods model > Translation > Languages

• Open the Translate app and select Live or press and hold both stems simultaneously to launch Live Translation

2. Head Gestures

Simple head movements can be used to control calls and notifications. Nod to accept a call or reply to a message. Shake your head to decline or dismiss. Gestures can also be used to enable playback and Siri commands.

• Settings > tap AirPods model > Head Gestures

3. Camera Remote

The AirPods Pro 3 double as a camera shutter for your iPhone. It’s not a new industry feature, but it’s convenient — especially for group photos or tripod shots. Don’t forget that the Apple Watch lets you do the same as well.

• Settings > tap AirPods model > Camera Remote

4. Headphone Accommodations

Adaptive EQ, Adaptive Audio, and Personalized Spatial Audio are all great for boosting sound quality. However, the AirPods’ real sonic-tuning power can be found in the Headphone Accommodations setting. You can manually adjust the balanced tone, brightness, or vocal range to reveal more nuance in professional recordings.  

• Settings > Accessibility > Audio/Visual > Headphone Accommodations

5. The macOS AirPods menu

There’s a hidden AirPods control panel in macOS. Once enabled, the headphone icon will appear in the menu bar to toggle through listening modes: Adaptive, Noise Cancellation, Transparency, and Conversation Awareness.

• System Settings > Control Center > Sound > Always Show in Menu Bar

6. Voice Isolation

You’ll want to turn on Voice Isolation before jumping into a FaceTime chat. The feature minimizes background noise and prioritizes your voice for clearer communication.

• Control Center (during a call) > tap Mic Mode > Voice Isolation [iOS]

• Microphone/video icon in menu bar (during a call) > Mic Mode > Voice Isolation [macOS]

7. The Ear Tip Fit Test

People forget that Apple’s Ear Tip Fit Test is more than just a tool for achieving a proper, comfortable seal. It also improves audio quality and noise cancellation by creating a sound profile tailored to your hearing. Be sure to clean the tips and buds for accurate testing.

• Settings > tap AirPods model > Acoustic Seal Test (or Ear Tip Fit Test) 

8. Create your own sportier AirPods

The AirPods Pro 3 are solid workout-ready buds with built-in heart rate sensors for tracking metrics and IP57-rated dust/sweat resistance. However, they could be sportier. A pair of attachable earhooks basically turn these buds into the Beats Powerbeats Pro 2, which are considered inferior to their porcelain brethren. Another recommendation is swapping out Apple’s ear tips for memory foam tips with enhanced durability, moisture resistance, and on-ear stability. 

Here are two of my favorite AirPods Pro 3 add-ons:

• Wicked Cushions Over-Ear Hooks — $15.95

• Comply Premium Memory Foam Ear Tips — $32.99

9. Live Listen

This sneaky listening mode turns your iPhone into a remote microphone that streams audio directly to your AirPods. Place your iPhone in a desired location and hear what’s happening from a distance.

• Settings > Control Center > Hearing > Live Listen

10. Sleep Detection

Sleep Detection was introduced with iOS 26 and automatically pauses media on the AirPods Pro 3 when you doze off. Apple’s motion and accelerometer sensors sense when motion decreases, which then triggers the feature. It’s clutch for preserving battery life when the buds are inactive.

• Settings > tap AirPods model > Pause Media When Falling Asleep

Even though we made sure to include headphones at all different price ranges, there's no denying that even the budget models in this guide can be something of an investment. Our recommendation? Take advantage of Amazon Prime Day, which runs this year from June 23 to 26, to save some money on our top picks.

SEE ALSO: Prime Day is less than 2 weeks away: Here are 20+ early deals to start shopping now

If you don't want to wait until the sale proper, run into Prime-exclusive deals, or deal with the general chaos of the sale, check out our guide to the top headphones deals and look for chances to save.

What are the most comfortable headphones? Credit: Alex Bracetti / Mashable

The most comfortable earbuds and headphones shouldn't cause ear fatigue or pain, even after hours of listening to music or podcasts.

After a full year of extensive testing, we selected the six most comfortable headphones based on price, performance, and purpose. However, one product in particular stood out, and it's the one with "Comfort" literally in the name. Our audio reviewers are unanimous on this point: Bose QuietComfort Ultra (Gen 2) are the most comfortable headphones in the world right now.

Read on to find out what other pairs emerged as the top choices, including picks for those who want top-tier noise cancellation.

In-ear, on-ear, or over-ear?

If you're looking for comfort above all, over-ear headphones are almost always the way to go. They just wear better than earbuds or on-ear models. The latter is harsher on your ears, which can cause serious discomfort, depending on how long you wear them. In-ear buds are generally more comfortable than on-ear headphones, but they can still begin to hurt after just a few hours (they are jammed inside your ears, after all).

Although over-ear headphones are bulkier and less portable, it's worth the trade-off for comfort's sake. Plus, over-ear headphones can be safer for your ears compared to earbuds because the sound isn't being funneled directly into your ear canal. They also provide extra noise cancellation.

How much should you spend on comfortable headphones?

The good news is that comfortable headphones aren't locked to a specific budget range. You can find a super cozy pair at premium pricing just as easily as you can find them at the budget end of the spectrum. The extra features you're looking for are what really determine how much you need to spend.

Want unrivaled active noise cancellation or the best sound quality in the business? Then be prepared to spend a minimum of around $200, all the way up to $800. If comfort is literally the only thing you care about and the extra bells and whistles are just nice-to-haves, you can expect to spend anywhere from $50 to $300. Go any cheaper, and you're probably not going to get a lot of value for your money. No shade toward your favorite pair of gas station headphones, but they probably aren't the best option for all-day wear.