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In most counting scenarios in Excel, COUNTBLANK reliably counts blank cells, and COUNTA reliably counts populated cells. However, with these functions comes a problematic paradox: an empty string from a formula is counted as "blank" by COUNTBLANK but as "populated" by COUNTA.

Apple's iPhone is a great smartphone, but it's strangely hostile towards people who own smartwatches that aren't called Apple Watch.

While most Bluetooth smartwatches can connect to the iPhone, even the most basic functions aren't supported, including the ability to see iPhone notifications on your watch (on the Apple Watch, of course, this works flawlessly).

Now, this is finally changing, but with a big caveat.

SEE ALSO: The 7 best smartwatches of 2025 include some surprises

The new beta version of iOS, 26.3, brings a new feature called Notification Forwarding. First spied in September, it allows notifications to be forwarded to "one accessory at a time," which can be a third-party smartwatch.

Apple does warn that if Notification Forwarding is turned on, notifications "will not appear on Apple Watch."

If you happen to own an iPhone but want to use any smartwatch that isn't an Apple Watch, such as a sports watch from Suunto or Garmin, or a watch from Google or Samsung, it finally makes some sense to do so. Of course, this still doesn't mean your smartwatch will be able to do everything that Apple Watch can, but at least you get notifications, which is as basic a feature as they come.

The very big caveat is that Notification Forwarding only works in the 27 countries of the European Union, where the Digital Markets Act (DMA) is forcing Apple to add the feature. That means you'll need to be in Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Republic of Cyprus, Czechia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, or Sweden.

Featured Video For You Pixel Watch 4 deep dive: what really matters when making your pick

Apple isn't very happy about it — the company says it's a privacy problem, as it reveals notification content to third-party companies – but we still think some users might benefit from it.

The feature can be enabled in Settings - Notifications - Notification Forwarding. It will only be there if you have the iOS 26.3 beta installed and are located in the European Union.

I’ve been a bit late with the Christmas decorations this year, and that’s partly because I’ve been waiting for something to arrive in the mail. Rather than spending a fortune on AA batteries to power my favorite Christmas lights, I’m switching to a battery eliminator this year.

TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks for free on 7Plus. Access this free live stream from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Thursday Night Football has rolled around again, this time with a game to decide the top spot of NFC West — the Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks. Both franchises are at 11-3 though Seattle, who have the home advantage, are on a more impressive streak of four wins vs. Los Angeles' two-game streak. Los Angeles, however, scored a narrow win at their last meeting in November.

Just to add some intrigue, the Rams and Seahawks are tied for all-time games at 28-28. Whatever happens, these are two of the very best teams of the 2025 season and it should be a hell of a game.

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If you want to watch Rams vs. Seahawks in the NFL for free from anywhere in the world, here's all the information you need.

When is Rams vs. Seahawks?

Los Angeles Rams vs. Seattle Seahawks takes place at 8.15 p.m. ET on Dec. 18. This fixture will be played at Lumen Field in Seattle, Washington.

How to watch Rams vs. Seahawks for free

Rams vs. Seahawks in the NFL is available to live stream for free on 7Plus.

7Plus is geo-restricted to Australia only, but anyone around the globe can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can help by hiding your real IP address (digital location) and connecting you to a secure server in Australia, allowing you to unblock 7Plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the NFL 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 a location with free coverage of the NFL

4. Register with 7Plus

5. Watch the NFL for free from anywhere in the world

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

The best VPNs for streaming do require a subscription, but the leading VPN services also offer free-trial periods or money-back guarantees. You can leverage these deals to get access to live streams of the NFL without committing any cash in the long run. This is obviously a short-term fix, but it will give you time to watch Rams vs. Seahawks and other NFL fixtures before you reclaim any upfront investment.

What is the best VPN for the NFL?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream the NFL, 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 connection speeds

• Up to eight simultaneous connections

• 30-day money-back guarantee

A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 — a saving of 49% — which includes a bonus three months usage at no extra cost. This plan also includes a year of unlimited cloud backup and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Alternatively, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (also with a money-back guarantee).

Live stream the NFL for free from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Have you ever stared at a large directory of file names and dreaded the idea of renaming them all? Or perhaps your scripts are littered with conditional statements checking to see if an environment variable exists. Bash provides a concise syntax for changing strings that makes life easier. They're called parameter expansions, and I'll show you how to use them.

The Duffer Brothers were never going to drop any major Stranger Things spoilers during their appearance on The Tonight Show, but they may have given us a hint or two.

In the clip above the twins arrange Stranger Things Funko dolls on Jimmy Fallon's desk, supposedly in a pattern that points to how it's all going to end.

SEE ALSO: Finn Wolfhard teases the final 4 'Stranger Things' episodes with a word each

The key takeaways? Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown) is submerged in water, Steve Harrington (Joe Keery) is teetering right on the edge (he eventually gets knocked off), and Will (Noah Schnapp) is stacked between Henry and Vecna (Jamie Campbell Bower). Intriguing! (Although it could also be a complete red herring).

Volume 1 of Stranger Things Season 5 is now streaming on Netflix. Volume 2 premieres Dec. 25, and the series finale premieres Dec. 31, both at 8 p.m. ET.

Looking for something great to watch at home? Streaming subscribers are spoiled for choice between Hulu, Netflix, HBO Max, Disney+, Apple TV, Prime Video, Shudder, Paramount+, Peacock, and more. And that's before you even look at the vast libraries of movies and television programs within each streamer!

Don't be overwhelmed or waste an hour scrolling through your services to determine what to watch. We've got your back, whatever your mood. Mashable offers watch guides for all of the above, broken down by genre: comedy, thriller, horror, documentary, and animation, among others. But if you're seeking something brand new (or just new to streaming), we've got you covered there, too.

Mashable's entertainment team has scoured the streaming services to highlight the most buzzed-about releases of the week and ranked them from worst to best — or least worth your time to most watchable. Whether you're looking for sci-fi shenanigans, fierce drag personas, nail-biting horror, a film starring the dynamic Katy O'Brian, or a new game show, we're here for you.

— Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

12. What's in the Box?

I can't be the only one who reads that title in a strained Brad Pitt voice, right? Well, this show is not a Se7en spinoff. Instead, Neil Patrick Harris turns into a game show host for this Netflix offering, where teams of two compete in trivia rounds to win the contents of enormous gold boxes.

Per the trailer, "Eight pairs of contestants will work with and against each other across an entire season." How do you mean? Well, there's a white elephant twist. You play for a box not knowing what's inside. But once you win and open it, then like this yuletide gift-giving game, it's possible to steal it through a "prize fight." And all this leads to the "Super Box," worth a quarter of a million dollars. This sounds more stressful than being on the phone with a sin-obsessed serial killer played by Kevin Spacey. But your mileage may vary. — Kristy Puchko, Entertainment Editor

Starring: Neil Patrick Harris

How to watch: What's in the Box? debuts on Netflix on Dec. 17.

11. The Running Man

So you walked, didn't run, to see The Running Man in cinemas? Well, now you can watch it at home, with Edgar Wright's Stephen King adaptation getting a digital release this week. Think Glen Powell running for his life from a keen-eyed group of Hunters in a dystopian future where such a situation is primetime entertainment. Think Colman Domingo dropping lines like "my bouche was not amused" as the high-maintenance host of the titular program. Think a storyline way closer to King's 1982 paperback than the Arnold Schwarzenegger film of the '80s.

Unfortunately, don't think this will be the best movie you watch this week. As Mashable entertainment editor Kristy Puchko writes in her review, "In the end, The Running Man is a sloppy collage of violence, action, and cheap jokes that is far more style than substance." Unexpectedly, however, the film has a connection to...Pennywise? — Shannon Connellan, UK Editor

Starring: Glen Powell, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Lee Pace, Michael Cera, Emilia Jones, Daniel Ezra, Jayme Lawson, Sean Hayes, Colman Domingo, and Josh Brolin

How to watch: The Running Man is now available to rent/buy on digital.

12. Now You See Me: Now You Don't

The third instalment of the Now You See Me film series reunites the Horsemen, while bringing a new trio of clever illusionists into the mix. Altogether — while squabbling and showing off increasingly outrageous magic tricks — they set out to topple a diamond industrialist (Rosamund Pike) who launders money for all arrays of bad guy.

Admittedly, I've never been all that awed by this franchise. In my review of this sequel, I wrote, "Frankly, the star power of this movie alone might be enough for Now You See Me fans hungry for more hijinks and hilarity. That this sequel does nothing all that new or even surprising might not be a glitch, but a feature. Why challenge an audience when you can wrap them within the warm certainty that no matter how twisted economic equality is making the world for everyday men and Horsemen, a scrappy group of clever individuals can pull together to save the day." — K.P.

Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, Lizzy Caplan, Rosamund Pike, and Morgan Freeman

How to watch: Now You See Me: Now You Don't is now available to rent/buy on digital.

11. Megadoc

Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis is one of the most fascinating film flops of the past few years. It truly has everything: a decades-in-the-making backstory, Roman chariot races, a satellite crash, Aubrey Plaza as Wow Platinum, and Adam Driver's earworm-level delivery of the line, "Go back to the club." To learn more about how this bonkers film came to be, check out Megadoc, a fly-on-the-wall look at Coppola's creative process. Featuring behind-the-scenes footage, interviews with the director and his cast, and even footage from table reads dating back to 2001, this is a must-watch for any Megalopolis devotee. — Belen Edwards, Entertainment Reporter

Starring: Francis Ford Coppola, Eleanor Coppola, and Talia Shire

How to watch: Megadoc is now streaming on the Criterion Channel.

10. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman, Season 6

David Letterman is back with more interviews from his Netflix talk show, My Next Guest Needs No Introduction. With Season 6, the host welcomes Sinners star Michael B. Jordan, YouTuber Mr. Beast, and Zootopia 2's Jason Bateman, for one-on-one interviews. Some of the conversation happened before a live theater audience. Some had a more private setting with a more casual vibe. Of course, no matter the setting, Letterman does it like no other. — K.P.

Starring: David Letterman, Michael B. Jordan, Mr. Beast, and Jason Bateman

How to watch: My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman Season 6 is now streaming on Netflix.

9. Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately?

In the '90s, Counting Crows had a meteoric rise with their debut album August and Everything After, then hit the sophomore slump hard with Recovering the Satellites. It wasn't so much about the quality of one record from another, and more about how a dreadlocked Adam Duritz became a household name overnight, then a punchline in the blink of an eye.

Documentarian Amy Scott looks back at this time for the band, with a keen eye on Duritz, who riled Saturday Night Live producers, thrilled fans, and battled mental illness all at once. Interviews with he and his bandmate give the doc a Behind the Music feel, while interviews with friends and colleagues — like Mary-Louise Parker and Cyndi Lauper — give a fuller context to the cost of fame. As someone who owned both albums, it's an interesting doc to me, but frustratingly superficial. Though Scott claims Counting Crows is one of the most polarizing bands of an era, she only glancingly touches on why, before giving Duritz and his friends to defend themselves or offer vague apologies. But whether or not either is deserved is unclear when the doc itself refuses to engage in actual critiques, instead leaning on kooky commentary from roast-master comedian Jeffrey Ross. — K.P.

Starring: Adam Duritz, Steve Kerr, Cyndi Lauper, Chris Martin, Mary-Louise Parker, David Wild, and Jeffrey Ross

How to watch: Counting Crows: Have You Seen Me Lately? debuts on HBO and HBO Max on Dec. 18 at 9:00 p.m. ET.

8. The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors

The Boulet Brothers have built an empire of drag horror with their competition show Dragula. Now, they bring their unique brand of glamor, horror, and filth to a tried-and-true entertainment staple: the holiday special. The Boulet Brothers' Holiday of Horrors is a scripted anthology series of four frightening holiday tales from horror heavy hitters. In addition to the Boulet Brothers themselves, these heavy hitters include David Dastmalchian (Murderbot, Late Night with the Devil), Akela Cooper (Malignant, M3GAN), and Kate Siegel (The Fall of the House of Usher, V/H/S/Beyond). So sit back for a dose of holiday horror, and be sure to pile on an extra blanket: These stories promise to be chilling. — B.E.

Starring: Dracmorda Boulet, Swanthula Boulet, and David Dastmalchian

How to watch: The Boulet Brothers’ Holiday of Horrors now on Shudder.

7. Him

The NFL and horror collide in Him, a football-focused fright fest produced by Jordan Peele and directed by Justin Tipping. Him introduces rising star quarterback Cameron Cade (Tyriq Withers), who gets the chance to train with his idol Isaiah White (Marlon Wayans). However, Isaiah's methods are stranger — and bloodier! — than anything Cam has been through before. How much is he really willing to sacrifice to become the GOAT?

Despite the prestige that comes with Peele's involvement, Him was a critical and box office disappointment. However, according to Mashable Entertainment Editor Kristy Puchko, the film is in no way irredeemable, boasting great performances from Withers and Wayans, as well as some surreal scares courtesy of Tipping. Where Him fumbles the ball, however, is its ending. In her review, she writes, "In its final minutes, Tipping's tale pivots to something more concrete, gorier, and less daring. That ending, though twisted and thrilling, doesn't feel earned. So, in the end, Him falls short of astounding." — B.E.

Starring: Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, and Jim Jefferies

How to watch: Him is now streaming on Peacock.

6. The Creep Tapes, Season 2

The found footage franchise starring (and co-created by) Mark Duplass stalks on with The Creep Tapes Season 2.

Wild to think it was a decade ago when director Patrick Brice first collaborated with Duplass on a screenplay for the found-footage psychological horror thriller Creep. Since, then the story of the serial killer (played by Duplass), who lures video camera-carrying victims in with promises, has only grown gnarlier. Creep 2 led to this spin-off series, where each episode reveals a new victim doomed to film their own demise. — K.P

Starring: Mark Duplass, David Dastmalchian, Chris Donlon, Diego Jodef, Desean Terry, Alec Bewkes, Robert Longstreet, Linas Philips, Taylor Garron, Timm Sharp, Jody Lambert, and Katie Aselton (who is Duplass's real-life wife!)

How to watch: The Creep Tapes Season 2 debuts on Shudder Dec. 19.

5. Emily in Paris, Season 5

Emily in Paris? More like Emily in Rome, as Darren Star's Netflix series says buongiorno to a new European capital for Season 5. Lily Collins returns as American expat and marketing queen Emily Cooper, who has been deployed to run Agence Grateau's Rome chapter by her boss, Sylvie (Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu). What lessons did France teach Emily that she can bring to la dolce vita in Italy? Expect handsome Venetian gondoliers, Roman Holiday-style Vespa rides, and jaw-dropping fashion as always. — S.C.

Starring: Lily Collins, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Samuel Arnold, Bruno Gouery, Camille Razat, William Abadie, and Lucien Laviscount

How to watch: Emily in Paris Season 5 debuts on Netflix on Dec. 18.

4. Chevalier

This 2023 release is woefully underseen, though it offers a stirring look into the life of Joseph Bologne, Chevalier de Saint-Georges, a Black and French 18th-century multi-hyphenate who was a violinist, a composer, a conductor, and a fencer.

Kelvin Harrison Jr. stars as Joseph, who faced racism, bullying, discrimination, and envy throughout his life. His is a story of Black Excellence, artistic passion, and forbidden love. Whether you love period piece romance, overlooked histories, or great drama, you'll want to discover Chevalier. — K.P.

Starring: Kelvin Harrison Jr., Samara Weaving, Lucy Boynton, Marton Csokas, Alex Fitzalan, Minnie Driver, and Ronkẹ Adékoluẹjo

How to watch: Chevalier is now streaming on Disney+.

3. Queens of the Dead

Tina Romero struts in the footsteps of her late father, George A. Romero, by creating a zombie movie that pays tribute to his Night of the Living Dead movies, but through a determinedly comedic and queer lens.

Queens of the Dead follows the hilarious mayhem that breaks out when a zombie contagion hits Bushwick's queer night club scene. Katy O'Brian headlines as a party promoter who's given her blood sweat and tears to build a safe space to dance, flirt, and revel. But when an undead drag queen hits the dance floor, her life is also on the line. Offering a mindful and wilfully silly array of queer archetypes, Queens of the Dead is a movie by queer horror fans for queer horror fans. Or as I put in my review, "Drenched in neon, steeped in attitude, and radiant with queer joy, this movie is beyond fine; it's fierce, funny, and fabulous." — K.P.

SEE ALSO: 'Queens of the Dead' director Tina Romero reveals why Santa scares her more

Starring: Katy O'Brian, Jaquel Spivey, Riki Lindhome, Jack Haven, Cheyenne Jackson, and Margaret Cho

How to watch: Queens of the Dead comes to Shudder on Dec. 19.

2. It Was Just an Accident

This week, check out one of the most critically acclaimed international films of 2025, as Iranian director Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident comes to digital. Winner of the Palme d'Or at this year's Cannes Film Festival, and nominated for four Golden Globes, it's sure to be a major awards season contender this year, and for good reason. This tale of former political prisoners trying to get revenge on the man they believe to be their former torturer is equal parts darkly funny and scathing critique of authoritarianism.

The film hits even harder considering Panahi's life story. The Iranian regime has arrested Panahi in the past and even banned him from making films, meaning he shot several films in secret. While It Was Just an Accident is his first film following the lifting of the ban, he still shot it covertly. Such secrecy amplifies the film's tension, and Panahi certainly pulls no punches in one of the best films of the year. — B.E.

Starring: Vahid Mobaserri, Mariam Afshari, and Ebrahim Azizi

How to watch: It Was Just an Accident is now available to rent/buy on digital.

Best of Streaming this week: Fallout, Season 2

Wastelanders, it's time to set your Spotify listening age to 87, as Prime Video's adaptation of post-apocalyptic game franchise Fallout is back with a second season. Of course, we're in for more Easter eggs, needle drops, and details from the Bethesda games the series is based on. As Mashable's Belen Edwards writes in her review, "Season 1 already did an admirable job of building out the world of Fallout, from its retro-futuristic vaults to the ruins of Shady Sands. In Season 2, though, it goes for broke, with stellar results."

SEE ALSO: What tech would the 'Fallout' cast steal from the show?

But Edwards also notes the show as "more relevant than ever," as the show "stages an ideological showdown against the backdrop of an increasingly bizarro — and immaculately realized — nuclear apocalypse." — S.C.

Starring: Ella Purnell, Walton Goggins, Aaron Moten, Kyle MacLachlan, Frances Turner, and Moisés Arias

How to watch: The first episode of Fallout Season 2 is now streaming on Prime Video, with new episodes Wednesdays.

(*) denotes a blurb came from a prior list.

SAVE $70: As of Dec. 18, the JBL Tune 770NC headphones are still marked down to their lowest-ever price of $79.95 at Amazon. This is $70 off their list price of $149.95.

Opens in a new window Credit: JBL JBL Tune 770NC Adaptive Noise Cancelling Headphones $79.95 at Amazon
$149.95 Save $70.00   Get Deal

If 2026 is looking like a big year of travel for you, it's worth having reliable headphones on-hand to keep you busy during long journeys. Thankfully, now is a great time to buy with plenty of discounts available, especially at Amazon. The JBL Tune 770NC headphones are ones that have crossed our radar at the retailer, as they're currently sitting at their lowest-ever price of $79.95.

This is a huge 47% discount off the JBL Tune 770NC's usual price of $149.95, which is well worth making a move on while they're still on sale. And if you're hoping to get them as a Christmas gift this year, Amazon even has a notice on their sale page that says they'll arrive before the holiday. You'll have some time to wrap them up.

SEE ALSO: The 60+ best Christmas gifts for 2025: Find unique gift ideas you'd never think of on your own

The JBL Tune 770NC headphones are built to keep you busy on a long journey. They feature Adaptive Noise Cancelling, which is helpful if you want to tune out the sounds of people around you to stay focused on the music, podcast, or audiobook you're listening to. And for when you'd prefer to hear the world around you instead, they have an Ambient Aware feature that lets you hear what's going on in your surroundings while listening.

They boast great sound quality that's made all the better by JBL Pure Bass Sound. They likely won't stay on sale at this price for long, so act fast to save on the JBL Tune 770NC headphones while they're still discounted at Amazon.

If you're getting last-minute shopping done, check out our breakdown of the 65 best tech gifts of the year for even more recommendations worth gifting during the holidays.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you seek holistic solutions.

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 December 18, 2025 SEE ALSO: NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for December 18, 2025 NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Natural remedies

The words are related to medicine.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe nature's medicine.

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 Immune Boosters.

NYT Strands word list for December 18

• Immune Boosters

• Garlic

• Elderberry

• Turmeric

• Honey

• Lemon

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're a sports fanatic.

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 December 18, 2025 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 December 18, 2025 Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:

A similar sport to football.

Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?

There are no recurring letters.

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

Today's Wordle starts with the letter R.

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...

RUGBY

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 December 18, 2025

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.

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

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

Currently, if you're stuck, the game only offers to reveal the entire puzzle, forcing you to move 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. As we've shared in our previous hints stories for Pips, the tiles, like dominoes, are placed vertically or horizontally and connect with each other. The main difference between a traditional game of dominoes and Pips is the color-coded conditions you have to address. The touching tiles don't necessarily have to match.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for December 18, 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 Strands hints, answers for December 18, 2025 Easy difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

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

Greater Than (5): Everything in this light blue space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally.

Number (5): Everything in this space must add up to 5. The answer is 6-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally.

Number (9): Everything in this space must add up to 9. The answer is 4-3, placed vertically; 6-6, placed vertically.

Greater Than (5): Everything in this space must be greater than 5. The answer is 6-6, placed vertically.

Medium difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

Greater Than (4): Everything in this red space must be greater than 4. The answer is 6-3, placed vertically.

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 3-3, placed vertically; 2-0, placed horizontally.

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

Greater Than (4): Everything in this space must be greater than 4. The answer is 1-5, placed horizontally.

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

Number (8): Everything in this space must add up to 8. The answer is 1-4, placed vertically; 4-3, placed horizontally.

Hard difficulty hints, answers for Dec. 18 Pips

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

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

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

Greater Than (2): Everything in this space must be greater than 2. The answer is 2-4, placed vertically.

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

Not Equal: Everything in this space must be different. The answer is 4-4, placed horizontally; 5-5, placed vertically; 3-3, placed horizontally; 2-2, placed horizontally; 1-6, placed vertically; 0-1, placed horizontally.

Equal (3): Everything in this purple space must be equal to 3. The answer is 3-3, placed horizontally; 0-3, placed vertically; 5-3, placed horizontally.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Samsung Galaxy XR, a collaboration between Samsung and Google to take on the likes of the Apple Vision Pro, is the first Android XR headset. It serves as a showcase for an upcoming ecosystem of devices, and it happens to be easy to recommend to anyone interested in trying their hand at spatial computing, assuming they set aside a budget comparable to a high-end PC.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet has dropped to $139.99 at Amazon. This is $80 off its list price of $219.99.

Opens in a new window Credit: Samsung Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ Tablet $139.99 at Amazon
$219.99 Save $80   Get Deal

Christmas is coming up next week, and if you're in a hurry to find some last-minute gifts, Amazon is a great place to look. The retailer has a wide variety of deals available right now, with some that can even be delivered to you before the holiday. The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ tablet is among that selection, as it's both on sale and will arrive just in time to wrap it.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is currently marked down to $139.99 at Amazon, which is also just a few dollars away from its lowest-ever price of $134.95. Usually it's listed for $219.99, so this deal saves you $80 overall. The sale page states that it will arrive before Christmas, which is great news for last-minute shoppers.

SEE ALSO: The 71 absolute best stocking stuffers for 2025

If you've been looking for a new tablet to take into 2026 that can tackle everyday tasks, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ can help. It features a slim design with an 11-inch display for viewing and scrolling, a Qualcomm Snapdragon 695 processor, and quad speakers powered by Dolby Atmos for listening to music or watching videos. This particular model comes with 64GB of storage as well, so there's plenty of space for your apps.

The Samsung Galaxy Tab A9+ is only on sale for a limited time, so act fast to grab it and have it in time for Christmas.

Looking for similar items to pick up right now? Our roundup of the 65 best tech gifts of the year features plenty of options we think are worth your time and money for the holidays.

SAVE OVER $100: As of Dec. 18, the Anker Solix C1000 is on sale for $371.45 at Amazon. That's a 32% discount on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Anker Anker Solix C1000 $371.45 at Amazon
$549.99 Save $178.54   Get Deal

Winter weather often brings a higher risk of storms and unexpected power outages, and that's when having a dependable backup power source can really help. A portable power station can help keep essentials like freezers or laptops running when the power goes out. If you're thinking about adding something to your setup, there's a deal at Amazon on the Anker Solix C1000.

As of Dec. 18, this model is down to $371.45, a saving of $178.54. You can also choose between bundle options that include solar panels or water-resistant storage bags, with many of these options also reduced.

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This power station delivers up to 2,000W of output across 10 ports (with a 3,000W peak) and a 1,024Wh capacity, so it's powerful enough to run multiple devices at once. It also uses Anker's HyperFlash technology to fully recharge in around 49 minutes from mains power, or around 1.8 hours with compatible solar panels.

The unit is also a lot smaller and lighter than many comparable models, so it's easy to carry around different parts of the house, or even a great companion for a camping vacation or road trip. And it's built to last for many years, with a battery designed to retain at least 80% capacity after 4,000 cycles.

You can find this Anker power station deal at Amazon. Get it before the price returns to normal.

SAVE $20: As of Dec. 18, the Roku Streaming Stick 4K is on sale for $29.99 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku Roku Streaming Stick 4K $29.99 at Amazon
$49.99 Save $20.00   Get Deal

The Roku Streaming Stick 4K is back on sale at Amazon, and just in time for Christmas. This is a stellar streaming device, especially if you're a fan of the Roku OS. As of Dec. 18, this model is now just $29.99, saving you $20 on list price.

This little stick makes 4K streaming so much easier. As soon as it is set up, you'll have easy access to all the top apps (like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and more) as well as many live channels. All of this will be available straight on your home screen, keeping things nice and organized, and making it fast and easy to pick up your shows where you left off.

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And the set up couldn't be simpler. This streaming stick just needs to be plugged into your TVs HDMI port as well as a wall socket for power. And that's all you need to do. It also comes with a remote that will now control both the streaming stick and your TV, including the power and volume.

The remote gives you voice control too. This lets you search through multiple platforms at once, or even ask it to look up any pressing questions ("where else have you seen that actor before?").

Find this streaming stick deal at Amazon now.

Today's Connections: Sports Edition will be easier if you like golf.

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. 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: 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: Same state

• Green: Horse-centric

• Blue: Competitors

• Purple: Same abbreviation

Here are today's Connections: Sports Edition categories

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

• Yellow: A Wisconsin athlete

• Green: Equestrian sports

• Blue: Golfers in this year's Ryder's Cup

• Purple: What "T" might mean

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 #451 is...

What is the answer to Connections: Sports Edition today?

• A Wisconsin athlete - BADGER, BREWER, BUCK, PACKER

• Equestrian sports - POLO, RODEO, STEEPLECHASE, THOROUGHBRED

• Golfers in this year's Ryder Cup - ENGLISH, FLEETWOOD, HENLEY, ROSE

• What "T" might mean - SHORT-SLEEVE SHIRT, TACKLE, TECHNICAL FOUL, TIMEOUT

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 the latest Connections.

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 Thursday, Dec. 18, 2025:

AcrossFaux ___ (misstep)

• The answer is Pas.

Folder for unfinished emails

• The answer is Drafts.

Low-quality, machine-generated content, informally

• The answer is AI Slop.

Field of plants

• The answer is Botany.

Had a bite

• The answer is Ate.

DownSmall yellow bowties, say

• The answer is Pasta

Black piano key next to G

• The answer is A Flat.

Piece of equipment in curling

• The answer is Stone.

Faddish dance move of the mid-2010s

• The answer is Dab.

___ de Janeiro

• The answer is Rio.

Costume that might include a black trench coat and sunglasses

• The answer is Spy.

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 the latest Mini Crossword.

TL;DR: Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free on 7plus. Access this free streaming platform from anywhere in the world with ExpressVPN.

Cricket fans have been treated to some truly special events this year. We've been dazzled by the Asia Cup, gripped by India's tour of England, and the ICC Champions Trophy produced some thrilling moments that we'll remember for a long time. But for now, it's time to forget all about that and focus on arguably the biggest contest on the stacked schedule: the 2025-26 Ashes series.

It really doesn't get much bigger than a five-Test showdown between bitter rivals England and Australia. England have not won a single Test in Australia since the 2010-11 series. They lost 5-0 in the 2013-14 series and then suffered back-to-back 4-0 defeats in 2017-18 and 2021-22. Can they turn things around and secure a rare win Down Under? It's not looking likely.

If you want to watch the 2025-26 Ashes series for free from anywhere in the world, we have all the information you need.

What is The Ashes?

The Ashes is a Test cricket series contested biennially between England and Australia. There have been 73 Ashes series in total. Australia have won 34 and retained six times from draws. England have won 32 and retained once from a draw.

Australia are the holders of the Ashes after winning in 2021–22 and retaining after drawing in 2023.

When is the 2025-26 Ashes?

The 2025-26 Ashes series takes place in Australia between November 2025 and January 2026. The full schedule is as follows:

• Test 1 (Optus Stadium) — Nov. 21-25

• Test 2 (The Gabba) — Dec. 4-8

• Test 3 (Adelaide Oval) — Dec. 17-21

• Test 4 (MCG) — Dec. 26-30

• Test 5 (SCG) — Jan. 4-8

The good news for fans is that every Test match is available to live stream without spending anything.

How to watch the 2025-26 Ashes for free

The 2025-26 Ashes series is available to live stream for free on 7plus.

7plus is geo-restricted to Australia, but anyone can access this free streaming platform with a VPN. These handy tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in Australia, meaning you can unblock 7plus from anywhere in the world.

Access free live streams of the 2025-26 Ashes 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 7plus

5. Watch the 2025-26 Ashes 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 live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series before recovering your investment. If you want to retain permanent access to the best free streaming sites from around the world, you'll need a subscription. Fortunately, the best VPN for streaming live sport is on sale for a limited time.

What is the best VPN for 7plus?

ExpressVPN is the best service for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport on 7plus, 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 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, you can get a one-month plan for just $12.95 (with money-back guarantee).

Live stream the 2025-26 Ashes series for free with ExpressVPN.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the Fitbit Versa 4 is on sale for $119.95 at Amazon. That's a 40% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Fitbit Fitbit Versa 4 $119.95 at Amazon
$199.95 Save $80.00   Get Deal

If you're looking for a great fitness tracker deal ahead of Christmas, check out this latest Amazon deal on the Fitbit Versa 4. Currently at its lowest-ever price, you can save $80 on this model when you purchase the pink sand or waterfall blue options.

The Fitbit Versa 4 is an everyday fitness watch designed to help you stay motivated. It's one of my favorite Fitbits, mostly because of its stylish design and tracking functionality. It reads your body signals to give you cues on when to push yourself or take a rest, and it'll show you real-time stats during workouts. And whether you enjoy running, walking, swimming, Pilates, or more, this Fitbit comes with plenty of exercise modes.

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Other standout features include built-in GPS, all-day activity tracking, and continuous heart-rate monitoring, plus it’s water resistant up to 50 meters. Sleep tracking is a big plus on this watch too, providing you with a sleep score, stages, smart wake alarms, and tools to help you build better habits over time.

It also impresses as a lifestyle watch, covering the basics like on-wrist calls, texts, and notifications, stress tracking, guided breathing, SpO2 monitoring, and menstrual health tracking.

Pick up this Fitbit deal from Amazon before Christmas.

SAVE $80: As of Dec. 18, the 40-inch Roku Smart TV is on sale for $149.99 at Amazon. That's a 35% saving on the list price.

Opens in a new window Credit: Roku 40-inch Roku Smart TV $149.99 at Amazon
$229.99 Save $80   Get Deal

There's just a week until the big day, and if you're an Amazon Prime member, chances are you still have time for parcels to arrive before Christmas. Whether you need a great gift for someone, or you're looking to upgrade your own setup, right now there's a deal on the 40-inch Roku Smart TV that's definitely worth checking out.

As of Dec. 18, this TV is down to only $149.99. That's an $80 saving and it's the lowest it has ever been priced. You can also purchase the 32-inch model on sale, down from $179.99 to $139.99.

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With a Roku TV, you're getting an interface that's simple to navigate and puts popular streaming apps, live TV, and free movies and shows all together in one place. As well as streaming platforms, you'll also have access to over 500 free Roku channels.

The picture quality is amazing too, with the 40-inch Full HD display giving you a bright, clear picture suited to spaces like bedrooms or kitchens, with Roku Smart Picture adjusting settings automatically. You can even adjust the home screen to your own preferences. Simply move apps around to how you like them, or even have your favorite TV channel front and center.

It also supports voice control through Roku Voice, Siri, Alexa, or Google Assistant, and includes a voice remote for easily searching through apps.

Pick up this Roku deal at Amazon now.