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A game being played on a smartphone.

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you know a bit of trivia.

Strands, the New York Times' elevated word-search game, requires the player to perform a twist on the classic word search. Words can be made from linked letters — up, down, left, right, or diagonal, but words can also change direction, resulting in quirky shapes and patterns. Every single letter in the grid will be part of an answer. There's always a theme linking every solution, along with the "spangram," a special, word or phrase that sums up that day's theme, and spans the entire grid horizontally or vertically.

SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on Mashable

By providing an opaque hint and not providing the word list, Strands creates a brain-teasing game that takes a little longer to play than its other games, like Wordle and Connections.

If you're feeling stuck or just don't have 10 or more minutes to figure out today's puzzle, we've got all the NYT Strands hints for today's puzzle you need to progress at your preferred pace.

SEE ALSO: Wordle today: Answer, hints for August 15, 2026

NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Sacred space

The words are related to religion.

Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained

These words describe Christian church.

NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?

Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.

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NYT Strands spangram answer today

Today's spangram is In Church.

NYT Strands word list for August 15

  • Pews

  • Altar

  • Bible

  • Pulpit

  • In Church

  • Candles

  • Hymnal

  • Lectern

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Looking for other daily online games? Mashable's Games page has more hints, and if you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now!

Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.

Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to yesterday's Strands.



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Google Pixel 11

The new Google Pixel 11 was just unveiled this week. This usually prompts some consumers to question how Google's latest smartphone stacks up against Apple's current generation iPhone. 

However, this isn't really the most apt comparison. Because the phones run different operating systems, owners of either device may be reluctant to switch ecosystems in search of greener pastures.

The real head-to-head is between the Google Pixel 11 and its most direct Android rival: Samsung's latest flagship smartphone, the Galaxy S26. Let's put these two Android devices head-to-head.

Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Price

With the cost of technology rising amid global shortages of semiconductors, memory, and storage, price is likely front of mind for many consumers.

Both the Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 start at $899 with 256GB and 12GB of memory.

Currently, the Google Pixel 11 is only available via pre-order and the Samsung Galaxy S26 has been out for a few months. Consumers are looking to purchase a new device immediately may therefore be able to find discounts on the Galaxy S26 right now. If they don't mind waiting, both smartphones will likely be priced similarly once the Pixel 11 is readily available in stores.

SEE ALSO: Tech editors react to the Made by Google event and new Pixel device features

Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Specs

Both the Google Pixel 11 and Samsung Galaxy S26 offer some real processing power. These are the flagship smartphones from two of the leading Android device manufacturers, after all.

The Pixel 11 is powered by Google's latest custom chipset, the Tensor G6, while the Samsung Galaxy S26 is powered by Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Elite Gen 5 for Galaxy, which has been optimized for Galaxy smartphones. With AI features being a major selling point for both devices, processing power is going to matter a lot.

So, which is more powerful? While the Tensor G6 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the Tensor G5, experts have shared their disappointment in the chipset's capabilities. Don't get us wrong, Google has undoubtedly been able to optimize its own chipset specifically for the Pixel 11's Gemini-powered features. However, based on the performance benchmarks currently available, the Galaxy S26's Snapdragon 8 processor takes the clear lead in areas including CPU performance, gaming, and battery life.

Aside from the chipset powering each smartphone, the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 are quite similar specs-wise. Both devices run Android. Both have a 6.3-inch display with 120Hz refresh rate, although the Pixel 11 has an OLED display and the Galaxy S26 sports an AMOLED display. Both smartphones are quite similar in size, although the Pixel 11 is 0.1 inches taller than the Galaxy S26. 

In addition, both models offer 12GB of RAM and either 256GB or 512GB of storage.

Perhaps the most noticeable differences are their batteries and weight. The Pixel 11 has a 4,985 mAh battery, whereas the Samsung Galaxy S26 has a 4,300 mAh battery. The Samsung Galaxy S26 is also nearly a full ounce lighter than the Pixel 11.

SEE ALSO: I tested iPhone 17 Pro Max vs Galaxy S26 Ultra cameras

Google Pixel 11 vs Samsung Galaxy S26: Cameras

Smartphone cameras are a huge selling point, and both the Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 deliver four of them: three rear-facing cameras and one selfie camera.

The Pixel 11 has a 48MP wide-angle camera, while the Galaxy S26 has a 50MP camera. The Pixel 11's ultrawide camera is 13MP, while the Galaxy S26 sports a 12MP ultrawide camera. The Pixel 11 has a 10.8MP telephoto camera, while the Galaxy S26 has a 10MP telephoto camera. The Pixel 11 and Galaxy S26 have 10.5MP and 12MP selfie cameras, respectively.

As one can see, the camera specs on both devices are quite similar and the slight differences will be barely noticeable to most. The real comparison may come down to each phone's software features. The Pixel 11 has features such as Camera Looks and Magic Capture, while Galaxy AI offers its own photo-editing tools.

One notable difference, however, is video resolution. While the Samsung Galaxy S26 can record video in 8K, the Pixel 11 is limited to 4K recording.



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Made by Google 2026 event reactions

Our top mobile and health tech editors from PCMag, CNET and ZDNET share their thoughts on Google's Made by Google Pixel event hosted by Trevor Noah. What were the coolest features on the new Pixel devices, and what felt like a dud? 



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BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Super Miner (Black)

TL;DR: The BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Super Miner lets you participate in real solo Bitcoin mining with a quiet, plug-and-play desktop device for $49.99 (reg. $99.99).

BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Super Miner (Black)
Credit: BlockChance

You don’t need a room full of noisy hardware — or a stress-inducing electricity bill — to see how Bitcoin mining works. The BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Super Miner is available for $49.99 (reg. $99.99) and offers an approachable way to participate in real solo Bitcoin mining from your desk.

This compact miner delivers up to 1,060 KH/s of hashing power, connects directly to WiFi, and runs independently without a dedicated computer. A built-in 1.54-inch display lets you monitor hashrate and mining activity in real-time, while Bluetooth support and over-the-air firmware updates keep setup and maintenance straightforward.

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The important thing to understand is that this is not a replacement for a commercial mining rig. Instead, it works more like a lottery ticket backed by real mining activity. The device continuously submits legitimate solo mining attempts for a chance — however small — of discovering an entire Bitcoin block reward.

The odds are long, and buyers should view it as a learning experience and an entertaining hobby rather than a predictable way to earn Bitcoin.

That said, it has genuine appeal for crypto enthusiasts, developers, engineers, and anyone curious about how the Bitcoin network operates behind the scenes. It runs quietly, uses very little power, and makes an interesting addition to a home office or workspace.

If you’ve been curious about Bitcoin mining but couldn’t justify spending thousands on specialized equipment, $49.99 is a relatively inexpensive way to explore the technology firsthand.

Get this BlockChance Bitcoin Ticket Super Miner for $49.99 (reg. $99.99) while you can.

StackSocial prices subject to change.



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the Soundcore Boom 2 speaker sits near a basketball court recharging a phone

SAVE $80.01: The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus portable speaker is on sale at Amazon for $169.98, down from the normal price of $249.99. That's a 32% discount.

Soundcore Boom 2 portable speaker
Credit: Soundcore
Soundcore Boom 2 Plus
$169.98 at Amazon
$249.99 Save $80.01
 

Summer 2026 is coming to a close. If you have a few gatherings left on the calendar, it's time to make them epic. The right playlist is essential for the end-of-summer parties, and Soundcore wants an invite. Check out this portable speaker deal.

As of Aug. 13, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus portable speaker is on sale at Amazon for $169.98, down from the normal price of $249.99. That's a 32% discount.

An outdoor-worthy speaker has a checklist of requirements. It needs to be waterproof and have a durable exterior, and earn high marks for portability. The Soundcore Boom 2 Plus is up for tagging along on poolside afternoons or a sunset beach excursion. It's not only waterproof, but it also floats. The included carrying strap makes it easy to pack along on any adventure, and it can get up to 20 hours of playtime before it needs a recharge.

SEE ALSO: The Google Pixel Buds 2a are down at their best-ever price at Amazon — they're yours for $99

Soundcore mentions that this model can reach up to 103 decibels and is equipped with the brand's BassUp 2.0 technology for deep beats. With a 30W charger, the speaker can get a full charge in just three hours.

In addition to these features, the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus can recharge small devices such as phones and earbuds.

Since this is a limited-time deal and summer days are running out, make the upgrade to the Soundcore Boom 2 Plus speaker. It's the perfect party and beach companion.



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The Instagram app product page is seen on the Apple App Store, showing a 4.7-star rating from 2.5 million reviews, displayed on a smartphone next to the Instagram logo in this photo illustration taken on July 23, 2026.

Instagram has a new logo. Well, sort of.

The familiar gradient camera icon on your phone isn’t going anywhere. Instead, Instagram has redesigned the handwritten wordmark that appears at the top of the app, giving it its first update in a decade.

"The wordmark at the top of the app hasn’t changed in 10 years, so it was time for a refresh," Instagram head Adam Mosseri wrote in a post on Aug. 13. He described the new version as "cleaner and more modern," while preserving references to Instagram’s original design.

Instagram says its team explored hundreds of options, including all-caps lettering, camera-inspired concepts, and literal handwriting, before returning to a script design.

"Script reflects individuality, so referencing that felt right," Instagram director of product design Jasmine Probst said in Meta’s announcement. "The new wordmark is bolder and simpler, with touches of unexpectedness. It cues individual expression, a personal voice, both of which have always been core to Instagram," she adds.

The wordmark is part of a broader brand refresh that includes an updated Instagram Sans typeface and two new fonts: the hand-drawn Instagram Pen and Instagram Mono. Users will also eventually see refreshed motion, layouts, and more restrained use of Instagram’s signature gradient. It is rolling out globally now, with the rest of the changes coming throughout 2026 and beyond.

Naturally, the internet had opinions. Some kinder than others.

Others struggled to see much of a difference between the old and new designs, leaving them to question why Instagram felt a refresh was necessary at all.

The new wordmark keeps Instagram’s handwritten style but combines cursive and print lettering, with some letters connected and others floating on their own. But its unusually shaped “s” and “r” have led some online to conclude that it actually says "Instagzam." I can see it.

In the r/logodesign Reddit thread, one user described the wordmark as looking “fan-made,” like a logo created in Canva. Another called it “an unsettling mix of manuscript and cursive,” while someone else neatly summarized the redesign as a "sidegrade" — or, more accurately, a "zidegrade."

The response wasn’t entirely negative. Some in the subreddit called the half-cursive design stylish and surprisingly readable, while others said it was an improvement over Instagram’s previous wordmark. One commenter argued that Instagram was simply following the minimalist branding trend later than everyone else.

In one day, Instagram now has given us a refreshed identity, three updated fonts, and, apparently, an unofficial new pronunciation.



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Made By Google 2026

Interested in what Google has up its sleeve when it comes to its next Pixel smartphone? You don't have too much longer to wait to find out more. Made by Google 2026 is almost here!

Plenty has already leaked regarding Google's next-generation Pixel 11 smartphone lineup. Along with announcements about its flagship smartphone line, there's a good chance we'll see a new Pixel smartwatch and some new Gemini updates. But all of the rumors and speculation will soon be 100 percent confirmed by Google.

The Made by Google 2026 live event will kick off from New York on Wednesday, Aug. 12, and there we will get all of those Pixel-related details. Here's how to watch.

SEE ALSO: T-Mobile is giving away the new Google Pixel 11 for free — how to claim

How to watch Made by Google 2026

Google will be livestreaming the entire event at 6pm ET / 3pm PT right on its official Made By Google channel on YouTube.

Click here to watch on YouTube, or catch the stream when it goes live in the embedded livestream video below.

A mirror of the livestream is expected to go live on the Google Store at the start time.

According to reports, former The Daily Show host Trevor Noah will host the event, picking up the mantle from The Tonight Show host Jimmy Fallon, who hosted last year's event. 

The Made By Google event will also reportedly feature a slew of special guests, including Stephen Curry, Alex Cooper, Shubman Gill, Peggy Gou, Jesser, JuJu Watkins, Chari Hawkins, and PinkPantheress.

Don't be surprised if Mashable, as well as other outlets, start covering the big Pixel 11 releases before the livestreamed event. Both the Google Store and Best Buy have Pixel-related pre-order countdown clocks that end around 10am ET on Wednesday, hours before the livestream event is expected to kick off. Does Google have something extra special that it's holding off on announcing to surprise everyone at the event? We'll all have to tune in to find out.



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