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A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, July 17 (game #1270).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* Note that by vowel we mean the five standard vowels (A, E, I, O, U), not Y (which is sometimes counted as a vowel too).

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 2.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

• C

• F

• F

• T

Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1271, are…

• CINCH
• FOYER
• FUDGE
• TAFFY

I feel as if Quordle is playing mind games with me. Yesterday, I had a choice between power and FOYER for one of my words and I picked power, today it was exactly the same but I picked foyer.

This moment of slightly askew deja-vu was followed by two chewy food substances that are bad for your teeth TAFFY and FUDGE. Both items that I will now be craving until tomorrow’s game.

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1271, are…

• CLEAN
• SASSY
• HOLLY
• EMBER

• Quordle #1270, Thursday, 17 July: CRESS, TABOO, POWER, HATER
• Quordle #1269, Wednesday, 16 July: UNCLE, NADIR, REMIT, BROOM
• Quordle #1268, Tuesday, 15 July: VILLA, FLECK, TIGER, CRANE
• Quordle #1267, Monday, 14 July: SURGE, PIZZA, PAPER, POPPY
• Quordle #1266, Sunday, 13 July: KAYAK, DECRY, RUDDY, HATER
• Quordle #1265, Saturday, 12 July: WREAK, NANNY, CLASP, STAIN
• Quordle #1264, Friday, 11 July: LAPEL, DRAIN, FROND, GROSS
• Quordle #1263, Thursday, 10 July: CROSS, WHEEL, UNDID, PENCE
• Quordle #1262, Wednesday, 9 July: SHIRE, SIXTH, SINGE, IMAGE
• Quordle #1261, Tuesday, 8 July: PLIED, PRANK, GAWKY, OXIDE
• Quordle #1260, Monday, 7 July: DROLL, TRUCE, TWIRL, SINCE
• Quordle #1259, Sunday, 6 July: AMPLY, SPAWN, EXTOL, RIDGE
• Quordle #1258, Saturday, 5 July: HAVEN, SNAKE, DREAM, TORUS
• Quordle #1257, Friday, 4 July: FAVOR, SKUNK, GAWKY, FLUFF
• Quordle #1256, Thursday, 3 July: DANCE, EYING, GLAZE, EGRET
• Quordle #1255, Wednesday, 2 July: INANE, SCOUR, ELITE, ULCER
• Quordle #1254, Tuesday, 1 July: REBAR, YEARN, FORTH, CROWD
• Quordle #1253, Monday, 30 June: INGOT, INFER, TAPIR, CLUED
• Quordle #1252, Sunday, 29 June: MIRTH, APTLY, SCRUB, SMACK

Marvel Rivals Summer swimsuit skins are here, adding in beach-ready outfits for a selection of Heroes – and yes, that includes The Thing in a Speedo. There's a whole bunch to unlock for free, as well as a Premium upgrade that gives you access to more rewards.

I've now played hundreds of hours of Marvel Rivals since launch, and have been impressed by just how frequently it manages to completely overhaul the Competitive Mode meta. Every month or so, a new Hero is added, bringing in new ways to take down enemies and providing even more possible Team Up combinations. It's speedy updates like these that have landed Marvel Rivals firmly on my list of the best PC games to play in 2025.

Now that the Summer skins have arrived in Marvel Rivals, I'll lead you through the new swimsuit outfits on offer. Some are locked to store purchases, while others, like Luna Snow's new Cool Summer skin, can be earned via a new mini Battle Pass. Here's what you need to know.

Marvel Rivals Summer skins are now in the game. You can check out the list below to see what's been added before I go into some more detail on each of the new skins.

• Psylocke - Breezy Butterfly (Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST)
• Loki - Robe of Relaxation (Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST)
• Thor - Worthy Waves (free Battle Pass reward)
• Luna Snow - Cool Summer (premium Battle Pass reward)
• The Thing - Sunshine Thing (premium Battle Pass reward)

As you can see, some of the Summer skins need to be purchased from the Store, while others are part of the new mini-Battle Pass. In the Battle Pass, there are free rewards as well as an optional premium rewards track. Thor's Summer skin is a free reward, while Luna Snow and The Thing can only be earned by purchasing the premium pass.

Psylocke's Summer skin is called Breezy Butterfly. There are two additional color swap variations: Moonlit Mirage and Violet Veil. At present, these can only be purchased from the store as part of the Breezy Butterfly Bundle. You will then need Unstable Molecules to unlock the alternate colors. Available in the store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST.

Next up is Thor, who gets the new Thor - Worthy Waves skin. This one has a single color variant: Thor - Worthy Waves (Azure Skies), which must be purchased with Unstable Molecules. The skin itself is available as part of the free rewards track in the new event pass.

Luna Snow - Cool Summer is a premium reward in the new event pass. You'll need to upgrade the standard pass to be able to earn it. There are two color variants: Radiant Radiance and Prismatic Pulse. As with other color swaps, you'll need Unstable Molecules. Some can be earned via the main Battle Pass, and some in the premium event pass.

Well, Marvel Rivals players, I hope you're happy. The Thing gets his Speedo on in the The Sunshine Thing skin, which can be earned via the premium event pass. This one doesn't have color variants, which is probably fair given just how little actual clothing is on show here.

Finally, there's the Loki - Robe of Relaxation skin, which sees the God of Mischief donning a rather fetching summer hat. This one has the Tidal Trickery color variant. You'll be able to pick these up in Store on July 17 at 10PM ET/July 17 at 7PM PT / July 18 at 3AM BST.

Now, let's take a look at the full list of rewards available in the Summer Special event mini-pass. I've indicated which rewards are free and which ones require the premium upgrade to earn.

• Page One: Sunshine Thing skin(premium), Loki Mood Bundle, Sunshine Thing Spray, Sunshine Thing Nameplate, 200 x Unstable Molecules, It's Readin' Time Emote, Psylocke Emoji Bundle (premium)
• Page Two: Worthy Waves Spray, Worthy Waves Nameplate, Throg Emote, Thor - Emoji Bundle (premium), 200 x Unstable Molecules, Maritime Mischief MVP, Worthy Waves skin
• Page Three: Cool Summer Spray, Cool Summer nameplate (premium), Frosty Fortress Emote, Luna Snow Mood Bundle (premium), Summer Spectacular Gallery Card, Frozen Flow MVP(premium), Cool Summer skin (premium)

These rewards can now be earned in-game and will leave on August 15, 2025. Upgrade to the premium track to keep the event pass for good, giving you more time to earn rewards.

• Here's when to expect the next season of Marvel Rivals
• Marvel Rivals Crosshairs explained
• Marvel Rivals Mutant list: here's all of the playable Mutant Heroes

AI is no longer just a buzzword. The manufacturing industry has reached a stage where both the technology and the mindset exist to embrace real, practical applications of AI and create tangible value on the factory floor.

For many manufacturers, that journey doesn’t require starting from scratch. In fact, it can start with the data humming quietly inside the ERP software you already trust every day.

By turning that wealth of real-time production, inventory, and supplier data into fast, predictive insight, manufacturers can cut waste, dodge disruptions, and outpace competitors – all without ripping out existing systems.

In other words, the path to an AI-powered factory floor begins not with wholesale reinvention, but with smarter use of what’s already at your fingertips.

With that in mind, here are five practical ways manufacturers can start unlocking that value, without needing to reinvent the wheel.

ERP systems hold a wealth of real-time operational data. AI can analyze this information quickly, helping manufacturers optimize daily processes like procurement, inventory planning, and customer service.

To make the most of this data, manufacturers don’t need to start from scratch. With AI tools like dashboards, real-time alerts, and insights built right into existing systems, it’s easier to spot trends, track performance, and act on changes as they happen. Instead of digging through reports or jumping between platforms, teams get the information they need right when they need it, helping them make smarter, faster decisions with more confidence.

For example, with embedded tools in place, AI can forecast demand patterns and suggest order schedules, helping avoid stockouts or excess inventory that ties up cash. It can also consolidate customer data across touchpoints, providing clearer insights into behavior and preferences, supporting better service and more targeted communications.

When used well, AI turns existing data into a powerful decision-making engine.

Rather than undertaking a full system overhaul to benefit from AI, many manufacturers have turned to optimization and focusing on enhancing the tools they already have in place, through the form of “micro innovations.”

By making small, targeted upgrades to existing systems, manufacturers can deliver measurable improvements in efficiency and performance without disrupting day-to-day operations. On the factory floor, we’re seeing smart tech guide workers through complex tasks, improve workforce scheduling, and streamline everything from planning and forecasting to last-mile delivery.

These “micro-innovations” are easier to roll out and less risky than large-scale digital transformation, making them a practical choice in today’s cautious investment climate. And by improving what’s already in place, manufacturers can unlock more value with minimal disruption and less cost.

AI’s real strength lies in removing the repetitive jobs that eat up time and limit productivity. From processing supplier quotes to managing documents, many of these tasks can now be handled by AI tools, freeing up staff to focus on higher-value work.

For example, instead of manually sorting through customer records or tracking down compliance paperwork, AI can surface the right information instantly. This not only saves time but reduces the risk of errors. It also improves employee experience, as teams spend less time on admin and more time doing work that adds real value.

Manufacturers can take advantage of these efficiencies by applying AI to the systems they already use every day. Rather than building something new, it’s about enhancing what’s already in place. That way, IT automation becomes a practical, accessible step in the broader AI journey, not a major leap.

The most effective AI projects start with a clear problem to solve. Whether it’s improving customer service, reducing waste, or managing risk in the supply chain, the best results come from targeted, purpose-driven use cases.

Manufacturers can start by looking at the everyday problems that slow things down, like repetitive tasks, frequent errors, or processes that take too long or cost too much. Once those pain points are clear, it’s easier to work backwards and see where AI could help. It’s also worth speaking to the people on the ground — they usually know exactly where things get stuck and where small improvements could make a big difference.

For instance, one practical use case is demand forecasting — analysing historical trends, seasonal shifts, and supplier timelines to ensure the right stock is in the right place at the right time. Another is improving visibility by merging data across departments to build a clearer, shared picture of operations.

Starting small and staying focused is the best way for manufacturers to prove value quickly and build momentum for wider AI adoption.

AI is a powerful tool, but it must be implemented responsibly. Manufacturers operate in complex, often highly regulated environments, and any AI system must align with strict data access, compliance, and security standards.

That means AI tools should respect user permissions and keep data contained within trusted environments. Just as importantly, outputs need to be monitored and validated, ensuring humans stay in the loop, particularly when decisions carry operational or financial risk.

Strong governance builds trust. And when teams trust the technology, they’re more likely to use it — and use it well.

Many manufacturers already have what they need to start unlocking the benefits of AI — a lot of the tools, data, and systems are often already in place. The key is taking that first step.

By focusing on small, high-impact opportunities and making better use of the data already at their fingertips, AI becomes less of a leap and more of a natural next move.

You don’t need a big bang strategy. Just the right tools, clear priorities, and a willingness to start.

We list the best business plan software.

This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

• Gladney Centre for Adoption's CRM was generating plenty of sensitive data
• That data was being stored in an unencrypted, non-password-protected database
• The database contained names, addresses, and more

Gladney Centre for Adoption, a non-profit adoption agency, was leaking sensitive information about children, parents, employees, and other people by keeping an unprotected database.

Earlier this week, Jeremiah Fowler, a security researcher known for hunting for non-password-protected, unencrypted databases, found one that was 2.49 GB in size, and which contained more than 1.1 million records.

The records included names of children, birth parents, adopted parents, employees, and leads. Besides the names, there were also phone numbers, postal addresses, information about “birth fathers”, and data on whether people were approved, or denied, becoming an adoptive parent.

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The information is highly sensitive, and as such - very valuable to cybercriminals. Crooks can use it to create custom-built, convincing phishing emails, through which they can deploy malware, steal banking information, or other login credentials, resulting in identity theft, wire fraud, and possibly ransomware.

For example, a cybercriminal might find a person that was previously denied becoming a foster parent, and send them an email notifying them of a change in their status. However, to finalize the process, they would need to pay a fee within a 24-hour window. This is just a theoretical example of how crooks could abuse Gladney’s data.

The good news is, there is no evidence anyone discovered the archive before Fowler did. As soon as the database was found, the researcher reached out to Gladney, who locked it down almost immediately. We don’t know for how long it remained active, and to be certain the files weren’t stolen - there would need to be a detailed forensic analysis.

We also don’t know if Gladney was the one maintaining this database, or if that was the work of a third party. We do know that it was generated by a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system.

Via Website Planet

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• ExpressVPN has added 38 new server locations in the US
• It now offers a total of 62 US server locations
• The expansion means greater flexibility and stability for users

ExpressVPN has announced a significant expansion of its US server network, allowing its users to connect to a server in any of the 50 US states.

One of the best VPNs available, ExpressVPN’s latest server expansion means it now has servers in 62 locations in the country.

An official announcement from ExpressVPN cites varying state laws regarding “data collection, content access, and identity checks” as a big reason for the expanded state-wide coverage.

To have a nationwide presence, ExpressVPN added 38 new server locations across the US, taking its total to 62 locations, up from 24. The popular VPN provider currently has servers in 105 countries in total.

Not many VPNs can claim to have servers in every US state, but ExpressVPN joins Private Internet Access, owned by the same parent company, Kape Technologies, which reached the milestone in 2022.

All of ExpressVPN’s servers are physical, with less than 5% of data moving through its network coming from virtual server locations. Any locations that are served virtually see their traffic, according to ExpressVPN, “routed through nearby physical servers” with IP addresses that match the chosen state.

Regardless of a server’s location, it benefits from ExpressVPN’s RAM-only TrustedServer technology. This sees servers wiped with every reboot, reducing the risk of any data being intercepted by malicious actors.

ExpressVPN’s US server expansion offers performance-related benefits. The fact that users can find an ExpressVPN server in any US state means there’s always one close by. When data doesn’t have to travel as far, a faster and more consistent connection is expected.

VPNs are commonly used to circumvent censorship and geo-blocking. “As state laws continue to influence what you can see and do online, your location plays a bigger role than ever,” wrote the provider in its official statement.

Some US states have recently implemented invasive age verification laws, potentially putting the privacy of internet users within these states at risk. This makes secure VPNs with a plentiful supply of locations to choose from, such as ExpressVPN, all the more important.

“ExpressVPN’s expanded U.S. network gives you more flexibility and choice, helping you maintain a more consistent online experience no matter where you are,” said ExpressVPN.

If you’re not already an ExpressVPN subscriber, you can try out its new US servers at no cost. All you need to do is take advantage of its 30-day money-back guarantee and, if you don’t want to be charged, cancel before the 30-day term is up.

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• Ubisoft has named the co-CEOs of its new subsidiary, Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot, the son of the publisher's current CEO, Yves Guillemot
• The subsidiary's goal is to bring the Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six franchises "to their full potential"
• Charlie Guillemot has addressed the nepotism concerns, saying, "What matters now isn't my name, it's the work ahead"

Ubisoft has announced the co-CEOs of its new Tencent-funded subsidiary, Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot, the son of the publisher's current CEO, Yves Guillemot.

The company named the co-CEOs in a new blog post, stating that the subsidiary's new structure will be dedicated to bringing some of the publisher's biggest franchises, such as Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Tom Clancy's Rainbow Six, "to their full potential."

"With complementary backgrounds, Christophe Derennes and Charlie Guillemot bring their strong industry expertise, deep knowledge of the Ubisoft ecosystem, and a shared culture of innovation to the role," Ubisoft said.

Derennes co-founded Ubisoft's Montreal studio in 1997 and most recently served as managing director for the North American region, while Guillemot began his career at Owlient in 2014, a studio acquired by Ubisoft, and later returned to Ubisoft in 2025 to join its transformation committee.

"With this new subsidiary, we want to build on that strong foundation by creating the right environment for the teams working on Assassin's Creed, Far Cry, and Rainbow Six to take the creative and technical risks needed to make excellent games," Guillemot said.

"Our focus is on evolving Ubisoft's operating model to bring more focus, more autonomy, and more accountability to the teams so they can stay closely attuned to our players. Decision making will be quicker, and it will also be easier to pivot when we need to change course."

Guillemot stressed that the idea isn't to start from scratch, but to "evolve our organization and ways of working to get back on the path to success".

Derennes echoed Guillemot's earlier sentiment, saying that it's their long-term objective with the subsidiary to "grow these iconic brands — while remaining loyal to their DNA — into experiences that are constantly enriching and surprising to our players."

In a separate interview with Variety following the announcement, Charlie Guillemot was asked to address the nepotism concerns now that he is a co-CEO of a subsidiary under his father's company.

"I completely understand where it comes from, and I want to be clear about it. Yes, I’m Yves’ son," he said. "That’s not something I hide from. But my appointment isn’t only about family ties; it’s about what Ubisoft needs at this moment."

He continued: "I've spent the last decade building experience both inside and outside Ubisoft, leading teams, managing brands, and navigating change in a fast-moving industry. I also made the conscious choice to step away when it made sense, to learn and grow elsewhere.

"What matters now isn't my name, it's the work ahead. Ubisoft is at a pivotal moment. What's expected of me is to help push the company forward by bringing energy, focus, and by relying on the incredible expertise that already exists across the teams. I see myself as someone here to contribute, support, and help create the right conditions are in place for everyone to do their best work."

• The Nintendo Switch 2 is the company’s least ambitious console to date, but its improvements are astronomical
• Donkey Kong Bananza is a must-have Nintendo Switch 2 game and worthy Super Mario Odyssey successor
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