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Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Thursday, February 13 (game #347).

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

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Will you be my valentine?

NYT Strands today (game #348) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• PIKE
• SPIKE
• SPOON
• SOON
• MOON
• BUNG

NYT Strands today (game #348) - hint #3 - spangram What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Lovey dovey words

NYT Strands today (game #348) - hint #4 - spangram position What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 4th row

Last side: right, 4th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #348) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #348, are…

• DARLING
• ANGEL
• LOVEBUG
• HONEY
• POOKIE
• SNOOKUMS
• SPANGRAM: ENDEARMENT

• My rating: Moderate
• My score: 1 hint

Today’s puzzle was far more taxing than it should have been, thanks to the inclusion of a pair of rarely uttered terms of ENDEARMENT and a Spangram snake that started and ended in the middle. It looks so wrong.

It’s hard to imagine anyone calling their loved ones POOKIE or SNOOKUMS, both of which sound as if they are hangovers from a 1975 sitcom, likely to be uttered in a baby voice and preceded by the word “wittle”.

I’m just thankful Strands didn’t include Schmoopsie Poo or Sweetcheeks.

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

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 13 February, game #347)

• BIRTHDAY
• BABY
• WEDDING
• SYMPATHY
• CONGRATS
• LOVE
• SPANGRAM: GREETINGS

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now out of beta so is a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable and can be played on the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

I've got a full guide to how to play NYT Strands, complete with tips for solving it, so check that out if you're struggling to beat it each day.

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Thursday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Thursday, February 13 (game #1116).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 games later. It offers a genuine challenge, though, so read on if you need some Quordle hints today – or scroll down further for the answers.

Enjoy playing word games? You can also check out my NYT Connections today and NYT Strands today pages for hints and answers for those puzzles, while Marc's Wordle today column covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

Quordle today (game #1117) - 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 #1117) - 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 #1117) - 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 #1117) - 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 #1117) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• M

• E

• T

• W

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

Quordle today (game #1117) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1117, are…

• MEDIA
• ELUDE
• THUMB
• WIDOW

The lesson I’m taking from today’s puzzle is to always try the obvious word ahead of an unlikely one. Opting for Exude before ELUDE put me on the edge, leaving me just one go to get my last word, WIDOW, with no margin for error.

It was one of those days though as I also made the wrong choice with Thump instead of THUMB. Sometimes magic happens, sometimes it’s torture. That’s Quordle, folks.

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

Daily Sequence today (game #1117) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1117, are…

• LARGE
• SCION
• BOXER
• ALGAE

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1116, Thursday 13 February: SCALP, DWELL, AMPLE, TRUNK
• Quordle #1115, Wednesday 12 February: SHOOK, GRADE, POLAR, SEEDY
• Quordle #1114, Tuesday 11 February: HEAVY, CIRCA, PESKY, SCION
• Quordle #1113, Monday 10 February: TWIXT, FRESH, GUISE, TABBY
• Quordle #1112, Sunday 9 February: TAPIR, SHAKE, TOKEN, SEVEN
• Quordle #1111, Saturday 8 February: AFOOT, ALIKE, HUMUS, TOWEL
• Quordle #1110, Friday 7 February: PETAL, ABASE, AMONG, CORER
• Quordle #1109, Thursday 6 February: MADAM, SCAMP, FAUNA, TRACK
• Quordle #1108, Wednesday 5 February: SIXTH, VERVE, BLURB, CACTI
• Quordle #1107, Tuesday 4 February: BIRTH, DRAWN, MILKY, JOIST
• Quordle #1106, Monday 3 February: SLEET, TENSE, SEIZE, SCAMP
• Quordle #1105, Sunday 2 February: LOUSY, PENNE, CHUMP, SALVE
• Quordle #1104, Saturday 1 February: FACET, BLISS, FLUFF, FRANK
• Quordle #1103, Friday 31 January: PARER, SYNOD, BRAWN, BANJO
• Quordle #1102, Thursday 30 January: WEEDY, CHIRP, STALE, SUGAR
• Quordle #1101, Wednesday 29 January: CROWN, SCENE, AGILE, CRANK
• Quordle #1100, Tuesday 28 January: TOKEN, DAISY, INANE, PLIED
• Quordle #1099, Monday 27 January: ANGEL, GLOBE, MAYOR, BRAVE
• Quordle #1098, Sunday 26 January: WATER, ORBIT, BRIDE, TOUCH
• Quordle #1097, Saturday 25 January: GIVER, GROOM, GUSTO, MAKER

If the IRS owes you a tax refund, it should come within 3 weeks of filing. And in a change, 25 states are now participating in the IRS's free online filing program.

(Image credit: Brandon Bell)

Find a one-of-a-kind and useful gift for hard-to-please friends and family.

• An IoT firm has suffered a major data breach, experts warn
• The leak exposed a Mars Hydro databse containing almost 2.7 billion records
• The records were primarily comprised of WiFi and network device information

Mars Hydro, a Chinese firm which produces a range of Internet of Things (IoT) devices such as LED lights and hydroponics equipment, has suffered a massive data breach after an unprotected database containing nearly 2.7 billion records was discovered online.

Security researcher Jeremiah Fowler identified the non-password protected database, which included WiFi network names, passwords, IP addresses, device numbers, and more.

Users of these products should be aware that there may be a risk of the details of their WiFi networks being compromised, and there could be national security implications if the information falls into the wrong hands. Although the researcher doesn’t suggest any personally identifiable information was exposed, users should still understand the risks, here’s what we know.

Vulnerable devices

Many of the products are controlled by internet connected devices (like smartphones), and information about these was included in the breach. It’s not yet clear whether the database is managed or owned directly by Mars Hydro and LG-LED SOLUTIONS, or whether this was run through a third party contractor.

There are privacy and device security concerns and, as Fowler points out, a previous report estimated that ‘57% of IoT devices were considered highly vulnerable, and 98% of data transmitted by these devices is unencrypted.'

“The hypothetical worst case scenario would be if this information was used for surveillance, man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks, mapping of networks and critical infrastructure, or other potential misuse” Fowler said.

Whilst there was no evidence of threat actors accessing the breached data, there is a concern that the information could be accessed by foreign governments and used for ‘surveillance or intelligence gathering’ purposes.

“I am not stating nor implying that these companies are engaged in any of these activities or that their users are at risk" Fowler continued.

"I am not claiming that just because an application was made in China or has Chinese ownership there is an imminent risk. I am only highlighting what data is collected and how it could be a potential security risk in the wrong hands.”

IoT devices have been targeted before, particularly by botnet attacks, which have risen 500%, and are an escalating issue. Known software flaws or easy to break passwords are found within a network. Once a device is compromised, this can lead to a botnet of compromised devices, which can be used to spread malware, launch DDoS attacks or infiltrate critical systems.

Data breach complications

In this dataset, the research describes seeing “a massive amount of exposed SSID names, passwords, MAC addresses, and user IP addresses that could potentially allow unauthorized remote access to the device's Wi-Fi network.”

This means the exposed credentials could theoretically allow an attacker to connect to the network and compromise other devices. Nokia recently reported IoT devices engaged in botnet-driven DDoS attacks have increased 500% over the past 18 months and now make up 40% of all DDoS traffic.

To mitigate the risks, admins should first be sure to immediately change any default passwords. The passwords the IoT tools come with are often shared across fleets of the same device - unchanged passwords might mean hackers already have access.

A strong, unique password is essential for any device, and we’ve put together a list of tips for creating a secure and safe password if you need any advice.

Another important consideration is strengthening your software. Patch management is crucial, integral to your vulnerability management program, and staying up to date gives you an extra layer of protection from zero-day exploitation.

Last but not least, be proactive. Complacency and weak backend safeguards are what hackers count on, so closely monitoring for suspicious behavior segmenting networks, and consolidating endpoint management with a unified console can all help keep you protected.

We’ve put together a guide for admins, if you want to see some more detailed advice.

You might also like

• Check out our list of the best firewall software around today
• Foh&Boh data leak leaves millions of CVs exposed - KFS, Taco Bell, Nordstrom applicants at risk
• We've also rounded up the best malware removal software on offer right now

In his second big speech in Europe this week, the vice president will address the Munich Security Conference, days after President Trump said he would start talks with Russia to end the war in Ukraine.

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President Trump is threatening to levy taxes on imports to match those other countries charge on U.S. exports.

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A survivor of childhood polio, Sen. Mitch McConnell was the only Republican in the Senate to vote No. Here's how he explained his vote.

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A federal judge has ruled to continue for another week the freeze on the Trump administration's plan to put thousands of staffers for the U.S. Agency for International Development on paid leave.

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Wondering what to watch this weekend? Captain America: Brave New World may have what you're looking for. Plus, two favorites from the Sundance Film Festival.

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Hisense U9N: Two-minute review

The Hisense U9N arrived on the scene after the rollout of the Hisense U8N, a mid-range mini-LED TV offering exceptional performance and value for money. And while the step-up U9N series is arguably eclipsed by the U8N when it comes to value, it nonetheless offers a noticeable upgrade in picture and sound quality and has a more premium design.

Availability of the Hisense U9N is limited to the US market, where, befitting a premium TV, it is sold in 75-inch ($1,999.99) and 85-inch ($2,999.99) screen sizes. Those prices are a considerable saving on the initial release prices and are notably less than premium mini-LED TV offerings from Samsung and Sony. For this review, I tested the 75-inch U9N.

The U9N’s specs include a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones (in the 85-inch model) and a Hi-View Engine X chipset borrowed from the company’s limited edition ULED X series TVs. Along with providing AI-driven picture enhancements, this carries support for the Dolby Vision, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG high dynamic range formats.

Picture quality on the U9N is stunning. Images are bright, and have exceptional detail and contrast. Colors pop without looking garish, and it has notably better motion handling than other Hisense TVs I’ve tested. But what really sets it apart from the U8N and also lets it compete in the premium mini-LED TV arena is its precise, refined local dimming, which creates deep, uniform-looking blacks with fine gradations of shadow detail. Also, its picture doesn’t lose contrast and color richness when viewed from off-center seats – an important factor for watching with groups.

Sound quality is another U9N strong point. A built-in 4.1.2-channel Dolby Atmos speaker system delivers robust sound with clear positioning of dialogue and effects, along with a decent bass kick. Audio performance is helped by the TV’s design, which positions the left and right speakers in an angled aluminum bezel so they can emit sound directly at the viewer, while the top surface contains upward-firing speakers for Atmos height effects.

As with other Hisense TVs in the US, Google TV is used as a smart TV interface and it’s a flexible and relatively uncluttered platform with a compelling Ambient mode for displaying artwork and photos. Hands-free voice commands are supported, and there’s also a built-in mic on the remote if you don’t want the TV to be set in 'always-listening' mode.

Gaming features on the U9N include dual HDMI 2.1 ports with support for 4K 144Hz, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. Input lag is slightly high compared to the best gaming TVs, but that’s not something more casual gamers will notice.

The Hisense U9N ultimately adds up to a great value. It does cost quite a bit more than the step-down Hisense U8N, but if you do have the money to spend, the upgrades it offers are worth it.

Hisense U9N review: Price and release date

The Hisense U9N is one of the brightest TVs we've yet tested (Image credit: Future)

• Release date: April 2024
• 75-inch: $2,999
• 85-inch: $3,999

The Hisense U9N is sold in 75- and 85-inch screen sizes, with availability limited to the US market. As a 2024 model, prices for both sizes have dropped since the TVs first shipped, with the 75-inch version now widely available for $1,999.99 and the 85-inch for $2,999,99.

In Hisense’s TV lineup, the U9N series slots in between the mid-range U8N series and the limited-release ULED X series, the latter of which it borrows several features from.

Hisense U9N review: Specs Hisense U9N review: Benchmark results Hisense U9N review: Features

The U9N has two HDMI 2.1 ports with 4K 144Hz support; additional HDMI ports support eARC. (Image credit: Future)

• Mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 zones
• Dolby Vision and HDR10+ HDR
• Two HDMI 2.1 inputs with 4K 144Hz support

The Hisense U9N features a mini-LED backlight with up to 5,300 local dimming zones (in the 85-inch model). It uses the same Hi-View Engine X chipset found in the company’s limited-edition ULED X series TVs, which features AI-driven scene detection and real-time image enhancement. High dynamic range support includes Dolby Vision, Dolby Vision IQ, HDR10, HDR10+, and HLG, and there’s an ultra-wide viewing angle feature to ensure consistent picture quality when watching from off-center seats.

The 75-inch U9N I tested features a 4.1.2-channel built-in speaker system powered by 76W of amplification that supports Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, along with IMAX Enhanced. The U9N’s thicker-than-average aluminum bezel houses front-firing left and right speakers and there are upwards-firing Atmos height speakers located at the top.

Hisense TVs use the Google TV smart TV interface, and the U9N series also features a built-in mic for hands-free voice control. (Works with Alexa is also supported.) Gaming features include 4K 144Hz support for PC gaming, AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM). The U9N’s inputs include two HDMI 2.1 ports, and there’s also an ATSC 3.0 tuner for receiving Next-Gen TV broadcasts.

• Features Score: 4.5/5

Hisense U9N review: Picture quality

The U9N's picture looks uniformly good even when viewed from far off-center seats. (Image credit: Future)

• Exceptional brightness, refined local dimming
• Rich color reproduction
• Impressive motion handling

The Hisense U9N’s high brightness levels easily exceed other premium mini-LED TVs such as the Samsung QN90D and Sony Bravia 9. I measured HDR brightness on a 10% HDR white window pattern in Filmmaker Mode at 2,694 nits, while a full-screen HDR white pattern measured 590 nits in the same mode. Those numbers indicate that the U9N can display the full level of highlight detail in most movies and TV shows with HDR without having to resort to tone mapping, and programs like sports will also look good when viewed in bright rooms.

Hisense says the U9N has an anti-reflection screen coating, though I did note some screen glare when viewing with my room’s overhead lights on. One strong picture-quality positive for daytime sports viewing is the U9N’s ultra-wide viewing angle feature, which ensures that pictures had uniform contrast and color saturation even when viewing from far off-center seats – as you might have to do when watching with a crowd of people.

The U9N’s color gamut coverage was also exceptional, measuring 98.9% for UHD-P3 and 81.5% for BT.2020 in Filmmaker Mode. Those results best other premium mini-LED TVs we’ve tested, and rival what you get with the best OLED TVs. Grayscale accuracy in the same mode was less impressive, averaging 3.5 (we normally look for a result under 3), though color accuracy averaged out to an exceptional 1.1.

With its extraordinarily bright picture, the U9N looked fantastic when viewing sports. Watching the Eagles trounce the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, the respective green and red hues of the players’ uniforms popped from the screen, and highlights like stadium lights gleaming off helmets gave the image a strong sense of realism and depth. The U9N also did a great job of upscaling the HD picture, making it look near 4K-like.

Darker content such as the Apple TV Plus show Severance also shone on the U9N’s expansive 75-inch screen. Season 2 Episode 4 takes place in a frozen rural landscape, and the U9N rendered details in the wintry scenes with a high level of subtlety. Severance frequently uses monochrome color schemes – blue, especially – for sets and costumes, and the U9N displayed these vividly while also leaving skin tones looking completely natural.

Other scenes from the same Severance episode demonstrated the U9N’s precise local dimming. As the MDR team camps outdoors on a corporate retreat, there are several scenes with campfires being lit and torches wielded at night. On the U9N, these fires blazed against a black background with minimal blooming effects. Even when I checked the blooming torture test clips on the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray test disc, I could see only just the faintest signs of backlight blooming.

When I did a hands-on test of a pre-production U9N back in early 2024, I was disappointed with its motion handling. But Hisense clearly made progress on that front with the production version of the U9N, which has no such issue. When I watched a reference scene from Bond film No Time to Die where 007 walks across a craggy mountain cemetery, the picture looked impressively solid, even with no motion processing applied. The U9N's solid motion handling also yielded benefits for sports, which looked fluid yet fully natural.

• Picture quality score: 5/5

Hisense U9N review: Sound quality

A thick aluminum bezel houses front-facing and upward-firing speakers. (Image credit: Future)

• 4.1.2-channel, 76W speaker system
• Auto Acoustic Tuning feature
• Good height, width with Atmos soundtracks

The U9N features a 4.1.2-channel speaker system powered by 76W. Front left and right drivers are built into the sides of the TV’s substantial aluminum bezel and upwards-firing drivers are located on the screen’s top. Around the back, a pair of built-in bass drivers handle subwoofer duty.

An array of audio adjustments are provided beyond the U9N’s basic sound presets. The Advanced Settings menu has an Auto Acoustic Tuning feature that lets you optimize the TV’s sound output based on measurements taken of your viewing environment using the mic in the remote control. There’s also a multi-band equalizer adjustment, wall-mount compensation, and a subwoofer level adjustment.

The U9N displayed consistently clear dialogue and volume levels could be set fairly high without hearing any distortion. Watching the recent sequel Twisters, in an early scene where the students seed a tornado, only to get caught up in the ensuing turmoil, the sound of wind and loose objects – like vehicles and bodies – blowing around exceeded the screen area and had a good sense of width and height. Shouted dialogue in this sequence also came across clearly, and there was even a decent level of bass thump.

We usually recommend adding one of the best soundbars to any TV, but the U9N could easily stand on its own as long as you’re not overly fussy about home theater sound.

• Sound quality score: 5/5

Hisense U9N review: Design

The U9N's widely spaced support feet require an equally wide TV stand. (Image credit: Future)

• Widely spaced support feet
• Premium design with angled bezel
• Full-sized, backlit remote control

Unlike other premium (or premium-aspiring) TVs I’ve recently tested, the Hisense U9N opts for widely spaced support feet instead of a pedestal-type base. These barely cleared my 59-inch-wide TV stand, with just a 0.5-inch of space on each side, so make sure you first measure your own stand. The feet provide sturdy support for the TV, though I wished there was a variable height option to clear more space for a soundbar, if you choose one.

The U9N’s bezel is angled on the sides to accommodate the TV’s front-firing speakers. This gives the TV a more premium look than other Hisense TVs, which have a more basic design. Rear panel connections include four HDMI ports (two of which are HDMI 2.1), an optical digital audio output, 3.5mm analog audio input and output jacks, and a pair of USB-A inputs.

Hisense’s full-sized remote control has curved edges and a more solid feel than most other TV remotes. The keypad is backlit and there are buttons to directly access the TV’s quick menu and broadcast channels guide, along with streaming services including Netflix and Disney Plus. A centrally located mic button lets you selectively access Google voice commands when you’ve disabled the TV’s built-in mic.

• Design score: 4.5/5

Hisense U9N review: Smart TV and menus

The U9N's Google TV smart interface. (Image credit: Future)

• Google TV with Ambient mode
• Live TV program grid
• Extensive picture adjustments and quick menu

Hisense uses Google TV as the smart interface for all of its TVs in the US. This provides an editable row of apps at the bottom of the home screen, along with a row of suggested content directly above. The suggestions that appear here are based on both your viewing history and Google search history – an arrangement you sign up for when entering your Google account in the TV’s user profile. My only serious issue with Google TV is that you need to create a Google account to download apps from the Google store, and not everyone will necessarily want to participate in the ever-growing Google-verse.

Scrolling down the home screen reveals a range of suggested content categories, while tabs at the top of the screen let you access a Live program guide with both Google Freeplay free TV channels and broadcast channels received by the U9N’s ATSC 3.0 tuner.

A Screensaver option in the TV’s main menu enables you to configure Ambient mode, which kicks in when the TV is on standby. Selections here include an art gallery with Google-curated images, custom-generated AI art, and photos from your personal Google Photos account. You can also add weather and time widgets, which will show up as an overlay on any images in Ambient mode.

Hisense provides extensive picture adjustments in the U9N’s setup menu, with options to have the TV automatically detect content with Filmmaker Mode and IMAX Mode tags, optimize picture settings based on the scene, and upscale standard dynamic range (SDR) programs to high dynamic range (HDR).

A quick menu (called up by pressing the Menu button on the remote) lets you easily switch picture and sound presets, as well as directly access both picture and sound adjustment menus.

• Smart TV & menus score: 4/5

Hisense U9N review: Gaming

A Game menu allows for easy gaming-related picture and sound adjustments (Image credit: Future)

• Two HDMI 2.1 ports
• 4K 144Hz, FreeSync Premium Pro, Dolby Vision gaming
• 15.2ms input lag

The U9N’s dual HDMI 2.1 ports support 4K 144Hz, VRR with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, and Dolby Vision gaming. We typically ding TVs in reviews for providing only two, rather than four, HDMI 2.1 ports, but an additional HDMI port on the U9N supports HDMI eARC, allowing for both PS5 and Xbox Series X gaming consoles and an external soundbar to be connected all at once, so we can accept it here.

A Game Bar menu (accessible via the quick menu) provides a range of stats and game-related picture and sound adjustments, including genre-specific presets, when the TV is in Game mode.

At 15.2ms, the U9N’s input lag in Game mode is on the high side compared to the best gaming TVs, though I didn’t notice any issues during casual gaming with an Xbox Series X.

• Gaming score: 4/5

Hisense U9N review: Value

Hisense's full-sized, backlit remote control (Image credit: Future)

• Priced lower than premium mini-LED competition
• Cheaper Hisense U8N series is also excellent
• Still, a great overall value

At around $2,000, the 75-inch Hisense U9N is priced lower than its closest mini-LED competition when it comes to picture and sound quality. You can buy the Samsung QN90D in a 75-inch screen size for around $2,400, while the Sony Bravia 9 will cost you around $3,500. Taken in that company, the U9N is an exceptional value.

The main thing that chips away at the U9N’s value is the also-excellent Hisense U8N (around $1,299 for the 75-inch screen size), which has an even brighter picture than the U9N plus similar gaming features and performance. You get a more refined local dimming with the U9N, however, along with better P3 color space coverage and superior off-axis picture performance. The U9N’s 4.1.2-channel speakers also deliver more powerful and immersive sound than the U8N’s 2.1.2-channel speakers.

All things considered, the Hisense U9N still stands out as a great value, and one well worth considering even at a $700 premium over the Hisense U8N.

• Value score: 4.5/5

Should I buy the Hisense U9N?

Dual bass drivers on the TV's rear convey the ".1" subwoofer channel in Atmos soundtracks. (Image credit: Future) Buy it if...

You want to watch in bright rooms
The U9N’s high brightness and excellent off-axis picture picture quality make it a perfect choice for viewing sports in bright rooms and with large groups.

…and also want a great TV for movies
The U9N’s refined local dimming and versatile handling of programs with high dynamic range makes it great for viewing movies and TV shows in HDR.

You want great built-in sound
A 4.1.2-channel, 76W speaker system with front- and upward-firing drivers lets the U9N project loud, clean and immersive sound with good bass.

Don't buy it if…

You want the best gaming TV
The U9N has better-than-average gaming features and good gaming performance, but other TVs best it when it comes to measured input lag as well as offering extras like cloud gaming.

You’re on a budget
While the U9N is easy to recommend, Hisense’s U8N also delivers great overall performance and a mostly similar feature set at a much lower price.

Panasonic Z95A review: Also consider...

Samsung QN90D
Samsung’s flagship mini-LED TV costs more than the U9N and doesn’t support the Dolby Vision HDR format. Its picture quality is equally good, however, and it also has a sleeker design and better gaming features, as we found in our Samsung QN90D review.

Sony Bravia 9
Sony’s flagship TV is about as premium as mini-LED gets, and we appreciated its bright yet refined picture and powerful sound in our Sony Bravia 9 review. But, it’s considerably more expensive than the U9N and lacks the Hisense’s HDR10+ support.

Hisense U8N
The step-down series from the U9N in Hisense’s TV lineup, the U8N has a nearly as good picture along with impressive sound quality. It’s also an exceptional value as we said in our Hisense U8N review.

How I tested the Hisense U9N

Measuring a 10% HDR white window pattern during testing (Image credit: Future)

• Tested over the course of two weeks
• Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
• A full calibration was made before proceeding with subjective tests

When I tested the Hisense U9N, I first spent a few weeks using it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets and get familiar with its smart TV menu and picture adjustments. I next selected the most accurate preset (Filmmaker Mode, in this case) and measured grayscale and color accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category and allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I made measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using 10% and 100% white window patterns. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space was also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the U9N can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

I used the Calman ISF workflow, along with the TV’s advanced picture menu settings, to calibrate the image for best accuracy after I'd assessed its out-of-the-box performance. I also watched a range of reference scenes on 4K Blu-ray discs to assess the TV’s performance, and 4K HDR shows streamed from Max, Hulu, and other services.

You can read an in-depth overview of how we test TVs at TechRadar for more information.

• First reviewed: February 2025
• Read TechRadar's reviews guarantee

• Researcher finds a way to add invisible text to emojis
• It probably can't be used for malware...probably
• It could be used for watermarking or bypassing human moderation

A security researcher claims to have discovered a way to hide extra information inside emoji.

Paul Butler explained how he experimented with Unicode and came up with a method that exploits variation selectors (special characters designed to modify the appearance of text but which have no visible effect on most characters). By chaining the selectors together, he was able to encode invisible messages inside an emoji (or any other Unicode character).

Here is how it works: Unicode assigns variation selectors (U+FE00–U+FE0F and U+E0100–U+E01EF) to certain characters, usually to adjust stylistic presentation. However, these selectors can be used to store one byte of data each. Since a sequence of these selectors is preserved even when copy-pasting text, a person could embed a secret message inside an emoji without altering its visible appearance.

Smuggling data

It would seem that the method cannot be used to smuggle malware or malicious code, an application extension, or anything of sorts. However, it could be used to bypass human moderation, or watermark sensitive documents. With these invisible watermarks, an author could be able to track their work being copied and pasted throughout the internet, for example.

Discussing potential defensive measures, Butler said that AI could be of use. While some AI models, such as OpenAI's GPT and Google's Gemini, preserve variation selectors, they do not naturally attempt to decode hidden messages.

However, when paired with code interpreters, AI systems have successfully extracted secret messages within seconds. This suggests that automated detection tools could be developed to counteract potential abuse.

All things considered, this could be seen as an interesting quirk of Unicode. At this time, it’s highly unlikely someone could develop a malicious use for it.

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• Google Maps is testing the rollout of more incident reports
• These are weather-related options such as ‘flooded road’ or ‘low visibility’
• The growing library of incidents is a source of annoyance for some drivers

Google Maps is introducing new incident reporting options, fresh additions that pertain to weather-related conditions.

Android Police spotted these new kinds of report, and they include the likes of ‘flooded road’ for when there’s been a huge deluge of rain, or ‘low visibility’ for when it gets foggy. And indeed ‘unplowed road’ for when, well, you should probably turn around and find a plowed road that’s not wheel-deep in snow.

The site noticed these new options in Google Maps for Android Auto first off, and then in the iPhone app.

The not-so-great news for those keen on being able to benefit from a wider variety of untoward happenings being reported is that these new introductions have not yet made it to the Android version of Google Maps.

However, it surely won’t be long before the ability to report a flooded or snowed-up road arrives on Android.

Is an ever-growing library of incidents a good thing?

(Image credit: Future)

This is a continued expansion of the reporting of incidents in Google Maps, on top of clearly-labeled Waze reports being piped through alongside native reports since last year. There’s already a wide range of incidents that can be flagged, such as road traffic accidents, stalled cars, lanes being closed, speed traps, and so on.

Sometimes, these kind of alerts can be very useful, of course, and plenty of folks are grateful to have been warned of an incoming thorny issue on the road ahead.

However, not everyone is keen on being subject to more and more of these reports being highlighted in Google Maps – with complaints about them being too frequent only likely to multiply, as Google further expands the library of incidents that can be reported.

The problem is compounded by errant reports – incidents that aren’t there, or were resolved some time back – and there being no easy way to switch off said reports.

It looks like this is a road Google is insisting on driving down, though, despite the ‘stop’ signs being waved by some of the drivers who use its navigation app.

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Acer Predator X32QFS review: Two-minute review

The Acer Predator X32QFS (or X32QFSbmiiphuzx to give it its full jargon name) is a superb do-it-all gaming monitor. Its fabulous 4K IPS mini-LED panel is a joy to use no matter what game or task is on screen, and it always displays colors crisply, brightly, and with punch.

A big factor to address right from the off is that this gaming monitor is unavailable in the US - which is a huge shame. For those that can potentially buy it, however, priced at £899.99 / AU$1,099 it’s a premium monitor. However, its position as more affordable than other premium screens such as the Alienware AW3225QF and the Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 means it will be tempting for those looking to save up and splash out for a monitor that can do everything well.

An understated gaming monitor in its design, there are no overt ‘gamer’ flourishes adorning the monitor apart from its curved, silver stand. Otherwise, it’s a monitor that will melt into any home office or productivity setup - despite being a gaming beast under the hood.

The juice under said hood is based around the excellent mini-LED IPS 4K panel that sports 1,152 local-dimming zones, as well as gaming specs that include a 150Hz refresh rate, a 0.5ms response time, and HDMI 2.1 capability. It goes further though, channeling that do-it-all characteristic elsewhere in its feature set as it also offers 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3 color coverage and a peak brightness of 1,000 nits.

On top of that, the screen has enough ports to keep you well covered and sets itself up beautifully for being the center point of a multi-gaming machine setup. I’ve had my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC and PS5 plugged into it for a couple of months now and it’s a dream for both.

Gaming on PC is a wondrous sight - especially if you have a beefy enough machine to enjoy the 4K resolution - and games from Control to Frostpunk 2 draw you in on the X32QFS, treating you to enormous and immersive pictures and experiences.

The Acer Predator X32QFS also proves itself a worthy contender as a dedicated monitor for PS5 or monitor for Xbox Series X and was a brilliant companion to my PS5 Slim and PS5 Pro during testing. The HDMI 2.1 capable screen means you can tap into the best of Sony’s games on its newest, most powerful console while using it as an everyday PS5-presenter for games like Dragon Age: The Veilguard, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Botany Manor has been a treat for the eyes.

However, it’s not just gaming that it excels in. Everyday work tasks from spreadsheets to writing documents are a joy and feature no text fringing or other frailties; while image work on the screen is also a pleasure with punchy, accurate colors and lovely contrasts. It’s even great for watching TV, films, or catching up on sports highlights.

Drawbacks are few, but one in particular is quite a shame: the monitor is not available in the US. This is a UK-focused release from Acer which is disappointing, if not only because the monitor exudes such a high level of quality. There’s also no remote or control hub which would be a nice touch for a monitor of this price, and some of the settings can be a bit of a drag to re-input all the time.

Away from those gripes, the fact that the Acer Predator X32QFS can do everything so well means it’s an easy screen to recommend for multi-purpose use, with gaming at the center of it. I think it goes a very long way to justify the price tag, and if you’re a UK gamer looking for a high-quality 4K 32-inch screen that’s in between premium OLEDs and affordable panels, then this is it.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Acer Predator X32QFS review: Price and availability

• List price: £899.99 in the UK
• No US availability
• UK-specific variant of the X32

The elephant in the room with the Acer Predator X32QFS is that it has no availability in the US. In something of a classic Acer style, this screen appears to be a sub-variant of a model, the X32, in this case. For full clarity, this means that you may come across different monitors also labeled as an ‘X32’ in your region. However, models with this particular variant's full name, the Acer Predator X32QFSbmiiphuzx, are the one exactly like my review unit. In practice, the result of this means that this version of the X32 is not available to US folks, though another variant may be.

Where it is available in the UK (for £899.99 at Overclockers), the price does pitch the X32QFS as something of a premium screen. In terms of other 4K 32-inch screens, it comes in at nearly twice the price of one our favourites in the Gigabyte M32UC, but it’s worth noting it comes in cheaper than super-premium OLED gaming monitors such as the Alienware AW3225QF, Samsung Odyssey G8, and LG 32GS95UE-B.

I think the X32QFS goes a long way to justify its price tag, and it being in between the likes of the M32UC and those OLED monitors means it’s pitched quite well price-wise. Positioned as offering something more than the affordable models, but a cheaper alternative to OLEDs - without any of the concerns that OLED brings - is a solid spot to inhabit. The performance of the monitor only serves to reinforce this price positioning and value proposition too.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Acer Predator X32QFS review: Specs

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Acer Predator X32QFS review: Design and features

• Super 32-inch IPS Mini-LED screen
• 4K; 150hz refresh; 1ms response
• Plenty of ports for multi-device setups

Keeping it simple, the Acer Predator X32QFS is a 32-inch 4K Mini-LED monitor with a very plain design. The aesthetic is very subtle and understated, and there are no ‘gamer vibes’ present, especially when mounted on a monitor arm which I have it set up with. Some of the typical angular aesthetic that gaming monitors have can come from the stand, so removing that has, in effect, toned down the style of the screen. If you fancy using that, however, its curved steel look is still attractive.

Looking a bit more closely, the top and the sides have narrow bezels, while the bottom one, housing the ‘Predator’ badge is slightly wider. Inside the chassis is an IPS Mini-LED panel with 1,152 locally dimming zones that offer deep blacks and vibrant, lush colors.

The Acer Predator X32QFS’s gaming specs are robust and certainly great for those looking for a crisp and smooth 4K experience. Rated for 150Hz, the refresh rate will cover those looking to get 4K at 144Hz on PC, and, naturally, means that a PS5’s or Xbox Series X’s maximum of 120hz is well catered for too. The 0.5ms response time also keeps things speedy for those looking to play online or competitively.

Elsewhere, specs-wise, there’s AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, 99% Adobe RGB, 99% DCI-P3 color space ratings, VESA DisplayHDR 1000 rating, 1,000 nits of peak brightness, and a color depth of 1.07 billion.

In terms of what’s lacking, there’s no remote control or separate hub for settings which is a shame, and perhaps not quite befitting of a screen that costs nearly a thousand pounds in the UK.

The monitor’s port selection is plenty good enough too. Sporting two HDMI 2.1 ports, a DisplayPort 1.4, a single USB-C (that can provide 65w of power delivery), an audio jack port, and two USB-A ports (with the accompanying USB upstream port) there’s enough for multi-device setups as well as the incorporation of a sound bar and USB devices too thanks to its upstream connection of the latter kind. The addition of a KVM switch in the screen is welcome too.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Acer Predator X32QFS review: Performance

• Fantastic gaming images and performance
• Particularly perfect for PC, PS5, and PS5 Pro
• Wonderful specs and HDR presentation

Simply put, the X32QFS has performed brilliantly for me in every single way I have used and tested it. From games on PC as well as PS5 and PS5 Pro, to everyday work use, the monitor is just dreamy.

In terms of gaming, I enjoyed the screen most when using it with the PS5 Slim I have set up in my home office, and the PS5 Pro which I reviewed with the monitor at the end of last year. The X32QFS is HDMI 2.1 capable, so using a current-gen console with it can really unleash a machine’s abilities. This was the case with the likes of Horizon Forbidden West on PS5 Pro, with the game’s Balanced mode providing a supreme experience on the X32QFS.

Elsewhere, Alan Wake 2 was a sheer joy to behold, while the likes of Sony first-party games like The Last of Us Part 1, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, and Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, shine incredibly brightly on the X32QFS. PlayStation 4 games also look the part on the X32QFS so those still rocking Sony’s last-gen console can have great confidence in this screen presenting their games beautifully too - they were for me on both PS5 and PS5 Pro.

For PC gaming (via DisplayPort) the screen is a joy once more. Offering an excellent amount of screen real estate for games - without ever being too overwhelming - like Frostpunk 2 and Warhammer 40,000 Dawn of War 3 - the amount of the barren snowy land of the former, and the bleak battlefield of the latter that you can take in all at once, and in great detail, is exquisite. Games like Control are also a delight on the monitor on PC, with the atmospheric Federal Bureau of Control building a joy to immerse myself in.

The experience I’ve had gaming on the X32QFS goes some way to cement my belief that a 4K 32-inch monitor is the sweet spot for PC and console setups; especially for those gaming PCs that are beefy enough to play nice with the resolution.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

For day-to-day work, the screen is bright, punchy, and crystal clear no matter if I’m deep in research and writing, swimming the spreadsheet waters, or even putting together custom images and doing light graphic work. The 32-inch screen is big enough for me to split it in two manually with windows too, without feeling cramped.

The brightness is a great quality in the screen in particular, with there being plenty of it, and thus enough to find the right amount for you, along with its HDR capability too. The baked-in settings are useful too, though I found the best settings for me were the ones making the most of the monitor’s brightness and HDR, and have had both on, with max brightness enabled and HDR color space selected for almost all of my use after testing the modes.

Backing all of this up further is the color accuracy. Offering 99% Adobe RGB and 99% DCI-P3, the monitor will have you covered if you’re using it for graphic work as well as gaming, serving up a treat for the eyes no matter its deployment.

While the Gigabyte M32UC comes in cheaper still and performs very well, and the likes of the Samsung Odyssey G8 can offer a bit more for pure gaming given the OLED panel and superb feature setup, the X32QFS is a tremendous alternative for a cheaper price, even more so if you’re afraid of OLED burn-in too. On that note, my testing didn’t throw up any other, albeit mainly-OLED-type concerns such as text fringing (where text can appear to have a shadow or blurry color around it).

In practical day-to-day use, some of the settings wouldn’t be ‘remembered’ by the monitor and would revert every time I booted up my PC. This is a small gripe but one I noticed happening relatively frequently despite tinkering in the settings. Also speaking practically, I’ve been able to hook up my PC, the PS5, a soundbar output, and utilize the USB ports on the monitor with no issue, as well as mount it on my Secretlab monitor arm and deploy a BenQ monitor bar on its top too.

It’s this ‘great at everything’ characteristic that makes the Acer Predator X32QFS an easy recommendation to make. It can turn its hand to anything and do a terrific job, and I’m looking forward to relying on its excellence for PC and PS5 gaming, as well as the demands of work going forward.

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar) Should you buy the Acer Predator X32QFS? Buy it if...

You’re a UK gamer looking for a 4K 120Hz gaming monitor
While it is not widely available on a global scale, it’s an excellent monitor for shoppers in the UK who can pick it up from the likes of Overclockers. Its specs and feature set, and quality mini-LED panel, mean that its price offers decent value for a high-end screen on that side of the Atlantic.

You’re looking for a super 4K screen for a multi-device setup and as an all-rounder
The range of ports the Acer Predator X32QFS has makes it a great screen for multi-device setups on a practical level but its outright quality means that playing on both PC and PS5 is a dream. It’s also a good fit for entertainment and daily office use making it a veritable jack of all trades.

You want a Mini-LED screen for high-fidelity gaming, entertainment, and productivity
The panel on this monitor is a joy to behold and a great advert for Mini-LED gaming screens. If you’ve been eyeing up this screen tech for your PC or console then I can confirm it’s a great match and makes for excellent gaming experiences as well as watching entertainment and doing work.

You’ve got a gaming PC that can make the most of 4K
If you have a PC that can crank out 4K gaming then, naturally, this 4K screen is a great match for you - throw in the rest of its qualities and you have an excellent companion to a 4K-capable gaming PC.

Don't buy it if...

You’re in the US
This is sadly more of a ‘can’t’ than a ‘don’t’, but US shoppers need to look elsewhere, perhaps to the ‘main’ X32, as this particular model isn’t available stateside.

You need even greater, faster specs
While the X32QFS has decent specs for 4K gaming, if you need something that can do any resolution faster in terms of Hz and frame rates, then you’ll need to look elsewhere.

You haven’t got a 4K-capable gaming PC
While not a total deal breaker given how enjoyable the monitor is to use as a PS5 screen, if you want to pair this with a gaming PC, but haven’t got a 4K capable machine, then you won’t get the best or make the most out of the X32QFS.

Acer Predator X32QFS review: Also consider

If you’re still not convinced about the Acer Predator X32QFS, or it’s not available in your region, then check out these alternative monitors.

Gigabyte M32UC
This remains one of our overall top picks for any console gamer or PC player and comes in much cheaper than the X32QFS too. It’s also got a curved screen for extra immersion and sports a great feature set that makes for excellent performance from colors to refresh rate, and from picture quality to response time.

For more information, check out our full Gigabyte M32UC review

Samsung Odyssey OLED G8
Perhaps the best 32-inch gaming screen money can buy right now, the Odyssey OLED G8 barely puts a foot wrong - in any department. If you can stretch your budget, then this is the screen to go for, bagging you that sweet OLED performance and picture quality as well as a top-tier feature set, specs, and screen protection suite.

For more information, check out our full Samsung Odyssey OLED G8 review

How I tested the Acer Predator X32QFS

• Tested over the course of multiple months
• Used almost daily for work and gaming
• Tested with an RTX 3090-powered PC, PS5 Slim, and PS5 Pro

(Image credit: Future/Rob Dwiar)

I’ve had the pleasure of using the Acer Predator X32QFS monitor for a few months now, using it almost every day for work, and several times a week for gaming. I’ve used it all day for work, from writing to managing spreadsheets and making work calls and communications, testing the screen in both light and dark modes constantly.

I have my RTX 3090-powered gaming PC connected to the monitor, a Yamaha SR-C20A soundbar for sound output when playing my connected PS5 Slim console, and I have made use of the USB ports on the monitor too to great effect. I tested the monitor on its own stand initially, but largely when connected to my Secretlab Magnus Pro gaming desk with the Secretlab monitor arm.

I’ve played a variety of PC games and PS5 games to test the screen out. On PC, I played Frostpunk 2, Control, Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War 3, and A Total War Saga: Troy; while on PS5 and PS5 Pro, I tested Alan Wake 2, Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, The Last of Us Part 1, and Part 2 Remastered, and Horizon Forbidden West and Zero Dawn Remastered, as well as PS4 games such as Doom (2016) and Infamous Second Son.

I also tested the PS5 Pro extensively with the monitor when reviewing Sony’s latest console, and found it to provide excellent performance, opening up the extra modes in some of Sony’s first-party games, wonderfully, and presenting them beautifully.

Read more about how we test

First reviewed October 2024 - February 2025