News
- CrushFTP had a flaw that allowed admin access via HTTPS
- It was patched in early July 2025, but risks persist
- Around 1,000 servers running older versions at risk as attacks are spotted in the wild
Hackers are actively exploiting a critical vulnerability in CrushFTP instances, gaining admin access to vulnerable servers, experts have warned.
It was addressed in early July 2025 with a patch, with file transfer company urging customers to apply it as soon as possible.
However, on July 18, the company said it saw a zero-day exploit being used against this vulnerability - meaning it is possible the attacks have been going on for longer, and were only observed then.
Around a thousand targetsIn a recently published security advisory, CrushFTP explained that in all versions 10 below 10.8.5 and all versions 11 below 11.3.4_23, when the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) proxy feature is not used, there was a mishandling of AS2 validation vulnerability, which allows remote attackers to obtain admin access via HTTPS.
“Hackers apparently reverse engineered our code and found some bug which we had already fixed,” the advisory reads. “They are exploiting it for anyone who has not stayed current on new versions.”
We don’t know if the attackers are using the bug to drop malware, or steal data, and we don’t know the exact number of organizations that were already compromised as a result of this flaw.
We do know that just below 1,000 organizations remain vulnerable, as per the latest data from Shadowserver. These organizations are now being notified of the potential risk. Those who were exploited should restore a prior default user from their backup folder.
“As always we recommend regularly and frequent patching,” CrushFTP warned. “Anyone who had kept up to date was spared from this exploit. Enterprise customers with a DMZ CrushFTP in front of their main are not affected by this.”
The bug is tracked as CVE-2025-54309, and has a severity score of 9.0.
Via BleepingComputer
You might also like- CrushFTP vulnerability exploited in the wild, added to CISA KEV database
- Take a look at our guide to the best authenticator app
- We've rounded up the best password managers
Bad news, animation heads: according to Amazon MGM+, the first two seasons of Helluva Boss won’t arrive on Prime Video until late 2025, but we still don’t know exactly when. Amazingly, the new Prime Video show has also been commissioned for seasons 3 and 4, with these episodes set to join the existing two seasons on YouTube. All of this has happened without us even seeing a single scene, and that makes it the first deal of its kind for the streaming service.
Unsurprisingly, Helluva Boss is set like its namesake in Hell. The main protagonist of the show is Blitzo, the leader of I.M.P. (Immediate Murder Professionals) who is tasked with killing targets in the human world alongside a ragtag crew, amid an ongoing complicated situationship with the demon prince Stolas. It’s the most darkly comic work-life balance you could imagine, getting more absurdly violent the longer we watch.
That description alone makes me want to binge all of the show’s episodes immediately, but we’ve still got months left until its Prime Video release window (sometime between September and October) arrives. Thankfully, if you look through the streamer right now, you’ll find an equally bonkers animation ready to be streamed while you wait… and if you want my opinion, it’s absolutely unmissable.
Why I recommend streaming Hazbin Hotel on Prime Video while you wait for Helluva BossYou might be thinking that Hazbin Hotel looks remarkably like Helluva Boss, and that’s because both animations come from the same creative team. Both shows are set in the same ‘Hellaverse’, with Helluva Boss technically a spinoff of Hazbin Hotel (although with a different set of characters, as far as we can see). Basically, delving into the original is only going to expand your understanding of the show’s lore, and help you get fully acquainted with its absolutely unhinged approach to entertainment.
In the Hellaverse, Hell itself is incredibly overpopulated. Trying to find a non-violent alternative to house everyone there, Lucifer’s daughter decides to open a rehab hotel, where a group of demons try their best to get a second chance. That sounds rather gentle written down, but trust me when I say it’s anything but.
Hazbin Hotel is an animation that isn’t afraid to take its narrative direction to the extreme, mixing crude humor with outright musical numbers that would even make the genre’s most prolific haters sing and dance along. Creatively, it takes a total detour from what we’d typically expect from cartoon shows (yes, even the ones made for adults like Rick & Morty), swinging fans from hideously explicit schoolyard banter towards incredibly serious topics handled with a deftly light touch.
In a nutshell, the Prime Video animation isn’t conforming to any blueprint of existing narrative structure, and that’s what really makes it sing. Effortlessly diverse in its subject matter as well as its casting, we’ve got everything the mind could possibly comprehend to exist in a cartoon world packed into visual animation styling we’d recognize from our fondest memories of growing up. Get someone who can do both, as the kids say.
With only eight episodes to stream, fans can make easy work of their Hazbin Hotel binge in plenty of time to be ready and prepared for Helluva Boss. In my opinion, you’ll want to savour every minute, or at least go back and watch copious amounts of highlight clips on YouTube. If you don’t understand what on Earth’s going on, you don’t really have to – there's a method to their madness in keeping us hooked.
You might also like- Want to prepare for The Fantastic Four: First Steps? Skip the movies and watch this animated Disney+ show – it’s the best adaptation of Marvel’s First Family
- I watch Netflix for a living – here are the 7 new anime shows you need to to be ready for
- Oscar-nominated animation Flow is streaming on Max – here are 5 similar movies on Netflix, Hulu and more with over 90% on Rotten Tomatoes
iOS 26 is imminent and is expected to come to public beta very soon. While we’re excited to see how Apple’s biggest software update will upgrade the iPhone experience, Apple Watches will also be getting the same treatment when watchOS 26 is rolled out, and we're just as excited.
If you own an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, an Apple Watch SE 2, or any Apple Watch Ultra model, then you’ll be able to reap the benefits of watchOS 26’s exciting new features. However, it does come with some setbacks.
Though the models mentioned above will receive a lot of handy new functions, there are four watchOS 26 features that will only be available to use on the Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models only – leaving owners of older models in the dust.
It’s best to double-check and see what watchOS 26 features your current Apple Watch model will support when the update is rolled out in September. If you want to make the most of more advanced features, take this as your sign to upgrade in time for watchOS 26.
(Image credit: Apple)4 features your older Apple Watch won’t getThe following features will be available on Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra models only.
1. Wrist FlickIn 2023, Apple rolled out the Double Tap gesture for the Apple Watch, a multi-functional feature that allows you to do things such as close Smart Stack, begin workouts, silence alarms and timers, and dismiss notifications.
Apple’s Wrist Flick function is a new hands-free gesture designed to carry out similar functions which sounds a lot more reliable than Double Tap, but only the Apple Watch models mentioned above will be able to support this.
2. Smart Replies updates (Image credit: Apple)While it doesn’t matter which iPhone model you have (as long as it supports the latest version of iOS), you’ll still need one of the newer Apple Watch models to make the most of watchOS 26’s upgrade to Smart Replies, which offers more precise and contextually-relevant messaging suggestions.
3. Automatic volume adjustmentSimilarly to Wrist Flick, automatic volume adjustment won’t be coming to models released pre-2023. This is a little disappointing, as it sounds like it would be a very handy function when it comes to managing noisy notifications.
With this new watchOS 26 feature, your Apple Watch will have the ability to ‘automatically adjust the speaker volume based on the ambient noise in a user’s surroundings for notifications, timers, alarms, incoming calls, and Siri’ – as it states in Apple’s press release.
4. Live Translation (Image credit: Apple)One of the biggest iOS 26 upgrades announced at WWDC 2025 was the addition of Apple Intelligence’s Live Translation function for iPhone, and now certain Apple Watch models are getting the same treatment.
With the arrival of watchOS 26, you’ll be able to view these right from your wrist – that’s if you own an Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, or an Apple Watch Ultra 2.
5 features your older Apple Watch will receiveIf you have an Apple Watch Series 6 or later, or an Apple Watch SE 2, look out for these new features when watchOS 26 rolls out.
1. Liquid Glass (Image credit: Apple)Liquid Glass is one of the biggest upgrades coming with watchOS 26 – a huge operating system design upgrade that will roll out across all of Apple’s hardware. Not only will it give your interface a transparent and glossy look, but will make the use of small spaces by using expanding widgets.
The best part about this? You won’t have to worry about upgrading to a newer Apple Watch model for this new look, as it’s coming to Apple Watch Series 6 or later, Apple Watch SE 2, and all Apple Watch Ultra models.
2. Apple Intelligence Workout Buddy (Image credit: Jacob Krol / Future)watchOS 26 is also getting some upgrades on the fitness front, the main new addition being the Workout Buddy function. Powered by Apple Intelligence, Workout Buddy is a new experience in the Workout app that accesses the user's fitness, health, and workout history to provide spoken motivation and personalized fitness summaries.
You should note that to take advantage of Workout Buddy, you’ll also need an iPhone capable of supporting Apple Intelligence – those being models that support iOS 18.4 and later.
3. Notes on wrist (Image credit: Apple)One of the most asked-for features is the addition of the Notes app to watchOS, and if you have an Apple Watch Series 6 or above, you’ll soon be able to use Notes right from your wrist as nature intended.
Not only will you be able to access existing notes made on your iPhone, watchOS 26 will allow you to create new ones from your Apple Watch using Siri, dictation, and the keyboard function – and even complete checklists. Your grocery list can now live on your wrist!
4. Watch face ‘Hints’ in the Smart Stack (Image credit: Apple)With watchOS 26, new visual prompts called ‘Hints’ are coming to the watch face Smart Stack, which appears when you use the Digital Crown on the side of your watch to scroll.
Apple says Hints are designed to make your everyday interactions more convenient, offering the following examples of what to expect from its new addition: ‘A hint for Backtrack may appear when a user is in a remote location with no connectivity, or a hint for a Pilates workout may show up when a user arrives at a studio location at their usual time’.
5. Third-party control functionsThe final new feature coming to the wider group of watchOS 26-compatible models are new third-party controls, which will allow developers to create their own custom controls that Apple Watch users can add to their Control Center, Smart Stack widget, or Action Button.
When editing your Control Center, your Apple Watch will also show a ‘From your iPhone’ section, which will then allow you to add third-party controls found in your iPhone.
You might also like...- Microsoft has given us more details on how PC-to-PC migration works
- It'll offer a useful alternative to those who don't want to restore a backup via OneDrive
- The feature does still have caveats, though, including needing a Microsoft account - and it won't support Arm-based PCs initially, either
Microsoft has provided more details on how its PC-to-PC migration feature will actually work when it comes to switching over to a new Windows 11 PC.
The feature is designed to smooth over the upgrade to a new PC, and make it as easy as possible - albeit with some caveats - and clearly the focus is on helping Windows 10 users switch to Windows 11 (assuming their hardware supports the latter OS).
Previously, PC-to-PC migration has been seen in testing, and Microsoft has put the shell of the experience in the release version of Windows 11 (with the latest update) - however, it isn't yet functional.
At least we now know exactly how the ability will work thanks to a support post Microsoft has uploaded (as Thurrott.com spotted). So, let's dive into all the key details you need to know.
The old PC and new PC you're transferring over to will need to be on the same network, either connected via Ethernet (wired, to your router) or wireless (on the same Wi-Fi network).
Both machines will also need to be signed into a Microsoft account - so with the new PC, you'll have to sign in to an account during setup. Once that initial setup is run, you can kick off the PC-to-PC migration, which will pair the PCs using a one-time-code.
You'll then have to select what you want to transfer across in the way of files or settings. You can transfer almost everything in terms of files and the options you've chosen in Windows, including personalized elements of the desktop (wallpapers or themes), but there are a few exceptions.
What won't be ported across includes temporary and system files (which you wouldn't want anyway), as well as the apps installed on the old PC, and saved passwords (though you may have them stored in your browser, anyway).
Once you've chosen the data and settings to be ported across, the process will begin, providing you with a timer as an indication of how long you'll be waiting (hopefully an accurate one - these countdowns aren't always that reliable).
If the network connection should drop somehow, Microsoft says that Windows will automatically try to resume the data transfer when it's back up again - though you can manually restart the process if all else fails.
Analysis: backup or migration(Image credit: Getty Images)The PC-to-PC migration feature is essentially an alternative for those who haven't configured a backup (saved to OneDrive) via the Windows Backup app. If you have one of those, you can simply deploy that backup on the new PC - if not, you can use PC-to-PC migration instead (as a local data transfer method, but you must still be signed into a Microsoft account as noted). Or at least you'll be able to when it's fully released to Windows 11 (and 10) PCs, which should happen soon enough - I'm betting Microsoft will want this up and running before Windows 10 reaches End of Life (for obvious reasons).
It's worth noting that if you do configure a backup on the Windows Backup app - just to sync your device settings, in fact - you get an additional year of support for Windows 10 for free (dodging the $30 fee Microsoft had previously slapped on this option).
So, Backup is clearly an app Microsoft wants people to use - and I can see that choice being a popular stopgap measure to put off any decision on upgrading to Windows 11 until next year - but it's good to see that PC-to-PC migration is being offered up as another way forward, with fewer strings attached (OneDrive-wise, though you still have to use a Microsoft account).
With PC-to-PC migration, the main thing you don't get ported over to the new PC is your apps, but that isn't surprising. Indeed, the Backup app won't provide your apps when it restores a backup - although it can restore apps from the Microsoft Store, and with third-party apps, provide a link to download them for convenience (you don't get that ability with the new migration feature).
The main difference with the new feature, then, is that migration does not require or use OneDrive (albeit it does need a Microsoft account), and there are no options pertaining to keeping your apps (even if using Windows Backup is limited in that respect, too).
Some other notable caveats with PC-to-PC migration are that it doesn't work with drives that are encrypted with BitLocker (they must be decrypted first), and that devices with Arm CPUs aren't supported either (yet). Given that Microsoft says Arm PCs aren't "currently" catered for, I expect that to change soon enough - especially as these represent a fair chunk of Copilot+ PCs, which are the machines Microsoft is busy trying to get everyone to buy into.
As noted, we're still waiting for the full PC-to-PC migration experience to be enabled in Windows 11 (and Windows 10), but it shouldn't be too long before this happens.
You might also like...- Microsoft promises to crack one of the biggest problems with Windows 11: slow performance
- Windows 11's handheld mode spotted in testing, and I'm seriously excited for Microsoft's big bet on small-screen gaming
- No, Windows 11 PCs aren't 'up to 2.3x faster' than Windows 10 devices, as Microsoft suggests – here's why that's an outlandish claim
A new NYT Strands 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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Tuesday, July 22 (game #506).
Strands is the NYT's latest word game after the likes of Wordle, Spelling Bee and Connections – and it's great fun. It can be difficult, though, so read on for my Strands hints.
Want more word-based fun? Then check out my NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games, and Marc's Wordle today page for the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Strands today (game #507) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Chips in
NYT Strands today (game #507) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
- SAUCE
- SLAP
- PAUSE
- SLED
- MUSK
- MALE
• Spangram has 9 letters
NYT Strands today (game #507) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: left, 4th row
Last side: right, 4th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #507) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #507, are…
- QUESO
- SALSA
- GUACAMOLE
- HUMMUS
- FONDUE
- TZATZIKI
- SPANGRAM: PARTY DIPS
- My rating: Easy
- My score: Perfect
The first word I saw on today’s grid was SAUCE and bearing in mind the theme, I was certain that it would be correct.
Then I remembered the UK-US chip difference – in brief, Fries = Chips, Chips = Crisps, Ketchup = Sauce – and deduced we were looking for things you could dip chips (or crisps) in.
There is plenty of controversy in Strands’ selections though, regardless of your nationality. HUMMUS is not something you’d dip chips in surely or FONDUE – which is famously served with cubes of bread.
Anyway, this was a fun search for interesting words. I don’t think I would have found the brilliantly spelled TZATZIKI without the help of it being my final word.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday, July 22, game #506)- FISH
- PUMP
- ROCKS
- TANK
- FILTER
- PLANTS
- THERMOMETER
- SPANGRAM: AQUARIUM
Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.
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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Tuesday, July 22 (game #1275).
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.
Quordle today (game #1276) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* 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).
Quordle today (game #1276) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.
Quordle today (game #1276) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today's Quordle answers.
Quordle today (game #1276) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.
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:
Quordle today (game #1276) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• O
• P
• R
• W
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1276) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1276, are…
- OZONE
- PENCE
- ROOMY
- WIDER
A tricky one today that took me far longer than usual.
OZONE was hard to get. Once I’d decided to look for words beginning with the letter O, I got there more quickly – but I required a lengthy period of putting in random letters until I got there.
PENCE was a kicker, too, as it’s a recurring Quordle word – the last time was just two weeks ago.
Daily Sequence today (game #1276) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1276, are…
- HARPY
- GROUP
- FARCE
- ALIBI
- Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT
- Quordle #1274, Monday, 21 July: KNEED, SNAIL, PINTO, FEAST
- Quordle #1273, Sunday, 20 July: GRACE, COUNT, EGRET, GIANT
- Quordle #1272, Saturday, 19 July: EARLY, CLICK, TRITE, SPREE
- Quordle #1271, Friday, 18 July: CINCH, FOYER, FUDGE, TAFFY
- 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
A new NYT Connections 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 Tuesday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Tuesday, July 22 (game #772).
Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.
What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.
NYT Connections today (game #773) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…
- TOMAHAWK
- PHANTOM
- GEODUCK
- BUGBEAR
- ESCROW
- SEAHORSE
- FLATIRON
- MORTGAGE
- PORTERHOUSE
- BOGEYMAN
- APPRAISAL
- WOMBAT
- HOBGOBLIN
- TITMOUSE
- CHATEAUBRIAND
- INSURANCE
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: Fictional fear
- GREEN: Rare, Medium or well done?
- BLUE: Real estate
- PURPLE: Multiple creatures
Need more clues?
We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…
NYT Connections today (game #773) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: DREAD-INDUCING FIGURES
- GREEN: KINDS OF STEAKS
- BLUE: RELATED TO BUYING A HOME
- PURPLE: ANIMALS ENDING WITH ANIMALS
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #773) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #773, are…
- YELLOW: DREAD-INDUCING FIGURES BOGEYMAN, BUGBEAR, HOBGOBLIN, PHANTOM
- GREEN: KINDS OF STEAKS CHATEAUBRIAND, FLATIRON, PORTERHOUSE, TOMAHAWK
- BLUE: RELATED TO BUYING A HOME APPRAISAL, ESCROW, INSURANCE, MORTGAGE
- PURPLE: ANIMALS ENDING WITH ANIMALS GEODUCK, SEAHORSE, TITMOUSE, WOMBAT
- My rating: Hard
- My score: 2 mistakes
I made both of my mistakes today trying to collate DREAD-INDUCING FIGURES. I thought it had something to do with mythical creatures, so had GEODUCK and then TITMOUSE instead of BUGBEAR – which in hindsight seems somewhat ridiculous.
Now, thanks to Google, I know that a geoduck is a kind of clam rather than a mythical beast, and part of the excellent ANIMALS ENDING WITH ANIMALS group . Congratulations to all who spotted that one.
KINDS OF STEAK was the first thing I thought of when I saw PORTERHOUSE at the start of the game, but I needed the options to reduce before I could get the others. CHATEAUBRIAND – which is a thick cut of beef tenderloin – is a new word for me.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, July 22, game #772)- YELLOW: SASSINESS ATTITUDE, CHEEK, LIP, MOUTH
- GREEN: MITIGATE CUSHION, DAMPEN, SOFTEN, TEMPER
- BLUE: PATTERNS CAMO, CHECKERS, HONEYCOMB, STRIPES
- PURPLE: ___PIE CHESS, CUTIE, HUMBLE, WHOOPIE
NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.
On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.
It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.
It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.
Pokémon Presents returned today (July 22, 2025) and we've been here covering the build-up, the presentation itself, and now dissecting everything announced.
Pokémon Presents key infoEverything announced
Start time
Duration
Teases
Predictions
Live coverage
While many fans were hoping for big announcements on mainline Pokémon titles, the show mostly focused on updates on existing games.
We saw more on Pokémon Champions, which looks to focus entirely on battles, and then there were other games like Pokémon GO, Pokémon Unite, and Pokémon Sleep covered too.
Here’s our live coverage of Pokémon Presents, including a breakdown of everything announced during the event. We're still providing up-to-date details now the event is over, as well as some commentary and impressions on the bigger announcements.
Pokémon Presents everything announcedHere' a list of everything announced at today's Pokémon Presents so you can get an overview of all the details.
Pokémon World Championships
- Hosting the championship in an arena for the first time in 2025
- There'll be livestreams of the event on weekends
- All attendees get a free digital code to obtain Toedscool in Scarlet and Violet
Pokémon Concierge
- New episodes coming September 4, exclusively on Netflix
Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch’d and Pichu
- New stop-motion show in collaboration with Aardman Studios
- Told from the perspective of Pokémon
- Coming 2027
PokéPark Kanto
- New Pokémon land, where fans can experience the world of Pokémon
- Pokémon Forest
- Sedge Town
- Pokémon will be featured around the park
- Grand opening planned for 2026
Pokémon GO Fest 2025: Max Finale
- August 23 -24
- Eternatus will make its global debut
- Mega Evolutions will be a focus
Pokémon Cafe Remix update
- Sea adventure-themed decorations
- New outfits for Lapras and Jigglypuff
Pokémon Sleep
- New area called Amber Canyon
Pokémon Unite 4th anniversary
- Latios and Latias are coming
- New code UNITE0722
Pokémon Trading Card Game update
- Mega Evolutions coming September 26
Pokémon Friends officially revealed
- New puzzle game
- Coming to Mobile and Switch
- Out now!
Pokémon main series updates
- Free update geared for Switch 2 is available for Scarlet and Violet
- New Tera Raid Battle for Scarlet and Violet tomorrow (July 23, 2025) - The Shiny Treasures of Ruin
- New in-game costumes
Pokémon Champions details and release date
- Nintendo Switch and mobile
- Invite previous partners by linking to Pokémon Home
- Recruit Pokémon to battle in teams
- Ranked battles with players around the world
- Private battles with family and friends
- Single battles and double battles
- New way to raise Pokémon by teaching them new moves
- Coming 2026
Pokémon Legends Z-A
- New gameplay look - Battles, new NPCs, Pokémon, etc
- Nintendo Switch 2 edition
- New story details - two characters/teams to choose between
- Lumiose City details - night and day system, character customization
- Dog-like Pokémon, Furfou, can be customized
- Mega Evolutions - New Mega Dragonite
- Early bonus pre-order stuff
Here's when today's Pokémon Presents presentation started, its duration and where you could catch it.
- Start time: July 22 at 6am PT, 9am ET, 2pm BST, 3pm CEST, 11pm AEST
- Duration: 24 minutes
- Where to watch: YouTube or Twitch
UPDATE: Now that the show is over, we know that the tease of Pikachu as a DJ was just a nod to the pre-show of Pokémon music.
At present, we only really have one tease for the Pokémon Presents event. An image has been shared on the official Pokémon X account showing Pikachu standing next to a pair of DJ decks (embedded below). This could mean a new music-focused game, or some tie-in with the Nintendo Music App. I’m certainly hoping it’s the former, as a Pokémon-themed DJ Hero-like experience could be really fun.
7月22日（火）に配信される「Pokémon Presents」は、同日21時から視聴ページがオープンするよ。ピカチュウが何やら準備しているみたい……？続報をお楽しみに！#ポケモンプレゼンツ pic.twitter.com/9CJWjwvL2WJuly 15, 2025
How long will Pokémon Presents be?(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)The Pokémon Company is yet to reveal how long the Pokémon Presents event will last, well, not officially. As reported by GamesRadar+, the Korean YouTube channel for The Pokémon Company appeared to upload the listed presentation before taking it down. This revealed that the upcoming showcase is 24 minutes long.
Pokémon Presents predictions(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Given that there’s been very little teased for Pokémon Presents so far, we’re left to our own devices in terms of predicting what will be announced. The safe bets are Pokémon Legends Z-A and Pokémon Champions, as we’re yet to see a lot of either. Pokémon Legends Z-A is currently planned as the next major title, so I’d love to see some details on multiplayer and a look at how the game runs on Nintendo Switch 2.
I know it’s unlikely, but my dream is to have old mainline Pokémon games added to Nintendo Switch Online. This would mean the first three generations, though, as someone who never played Gen 5, I’d also love to see Pokémon Black and White added to the online service. Generation 9 launched back in 2022, so we’re due for Gen 10 sooner rather than later. It’s unlikely that we’ll get another mainline Pokémon game in 2025, but it’s possible we’ll get a tease for next year.
Finally, I’d love to see the Pokémon Pinball games added to Switch 2 in some form. These are underrated Game Boy Color and Game Boy Advance games that’d fit perfectly into the current NSO offering. In terms of other games that could be added, it’d be great to see GameCube’s Pokémon Colosseum made available to modern platforms.
Live coverage as it happensHello and welcome!(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Hello and welcome to my live coverage of today’s Pokémon Presents event. I’ll be following the show live, and posting every announcement, as well as my thoughts, right here on this live blog. Hopefully, we’ll get some info on future games, as well as some nice surprises. Let’s get started.
What time does Pokémon Presents start?(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Let’s start by taking a look at when the event starts. Pokémon Presents will go live at 6am PT, 9am ET, 2pm BST, 3pm CEST, 11pm AEST. The show will last 24 minutes, and can be watched via the official Pokémon YouTube and Twitch channels.
Will we see more on Pokémon Legends Z-A?(Image credit: Captura de pantalla del tráiler oficial de Pokémon Legends Z-A en YouTube)The safest bet for today’s announcements is easily more info on Pokémon Legends Z-A. The game focuses on Mega Evolution, so I’m betting we’ll see some more on that. We also need to see more on multiplayer, which will no doubt be a big part of the endgame.
Pikachu is a DJ now?(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)The only tease we’ve gotten for today’s show came from the official Japan Pokémon X account. It’s an image showing Pikachu standing beside DJ decks (shown above). What this actually means is anyone’s guess, but I’m hoping to see a new Pokémon music game, perhaps in the style of DJ Hero. One can hope.
Gen 1-3, is now the time?(Image credit: Nintendo)One thing I've always wanted to happen in a Pokémon Presents broadcast is the announcement of the series' first three generations coming to Nintendo Switch Online. That's Pokémon Red, Blue and Yellow for the Game Boy, Pokémon Gold, Silver and Crystal for Game Boy Color, and finally Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald for Game Boy Advance.
Nintendo and The Pokémon Company have always seemed oddly reluctant to host these legendary titles on Nintendo Switch Online's various libraries, and I'm not really sure why. Some of these games have been re-released in the past, on 3DS as Virtual Console titles. They'd surely also bring in new Switch Online subscribers in droves, especially while we wait on Pokémon Legends Z-A and a potential Gen 10.
Hopefully today is the day, but I won't hold my breath.
How likely is a Generation 10 reveal?(Image credit: Niantic)While there's certainly an outside chance the next mainline Pokémon titles get announced today, I don't think it's overly likely. Pokémon Legends Z-A is on the horizon, as well as Pokémon Champions.
Furthermore, Game Freak is currently developing Beast of Reincarnation, a multiplatform action game for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. The developer will undoubtedly have its hands full with the upcoming game, so I'd estimate we're at least another year or two out from Pokémon's tenth generation.
That said, Pokémon games have routinely been on a notoriously rushed schedule. Most recently, we saw this with Pokémon Legends: Arceus and Pokémon Scarlet and Violet launching within the same year, and you could clearly see the effects of this. I would hope Game Freak is instead given the proper amount of time to create Gen 10, better suited to the Switch 2's increased power.
One hour warning klaxon!(Image credit: Wikimedia Commons)This is your one-hour warning, people!
Only 60 minutes until we hopefully get a glimpse of some exciting new Pokémon news and details.
Get your snacks in order and your live stream of choice lined up! Remember, you can catch the presentation on YouTube or Twitch.
Eevee Mass Outbreak in Pokémon TCG Pocket(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)While you wait for the show to start, why not check out Pokémon TCG Pocket’s new limited time event? There’s now Eevee and Eevee evolutions in Wonder Picks, and even Missions that give out shop tickets as rewards. This event runs until July 29, so make sure to jump in and make the most of the new bonuses and rewards. It’s likely we’ll see more on Pokémon TCG Pocket during the event too.
Just 20 minutes til the show starts!(Image credit: Nintendo / The Pokémon Company / Tencent Games)There's just 20 minutes until Pokémon Presents, so make sure to leave this live blog open if you'd like to follow along with my live coverage. What announcements are you hoping to see? Personally, I'd love to see the Pokémon Colosseum games added to the GameCube section of Nintendo Switch Online. I'm also excited for Pokémon Unite's upcoming fourth anniversary celebrations, which are usually announced in July.
10 minutes to go, and I'm betting we see more on Pokémon Champions(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Just 10 minutes to go, so time for one final prediction. Pokémon Champions is an upcoming battle-focused game set for Nintendo Switch and mobile. Currently, there’s no release date or even a vague release window, so I’m betting we’ll see more on the game later today. Players will be able to use Pokémon Home to bring in their stored Pokémon, and there’s cross-platform play confirmed between Switch and mobile users
Pokémon Friends out now on the App Store?(Image credit: The Pokémon Company)So the Pokémon Company has just launched an app called Pokémon Friends on the App Store, ahead of the showcase. According to the description, it's a puzzle game with other 1,200 puzzles. It has a cutesy plushie aesthetic, and is free to download now.
Pokémon World Championships kicks off the presentation(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Pokémon World Championships details kicks off the Pokémon Presents showcase. The event will actually take place in an arena for the first time ever, similar to EVO. Attendees will also receive a code to receive Pokémon in Scarlet and Violet.
Pokémon Concierge next!(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)The highly-rated Pokémon Concierge gets more details at the Pokémon Presents showcase. The Netflix show is set to receive new episodes on September 4.
Pokémon and Aardman(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Legendary British stop-motion studio Aardman is teaming up with the Pokémon brand for a new show. The Wallace and Gromit creator revealed a few details about the show along with some humorous footage. It looks cute!
Coming 2027, the show is called Pokémon: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu.
Poképark Kanto(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)A Pokémon theme park, Poképark Kanto will provide an experience similar to Super Nintendo World, offering an interactive, walkable Pokémon world. Grand opening planned for 2026.
Obligatory Pokémon Go bit(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Pokémon Go Fest 2025 Max Finale is coming to the popular mobile app.
Pokémon Masters EX and Cafe Remix(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)The usual mobile updates here, unique Pokémon and characters up for grabs. 3,000 gems also on offer in Pokémon Masters EX.
Pokémon Sleep and Unite(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)More updates, and Latios and Latias are coming to popular MOBA Pokémon Unite.
Pokémon Trading Card Game update!(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)All-new cards are coming to Pokémon TCG mobile game. Mega Evolution cards including Mega Lucario and Mega Venusaur, with very nice shiny cards, coming soon on September 26.
Pokémon Friends officially revealed(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)It shadow-dropped just before the show, but the brand new Pokémon Friends is now available on Android, iOS, and Nintendo Switch systems. It looks like it offers several types of puzzles. Good for the brain! You can decorate rooms with Pokémon plushies too.
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet updates(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Just a new Tera Raid battle arriving tomorrow, also showcasing the Switch 2 performance update which came in June when the system launched.
Pokémon Champions update at long last(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Pokémon Champions revitalizes the Pokémon Stadium and Pokémon Battle Revolution formula. It's compatible with Pokémon Home, too.
As you might expect, you can build a team of six Pokémon, and take part in Ranked or Private Battles. The presentation looks really nice, even if gameplay is the very familiar turned-based system.
The game also has full effort value and individual value stats support. Nice.
No release date as of yet, but it's expected in 2026.
Pokémon Legends Z-A details(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)We're seeing more footage of the upcoming Pokémon Legends Z-A, coming to both Switch and Switch 2.
Largely a focus on the Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, Pokémon reveals, and more exploration and story.
You'll join Team MZ at the start of the game, spending time in Lumiose City across day and night. It seems that different events and situations can happen depending on the time of day. That probably includes different Pokémon too.
The Z-A Royale seems to be the new gym format, and is only accessible at night time.
We're also getting a look at character customization. Hair and clothing options seem pretty robust. Even Pokémon like Furfrou can be customized with various accessories.
Rogue Mega Evolutions are a new feature, where Pokémon can transform themselves, posing a threat. You'll be tasked with taking these on with your own Mega evolved Pokémon, including Mega Dragonite or Tyranitar.
The game is launching on October 16, 2025.
Nope, no 'one more thing' this time(Image credit: The Pokemon Company)Well, that was one of the Pokémon Presents showcases of all time.
Watch the first teaser for Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and PichuThe Aardman and Pokémon collaboration is coming sometime in 2027. It's called Pokémon Tales: The Misadventures of Sirfetch'd and Pichu, and you can check out the teaser embedded above. It looks wonderful, as expected from the Wallace and Gromit studio. I can't wait to see how it comes together.
A new Pokémon Legends Z-A Switch 2 bundle is on its wayA #NintendoSwitch2 bundle including #PokemonLegendsZA – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition will launch October 16th! Pre-orders begin July 23rd at participating retailers. pic.twitter.com/M6583LubmOJuly 22, 2025
A new Switch 2 bundle for Pokémon Legends Z-A was announced shortly after the Pokémon Presents event. Hopefully, this will give players the chance to pick up the new console and the new Pokémon title at a reduced price, like we saw with the Mario Kart World bundle at launch. This new bundle is coming October 16, 2025, with pre-orders starting tomorrow (July 23, 2025).
- South Park creators have reportedly reached a deal with Paramount+ for the global streaming rights of the hit show
- The news comes after the show was removed from the streamer’s library outside of the US
- Ongoing talks have pushed the season 27 premiere back from July 9 to July 23
Good news South Park fans: Paramount has reportedly agreed to buy the global streaming rights for the hit show following its quiet removal from the platform last week.
According to The Los Angeles Times, undisclosed sources familiar with the matter confirmed that the deal has gone ahead, which means that South Park will be available to stream on Paramount+ for the first time in the US.
The publication also revealed that a potential co-licensing deal with HBO Max and its parent company Warner Bros. Discovery had been in discussion with the show's creators after an existing deal expired in June, but Paramount has gone it alone, "according to one of the knowledgeable sources".
So, if you're a South Park fan this is the perfect time to keep or get a Paramount+ subscription, as the deal arguably solidifies its place as one of the best streaming services.
What does this mean for the future of South Park?Due to negotiations, the premiere of South Park season 27 has been delayed and has left fans feeling frustrated. Its original July 9 premiere date has been pushed back to July 23, which was confirmed in a social media post via the official South Park account (see below).
South Park’s 27th season premiere has moved to Wednesday, July 23rd at 10:00pm ET/PT on Comedy Central. pic.twitter.com/Ep2C28HXFSJuly 2, 2025
It is believed that the season premiere of South Park will be on Comedy Central as well as Paramount+, but the creators haven't been happy with the constant changes and described the process as a "sh***show" in another social media post.
At the time of writing, the original South Park series is still not available on Paramount+ in the United Kingdom, whereas some of the South Park specials like South Park: Joining the Panderverse are. It's a similar story in Australia as the original series is on 10, while the same South Park: Joining the Panderverse is on Paramount+.
If this deal is indeed accurate, it does mean that South Park will be moving to Paramount+, so hopefully global audiences will see the full show back in their streaming libraries very soon. Meanwhile, we'll hopefully get to call South Park one of our best Paramount+ shows again for US audiences.
You might also like- Nintendo has announced a Switch 2 bundle with Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition
- Pre-orders go live on July 23, 2025
- The bundle is expected to ship on October 16
Nintendo has announced a brand new Switch 2 bundle off the back of July 22's Pokémon Presents showcase.
This Nintendo Switch 2 bundle packs in the console, as well as a digital copy of Pokémon Legends: Z-A - Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, which is set to launch on October 16, 2025.
The bundle will cost $499.99 in the US. No UK price has been revealed yet, but the bundle is confirmed for the region, and it's reasonable to expect it to cost £429.99 here - the same as the launch bundle featuring Mario Kart World.
A bundle featuring the Nintendo Switch 2 system and a full game download for the Pokémon Legends: Z-A – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition game will be available Oct 16!Pre-order here: https://t.co/8RpirCrPEM pic.twitter.com/Zf94QPO6FzJuly 22, 2025
Pre-orders are set to go live on July 23, 2025, and the bundle will ship the same day that Pokémon Legends: Z-A releases, on October 16. Pre-orders will be available at Nintendo's online store, as well as "select retailers." That likely includes Best Buy, Walmart, Target, and GameStop in the US, as well as Argos and Currys in the UK.
Pokémon Legends: Z-A is now the second game Nintendo has provided a Switch 2 bundle for. It's the standard console, so no fancy limited edition designs here. Much like Mario Kart World, it's also a digital copy. With that in mind, this may be a standard strategy for Nintendo going forward, and it's entirely possible we see Switch 2 bundles for future releases like Kirby Air Riders, Metroid Prime 4: Beyond, and potentially even third-party games like The Duskbloods.
You might also like...- Pokémon Presents live coverage – follow along with us live for our predictions and every announcement as it happens
- Hitman: World of Assassination seems to have a secret 'performance mode' on the Nintendo Switch 2
- Bandai Namco and Atari reveal the Atari 2600+ Pac-Man Edition to celebrate the arcade icon's 45th anniversary