Technology

• Phishing attacks now bypass multi-factor authentication using real-time digital wallet provisioning tactics
• One-time passcodes are no longer enough to stop fraudsters with mobile-optimized phishing kits
• Millions of victims were targeted using everyday alerts like tolls, packages, and account notices

A wave of advanced phishing campaigns, traced to Chinese-speaking cybercriminal syndicates, may have compromised up to 115 million US payment cards in just over a year, experts have warned.

Researchers at SecAlliance revealed these operations represent a growing convergence of social engineering, real-time authentication bypasses, and phishing infrastructure designed to scale.

Investigators have identified a figure referred to as “Lao Wang” as the original creator of a now widely adopted platform that facilitates mobile-based credential harvesting.

Identity theft scaled through mobile compromise

At the center of the campaigns are phishing kits distributed through a Telegram channel known as “dy-tongbu,” which has rapidly gained traction among attackers.

These kits are designed to avoid detection by researchers and platforms alike, using geofencing, IP blocks, and mobile-device targeting.

This level of technical control allows phishing pages to reach intended targets while actively excluding traffic that might flag the operation.

The phishing attacks typically begin with SMS, iMessage, or RCS messages using everyday scenarios, such as toll payment alerts or package delivery updates, to drive victims toward fake verification pages.

There, users are prompted to enter sensitive personal information, followed by payment card data.

The sites are often mobile-optimized to align with the devices that will receive one-time password (OTP) codes, allowing for immediate multi-factor authentication bypass.

These credentials are provisioned into digital wallets on devices controlled by attackers, allowing them to bypass additional verification steps normally required for card-not-present transactions.

Researchers described this shift to digital wallet abuse as a “fundamental” change in card fraud methodology.

It enables unauthorized use at physical terminals, online shops, and even ATMs without requiring the physical card.

Researchers have observed criminal networks now moving beyond smishing campaigns.

There is growing evidence of fake ecommerce sites and even fake brokerage platforms being used to collect credentials from unsuspecting users engaged in real transactions.

The operation has grown to include monetization layers, including pre-loaded devices, fake merchant accounts, and paid ad placements on platforms like Google and Meta.

As card issuers and banks look for ways to defend against these evolving threats, standard security suites, firewall protection, and SMS filters may offer limited help given the precision targeting involved.

Given the covert nature of these smishing campaigns, there is no single public database listing affected cards. However, individuals can take the following steps to assess possible exposure:

• Review recent transactions
• Look for unexpected digital wallet activity
• Monitor for verification or OTP requests you didn’t initiate
• Check if your data appears in breach notification services
• Enable transaction alerts

Unfortunately, millions of users may remain unaware their data has been exploited for large-scale identity theft and financial fraud, facilitated not through traditional breaches.

Via Infosecurity

You might also like

• Ex-Huawei semiconductor secret thieves sentenced to jail
• Here's a list of the best firewalls around today
• These are the best endpoint security tools right now

Watch Alien: Earth online

An abandoned spacecraft containing suspicious organisms; a fearless female charged with taking them on; a shady corporation overseeing the chaos – Alien: Earth looks like it will slot into the franchise canon perfectly! US viewers can tune into Alien: Earth live on FX or online via Sling TV and Hulu, while it's on Disney Plus elsewhere around the globe. Read on for how to watch Alien: Earth online from anywhere with a VPN.

Premiere date: Tuesday, August 12 at 8pm ET / PT

US broadcast: FX via Sling TV

Global streams: Hulu (US) | Disney Plus (UK, CA & AU)

Use NordVPN to watch any stream

Stepping into the big shoes of Ripley, Wendy (played by Sydney Chandler) is the central heroine of Alien: Earth. A hybrid ("a humanoid robot infused with human consciousness"), she leads a team that investigates the USCSS Maginot space vessel that has crashed to Earth in suspicious circumstances two years prior to the events of the original Alien movie. No prizes for guessing that the creatures they find on board are far from friendly or obedient.

Diehard fans of the original movies worried that Alien: Earth will be yet another disappointing spin-off probably needn't be – creator Noah Hawley has form when it comes to reimagining beloved films for the small screen. His Fargo anthology series won three Golden Globes, three Primetime Emmys and a legion of fans.

Also starring Timothy Olyphant (Justified), Alex Lawther (The End of the F***ing World), and Samuel Blenkin (Black Mirror), below we have all the information you need on where to watch Alien: Earth online and stream every episode from wherever you are.

How to watch Alien: Earth online in the US

Alien: Earth premieres in the US on FX at 8pm ET / PT on Tuesday, August 12 with a double bill. Further episodes will go out one at a time in the same slot weekly.

Cord cutters can access FX via an OTT service such as our favorite, Sling TV. Sling Blue carries FX and starts at just $45.99 a month with 50% off your first month.

Episodes will also be available stream online at the same time they air on the Hulu streaming service. Plans start from $9.99 per month, or get loads more content for just one dollar more with the Disney Plus Bundle.

Have one of these subscriptions but away when Alien: Earth is on? You can still access your usual streaming services from anywhere by using a VPN.

Get 50% off your first month of Sling TV
Sling TV gives you live TV at an affordable price. The Sling Blue package includes more than 50 channels including FX, ABC, Fox and NBC (in select cities), AMC, Bravo, Food Network, HGTV, Lifetime and USA.

How to watch Alien: Earth online from outside your country

If you’re traveling abroad when Alien: Earth episodes air, you’ll be unable to watch the show like you normally would due to annoying regional restrictions. Luckily, there’s an easy solution.

Downloading a VPN will allow you to stream the show online, no matter where you are. It's a simple bit of software that changes your IP address, meaning that you can access on-demand content or live TV just as if you were at home.

Use a VPN to watch Alien: Earth from anywhere.

Editors Choice

NordVPN – get the world's best VPN
We regularly review all the biggest and best VPN providers and NordVPN is our #1 choice. It unblocked every streaming service in testing and it's very straightforward to use. Speed, security and 24/7 support available if you need – it's got it all.

The best value plan is the two-year deal which sets the price from $2.91 per month, and includes an extra 4 months absolutely FREE. There's also an all-important 30-day no-quibble refund if you decide it's not for you.

- Try NordVPN 100% risk-free for 30 days and get an Amazon Gift Card included right now!VIEW DEAL ON

How to watch Alien: Earth online in Canada, UK, Australia and worldwide

Viewers outside the US can watch Alien: Earth on Disney Plus, the show’s international home. In Canada, new episodes arrive weekly every Tuesday, with the first two landing on August 12. They land on Wednesdays in the UK and Australia from August 13.

You can take a look at Disney Plus prices and plans where you are, starting for as little as £4.99 / CA$8.99 / AU$15.99 per month.

Away from home? You can still connect to your usual VOD services by downloading a VPN and pointing your location back to your home country

Alien: Earth Need to KnowCan I watch Alien: Earth for free?

The show isn't on any free services, but US viewers can use the Hulu 7-day free trial to watch episodes of Alien: Earth for free.

Alien: Earth episode guide

Alien: Earth is set to consist of eight episodes, which will premiere in the US on the following schedule:

• Episode 1 - "Neverland": Tuesday, August 12
• Episode 2 - "Mr. October": Tuesday, August 12
• Episode 3 - "Metamorphosis": Tuesday, August 19
• Episode 4 - "Observation": Tuesday, August 26
• Episode 5 - "Emergence": Tuesday, September 2
• Episode 6 - "The Fly": Tuesday, September 9
• Episode 7 - "In Space, No One": Tuesday, September 16
• Episode 8 - "The Real Monsters": Tuesday, September 23

Alien: Earth trailer

Alien: Earth trailers began appearing in June this year. Here is the official trailer from FX:

Alien: Earth cast

• Sydney Chandler as Wendy
• Timothy Olyphant as Kirsh
• Alex Lawther as CJ
• Samuel Blenkin as Boy Kavalier
• Essie Davis as Dame Silvia
• Adarsh Gourav as Slightly
• Kit Young as Tootles
• David Rysdahl as Arthur
• Babou Ceesay as Morrow
• Jonathan Ajayi as Smee
• Erana James as Curl
• Lily Newmark as Nibs
• Diêm Camille as Siberian
• Adrian Edmondson as Atom Eins

Can I watch Alien: Earth on Netflix?

No, Alien: Earth isn't available on Netflix anywhere around the world.

You can catch all the action on Hulu in the US and Disney Plus in other territories around the world..

VPN services are evaluated and tested by us in view of legal recreational use. For example:a) Access to services from other countries, (subject to the terms and conditions of that service).b) Safeguarding your online security and making your online privacy more robust when abroad.Future plc does not support nor condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. We do not endorse nor approve of consuming pirated content that is paid-for.

Here are hints and the answers for the NYT Connections: Sports Edition puzzle for Aug. 10, No. 321

Here are the answers for The New York Times Mini Crossword for Aug. 10

• Sandisk’s 256TB SSD skips cache entirely, raising concerns about short-burst workload performance
• Claims of faster speeds remain unverified without public benchmarks or IOPS performance numbers
• Direct Write QLC may sacrifice speed in exchange for higher reliability and data integrity

Sandisk has announced a 256TB SSD, the UltraQLC SN670, which is set to ship in the first half of 2026.

This model represents the largest SSD ever revealed by the company, marking a bold step toward high-density storage solutions tailored for AI and hyperscale infrastructure.

Although the company plans to release the 128TB version to testers within weeks, full commercial availability remains months away.

An architecture built for scale, not speed

At its core, the SN670 is built on a 218-layer BiCS 3D NAND architecture and features a CBA (CMOS directly Bonded to Array) 2Tb die.

It connects through a PCIe Gen5 NVMe interface and is part of Sandisk’s new UltraQLC platform.

Unlike conventional SSDs that buffer data through pseudo-SLC caches, this model uses a “Direct Write QLC” approach.

This simplifies the writing process and makes the drive more power-loss safe, but it also introduces tradeoffs, especially when it comes to performance under heavy or short-burst loads.

Without an SLC cache, the SN670 may suffer from slower short-burst writes, inconsistent performance under load, and increased controller demands, making it less responsive during intensive or unpredictable workloads.

However, Sandisk claims the SN670 delivers over 68% faster random reads and 55% faster random writes compared to a leading 128 TB Gen 5 QLC SSD.

The sequential read speeds are over 7% better, while sequential write speeds improve by more than 27% in internal comparisons.

Sandisk has emphasized benefits like Dynamic Frequency Scaling, which is said to improve performance by up to 10 percent at the same power level

It also claims the Data Retention profile could reduce recycling wear by as much as 33%.

Both features are intended to enhance longevity and reduce energy consumption.

However, none of these claims are backed by disclosed performance data such as read/write speeds or endurance figures.

Internally, the UltraQLC SN670 is supported by a custom controller and firmware, which Sandisk says enables better latency and bandwidth, but without actual benchmarks or IOPS comparisons, these statements remain marketing-driven projections.

It is worth noting earlier iterations of Sandisk’s enterprise drives using QLC NAND showed limitations compared to TLC-based models.

In this case, native QLC programming latencies could reach 800–1200 microseconds, several times slower than SLC-based designs.

Sandisk may be relying on optimizations like large DRAM buffers or advanced die parallelism, but such architectural details have yet to be confirmed.

The final product will arrive in U.2 form initially, with more variants expected later in 2026.

For now, Sandisk’s 256TB drive is a symbolic leap toward future data infrastructure, not a realistic option for mainstream users.

Via Blocks and Files

You might also like

• Corsair's AI Workstation 300 is the 13th computer to launch with AMD's formidable Ryzen AI Max+ 365 CPU - and it costs less than $2000
• These are the best NAS devices around
• We've also rounded up the best cloud storage platforms on offer

Here are hints and answers for the NYT Strands puzzle No. 525 for Sunday, Aug. 10.

Here are some hints and the answers for the NYT Connections puzzle No. 791, for Sunday, Aug. 10.

Here are hints and the answer for today's Wordle, No. 1,513, for Sunday, Aug. 10.

Pep Guardiola's men wrap up their prep for the new campaign with a trip to Sicily.

• Modos uses open hardware to fix everything wrong with sluggish commercial e-paper displays
• E-paper finally reaches 75Hz refresh rates, enough to handle modern productivity tasks
• USB Type-C and HDMI connectivity offer simple setup across Windows, macOS, and Linux

E-paper has is recent years often been relegated to niche applications, largely due to its sluggish refresh rates and limited interactivity.

However, Modos Tech is attempting to upend this perception with a new set of developer kits featuring e-paper displays capable of reaching 75Hz refresh rates, which are now crowdfunding.

Though this figure might not turn heads in the consumer monitor space, this productivity tool introduces a different kind of performance that caters to focused, distraction-free work.

A different approach to responsive e-paper

Modos attributes its performance improvements to an open-hardware design built around the Xilinx Spartan-6 FPGA.

This controller, combined with a DDR3 framebuffer and STM32H750 microcontroller, eliminates the proprietary bottlenecks typical in commercial e-paper displays.

The company suggests traditional systems are constrained by outdated hardware decisions that limit response time and usability, as it claims its open design lifts those barriers and introduces real-time responsiveness to what has historically been a static technology.

“From writers and engineers to accessibility advocates and digital minimalists, people are tired of the distraction, eye strain, and fatigue of mainstream displays,” said Alexander Soto, CEO of Modos Tech.

“E-paper offers a better path, and we’ve built tools that make it fast, flexible, and accessible to all.”

With support for multiple grayscale levels and a hybrid rendering mode, the screens attempt to offer flexibility without relying on full color.

While the architecture supports color displays, none are being offered at this stage - instead, the current implementation is aimed at users who prioritize simplicity and legibility over visual richness.

The kits include USB Type-C and HDMI ports, making them compatible with major desktop platforms including Windows, macOS, and Linux.

Its USB Type-C can handle both data and power, but those opting to connect via HDMI will need an additional power source for operation.

This device is available in 6-inch and 13.3-inch which are selling for $199 and $599 respectively.

But make no mistake about this device, it will not replace business tablets or traditional business laptops.

Nevertheless, for users with specific visual or cognitive requirements, they offer an alternative that minimizes eye fatigue and digital noise.

As always with crowdfunded hardware, the pitch comes with caveats.

Modos is working through Crowd Supply, a platform with a decent track record for delivery; the usual warnings apply.

However, delays, supply issues, and unforeseen design revisions remain real possibilities.

Modos’ e-paper kits are still in pre-order status, with expected delivery in the fourth quarter of 2025.

Via Toms Hardware

You might also like

• Popular hard drive vendor on Amazon caught selling 10-year-old used but repackaged hard drive — but would you buy one if it was keenly priced?
• Check out the best 3D modeling software for 3D printing and more
• We've rounded up the best portable monitors available now

OpenAI touted GPT-5 as a new model for everything. However, some people still prefer the older versions.

The Gunners take on Spanish opposition for the second time in a week in their final warm-up match before the big kickoff.

Big news from TechRadar's best robot vacuum ranking: there's a new top bot in town – the Roborock Qrevo Curv. We absolutely loved this model when we tested it for our Roborock Qrevo Curv review, but at that point it was just a little too pricey to go in the #1 spot.

Now, prices have tumbled, value for money has risen, and I've decided it's time to shift it into pole position. It's not even that old – it came out in October 2024. It's just that Roborock is releasing new bots at such a rate that anything that's not a 2025 launch is ripe for discount.

At list price, the Curv costs $1,599.99 / £1,299.99, but recently I've seen it drop as low as $899.99 / £850. It's still not cheap (and I'll include some great alternatives below for those on a tighter budget) but if you can afford it it's well worth the investment. This is a seriously good robot vacuum.

Roborock is probably my favorite robovac brand. Its bots consistently deliver high build quality, strong cleaning performance and reliable navigation. The experienced reviewer who tested the Curv (alongside many other robovacs) calls it his "go-to brand for reliable, fuss-free vacuuming with smarts galore".

(Image credit: Future)

Roborock is also known for blazing a trail when it comes to innovation in this market, and the Curv is powered by very nearly the newest tech. It recognizes the tall thresholds in your home and figures out the best way to climb over each one, the onboard camera can be used to make two-way voice calls for security or pet-reassurance purposes, and there's automatic suction adjustment for different floor types.

(Image credit: Future)

It nails the basics, too: mapping is speedy and accurate, navigation and obstacle avoidance reliable, there's a very powerful 18,500Pa of suction, dual spinning mop pads (one of which can kick out to the side to get up close to the edges of rooms), and an extending side brush for sweeping into corners.

On test it aced every cleaning task we put to it, and it proved itself to be not just a capable cleaner, but a low-effort, easy to use one too.

The curvy dock will take care of a whole list of maintenance tasks for you. It will charge the bot and empty its dustbin, but also refill its water tanks and wash and dry its mop pads so they don't get stinky. And it looks pretty cool too, in a kind of space-age way.

My favorite alternatives

Not sure the Qrevo Curv is right for you? Let's take a look at the best alternatives, starting with more affordable options and then – just for fun – looking at what you can get if you blow the budget entirely.

If you have less to spend, the Dreame L40 Ultra and Eufy X10 Pro Omni are both excellent all-rounders, and depending on deals can be in the region of $200 / £200 less than the Curv. Or in the budget bracket, I loved both the Roborock Q7 M5 and Dreame D9 Gen 2, but be aware that you'll need to get a little more hands-on than you would with a pricier option.

If money is no object, there are even more functions available if you stump up for one of the very newest models. My new top premium robot vacuum is the Dreame X50 Ultra Complete, which has little feet that enable it to scale even taller thresholds than the Qrevo Curv can manage. The LiDAR tower can retract into the body of the robot too, enabling it to clean in particularly low-height spaces.

The crowning option in the Roborock lineup is the Roborock Saros Z70, which has a big robotic arm that'll clear away your socks for you. Slightly less flashy 2025 additions to the range are the Saros 10, which has a retractable LiDAR puck similar to the X50 Ultra's, and Saros 10R, which doesn't have a raised puck at all but instead uses a different approach to navigation.

However, if you're looking for powerful cleaning and reliable all-round performance with no unnecessary bells and whistles, the Robrock Qrevo Curv is first on my recommendations list.

You might also like...

• 6 settings you should be changing on your robovac (but probably aren't)
• DJI’s first robot vacuum gets launch date in official teaser – and it looks like the Romo is arriving sooner than expected
• The best robot vacuum for pet hair: reviewed by experts

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #790).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

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

NYT Connections today (game #791) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• PULP
• BIOPIC
• FAN
• CALCIUM
• PULL
• CONCENTRATE
• SCIENCE
• GROUP
• HISTORICAL
• JUICE
• COLLECT
• CHEMISE
• SWAY
• TRIGLYCERIDE
• WEIGHT
• CLUSTER

NYT Connections today (game #791) - hint #1 - group hints

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

• YELLOW: Clout
• GREEN: Gather
• BLUE: Reading matter
• PURPLE: Words begin with school abbreviations

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 #791) - hint #2 - group answers

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

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE
• GREEN: AMASS
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT 

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

NYT Connections today (game #791) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #791, are…

• YELLOW: INFLUENCE JUICE, PULL, SWAY, WEIGHT
• GREEN: AMASS CLUSTER, COLLECT, CONCENTRATE, GROUP
• BLUE: KINDS OF FICTION FAN, HISTORICAL, PULP, SCIENCE
• PURPLE: STARTING WITH MATH AND SCIENCE CLASSES, FOR SHORT BIOPIC, CALCIUM, CHEMISE, TRIGLYCERIDE

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

While it was very tempting to find a group that could contain PULP, CONCENTRATE, and JUICE I couldn’t find a fourth word, so resisted the temptation of throwing in a random word. This is my most common type of Connections error, so I’m pleased I checked myself.

This did, however, leave me in a situation where I couldn’t see a single group – another common Connections feeling these days.

Thankfully, I remembered another meaning for JUICE and put together the INFLUENCE group.

Somehow, I managed to get the green group after seeing the link between SCIENCE and PULP – but this is where the good times ended.

I thought that TRIGLYCERIDE and CHEMISE belonged together, but after two attempts at trying to fluke my way to the finish line I switched tracks and saw the far more obvious green group. Phew!

Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, August 9, game #790)

• YELLOW: RESULT FRUIT, PRODUCT, RETURN, YIELD
• GREEN: KINDS OF JOKES DAD, INSIDE, KNOCK-KNOCK, PRACTICAL
• BLUE: MOVIES FEATURING SUPERNATURAL ROMANCE CASPER, GHOST, LET ME IN, TWILIGHT
• PURPLE: CORN-Y THINGS MAZE, MUFFIN, SILK, SYRUP

What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

Looking for a different day?

A new 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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #524).

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 #525) - hint #1 - today's themeWhat is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… A rip-roaring good time

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• TOWER
• WIRE
• TRAIL
• SALE
• RUST
• GAIN

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #3 - spangram lettersHow many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 7 letters

NYT Strands today (game #525) - hint #4 - spangram positionWhat are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 5th row

Last side: right, 6th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #525) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #525, are…

• LUAU
• BLOWOUT
• SHINDIG
• HOEDOWN
• JAMBOREE
• WINGDING
• SPANGRAM: PARTIES

• My rating: Hard
• My score: 1 hint

A tricky game today, thanks to some unusual words and interesting twists.

I took a hint to get started, after finding half a dozen non-game words without hitting anything that might relate to a “rip-roaring good time”. 

The hint gave me LUAU, which is a good thing as this would have been the last thing I would have spotted amongst these old fashioned descriptions of a knees up.

I think it speaks of our appetite for pleasure that there are so many different words for PARTIES – I’d never heard of WINGDING before, but I’m certain some killer punch and a game that will involve everyone hiding in a cupboard will be involved. 

Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, August 9, game #524)

• CORKSCREW
• SPATULA
• MIXER
• ZESTER
• SIEVE
• WHISK
• SPANGRAM: KITCHEN TOOL

What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which 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 Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, August 9 (game #1293).

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 #1294) - hint #1 - VowelsHow many different vowels are in Quordle today?

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

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

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #2 - repeated lettersDo any of today's Quordle answers contain repeated letters?

• The number of Quordle answers containing a repeated letter today is 2.

Quordle today (game #1294) - hint #3 - uncommon lettersDo 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 #1294) - 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 2.

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 #1294) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• S

• P

• T

• S

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

Quordle today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1294, are…

• SCRUM
• PIPER
• TROLL
• SPORE

Sometimes it pays not to overthink things when playing Quordle.

For my last word I had a choice between wiper and my hunch of PIPER. There was no real logic, just a feeling – and I guessed right.

Then again, I had the luxury of knowing that even if it had been wrong I still would have had enough moves left to complete the puzzle, which is always a nice feeling.

Daily Sequence today (game #1294) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1294, are…

• EDICT
• GRANT
• BIRCH
• COLOR

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1293, Saturday, 9 August: NOOSE, INLET, ELEGY, VIRUS
• Quordle #1292, Friday, 8 August: KNEEL, KINKY, RALPH, BOOZY
• Quordle #1291, Thursday, 7 August: PLUNK, PROXY, CURVY, PEARL
• Quordle #1290, Wednesday, 6 August: RISKY, APART, FAUNA, HANDY
• Quordle #1289, Tuesday, 5 August: ROAST, SLICK, AUDIT, BILLY
• Quordle #1288, Monday, 4 August: MACAW, SINCE, COLON, CHIRP
• Quordle #1287, Sunday, 3 August: MOTIF, LEERY, LOFTY, BURST
• Quordle #1286, Saturday, 2 August: WARTY, PUPAL, CLEAR, SLICE
• Quordle #1285, Friday, 1 August: ACTOR, MEALY, WIDTH, ADOBE
• Quordle #1284, Thursday, 31 July: STYLE, VALET, AGONY, ALLOY
• Quordle #1283, Wednesday, 30 July: DEBAR, ADMIN, FOLIO, USAGE
• Quordle #1282, Tuesday, 29 July: BATCH, TOPIC, MURKY, BUNCH
• Quordle #1281, Monday, 28 July: CANDY, TRYST, SHIRT, FORGO
• Quordle #1280, Sunday, 27 July: TRAWL, BALER, PIANO, MINCE
• Quordle #1279, Saturday, 26 July: MUDDY, SAINT, KINKY, POLAR
• Quordle #1278, Friday, 25 July: BONUS, RESIN, CEDAR, MADAM
• Quordle #1277, Thursday, 24 July: AGONY, VERVE, GLEAN, MINUS
• Quordle #1276, Wednesday, 23 July: OZONE, PENCE, ROOMY, WIDER
• Quordle #1275, Tuesday, 22 July: OPTIC, GIDDY, VOCAL, ADULT

It's the first Scottish Premier League home fixture at Ibrox for new Rangers boss Russell Martin.

• New Wyoming facility could consume twice as much electricity as the entire state currently produces annually
• Data center developers will build custom natural gas and renewable plants to feed massive energy needs
• Crusoe refused to confirm any involvement of OpenAI despite growing speculation and prior partnerships

Plans for a new AI data center in Cheyenne, Wyoming, have raised serious questions about energy use and infrastructure demands.

The proposed facility, a collaboration between energy company Tallgrass and data center developer Crusoe, is expected to start at 1.8 gigawatts and could scale to an immense 10 gigawatts.

For context, this is over five times more electricity than what all households in Wyoming currently use.

A dedicated power supply for a silent tenant

Given the extraordinary energy demands, drawing power from the public grid is not an option - instead, the developers intend to power the site using a combination of natural gas and renewables, built specifically for the facility.

However, the mystery around the project continues to deepen because the future occupant of the data center has not been named.

Speculation has focused on OpenAI, as the AI giant recently partnered with Crusoe on a separate facility in Texas, described as the “largest data center” in the world.

That project reportedly draws about a gigawatt of energy and is seen as part of OpenAI’s broader “Stargate” initiative.

OpenAI has made commitments to develop several gigawatts of data center capacity, though the company has not publicly confirmed any presence in Wyoming.

When asked, Crusoe declined to confirm or deny whether this new site is tied to Stargate, fueling further uncertainty.

At the core of such AI-focused data centers lies the demand for extremely high-performance hardware.

Industry experts expect it to house the fastest CPUs available, possibly in dense, rack-mounted workstation configurations optimized for deep learning and model training.

These systems are power-hungry by design, with each server node capable of handling massive workloads that demand sustained cooling and uninterrupted energy.

Wyoming state officials have embraced the project as a boost to local industries, particularly natural gas; however, some experts warn of broader implications.

Even with a self-sufficient power model, a data center of this scale alters regional power dynamics.

There are concerns that residents of Wyoming and its environs could face higher utility costs, particularly if local supply chains or pricing models are indirectly affected.

Also, Wyoming’s identity as a major energy exporter could be tested if more such facilities emerge.

Via Arstechnica

You might also like

• SonicWall VPNs are being targeted by a new zero-day in ransomware attacks
• Check out the best 3D modeling software for 3D printing and more
• We've rounded up the best portable monitors available now

I've worn a few different slides over the years, including Oofos, but Oka's are arguably the best I've tested. They're available in a unisex design in a variety of colors.

Using a VPN can help to get the most out of your NFL livestreaming experience for this weekend's preseason matchups. Here's how.