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Hypothetical devices that can quickly and accurately answer questions have become a powerful tool in computational complexity theory.

Whether you’re looking for moisture, shine, or both, these hair masks can help your locks look their best.

Looking for a different 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 Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, February 2 (game #602).

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 #603) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SNAP
• SCREW
• BURN
• ZEST
• LOUSE
• WEDGE
• ZING
• MITE
• SLICE
• MUCK
• BIT
• OUCH
• LITTLE
• TWIST
• FOUL
• TAD

NYT Connections today (game #603) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Jibe reactions
• GREEN: Titchy 
• BLUE: Lemon and lemon
• PURPLE: It’s all gone wrong

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 #603) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: COMMENT AFTER AN INSULT
• GREEN: TINY AMOUNT, WITH "A" 
• BLUE: BIT OF CITRUS GARNISH 
• PURPLE: BUNGLE, WITH "UP" 

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

NYT Connections today (game #603) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #603, are…

• YELLOW: COMMENT AFTER AN INSULT BURN, OUCH, SNAP, ZING
• GREEN: TINY AMOUNT, WITH "A" BIT, LITTLE, MITE, TAD
• BLUE: BIT OF CITRUS GARNISH SLICE, TWIST, WEDGE, ZEST
• PURPLE: BUNGLE, WITH "UP" FOUL, LOUSE, MUCK, SCREW

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

My first mental detour today was linking SCREW, TWIST and WEDGE and my imagined category of "Putting together flatpack furniture". Then, I thought we were looking for bugs – MITE and LOUSE – before TINY AMOUNT, WITH "A" came together after some shuffling.

It took getting BIT OF CITRUS GARNISH before I saw the final groups and I achieved Zero Mistake nirvana. No BUNGLE, WITH “UP”s for me today.

A lovely Connections puzzle without any weirdness. I shall sleep well tonight.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Sunday, 2 February, game #602)

• YELLOW: DEJECTED BLUE, DOWN, HANGDOG, SORRY
• GREEN: BIRDS THAT ARE VERBS DUCK, GROUSE, HAWK, SWALLOW
• BLUE: TV COMEDY FAMILIES GRIFFIN, MUNSTER, PARTRIDGE, PICKLES
• PURPLE: WORDS AFTER "K" MART, POP, STREET, SWISS

What is NYT Connections?

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.

Looking for a different 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 Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, February 2 (game #1105).

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 #1106) - hint #1 - Vowels How 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 #1106) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 3.

Quordle today (game #1106) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do 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 #1106) - 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 3.

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 #1106) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• S

• T

• S

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1106) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1106, are…

• SLEET
• TENSE
• SEIZE
• SCAMP

You’d think getting four letters right on your third go would be a great start but I managed to come up with three other words before SLEET – a frustrating experience you only get from Quordle, as you feel your likelihood of completing all four words slide.

On reflection I should have switched my focus to SEIZE, as that was very gettable – but it’s hard to stop plugging away at a word when you have four letters. One day I’ll get the hang of this thing!

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1106) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1106, are…

• FRISK
• CROOK
• AWASH
• BUDGE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1105, Sunday 2 February: LOUSY, PENNE, CHUMP, SALVE
• Quordle #1104, Saturday 1 February: FACET, BLISS, FLUFF, FRANK
• Quordle #1103, Friday 31 January: PARER, SYNOD, BRAWN, BANJO
• Quordle #1102, Thursday 30 January: WEEDY, CHIRP, STALE, SUGAR
• Quordle #1101, Wednesday 29 January: CROWN, SCENE, AGILE, CRANK
• Quordle #1100, Tuesday 28 January: TOKEN, DAISY, INANE, PLIED
• Quordle #1099, Monday 27 January: ANGEL, GLOBE, MAYOR, BRAVE
• Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
• Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER
• Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
• Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
• Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
• Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
• Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
• Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
• Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
• Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
• Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
• Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
• Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH

Looking for a different day?

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 Sunday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, February 2 (game #602).

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 #337) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Order up!

NYT Strands today (game #337) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• COLD
• KIND
• BOND
• BIKE
• BECK
• SLACK

NYT Strands today (game #337) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Over easy

NYT Strands today (game #337) - hint #4 - spangram position What 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 #337) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #337, are…

• POACH
• BAKE
• BOIL
• BASTE
• PICKLE
• SCRAMBLE
• CODDLE
• SPANGRAM: MAKING EGGS

• My rating: Easy
• My score: 1 hint

Today’s Strands was an easy one to, er, crack featuring seven of the 100 ways of MAKING EGGS – but not the most popular one (fry).

It’s a commonly held belief that if you want to learn to cook you should begin with eggs and it’s true that once you’ve mastered the perfect SCRAMBLE you’ll be set for life – from there you can get increasingly fancy.

CODDLE is a new one to me and it sounds very doable – basically crack an egg in a ramekin and place it in a shallow pan of water that’s just below boiling point. In other words, a poached egg in a ramekin. See, fancy.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Sunday, 2 February, game #336)

• SWIFT
• WONDER
• HILL
• CROSS
• STYLES
• KING
• JONES
• SPANGRAM: GRAMMY WINNERS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and 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.

Looking to step up to the TV big leagues? These are the best OLED TVs you can buy.

The best Raspberry Pi distros have long been a favorite among hobbyists and DIY enthusiasts, but at $120 for the latest Raspberry Pi 5 16GB model, running one isn't necessarily the value proposition it once was.

But, for just little bit more, you can buy a full-fledged AMD Ryzen-powered mini PC that delivers formidable performance without breaking the bank.

I've found three mini PCs on Amazon under $180, that may be a little bigger, but also give you more for your money.

Mini PC performance

The Beelink GTR5 is priced below $180 (though temporarily out of stock at press time, it's worth a wishlist), the GenMachine Mini PC costs $178.99 (with a 5% discount at time of writing), and the BOSGAME E2 Mini PC is listed at $239.99, but a $60 coupon brings it down to $179.99.

These aren’t weak, low-power machines. They're all powered by the AMD Ryzen 5 3550H, a 4-core, 8-thread processor with a 3.7GHz max turbo clock, making them far superior to Intel's entry-level N-series chips.

The Beelink GTR5 includes a 500GB SATA SSD, while the GenMachine and BOSGAME E2 come with NVMe SSDs in the region of 500GB of storage that offer uncompromised data transfer speeds.

All of these products ship with 16GB of DDR4 RAM and fast SATA SSD storage, with an M.2 NVMe expansion slot for additional storage.

For bells and whistles, the GTR5's Radeon Vega 8 GPU handles 4K video playback and multi-monitor support is standard, thanks to HDMI, DisplayPort, and USB-C output. The GTR5 also goes a step further with a fingerprint reader for secure logins and a dual-fan cooling system to keep temperatures in check.

The BOSGAME E2 and GenMachine, meanwhile, focus on no-frills computing, coming with a Radeon 770M or simply integrated graphics, respectively. These could leave you wanting more, but if you’re after a compact, capable workstation on a budget comparable to the most expensive Pi 5, then I don't think you'll do much better.

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• Canon rumored to reenter the compact camera game with new Powershot V1
• Announcement of new camera tipped for March / April
• Recent viral model Powershot G7 X Mark III could be discontinued

Point-and-shoot digital cameras making a comeback wasn't on my 2024 bingo card – after all, smartphones pretty much killed off that market many years ago. However, several models went viral last year, none more so than 2019's Canon Powershot G7 X Mark III, so it seems there's life in the pocket snapper yet.

I'm all for it, but as I previously wrote about point-and-shoots for 2025, no leading brands are actually making new models, and so those looking to buy are left to choose from models several years old, increasingly secondhand. That's fine in a way – the quality of popular and well-reviewed cameras from years back still holds out today. But, let's be honest, new tech would be very welcome, too.

Now it appears that Canon will be the first of the big names to step up and recommit to making new point-and-shoots with meaningful upgrades after CanonRumors posted a couple of stories with a fair bit of info about what it says is an upcoming new Powershot V1. It's tipped to be announced sometime between March and May this year, with pretty exciting specs and an estimated price of $600-800 (around £650-850).

What's expected to happen concurrently is the discontinuation of the popular G7 X Mark III, and if that's the case, Canon must be all-in with a new and improved Powershot compact – why else discard a winning horse? Here's what's being said and why Canon recommitting to compact cameras makes sense.

(Image credit: Future) A new dawn for Powershot?

It looks like Canon is set to start afresh with its Powershot compacts, ditching the G-series nomenclature to make Powershot V-series models. It already launched the Powershot V10 vlogging camera in May 2023 and showcased two Powershot concepts: a 360-degree camera and a 180-degree camera with VR capabilities. However, a new Powershot V1 will be a proper point-and-shoot for photographers, and I'd expected it to garner the most interest of all, especially if rumors of its specs and price turn out to be on the money.

Highlight features supposedly include a Canon-made 24MP CMOS sensor of a size 'close to Micro Four Thirds,' and a 3x optical zoom lens (16-50mm approx). It'll likely shoot 4K video with a slight crop and include Canon's C-Log3 and HDR PQ color profiles. Additionally, it might include a standard 3-inch screen, though it's not clear if this is a fixed, tilting, or vari-angle screen. There's no proper word on the rumored V1's design either, but mockups suggest a camera that looks similar to the G7 X III.

Much of those key specs tally with certain existing Powershot G-series cameras. So, will this just feel like a rehash, like Panasonic did with the recent Lumix ZS99 / TZ99? I hope not and that Canon will also put newly developed features from its mirrorless cameras in the V1, such as its latest autofocus system.

What's most exciting of all, though, is the prospect of Canon launching a new compact camera that's readily available to buy at a very reasonable price. There are simply not many high-quality options available today for the $600-800 mark. Sprinkle in a few new features, and I expect the Powershot V1 to be one of 2025's most popular cameras.

There's even some suggestions that Canon could spring a suprise reveal or two at CP+ in Tokyo at the end of February – might the Powershot V1 be the star of the show?

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Ruben Amorim's team looks for its fourth straight win as it hosts the indifferent Eagles.

The Bees look to add to Ange Postecoglou's woes in London derby clash.

• The folding iPhone is apparently another step closer
• Apple may be about to choose a display supplier
• Previously Apple had struggled to find a satisfactory display

Apple hasn't officially said there's a folding iPhone on the way, but the number of leaks we've come across about such a device make it very likely that it's in development – and there's another rumor to report on today.

Well-known tipster Yeux1122 (via MacRumors) says that Apple is now close to deciding on a manufacturing partner to produce the folding displays for the folding iPhone. That's based on information from sources in Apple's supply chain.

There's not too much more information here, but there is a suggestion that some parts suppliers are now getting close to the standard required by Apple in terms of the folding display and the mechanisms that underpin it.

Previously, we have heard that the foldable iPhone project was on the verge of being cancelled, because Apple couldn't get a bending screen it was happy with. It would seem those obstacles may now have been overcome.

Earlier rumors

Google has now launched two foldable phones (Image credit: Future)

There have been plenty of earlier rumors around a folding iPhone. Back in November, we got news that the device had gone past the concept stage and was actively being worked on as a physical product that would ship to consumers.

More recently, we've heard talk that the folding iPhone would have a 7.6-7.9-inch main display and a smaller 5.3-5.5 inch cover screen. The same source predicted a launch window sometime in 2026 for this long-awaited smartphone.

Other predictions had suggested 2025 could be the year of the foldable phone from Apple, but as we're now into February that seems less likely. Exactly what style of foldable we'll get – book-style or flip-style – remains to be seen.

While Apple hasn't yet launched a folding iPhone, the foldable market has seen plenty of new and high-end devices appear over the last 12 months – including the Google Pixel 9 Pro Fold, the Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6, and the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 6.

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When the cops visit Ray Shoesmith’s home in season 2 episode 2 of Mr Inbetween to ask him about threatening one of the other parents at his child’s school, all Ray will say is, “I don’t answer questions”.

He repeats the same phrase in response to any question the police ask him until, utterly bamboozled and getting nowhere, they leave. “It’s just weird”, one officer says to the other as they walk back to the car, completely defeated.

That moment is the quintessence of Mr Inbetween – Ray is a bundle of contradictions that leaves you intrigued, yet never getting the answers you’re looking for, because for you, the viewer, there are no answers. Remember, Mr Inbetween doesn’t answer questions.

Ray Shoesmith is played by the show’s creator and writer Scott Ryan, who gives us probably the finest depiction of an emotionally-repressed, violent-but-likable, anti-hero you’re likely to see since we were first introduced to Tony Soprano in one of the best Max shows The Sopranos. Ray has a job working security for his friend’s night club, but it’s really a cover for his true vocation as a hit man for hire who has to balance his underground criminal activity with the rhythms of daily life, of being a father, a friend, a brother and a lover.

Australian TV shows often take the edge off their male characters with somebody like Bryan Brown playing a version of a laconic Australian male, or go completely over the top in the sort of otherwordly insanity you see in the Mad Max films. Mr Inbetween is neither. Ray feels authentic, almost like someone you might know in your real life, but he’s also somebody who comfortably steps outside of society’s conventions and lives by his own moral code. In Ray’s world actions have consequences, and he’s not afraid to hand out a quick headbutt to anybody who needs one. He has a smile that can go from please-to-meet-you to shark bite in a moment’s notice, but at the same time you can see the abysmal loneliness and repressed emotions buried deep within.

While the original 2005 feature film, The Magician, on which the series is based, offered only the faintest outline sketch of the younger hit man, here we see the fully fleshed-out version of Ray. He’s older, he has a daughter, he has an ex, he has a brother with motor neurone disease and he’s in a relationship. Each episode of Mr Inbetween lifts the cover of Ray’s life and lets us peep inside.

It’s sometimes mundane, sometimes funny, usually shocking, but often heartbreaking and profoundly meaningful. You never quite know where an episode is going to go at any moment, which is why it's one of the best Disney Plus shows in the UK (the series is streaming on Hulu in the US and Binge in Australia).

• Watch Mr Inbetween on Hulu in the US
• Watch Mr Inbetween on Disney Plus in the UK
• Watch Mr Inbetween on Binge in Australia

Ray’s brother Bruce, played in an acting masterclass by Nicholas Cassim, eloquently shows us what the final stages of his illness look like, and how it affects the people who love him. Chika Yasumura’s, Brittany, Ray’s daughter, perfectly captures the moment when you change from being the center of your child’s world to being a mild embarrassment, worthy of only the occasional teenage side-eye. And his girlfriend Ally, played effortlessly by Brooke Satchwell, skillfully shows how Ray’s choice to embrace violence affects the people around him, even if that violence would never be directed at them.

Rarely do we feel such affection for a volcanic personality who isn’t in some Hollywood revenge movie, but Ray is not one of the good guys. If somebody paid him enough to kill you, he’d probably do it, and without asking too many questions, either. But for most of the time the people he kills deserve it. Throughout all three series Ray remains the beating heart of the show. We see his efforts to hang on to those around him despite the danger his occupation frequently puts them in contrast against his efforts to move forward and let go of his terrible past, particularly his unhappy childhood and abusive father. Unlike Tony Soprano, Ray doesn’t enter therapy at any point, but he is sent to anger management class (for bashing a couple of guys, who deserved it), with hilarious results.

Mr Inbetween is perhaps the finest mediation on violence to have graced our TV screens in recent memory. It asks the tough questions like, when is violence acceptable in society? What happens when the legal system fails us and there’s nowhere left to turn? Is anger always a bad thing? But don’t expect any easy answers. Remember, Ray doesn’t answer questions.

I keep recommending Mr Inbetween to friends who have never heard of it before (I'm sure it might be different in the US and Australia, though), only to have them come back a few days later saying they had to binge the whole first series, and now there are only two series left to watch, and what are they going to do with their lives when the show ends?

Oh, and if you’re worried about the ending, particularly given the phenomena of channels canceling TV shows before the story really plays out, then don’t worry – Mr Inbetween has a proper ending, and it’s perhaps one of the better endings of any TV show on the best streaming services you’ll see.

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Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Feb. 2.

• Permission to build data center in Hertfordshire has been approved
• Owner is likely to be a hyperscaler operator, though application was done by an obscure company
• It is expected to draw 400MVA from the National Grid when it goes live in 2030

Who doesn’t enjoy a good whodunnit? Approval has been granted for a large data center to be built in Hertfordshire, UK, near London’s M25 motorway, but the identity of the future occupant, believed to be a major hyperscale operator (so potentially AWS, Microsoft, Google or Meta), is as yet unknown.

The planning application was submitted last year by DC01 UK Ltd, and approved by Hertsmere Borough Council shortly after the UK Government launched its AI Opportunities Action Plan, for which new AI data centers will play a major role.

Following the news, a spokesperson for DC01UK said, “We want to thank Hertsmere Borough Council for their open and pragmatic approach to DC01UK’s plans. They understand our ambition for both the project and the borough. It will bring huge benefits for local people through a stronger local economy, more skilled jobs and better opportunities. Our plans also include a raft of upgrades for local transport, including new and existing bus routes, expansion of the local cycle hire scheme and road improvements.”

Operational by 2030

DC01UK will be Europe’s largest cloud and AI data center, with up to two million square feet of space, and draw 400MVA (Megavolt-Amperes) of power from the National Grid, which is enough electricity to power 20,000 homes. 400MVA is the total power supplied, including both real power (MW) and reactive power (MVAR, which accounts for inefficiencies in the system). The location of the project, which is just East of South Mimms Services, places it close to the Elstree (Letchmore Heath) substation.

DC01UK claims “Economic projections estimate the construction value of the project at £3.75bn with a year-round generation of £21.4m in business rates once the data center is operational. The positive economic impact of the data center would also see the creation of 500 skilled on-site jobs during the construction phase, 200 permanent, skilled jobs once up and running and a further 13,740 indirect jobs, 10,900 of which would be in the South East. DC01UK is also estimated to generate approximately £1.1 billion per annum GVA (Gross Value Added) indirectly per year.”

The data center will be built in 85 acres of grounds (54 percent of which DC01UK says will be retained as green space) with construction planned to begin in 2027. The data center is expected to become operational three years later in 2030.

As to who that hyperscaler might be? The Register was told by a DC01UK spokesperson, "Since the announcement last September, we've received significant interest and there are active, ongoing discussions that will be finalized in the near future. We will make a further announcement in due course," which seems to suggest that DC01UK doesn’t know who will be moving into its data center just yet either.

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"I think the information that you’re going to have about this is available to you right now,” Stephanie Holmes told workers at Elon Musk's DOGE who pressed for detail on offers of “deferred resignation.”

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 #336) - hint #1 - today's theme What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Album of the year

NYT Strands today (game #336) - hint #2 - clue words

Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.

• GRASS
• DOWLE
• MODE
• WORN
• NOSE
• WINE

NYT Strands today (game #336) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Presented by the Recording Academy

NYT Strands today (game #336) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: top, 1st column

Last side: bottom, 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 #336) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #336, are…

• SWIFT
• WONDER
• HILL
• CROSS
• STYLES
• KING
• JONES
• SPANGRAM: GRAMMY WINNERS

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

This collection of Album of the Year winners omits a few other artists whose names are also words – Beck, Plant (Robert) and Garland (Judy) failing to make the cut.

Meanwhile, JONES could refer to both Norah (who won a Grammy in 2003 for Come Away With Me) and Quincy (whose Back on the Block was a surprise success in 1991). Quincy Jones is also one of only three artists who have won Grammys as an artist and as a producer, the others being Lauryn HILL and Bruno Mars.

Taylor SWIFT holds the record for most Album of the Year victories with four and is among the nominees this year for The Tortured Poets Department.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 1 February, game #335)

• KESTREL
• EAGLE
• HAWK
• CONDOR
• FALCON
• OSPREY
• VULTURE
• SPANGRAM: RAPTORS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and 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.

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 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 #1105) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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 #1105) - hint #2 - repeated letters Do any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 1.

Quordle today (game #1105) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

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

Quordle today (game #1105) - 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 #1105) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• L

• P

• C

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1105) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1105, are…

• LOUSY
• PENNE
• CHUMP
• SALVE

There’s no game like Quordle for feeling like you’re pulling rabbits out of hats getting unlikely words like PENNE. The truth is, it’s not really magic when you’ve only got a few options left, but it can feel like it.

I got SALVE pretty quickly too and I’m sure that’s because it’s cropped up before and is hardwired into my brain somehow.

After yesterday’s wipeout I’ve got my mojo back. For now.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1105) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1105, are…

• LOUSY
• GROSS
• STINK
• ESTER

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1104, Saturday 1 February: FACET, BLISS, FLUFF, FRANK
• Quordle #1103, Friday 31 January: PARER, SYNOD, BRAWN, BANJO
• Quordle #1102, Thursday 30 January: WEEDY, CHIRP, STALE, SUGAR
• Quordle #1101, Wednesday 29 January: CROWN, SCENE, AGILE, CRANK
• Quordle #1100, Tuesday 28 January: TOKEN, DAISY, INANE, PLIED
• Quordle #1099, Monday 27 January: ANGEL, GLOBE, MAYOR, BRAVE
• Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
• Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER
• Quordle #1096, Friday 24 January: GRIND, STOCK, SERVE, TOUCH
• Quordle #1095, Thursday 23 January: RUGBY, SASSY, WORRY, BANAL
• Quordle #1094, Wednesday 22 January: SLANT, TRUNK, WOOZY, EATEN
• Quordle #1093, Tuesday 21 January: CHART, VIGOR, PRINT, SPAWN
• Quordle #1092, Monday 20 January: SIXTY, THONG, TATTY, ROBIN
• Quordle #1091, Sunday 19 January: WREST, RINSE, SCOUR, CANNY
• Quordle #1090, Saturday 18 January: BLARE, ITCHY, BICEP, PIPER
• Quordle #1089, Friday 17 January: CATCH, WEARY, SWOON, LATHE
• Quordle #1088, Thursday 16 January: PARTY, BLUNT, TWEED, PLANT
• Quordle #1087, Wednesday 15 January: RISEN, PLATE, RURAL, ENVOY
• Quordle #1086, Tuesday 14 January: SWARM, SCRAP, ONION, BELCH
• Quordle #1085, Monday 13 January: EYING, GIDDY, CHEAP, PETAL

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 clues.

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 #602) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• SWISS
• SWALLOW
• SORRY
• STREET
• MUNSTER
• MART
• BLUE
• HAWK
• DUCK
• DOWN
• POP
• PARTRIDGE
• GRIFFIN
• GROUSE
• PICKLES
• HANGDOG

NYT Connections today (game #602) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Depressed 
• GREEN: Winged words 
• BLUE: A list missing the Simpsons 
• PURPLE: Think of a letter

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 #602) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: DEJECTED BLUE, DOWN, HANGDOG, SORRY
• GREEN: BIRDS THAT ARE VERBS DUCK, GROUSE, HAWK, SWALLOW
• BLUE: TV COMEDY FAMILIES GRIFFIN, MUNSTER, PARTRIDGE, PICKLES
• PURPLE: WORDS AFTER "K" MART, POP, STREET, SWISS

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

NYT Connections today (game #602) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #602, are…

• YELLOW: DEJECTED BLUE, DOWN, HANGDOG, SORRY
• GREEN: BIRDS THAT ARE VERBS DUCK, GROUSE, HAWK, SWALLOW
• BLUE: TV COMEDY FAMILIES GRIFFIN, MUNSTER, PARTRIDGE, PICKLES
• PURPLE: WORDS AFTER "K" MART, POP, STREET, SWISS

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 2 mistakes

As the owner of a hangdog expression (especially when my team loses), gathering together a bunch of words that mean DEJECTED was a relatively easy task. Less so was the TV COMEDY FAMILIES, which took a mistake to find – my very obvious error being to include SWISS (as in Family Robinson). PICKLES was a guess that I would never have got otherwise, merely based on the fact that I’ve got a friend whose surname is Pickles and I enjoy calling him Mr Pickles.

BIRDS THAT ARE VERBS was my other mistake, as I initially included PARTRIDGE before realising the error of my random ways.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, 1 February, game #601)

• YELLOW: TINT HUE, SHADE, TINGE, TONE
• GREEN: COMPONENTS OF A MYSTERY ALIBI, CLUE, DETECTIVE, SUSPECT
• BLUE: TAKE ISSUE WITH CHALLENGE, CONTEST, DISPUTE, QUESTION
• PURPLE: STRIKE A __ CHORD, DEAL, MATCH, POSE

What is NYT Connections?

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.

A growing number of US government websites have gone offline as of Saturday, including several related to USAID and others focused on youth programs, Africa, and more.