Today's NYT Connections: Sports Edition Hints and Answers for June 16, #266

A Hacker News discussion highlights the idea of forming local "Internet Resiliency Clubs"—small groups that pool resources to maintain reliable internet access during outages. Think shared backup connections, mesh networks, or even just neighbors helping each other troubleshoot. It’s a grassroots approach to dodging disruptions, whether from storms, ISP failures, or other hiccups.

Editor’s Note: As internet dependency grows, so does frustration with single points of failure. This isn’t just about tech—it’s about people banding together to solve a modern problem with old-school collaboration. For remote workers, students, or anyone who’s ever cursed a dead router, it’s a practical (and kinda heartwarming) workaround.

OnePlus just spilled the beans on a bunch of new gadgets in an exclusive chat with TechRadar. We’re talking about the Nord 5 series (their budget-friendly phone line), the OnePlus Buds 4 (next-gen wireless earbuds), a lighter version of their tablet called the OnePlus Pad Lite, and a fresh OnePlus Watch. No full details yet, but the specs sound promising.

Editor’s Note: If you’re into OnePlus gear, this is a big deal—they’re expanding their lineup with more affordable and mid-range options. It’s a sign they’re doubling down on competing in different price tiers, which could mean better choices (and maybe better prices) for shoppers. Plus, a new watch and tablet suggest they’re serious about building a full ecosystem, not just phones.

A Japanese company called Metaplanet, which used to be in the hotel business but has since pivoted to buying Bitcoin, just saw its stock skyrocket by almost 400% in under two months. That surge pushed its market value past Kioxia, a major memory chip manufacturer. The jump is part of a broader crypto rally that’s got investors buzzing.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just another crypto hype story—it’s a sign of how wild the market’s getting when a relatively obscure Bitcoin-holding firm can outpace an established tech player like Kioxia. It shows how crypto mania is reshaping valuations, even in traditional markets, and raises questions about whether this is sustainable or just another bubble in the making. Either way, it’s a headline that’ll make both crypto believers and skeptics take notice.

Adobe is stepping into the AI-driven search game with a new tool called LLM Optimizer, designed to help marketers improve their brand's visibility in chatbot responses. As more people turn to AI chatbots like ChatGPT for answers instead of traditional search engines, Adobe wants to give businesses a way to ensure they don’t get lost in the shuffle. Think of it as SEO, but for the chatbot era.

Editor’s Note: Remember when SEO was the magic key to getting your website seen on Google? Now, with AI chatbots becoming the new "search bar," brands are scrambling to stay relevant. Adobe’s move signals a shift in how companies will need to think about digital visibility—no longer just optimizing for algorithms, but for conversational AI too. If this catches on, we might see a whole new industry of "chatbot SEO" experts emerge.

Ant International, the spun-off arm of China's Ant Group, just dropped its first solo sustainability report—a big step in establishing its independence. The report highlights its fresh identity and mission to simplify global business, while fueling rumors about a potential Singapore listing.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just corporate paperwork—it’s a signal. Ant International is carving out its own path post-spin-off, and sustainability is part of its rebranding playbook. For investors, the report (and those listing whispers) might hint at bigger moves ahead. For everyone else, it’s a peek into how fintech players are framing their role in global commerce—with a side of eco-friendly PR.