Quordle today – my hints and answers for Friday, December 20 (game #1061)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 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 #1061) - hint #1 - Vowels

How 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 #1061) - 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 #1061) - 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.

Quordle today (game #1061) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1061) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• P

• E

• D

• Q

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

Quordle today (game #1061) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1061, are…

• PENAL
• EAGLE
• DILLY
• QUITE

Getting the first word in four is about as good as it gets for me – and I even got all four answers before having to sweat on the final line.

Knowing four letters helped me get the tricky QUITE and I took a gamble that the word ending LE with an A was EAGLE. I did waste a line with DILLY, though, by completely forgetting I already knew the word had a D in it. I think I was blinded by how well it was going.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

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Daily Sequence today (game #1061) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1061, are…

• SWORD
• GLAND
• DROWN
• ABATE

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Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1060, Thursday 19 December: JEWEL, GNOME, TRAMP, IDLER
• Quordle #1059, Wednesday 18 December: LITHE, BIRTH, HUMID, ROBOT
• Quordle #1058, Tuesday 17 December: DOING, ENJOY, SNAKY, AMPLE
• Quordle #1057, Monday 16 December: HYDRO, CREAM, CHIDE, SLIME
• Quordle #1056, Sunday 15 December: DROVE, STILT, LINEN, GIANT
• Quordle #1055, Saturday 14 December: SPIEL, ONSET, TIGER, DITTO
• Quordle #1054, Friday 13 December: ERECT, REBAR, MOIST, IDIOM
• Quordle #1053, Thursday 12 December: MILKY, CRIER, STORK, DRIER
• Quordle #1052, Wednesday 11 December: BRIAR, NASAL, SHARD, FLUFF
• Quordle #1051, Tuesday 10 December: BEGAN, TRIAL, IDEAL, GUIDE
• Quordle #1050, Monday 9 December: TITAN, FORTE, SPEED, BRIAR
• Quordle #1049, Sunday 8 December: BUNCH, SHINY, MOULT, INTRO
• Quordle #1048, Saturday 7 December: SHAKY, CROOK, GHOUL, VERSE
• Quordle #1047, Friday 6 December: BRAWL, UNTIL, DOWRY, STING
• Quordle #1046, Thursday 5 December: AGING, BICEP, CLOVE, SPILL
• Quordle #1045, Wednesday 4 December: JUDGE, GIVER, GNASH, CLOAK
• Quordle #1044, Tuesday 3 December: FUDGE, THICK, CRANK, STASH
• Quordle #1043, Monday 2 December: TROPE, HOVER, SAUNA, SHAPE
• Quordle #1042, Sunday 1 December: NAIVE, CIRCA, STEAD, MICRO
• Quordle #1041, Saturday 30 November: MAMMA, SNUCK, CRYPT, TAROT

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NYT Strands today — my hints, answers and spangram for Friday, December 20 (game #292)

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 #292) - hint #1 - today's theme

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Morning morsel

NYT Strands today (game #292) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• CROP
• ELOPE
• FACE
• SACK
• PURE
• FEAR

NYT Strands today (game #292) - hint #3 - spangram

What is a hint for today's spangram?

• Breakfast bowl

NYT Strands today (game #292) - hint #4 - spangram position

What are two sides of the board that today's spangram touches?

First side: left, 5th row

Last side: right, 4th row

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

NYT Strands today (game #292) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #292, are…

• LOOP
• FLAKE
• CHARM
• SMACK
• PEBBLE
• CRUNCH
• CHEERIO
• SPANGRAM: CEREAL

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• My rating: Easy
• My score: Perfect

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The oldest commercial breakfast CEREAL Grape-Nuts doesn’t figure in today’s list of pulverized oats, tempered rice, toasted corn, defatted wheat germ and puffed wheat, aka CEREAL, and its many ultra-processed mouth-feels.

Of course, many cultures would never consider eating multi-colored cereals for breakfast – not even Grape-Nuts, which have managed to retain their air of sandal-wearing outdoorsy good health 127 years on – consuming eggs, rice, or meat-based meals instead. Recently I lasted all of two days following a diet plan that recommended salad for breakfast.

Despite its bad reputation, cereal isn’t always the worst option. Once when I was at a hostel in Amsterdam, I was given the following items for “breakfast”: a crispbread, a small box of chocolate sprinkles, and a can of Heineken. Give me a bowl of Cinnamon Toast Crunch any day.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

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Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Thursday, 19 December, game #291)

• GLAM
• METAL
• PROGRESSIVE
• GRUNGE
• PUNK
• ALTERNATIVE
• SPANGRAM: ROCKING

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What is NYT Strands?

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

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

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Got an Intel Core Ultra 200S CPU? These are the patches you need to help gaming performance – with one more update coming in January 2025

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• Intel has issued a full and detailed report on Arrow Lake’s subpar performance
• Five separate problems were highlighted, four of which are now fixed
• You’ll need to update your BIOS and Windows 11 to get those fixes

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Intel has finished its deep-dive investigation into problems with its Core Ultra 200S processors, and has presented the full results – with most of the issues now fixed, and one remaining remedy to be taken in January 2025.

As you may recall, these Arrow Lake desktop CPUs, launched in October, disappointed with their initial performance – particularly for PC games – and Intel subsequently admitted that Core Ultra 200S CPUs weren’t performing as well as expected, but that fixes were in the pipeline.

We were promised cures for a “series of multifactor issues” in fact, and now we have the full lowdown on those gremlins in the silicon works.

In a lengthy blog post, coined a ‘field update’ (part one of two), Intel observed that: “Editorial conclusions on gaming performance were more polarized, with noteworthy statistical variation from one article to the next. These results were inconsistent with our internal testing.”

Team Blue then says “we have determined that there are five distinct topics that could alter performance or functionality,” before going on to list those areas. They are as follows:

• A missing Performance & Power Management (PPM) package
• Intel Application Performance Optimizer (APO) could not take effect
• BSODs when attempting to launch game titles utilizing the Easy Anti-Cheat service
• Select performance settings misconfigured on reviewer or early enabling BIOSes
• New BIOS performance optimizations

All of these issues have been ‘root caused’ – meaning Intel has got to the bottom of why they’re happening – and the first four have been resolved by updates that are already out there.

To get the benefit of these solutions, you need to avail yourself of two main updates. Firstly, update Windows 11 to build 26100.2314 (or newer), which is the November cumulative update for the 24H2 version. (We presume that the 23H2 update for the same month will also work – but Team Blue doesn’t mention this, so that isn’t clear). This will deal with issues number one and two as listed above.

Secondly, you need to get the latest BIOS update for your motherboard, which cures problem number four. As for issue three, that’s resolved by an Easy Anti-Cheat driver update (that’ll be piped through with the game that uses this anti-cheat system, which has been problematic with Arrow Lake on Windows 11 24H2).

The final problem, number five, is the one that’ll be fixed in January 2025 with a new BIOS update, which will provide a further performance uptick.

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(Image credit: Intel)

Analysis: Initial double-digit boost, then a single-digit follow-up

As Intel notes, you might just want to wait until next month anyway, then do your BIOS update and grab the fixes for issues four and five in one fell swoop.

Whereas the exact gaming (and app) performance increase you get will depend on your exact mix of PC components and system configuration – as ever – it seems to be the case that the first BIOS update (for problem four) is going to give you at least a boost of a few percent, or perhaps a double-digit uplift (up to 14% in theory, a pretty wide range). The second patch (for problem five, coming in January) is likely to provide a “modest performance improvement in the single-digit range,” we’re told.

So, both of these BIOS updates will likely provide a similar uplift of around 5% or so, maybe a bit more, but if you get lucky – or unlucky depending on how you look at it – you’ll get an even bigger boost (because your system was more hamstrung by these issues in the first place).

We should also point out that fix number two is for Intel APO (Application Performance Optimization) tech, so only a small number of games will benefit from that (those that support APO).

Intel has been commendably transparent in this process, and in revealing the detailed results of its investigation – as the company promised it would. So, that’s a definite tick for Team Blue, and hopefully any Arrow Lake gaming sluggishness will be pretty much ironed out by the time we get to the end of January 2025.

Via VideoCardz

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Quordle today – my hints and answers for Thursday, December 19 (game #1060)

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,000 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 #1060) - hint #1 - Vowels

How 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 #1060) - 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 1.

Quordle today (game #1060) - 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.

Quordle today (game #1060) - hint #4 - starting letters (1)

Do any of today's Quordle puzzles start with the same letter?

• The number of today's Quordle answers starting with the same letter is 0.

If you just want to know the answers at this stage, simply scroll down. If you're not ready yet then here's one more clue to make things a lot easier:

Quordle today (game #1060) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• J

• G

• T

• I

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

Quordle today (game #1060) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1060, are…

• JEWEL
• GNOME
• TRAMP
• IDLER

Today’s experiment was to see if loading the board with Es would give me a head start.

It sort of worked, but I had to use the next two attempts with the other vowels – and getting very lucky with ANNOY, which gave me no other option than GNOME.

Despite this good start I was still sweating by the end. With my current run I’m beginning to wonder if it is ever possible to complete Quordle with a couple of spaces to spare.

Meanwhile, I’m hitting it out of the park with the Daily Sequence, so maybe I’m overthinking my tactics on the Classic version.

How did you do today? Send me an email and let me know.

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Daily Sequence today (game #1060) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1060, are…

• EMCEE
• STINK
• EATER
• AGAIN

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Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1059, Wednesday 18 December: LITHE, BIRTH, HUMID, ROBOT
• Quordle #1058, Tuesday 17 December: DOING, ENJOY, SNAKY, AMPLE
• Quordle #1057, Monday 16 December: HYDRO, CREAM, CHIDE, SLIME
• Quordle #1056, Sunday 15 December: DROVE, STILT, LINEN, GIANT
• Quordle #1055, Saturday 14 December: SPIEL, ONSET, TIGER, DITTO
• Quordle #1054, Friday 13 December: ERECT, REBAR, MOIST, IDIOM
• Quordle #1053, Thursday 12 December: MILKY, CRIER, STORK, DRIER
• Quordle #1052, Wednesday 11 December: BRIAR, NASAL, SHARD, FLUFF
• Quordle #1051, Tuesday 10 December: BEGAN, TRIAL, IDEAL, GUIDE
• Quordle #1050, Monday 9 December: TITAN, FORTE, SPEED, BRIAR
• Quordle #1049, Sunday 8 December: BUNCH, SHINY, MOULT, INTRO
• Quordle #1048, Saturday 7 December: SHAKY, CROOK, GHOUL, VERSE
• Quordle #1047, Friday 6 December: BRAWL, UNTIL, DOWRY, STING
• Quordle #1046, Thursday 5 December: AGING, BICEP, CLOVE, SPILL
• Quordle #1045, Wednesday 4 December: JUDGE, GIVER, GNASH, CLOAK
• Quordle #1044, Tuesday 3 December: FUDGE, THICK, CRANK, STASH
• Quordle #1043, Monday 2 December: TROPE, HOVER, SAUNA, SHAPE
• Quordle #1042, Sunday 1 December: NAIVE, CIRCA, STEAD, MICRO
• Quordle #1041, Saturday 30 November: MAMMA, SNUCK, CRYPT, TAROT
• Quordle #1040, Friday 29 November: JOIST, DROOL, DUSKY, GLIDE

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Microsoft’s PC accessories are back, this time with a stylish helping hand from Incase

• Microsoft revives PC accessories with Incase, rebranding classics like the Modern Mobile Mouse and keyboards.
• Affordable, ergonomic, and wireless options headline the new lineup, starting with 23 versatile accessories.
• Surface remains Microsoft's premium gear focus, blending cutting-edge tech with its signature Surface branding.

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Some people might not know that until pretty recently, Microsoft made computer accessories - and it looks like Microsoft is dipping its toe in again. The company actually has a considerable history of creating PC accessories, from ergonomic keyboards to high-precision mice. After discontinuing its own brand of PC accessories last year, Microsoft has partnered with Incase to bring back some of those back.

Incase put out a post announcing the partnership starting in 2024, promising to combine both companies’ expertise to bring you 23 computer accessories to start with and possibly more to come. You can get products that some might recognize, such as the Modern Mobile Mouse or Sculpt Ergonomic Keyboard, but now with the Incase logo and branding.

(Image credit: Incase)

What Incase and Microsoft have to offer

In practical terms, these accessories will work just as well as the originals and they come at great prices that won’t make you jump out of your seat. For example, the $24.99 Mobile Mouse 1850 is a lightweight, reliable wireless mouse that’s perfect for everyday tasks, while the $39.99 Modern Mobile Mouse offers a sleeker design with better performance for on-the-go professionals. This new lineup also includes keyboards that are wireless, ergonomic, and compact, along with headsets and a webcam.

While Microsoft has pretty much entirely left the PC accessory market, its Surface range includes Surface-specific gear, like the Surface Desktop Keyboard with its AI-powered Copilot+ key, which shows off Microsoft’s commitment to its premium Surface lineup. So, whether you’re looking for dependable classics under the new “Incase Designed by Microsoft” label or cutting-edge tech under the Surface brand, Microsoft has something for everyone.

Those who are familiar with Microsoft’s computer accessories will probably welcome this announcement. While some have complaints about products like Microsoft 365, Edge, and, of course, Windows, it is still a highly trusted company, and with Incase’s collaboration efforts, I think these will be pretty decent quality for the price.

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Paul McCartney cautions against AI in music despite success of AI-enhanced Beatles song

• Paul McCartney has spoken up to warn about the dangers of unregulated AI to future musicians.
• The comments stand out after AI assisted the production of the Grammy-nominated song 'Now and Then'.
• UK lawmakers are set to protecting creators from unauthorized use of their art for training AI models.

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Paul McCartney doesn’t want to let AI completely drown out human musicians just yet. Ahead of a debate in the UK Parliament on AI and copyright, the legendary Beatle warned that artificial intelligence could push young musicians off the stage unless great care is taken.

This might seem a little surprising after AI helped McCartney and the rest of his bandmates nab Grammy nominations recently for Record of the Year and Best Rock Performance. The “lost” song "Now and Then" used AI to recover and restore audio, including the sound of the late John Lennon’s voice. AI tools lifted and enhanced Lennon’s vocal track from an old demo, making it sound like Lennon was back in the room with the rest of the band.

Nonetheless, McCartney is singing a new tune about generative AI and its impact on musicians. An endless torrent of AI-derived music mimicking human artists without giving credit or paying royalties could devastate the chances for up-and-comers to break out.

This warning comes at a portentous moment for AI and music. The British government is considering changes to its data laws to let artists opt out of having their work used to train AI. The law would allow creators to forbid AI developers from training models on their work, limiting the AI’s ability to imitate those songs and sounds.

“We[’ve] got to be careful about it because it could just take over and we don’t want that to happen particularly for the young composers and writers [for] who, it may be the only way they[’re] gonna make a career,” McCartney said in a statement published by the Guardian. If AI wipes that out, that would be a very sad thing indeed.”

Face the AI music

Of course, some think the opt-out system isn’t enough. Many are pushing to shift the burden from the artists to the AI developers. The argument is that it should be up to AI companies to ask for permission to use the music first. Otherwise, musicians might spend more time policing AI than making actual music. And considering how fast AI is evolving, that’s a bit like playing copyright whack-a-mole.

The debate in Parliament isn’t the only place where AI and music rights holders clash. Many apps that use AI to make music, like Tad.AI, Suno, and Udio are all facing lawsuits from major music labels. “Now and Then” may be a success, but McCartney seems to have been convinced that AI might dilute the value of human creativity in music.

Regulators need to find the right balance between artists' rights and AI's innovations. Until then, musicians want AI developers to take a page from McCartney’s work and “let it be.”

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