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Bose was one of the very first firms to make a hugely impressive portable Bluetooth speaker, the 2013 SoundLink Mini: I had mine for the best part of a decade and it consistently outperformed its newer rivals with its surprisingly powerful and deep sound. Its bombproof construction meant it shrugged off years of terrible treatment too. It was the Nokia 3310 of Bluetooth speakers, so I'm intrigued to see that there's a new addition to the SoundLink family, the Bose SoundLink Home. 

The SoundLink Home is a little larger than the Mini, coming in at 8.5 inches wide, 4.4 inches high and 2.3 inches deep. But it's still small – roughly the size of a paperback book – and it weighs just under two pounds. That and a rechargeable battery means it's easy to move around. And I don't doubt that this speaker will sound good: Bose is great at making small speakers sound massive.

Bose SoundLink Home: key features and pricing

As you can see from the image, the SoundLink Home is a good-looking thing. It's available in two finishes, silver or gray; the gray's more of a pewter. Both models also have a built-in stand and a microphone for calls and voice control.

Inside there is a full-range transducer and twin passive radiators that, according to Bose, provide deep bass and "a sensorial experience defying its size".

Connectivity is via Bluetooth 5.3 and battery life is a promised nine hours, which is very short – this clearly isn't designed to be taken away for a weekend in the way that many of the best portable speakers can, but rather just around the home. Charging is via the obligatory USB-C and takes four hours for a full charge. The same USB-C connector can be used to connect the Bose speaker to your laptop or other music source, and you can pair two SoundLink Home speakers together for a stereo soundtrack.

The Bose SoundLink Home is available now in the US for $219 (about £165 / AU$315) – we don't have confirmation of a worldwide launch, but we expect it to follow.

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Netflix has finally unveiled a bunch of first-look images of its next big-budget sci-fi movie The Electric State – and, based on initial online reactions, nobody's quite sure what to make of it.

The official screenshots (see below) offer a first glimpse at Joe and the next expensively-assembled Netflix sci-fi buddy comedy film from Joe and Anthony Russo, aka the Russo brothers. The directing duo, who are best known for their work on numerous Marvel movies, have assembled a starry cast for The Electric State, with Stranger Things' Millie Bobby Brown and Guardians of the Galaxy's Chris Pratt installed as co-leads.

Here's a first look at Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt in The Electric State. Directed by the Russo Brothers. Coming 2025.After a robot uprising in the '90s, an orphaned teen searching for her brother travels the American West with a robot, a smuggler, and his sidekick. pic.twitter.com/SOO9uizt3XOctober 1, 2024

The forthcoming flick, which will be one of 2025's new Netflix movies, is based on Simon Stålenhag's dystopian sci-fi graphic novel of the same name. Set in an alternate reality in 1997, the multitalented Swedish artist's book follows a teenage girl and her robot companion as they traverse the southwest US following a technology-based catastrophe.

What is The Electric State's plot about? And who else is part of the cast?

The Electric State is set in an alternate reality in the 1990s. (Image credit: Netflix)

As The Electric State movie adaptation's logline suggests, Netflix has slightly altered the source material's story to tell a more elaborate tale that puts a greater emphasis on hot topics including artificial intelligence, plus universal themes about what it means to be human. Here's a comprehensive plot brief, courtesy of a Netflix press release for anyone who wants more details:

"Set in an alternate, retro-futuristic version of the 1990s, Brown stars as Michelle, an orphaned teenager navigating life in a society where sentient robots resembling cartoons and mascots, who once served peacefully among humans, now live in exile following a failed uprising. 

"Everything Michelle thinks she knows about the world is upended one night when she’s visited by Cosmo, a sweet, mysterious robot who appears to be controlled by Christopher – Michelle’s genius younger brother whom she thought was dead. Determined to find the beloved sibling she thought she had lost, Michelle sets out across the American southwest with Cosmo, and soon finds herself reluctantly joining forces with Keats (Pratt), a low-rent smuggler, and his wisecracking robot sidekick, Herman (voiced by Anthony Mackie). 

"As they venture into the Exclusion Zone, a walled-off corner in the desert where robots now exist on their own, Keats and Michelle find a strange, colorful group of new animatronic allies – and begin to learn that the forces behind Christopher’s disappearance are more sinister than they ever expected."

Joining Brown, Pratt, and Mackie on the cast roster are Ke Huy Quan (Loki), Jason Alexander, Woody Norman, Giancarlo Esposito (The Mandalorian), and Stanley Tucci (Citadel). Woody Harrelson (Zombieland), Brian Cox (Succession), Jenny Slate (It Ends With Us), Hank Azaria (The Simpsons), Colman Domingo (Sing Sing), and Alan Tudyk (Star Wars: Rogue One) are also part of the film's A-list supporting voice cast.

What are people saying about The Electric State?

The internet has already started *ahem* taking aim at The Electric State. (Image credit: Netflix)

As I mentioned, The Electric State is only tentatively scheduled to arrive sometime in 2025. However, given the wide-ranging opinions I've already seen about it online, I can't confidently say it'll deserve a spot on our best Netflix movies list yet.

While it looks visually impressive and has a talented cast full of household names, movies of this scale and budget can't simply rely on its A-listers and looks to get by. Viewers want substance to go along with a film's style so, until we get a sense of how The Electric State sounds and feels – a trailer would help, Netflix – it's impossible to tell if it'll be one of the best new movies we'll see next year.

That hasn't stopped people from offering their thoughts on The Electric State's debut images, though. Threads on forums like ResetEra and Reddit are packed with fans voicing their opinions on, well, everything. Indeed, from its skilled but polarizing cast and the Russo brothers' post-MCU track record, to the blockbuster's evidently massive budget and even the hairstyles that Michelle, Keats, and Quan's Doctor Amherst have, fans have got plenty to say about the forthcoming flick.

Clearly, nothing about The Electric State is safe from being critiqued and/or praised before it arrives on the world's best streaming service. So, buckle up folks, it's going to a bumpy ride in the lead up to its eventual launch.

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The latest financial report from developer and publisher CI Games reveals some interesting tidbits about the company’s upcoming slate of titles. Some of the biggest takeaways include the fact that development on the next Lords of the Fallen installment is underway, in addition to a new Sniper Ghost Warrior game.

As detailed in the lengthy report, the company is planning to release a major upcoming game in each of the next three years. This includes the “next major installment” in the Lords of the Fallen series, currently called “Project III”. The project is in full production at developer Hexworks and is expected to be announced in 2025 with release to follow in 2026.

We also know that the company aims to achieve “increased appeal and accessibility” with “elevated production values” and full co-op play in this title. The game will receive “major investment” from Epic Games too, in exchange for PC exclusivity to the Epic Games Store.

A new Sniper Ghost Warrior game is also on the horizon. Known as “Project SGW Evolved”, the title is currently in the pre-production phase at both CI Games and an unknown partner studio. It will be built on Unreal Engine 5 and introduce “survival genre elements” to the shooter franchise. It is currently targeting a 2027 release.

Finally, there's also the mysterious “Project H”. This is an all-new “major action-RPG IP” within the fantasy genre. Details are very scarce right now, but it is in the pre-production phase at developer Underdog Studio using Unreal Engine 5 and is aiming for a 2028 release.

Overall, it seems like a pretty diverse and well-rounded set of games. It’s probably a little too early to start getting properly excited, but we were big fans of the last Lords of the Fallen entry. Hardware Editor Rhys Wood branded it “an expertly crafted soulslike with innovative mechanics” and awarded it a glowing four out of five stars in our Lords of the Fallen review when it was released in October last year. It currently sits on our list of the best soulslike games, too.

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New research from online developer community Stack Overflow has revealed the most popular programming languages its developers use.

Unsurprisingly, JavaScript remains the most popular language among the more than 3,000 UK developers surveyed, with three in five (63%) using the language regularly.

HTML/CSS (54%), SQL (52%) and Python (51%) also ranked highly, which isn’t shocking considering these languages have dominated the programming landscape for some time now.

These are the most popular programming languages

Bash/Shell (39%), TypeScript (37%), C# (34%), Java (22%), C++ (21%) and PowerShell (18%) rounded up the list of the top 10 most commonly used languages among UK respondents.

Despite JavaScript’s dominance, the survey highlighted a shift in preferences for the future, with Python coming out as the language that developers are most eager to use. More than two in five (43%) said that Python would be their top choice over the next 12 months.

The language has a reputation for being easy to learn, but it’s also versatile, well suited to automation and works across a variety of platforms.

Only 40% of developers intend on continuing using JavaScript, which could be a sign of its demise.

The study also placed the UK on a scale of more than 65,000 global respondents, highlighting that British developers typically have one more year of coding experience compared with US respondents, and two more than Canadian developers.

Besides analyzing current trends, the study also looks at the future of programming both in terms of developer interest and demand, uncovering areas for personal development that could prove lucrative for programmers.

Stack Overflow uncovered decreasing median salaries across many popular languages. Nim, Erlang and Apex were the only three to attract a higher salary in 2024 compared with 2023, which indicates potential future growth due to increasing demand.

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There are many terrible things in this world, and I think we can all agree that running speaker cables is one of the worst. That’s one of the reasons why the best soundbars now have wireless subwoofers and sometimes wireless surround speakers too, but many of those options are manufacturer-specific and some wireless connections are laggy or lossy.

US firm Fasetto thinks it has a better option: Dolby Atmos via your home's power lines. Its Audio Cu system delivers audio without lengthy cabling, and it's just been certified for Dolby Atmos.

Audio Cu works in much the same way as powerline networking devices do: it sends signals over the in-wall wiring in your home. Audio signals are sent from a transmitter attached to your TV or AV receiver, decoded by boxes that receive the signals, and then sent to your speakers as normal. The system supports surround sound setups up to 7.1.2 with Dolby Atmos and should work with any speakers with the familiar black and red wiring terminals. 

That's the good news. Now for the potentially not-so-good.

How much does wireless surround sound cost?

We don't know the price yet, but it isn't likely to be cheap. We know that you'll need an Audio Cu receiver for each speaker as well as the main Audio Cu transmitter you'll attach to one of the best TVs or an audio source; each receiver will need to be its own amplifier as well as a receiver, and of course that ups the cost somewhat. As the technology is largely the same as powerline networking, a look at the best powerline adapters gives some indication of what the prices will be at a minimum.

Is it worth it? According to the firm, latency is down to less than 20 milliseconds, there's virtually no packet loss, and the signals are not affected by interference, which can be an issue with over-the-air wireless connections. A single transmitter can handle up to 10 channels of audio, and if you have a mansion you can run up to six transmitters in separate setups in the same home, with a max of 32 audio channels in total. You don't need an AV receiver (though if you have one of the best 4K projectors, you may well be using one anyway), and all the EQ and configuration is done in the iOS or Android app. You'll also be able to control the volume via your TV or projector.

According to Fasetto, "The future of home audio connectivity has arrived with AUDIO Cu" and the firm is "the only company that has overcome all the obstacles of moving data cleanly over power lines in all environments". If the system is as good as it sounds, it could be an interesting option for people who want a home theater setup without installing cables or running them across the floor. You can find out more on the Fasetto website. 

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Microsoft has officially confirmed it will be halting production and sales of its HoloLens mixed reality headsets.

In a statement to UploadVR, the company said it has ended production of the HoloLens 2 device, the latest model (albeit one released in 2019), with customers only now able to buy new devices while stock lasts.

Microsoft HoloLens 2 will continue to receive "updates to address critical security issues and software regressions" until December 31 2027, the company noted.

Farewell Microsoft HoloLens

The news may come as little surprise, as Microsoft has not been focusing too much attention on HoloLens in recent years, as the company's focus drifts more towards AI, despite HoloLens 2 users finally getting a Windows 11 software update in April 2023.

The original HoloLens headset, which will see software support end on December 10, 2024, was launched in 2016, with the company promising a new age of augmented and virtual reality experiences.

However initial reception and sales were poor, as was the case for the HoloLens 2, partly due to its $3,500 price tag at launch, which placed it firmly in the range of enterprises only.

This included specialist editions built for the US Department of Defense, with the US Army remaining committed to the wide-scale test of its HoloLens IVAS device in 2025. An initial order of 5,000 headsets, thought to be worth around $373 million, was signed off by Assistant Secretary for Acquisition Douglas Bush in September 2022 following successful field tests.

The company had apparently been considering plans for a HoloLens 3 device, but appeared to quietly drop this following layoffs and financial cutbacks that affected the project’s workers.

The former head of the HoloLens division, Alex Kipman, also departed Microsoft in 2022 following misconduct allegations, with the likes of Meta and Apple making the headset space far more congested.

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The iPhone 16 line has only recently landed at the time of writing, and yet there are already numerous iPhone 17 claimed leaks – some of which emerged even before the launch of Apple’s latest phones.

As such – even though we’re not expecting the iPhone 17 and its siblings to launch before September 2025 – we already have some idea of what to expect from these phones. That includes camera upgrades, yet another new button, better screens, and even an entire new model.

Below then, you’ll find full details of all the credible leaks and rumors we’ve heard so far, and we’ll be updating this article whenever we hear anything new.

Cut to the chase

• What is it? The next flagship iPhone
• When is it out? Probably September 2025
• How much will it cost? Likely upwards of $799 / £799 / AU$1,399

A predictable release date

The iPhone 16 (Image credit: Future)

• Likely to be announced in the first half of September
• Could start at upwards of $799 / £799 / AU$1,399

There aren’t any iPhone 17 release date rumors yet, but we don’t really need any, as Apple tends to follow a highly predictable pattern.

As such, based on past form we predict that the iPhone 17 will be announced in the first half of September 2025. Typically Apple announces the device on a Tuesday or Wednesday, but the company broke with that pattern for the iPhone 16 and used a Monday, so we aren’t totally confident of the exact day.

That said, Apple more often uses the second week of the month, so it could be announced sometime between Monday, September 8, and Friday, September 12, with September 8, 9, or 10 being most likely based on the weekdays Apple usually goes with.

In any case, the phones will likely then go up for pre-order on the Friday of their announcement week (meaning probably Friday September 12 or failing that September 5 if our guesses are right), and then ship on the following Friday, which would probably be September 19 but could be September 12.

As for the price, the only leak there so far is for a new model possibly dubbed the iPhone 17 Slim or iPhone 17 Air (more on which below), but a report suggests this slimmer iPhone 17 model could have a starting price of $1,299 (about £1,000 / AU$1,950).

We would however take that with a pinch of salt, as that would be a higher price than the current top iPhone, and some other leaks suggest this would be positioned more in the middle of the pack.

In any case, we can look at previous pricing for possible starting prices of the other models. The iPhone 16 then starts at $799 / £799 / AU$1,399, the iPhone 16 Plus starts at $899 / £899 / AU$1,599, the iPhone 16 Pro starts at $999 / £999 / AU$1,799, and the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199 / £1,199 / AU$2,149, so successors to these models are likely to cost at least this much.

Can you trust these rumors?

We wouldn't count on the iPhone 17 Air's price being as high as we've heard, since this is more likely to sit around the middle of the range, and since no other leaks have mentioned pricing yet. The release date for all these phones will very likely be in September though.

A new model

We might not get a successor to the iPhone 16 Plus (Image credit: Future)

• An iPhone 17 Air rather than a Plus model
• Also expect an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max

You won’t be surprised to hear that we’re expecting an iPhone 17, an iPhone 17 Pro, and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, but what about the iPhone 17 Plus? Well, while that’s a possibility, several leaks have suggested that there might be a slimmer and more expensive iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim instead.

There’s also an outside chance that we’ll see an iPhone 17 Ultra, either instead of or as well as the iPhone 17 Pro Max. This would be an ultra-premium model that would sit at the top of the line. But that’s seeming less likely, as it’s not something that’s been leaked recently.

Claims of an iPhone 17 Air though have arrived relatively recently, and from a number of reputable sources, so there’s every chance we could see a super-slim iPhone in 2025.

Can you trust these rumors?

Numerous reputable sources have pointed to an iPhone 17 Air or iPhone 17 Slim, so we'd think this is likely to make an appearance, though what it will actually be called is less clear, and we wouldn't count on seeing an iPhone 17 Ultra.

A new button

The iPhone 16 Pro (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A 120Hz screen for all four models
• A new button in place of the Action and volume buttons

We haven’t heard much about the design of the iPhone 17 series yet, but one leak suggests that these phones could have another new button – this time a single button that would replace the Action button and both volume keys.

Details of this possible button are limited, but it’s easy to imagine it could work like the Camera Control key, allowing you to swipe to change the volume, and press it to launch an app or feature of your choice. Perhaps it would even accept both light and strong presses to launch different things.

And in a less likely leak, we’ve heard that Apple could equip some or all iPhone 17 models with under-display Face ID.

We’ve also elsewhere heard that the iPhone 17 Pro Max could have a narrower Dynamic Island than the current model, and that it will unsurprisingly have a titanium frame, while the other models will apparently have a “more complex” aluminum shell.

The same source also claims that the iPhone 17 will have a 6.1-inch screen, the iPhone 17 Air a 6.6-inch one, the iPhone 17 Pro will have a 6.3-inch display, and the iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a 6.9-inch one. So that’s the same sizes as the iPhone 16 line, albeit the rumored new Air model could have a slightly smaller screen than the Plus model it might replace.

There’s some disagreement on the iPhone 17 Air’s screen size though, with leaker Ross Young claiming it will be slightly smaller at 6.55 inches, while @UniverseIce says to expect a 6.65-inch screen.

We've also heard that all four iPhone 17 models could have a 120Hz refresh rate and an always-on display. In fact, several sources have echoed this, saying that the base iPhone 17 will join its Pro siblings in having a 120Hz refresh rate and and always-on screen.

So this wouldn’t be an upgrade for the Pro models, but it would be for the standard iPhone 17, and for the iPhone 17 Plus if we get such a phone.

Finally, we’ve heard that the iPhone 17 line’s screens might use a type of glass that’s tougher to scratch and cuts down on reflections.

Can you trust these rumors?

Apple bringing 120Hz screens to all four models is long overdue, so we certainly hope that's true, and it has been tipped enough that for now we'd say it's likely.

The talk of a new button is something we're less sure about, just because only one source has mentioned it so far, and they have a mixed track record.

More megapixels

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A new 48MP telephoto camera for the Pro models
• New 24MP selfie cameras for all models

The iPhone 17 line could include several significant camera upgrades, including a new 24MP front-facing camera for every iPhone 17 model, up from 12MP on the current phones. It’s a claim this source (Jeff Pu) has made multiple times.

The same source also points to a 48MP telephoto camera for the iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, up from 12MP currently. We’ve also heard analyst Ming-Chi Kuo say similar, though they weren’t sure whether both Pro models would get this, or if only the iPhone 17 Pro Max would get a 48MP telephoto camera.

And leaker @UniverseIce has also said that the Pro models will have a trio of 48MP cameras, meaning an upgrade for the telephoto but not – at least in terms of megapixels – for the main or ultra-wide cameras.

Finally, we’ve heard that Apple might be planning a camera with a mechanical aperture for at least one phone in the iPhone 17 series. This would allow you to adjust the size of the aperture, and therefore the depth of field.

Can you trust these rumors?

The front-facing and telephoto cameras seem obvious upgrade choices in the iPhone 17 line, as their megapixel counts are noticeably lower than some of the other cameras. So there's a good chance those leaks will prove accurate.

A boost in power

The iPhone 16 Pro Max (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)

• A powerful new A19 Pro chipset
• Up to 12GB of RAM

One leak suggests that – unsurprisingly – the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max will have a new A19 Pro chipset, and that the other models will have either an A18 or A19 chipset. The same source also says to expect 12GB of RAM in the Pro models, up from 8GB currently, but that the standard iPhone 17 and the iPhone 17 Slim will only have 8GB.

Another source has echoed this, saying to expect an A19 Pro chipset and 12GB of RAM in the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max. This chipset will reportedly be built on a new 3-nanometer manufacturing process, which could mean a big jump in performance.

That said, analyst Ming-Chi Kuo claims that only the iPhone 17 Pro Max will get 12GB of RAM, with the others stuck at 8GB, and that the Pro Max will also have an upgraded cooling system, and exclusively have “enhanced on-device AI capabilities.”

Kuo also claims that the iPhone 17 line could use a lighter and thinner motherboard, which would leave room for other components or a larger battery.

There’s also an outside chance that some or all iPhone 17 models could include under-display Touch ID, giving you a fingerprint sensor as well as Face ID, but we doubt that.

Can you trust these rumors?

New chipsets are sure to make an appearance, and we'd expect at least some models would get boosted to 12GB of RAM, especially as this could help with AI.

We'd be quite surprised though if Touch ID makes a return, even in under-display form.

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For several years now, Apple has positioned the iPhone SE as a cut-price way into the iPhone ecosystem. Yet ever since the iPhone X’s all-screen era, the iPhone SE has been something of a throwback, with its chunky bezels and Home button keeping it lodged in yesteryear. Despite all that, though, Apple’s most affordable iPhone could be about to leap into the modern age – something that could happen as soon as early next year.

That’s according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman, at least, who has just claimed that Apple is getting ready to launch the iPhone SE 4 in early 2025. The idea, Gurman says, is to add more modern features and designs in an attempt to woo budget-minded buyers.

Those features will apparently include an edge-to-edge display that drops the Home button and thick top and bottom bezels. That will pave the way for Face ID to come to the iPhone SE, drastically improving its security over the Home button’s Touch ID. The overall design, Gurman says, will resemble that of the iPhone 14, “including the notch cutout at the top.”

As well as that, the new iPhone SE will support Apple Intelligence, Apple’s brand-new artificial intelligence (AI) suite. And although Gurman didn’t specify it in his latest report, the inclusion of Apple Intelligence means that the iPhone SE will need a new, powerful chip in order to run the AI system. This would have to be at least an Apple A17 Pro but could potentially be an A18 to match the chip found in the iPhone 16.

A powerful new device

(Image credit: Shutterstock / Mr.Mikla)

Gurman has a strong track record when it comes to Apple leaks, and he’s far from the only voice saying a new iPhone SE is on the way. Indeed, rumors have been swirling for years that the device is due for a major upgrade.

For example, display expert Ross Young has claimed that the iPhone SE’s display will be 5.7 to 6.1 inches across, putting it in line with anything from the iPhone X to the iPhone 11 and up. The thing that all those phones have in common? An all-screen display with no Home button, further reinforcing Gurman’s claims.

Other leaks have suggested the iPhone SE will have an Action button and USB-C port, as well as an OLED display and a single 48MP camera. If all these rumors are correct, the lone camera would be one of the few things to make the iPhone SE a clear step below models like the iPhone 16. There’s also no mention from Gurman of the new Camera Control, which if absent could further demarcate the iPhone SE from the rest of Apple’s modern mobile range.

But with an all-screen display, Apple Intelligence, a powerful chip and much more, the upcoming iPhone SE could be a very attractive option to prospective iPhone buyers – and it might even make the iPhone 16 sweat in comparison.

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If you're looking to buy one of the best phones on the market then you'll want to gather as much context as you can – in which case the latest benchmark head-to-head between Apple's iPhone 16 and the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE might be of interest.

According to tests run by GSMArena (via SamMobile), Samsung's more affordable handset beats out the Apple phone in the Solar Bay graphics benchmark, which tests ray tracing – a more realistic way of rendering light and shadow in games.

Specifically, the test puts the Apple A18 chip inside the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus up against the Samsung Exynos 2400e, which is a tweaked version of the chip found in the Galaxy S24 and the Galaxy S24 Plus in certain regions.

Head to our iPhone 16 review and Galaxy S24 FE hands-on pages and you'll see these phones are going to set you back from $799 / £799 / AU$1,399 and $649 / £649 / AU $1,099 respectively, with the same amount of storage, so there's quite a price jump.

What these benchmarks mean

The iPhone 16 from Apple (Image credit: Future)

It's important to emphasize that the A18 chip beats the Exynos 2400e in most of the general benchmarking tests run by GSMArena – and quite comprehensively. There's no doubt that overall, the iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus are the faster phones.

The Apple handsets also win out when it comes to the Wild Life Extreme benchmark, a more complete graphics test. So why does ray tracing matter? It suggests Apple still has some work to do on gaming performance – and that the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE might be more powerful in certain areas than you would expect, given its price tag and specs.

You do actually get hardware acceleration included on the Exynos 2400e, which is manufactured in partnership with AMD, despite the lower price. What's more, when it comes to any kind of measurement in these benchmarks, the Galaxy S24 FE isn't far behind the more powerful Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S24 Plus options.

It's a somewhat surprising result for the Samsung Galaxy S24 FE to beat the iPhone 16 in any department – even if it's only in one benchmark – and suggests the Samsung handset might be worth adding to our best gaming phone list as a mid-range option.

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Robin fans, it's your favorite character's – or, should I say, favorite characters' – time to shine, because a dual Robin-starring movie is in active development at DC Studios.

Announced by studio co-chief James Gunn yesterday (October 1), the movie, titled Dynamic Duo, will bring the two most famous Robins – Dick Grayson and Jason Todd – together for an origins story team-up film on the big screen. It's the first collaboration between DC Studios and Warner Bros. Pictures Animation since the former was set up in the wake of the now-defunct DC Extended Universe (DCEU).

Per Gunn's Instagram post (see below), Dynamic Duo will be an animated flick that'll curiously combine animation, puppetry, and computer generated imagery (CGI) to deliver a striking visual style to audiences when the movie is eventually released.

A post shared by James Gunn (@jamesgunn)

A photo posted by on

Swaybox, a visionary animation studio based in New Orleans, is leading development on Dynamic Duo. A company that's quickly earning a reputation for its ground-breaking technology, Swaybox pioneered a visual style known as 'Momo animation', which blends puppetry with CGI, stop-motion animation, and live-action real-time performance. Matt Aldritch, who penned the scripts for Pixar movies Coco and Lightyear, is writing its screenplay, while Swaybox's co-founder Arthur Mintz is on directing duties.

Interestingly, Matt Reeves, who co-wrote and directed The Batman, and who executively produced that movie's TV spin-off The Penguin, is producing Dynamic Duo through his 6th & Idaho production company. However, as reported by Deadline, Dynamic Duo won't be part of Reeves' Bat-Verse, which is now known as The Batman Epic Crime Saga. So, Dynamc Duo's iteration of Grayson and Todd won't cross paths with Robert Pattinson's Dark Knight on the big screen, nor Colin Farrell's Oz Cobb in The Penguin, which is currently airing on Max and HBO (US), Sky and Now TV (UK), and Binge (Australia).

According to Variety, it'll tell the tale of Grayson and Todd, whose seemingly unbreakable friendship is tested when their contrasting ideals of the future butt heads as they grow and mature. It's unclear if the film will be set in Gotham City, feature Batman in a supporting or cameo role, or see Grayson and Todd become the vigilantes Nightwing and Red Hood as they do in the comics.

Is Dynamic Duo part of the DCU, DC Elseworlds, or a standalone movie?

I really think this will be an adaptation of nightwing year one. With it being the origin of nightwing and the origin of Jason as robin. Especially since that article removed the “orphan thieves” bit. Dick even calls them a dynamic duo in the story. https://t.co/4C7Rcop4Xe pic.twitter.com/N3dIjFGLRKOctober 1, 2024

I've got plenty of questions about Dynamic Duo since I learned about its existence, three of which are based around what I wrote in the final sentence of the previous paragraph. However, the biggest question that I – and, judging by what I've seen online since Dynamic Duo was officially unveiled, many other DC fans – have is whether it's part of Gunn and Peter Safran's new-look DC Cinematic Universe (DCU) or not.

Indeed, a cursory glance at numerous social media platforms and forums – including Reddit, X/Twitter, Instagram, and ResetEra – suggests I'm not the only one who's confused about Dynamic Duo's place in DC Studios' increasingly convoluted lineup of movies and TV shows. We know it won't be part of The Batman Epic Crime Saga, but is a DCU project and, if so, will it be added to DCU Chapter One's schedule? If the answer is no, will it fall under DC Studios' Elseworlds banner? Or, because it isn't a live-action property, will it be a standalone production that sits independent of everything else being developed at the Warner Bros. Pictures-owned company?

Without word from Gunn, Safran, Reeves, or anyone else involved in its development, my initial reaction is that it'll be an Elseworlds project. The Batman Epic Crime Saga and Todd Phillips' Joker film universe have been classed as Elseworlds franchises, so logic dictates that Dynamic Duo will do likewise. I've reached out to Warner for an official comment on this and I'll report back if I receive a response. Until then, we're still none the wiser about how Dynamic Duo will fit into the ever-expanding slate of DC Studios productions.

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New code unearthed in the latest Google Messages app update has revealed Google could be planning to bring Rich Communication Services (RCS) messaging to Wear OS smartwatches in the not-too-distant future.

While many of the best smartwatches on the market run Google's Wear OS software, the wearable operating system still has some key limitations. Notably, messaging via Google Messages is restricted to texts routed to your smartwatch from your Android phone. Ditch your phone for a run or leave it behind, and you can't send or receive messages.

That could soon be about to change. Android Authority reports that an APK teardown of the new Google Messages beta "has added some flags that indicate standalone RCS is coming to Wear OS smartwatches." Specifically, lines of code seem to include references to Wear OS and standalone messaging support.

AA reports "it is reasonably straightforward to conclude that standalone RCS is coming to Wear OS smartwatches."

A huge boon for Wear OS

(Image credit: Google)

This would be a major overhaul to the messaging experience on Wear OS smartwatches like the Google Pixel Watch 3 and the Samsung Galaxy Watch Ultra. As it stands, Wear OS devices aren't capable of standalone messaging, even if you're using an LTE model connected to a cellular network.

Adding this functionality would make more a much-improved Wear OS smartwatch experience, and reduce the advantage enjoyed by the best Apple Watches on the market, which do support receiving and sending messages over cellular.

As to when RCS could come to Wear OS, there's no clear timeline as of yet. There's always the possibility that this is rogue code included prematurely or incorrectly in the Google Messages app. However, if it does indeed indicate RCS is in the pipeline for Wear OS, its inclusion would seem to indicate the rollout is close at hand.

Google recently rolled out Wear OS 5 support to its older Pixel Watch models but was forced to pause the rollout because of reports the update was bricking devices. It remains unavailable while Google figures out the issue.

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Despite ongoing interest surrounding artificial intelligence technologies embedded into work environments, UK businesses are still prioritizing hiring workers with basic technical skills.

New research by Indeed found only 2.6% of job postings in the UK mentioned AI skills, with basic skills like Microsoft Office and generic IT expertise coming up more frequently.

According to the report, the most common technical skills sought by UK employers include generic IT skills (10%), Microsoft Office (6%) and Microsoft Excel (5%). Moreover, demand for basic IT skills has remained pretty consistent over the past five years, both in the UK and in other markets like the US.

UK businesses need basic IT skills more than AI

Besides tech skills, Indeed found that UK employers are also prioritizing human skills like communication (30%), leadership (9%) and organization (7%).

Moreover, Indeed’s research into the current state of the UK jobs market tackles ongoing concern that AI could replace human workers. The analysis of over 2,800 work skills found that two-thirds (68.7%) are ‘very unlikely’ or ‘unlikely’ to be replaced by generative AI.

“While AI and other advanced technologies are likely to shape the future labour market, the current reality is that many employers are simply seeking workers with basic computer skills," commented Indeed Senior Economist Jack Kennedy.

“While AI may eventually necessitate a broad upskilling across the workforce to embrace advanced technologies, there remains a more pressing concern around closing basic digital skills gaps and allowing everyone to fully engage with work in the digital age.”

This is despite Britain’s Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer’s ambitions to make the UK a global AI hub.

Despite the Prime Minister’s efforts, the current jobs market suggests businesses are not yet aligned with the vision, with employers still seeking fundamental tech skills and human competencies.

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Just a day ago we saw detailed renders of the Google Pixel 9a, and now the same source is back with a list of colors that the phone might be available in.

According to Android Headlines, the Pixel 9a will be sold in Porcelain (off-white), Obsidian (black), Peony (pink), and Iris (bluish-purple) shades. You can already get the Pixel 8a in Porcelain and Obsidian, but that phone is additionally available in Aloe (green) and Bay (blue) colors – two shades that will reportedly be ditched for the upcoming model.

However, the standard Google Pixel 9 is available in Peony, too, so it’s only Iris that would be particularly new.

Taller, wider, and slimmer

The Pixel 6a, Pixel 7a, and Pixel 8a (left to right) (Image credit: Philip Berne / Future)

Aside from colors, this latest leak also includes dimensions, with the Google Pixel 9a apparently being 154 x 73 x 8.5mm. For comparison, the Google Pixel 8a is 152.1 x 72.7 x 8.9, so that would make the upcoming model slightly taller and wider but thinner.

Android Headlines notes, however, that this dimension change could mean a smaller battery, especially as the camera reportedly sits almost flush with the back of the phone – meaning more of the internal space might be taken up with camera components than on the Pixel 8a.

That camera design – which you can see in supposedly leaked images of the Pixel 9a – represents a major design change, and one that would see it stand out from the rest of the Pixel 9 line, and indeed the Pixel 8a, for better or worse.

Beyond the possible design and colors, we don’t know much about the Pixel 9a yet, although it’s likely to have a Tensor G4 chipset, like the other Pixel 9 models. For everything else, we expect we’ll learn more through leaks and rumors in the months preceding its launch, which, based on past form, will probably happen in May.

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Intel’s Arrow Lake processors will hit the shelves in three weeks, if the latest from the rumor mill is correct.

VideoCardz cites multiple sources who have told the tech site Intel’s intended launch schedule for the next-gen desktop CPUs, backed up by a well-known hardware leaker on X, namely @wnxod (as flagged by Tom’s Hardware).

The theory is that Intel has a prelaunch press briefing set up for October 7, the start of next week, and then the reveal of Arrow Lake (Core Ultra 200) processors follows on October 10. After that, the on-sale date is set for October 24, or so we’re told.

Intel’s Z890 motherboards – premium efforts which will cost a pretty penny in the case of high-end boards, equipped with the new socket for Arrow Lake, LGA 1851 – will also be revealed at the same time.

In other words, you’ll need one of these new motherboards to use an Arrow Lake processor – they won’t fit in the existing socket for current 700 series motherboards for Intel chips (LGA 1700).

(Image credit: Future / John Loeffler) Analysis: Matching with existing rumors – to a point

We haven’t got long to wait, then, until we witness the official reveal of Intel’s Arrow Lake processors, complete with Team Blue’s internal benchmarking no doubt, next week on October 10 as mentioned.

At least if all this is correct, and note that this purported reveal date of October 10 chimes with what we’ve heard previously, giving it a bit more weight. That said, past chatter indicated this would be followed by the Core Ultra 200 chips hitting shelves on October 17. Apparently this has now been delayed a week (or the former info was wrong), but it’s hardly unusual to have a two week gap between the unveiling of CPUs and the processors going on sale.

Of course, we say the previous info may have been incorrect, but we need to take this new rumor with seasoning too (let’s face it – the new dates could be entirely off the mark for all we know). However, with multiple sources seeming to converge on the new dates, they seem a fair enough bet.

Initially, Intel will only launch ‘K’ models for the Core Ultra 200 family, headed up by the flagship Core Ultra 9 285K – those are CPUs which are unlocked, and so can be overclocked by PC enthusiasts. Vanilla non-K chips, which have their clock speeds locked so they can’t be juiced up in this way, are expected to follow in Q1 of 2025 (and we recently caught a telling glimpse of the performance of the Core Ultra 9 285).

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The cloud services market is increasingly driven by customers with highly focused IT requirements. For instance, organizations want solutions built to address a variety of edge and distributed computing use cases and, as a result, they are no longer prepared to accept homogenous technologies that fall short of their requirements.

This is an understandable perspective. While cloud computing has become a compelling option for those with centralized business functions, it has proved less beneficial for organizations reliant on remote infrastructure. Processing and protecting data at the edge is a case in point, with some implementing cloud-first strategies without onsite support. The downside here is that mission-critical, remote applications can suffer from performance and reliability issues, with the knock-on effect that cloud contracts become costly and inefficient.

Difficult challenges

In these circumstances, organizations often choose to resume onsite IT infrastructure implementation and support themselves. On the plus side, this can deliver the high levels of reliability and performance they need, but at the same time, it resurrects some significant challenges the outsourced cloud model was intended to address. This includes the associated costs of implementing hardware, power, and cooling systems at each remote location – and, in some cases, if there is even room to house the technology required at the edge.

These issues aside, administration and maintenance costs can become prohibitive, irrespective of whether it’s a small organization running one remote site or an enterprise operating dozens. The availability of localized expertise can also be a major challenge, particularly for organizations operating specialized systems where fully-trained staff are essential. Even with these requirements all in place, most remote sites will still need some level of cloud or corporate data center connectivity. IT teams must also decide which data should be stored at the edge, in the cloud, or in their data center.

Organizations that find themselves in this situation can easily end up reliant on a complex and incoherent strategy when what they actually need is a cost-effective approach with the agility to meet their bespoke edge needs. In the past 12 months in particular, this has grown to an even greater issue with the acquisition of VMware by Broadcom. After announcing a raft of updates to product bundles and new subscription costs, not to mention the axing of several existing VMware partner agreements, the changes have left many customers feeling lost at sea.

The path forward

For organizations operating in sectors such as retail, manufacturing, healthcare, and utilities, all of these difficulties will be all too familiar. These businesses rely on access to real-time data to inform their decision-making, adhere to performance standards, and maintain the efficiency of supply chains.

At the same time, the range and complexity of edge applications is increasing enormously. From patient health monitoring devices, and smart shelves and self-checkout in retail, to digital twins used in manufacturing locations, these innovations are creating huge datasets and putting even more pressure on existing data centers and cloud computing services.

To address these issues, businesses are looking to digital transformation and AI analytics technologies to drive the performance improvements they need. For example, the data being generated at these edge sites is becoming so time-sensitive that the AI systems need to be deployed locally so that decision-making keeps pace with operational requirements.

The problem is that there just isn’t time to send all the data to a cloud for AI processing, so the answer is to efficiently implement more of this functionality at the edge. This is contributing to a major surge in edge investment, with research from IDC indicating that worldwide spending on edge computing is expected to reach $232 billion in 2024, an increase of 15% compared to 2023, with that figure rising to nearly $350 billion by 2027.

A streamlined approach

In practical terms, organizations are addressing these objectives by implementing a full-stack HCI (hyperconverged infrastructure) at the edge as part of a cloud strategy. HCI consolidates computing, networking, and storage resources into a single, streamlined data center architecture.

In contrast to legacy approaches that rely on specialist hardware and software for each designated function, using virtualization reduces server requirements without impacting performance, providing a solution equivalent to enterprise-class infrastructure. By running applications and storing data at each remote site, this approach also benefits from cloud and data center connectivity according to need. This can be achieved without the hardware architecture and implementation challenges associated with traditional edge technologies.

Of particular benefit is that today’s HCI solutions are designed with the limitations of smaller remote sites in mind. This includes features that simplify the process of connecting edge technologies to cloud services and corporate data centers. The most effective HCI solutions can deliver these capabilities with just two servers and do so without compromising availability or performance, with failover taking place in as little as thirty seconds – a capability that preserves data integrity and keeps operations running. This can be achieved while also offering the associated cost benefits of reduced hardware spend.

For organizations with limited space in their remote sites, HCI reduces the physical footprint required to install hardware. They also consume less power, and don’t require as much cooling, spare parts, or on-site maintenance when compared to traditional technologies.

This is all possible because of the inherent simplicity built into modern HCI systems, where the elimination of complexity also enables easy remote set-up and management. In fact, HCI installations can be managed by IT generalists instead of requiring dedicated experts, with systems usually deployed in under an hour, avoiding disruption to day-to-day operations and getting new sites or applications up and running quickly and effectively.

Given the growing reliance on edge computing, many organizations are also likely to see their needs increase over time. HCI systems can accommodate these scaling requirements, enabling users to meet changes in demand without delay or the need for complex reconfiguration exercises.

On a day-to-day basis, centralized management tools allow administrators to remotely manage and secure all edge sites from a single console. Then, the system automatically balances and allocates resources for computing and storage in real-time, optimizing hardware resources for maximum efficiency – avoiding unnecessary and costly overprovisioning.

Put all of this together and organisations that rely on effective edge infrastructure now have a proven alternative to inefficient legacy solutions. As a result, it’s now possible to create a win-win edge strategy that delivers the benefits of powerful remote computing with the value and flexibility that only cloud computing can offer.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

Kenwood has just revealed a pair of new mixers designed for small kitchens, which are as powerful as many full-sized appliances but take up far less of your valuable cupboard or countertop space.

The Kenwood Go Stand Mixer is priced at £249.99 (about $330 / AU$480) and stands just 30cm tall, allowing you to tuck it into a pan drawer or stash it more easily on a shelf. For comparison, the classic Kenwood kMix stand mixer is 35cm high, and the KitchenAid Classic Tilt-Head stand mixer requires 36cm headroom.

Unlike many compact mixers, which are mostly plastic, the Kenwood Go Stand Mixer has a metal body, giving it a more premium feel, and has beginner-friendly controls positioned front and center. There's even a carry handle on the top so you won't struggle to move it around your kitchen (a problem I know all to well).

The Kenwood QuickMix Go is a hand mixer that packs away in a case the size of a lunchbox (Image credit: Kenwood) Mobile mixing, no mess

If you're not baking loaves and big batches of cupcakes, the Kenwood QuickMix Go might be a better fit. This handheld mixer packs down into a case that resembles a lunchbox, which you can tuck between your cookbooks when it's not in use.

The case holds the mixer body, plus beaters, kneaders, and a measuring spoon. If you've ever made a mess by accidentally ejecting your mixer's beaters in the middle of preparing something, you'll be pleased to know that the QuickMix Go has a release button on the front to prevent that from happening again. There's also a slow start-up to prevent batter and cream from being flicked across the room and five mixing speeds to choose from.

The Kenwood QuickMix Go is available now for £39.99 (about $50 / AU$80), and like all appliances in Kenwood's Go range, the pair of new mixers come in two colors: storm blue and clay red.

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It is no surprise that digital transformation remains a top priority for business leaders in 2024. New technology is rapidly changing the business landscape, there is a heightened demand from workforces for hybrid and remote working, and legacy systems are increasingly at risk of falling victim to sophisticated cyber-attacks. Companies are also getting to grips with how best to adopt Artificial intelligence (AI). Not to mention coping with current customer expectations for a seamless customer experience delivered across multiple digital channels.

Yet, while the reasons for digital transformation are clear, the route to success is often less obvious. It is a huge undertaking – and one that can incur considerable costs – requiring far more than simply updating old technology or migrating processes to the Cloud. Despite this, there is still a prevailing attitude that transformation should be approached from a purely technological standpoint, which is part of the reason why as many as 70% of transformation projects fail.

For most companies, the digital transformation journey can be made a lot smoother by embracing the human element behind the process. Companies must recognize the unique needs, motivations, and behaviors of their employees, customers, and other stakeholders, if they are to succeed.

For those seeking a partner that can help guide them through the process, it is important to look beyond the technology here as well. Additional considerations such as shared values, chemistry, and effective communication all become paramount given the length of time digital transformation takes to complete.

People drive change

The starting point for digital transformation should always be people. Whether that is customers, partners, or employees – or a combination of all three – any updates made to IT infrastructure should be led by the benefits it will provide to users. Clear goals link to business outcomes and the needs of the users should be put in place first, with technology acting as the means to achieve those goals.

This, of course, necessitates research before embarking on the digital transformation journey. By engaging in direct conversations with users and leveraging data analytics, businesses can gain a better understanding of the pain points and inefficiencies in their current technology and where their efforts should be focussed.

These insights can then guide businesses through the process, helping set clearer company goals and inform more strategic decisions while benefitting users. Taking a human-led approach can also prevent businesses from falling victim to the common mistakes and pitfalls that other organizations may succumb to; providing more assurance that the time and money spent on the project will not be wasted.

Find the right transformation partner

While some larger organizations may have the resources needed to manage digital transformation in-house, in many cases it makes sense to seek support from a digital transformation partner. By finding people who can take the time to get to know your business, they can help define the strategy, identify the best technology, and put together a roadmap that leads to the desired outcomes. To ensure success, however, it is critically important to find the right partner who is prepared to understand how digital transformation will help both your business and your users.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer here either. Some will be better suited to certain businesses or industries, there will be budget considerations, and both parties will need to be aligned on the deliverables. It is important to remember that a digital transformation partner is more than just a technology vendor though and once again, a key consideration needs to be people and what they can achieve through technology.

There are many companies that offer digital transformation support, including some of the world’s largest consultancy firms. But to ensure the transformation process is set up for success, a methodical approach should be taken when choosing a partner.

These four key considerations can help to determine the best transformation partner for your organization:

1. Focus on the outcome: Before starting the journey, you need to clearly define what you want to achieve through digital transformation. Determine the problems you are trying to solve and how technology can help, then work backwards to outline the smaller goals that can get you there. Knowing what you want to achieve, and how you will work towards it, will be crucial when finding the right partner to get you there.

2. Focus on the people: Transformation is an ongoing process and the importance of finding people you are happy to work with cannot be understated. The technology is, of course, important, but this is an undertaking that will likely go on for years. Therefore, it is essential you find a partner that is committed to your transformation, communicates effectively and, ultimately, you have good chemistry with.

3. Look at change management skills: A successful transformation will mean major changes for your organization, which in turn requires change management. When assessing potential partners, it is important to look at their approach towards change management and determine if it matches your own.

4. Experience, expertise and budget: These are fairly common considerations for any partnership and are no less important here. Review potential partners’ previous experience to see if it aligns with what you need, look at where their expertise lies and the technologies they offer and ensure they are within your budget.

Digital solutions with real world outcomes

Digital transformation is a necessary yet complex endeavor requiring a holistic approach that goes beyond mere technology upgrades. It is, of course, a technical process, but success will be far easier to achieve if goals are set with users in mind.

The same people-first mentality should be applied by those looking for a digital transformation partner. Organizations need to find a partner that not only possess the required technological expertise, but also has the personnel that understands their business and is aligned on goals, values and culture.

Though the transformation process will undoubtedly be challenging, with many pitfalls along the way, prioritizing the human element will help pave the way to success; helping businesses to remain competitive and relevant in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.

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This article was produced as part of TechRadarPro's Expert Insights channel where we feature the best and brightest minds in the technology industry today. The views expressed here are those of the author and are not necessarily those of TechRadarPro or Future plc. If you are interested in contributing find out more here: https://www.techradar.com/news/submit-your-story-to-techradar-pro

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 Wordle hints and answers, Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too.

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 #479) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• JOKER
• DICE
• CHANCE
• CASINO
• OCTOPUS
• SLOT MACHINE
• CUBE
• GAMBLE
• SLICE
• BET
• SHIVA
• JULIENNE
• HEAT
• VENUS DE MILO
• RISK
• TAXI DRIVER

NYT Connections today (game #479) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• Yellow: Play the odds
• Green: Cut differently
• Blue: Cape Fear is another
• Purple: You'll need to be armed with this knowledge

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 #479) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: PUT ON THE LINE
• GREEN: USE A KITCHEN KNIFE
• BLUE: ROBERT DE NIRO FILMS
• PURPLE: DISTINCTIVE NUMBER OF ARMS (OR LACK THEREOF)

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

NYT Connections today (game #479) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #479, are…

• YELLOW: PUT ON THE LINE BET, CHANCE, GAMBLE, RISK
• GREEN: USE A KITCHEN KNIFE CUBE, DICE, JULIENNE, SLICE
• BLUE: ROBERT DE NIRO FILMS CASINO, HEAT, JOKER, TAXI DRIVER
• PURPLE: DISTINCTIVE NUMBER OF ARMS (OR LACK THEREOF) OCTOPUS, SHIVA, SLOT MACHINE, VENUS DE MILO

• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

I'm always pleased with myself when I solve the purple group early on. That's because it's supposedly the most difficult of the four, and even if that isn't always the case it is usually the one with the most interesting format, in that it's rarely just synonyms for another word as yellow and green often are. Today, purple was a really creative one – DISTINCTIVE NUMBER OF ARMS (OR LACK THEREOF). I focused on VENUS DE MILO, which seemed to only have a couple of possible connections to anything: it's a statue, a work of art, and a figure without arms. Looking at the board, I spotted OCTOPUS and then SHIVA, and though it took me a while to realize that SLOT MACHINE also fitted, I was delighted when all four proved to be right. The other three groups were mundane by comparison – although I'll never not enjoy thinking about ROBERT DE NIRO FILMS…

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

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Tuesday, 1 October, game #478)

• YELLOW: FLUSTERED STATE LATHER, STEW, SWEAT, TIZZY
• GREEN: FITNESS CONDITION, FORM, HEALTH, SHAPE
• BLUE: FAST-MOVING WATER CASCADE, CURRENT, RAPID, WAVE
• PURPLE: DISHWASHER CYCLES NORMAL, QUICK, RINSE, SANITIZE

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.

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now nearly 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 Wordle today, NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles.

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 #982) - 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 #982) - 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 0.

Quordle today (game #982) - 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 #982) - 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 #982) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• C

• T

• P

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

Quordle today (game #982) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #982, are…

• ARGUE
• CRANE
• TOKEN
• PRINT

With two extremely common – and commonly spelled – words among today's Quordle answers (in the form of CRANE and PRINT), this was a straightforward day for the game. Neither ARGUE or TOKEN are particularly hard either, although at least the latter has an uncommon letter in it to make the task a little harder. But really, this is about as simple as Quordle ever gets.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #982) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #982, are…

• LOOPY
• BURLY
• ALERT
• DEMON

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #981, Tuesday 1 October: FRILL, MADLY, GRANT, NYLON
• Quordle #980, Monday 30 September: CRUSH, TARDY, TEACH, STUMP
• Quordle #979, Sunday 29 September: SERIF, BORNE, WRITE, SLEEK
• Quordle #978, Saturday 28 September: BUSHY, CIVIC, SNOUT, EQUIP
• Quordle #977, Friday 27 September: GUEST, CHASM, ROOST, BASAL
• Quordle #976, Thursday 26 September: STAGE, VOGUE, CLUMP, HEATH
• Quordle #975, Wednesday 25 September: UMBRA, DADDY, GLAZE, PRANK
• Quordle #974, Tuesday 24 September: SPACE, INNER, SPAWN, BEGAT
• Quordle #973, Monday 23 September: GUILT, STERN, ANNEX, FIELD
• Quordle #972, Sunday 22 September: ZESTY, MEATY, ALIVE, DRAWN
• Quordle #971, Saturday 21 September: VITAL, FRAIL, SPEAR, EERIE
• Quordle #970, Friday 20 September: ELIDE, DITTO, SHAWL, BONUS
• Quordle #969, Thursday 19 September: MARRY, OWING, DICEY, LUCKY
• Quordle #968, Wednesday 18 September: CEDAR, VENOM, MIGHT, MEDIC
• Quordle #967, Tuesday 17 September: ETHOS, COUNT, PRINT, THREE
• Quordle #966, Monday 16 September: ROUGE, SWAMP, FUGUE, UNDUE
• Quordle #965, Sunday 15 September: VILLA, SMOKE, BULKY, THRUM
• Quordle #964, Saturday 14 September: ESSAY, GENRE, WIMPY, CHUTE
• Quordle #963, Friday 13 September: LEANT, ORGAN, FILLY, PLAIT
• Quordle #962, Thursday 12 September: ARBOR, STARK, LEAVE, GOOFY

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 Wordle today, NYT Connections today and Quordle today pages for hints and answers for those games.

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Fresh out of the oven

NYT Strands today (game #213) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• TRAIT
• STONE
• SOAR
• TRUMP
• DINE
• LINE

NYT Strands today (game #213) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Dough but not nuts

NYT Strands today (game #213) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First: top, 3rd column

Last: 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 #213) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #213, are…

• SCONE
• DANISH
• CROISSANT
• MUFFIN
• STRUDEL
• GALETTE
• SPANGRAM: PASTRIES

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: Perfect

Hello, Mr/Mrs/Ms NYT, I have a question for you: in what way is a MUFFIN a PASTRY? Or a SCONE? STRUDEL, yes. CROISSANT, definitely. DANISH, sure. GALETTE… well, we'll get to that. But not MUFFIN or SCONE, which are both quick breads or potentially cakes. Maybe I'm missing some crucial detail here – I'm not a chef – but I just don't get why they were included.

Fortunately, it wasn't too difficult for me to find them anyway, because I'm well aware that sometimes the NYT makes odd decisions with categorization, so I always watch out for curveballs. That didn't help me with GALETTE, though, chiefly because I've never heard that word before. Still, they look lovely, so I shall be trying one next time I see one.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Tuesday 1 October, game #212)

• PARAMOUNT
• DISCOVERY
• HISTORY
• HALLMARK
• LIFETIME
• SPANGRAM: NETWORK

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.