Physical: 100 has developed something of a cult following, and it’s easy to see why. Netflix’s South Korean fitness bonanza marries bizarre concepts (pulling a boat up a slope, anyone?) with genuinely grueling physical tests to deliver compelling entertainment.
For those who haven’t seen it, the show starts with 100 contestants of all different shapes, sizes and genders before periodically whittling this number down to one “ultimate physique” through a series of tasks, or “quests”.
It’s the uniqueness of these quests that, in my eyes, makes Physical: 100 one of the best Netflix shows. Season one included a series of tests inspired by Greek myth, including the Sisyphean task of repeatedly rolling a boulder up a hill until you drop, and the first task was deceptively simple: seeing how long each contestant can hang on a bar over a tank of water until they drop. However, the recently released second season kicks off with a more straightforward mission: running.
Contestants were met with a room containing 100 curved treadmills. These machines sap more of your energy than a standard treadmill because the user is responsible for powering the belt – check out our curved treadmills vs motorized treadmills comparison for all the differences. The athletes’ challenge was to run as far as they could in three timed intervals.
And, as a fitness fan watching 100 people suffer from the comfort of my couch, I immediately knew I wanted to give the test a go for myself.
How to try Netflix’s Physical: 100’s endurance test for yourself using an Apple Watch
Contestants had to run as far as they could in 10 minutes, then seven minutes, and finally five minutes, with short rests in between. After the first round, the bottom 50 athletes were eliminated, after the second 40 more were given their marching orders, and the final interval decided the order of top 10. This ranking gave top-performers preferential treatment in future quests.
I don’t have a curve runner. Neither does the gym I train at. But I do have a park nearby, so I set up a custom outdoor run on my Apple Watch Ultra 2, laced up my best running shoes and set off.
Set a custom workout on the “outdoor run” multisport tracking option of your Apple Watch (or equivalent if you’re using another fitness tracker). Read our guide to find out how to set up a custom workout on your Apple Watch.
This custom workout should have three timed interval runs of 10 minutes, seven minutes and five minutes respectively, each separated by a three-minute recovery period.
Warm up and get to work.
The aim is to run as far as possible over the course of those three rounds.
What happened when I tried Netflix’s Physical: 100 endurance test
I like doing difficult things. I lift weights most days, run twice a week and never say no to sports in any form. But there was a point during the second interval of this Physical: 100 test where I questioned why I was so keen to try it.
You’re running for 22 minutes in total so I figured, with a couple of three-minute breaks along the way, I should make it to five kilometers fairly easily.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
I was wrong. The first 10 minutes went surprisingly well, and I benefited from a slight downhill to ease me into my “quest”, as Physical: 100 refers to it. By the end of the first set I was breathing hard but feeling good, having covered 2.3km. This would have been enough to make the top 50 in Physical: 100. The top performer on the show recorded a distance of 2,416m, and the elimination cut-off was 1,841m.
Having used curve runners in the past, I should say that I find them significantly slower and more taxing than simply running outside – but it was still fun to have scores to compete against.
Following my first interval I stopped to take the prescribed three-minute breather. But after what felt like 20 seconds, my vibrating watch told me it was time to get moving again. I did as I was told, only to find that someone had surreptitiously swapped my legs for lead columns while I had been “recovering”.
(Image credit: Future / Harry Bullmore)
Legendary endurance coach Chris Hinshaw once described the 5,000m as a “true test of overall athletic fitness”, requiring both physical and mental capacity. I was definitely fighting a battle on both fronts by this point, with my body in constant discomfort and my mind trying to distract me from this pain by counting steps.
I finished the second interval and leant aggressively against a nearby railing, having accumulated 2,800 meters according to my Apple Watch. This would have been on the edge of being disqualified, with the tenth-placed Physical:100 contestant recording 3,803m. The winner was flying ahead on 4,160m, while the highest-placed female contestant (handball player Park Ha-Yan) finished 36th with 3,375m.
Once more, the three minutes of rest went by in the blink of an eye, but this time I knew what to expect and adjusted accordingly. As a result, I was able to pick up my speed from the previous round, averaging 4’04”/km (with a sprint finish) rather than 4’41”/km. As the final second ticked over, I reached 5.02km and promptly collapsed onto a park bench.
“Never again,” I muttered to myself, knowing full well I’d be returning to this test at a later date to try and better my score, as well as those of the Physical: 100 contestants.
My distance would have seen me finish in 10th place, with the winner (former firefighter Hong Beom-seok) reaching a lofty 5,472m. Roll on season three.
Please note the use of emulators may be in violation of the game developer and publisher terms and conditions as well as applicable intellectual property laws. These will vary so please check these. Emulators should only ever be used with your own purchased game copy. TechRadar does not condone or encourage the illegal downloading of games or actions infringing copyright.
With Apple under increasing scrutiny from regulators in the US and the EU, it’s taken the decision to loosen some of the restrictions on what’s allowed in the iOS App Store – and retro game emulators for the likes of Nintendo and Game Boy are now permitted.
That means you can play all kinds of classic video game titles on your iPhone, with several emulators now available and more on the way. If you’re keen to get started with game emulators and classic Nintendo or GBA games on your iPhone, we’ll show you how here.
Are iOS emulators legal?
Technically, iOS emulators are legal – but at the same time, pirating video games isn’t. It’s a similar situation to torrenting movies, because while the torrenting software on its own isn’t breaking any laws, downloading rips of copyrighted films is.
Delta is now available on the iOS App Stoire (Image credit: Future)
When it comes to games you’ve already paid money for, it’s something of a gray area. The US Copyright Act allows backups of computer programs for personal use (something which is also permitted in the UK), but Nintendo says that doesn’t cover playing those games somewhere else – and definitely not downloading them from the internet.
DRM (Digital Rights Management) protection matters, too. The Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) in the US says circumventing DRM to create copies and play games is illegal – but not if the copyright owner no longer maintains the necessary technology needed to authorize that DRM.
What’s more, there’s also a lack of legal precedent – this isn’t really something people historically get taken to court for. Software companies tend to go after people making emulator apps and distributing ROM (Read Only Memory) files, rather than the end users playing the games – all of which leaves the average gamer in a somewhat confusing position.
Emu64 XL is a Commodore 64 emulator for iOS (Image credit: Future)
Ultimately, copying copyrighted video games that you own technically breaks the law, and that’s that. However, it’s something that doesn’t tend typically get end users in trouble – especially when it comes to older, more obscure titles that are no longer available.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
How to set up iOS emulators for Game Boy, GBA and other Nintendo systems
For the purposes of this guide, we’re going to use the Delta emulator for iOS. Head to the App Store on your iPhone to find and download it – it’s free to use and install, and there are no in-app purchases to worry about.
Loading ROM files
Once you’ve found some ROMs, you can load them into Delta (Image credit: Future)
Delta can play games for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), Nintendo 64, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and the Nintendo DS, and the developer is promising support for more consoles in the future.
When you launch Delta, you’ll be met with a blank screen, but don’t panic: this is where you need to load in your ROMs. Given the legal issues around them, we’re not going to give you any pointers as to where you’ll find them, but we’ll show you how it works with a fully legal demo of Goodbye Galaxy for the Game Boy Advance.
Tap the + (plus) button in the top right corner, then point Delta towards the game files you want to use. As long as they’re saved somewhere on your iPhone (in iCloud Drive, for example), then the emulator will be able to find them.
You’re able to use on-screen controls or a physical controller (Image credit: Future)
Just tap on a file to launch it – you’ll be loaded into the relevant interface, whether it’s the SNES or the Game Boy Color. Controls appear on the screen by default, but you can connect a physical controller over Bluetooth if you need.
Gameplay and settings
You should be able to pick up the gameplay controls fairly intuitively, particularly for games you’ve played before. Note that Delta supports both landscape and portrait modes, so you can rotate your iPhone around if you find it more comfortable, and the on-screen controls adjust themselves automatically.
Hit the Menu button on whatever controller you’re using and the mid-game pause menu shows up: from here you’re able to save and load game states, enter cheat codes, or tell the emulator to keep specific buttons held down (keeping your fingers free for other buttons and controls).
Game states can be saved and loaded (Image credit: Future)
Here’s a nice little bonus: Delta supports AirPlay too. If you open up the iOS Control Center while playing (with a swipe down from the top right of the screen), then tap the AirPlay icon, you can beam the gameplay to a compatible screen. Any AirPlay-enabled TV, the Apple TV 4K box, or even a Mac will work.
Back on the game loading screen, tap the gear icon up in the top left corner to configure Delta. From the next screen you get access to a whole host of options – so you can, for example, set up the default controllers for multiple players, and change the opacity of the on-screen controls.
Delta comes with a decent number of settings (Image credit: Future)
Pick one of the supported consoles listed on the Settings page and you’re able to see the default controller skins and load in new ones – you can even have a go at making your own if you like. There’s more information about controller skins here, and you can download some alternative skins made by members of the Delta community.
From the Settings page you can also turn haptic feedback on or off for buttons and control sticks, as well as tell the emulator to respect silent mode on your iPhone: if your iPhone is set to silent then Delta won’t play any game audio by default, though you can change this option if you want to.
Artificial intelligence is clearly going to feature heavily in iOS 18 and all the other software updates Apple is due to tell us about on June 10, and new leaks reveal more about what’s coming in terms of AI later in the year.
These leaks come courtesy of “people familiar with the software” speaking to AppleInsider, and focus on the generative AI capabilities of the Ajax Large Language Model (LLM) that we’ve been hearing about since last year.
AI-powered text summarization – covering everything from websites to messages – will apparently be one of the big new features. We’d previously heard this was coming to Safari, but AppleInsider says this functionality will be available through Siri too.
The idea is you’ll be able to get the key points out of a document, a webpage, or a conversation thread without having to read through it in its entirety – and presumably Apple is going to offer certain assurances about accuracy and reliability.
Fast and private
Expect to hear more about iOS 18 in June (Image credit: Apple / Future)
Ajax will be able to generate responses to some prompts entirely on Apple devices, without sending anything to the cloud, the report says – and that chimes with previous rumors about everything running locally.
That’s good for privacy, and for speed: according to AppleInsider, responses can come back in milliseconds. Tight integration with other Apple apps, including the Contacts app and the Calendar app, is also said to be present.
AppleInsider mentions that privacy warnings will be shown whenever Ajax needs information from another app. If a response from a cloud-based AI is required, it’s rumored that Apple may enlist the help of Google Gemini or OpenAI’s ChatGPT.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Spotlight on macOS will be getting “more intelligent results and sorting” too, AppleInsider says, and it sounds like most of the apps on iOS and macOS will be getting an AI boost. Expect to hear everything Apple has been working on at WWDC 2024 in June.
Buying an iPhone is a big decision; it’s an expensive purchase and something you’ll likely be interacting with frequently every day. But even after you’ve decided that you want an iPhone rather than one of the best Android phones, the specific model is also a big choice.
There are quite a few different iPhones available – especially once you factor in older models – with some key differences between them, not to mention varying prices.
So with that in mind, here are the five main things you should consider when buying an iPhone.
1. Big or small
The iPhone 15 is a mid-sized iPhone (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
One of the most obvious differences between the many iPhones is their screen sizes. But if we’re looking at recent models, then there are only really three different sizes to consider.
Still, these are phones that you’re likely going to have to use two hands to comfortably operate, and that size also makes them bulky in pockets and bags. On the other hand, the large screen allows you to see more at once when web browsing, or get a bigger view of the action when playing a game or watching a video.
The next step down is 6.1-inch models like the standard iPhone 15 and the iPhone 15 Pro. These are substantially smaller, and therefore a better choice for one-handed operation, but they’re less pleasant to watch videos and the like on.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Finally, there’s the 4.7-inch iPhone SE (2022), which is a truly tiny phone, the likes of which we don’t often see anymore. If you miss the early days of smartphones where devices had big bezels and small screens then this could be for you, but its main selling point is simply that it’s cheaper than other recent iPhones.
2. Do you need a telephoto camera?
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a telephoto camera (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
One of the main reasons for the ‘Pro’ in the name of iPhone Pro models is that they have telephoto cameras, which the standard and ‘Plus’ models don’t.
All of these phones (other than the iPhone SE 2022) have wide and ultra-wide snappers, but if you want an optical zoom then you’ll have to go Pro.
Being able to zoom optically gives you more versatility in photography, and can be especially useful if you want to shoot distant animals, details that are high up on buildings, or other things that you can’t easily get close to.
But if these aren’t things that you’re likely to often want to take pictures of – or you simply don’t much care about smartphone photography at all – then a telephoto camera probably isn’t necessary. In which case, you could potentially pick a cheaper non-Pro model.
3. Does refresh rate matter to you?
The iPhone 15 Pro has a smooth 120Hz refresh rate (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
Another big difference between Pro models and non-Pro ones is the refresh rate, with the Pro iPhones having a 120Hz refresh rate, while the standard and Plus iPhones have just a 60Hz refresh rate.
That lower refresh rate makes scrolling less smooth. So if you’re swiping through emails or scrolling through your Twitter – sorry, X – feed, it will appear snappier on a 120Hz display. However, some people find this more noticeable than others.
If you’re aware that refresh rate matters to you then make sure you choose a 120Hz iPhone. If you’re not sure, then it’s worth checking what refresh rate your current phone has – if you’re rocking a 60Hz device and are fine with it, then there’s probably no great need to upgrade to 120Hz.
4. Battery life
The iPhone 15 Pro Max has a lot of life (Image credit: Future / Lance Ulanoff)
A big factor with any smartphone is its battery life, and this can vary a lot from phone to phone. In the case of iPhones, generally those with larger screens also have better battery life, as they can fit larger batteries in them.
That’s not universally true though, so it’s worth reading the battery section of our reviews for any iPhone you might be considering.
And it’s worth noting that no recent iPhones have bad battery life, some are just a lot better than others. If you’re often out and about with no ability to charge for extended periods of time – or simply find frequent charging annoying – then opting for something like the iPhone 15 Pro Max is probably best. But otherwise, smaller models like the standard iPhone 15 should still be fine.
5. Storage capacity
The iPhone 15 Plus (Image credit: Future | Alex Walker-Todd)
One final thing to consider is how much storage you need. iPhones don’t have microSD card slots, so the built-in storage is all you get.
Obviously, picking a higher storage capacity means paying more, but that’s likely better than finding you don’t have enough space.
If you’re buying a recent iPhone then you’ll be able to pick anywhere from 64GB to 1TB, depending on the model. We’d argue 64GB is too little for most people, so in general you should probably get at least 128GB if you can afford it.
Whether you need more than that really depends on how you plan to use your phone. Will you be downloading loads of big apps and games, or storing masses of photos and videos on there? If so, then you should probably go for at least 256GB, and maybe more.
But don’t forget you can make use of cloud storage, so you don’t necessarily need to store everything on your phone.
You might also like
Best iPhone: which Apple smartphone reigns supreme?
iPhone 16: release date speculation, latest leaks, price predictions and more
iPhone 16 Pro Max: latest news, rumors and everything we know so far
The Ody II is a budget wireless keyboard from Trust that promises a quiet typing experience. If, like us, you’re coming from the clacking and clattering of a cheap full-sized keyboard, the difference is immediately noticeable. Smooth, near-silent, spill-proof, this is an impressive unit for the price.
We’ve tested out plenty of office keyboards, keyboards for programmers, spent decades hammering on wired and wireless and cheap and expensive and full-sized and compact models. If you spend a lot of time writing reports, essays, code, your latest screenplay and you don’t want to disturb those around you, and you don’t want to break the bank, the trust Ody II is worth checking out.
That’s the TLDR. And it comes with some caveats. This isn’t ergonomically designed, it’s not low profile, and it’s not a mechanical keyboard – although it offers a closer typing experience compared to a lot of modern, flat keyboards, and even boasts a numpad. But is silence really golden? We put the Ody II to the test. And yes, in true review fashion, this one was written using the keyboard in question.
Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Pricing & availability
(Image credit: Trust)
The Trust Ody II silent keyboard is available as a standalone unit or as part of a keyboard and mouse combo, like our review unit. This set comes in at £20 and is widely available in the UK, from the likes of Argos, and across the rest of Europe.
Despite being a budget model, we were impressed with the overall design and construction of the Ody II. With its professional heavy black and embossed pebbling along the upper strip, it’s as sharp as a tailored business suit. There’s a nice weight to it, bolstered by the required three AAA batteries, and unlike many cheap keyboards, the casing doesn’t feel too plasticky. The keys themselves have a smooth feel to them, which is good for longer typing sessions.
Along the top row of the keyboard, you’ll find the physical on-off switch, while Function keys can be switched to media playback and hotkeys by pressing Fn + Tab. This works well in practice, but we would’ve liked to see some visual cue to show which is active.
The mouse bundled alongside the keyboard is fine. This is a standard 800 dpi – 1.600 dpi pointer with a speed button beneath a scroll wheel that’s very satisfying to roll. Comfortable enough under-hand with its rubber coating making it feel slightly more premium than it is, and like the keyboard, clicks are relatively quiet. Also like the keyboard, it’s not an ergonomic design. It uses a single AA battery.
Tucked away beneath the keyboard, you’ll find the Bluetooth adapter which feels snug in slot, but comes out easily. This single adapter is used to connect your PC to both devices. So, if you’re limited on ports, this is a good space-saver. Our experience here was good. We removed our wired unit, plugged in the USB-A adapter, then the keyboard and mouse worked. It was all very simple, seamless instant, the way it should be. No-one wants to be diving into Bluetooth settings just to write an email.
Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Performance
(Image credit: Trust)
Using the Ody II has been a joy. A softer, gentler, typing experience, that feels like it can still take a beating when you’re pounding out a report past the deadline. It’s not completely silent, but certainly whisper quiet and unlikely to disturb those around you even during a writing frenzy. We came from a similarly designed but very noisy keyboard, and the difference is remarkable. That overall pleasing experience is aided by its elevated or ‘floating’ keys. This further dampens sound, while allowing for greater depth and travel.
During our time with the Ody II, we experienced no issues whatsoever. No lag between key presses, or having to press buttons multiple times to get them to work. Any typos are purely the writer’s own. Under day-to-day office usage, it performed very well. As a wireless unit, it works up to 10m away from the Bluetooth adapter – you’ll know when you’ve strayed too far, as the board’s green light disappears, showing connection loss. This also happens when you don’t use the keyboard for some time, but we found ‘awakening’ it was instantaneous.
Using the bundled mouse, too, was a lag-free experience with none of the frustrations you sometimes get with cheap or budget brands. It’s not the best mouse we’ve ever used, lacking ergonomics for all-day use, but if you just need a classic office mouse for everyday use, it’s a welcome addition.
The real question for us is how long will the batteries last. Both devices had low-end batteries included, which are still holding up post-review. In an ideal world, we’d add a recharge option here – a cable for wired and wireless connections, making it useful for those who prefer the reliability of wired keyboards, and those who like the flexibility that comes from wireless models.
Trust Ody II Wireless Keyboard: Final verdict
(Image credit: Trust)
Really, we can only re-iterate what we said right at the start. If you do a lot of typing and want a silent experience on a budget, the Trust Ody II wireless keyboard is a fine bit of kit. While not totally silent, it’s as quiet as a whisper, the keys softly muted when pressed, and the overall experience of writing is incredibly comfortable, if not ergonomic.
For us, the mouse is very much a secondary character – a classic office mouse that’s comfortable enough if you don’t mind the lack of ergonomics. It’s nice to have, if you pick the combo set, but either way the keyboard is the real star of the show. Well-priced, well-designed, and mostly silent.
Prepare to broaden your lexicon even as the amorous singletons on I Kissed a Girl use every opportunity to substitute words for… action. It’s being billed as Love Island for girls who like girls, though posh girl Amy’s “Welcome to Lesbos” captures the wildness much more effectively. Here’s where to watch I Kissed a Girl online for free – from anywhere.
Swipe to scroll horizontally
You know the format. Ten girls looking to find love are encouraged to get to know each other at a sun-soaked masseria (essentially an Italian estate with a swimming pool). They’ve all been paired up beforehand, but when each couple meets there’s no small talk – just a snog that’ll either be the start of something fantastic or awful.
For some of the housemates it’s infatuation at first sight, while for others it’s purely a numbers game. As one of the show’s humbler contestants so eloquently puts it, “I don’t cheat, I attract.”
If the contestants weren’t chaos enough, I Kissed a Boy host Dannii Minogue will make a series of frequent and increasingly bewildering entrances – such as by diving into the pool in an ornate golden dress, before climbing out and taking the mic – in order to introduce a new singleton or psyche any couples out with booby-trapped chemistry quizzes.
Read on as we explain how to watch I Kissed a Girl from anywhere in the world.
How to watch I Kissed a Girl free online
Unblock any stream with a VPN
If you’re keen to watch I Kissed a Girl but you’re away from home and access to the show is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
Use a VPN to watch I Kissed a Girl from anywhere:
Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three…
1. Download and install a VPN – as we say, our top choice is NordVPN
2. Connect to the appropriate server location – open the VPN app, hit ‘choose location’ and select the appropriate geographical location
3. Go to the broadcaster’s live stream – so, in this case, just head to BBC iPlayer
(Image credit: google)
Can you watch I Kissed a Girl in the US?
At the time of writing, any plans to make I Kissed a Girl available to watch in the US are yet to be announced.
As in the US, there’s no word as to when or if I Kissed a Girl will arrive in Canada.
However, UK nationals currently traveling in Canada can use a VPN to unblock BBC iPlayer and watch the show from anywhere in the world. We recommend NordVPN.
(Image credit: google)
Can you watch I Kissed a Girl in Australia?
Any plans to make I Kissed a Girl available to watch in Australia are yet to be announced at the time of publication.
Hello and welcome to Sunday’s edition of Quordle – the puzzle game that challenges you to solve four Wordles simultaneously, or consecutively in the case of the Daily Sequence variant. It’s great fun, but potentially tough – so read on for some hints if you need help.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about Quordle today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Quordle expert
Your Quordle expert
Marc McLaren
Quordle today (game #832) – hint #1 – Vowels
How many different vowels are in Quordle today?
• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 3*.
* 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 #832) – 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 #832) – hint #3 – uncommon letters
Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?
• Yes. One of Q, Z, X or J appears among today’s Quordle answers.
What letters do today’s Quordle answers start with?
• G
• T
• F
• T
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
Quordle today (game #832) – the answers
(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)
The answers to today’s Quordle, game #832, are…
This must have been one of the worst starts I’ve ever had to a Quordle. Usually, my three set start words – STARE, DOILY and PUNCH – give me the majority of the letters I need. But today, I only had three yellows for the first quadrant, two for the second, one yellow and two greens for the third, and three yellows for the fourth.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Thankfully, the options in that fourth one, in the bottom right, were T, H and U – so I put them together with my unplayed M and B and uncovered THUMB. In the bottom left, I wanted to establish where the yellow E went, so played EVERY so as to give myself two shots at solving it. This didn’t work as such, but it did confirm that the answer was -E-RY. FERRY was the only word I could think of, and that was correct.
In the top left I had three yellows still. Two were E and R, so I went with WAGER to cover off the common ER format, while playing two more unplayed letters. Again, it was wrong – but the A, E and R turned green, and the G yellow, so I knew it had to be GAZER. That just left one more, and the W I’d played before now made it clear that it had to be TWEET.
So, here we had a Z plus a couple of repeated letters, and one of the more difficult recent Quordles. What a rollercoaster!
Sunday’s NYT Strands puzzle is a relatively straightforward one – but that doesn’t make it a piece of cake exactly. Very few Strands games are that, and you’ll still need your wits about you to solve it. But don’t despair – I’ve got some hints for you below if you need them.
SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Strands today is below, so don’t read on if you don’t want to know the answers.
Your Strands expert
Your Strands expert
Marc McLaren
NYT Strands today (game #63) – hint #1 – today’s theme
What is the theme of today’s NYT Strands?
• Today’s NYT Strands theme is… Tools for the job
NYT Strands today (game #63) – hint #2 – clue words
What are some good clue words today?
Play any of these words to unlock the in-game hints system.
• LOVE
• HELM
• OWED
• TREE
• SHARE
• GREED
NYT Strands today (game #63) – hint #3 – spangram
What is a hint for today’s spangram?
• Outdoor labor
NYT Strands today (game #63) – hint #4 – spangram position
Where does today’s spangram start and end?
• Start: left, 6th row
• End: right, 5th row
Right, the answers are below, so DO NOT SCROLL ANY FURTHER IF YOU DON’T WANT TO SEE THEM.
NYT Strands today (game #63) – the answers
(Image credit: New York Times)
The answers to today’s Strands, game #63, are…
GLOVES
RAKE
SHEARS
TRIMMER
TROWEL
SHOVEL
EDGER
SPANGRAM: YARDWORK
My rating: Easy
My score: Perfect
There should be no issues here, unless you have zero knowledge of gardening. I wouldn’t exactly describe myself as an expert, and I still solved this Strands puzzle with a minimum of fuss.
I was helped by the word GLOVES standing out immediately in the bottom right of the board; that then led to RAKE, and together with the theme clue of ‘Tools for the job’ it was obvious what was needed. The spangram, YARDWORK, foxed me a little because it’s not a phrase you hear in the UK, where I’m based; we’d call it gardening. But overall this was one of the easier days for Strands.
Get the hottest deals available in your inbox plus news, reviews, opinion, analysis and more from the TechRadar team.
Yesterday’s NYT Strands answers (Saturday 4 May, game #62)
PSYCHO
POLTERGEIST
HALLOWEEN
HOSTEL
SCREAM
SPANGRAM: SCARYMOVIE
What is NYT Strands?
Strands is the NYT’s new word game, following Wordle and Connections. It’s currently in Beta 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.
Want to watch Canelo vs Munguia tonight? Undisputed super middleweight champion Saul Alvarez is putting his WBA (Super), WBC, IBF and WBO titles on the line at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas today, with his unbeaten compatriot Jaime Munguia given the chance to make a name for himself on Cinco de Mayo weekend.
Below you’ll find every Canelo vs Munguia live stream, PPV, and even potentially how to watch Canelo vs Munguia for free. You can watch your coverage from anywhere by using a VPN, such as NordVPN.
How to watch Canelo vs Munguia
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Munguia may not be a household name like his storied opponent, but he’s a fighter on the rise and possesses tremendous knockout power. Canelo is one of the greats but, at the age of 33, some suspect that his peak years have come and gone.
There has been criticism that this is a very safe fight for Canelo but Munguia has been tipped to surprise the more storied man.
Munguia has show nothing but respect to his countryman at the weigh-in and press conferences, leaving it to promoter, and former fighter, Oscar De La Hoya to get under Canelo’s skin after claiming that both Canelo and his fights were boring. Expect Saul Alvarez to make his best response with his gloves on.
Follow our guide to watch a Canelo vs Munguia live stream from all over the world – including FREE options.
What TV channel is Canelo vs Munguia on?
Canelo vs Munguia is a DAZN PPV in most countries around the world, but in Mexico the fight is being shown on Azteca 7.
Can I watch Canelo vs Munguia without cable?
Yes! You don’t need a cable package to watch Canelo vs Munguia.
It’s being televised on Azteca 7 in Mexico, which is free-to-air, while streaming service DAZN has the rights to the fight pretty much everywhere else.
Canelo vs Munguia streaming options
You can live stream the Azteca 7 feed on the Azteca website, which works across a range of different devices.
If you’re planning to watch the fight via DAZN, you should note that Canelo vs Munguia PPV fees vary dramatically between different countries.
For instance, in the US it’s priced at $89.99, in Canada it costs CA89.99, and in Australia it’s AU69.99.
The UK price is much more palatable, at £19.99.
However, the cheapest Canelo vs Munguia PPVs are to be found in Nigeria, where it costs NGN15,500 (~US$12.50), followed by Japan, where viewers are being charged JPY2,500 (~$16).
In some countries, in order to watch Canelo vs Munguia, you’re also compelled to subscribe to DAZN for at least one month. Find out here what time the Canelo vs Munguia fight is where you are.
Where can I watch Canelo vs Munguia for free?
One of the best things about Canelo fights is that they’re invariably shown for free on the Azteca network in Mexico – perfect for Mexicans looking to see one of their country’s greats in action.
Canelo vs Munguia free-to-air TV coverage
As an undisputed all-Mexican showdown on Cinco de Mayo weekend, it’s no surprise that free Canelo vs Munguia coverage is available in Mexico.
What that means is if you’re based in Mexico but you’re abroad right now, you don’t have to miss out on the free coverage you’d be getting at home. All you need is a good VPN.
Unblock any stream with a VPN
If you’re keen to watch Canelo vs Munguia but you’re away from home and the coverage is geo-blocked, then you could always use a VPN to access it (assuming you’re not breaching any broadcaster T&Cs, of course). You may be surprised by how simple it is to do.
Use a VPN to live stream Canelo vs Munguia from anywhere:
Using a VPN is as easy as one-two-three…
1. Download and install a VPN – as we say, our top choice is NordVPN
2. Connect to the appropriate server location – open the VPN app, hit ‘choose location’ and select the appropriate geographical location.
3. Go to the broadcaster’s live stream – so, in this case, for Mexicans, just head to Azteca 7.
The Samsung HW-Q990D follows in the footsteps of one of the best soundbars in recent years, the Samsung HW-Q990C, but adds gaming features including 4K 120Hz and VRR pass-through, along with a more refined and controlled sound profile.
Filled to the brim with features, the Q990D offers plenty of settings for those who like to experiment. AI enhancements including Adaptive Sound and SpaceFit allow the Q990D to analyze sources and the viewing environment to create the best possible experience. Alongside these, the new gaming features enable users to get the most from their PS5 or Xbox Series X. And for those with a Samsung TV, there’s also Q-Symphony and a wireless Dolby Atmos option.
Carrying 22 speakers across four units, with an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D confirms Samsung’s continued domination of the soundbar market, especially when it comes to immersive Dolby Atmos sound. But, it’s not just immersive sound where it succeeds, as bass levels are punchy yet refined and trebles and mids can breathe easy over the bass. The Q990D also serves as an excellent music streaming option whether over Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, with its wide soundstage giving every aspect of a song the space it needs.
Although on the bulkier side, the Q990D feels every bit its premium price thanks to its solid build quality, and it has a sleek, modern look. The main soundbar’s size may be an issue for some and its front LED display is not the most user-friendly, but for many, it will beat the mess of cables you get with a wired home theater setup.
With a variety of control options including a supplied remote and the Samsung SmartThings app, the Q990D is easy to use and tailor settings to how you like. Initial setup is a breeze, making it simple to get great sound.
The Q990D may be a premium soundbar, and there are cheaper options such as last year’s Samsung Q990C and this year’s Samsung HW-Q930D, but neither of those carries the full range of features or the performance found in the Q990D. Although pricey, it delivers the best Dolby Atmos soundbar experience you can get today.
The Samsung HW-Q990D comprises a soundbar, subwoofer and two surrounds, with 11.1.4 channels across 22 speakers. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Price & release date
Release date – March 2024
Price – $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995
The Samsung HW-Q990D is Samsung’s flagship Dolby Atmos soundbar for 2024. Released at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar package.
For context, that’s roughly $400 more than the JBL Bar 1300X, an older soundbar that includes wireless rear speakers and a powerful subwoofer, but is roughly $500 more than the most widely available Sonos home theater package, which features the Sonos Arc, Sonos Sub (Gen 3) and a pair of Sonos Era 100s as rears.
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Specs
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Dimensions (W x H x D)
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm (51.3 x 23.4 x 10.9 in), Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm (8.6 x 16.2 x 16.1 in), Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm (5 x 7.9 x 5.5 in)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
Connections:
1x HDMI out (with eARC), 2x HDMI 2.1 in, optical digital audio, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Sub included
Yes
Rear speakers included
Yes
Features
Q Symphony, SpaceFit Sound Pro, Adaptive Sound, Game Mode Pro, Tap Sound, AirPlay 2, Chromecast, HDMI 2.1 120Hz pass-through, HDR10+ and Dolby Vision pass-through, wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung HW-Q990D (connected to the Samsung S95D TV) now has gaming features including 120Hz and VRR. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Features
11.1.4 speaker channels
HDMI 2.1 with 4K 120Hz support
Wireless Dolby Atmos
The Samsung Q990D has many of the same features as its impressive predecessor, the Samsung HW-Q990C, including 11.1.4 speaker channels and 22 speakers spread across the four units (soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers).
One new feature is HDMI 2.1 ports for gaming, with both HDMI inputs supporting 4K120Hz and VRR. Both HDMI ports also pass through HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR formats.
Supported sound formats include Dolby Atmos and DTS:X, Dolby 5.1, Dolby Digital Plus and Dolby TrueHD.
The Q990D is stacked with sound-enhancing features including Adaptive Sound, which analyzes what you’re watching and intelligently adjusts audio levels; SpaceFit Sound Pro, which analyzes your environment and tunes the Q990D’s audio output for the space; and Game Mode Pro, which tailors directional sound to optimal levels when gaming.
Wi-Fi streaming on the Q990D supports hi-res audio formats including ALAC, FLAC and WAV and also Dolby Atmos music tracks found on streaming services such as Apple Music and Tidal. Speaking of streaming, there is also Spotify and Tidal Connect support.
There are some Samsung-exclusive enhancements alongside these features (meaning they only work with compatible Samsung TVs). The first is Q-Symphony, where the Q990D works with the speakers of a Samsung TV to boost sound even further. The next is wireless Dolby Atmos, where a Samsung TV can stream Dolby Atmos soundtracks – albeit a compressed version – to the Q990D.
Last is Tap Sound, where you tap your Samsung smartphone on the Q990D and it starts playing the music you’re streaming.
Control options include a hardware remote control and the Samsung SmartThings app. With the app, you can make EQ adjustments, activate voice and bass enhancement, and select Night Mode, which adjusts the sound to a suitable level for late-night viewing or listening. The app also isn’t just for the Q990D, but can control any compatible Samsung product.
The Samsung HW-Q990D main soundbar (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Performance
Exceptional immersive sound
Powerful, yet detailed audio
Impressive gaming performance
For years, Samsung’s flagship soundbars have continually impressed, serving as a pinnacle of what a soundbar-based home theater audio system is capable of, and the Q990D continues this trend.
With 22 speakers across the four units, including four height channels, in an 11.1.4 channel configuration, the Q990D creates an outstanding immersive experience, with expert reproduction of Dolby Atmos and DTS:X soundtracks and real surround sound.
Watching Star Wars: A New Hope on Disney Plus, the final attack and ensuing space battle involving the Death Star was every bit as cinematic as it should be. As X-Wings and Tie Fighters shot across the screen from every angle, the direction of the soaring engines glided across the speakers impeccably and John Williams’ iconic score in the rear speakers kept the tension high without drowning out other effects. Dialogue was crisp and clear, cutting through the densely packed mix of engines, lasers and music. Watching this, I truly felt like I was in the cockpit, as the iconic screech of the Tie Fighter passed over my head.
Although immersive sound is where the Q990D succeeded the most, bass levels from the weighty subwoofer also impressed. The rumble of the Batmobile’s engine in The Batman during the Penguin car chase sounded meaty with plenty of low-end punch. On previous Q990 generations, the bass could get carried away on occasion, but the Q990D’s bass feels more nuanced and controlled – dynamic but without overwhelming the rest of the mix.
Even when watching movies with a stereo soundtrack such as The Amazing Spider-Man on DVD, the Q990D boosted the sound through upmixing and gave more oomph to every fight sequence and web swing through NYC.
Other parts of the audio mix are well-balanced on the Q990D. High notes come across without being too shrill whilst mids sit comfortably where they should in the mix, with everything combining to create a full, detailed sound.
Although it’s not as impressive with music as with movies, the Q990D is still a triumph. When I streamed tracks from Tidal and Spotify in uncompressed hi-res and compressed formats respectively, the Q990D did a good job of balancing instruments and handled every genre well. Listening to Tears for Fears’ Everybody Wants To Rule The World, the bass and drums sounded punchy, and the trebles of the synths and guitars sliced through evenly.
Listening to Dolby Atmos music tracks via Tidal, the Q990D again showed its prowess. Thelonius Monk’s Monk’s Dream (Take 8) spread out across the Q990D’s speakers, with every instrument given equal room to breathe – from the twinkling piano to the bright sax and the warm bass notes.
Sometimes the mix would sound forced on these Dolby Atmos tracks, with some instruments pushing a little too hard. But the Q990D generally continued to shine and even tracks streamed over lower quality Bluetooth sounded good.
The Q990D was connected to a Samsung S95D TV during my testing, with Samsung-centric features such as Q Symphony available. And while this did provide an extra layer to the sound, adding a greater sense of space and power, the Q990D gave a great cinematic experience without it.
As for gaming performance, when playing Battlefield V with an Xbox Series X, gaming was smooth, as switching between targets felt easy and the action suitably pacy.
The most surprising element of the Q990D’s gaming performance was the low 9.2ms input lag time, meaning its HDMI pass-through didn’t add any latency. For those needing 4K 120Hz, VRR and low input lag for their console, the Q990D can provide.
The Samsung HW-Q990D’s front display isn’t the easiest to read… (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Design
Solid, premium design
Front display isn’t easiest to read
Slightly wider than a 55-inch TV
The Q990D comprises four units: a soundbar, subwoofer and two rear speakers. The subwoofer is sizable and hefty, but its wireless connection allows it to be placed anywhere in the room (as long as there’s a mains socket nearby to plug in for power). The rear speakers, meanwhile, have a compact yet sleek design.
The soundbar itself measures 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, making it slightly longer than a 55-inch TV (which roughly measures 1200mm). At 595mm, it isn’t the tallest soundbar, but could still cut off the bottom of a lot of TVs. The soundbar is also weighty, although that demonstrates its premium quality.
The soundbar and rear speakers sport a gray/navy matte finish that gives them a minimalist, modern appearance. A mesh grille on the soundbar’s front makes it quite difficult to see what input you’re using and other information provided on the front panel LED display, however.
The Samsung HW-Q990D can be controlled with the above supplied remote, the Samsung SmartThings app or your TV remote via HDMI-CEC. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Setup & usability
HDMI eARC connection to TV
Wireless connection between units
Remote or SmartThings app for control
With four separate, wireless units, setting up the Q990D seems like it would be daunting, but the Q990D makes setup almost effortless. Once all units are plugged in and the soundbar is connected to the TV by HDMI eARC, the subwoofer and rear speakers connect by simply pressing a button on the back and you’re ready to go.
You can either use the supplied remote or the Samsung SmartThings app for control, with adjustments for boosting voice, bass and more. The Q990D can also be controlled via the TV remote using HDMI-CEC. Finally, there are control buttons and an LED display on top of the soundbar.
For those looking to optimize audio based on their room’s layout, there is also the SpaceFit Pro calibration system, which can be performed during initial setup or on the fly using the SmartThings app.
Setup & usability score: 4.5 / 5
The Samsung HW-Q990D is pricey, but you get an entire Atmos experience across four units. (Image credit: Future)
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Value
Premium price
Best home theater soundbar option
Samsung Q990C still available
Priced at $1,799 / £1,699 / AU$1,995, the Q990D is a premium soundbar. And although its features and excellent all-around performance justify the price, it is no doubt going to push some people’s budgets.
The Samsung HW-Q990C, the Q990D’s predecessor, is still available and sells at a reduced price that’s only going to fall further – I’ve seen it selling for roughly $400 / £600 cheaper than the Q990D. It does miss out on the Q990D’s gaming features, but if they’re not relevant to you, the Q990C is fine. Another option is the Samsung HW-Q930D, the step-down model from the Q990D which comes with fewer channels and features.
Still, in terms of features and performance, the Q990D offers a Dolby Atmos home theater experience no other soundbar can offer. To beat it, you’d need to look at full AV setups that don’t allow for the same tidy installation or ease of use.
Should I buy the Samsung HW-Q990D?
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Section
Notes
Score
Features
Already stacked with features, the Q990D introduces gaming features to offer a completel experience
5 / 5
Performance
Immersive spatial audio, power and dynamism – the Q990D is top of the class
5 / 5
Design
A premium design, but the front display could be clearer
4 / 5
Setup & usability
Easy setup and plenty of control via remote or SmarThings
4.5 / 5
Value
Worth its price, but still undoubtedly expensive
4 / 5
Buy it if…
Don’t buy it if…
Samsung HW-Q990D review: Also consider
Swipe to scroll horizontally
Header Cell – Column 0
Samsung HW-Q990D
Samsung HW-Q990C
Sony HT-A7000
JBL Bar 1300X
Dimensions
Soundbar: 1309.0 x 595.0 x 277.0 mm, Subwoofer: 220.0 x 413.0 x 410.0 mm , Rear speaker: 129.5 x 201.3 x140.4 mm
Main soundbar – 1309(w) x 595(h) x 277(d)mm; subwoofer – 220(w) x 413(h) x 277(d)mm; rears – 129.5(w) x 201.3(h) x 140.4(d)mm
Main soundbar – 1300(w) x 80(h) x 142(d)mm
39.4 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (soundbar), 8 x 2.4 x 5.5 inches (surround speakers), 14.4 x 18.9 x 14.4 inches (subwoofer)
Speaker channels
11.1.4
11.1.4
7.1.2
16
Connections
Two HDMI 2.1 input, One HDMI output, optical output, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, digital optical audio input, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
Two HDMI inputs, one HDMI output with eARC support, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth
4 HDMI inputs (1 with eARC), optical digital audio, USB type-A
Dolby Atmos/DTS:X
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
Yes/Yes
How I tested the Samsung HW-Q990D
(Image credit: Future)
Connected to the Samsung S95D
Tested with variety of sources
Both surround sound and stereo sound tested
To test the Samsung HW-Q990D soundbar, I connected it to the Samsung S95D – the flagship 2024 OLED TV from Samsung. The majority of testing was done with Q-Symphony and any other Samsung-centric features turned off to see how the Q990D would fare if connected to sets from other brands.
After some run-in time, I selected reference scenes from both streaming and 4K Blu-ray to test spatial sound, mainly Dolby Atmos. I then used lower-resolution sources such as DVD to test the Q990D on its handling of non-surround movie audio. I analyzed the Q990D’s spatial sound but also bass, trebles, mids, and dialogue clarity.
After this, I streamed music through both Bluetooth and Wi-Fi to test the Q990D’s music playback quality. I played hi-res audio and Atmos music tracks from Tidal and lossy quality tracks via Bluetooth from Spotify.
