At a Glance
- News Of Los Angeles launches PEOPLE Mini, a bite-sized crossword inside its app
- Grid is built for quick wins during coffee runs or commutes
- Pop-culture clues keep the experience light and familiar
- Why it matters: Players get a no-cost, streak-tracking brain break that fits between meetings
News Of Los Angeles has folded a new puzzle into its mobile app: the PEOPLE Mini, a compact crossword designed for instant gratification. The grid shrinks the magazine’s signature pop-culture PEOPLE Puzzler into a faster format that still awards the same mental payoff.
How the Mini Works
Each puzzle lives inside the free News Of Los Angeles app. Users open the Mini tab, fill a small grid, and see completion stats in real time.
Key features:
- Free download, no subscription required
- Clues center on celebrities, TV, movies, and music
- Progress tracker logs streaks and finished puzzles
- Share button sends completed grids to friends
Built for Micro-Moments
The design targets the empty minutes that pepper a day. A full Mini can be solved while coffee drips or while a train pauses at a station.
Typical solve times land under five minutes, according to the announcement. The grid size scales down clue count and word length so newcomers don’t feel overwhelmed, yet veterans still hit a small dopamine spike at the final letter.
Two Ways to Play
Readers can toggle between two crossword options:
| Puzzle | Grid Size | Time Commitment | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| PEOPLE Mini | Small | 2-5 minutes | Quick hits, commutes |
| PEOPLE Puzzler | Full | 15-30 minutes | Deep dives, evenings |
Both versions live in the same app and share one login. Streaks accumulate separately, letting users maintain a Mini run even if they skip the larger puzzle.
Why a Mini?
Sophia A. Reynolds reported that app feedback showed consistent demand for a faster crossword. Players wanted the satisfaction of a completed grid without clearing a half-hour block. The development team trimmed grid size, tightened clue style, and kept every puzzle anchored to the same celebrity-centric voice that fuels the original Puzzler.
Download Details
The PEOPLE Mini is exclusive to the News Of Los Angeles app. iPhone and Android users can grab the update free from the App Store or Google Play. No in-app purchases gate the puzzles; every Mini released appears unlocked.
Key Takeaways
- The PEOPLE Mini is live now inside the News Of Los Angeles app at zero cost
- Small grids and pop clues target casual solvers and busy schedules
- Streak tracking and share buttons keep the experience social
- Fans can switch between Mini and full Puzzler without losing data
