News
- Windows 11 has a Resume feature in test builds
- For now it's just for Spotify, but more developers will get on board in time
- If you're listening to a track on your Android phone, you can resume that playback on your Windows 11 PC seamlessly
Windows 11 is getting a new ability whereby the desktop operating system will allow you to resume what you were previously doing in an app on your Android phone.
This is only available in testing for now - in Windows 11 preview builds in the Dev and Beta channels - and while it will eventually come to a range of apps, to begin with it only works with Spotify.
As Microsoft explains in a blog post, the way the feature works is as follows: say you're listening to a playlist or podcast on Spotify on your smartphone, and you stop it, then head to your desktop PC.
When you fire up Windows 11, you'll see a ‘Resume alert’ pop up from your taskbar at the bottom of the screen, letting you know that you can continue your Spotify listening on the PC. Just click on that alert, and the Spotify app will be opened, continuing playback exactly where you left off on your Android smartphone.
Microsoft reminds us that we'll need to have the Spotify app installed on the PC and be logged into the same account as the one running on the smartphone, as you'd expect. If you haven't got Spotify installed in Windows 11, a button to install the software from the Microsoft Store will pop up - then you just have to log in to your Spotify account.
Also, you must have the Link to Windows app running on your smartphone, and have access to your mobile enabled on your Windows 11 PC, as per Microsoft's instructions in its blog post.
(Image credit: Microsoft)Analysis: A great addition - but Microsoft's really taken its timeThis is essentially Microsoft's take on Apple's Handoff feature, and it looks to be a streamlined and useful ability that I'm keen to see debut on Windows 11. Its revelation is no surprise, though, seeing as Microsoft accidentally gave us a glimpse of the functionality in a pre-recorded Build session earlier this year, the video of which was swiftly edited to remove this. It worked pretty much exactly the same as we see in testing now (with Spotify also being used in this early demo).
The technical name for this trick is Cross Device Resume and hopefully a number of software developers will be getting on board with bringing in support for this - those who have apps available on both Windows 11 and Android, of course. Microsoft will doubtless be prodding some of the bigger names out there, and besides Spotify we've also heard that WhatsApp might be in line for this treatment.
Clearly, the Resume feature is going to try to push installations from the Microsoft Store as well, which won't hurt traffic there - something the company has been working on improving of late.
While resuming Android apps on Windows 11 is clearly a great feature, and one that it's good to see inbound, the main question here is why has it taken so long for Microsoft to implement this?
You might also likeThe third-party controller market shows no sign of slowing down, with innovative new models continuing to release at a rapid pace, promising more features and improved performance with each subsequent release.
Mobapad and GameSir are well-known in the space for their mid-range offerings, but both brands have recently released high-end pads that could vie for the best PC controller crown.
Both occupy the same price point, and both are compatible with multiple platforms (albeit with different consoles supported). They also offer similar levels of performance – but after testing both side-by-side, there’s one clear winner for me.
Design and features(Image credit: Future)The Huben 2 made a great first impression before I’d even seen it: its hard-shell case was sturdier and more premium than I was expecting, with its insides perfectly modeled to the contours of the controller, spare D-pad hat, and USB dongle. It also has a netted area to store the USB cable, complete with an integrated hook-and-loop fastener to keep it coiled in place.
The controller itself lives up to its high quality packaging. It looks very sleek and smart with its transparent faceplate revealing the brilliant white colorway of my review unit, which is nicely accented by the red sticks and face buttons.
All of its materials look and feel premium, and the overall build quality is excellent, with the moving parts being smooth to operate yet solidly fitted. The material behind the handles is textured to offer grip, although it’s a slight shame it’s still made from a hard plastic material.
The G7 Pro has a slightly smaller form than the Huben 2, so those with smaller hands might find it preferable to hold. Build quality is similar to that of Huben 2, although it’s perhaps not quite as sharp looking or as premium.
Nevertheless, it still feels very nice in the hand, and it has better grips, thanks to the soft-touch material on their undersides that provide more grip than the Huben 2’s. The texture and even the color are very similar on both pads, though.
There’s no included case for the G7 Pro, but it does come with a charging dock, which is made to a similarly high standard and fits the pad seamlessly, offering plenty of security while being easy to set and release. It’s also pleasingly slight, so it takes up minimal space.
Both controllers adopt the familiar Xbox controller style, although there are some differences in their features. The G7 Pro has a headset jack, the Huben 2 doesn’t. But the Huben 2 has four back buttons, while the G7 Pro only has two. However, the G7 Pro has a further two extra buttons nestled between the triggers and bumpers.
(Image credit: Future)This is a choice location for them, as they’re very easy to use – easier than using back buttons. There’s also less chance of accidentally triggering them when gripping the pad, as I often did with the Huben 2’s back buttons.
What’s more, the two back buttons of the G7 Pro have an adjacent slider to disable them, which is far more convenient than having to use its accompanying software, as is the case with the Huben 2.
Speaking of which, the software for both gamepads offers plenty of customization options, beyond those accessible on-board. Both have mobile and Windows apps, although in the case of GameSir, its app for the latter system (GameSir Nexus) is far more capable than its app for the former.
The Mobapad mobile app, on the other hand, does feature plenty of tweaking potential to please serious tinkerers. As with Nexus, it allows buttons to be remapped and stick deadzones and curve profiles to be altered.
Other adjustments for motion controls and Turbo functions are also possible in both Nexus and the Moboapad app, although the latter offers slightly more depth. In reality, though, you won’t find many other software that offer as many customizations as these two.
Both are also easy to use, although it’s a shame the Huben 2 itself can’t be used to navigate the Mobapad app – even though it can be used to navigate your phone’s UI.
While both controllers have Bluetooth and USB dongles for multiple wireless connections, there are some differences in the platforms they support. Both work with PC and Android devices, but the Huben 2 has added iOS compatibility. And as for consoles, the G7 Pro is compatible with the Xbox Series X and Series S and the Xbox One, while the Huben 2 works with Switch.
Performance(Image credit: Future)In action, the Huben 2 really shines. The face buttons are clicky, lacking the heavily damped feel of many other controllers, but still just as tactile; they’re more akin to the clicks of the best gaming mice. They’re also very snappy and responsive as a result.
Even better is the D-pad: it feels very similar to the face buttons, and is just as quick and easy to use. Rapid, multiple inputs were a cinch in Tekken 8, while maintaining high levels of accuracy. There’s a small amount of dampening in each direction, which helps to make presses more controlled.
The default hat also helped in this regard. It adopts a very similar design to that of the latest Xbox controller, with its prominent middle dip and clearly squared-off segments, which provide plenty of feedback and stability.
The D-pad on the G7 Pro is, if anything, even easier and more clicky in its actuation than the Huben 2’s. However, it lacks any discernable dampening, which can result in less control over presses. I also found the hat too small and flat to provide sufficient grip, resulting in my thumb frequently falling off its left edge.
Both controllers have similar shoulder buttons, adopting the familiar shape and placement of those adorning the best Xbox controllers. I did find the bumpers of the Huben 2 a tad too high for my liking, but this is a minor gripe.
Both sets of triggers offer sufficient travel and feel, although those on the G7 Pro offer more resistance and have greater dampening. You might think this would make them easier to control than the Huben 2’s, but the latter’s more rounded shape compensates for their light actuation.
(Image credit: Future)This is because a larger portion of your fingers is in contact with the physical buttons, which in turn allows you to control their depression more easily, at least in my experience. They’re also more comfortable as a result of this shape, allowing me to play with the Huben 2 for longer periods without fatigue.
I certainly welcomed this aspect when playing games requiring constant use of the triggers, such Assetto Corsa and titles requiring vehicle control. However, all of this isn’t to say that the triggers of the G7 Pro are poor, as they’re still perfectly enjoyable to use.
Each trigger also has its own travel lock switch next to it, allowing you to switch it from analog to digital modes, which is useful in the case of shooters where quick taps are required.
Both controllers also feature motion controls. The Huben 2’s work excellently on Switch: when I aimed bows in The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, their tracking and precision rivalled that of the best Nintendo Switch controllers. I experienced no drop outs or lag, either.
Since the G7 Pro isn’t compatible with the console, its motion controls can only be used on PC as a substitute for the sticks or even mouse inputs (something the Huben 2 is capable of, too). While they’re accurate enough, few PC games were designed with these controls in mind, so they don’t work as seamlessly. This isn’t exactly the G7 Pro’s fault, but it does beg the question as to why it has gyro capabilities if it’s not compatible with the platform that makes best use of them.
When it comes to sticks, I prefer the smoother, softer material on the Huben 2’s, as well as their deeper indentations which offer more purchase, and overall feel more satisfying to use than the G7 Pro’s.
It’s not that their hall effect technology seems more accurate than the TMR sensors in the G7 Pro’s sticks, but they feel more responsive as well as being easier to wrangle, moving in precisely the way you want them to.
As for connectivity, both controllers worked with their respective devices without issue during my testing. Switching between devices is also easy, since both feature sliders on the rear for changing platforms, although it can take a few moments and press of the power button to connect to the new device.
Verdict(Image credit: Future)Both the Huben 2 and the G7 Pro are great controllers. They’re expensive – and there are plenty of great budget alternatives out there (including other models from the two brands) – but if you’re looking for something a little more upmarket, neither is likely to disappoint.
However, I think the Huben 2 has the slight edge, feeling just that little more premium and satisfying to use, with the D-pad deserving special mention. A large part of your decision may come down to the specific platform support, but if you’re playing on PC, Android, or Switch – or all three – the Huben 2 is the superior choice as far as I’m concerned.
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- A Microsoft designer imagined a new Copilot wearable without a display and HUD
- The Copilot Veja concept transmits information entirely through audio feedback
- Dual cameras give the wearable stereoscopic vision and potential depth awareness
Microsoft designer Braz de Pina has created an unofficial concept for a Copilot-powered wearable that reimagines what a successor to the Hololens headset could be.
Called the Copilot Veja, the device is not a headset but instead takes the form of ear-worn stems equipped with cameras, microphones, and buttons for interaction.
Although the name Veja comes from the Portuguese word for “see” (making the absence of any eye cameras appear especially odd), not having a heads up display was a deliberate decision. Most people already have screens in their pockets and on their wrists, and adding another was considered unnecessary by de Pina.
(Image credit: Braz de Pina )Audio-firstDe Pina describes the Copilot Veja as a “fan-made concept”, designed around the idea of making Copilot portable, conversational, and practical without the need for a head-up display.
Instead of delivering information visually, the Veja uses audio as its main channel.
“I keep thinking about how AI has changed the course of the metaverse hype and the AR/VR universe. I know Meta is heavily investing in smart glasses and similar devices, not to mention all the exciting VR and AR headsets out there. But my question is: with capable agentic AI, do I really need to see what the AI tells me? Or is it enough to just hear it,” de Pina asked in a post on Instagram.
"In that case, glasses wouldn’t be necessary," he continued. "We’d simply be fixing one of AI’s flaws: the inability to read context in real time. An AI that can see what you see and provide instant feedback about your surroundings would allow for quick, natural communication. That’s what Copilot Veja is about.”
The ear stems are designed with comfort in mind. Each one carries a set of controls, including a power button, a volume knob, a Copilot button, and a camera trigger.
De Pina imagined the dual cameras working together to replicate stereoscopic vision, giving the AI the ability to analyze the world in depth while also allowing the user to capture content.
Although this isn't something that Microsoft would ever likely make, it's a great idea and one we'd love to see go beyond being a mere concept.
You might also like- The AirPods Pro 3 are predicted to launch this year
- They could come with heart rate monitors
- It's been three years since the Apple AirPods Pro 2 launched
There have been a lot of conflicting reports around whether Apple would get around to launching the AirPods Pro 3 this year, but one of the more reliable reporters on the Apple beat says the wireless earbuds are indeed coming before the end of 2025.
That reporter is Mark Gurman at Bloomberg, who says the AirPods Pro 3 will also come with a significant upgrade: built-in heart rate monitoring. The same tech has previously been integrated into the Powerbeats Pro 2 which launched in February.
With the Powerbeats Pro 2, LED optical sensors pulse at over 100 times per second, measuring heart rate via blood flow. Presumably the AirPods Pro 3 will work in a similar way, and feed the stats back to the Apple Health app.
Gurman also reiterates his previous assertion that Apple is working on a paid Health+ subscription option for users, which may include the services of an AI fitness coach. The idea is you would get personalized advice on diet, exercise, and more.
Three years laterThe AirPods 4 launched in September 2024 (Image credit: Future/Lance Ulanoff)We've been waiting a long time for the AirPods Pro 3 to arrive, considering the Apple AirPods Pro 2 made their debut back in September 2022. The wireless earbuds market has changed quite a bit in that time – and we've since had the Apple AirPods 4, of course.
Most of the leaks and rumors we've heard around these earbuds are concerned with when they'll actually see the light of day. There have been hints in iOS 26 that the AirPods Pro 3 would arrive in 2025, though one reliable source has suggested a 2026 launch.
It seems clear that Apple wants health tracking to be a primary focus of the AirPods Pro 3, besides getting high-quality audio into your ears, and we may see the wireless earbuds able to track other vital statistics besides your heart rate.
The wireless earbuds are one of several devices "in the pipeline" for Apple "as early as this fall", which is typically September, October, and November. We're also of course expecting the iPhone 17 and the Apple Watch 11 sometime next month.
You might also like- Ghost guns highlight the darker side of modern 3D printing technology
- Fingerprinting systems can embed timestamps, geolocations, and printer identification data
- SIDE offers break-resilient embedding methods for forensic data recovery
The rise of 3D printing has offered new ways to produce tools, spare parts, and even art. Yet its darker use has gained attention through “ghost guns.”
These are firearms produced outside regulatory systems, which are difficult to trace and have already been implicated in violent crime, including the 2024 killing of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Thankfully, researchers now believe that even if someone smashes such an object, investigators could still recover valuable forensic information.
Building a system of hidden fingerprintsThe idea of fingerprinting in 3D printing is not entirely new. Various approaches embed unique information into printed items, often including details like timestamps, printer identification, and geolocation data.
Until now, a weakness has remained: what happens when a printed object is broken into pieces or deliberately tampered with?
A team led by Netanel Raviv at Washington University in St. Louis has developed a system designed to withstand such attempts.
Its framework, named Secure Information Embedding and Extraction (SIDE), uses mathematical methods that allow fragments to retain enough encoded detail for investigators to recover key information.
The SIDE system is built on earlier work presented at the IEEE International Symposium on Information Theory in 2024, which focused on encoding methods resilient enough to reconstruct data from partial remains.
By extending those ideas, the current study adds security mechanisms that can require 3D printers to include such fingerprints automatically.
According to the researchers, SIDE does not just add markings but uses loss-tolerant embedding techniques. This means that even a weapon deliberately broken into pieces may still yield identifiable data during forensic analysis.
On one hand, fingerprinting techniques could make it harder for illicit weapons to circulate undetected.
On the other hand, this raises questions about the scope of surveillance, control over personal manufacturing, and the balance between security and privacy.
A beginner 3D printer used for harmless home projects might soon be subject to the same requirements as industrial machines if regulators decide to mandate such systems.
While the debate will likely focus on ghost guns, SIDE has potential uses far beyond weapon tracing.
Any item produced with a 3D printer could, in theory, carry this invisible signature.
Combined with AI tools for pattern recognition and data recovery, investigators could reconstruct timelines and identities from fragments of plastic or resin.
"This work opens up new ways to protect the public from the harmful aspects of 3D printing through a combination of mathematical contributions and new security mechanisms," said Netanel Raviv, assistant professor of computer science & engineering in the McKelvey School of Engineering at Washington University in St. Louis.
"While SIDE has limitations in defending against resourceful attackers with strong expertise in 3D printing, it raises the level of sophistication, prior knowledge, and expertise required from the adversary to remain undetected after committing the crime."
Via Techxplore
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- Gadhouse launched retro-inspired USB-C Wesley headphones: $68 / £59
- The launch comes days after Google called wires 'sloppy' and 'embarrassing'
- Wireless buds typically last 2 years; I own wired cans that are 15 years old
Sometimes a product just launches at a great time, doesn't it? A pertinent time; an important time.
Now, I could fashion a perfectly worthy news piece just about the Gadhouse Wesley. They are, after all, beautiful new retro-inspired headphones that wouldn't look out of place over Max's ears in Stranger Things (or, in fact, in any show set in the 80s).
And thanks to their lovely USB-C wire, they can offer 48kHz Lossless Audio – which is something even the best Bluetooth codecs within the very best wireless earbuds still can't truly do, but that the best wired earbuds and wired headphones certainly can.
You could also get that level of audio detail using your AirPods Max wired up with their USB-C wire, of course, but Apple's 2020 cans still cost a lot of money – $549 or £499 for quick reference. And the Gadhouse Wesley cost just $68 / £59 (or around AU$123). I love the retro-meets-now look of these headphones, and I'll certainly be buying them when they arrive in September, to partner with my Android.
But this is about something much bigger, for me. In fact, it's about Big Tech and what Google said at its Made By Google Pixel event on Wednesday, August 20. In case you missed it, I'll link the two-minute sponsored segment from Kareem Rahma's popular talk show and podcast Subway Takes, which Google cut away to during its event, here…
Wired is ‘sloppy’? Surely li-ion batteries in buds are sloppierWhere to start? One could take issue with the notion that wired headphones look "sloppy" or "embarrassing" (although the two wires from those mics to get decent voice pickup look absolutely fine, though, I'm guessing?) or the blunt statement that "they don't do anything that you want them to do". Actually, mine play hi-res music with virtually no latency, and that is exactly what I want, thanks.
Or there's the slightly more sinister notion that if your daughter started wearing wired headphones, she'd be "kicked out of the house… until she got some buds in".
I struggle to believe that, in 2025, we're advocating throwing away battery-free headphones that might last your child long into adulthood in favor of wireless earbuds that only last as long as the lith-ion battery squirrelled into them. Let me be clear: however good the audio quality and feature-set is, this battery will gradually deteriorate to the point of failure within around three years from the time of purchase, depending on use.
And you can state that earbuds are recyclable all you want (Apple absolutely does affirm this, with its AirPods), the truth is that many buds will still end up in landfill, because people don't always recycle – and with such tiny components, it is difficult to recycle every small component of a set of earbuds. It can also become expensive, since it requires actual human disassembly.
(Image credit: Gadhouse)OK, so Google has announced that its new Pixel Buds 2a do have a replaceable battery in the case, but it's the batteries in the buds that tend to go first. And let's not forget, this is a company that has made a huge and much-touted pledge to achieve carbon neutrality by 2030. So this clip? Not a good look, Google.
I have been a full-time audio writer since 2019, and I still own three pairs of wired IEMs from that first, glorious year when I decided this was my future and forte. How many pairs of wireless earbuds do I still own and use from that time, six years ago? I'll give you one guess.
You may also likeA 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 Monday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Monday, August 25 (game #1309).
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 #1310) - 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 #1310) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.
Quordle today (game #1310) - 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 #1310) - 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 #1310) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?• B
• W
• H
• I
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #1310) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle, game #1310, are…
- BEGET
- WRATH
- HEARD
- INDEX
I had a nice trouble-free run today until I hit my last word.
I had four letters with one in the correct position, but was struggling to think of anything that would fit. It was by moving the letters around that I finally got INDEX, although it always feels risky using a rare letter.
Daily Sequence today (game #1310) - the answers(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1310, are…
- TWEET
- ADAPT
- OUGHT
- MYRRH
- Quordle #1309, Monday, 25 August: GEEKY, SHALT, CHIEF, JIFFY
- Quordle #1308, Sunday, 24 August: ROVER, GONER, ANTIC, OUTDO
- Quordle #1307, Saturday, 23 August: DEMON, GRATE, FLYER, SHEEP
- Quordle #1306, Friday, 22 August: TROOP, SCOPE, TORSO, BRINY
- Quordle #1305, Thursday, 21 August: QUEST, SPARK, WHITE, ACUTE
- Quordle #1304, Wednesday, 20 August: DOLLY, MERRY, BUGLE, WORST
- Quordle #1303, Tuesday, 19 August: KNAVE, SMART, CARRY, MAMMA
- Quordle #1302, Monday, 18 August: FIBER, TRADE, RAYON, TEASE
- Quordle #1301, Sunday, 17 August: FUNGI, AMITY, DRIER, CHECK
- Quordle #1300, Saturday, 16 August: OWING, QUAKE, SLIDE, ELITE
- Quordle #1299, Friday, 15 August: WHALE, PRISM, DRAKE, TEPEE
- Quordle #1298, Thursday, 14 August: LAPEL, IDIOM, RENEW, LIVER
- Quordle #1297, Wednesday, 13 August: CACTI, HOMER, EMAIL, ALBUM
- Quordle #1296, Tuesday, 12 August: SPOOL, TITLE, JAUNT, OVINE
- Quordle #1295, Monday, 11 August: ADULT, BROOM, PURER, CRUEL
- Quordle #1294, Sunday, 10 August: SCRUM, PIPER, TROLL, SPORE
- Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
- Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
- Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
- Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
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 Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Monday, August 25 (game #540).
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 #541) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Bee friendly
NYT Strands today (game #541) - hint #2 - clue wordsPlay any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
- BULB
- FAME
- RAIL
- CLAY
- GAMES
- MALE
• Spangram has 10 letters
NYT Strands today (game #541) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?First side: bottom, 3rd column
Last side: top, 4th column
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #541) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Strands, game #541, are…
- DAISY
- BLUEBELL
- PRIMROSE
- MARIGOLD
- CHAMOMILE
- SPANGRAM: WILDFLOWER
- My rating: Easy
- My score: Perfect
When I saw the theme “Bee friendly” I automatically thought of nectar and flowers and quickly spotted the WILDFLOWER spangram.
Despite this being a relatively easy game I still struggled putting together a couple of the words.
I got DAISY and BLUEBELL easily enough, but it took me a while to see that the space between them was occupied by CHAMOMILE, which I associated with tea rather than flowers.
PRIMROSE I discovered in two parts – first “rose”, which even I know is not a wildflower, and then “prim”.
Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Monday, August 25, game #540)- LAPTOP
- NOTEBOOKS
- FOLDERS
- BACKPACK
- CALCULATOR
- SPANGRAM: SUPPLIES
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 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 Monday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Monday, August 25 (game #806).
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 #807) - today's words(Image credit: New York Times)Today's NYT Connections words are…
- TOAD
- RIDE
- TATTOO
- BAR
- MOLE
- FOOT
- HEEL
- BADGER
- RAT
- HARRY
- STEP
- SCAR
- CREEP
- PIERCING
- BUG
- SKUNK
What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: Useful ID features
- GREEN: A contemptible person
- BLUE: Nag, nag, nag
- PURPLE: Add a sit down word that rhymes with “fool”
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 #807) - hint #2 - group answersWhat are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?
- YELLOW: DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS
- GREEN: A REAL JERK
- BLUE: PESTER
- PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "STOOL"
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON'T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Connections today (game #807) - the answers(Image credit: New York Times)The answers to today's Connections, game #807, are…
- YELLOW: DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS MOLE, PIERCING, SCAR, TATTOO
- GREEN: A REAL JERK CREEP, HEEL, RAT, SKUNK
- BLUE: PESTER BADGER, BUG, HARRY, RIDE
- PURPLE: WORDS BEFORE "STOOL" BAR, FOOT, STEP, TOAD
- My rating: Hard
- My score: 2 mistakes
It took me two goes to get A REAL JERK, because I included MOLE instead of CREEP thinking this was a group made of criminal-related slang. And before that I foolishly lumped together HEEL, FOOT, and STEP (plus BAR) in the mistaken belief that there was some kind of podiatry connection.
After giving away these two mistakes I made progress with the green and blue groups, although I wasn’t sure how RIDE made it alongside BADGER, BUG, and HARRY.
DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS was probably a lot easier if you work in the emergency services or watch a lot of crime procedurals, but it took a lot of staring at the final eight tiles for the penny to drop for me. Arduous.
Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Monday, August 25, game #806)- YELLOW: PREDICAMENT FIX, JAM, MESS, PICKLE
- GREEN: SMALL SPHERICAL THINGS MOTHBALL, PEA, PEARL, POM-POM
- BLUE: PIPE-SMOKING ACCESSORIES FILTER, LIGHTER, PIPE CLEANER, TAMPER
- PURPLE: WHAT "DOWN" MIGHT MEAN FEATHERS, GUZZLE, SAD, WILLING
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.