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Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 29's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Form.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?No letters repeat.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter S.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to Wordle #1115 is...
SHAPE.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
A new season of House of the Dragon usually means a few new faces — and while none of the new characters in Season 2 have had huge roles to play yet, there are a couple who certainly fall into the "ones to watch" category.
One of the new guys getting a fair bit of screen time? Alyn (Abubaker Salim), a sailor working on Lord Corlys' (Steve Toussaint's) Velaryon fleet. But who exactly is he, and why might he be important?
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2's Targaryen family tree: How everyone connects Who is Alyn?Alyn is first introduced to us in House of the Dragon Season 2, episode 1, when the Sea Snake himself heads down to the docks to meet him.
"They tell me that you're the one that dragged my body out of the sea," Corlys says, which Alyn confirms. Both seem a little awkward about the whole interaction, but Corlys makes it clear that he's in Alyn's debt before leaving.
We also learn that Alyn has a brother, Addam (Clinton Liberty), who is a shipwright.
Addam (Clinton Liberty) and Alyn (Abubaker Salim). Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO Why might Alyn be important?Clearly Alyn is getting screen time for a reason, but that reason doesn't start to emerge until Season 2, episode 4. This time it's Rhaenys (Eve Best) who also pays a visit to the docks, pulling Alyn aside and telling him she's heard he saved her husband's life.
"But I was not told his saviour was so comely," she adds. "Your mother must have been very beautiful."
Again, Alyn seems awkward about the whole thing. Rhaenys appears to be a mixture of stern and sad. When their meeting is interrupted by Corlys, we start to get an idea why that might be.
"I just had a word with your captains. He was the sailor who plucked you from your watery grave," Rhaenys says to Corlys after Alyn has left them.
"I know who he is, Corlys. Alyn's past is no fault of his. He saved his lord's life, he should be raised up and honoured, not hidden beneath the tides."
There's obviously more to Alyn than first meets the eye. Given Rhaenys' pointed comment about the beauty of his mother, as well as what she says to Corlys about knowing who Alyn is, our best bet is that he's Lord Corlys' son — and that his mother is someone the Lord had an affair with during his time at sea.
As for what will happen to Alyn next? Maybe he'll be given a key role in the upcoming war, helping led Corlys' fleet into battle.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
While Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Aegon II Targaryen (Tom Glynn-Carney) battle for control of Westeros, Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is living in his own personal horror movie.
His troubles started in episode 3 of House of the Dragon's second season, when he received a haunting vision of young Rhaenyra Targaryen (Milly Alcock) after conquering Harrenhal. Episode 4, "A Dance of Dragons," kicks these visions up a notch, as Daemon receives not one, not two, but three haunting visitors. Plus, a nightcap with witch-in-residence Alys Rivers (Gayle Rankin) offers up an explanation of why Daemon may be getting these visitors in the first place.
Let's break it down.
SEE ALSO: Daemon's Harrenhal vision in 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 3, explained What does Daemon's episode 4 vision of young Rhaenyra mean? Milly Alcock in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBO"A Dance of Dragons" opens with Daemon's vision of the Great Hall at the Red Keep. Once again, he comes face to face with young Rhaenyra, who now sits on the Iron Throne. But something's shifted. In Daemon's vision of young Rhaenyra in episode 3, she was wearing the same gold dress as in the first half of Season 1. However, this manifestation of young Rhaenyra is dressed just like adult Rhaenyra; she's wearing a long black and red gown and the crown of Jaehaerys the Conciliator.
As episode 3 director Geeta Vasant Patel said, Daemon views young Rhaenyra as someone who truly knew him, who loved him and worshipped him when his own brother Viserys (Paddy Considine) scorned him. Meanwhile, present-day Rhaenyra cast him aside following the reveal that he was complicit in young Jaehaerys' murder. Seeing adolescent Rhaenyra take on the clothing and attitude of adult Rhaenyra destabilizes Daemon right off the bat.
SEE ALSO: How 'House of the Dragon' staged Daemon's Harrenhal invasionMaking matters worse is what this vision of Rhaenyra actually says to Daemon. As in their episode 2 argument, she needles at one of his greatest insecurities, that Viserys never loved him as much as he loved Rhaenyra. And even though Daemon "created" Queen Rhaenyra — literally crowning her in the Season 1 finale — is he really supportive of her? Or is he hellbent on destroying her and taking power for himself? Rhaenyra delivers these words in High Valyrian, a language that she and Daemon often spoke alone together early in Season 1 and that holds quite a bit of intimacy for the two of them.
The combination of that intimate language being used to harm him and the blending of young and adult Rhaenyra proves too much for Daemon. In this vision, he beheads young Rhaenyra without hesitation, an act that recalls the beheading of Jaehaerys at his behest, and his beheading of Vaemond Velaryon (Wil Johnson) in Season 1. But even then, the horrors aren't over: Rhaenyra's disembodied head asks Daemon whether this is what he's always wanted. Is he really that monstrous?
What do Daemon's visions of Aemond Targaryen and Laena Velaryon mean? Ewan Mitchell in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBODaemon continues to reckon with his worst fears as "A Dance of Dragons" continues. His next vision is one of Aemond Targaryen (Ewan Mitchell). Well, kind of. Daemon sees someone who looks a lot like Aemond Targaryen walking through Harrenhal. From behind, he can see that this figure has long, Targaryen-blonde hair, as well as an eyepatch. However, when the figure turns around, we see that it's actually Daemon, made to look like Aemond.
SEE ALSO: 'House of the Dragon' Season 2, episode 3 had the funniest scene so farThere are several layers here. First, Daemon and Aemond act as mirrors to each other. Both are younger brothers of kings, and both are viewed as more dangerous than their siblings. But as the Dance of the Dragons gets underway, the two gain a horrible new commonality. In the Season 1 finale, Aemond's actions led to the death of Lucerys (Elliot Grihault), a child. Daemon's retaliation, while originally targeting Aemond, also leads to the death of a child: Jaehaerys. So when Daemon sees Aemond in Harrenhal, he's not just seeing someone with a similar life path to him. He's seeing himself as a fellow child-murderer and a fellow kinslayer. Plus, fans of George R.R. Martin's Fire & Blood will also know that Daemon and Aemond's fates are both intertwined with the castle of Harrenhal, so the Daemon-Aemond connection here is especially prescient.
After all that, Harrenhal still isn't done with Daemon. During a meeting with House Blackwood, a vision warps a serving woman into Daemon's late wife, Laena Velaryon (Nanna Blondell). Once again, this ghostly apparition is a reminder of what Daemon has lost, as well as his possible monstrosity. While Laena died by suicide, commanding Vhagar to burn her during a painful, likely fatal labor, there was a chance that Daemon would have forced a C-section upon her to save his child, just as Viserys did to Aemma Arryn (Sian Brooke) in House of the Dragon's premiere.
Why is Daemon getting these visions in the first place, and what does Alys Rivers have to do with it? Gayle Rankin in "House of the Dragon." Credit: Ollie Upton / HBODaemon's nightmarish sleepwalks lead him to Alys Rivers, a bastard woman who's overtaken the duties of Harrenhal's Maester. You may remember her as the woman who tells Daemon, "You will die in this place," on his first night in Harrenhal. What a warm welcome!
In Fire & Blood, various accounts describe Alys as "a serving wench who dabbled in potions and spells," "a woods witch," and "a malign enchantress who bathed in the blood of virgins to preserve her youth." Needless to say, she's a powerful woman in her own right — although House of the Dragon is so far keeping whatever mysterious abilities she may have somewhat secret.
Alys offers Daemon a history lesson that hints at why he keeps getting strange visions. Harrenhal is cursed, she says. When Harren the Black built it, he cut down the sacred weirwood trees that used to grow where Harrenhal now stands. "Heart trees imbued with the spirits of those who lived long before he came," Alys explains. "It's said their whispers can still be heard sometimes."
Daemon is quick to dismiss Alys' account as a midwives' tale. But given that his bed was made from a weirwood tree, and that his first vision of young Rhaenyra led him to the one weirwood tree that still stands in Harrenhal's courtyard, it's clear that her words hold more truth than he might think.
Is the curse of Harrenhal all that's affecting Daemon, though? Or is some of Alys' witchcraft at work as well? She gives him a draught that she claims will help him sleep, yet he appears disoriented — and still sees Laena! — while drinking it. Alys also pokes at Daemon's insecurities about Viserys passing him up as heir, something his vision of Rhaenyra brought up at the start of the episode. Can she see Daemon's visions too? Or is she directly responsible for them? Either way, something supernatural is definitely afoot.
New episodes of House of the Dragon air Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on HBO and Max.
Non-monogamy certainly existed before 2020, but since then we've been hearing a lot more about it online. People emerged from lockdown more sexually adventurous — maybe even more queer — and now they want their Sims to be, too. In The Sims 4 Lovestruck Expansion Pack, launching July 25, your Sims can finally be polyamorous.
In Ciudad Enamorada, the new Sims city of love, Sims can go on dates in locations such as a park or a nightclub, according to the blog on the Lovestruck Expansion Pack. There's a singles hangout and even a dating app, Cupid's Corner, for Sims to find potential matches.
SEE ALSO: 'The Sims 4' adds vitiligo in free updateAs for gameplay, your Sims will grow and develop their Romantic Skill as they go on more dates. Sims can have turn ons and offs, and you can measure their satisfaction with their relationships. The pack has new interactions, too: a new kiss, dance, and three new WooHoo spots.
There will be several different Romance Dynamics between Sims as well: Wholesome (two Sims falling in love); Steamy (focus on physical connection); Strained (still romantically involved but unhappy); and Unpredictable (going back and forth between fighting and making up). You can explore your Sims' different romantic aspirations, and they can even become a Romance Consultant and help others find love.
The Sims introduces two new traits with this pack: being reserved and a "lovebug" (much less reserved). There are also two new fears, fear of intimacy and of being alone. Just like real life!
In terms of non-monogamy, Sims will have a "Romantic Boundaries" system that's free to all players. You can customize your Sims' boundaries and approach to romantic exclusivity and jealousy. The blog post reads, "This allows for Sims to date multiple Sims without impact to other relationships." WooHoo!
The Sims has otherwise expanded Sims' gender and sexuality options in recent years. In 2022, The Sims updated its spectrum of sexual orientations, and in 2023 added top scars, binders, and other gender-affirming clothing. This latest expansion pack launches July 25.
TL;DR: Score the 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle on sale for just $39.97 through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The 2024 Premium Learn to Code Certification Bundle $39.97 at The Mashable ShopWe're halfway through 2024. If your coding skills are still stuck in the Myspace and Tumblr HTML era, it might be time to catch up. If you haven't jumped on the coding bandwagon yet, maybe this sale on an online learn-to-code bundle will finally give you that much-needed nudge. It's better late than never, after all.
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Upgrade your coding skills with this coding course bundle, on sale for $39.97 until July 21, 11:59 p.m. PT.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Grab a one-year membership to Sam's Club with auto-renew for only $20 (reg. $50). Act quickly: it's only price-dropped through July 7.
Opens in a new window Credit: Sam's Club Sam's Club 1-Year Membership with Auto-Renew $20.00 at The Mashable ShopAs the temperatures rise, it seems like our expenses do, too. From fun outings to extra groceries for backyard barbecues, you likely are looking for ways to save a little dough. That's where a Sam's Club membership can come in clutch.
Right now, a one-year Sam's Club membership with auto-renew can be yours for only $20 — $30 off the usual price tag — just in time for this social season. But you're going to need to act fast, because this deal only runs through July 7.
Sam's Club is a convenient one-stop shop for all kinds of necessities. Score savings on a wide range of items from food to electronics to clothes and jewelry. And the savings don't stop once you leave the store; there's also discounts available on things like hotels and car rentals for your summer getaways, live events, movies, and more.
This deal can only be taken advantage of by new Sam's Club members. It's not available as a renewal, and will automatically enroll you in auto-renew. A purchase will supply you with a unique code to help you sign up, with a limit of one per person, with the option to buy one more as a gift.
Save big on this one-year membership to Sam's Club with auto-renew for just $20, now through July 7.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Windows 10 Pro is still a great option for older devices that need a quality OS upgrade, and you can get it for life for only $22.97 until July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Retail King Microsoft Windows 10 Pro $22.97 at The Mashable ShopIt’s time to update your operating system. If you’re looking for a software that can maximize your productivity and introduce you to newer and more advanced features, you’re going to enjoy using Windows 10 Pro.
Upgrade to Windows 10 Pro for life for only $22.97 through July 21. You don't even need a coupon.
Updates are included with your purchase, and you can install Windows 10 Pro on up to two devices. Buy now and get access to refined cybersecurity protocols, integration with Microsoft 365, and simplified logins and passwords.
Why get Windows 10 Pro now?No, Windows 10 Pro is not the latest OS on the market; that's 11 Pro. But there are still plenty of reasons to opt for 10. Whether you have an older machine or rely on apps that haven't yet been optimized for Windows 11, 10 Pro is tried, true, and super affordable. And it's not like you're settling for something subpar.
Got security on the mind? Windows 10 Pro has firewall and network protection to help safeguard your data. That's especially good news for remote workers and pros who can't help but keep sensitive information on their computer.
Speaking of working remotely, now your computer can log in from afar too. Remote Desktop Services let you control your PC from anywhere, so that file you forgot to email yourself isn't gone forever.
Upgrades for security, functionality, and moreTime for an upgrade. You have until July 21 at 11:59 p.m. PT to get Windows 10 Pro for only $22.97 (instead of $199). No coupon needed.
StackSocial prices subject to change.
TL;DR: Get answers to your questions about SEO, writing, software development, business, and more with 50+ AI experts included with lifetime access to Consultio, now $29.99.
Not every question is going to be covered in a Google search. If you need an expert opinion, the best place to go is an expert. Can't find one? How about an expert AI consultant?
Consultio Pro is a software suite that gives you access to 50+ AI specialists across fields like market research, tech, finance, lifestyle, and more. While AI can't perfectly replace the insight you'd gain talking to an expert, check out why checking with a Consultio expert might actually be more practical, more cost effective, and with advice that's easier to implement. Plus, lifetime access to Consultio is only $29.99, but this price won't last long.
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Opens in a new window Credit: Plus 8 Group Consultio Pro: Lifetime Access $29.99 at The Mashable ShopTL;DR: Score a grade-A refurbished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones on sale for $199.97 (reg. $299.99) through July 21.
Opens in a new window Credit: Apple Refrubished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones $199.97 at The Mashable ShopApple might churn out new iPads every year, but the great thing about them is that no matter which version you snag, you can count on it to perform like a champ. If you're looking to invest in one but don't want to spend much, consider buying refurbished units, which typically cost at least a third less than the cost of brand-new products. You can snag a great deal on a refurbished iPad and headphones bundle on sale today.
Score a grade-A refurbished Apple iPad (7th gen, 32GB, WiFi) with Beats Flex Headphones on sale for $199.97 (reg. $299.99) through July 21. Instead of paying top dollar for an on-the-go entertainment system, you can grab both for $100 off through July 21.
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Score a refurbished iPad and Beats headphones without breaking the bank. Normally $299, this bundle is on sale for $199.97 until July 21, 11:59 p.m. PT.
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The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 7 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 7Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Sunday, July 7, 2024:
AcrossWeigh (down)The answer is bog.
The answer is cowl.
The answer is China.
The answer is oases.
The answer is piers.
The answer is Boise.
The answer is owner.
The answer is glass.
The answer is chai.
The answer is cop.
TL;DR: Through July 21, give your cybersecurity career a boost with help from this expert-led training bundle on cybersecurity and IT fundamentals for only £23.40 (formerly £143.65).
With so much of our lives entangled online, companies of varying sizes and industries are constantly on the lookout for skilled individuals who can protect their respective systems and make them virtually impenetrable. The good news is if you're interested in venturing into this career, you don't necessarily have to go back to school to gain key IT certifications.
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StackSocial prices subject to change.
Opens in a new window Credit: StackCommerce The Ultimate Cybersecurity & IT Career Certification Pathway Training Bundle £23.40 at the Mashable ShopConnections is the latest New York Times word game that's captured the public's attention. The game is all about finding the "common threads between words." And just like Wordle, Connections resets after midnight and each new set of words gets trickier and trickier—so we've served up some hints and tips to get you over the hurdle.
If you just want to be told today's puzzle, you can jump to the end of this article for July 1's Connections solution. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
What is Connections?The NYT's latest daily word game has become a social media hit. The Times credits associate puzzle editor Wyna Liu with helping to create the new word game and bringing it to the publications' Games section. Connections can be played on both web browsers and mobile devices and require players to group four words that share something in common.
Tweet may have been deletedEach puzzle features 16 words and each grouping of words is split into four categories. These sets could comprise of anything from book titles, software, country names, etc. Even though multiple words will seem like they fit together, there's only one correct answer. If a player gets all four words in a set correct, those words are removed from the board. Guess wrong and it counts as a mistake—players get up to four mistakes until the game ends.
Tweet may have been deletedPlayers can also rearrange and shuffle the board to make spotting connections easier. Additionally, each group is color-coded with yellow being the easiest, followed by green, blue, and purple. Like Wordle, you can share the results with your friends on social media.
Here's a hint for today's Connections categoriesWant a hit about the categories without being told the categories? Then give these a try:
Yellow: Transform at the molecular level
Green: Pinch
Blue: Nickname for your nine-to-five
Purple: Certain singer's best-ofs
Need a little extra help? Today's connections fall into the following categories:
Yellow: CHANGE STATES OF MATTER
Green: REPLACEMENT
Blue: SLANGY NAMES FOR PROFESSIONS
Purple: MARIAH CAREY NUMBER ONE HITS
Looking for Wordle today? Here's the answer to today's Wordle.
Ready for the answers? This is your last chance to turn back and solve today's puzzle before we reveal the solutions.
Drumroll, please!
The solution to today's Connections is...
What is the answer to Connections todayCHANGE STATES OF MATTER - CONDENSE, FREEZE, MELT, VAPORIZE
REPLACEMENT - ALTERNATE, BACKUP, COVER, SUB
SLANGY NAMES FOR PROFESSIONS - COPPER, HACK, SHRINK, SUIT
MARIAH CAREY NUMBER ONE HITS - FANTASY, HERO, HONEY, SOMEDY
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be new Connections for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Is this not the Connections game you were looking for? Here are the hints and answers to yesterday's Connections.
Oh hey there! If you're here, it must be time for Wordle. As always, we're serving up our daily hints and tips to help you figure out today's answer.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for June 29's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Wordle.
What's the best Wordle starting word?The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles used to be available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it. Unfortunately, it has since been taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times.
Is Wordle getting harder?It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:Collected mythology.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?N appears twice.
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with...Today's Wordle starts with the letter C.
SEE ALSO: Wordle-obsessed? These are the best word games to play IRL. The Wordle answer today is...Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is...
CANON.
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints.
Reporting by Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: NYT Connections today: See hints and answers for July 5 SEE ALSO: 'Wordle' today: Here's the answer hints for July 5Here are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, July 5, 2024:
Across"___ imagining things?"The answer is AMI.
The answer is CLINIC.
The answer is VOLCANO.
The answer is INC.
The answer is WOW.
The answer is SEASONS.
The answer is ASPIRE.
The answer is SAD.
The answer is ALLCAPS.
The answer is MIC.
The answer is lit up (no space).
The answer is INAWORD.
The answer is CONES.
The answer is INONE.
The answer is COWS.
The answer is VISA.
The answer is SIA.
The Epic Games Store is coming to Apple devices in Europe, but as usual, it couldn't just happen without some minor fighting between Apple and Epic first.
Apple announced the EGS would get the green light in Europe on Friday, per Reuters. However, that only came after Epic took to X to publicly accuse Apple of slow-rolling the submission by rejecting the app for seemingly trivial reasons. For instance, Epic said Apple's regulations found that the EGS app's "Install" button was too similar to Apple's "Get" button.
SEE ALSO: How to play 'Fortnite' on iPhone Tweet may have been deletedEagle-eyed news readers will remember that Apple and Epic have been going at each other's throats for four years now. Epic took umbrage with Apple's practice of scraping 30 percent off in-app payments, which resulted in Fortnite being taken off the iOS App Store. Epic eventually won a partial legal victory related to the matter, and later unrelated legal developments in the European Union have guaranteed that Fortnite will return to iPhones there in short order.
That said, we're still waiting to find out when or if Fortnite will return to iPhones in the United States.
Despite the enthusiasm of actors in Swiffer commercials, few people are smiling at the workout that is manually mopping their floors.
If you experience similar dread when faced with vacuuming, the best robot vacuum and mop combos will cross those two chores off of your list (three, if you count digging your old mop out of the closet as a chore in itself).
Since 2020-ish, most robot vacuum companies have added at least one hybrid model to their lineup, with prices ranging from $200 to well over $1,000. You can generally expect the mopping technique to get a little more meticulous as price goes up, so the type of mess that you'll be expecting your 2-in-1 model to conquer becomes a big deciding factor. Are you mostly concerned with wiping up spur-of-the-moment spills, or will you be a stickler about dried-on stains that call for more heavy-duty scrubbing?
SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuumFortunately, both ends of the pricing spectrum provide way more bang for their buck in 2024 than they did in the early 2020s. The past year or so has seen serious strides in the automated mopping department: Brands like iRobot, Roborock, Eufy, Shark, and Narwal are moving far past the bare minimum — the mere presence of mopping gear — with features that actually make autonomous mopping effective, like pressurized and/or spinning mopping pads (rather than lackadaisical, stationary ones), water tanks that refill themselves, and interior compatibility with cleaning solutions for better sanitization than cleaning with just water.
This shift is particularly exemplified in the fleet of new hybrid robot vacs released at CES 2024, where a new standard for the future of mopping robot vacuums was set: The best robot hybrids will also cross post-mopping maintenance off of your list by automatically washing and drying their own mopping pads, shifting the concept of a self-empty dock to a full self-cleaning station. With one of these self-cleaning models, your robovac will be ready to mop again almost immediately — a clutch change from older, more basic designs that required you to toss soggy mopping pads in the washing machine after every use..
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineupsThe Mashable shopping team has tested 10+ of the highest-rated robot vacuum and mop combos on their own personal floors, narrowing down your options to the top six 2-in-1 cleaners on the market in the first half of 2024.
There's definitely something to be said for the crisp handheld control of a powerful cordless Dyson. But if you're not one to classify cleaning as cathartic, why not outsource that tedious task to one of the best robot vacuums?
The Mashable shopping team has put dozens of robot vacuum cleaners to the test in our own homes, and now we're here to help you find the right bot for yours.
Are Roombas the best robot vacuums?Though Roombas are really good robot vacuums, they aren't the only good robot vacuums.
iRobot dominated the robot vacuum realm from the early 2000s up until a few years ago, so it's no surprise that much of the general public forgets that "Roomba" isn't simply a generic term for any robotic vacuum.
But Roombas officially aren't in a league of their own anymore: You can't even Google "Roomba" without a question involving Shark robot vacuums popping up, and other brands like Roborock and Eufy have entered the chat with a fury. And we're here to put some respect on their names.
SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuumWe're regularly testing robot vacuums at multiple price points and keeping a list of the top performers based on criteria like smart mapping, obstacle navigation, pet hair pickup, self emptying, suction power, and the bot's brushroll system. The theme of robot vacuum releases at CES 2024 and the surrounding slew of robovacs released this year also cement mopping capabilities as a standard feature — so on top of various dry vacuuming tests, we're simultaneously keeping tabs on scrubbing efficacy to find the best robot vacuum and mop.
Our evaluation goes down in our own homes on carpet, rugs, tile, and hardwood floors, complete with a watchful eye on how seamlessly each robot vacuum handles a change in floor type mid-cleaning.
We've managed to narrow your shopping list to six top options. Here are the top robot vacuums for every home and budget in the first half of 2024:
PRIME DAY 2024 IS COMING: If price is the barrier keeping you from justifying a robot vacuum purchase for your small space, Prime Day is one of the best times of year to buy a robot vacuum for way less than usual. Amazon already has a pretty solid list of robot vacuum deals live weeks ahead of the event's kickoff on July 16, including one of the Roombas we're recommending below for 50% off.
The 10 minutes it takes to manually vacuum a 700-square-foot apartment probably isn't enough to send someone over the edge as far as chores are concerned. While the time-saving factor may be a moot point here, it doesn't completely diminish the appeal of using a robot vacuum in a crowded home.
It's actually totally plausible that spaces with less square footage get dirty faster because virtually every spot is a high-traffic spot. With that logic, a robot vacuum is absolutely worth it in a small space.
SEE ALSO: Shark vs. Roomba: Comparing top-rated robot vacuum lineupsHowever, it is crucial to not automatically assume that less floor to cover means that the cheapest vacuum you can find will suffice. Cramped furniture arrangements and quick changes between floor types actually call for a vac on the more competent end navigation-wise, or you'll risk arriving home to a bot that got stuck in kitchen chair legs during the first five minutes of cleaning. Before getting into specific robovac recommendations, let's assess the features that would make this a smart purchase.
Do robot vacuums work in small apartments?While some large, heavy-duty robot vacuums would probably be overkill in a tight space, there are several compact, quiet robot vacuums on the market that make a lot of sense in a small space.
One way to downsize the space a robot vac takes up is to forego the self-empty dock. While forgoing it automatic emptying o save yourself inches on the floor may not be ideal, it'll be a little less damning in a small space, as the vacuum isn't sucking up as much dirt on each cleaning run as it would in a big house. However, finding a super compact auto-empty dock nowadays isn't hard, and many robot vacuums offer the option to buy one separately later.
SEE ALSO: Roomba models, explained: The 2024 guide to deciding which Roomba to buyIf your small apartment has hard floors, a robot vacuum and mop combo is a genius way to downsize chores supplies. This'll save you not only the time it takes to mop manually but also the breath it takes to curse your Swiffer for hogging your scarce closet space. Multiple floor types also make smart mapping and zone labeling a crucial feature, despite the fact that your home may not have many specific rooms to select on a map in the first place.
We've hands-on tested the top contenders in our own modest abodes. Read on for the best robot vacuums for apartments, studios, and other one-story homes:
The best self-emptying robot vacuums have one huge perk past the obvious act of vacuuming the floor for you. (Hint: It's in the name.)
When you outsource vacuuming to a robot, your floors get cleaned way more often. The only downside of this extra attention? More debris off the floor means a dust bin that fills up faster, and emptying a vacuum's dust bin by hand is arguably the worst part of the chore.
SEE ALSO: As a Dyson stan, I wouldn't tell anyone to buy the Dyson 360 Vis Nav robot vacuumEnter self-emptying robot vacuums. These vacs do your vacuuming and emptying for you for a few weeks at a time, storing the debris the robot vacuum collects on each trip in a larger compartment that's located in the charging dock.
Are self-emptying robot vacuums worth it?Not having to lift a finger when it comes to floor maintenance is well worth it for anyone who just doesn’t have the time — or the interest — in wrestling an upright vacuum out of the closet every few days. The next question is whether you want the true set-it-and-forget solution that only automatic emptying can provide, and if you're willing to pay more for it.
Automatic emptying quickly proves its worth in households where the layer of pet fur would otherwise have you dumping the vacuum's tiny dust bin after just a few rooms. The best self-emptying robot vacuum cleaners let you off the hook for months at a time. And when it actually is time to empty the bigger dust bin, most self-empty docks trap dust inside a disposable bag, meaning you won't have to see or touch the nasty stuff at all.
SEE ALSO: How to choose a robot vacuum in 2024: Consider these 5 features before buyingFor people with allergies, auto-emptying also spares you from inhaling the inevitable puff of dust that emerges when dumping a dust bin into the trash.
Speaking of avoiding the grosser parts of the job, if you want a robot vacuum that mops, many self-emptying docks also take it upon themselves to deal with dirty mopping pads after the job is done. CES 2024 ushered in a new wave of flagship robot vacuums that self-wash and self-dry the soggy mopping pads in the same dock where debris is held.
While self emptying could add anywhere from $100 to $500 to a robot vac's overall price tag, automated mopping pad washing and drying is the automation that really kicks the price up over the $1,000 mark. Remember that both of these are optional in most cases, so if you're on a tight budget or tight on space, you can forgo the fancy dust bin and save significantly.
SEE ALSO: Prime Day 2024 is coming: Here are the best early deals you can already shopRather than giving up automatic emptying, we suggest you finesse by buying your robot vacuum during Prime Day. Prime Day season is one of the best times of year to find a robot vacuum on sale. This is your opportunity to score a robovac with that crucial automatic emptying dock without maxing out your budget. The event doesn't officially start until July 16, but Amazon already has a bunch of self-emptying vacuum deals to peruse, including $300 off the Narwal Freo X. Otherwise, we're hoping for new record discounts on our favorite CES 2024 models, the Eufy X10 Pro Omni and Roborock S8 MaxV Ultra, both of which haven't seen much movement price-wise since release.
We've been testing the latest and greatest self-emptying robot vacuums released in 2024 against our old favorites from 2023 and 2022. Here are the best self-emptiers to consider for your home:
It would come as a surprise to more people than you think that "roomba" isn't the universal term for a robot vacuum. It is, in fact, a capital "R" that denotes Roomba as a proper noun rather than a generic trademark, though the Band-Aid level interchangeability really does exemplify just how iconic iRobot has become in the world of automated floor cleaners.
SEE ALSO: A ton of robot vacuums claim to mop, but these 5 hybrids actually do the jobThat can be attributed to the fact that iRobot has consistently delivered some of the most reliable robot vacuum models for two decades. More than 20 Roombas have come out since the first one hit homes in 2002, but tracking the best Roombas isn't so chaotic when you consider that only a handful of those models are actually relevant at the time of your shopping.
Right now is a particularly good time to keep your eye out for a discounted Roomba, because Amazon Prime Day 2024 is on the way. This year's big shopping event is on July 16 and 17, and we're already seeing early Prime Day deals on plenty of robot vacuums, including Roombas and self-emptying robovacs. There are certainly more robot vacuum deals to come, and we'll keep you updated on all things Prime Day leading up to the event and beyond.
How to tell the difference between the Roomba modelsThe arbitrary numbers and letters of the Roomba family tree are confusing at face value, but nothing that can't be told apart after learning a few super general classification themes.
When shopping for a Roomba, you'll really only be choosing from what we call iRobot's core lineup: the group of three to five Roomba series that are actively sold on iRobot's website. Any Roomba whose title includes a letter with a number (like j9+ or i5) is more advanced than a Roomba with just numbers in the title (like 692).
The j Series is iRobot's most advanced right now, followed by the s Series, i Series, and then the 600 Series. A plus sign (like j9+) denotes that the model comes with a self-emptying dock. Roombas that mop will have "Combo" in the title, and there are several Roombas that can be purchased with or without mopping abilities.
You won't need to memorize any nuances past these overarching rules. We'll cover the fine print, like which Roombas have smart mapping or small obstacle detection, in our deep dive below, noting the most important differences between each current Roomba.
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