Technology

• AI investment drives competitive advantage and innovation, report claims
• Dedicated AI leadership accelerates organizational efficiency
• Business executives see AI as a long-term asset

AI is reshaping the business landscape, and companies committed to AI investment are likely to reap sustained rewards, new research has claimed.

A report from Unisys reveals as businesses establish structured AI strategies, backed by leadership and a long-term vision, they strengthen their position in an increasingly competitive environment.

AI is expected to be a permanent component of several companies’ strategic roadmap as 93% of executives favor the use of AI to stay ahead of the competition.

Time savings with Chief AI Officers?

Elsewhere, the report claimed 89% of brand executives anticipate their organization’s AI use will rise over the next year, with this growing enthusiasm suggesting businesses recognize AI’s potential to drive efficiency, innovation, and competitive differentiation.

The presence of dedicated AI leadership has proven to accelerate benefits, as 86% of companies with a Chief AI Officer reported substantial time savings.

Moreover, the competitive advantages are evident for companies that approach AI investment strategically. 30% of organizations that have invested in AI as a core component of their business strategy report a noticeable competitive edge.

Executives also recognize AI as a long-term asset, not just a trend. With nearly three-quarters of surveyed executives viewing AI as a reliable source of information, many are committed to sustaining AI’s role in business beyond immediate projects.

The study also indicates 60% of organizations expect to diversify their AI investments across various projects in the coming years, ensuring that AI becomes embedded in different facets of their operations, rather than being limited to isolated use cases.

“As Executives are seeking insights for ROI on AI investments, they should consider AI is designed to help problem-solve — from mundane tasks to complex challenges," said Brett Barton Vice President and Global AI Practice Leader at Unisys.

“This allows organizations to maximize the impact, especially when there is a targeted business challenge. With the right strategy, use case and focus, organizations that deploy AI will thrive."

You might also like

• These are the best AI website builders
• IBM’s geospatial AI models are helping at-risk populations tackle sustainability and climate change
• Millennials are indulging in impulse shopping more than ever

The humble French press is affordable, effective, and hard to mess up. Here are our favorites to make your morning cup of coffee.

• The same iPhones on iOS 18 may also get iOS 19
• One iPad model set to be dropped with iPadOS 19
• Expect official news sometime in June 2025

This year's launch of iOS 18 has brought a host of new features and functions to millions of iPhones, and a new leak suggests the same handsets that can run iOS 18 are going to be eligible for an upgrade to iOS 19 as well.

According to the usually reliable iPhoneSoft (via 9to5Mac), handsets as far back as the iPhone XS and iPhone XR, launched in 2018, are going to be able to get next year's software update. iOS 18, meanwhile, dropped support for the iPhone X and the iPhone 8, which both launched in 2017.

There is a caveat though: not all the new iOS 19 features will be available on all iPhones. This is something we're already used to of course, because recent handsets have the necessary processing power to handle Apple Intelligence, while others don't.

So far we've not heard too much about the upgrades iOS 19 is going to bring along with it, though apparently Apple is planning a ChatGPT-style update for Siri. At the moment of course, you can use ChatGPT inside Siri for more advanced AI conversations.

iPads and launch schedule

The 10.2-inch iPad 7 from 2019 could be missing out (Image credit: Future)

However, the same report says one iPad model will be left behind when iPadOS 19 rolls out. Apparently the 7th-gen entry-level iPad, which launched in 2019 and runs on an Apple A10 chip, won't be compatible.

The new minimum requirement for iPadOS 19 is said to be an A12 chip, which means every other iPad should get the software update. We can expect a similar set of new features to iOS 19, with a few tweaks and extras to account for the tablet form factor.

If Apple sticks to its usual schedule, then the first we'll officially hear about iOS 19 and iPadOS 19 will be at the WWDC (Worldwide Developers Conference) 2025, most likely happening sometime in June. After that, we should get a beta testing period, before a full public release in September 2025.

The new software updates will of course run on the iPhone 17 series, plus whatever new iPads Apple decides to bring out this year. We could well get the 11-generation iPad before 2025 is out, as well as a new 8th-generation iPad Pro.

You might also like

• iOS 18.2 fixes an annoying Photos app quirk
• Apple's rumored iPhone subscription service reportedly scrapped
• Your M4 iPad Pro can finally get iPadOS 18

Just because you use Chrome doesn’t mean you have to use Google. Learn how to invite Bing, DuckDuckGo, Brave, or even ChatGPT into your omnibox.

Wherever astronomers look, they see life’s raw materials—and hints at answers to one of the great mysteries of science.

• Carbon reduction timelines keep shifting forward for European data centers
• Report claims commercial viability comes first as environmental goals are secondary
• Aggreko suggests need for strategic partnerships between companies and energy providers

Data centers are some of the largest energy consumers in Europe, and are facing unique challenges in achieving net zero goals.

A recent survey by Aggreko found volatile energy costs and grid instability are prompting data center operators to rethink their timelines for carbon reduction.

Of the executives surveyed, over 90% have adjusted their net zero targets, with half of those extending their timelines due to these persistent energy-related challenges.

Decentralized energy solutions are gaining traction

For many data centers, achieving sustainability goals requires balancing environmental targets with economic feasibility, especially as energy prices continue to rise.

In response to these energy challenges, data centers are increasingly adopting decentralized energy solutions to mitigate grid dependence and improve resilience. The report claims 87% of European executives are already implementing some form of decentralised energy, with 54% planning to expand these systems.

The move toward decentralization allows data centers to maintain operational stability while reducing reliance on traditional grid energy, which is often unpredictable and expensive. However, even with decentralized systems in place, data center leaders are cautious about fully committing to ambitious decarbonization timelines given current economic constraints.

The situation is dicey for company executives, as despite the urgency of environmental goals, cost and commercial viability remain the top priorities for data center executives. Only 12% of CEOs ranked speed of decarbonization as their primary objective, while the majority prioritize reducing energy costs and achieving a commercial advantage.

As data centers operate on tight profit margins, any investment in sustainable practices must demonstrate a clear return on investment. For many in the sector, this balancing act between sustainability and financial stability is proving complex, with limited capital available for large-scale green initiatives.

A key risk identified in the report is the role of supply chains in delaying the energy transition. Almost half of the executives surveyed see supply chain issues as a significant barrier, with 21% ranking it as their top concern.

As supply chain disruptions persist, securing the technology and resources needed for sustainable upgrades has become a formidable challenge. This uncertainty adds another layer of difficulty to achieving net zero, particularly as data centers attempt to source low-carbon energy options.

To navigate these challenges, Aggreko recommends strategic partnerships between companies and energy providers. By collaborating with energy experts, data centers can better assess options like energy-as-a-service models and power purchase agreements that offer flexible, lower-risk alternatives to traditional energy procurement. These partnerships enable data centers to explore innovative energy strategies without overcommitting financially, a crucial approach for achieving both short- and long-term sustainability goals.

Though current conditions make it difficult to achieve rapid decarbonization, the report suggests that data centers remain committed to sustainability. With 80% of CEOs planning to increase investment in energy solutions, even if only incrementally, there is optimism for continued progress. By adopting a balanced approach that aligns with economic realities, data centers can move towards a sustainable future while managing the operational demands of today’s market.

You might also like

• Data center energy use set to spike ‘six-fold’ in a decade
• Take a look at the best data recovery software
• Data centers are accounting for more and more electricity

A software update was supposed to free up the PS Portal from its reliance on the PS5 and add a world of streamable games to its appeal. In practice, it does nothing of the sort.

Well, it's here: the year 2025, and a new year calls for more movies and shows arriving across the best streaming services, starting with Netflix. This past year has been an eventful one for Netflix with the releases of Rebel Ridge, miniseries Griselda, and of course One Day joining the library of the best Netflix shows and best Netflix movies – and it's only going to get better.

January 1 is packed with a blend of movies including fun family favorites and romance stories, but it's compelling dramas like Lion (2016), Interstellar (2014), and Dallas Buyers Club (2013) that top the list of new Netflix titles. In addition to the usual list of new arrivals, Netflix is also ushering in new original shows, starting with Selling the City on January 3 and as a major fan of Selling Sunset, I'll be sat.

Everything new on Netflix in January 2025

Arriving on January 1

13 Going on 30 (movie)
3 Ninjas: Kick Back (movie)
Apollo 13 (movie)
Blended (movie)
Bruce Almighty (movie)
Colombiana (movie)
Dallas Buyers Club (movie)
Dr. Seuss' The Cat in the Hat (movie)
Dr. Seuss' The Lorax (movie)
Erin Brockovich (movie)
Hotel Transylvania (movie)
Hotel Transylvania 2 (movie)
I Know What You Did Last Summer (movie)
Inception (movie)
Interstellar (movie)
Little Fockers (movie)
Love Actually (movie)
The Love Scam (Netflix original movie)
Meet the Fockers (movie)
Meet the Parents (movie)
Melancholia (movie)
Missing You (Netflix original series)
The Net (movie)
Notting Hill (movie)
Number 24 (Netflix original movie)
Out of Africa (movie)
Rush Hour (movie)
Rush Hour 2 (movie)
Rush Hour 3 (movie)
Schindler's List (movie)
Scooby-Doo (movie)
Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed (movie)
Spider-Man (movie)
Spider-Man 2 (movie)
Spider-Man 3 (movie)

Arriving on January 2

Cunk on Life (TV show)
Stranded with my Mother-in-Law season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 3

Bandidos season 2 (Netflix original series)
Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series)
Shafted (Netflix original series)
Selling The City (Netflix original series)
Umjolo: My Beginning, My End! (Netflix original movie)
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (Netflix original movie)

Arriving on January 4

When the Stars Gossip (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 6

My Happy Marriage season 2 (Netflix original series)
WWE Raw: 2025 (Netflix live event)

Arriving on January 7

The Breakthrough (Netflix original series)
Gabriel Iglesias: Legend of Fluffy (Netflix comedy special)
The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of December 31, 2024 (TV show)
Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action (Netflix original documentary)
Younger seasons 1-7 (TV show)

Arriving on January 8

Dubai Bling season 3 (Netflix original series)
Hound's Hill (Netflix original series)
I AM A KILLER season 6 (Netflix original documentary)
Subteran (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 9

American Primeval (Netflix original series)
Asura (Netflix original series)
I am Ilary (Netflix original series)
Lion (movie)
The Upshaws part 6 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 10

Ad Vitam (Netflix original movie)
Alpha Males season 3 (Netflix original series)
Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 11

SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 13

The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live season 1 (TV show)

Arriving on January 14

Ari Shaffir: America’s Sweetheart (Netflix comedy special)
Single’s Inferno season 4 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 15

Hereditary (movie)
Krapopolis season 1 (TV show)
Public Disorder (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 16

XO, Kitty season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 17

Back in Action (Netflix original movie)
Love Is Blind: Germany (Netflix original series)
Young, Famous & African season 3 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 18

SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 21

The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of January 10, 2025 (TV show)

Arriving on January 22

W.A.G.s to Riches (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 23

NCIS seasons 1-5 (TV show)
The Night Agent season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 24

The Sand Castle (Netflix original movie)

Arriving on January 25

SAKAMOTO DAYS (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 26

You Hurt My Feelings (movie)

Arriving on January 28

The Graham Norton Show: Best Bits: Week of January 17, 2025 (TV show)
Liza Treyger: Night Owl (Netflix comedy special)

Arriving on January 29

Six Nations: Full Contact season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 30

Mo season 2 (Netflix original series)
The Recruit season 2 (Netflix original series)
The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse season 2 (Netflix original series)

Arriving on January 31

Lucca's World (Netflix original movie)
The Snow Girl season 2 (Netflix original series)

You might also like

• 5 of my favorite British TV shows to stream on Netflix with over 80% on Rotten Tomatoes
• Netflix’s #2 most-watched show Black Doves is the spy thriller I didn't know I needed – here are 3 more with over 92% on Rotten Tomatoes
• I can't believe the Eras Tour is over – here are 7 movies and shows on Netflix, Hulu and more to quench your thirst for Taylor Swift

• Google Whisk uses images as inputs instead of text-based prompts
• It's built on Google’s Imagen 3 generative AI model
• The experimental tool is free to try for users in the US

Google’s new AI tool makes it easier to create and remix your visual concepts. Instead of asking you to describe what’s in your mind’s eye, Whisk lets you input three image prompts: one for subject, one for scene and one for style. Whisk takes care of the rest, making it a more intuitive way to experiment with different ideas.

While most of the best AI image generators require you to write a detailed prompt, Whisk handles that behind the scenes. When you drop pictures into the web-based Whisk interface as inspiration, Google’s Gemini model automatically analyzes them and writes a detailed caption for each. These are then fed into the Imagen 3 model, to create a matching image.

For example, you could drop in an image of a car as the subject and a photo of a rural landscape for the scene. You could them add a watercolor as the style to see what Whisk creates. Hit the button and you’ll get a pair of images based on your inputs.

From here, it’s easy to remix the images. The interface allows you to specify additional text-based details to tweak the outcomes. You can also easily drop in different source images or roll the dice if you’re in need of inspiration. New results appear in pairs in the feed, making it an intuitive way to ideate. You can also choose to refine images by revealing the text prompt and adding more details.

Whisk it up

While Whisk is designed to eliminate the need for text-based prompts, Google includes the option to refine the written prompts because results won’t always match up to the source material.

In a blog post about the experimental tool, Google explains that Whisk, “captures your subject’s essence, not an exact replica.” It’s only as effective as Gemini’s analysis of the images you submit. While this is generally very impressive, it also isn’t able to get inside your mind: you might expect Whisk to pull out one detail from an image, where it focuses on another.

The post explains further: “Since Whisk extracts only a few key characteristics from your image, it might generate images that differ from your expectations. For example, the generated subject might have a different height, weight, hairstyle or skin tone. We understand these features may be crucial for your project and Whisk may miss the mark, so we let you view and edit the underlying prompts at any time.”

Even with these shortcomings, Whisk an interesting application of Google’s existing AI tools. The underlying generative models are the same as if you were chatting with Gemini via its text interface. By relying on image inputs, though, Whisk is a more accessible and intuitive way for visual creators to play with their ideas.

Based on early feedback from digital creatives, Google refers to Whisk as “a new type of creative tool” which is intended for “rapid visual exploration, not pixel-perfect edits.”

How to try Google Whisk

Google Whisk is currently only available to users in the US. If you’re based there, you can try it out via your web browser at labs.google/whisk.

The experimental tool is completely free to play with. Data from your experience with Whisk will be fed back to Google to help refine and develop future AI products.

You might also like...

• What is Google Gemini? Everything you need to know
• Best AI image generators
• I tested five AI art generators

With big cash prizes at stake—and AI supercharging research—interspecies translation is closer than ever. But what, if anything, would animals want to tell us?

• Study claims dynamic pricing creates competitive advantages for retailers
• AI enhances real-time pricing adjustments across platforms
• Savvy shoppers track prices for optimal savings

Dynamic pricing has become a cornerstone of modern ecommerce platforms, which increasingly adjust product prices in real-time based on factors such as demand, competition, seasonality, and even localized market conditions.

Unlike traditional fixed pricing, dynamic pricing strategies allow businesses to react swiftly to shifts in the market, helping them to stay competitive and maximize profits. For consumers, this approach means prices can fluctuate frequently, creating both opportunities for savings and challenges in keeping track of the best deals.

With AI and machine learning becoming integral to ecommerce, dynamic pricing is now more sophisticated, with algorithms that analyze vast amounts of data to optimize pricing around the clock.

Good for business, bad for consumer?

Now, a report by Smartproxy has revealed the top five ecommerce platforms with the most fluctuating prices.

Amazon.com leads the way in dynamic pricing, with an average of 12.6 price changes per day, leveraging advanced algorithms to make real-time adjustments. By constantly monitoring competitors, demand, and inventory levels, Amazon ensures its products remain competitively priced, with some reports claiming it updates its prices every 10 minutes.

On the other hand, Amazon’s Canadian site, Amazon.ca, employs a tailored dynamic pricing model that aligns with Canadian market trends. Averaging 4.3 price changes daily, Amazon.ca uses automated repricing tools to keep up with local demand and competitor prices, providing Canadian sellers the flexibility to adjust pricing quickly.

Walmart's Canadian site ranks second for price changes per day, with the report showing it updates around seven times, with supply and demand, seasonality, and promotions all factoring in to the calculation of new prices.

Home furnishings store Wayfair.com uses dynamic pricing as a core component of its strategy. With around 3.6 price adjustments per day, Wayfair also tailors its prices based on seasonality, demand fluctuations, and inventory data.

Rounding out the list, BestBuy.com averages 2.6 price changes per day, using dynamic pricing to respond to competitor promotions and local product availability. Best Buy’s Price Match Guarantee and AI-powered tools further support frequent adjustments, making it a preferred destination for tech-savvy shoppers. By forecasting demand shifts, BestBuy effectively manages its pricing to remain competitive in the U.S. electronics and home appliances market.

“Our industry-first Dynamic Pricing Index was designed to provide a holistic view of the global ecommerce landscape. By evaluating local and regional websites across 40 countries using carefully chosen criteria, we ensured a comprehensive assessment of ecommerce platforms that use dynamic pricing” said Vytautas Savickas, CEO at Smartproxy.

“This data reflects the popularity of the usage of dynamic pricing as well as any price change patterns in the market. We believe that our Dynamic Pricing Index will become a go-to source for various ecommerce businesses that want to improve their user experience, and the whole report will keep savvy online shoppers informed about the most recent developments in this extremely competitive landscape," Savickas added.

You might also like

• These are the best proxy sites around today
• We also list the best datacenter proxy sites
• AWS, Azure and Google Cloud credentials from old accounts are putting businesses at risk

• Synology patches critical zero-click vulnerabilities in NAS devices
• Attackers can exploit vulnerabilities without user interaction
• $260,000 was awarded to researchers for discovering exploits

Synology has recently patched a critical security flaw in its NAS device products which could have allowed hackers to hijack victim units.

The company released two advisories to notify users about patched vulnerabilities in its data storage products, specifically those in Photos for DMS and BeePhotos for BeeStation.

The identified issues, shown off at the recent Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 event, allowed for remote code execution, posing a serious threat as they enabled attackers to take control of affected devices without user interaction.

Critical vulnerabilities revealed

Remote code execution vulnerabilities are especially dangerous as they give attackers the ability to execute arbitrary commands on the device, putting sensitive data at risk.

By addressing these flaws, Synology has ensured users who apply the updates can better protect their devices from potential attacks, as this not only prevents potential remote access, but also reduces the likelihood of ransomware, data theft, and other types of attacks that exploit NAS vulnerabilities.

Devices storing sensitive information are often connected to the internet, therefore they are usually susceptible to attacks. To guard against malicious actors, it is important to employ regular security patches.

Organized by Trend Micro’s Zero Day Initiative (ZDI), Pwn2Own Ireland 2024 awarded over $1 million to white-hat hackers who successfully demonstrated exploits across devices, including NAS systems, cameras, and smart speakers.

Synology was one of the companies with security flaws with its products earning researchers $260,000 in total for their discovered vulnerabilities. The company quickly responded to the competition findings and addressed critical flaws in its products.

Via SecurityWeek

You might also like

• Take a look at our guide to the best external storage
• These are the best portable SSDs
• Hackers are abusing Microsoft tools more than ever before

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 #1063) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1063) - 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 2.

Quordle today (game #1063) - 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 #1063) - 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 #1063) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• D

• S

• P

• C

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

Quordle today (game #1063) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1063, are…

• DOUBT
• SLURP
• PAPER
• CIVIL

A tricky one today. I was doing really well until I guessed PAGER and PAVER ahead of the far more obvious PAPER.

Still, sometimes getting things wrong can help you out and the rare letter V helped me correctly solve CIVIL in the bottom right.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Daily Sequence today (game #1063) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1063, are…

• SHOVE
• DANCE
• GUSTO
• STEEP

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1062, Saturday 21 December: STRIP, BUDGE, SAPPY, SHELF
• Quordle #1061, Friday 20 December: PENAL, EAGLE, DILLY, QUITE
• Quordle #1060, Thursday 19 December: JEWEL, GNOME, TRAMP, IDLER
• Quordle #1059, Wednesday 18 December: LITHE, BIRTH, HUMID, ROBOT
• Quordle #1058, Tuesday 17 December: DOING, ENJOY, SNAKY, AMPLE
• Quordle #1057, Monday 16 December: HYDRO, CREAM, CHIDE, SLIME
• Quordle #1056, Sunday 15 December: DROVE, STILT, LINEN, GIANT
• Quordle #1055, Saturday 14 December: SPIEL, ONSET, TIGER, DITTO
• Quordle #1054, Friday 13 December: ERECT, REBAR, MOIST, IDIOM
• Quordle #1053, Thursday 12 December: MILKY, CRIER, STORK, DRIER
• Quordle #1052, Wednesday 11 December: BRIAR, NASAL, SHARD, FLUFF
• Quordle #1051, Tuesday 10 December: BEGAN, TRIAL, IDEAL, GUIDE
• Quordle #1050, Monday 9 December: TITAN, FORTE, SPEED, BRIAR
• Quordle #1049, Sunday 8 December: BUNCH, SHINY, MOULT, INTRO
• Quordle #1048, Saturday 7 December: SHAKY, CROOK, GHOUL, VERSE
• Quordle #1047, Friday 6 December: BRAWL, UNTIL, DOWRY, STING
• Quordle #1046, Thursday 5 December: AGING, BICEP, CLOVE, SPILL
• Quordle #1045, Wednesday 4 December: JUDGE, GIVER, GNASH, CLOAK
• Quordle #1044, Tuesday 3 December: FUDGE, THICK, CRANK, STASH
• Quordle #1043, Monday 2 December: TROPE, HOVER, SAUNA, SHAPE

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 #560) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• STATS
• CROWN
• ABBOTT
• ELEMENTARY
• NUN
• KEY
• DOME
• ABBA
• LAUREL
• MONK
• COCONUT
• FRY
• SKULL
• BONES
• KAYAK
• KOJAK

NYT Connections today (game #560) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Bodypart lingo
• GREEN: Backwards and forwards
• BLUE: Watching the detectives 
• PURPLE: The other half

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 #560) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: SLANG FOR HEAD
• GREEN: PALINDROMES
• BLUE: POLICE PROCEDURALS 
• PURPLE: FIRST IN A COMEDY DUO 

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

NYT Connections today (game #560) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #560, are…

• YELLOW: SLANG FOR HEAD COCONUT, CROWN, DOME, SKULL
• GREEN: PALINDROMES ABBA, KAYAK, NUN, STATS
• BLUE: POLICE PROCEDURALS BONES, ELEMENTARY, KOJAK, MONK
• PURPLE: FIRST IN A COMEDY DUO ABBOTT, FRY, KEY, LAUREL

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 mistake

Had today’s Connections included the words Noggin, Nut, Helmet, or Bonce then I might not have struggled to see SLANG FOR HEAD so badly. Instead, it was PALINDROMES that hit me first – although that was mainly because I couldn’t see how Swedish pop legends ABBA could connect with anything else, unless there was an obscure 1970s Eurovision act called KOJAK, which is entirely possible.

According to Wikipedia the longest palindrome in regular use is the 19-letter Finnish word saippuakivikauppias (soapstone vendor).

Wikipedia also directs us to some palindrome phrases including “A man, a plan, a canal, Panama” to which I’m sure you could add “a KAJAK” (or a saippuakivikauppias), and the eternal question “Do geese see god?”

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, 21 December, game #559)

• YELLOW: LOOP BAND, CIRCLE, HOOP, RING
• GREEN: COOKING VESSELS CASSEROLE, CROCK, PAN, POT
• BLUE: KINDS OF BEDS BUNK, CANOPY, MURPHY, SLEIGH
• PURPLE: THINGS CALLED "OSCAR" BALONEY, GROUCH, O, STATUETTE

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.

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Are you listening?

NYT Strands today (game #294) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• WINK
• RING
• KING
• WREN
• RENT
• ANGEL

NYT Strands today (game #294) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• We’re happy tonight

NYT Strands today (game #294) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 3rd row

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

NYT Strands today (game #294) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #294, are…

• SNOW
• BELLS
• GLISTENING
• WALKING
• SLEIGH
• SPANGRAM: WINTER WONDERLAND

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

Taking words from the first verse of WINTER WONDERLAND made today’s Strands a breeze – and I’m sure you were singing about Parson Brown by the time you completed it.

It’s one of those songs that’s hard to ruin, which makes it the perfect karaoke song – perfect except for the fact that it only really works for one month a year.

In the UK, it’s a song that’s been co-opted by soccer fans, who will change the words to fit their star striker with a few variations to fit the club and player. For example, in Scotland in the 1990s Celtic fans would honor goalscorer Jorge Cadete with the chant:

“There’s only one Jorge Cadete / He puts the ball in the netty / He’s Portuguese / and he scores with ease / Walking in a Jorge Wonderland.”

Erm, what I was saying about being a song that’s hard to ruin… I take it back.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, 21 December, game #293)

• ABBEY
• TABERNACLE
• MOSQUE
• TEMPLE
• MONASTERY
• SPANGRAM: SACRED SPACES

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.

• Shuttle XH610G2 offers compact design supporting Intel Core processors up to 24 cores
• Exclusive heat pipe technology ensures reliable operation in demanding environments
• Flexible storage options include M.2 slots and SATA interfaces

Shuttle has released its latest mini PC, aimed at meeting the diverse demands of modern commercial tasks.

With a small 5-liter chassis and a compact design measuring just 250mm x 200mm x 95mm, the Shuttle XH610G2 employs the Intel H610 chipset, making it compatible with a broad spectrum of Intel Core processors, from the latest 14th Gen models back to the 12th Gen series.

The company says the device is designed to handle applications that require significant computational power like image recognition, 3D video creation, and AI data processing.

Shuttle XH610G2

The Shuttle XH610G2 comes with an exclusive heat pipe cooling technology which allows the workstation to operate reliably even in demanding environments, being capable of withstanding temperatures from 0 to 50 degrees Celsius, making it suitable for continuous operation in various commercial settings.

The Shuttle XH610G2 can accommodate Intel Core models with up to 24 cores and a peak clock speed of 5.8GHz. This processing power allows the workstation to handle intensive tasks while staying within a 65W thermal design power (TDP) limit. The graphics are enhanced by the integrated Intel UHD graphics with Xe architecture, offering capabilities to manage demanding visual applications, from high-quality media playback to 4K triple-display setups. The inclusion of dual HDMI 2.0b ports and a DisplayPort output facilitates independent 4K display support.

The XH610G2 offers extensive customization and scalability with support for dual PCIe slots, one x16 and one x1, allowing users to install discrete graphics cards or other high-performance components like video capture cards.

For memory, the XH610G2 supports up to 64GB of DDR5-5600 SO-DIMM memory, split across two slots, making ideal for resource-intensive applications, providing the system with the necessary power to handle complex computational tasks efficiently. Running at a low 1.1V, this memory configuration also minimizes energy consumption, which can be a significant advantage in environments conscious of power usage.

In terms of storage, this device features a SATA 6.0Gb/s interface for a 2.5-inch SSD or HDD, along with two M.2 slots for NVMe and SATA storage options. Users are recommended to choose a SATA SSD over a traditional HDD to ensure faster performance.

The I/O options on the XH610G2 further enhance its flexibility, with four USB 3.2 Gen 1 ports, two Ethernet ports, one supporting 1GbE and another 2.5GbE, and an optional RS232 COM port offering enhanced compatibility for specialized peripheral connections, which can be particularly useful in industrial or legacy environments.

Furthermore, the compact chassis includes M.2 expansion slots for both WLAN and LTE adapters, providing options for wireless connectivity that can be critical in setups where wired connections are not feasible.

You might also like

• SSD vs HDD: which is best for your needs?
• Take a look at the best business laptops
• These are the best business VPNs