Tech
Otterboxs new Taylor Swift-inspired phone case is fit for a showgirl
Taylor Swift's upcoming studio album The Life of a Showgirl probably wasn't the muse for Apple's new Cosmic Orange iPhone 17 Pro and Pro Max, as many Swifties theorized. But it did inspire a new case for those handsets.
The popular mobile accessories brand OtterBox has launched a new limited-edition phone case called the Encore, a $60 entry in its slim Symmetry Series with a distinct glittery orange design. Its moniker and product details don't directly name-drop Swift or TLOAS, but the Easter eggs are in screaming color (quite literally).
"Symmetry Series Clear Encore is a new era in case aesthetics, standing center stage with brilliant sparkles and high energy," reads its description on OtterBox's website. The first bullet point on its feature list hails it as "the case of the year to match the album of the year."
For added context, the internet has been awash in tangerine ever since Swift announced TLOAS in mid-August. The Cruel Summer singer, 35, assigns a different color scheme to each of her album eras — a tone-setter that doubles as a clever marketing tool, experts told Billboard. She's claimed bright orange for her Showgirl era, and its main vinyl variant is pressed in Portofino Orange Glitter.
Even more incriminatingly, though, a press image poses the Encore next to sparkly showgirl-apt accessories and two of Taylor's classic calling cards: friendship bracelet beads, a lyrical reference that evolved into an Eras Tour tradition; and (ding ding ding!) a tube of red lipstick. A promo video for it also features a song that sounds identical to "Shake it Off" instrumentals. The only way the Encore could get even Swiftier is if people try to flip it for thousands of dollars.
As an OtterBox Symmetry Series case, the Encore features a scratch-resistant polycarbonate shell with raised edges that protect the phone's screen and camera from drop damage. It's not as durable as the brand's Commuter, Sole, and Defender Series cases, but it's a tad tougher than its entry-level Profile styles. It comes with built-in magnets to support wireless charging and compatible accessories (like MagSafe grips, stands, and wallets).
The Encore is priced at $59.99 and up for preorder exclusively on OtterBox's website, where a 25% discount is available for shoppers who bundle it with a screen protector or power accessory. It's available for the new iPhone 17, 17 Pro, 17 Pro Max, 16, 16 Pro, 16 Pro Max, 15, and the Galaxy S25 Ultra. (Versions for the iPhone 16e, iPhone 15, iPhone 14, and iPhone 13 are coming soon.) All in-stock variants were estimated to ship on Saturday, Oct. 18, at the time of writing.
The Life of a Showgirl itself comes out on Friday, Oct. 3, and you can preorder it through Target or Swift's online store.
"The Life of a Showgirl" Sweat and Vanilla Perfume Portofino Orange Glitter Vinyl
at TaylorSwift.com
Tech
NYT Strands hints, answers for April 24, 2026

Today's NYT Strands hints are easy if you're rowdy.
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.
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.
NYT Strands hint for today’s theme: Hullabaloo
The words are related to sound.
Today’s NYT Strands theme plainly explained
These words describe ruckus.
NYT Strands spangram hint: Is it vertical or horizontal?
Today's NYT Strands spangram is horizontal.
NYT Strands spangram answer today
Today's spangram is Lets Get Loud.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
NYT Strands word list for April 24
-
Shout
-
Holler
-
Clamor
-
Lets Get Loud
-
Bellow
-
Whoop
-
Caterwaul
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.
Tech
Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 24, 2026

Today's Wordle answer should be easy to solve if you love a good drink.
If you just want to be told today's word, you can jump to the bottom of this article for today's Wordle solution revealed. But if you'd rather solve it yourself, keep reading for some clues, tips, and strategies to assist you.
Where did Wordle come from?
Originally created by engineer Josh Wardle as a gift for his partner, Wordle rapidly spread to become an international phenomenon, with thousands of people around the globe playing every day. Alternate Wordle versions created by fans also sprang up, including battle royale Squabble, music identification game Heardle, and variations like Dordle and Quordle that make you guess multiple words at once.
Wordle eventually became so popular that it was purchased by the New York Times, and TikTok creators even livestream themselves playing.
What's the best Wordle starting word?
The best Wordle starting word is the one that speaks to you. But if you prefer to be strategic in your approach, we have a few ideas to help you pick a word that might help you find the solution faster. One tip is to select a word that includes at least two different vowels, plus some common consonants like S, T, R, or N.
What happened to the Wordle archive?
The entire archive of past Wordle puzzles was originally available for anyone to enjoy whenever they felt like it, but it was later taken down, with the website's creator stating it was done at the request of the New York Times. However, the New York Times then rolled out its own Wordle Archive, available only to NYT Games subscribers.
Is Wordle getting harder?
It might feel like Wordle is getting harder, but it actually isn't any more difficult than when it first began. You can turn on Wordle's Hard Mode if you're after more of a challenge, though.
Here's a subtle hint for today's Wordle answer:
Intoxicated.
Does today's Wordle answer have a double letter?
There are no recurring letters.
Mashable 101 Fan Fave: Nominate your favorite creators today
Today's Wordle is a 5-letter word that starts with…
Today's Wordle starts with the letter D.
The Wordle answer today is…
Get your last guesses in now, because it's your final chance to solve today's Wordle before we reveal the solution.
Drumroll please!
The solution to today's Wordle is…
DRUNK
Don't feel down if you didn't manage to guess it this time. There will be a new Wordle for you to stretch your brain with tomorrow, and we'll be back again to guide you with more helpful hints. Are you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Reporting by Chance Townsend, Caitlin Welsh, Sam Haysom, Amanda Yeo, Shannon Connellan, Cecily Mauran, Mike Pearl, and Adam Rosenberg contributed to this article.
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 Wordle.
Tech
FCC challenges gender identity themes on kids TV

The Federal Communications Commission is using the presence of "controversial gender identity issues" in children's television programming as a pretense for questioning how TV ratings are developed and enforced, according to a notice published Wednesday by the federal agency.
The notice generally assesses TV ratings, but specifically points out that these industry guidelines have rated shows featuring "transgender and gender non-binary programming" as appropriate for children. It argues that parents aren't provided this information, "thereby undermining the ability of parents to make informed choices for their families."
In the document, the FCC poses a series of open-ended questions about TV ratings development, including whether the board responsible for the guidelines is "sufficiently balanced" with viewpoints outside of the entertainment industry and if faith-based organizations should be represented in the body.
"What more could the board do to include family-oriented perspectives — which are not well represented in the media industry — in its ratings process?" the notice asks.
FCC Chairman Brendan Carr announced the public notice on X, explaining that "parents have raised concerns with the industry's approach." He added that these parents believe "New York & Hollywood programmers" promote objectionable content in kids programming without disclosing that to parents. Carr didn't mention gender identity in his X post.
This Tweet is currently unavailable. It might be loading or has been removed.
TV parents guidelines can include both a rating as well as descriptors for content that includes crude language, sexual situations, and violence.
LGBTQ+ advocates criticized the public notice, arguing that it amounted to discrimination and censorship.
"Trump's FCC is trying to turn transgender people into a warning label," Tyler Hack, executive director of the transgender rights advocacy group Christopher Street Project, said in a statement. "It is dehumanizing, and it is part of a broader political strategy to stigmatize LGBTQ+ people in every corner of public life."
Sarah Kate Ellis, president and CEO of GLAAD, described the notice as government overreach.
"Media companies must be allowed to create and broadcast stories that reflect one-quarter of their audience without interference from a government agency with its own anti-transgender political agenda," Ellis said in a statement.
This isn't the first time Carr has been accused of censorship. Carr has claimed broadcasters air "hoaxes" and "news distortions" that also happen to be unfavorable to President Trump. Carr has suggested the licenses of such broadcasters won't be renewed.
In March, dozens of free speech experts argued in an open letter to Carr that his threats against broadcasters are "unlawful jawboning" and his vague characterization of "fake news" violates the First Amendment. The authors called on Carr to "withdraw" his threats.
-
Politics8 months agoSEND IN THE TROOPS! At Least 5 Dead, 10 Wounded So Far in Chicago Weekend Shootings
-
Business8 months ago
How I Paid Off My Mortgage 10 Years Early On A Teacher’s Salary
-
Politics8 months agoBlack Lives Matter Activist in Boston Pleads Guilty to Federal Fraud Charges – Scammed Donors to Fund Her Lifestyle
-
Tech8 months agoGet a lifetime subscription to the “ChatGPT for investors” for under $60
-
Tech8 months agoReview: The Dreame H15 Pro CarpetFlex is the first wet/dry vacuum I liked
-
Business8 months ago
25 Low-Effort Side Hustles You Can Start This Weekend
-
Tech8 months agoHow much does the Roborock Saros Z70 cost? And does it ever go on sale?
-
Business8 months ago
9 Ways to Command a Six-Figure Salary Without a Bachelor’s
