Quordle hints and answers for Sunday, March 1 (game #1497)

Looking for a different day?

A new Quordle puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Saturday, February 28 (game #1496).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,400 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 #1497) - hint #1 - Vowels

How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 5*.

* 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 #1497) - 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 0.

Quordle today (game #1497) - hint #3 - uncommon letters

Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• No. None of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1497) - 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 #1497) - hint #5 - starting letters (2)

What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• N

• A

• P

• H

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

Quordle today (game #1497) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1497, are…

• NERDY
• ADEPT
• PRIMO
• HUMID

I have questioned my choice of starter words over recent weeks, but they really saved me today, with “crypt” helping me get ADEPT and NERDY and unlocking the letter P for PRIMO.

My only struggle was HUMID — an odd word that took me a bit of experimentation to find.

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Daily Sequence today (game #1497) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1497, are…

• DIARY
• BUGGY
• POUTY
• SNOOP

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Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1496, Saturday, 28 February: BERTH, SNARE, QUILT, CRONE
• Quordle #1495, Friday, 27 February: STIFF, SINCE, PATSY, METAL
• Quordle #1494, Thursday, 26 February: ACTOR, ENEMY, GONER, SCENE
• Quordle #1493, Wednesday, 25 February: SPOOL, INDEX, BLUER, FELON
• Quordle #1492, Tuesday, 24 February: UDDER, BURNT, PLUSH, VAPOR
• Quordle #1491, Monday, 23 February: SLINK, SUMAC, FORAY, PRAWN
• Quordle #1490, Sunday, 22 February: SIXTH, FRAUD, YACHT, LEMUR
• Quordle #1489, Saturday, 21 February: DRUNK, WITTY, FROWN, REACH
• Quordle #1488, Friday, 20 February: CARGO, DIRTY, CHILI, TRIAD
• Quordle #1487, Thursday, 19 February: MODEL, LOAMY, GUMMY, SLEET
• Quordle #1486, Wednesday, 18 February: SNARL, SOAPY, RUSTY, SERUM
• Quordle #1485, Tuesday, 17 February: MUSTY, FICUS, BINGE, FROND
• Quordle #1484, Monday, 16 February: CANAL, JELLY, FALSE, NAVAL
• Quordle #1483, Sunday, 15 February: VOILA, SHAKY, WHEAT, GUMBO
• Quordle #1482, Saturday, 14 February: TABOO, BASIC, SLOOP, VOICE
• Quordle #1481, Friday, 13 February: ALLOT, LEERY, SCALD, STEED
• Quordle #1480, Thursday, 12 February: POLYP, GUIDE, MILKY, MINER
• Quordle #1479, Wednesday, 11 February: TRYST, LIEGE, ANGER, HUTCH
• Quordle #1478, Tuesday, 10 February: DRAPE, RAMEN, TITAN, IMPLY
• Quordle #1477, Monday, 9 February: TODDY, DELVE, BLUSH, WORST

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NYT Strands hints and answers for Sunday, March 1 (game #728)

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Strands puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Strands hints and answers for Saturday, February 28 (game #727).

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

What is the theme of today's NYT Strands?

• Today's NYT Strands theme is… Dressing down

NYT Strands today (game #728) - hint #2 - clue words

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

• RAGE
• HERD
• STIR
• COMPEL
• PRIDE
• STAND

NYT Strands today (game #728) - hint #3 - spangram letters

How many letters are in today's spangram?

• Spangram has 10 letters

NYT Strands today (game #728) - hint #4 - spangram position

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

First side: top, 1st row

Last side: bottom, 3rd row

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

NYT Strands today (game #728) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Strands, game #728, are…

• SCOLD
• UPBRAID
• REPRIMAND
• ADMONISH
• CASTIGATE
• SPANGRAM: THERIOTACT

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• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 hints

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I really struggled to see today’s words — they were even invisible to me after getting “cast”, “gate” and “braid” as non-game words. I needed a hint to understand what the theme was — I took it literally as wearing casual clothes — and still failed to make headway.

Between my two hints one thing I did see clearly was the spangram THERIOTACT — something you apparently read to someone after they’ve crossed a line and their behavior can no longer be tolerated. It reminded me of the time when my daughter would constantly refuse to go to sleep every night — yes, folks, she was resisting a rest.

Anyway with three down, I had now more excuses and somehow got to the end of the search. Not my finest 21 minutes.

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Yesterday's NYT Strands answers (Saturday, February 28, game #727)

• GOWN
• TUXEDO
• NECKTIE
• HEELS
• CUFFLINKS
• DIAMONDS
• SPANGRAM: GLAMOROUS

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What is NYT Strands?

Strands is the NYT's not-so-new-any-more word game, following Wordle and Connections. It's now a fully fledged member of the NYT's games stable that has been running for a year and which 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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NYT Connections hints and answers for Sunday, March 1 (game #994)

Looking for a different day?

A new NYT Connections puzzle appears at midnight each day for your time zone – which means that some people are always playing 'today's game' while others are playing 'yesterday's'. If you're looking for Saturday's puzzle instead then click here: NYT Connections hints and answers for Saturday, February 28 (game #993).

Good morning! Let's play Connections, the NYT's clever word game that challenges you to group answers in various categories. It can be tough, so read on if you need Connections hints.

What should you do once you've finished? Why, play some more word games of course. I've also got daily Strands hints and answers and Quordle hints and answers articles if you need help for those too, while Marc's Wordle today page covers the original viral word game.

SPOILER WARNING: Information about NYT Connections today is below, so don't read on if you don't want to know the answers.

NYT Connections today (game #994) - today's words

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today's NYT Connections words are…

• LADDER
• PALM TREE
• HARD HAT
• FINGER FOOD
• KNUCKLE SANDWICH
• TAPA
• NAIL GUN
• JOHANNESBURGER
• AIRPLANE
• LICORICE PIZZA
• TOOL BELT
• LUGGAGE
• CANAPÉ
• SMILING FACE
• WITH SUNGLASSES
• COPYPASTA
• HORS
• D'OEUVRE

NYT Connections today (game #994) - hint #1 - group hints

What are some clues for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: Small plates
• GREEN: Builder’s stuff
• BLUE: Holiday mode 
• PURPLE: Sounds edible but not edible

Need more clues?

We're firmly in spoiler territory now, but read on if you want to know what the four theme answers are for today's NYT Connections puzzles…

NYT Connections today (game #994) - hint #2 - group answers

What are the answers for today's NYT Connections groups?

• YELLOW: LITTLE BITE
• GREEN: CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT
• BLUE: VACATION EMOJI 
• PURPLE: THINGS YOU DON'T EAT THAT END IN FOODS

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

NYT Connections today (game #994) - the answers

(Image credit: New York Times)

The answers to today's Connections, game #994, are…

• YELLOW: LITTLE BITE CANAPÉ, FINGER FOOD, HORS D'OEUVRE, TAPA
• GREEN: CONSTRUCTION EQUIPMENT HARD HAT, LADDER, NAIL GUN, TOOL BELT
• BLUE: VACATION EMOJI AIRPLANE, LUGGAGE, PALM TREE, SMILING FACE WITH SUNGLASSES
• PURPLE: THINGS YOU DON'T EAT THAT END IN FOODS COPYPASTA, JOHANNESBURGER, KNUCKLE SANDWICH, LICORICE PIZZA

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• My rating: Hard
• My score: 2 mistakes

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The first thing that popped out from today’s tiles was LICORICE PIZZA and AIRPLANE, which as well as being one of those THINGS YOU DON'T EAT THAT END IN FOODS and a VACATION EMOJI respectively are also the titles of very good movies.

Were there two more classic comedy films lurking among the 16 tiles? Is HARD HAT a 1980s comedy starring Chevy Chase? Err, no.

Abandoning my movie rabbit hole, I made a bit of a mess of assembling the LITTLE BITE group by muddling it up with things you don’t actually eat, but I got there eventually.

The four VACATION EMOJI somehow eluded me — possibly because I use the SMILING FACE WITH SUNGLASSES emoji on a daily basis to indicate that “yes, I am happy with that”, “oh, alright then” and “OK, if we must”.

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Yesterday's NYT Connections answers (Saturday, February 28, game #993)

• YELLOW: CRAVING DESIRE, ITCH, THIRST, URGE
• GREEN: JOBS THAT INVOLVE TRAVELING CRUISE DIRECTOR, PILOT, ROADIE, SALESMAN
• BLUE: NAME HOMOPHONES EARNEST, KNEEL, RUSTLE, TAILOR
• PURPLE: ASTRONOMICAL TERMS PLUS A LETTER COMETH, NOVAK, START, SUNG

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What is NYT Connections?

NYT Connections is one of several increasingly popular word games made by the New York Times. It challenges you to find groups of four items that share something in common, and each group has a different difficulty level: green is easy, yellow a little harder, blue often quite tough and purple usually very difficult.

On the plus side, you don't technically need to solve the final one, as you'll be able to answer that one by a process of elimination. What's more, you can make up to four mistakes, which gives you a little bit of breathing room.

It's a little more involved than something like Wordle, however, and there are plenty of opportunities for the game to trip you up with tricks. For instance, watch out for homophones and other word games that could disguise the answers.

It's playable for free via the NYT Games site on desktop or mobile.

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'So big, it's basically a Start screen again': Windows 11's new Start menu is getting some hate — and triggering Windows 8 flashbacks

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• Windows 11's Start menu is receiving a mixed reaction
• Some people aren't keen on the size – though others are fine with it
• There are also complaints about a lack of customization in some respects

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Windows 11's new Start menu is proving controversial as the revamped interface continues to roll out; that much is clear.

Some people are seriously unimpressed with Microsoft's overhaul here, while others are more appreciative of the redesign. And those opposing camps aside, there are other folks who are miffed about the new interface, not because they hate or like it, but because they still don't have it yet.

Windows Central pointed out a thread on Reddit, which is a great example of how polarized the debate around the new Start menu has become, where the original poster asked for "Thoughts on the new Start menu update?"

And boy, did they get some thoughts, some of which were spicy or even downright fiery.

The main complaints voiced are twofold. First, the Start menu is just too big in its new form, and second, there's a lack of customization, which hampers the panel in certain respects.

Size matters

The issue around the size of the redesigned Start menu is complicated. In the linked thread, there are multiple complaints that it's big, or huge, or indeed, as one Redditor put it, "So big, it's basically a Start screen again." This refers to the configuration of this part of the interface in Windows 8 – as the entire screen, not a menu off the taskbar – which was a move that caused a lot of hate in the Windows community at the time. (Microsoft was trying to make an OS suited to tablets and touchscreens as well as desktop PCs).

There's a similar sentiment in another Reddit thread, where someone observes: "The new Start menu is basically a second desktop."

The prevailing feeling from a fair few people is that the redesigned menu pretty much takes up the whole desktop, then, and feels suffocating as a result. And that's especially true if you have the Phone Link panel enabled, which floats off to the side, taking up more space.

However, there's a nuance here, and how big the Start menu actually is depends on the size of your screen as well as the resolution (and potentially the interface scaling). There are a few moving variables here, in short, but different Windows 11 PCs will be treated to a smaller (6-column) or larger (8-column) Start menu based on the available room to display the interface. And it's folks getting the bigger take on the UI who are complaining the most.

There are hacks to force the 6-column version to be enabled, rather than the larger variant, and that's what a lot of folks who hate the size are resorting to. (Either that, or third-party customization apps).

However, there are more than a few Windows 11 users who don't have a problem with the Start Menu (they appear to be running the 6-column version)

So, far from everyone is unhappy. However, even with the more compact layout, depending on the screen size and resolution combo, there are still folks bemoaning that there's too much wasted space here (gaps between icons and sections where the UI sizing appears to go awry).

Layout options

The new Start menu is the one on the left, with the category view shown in the All apps panel (Image credit: Microsoft)

The other main beef aired across Reddit is that the Start menu doesn't offer enough customization. In fact, this has been a controversial area ever since the revamped UI was first revealed almost a year ago.

This is mostly flak being fired at the category view for the list of apps, which is a neat idea in theory in terms of making that list fit into a more organized, compact space. However, Microsoft has automated the grouping of those categories, and Windows 11 doesn't do a great job of this.

PC games-related stuff in particular can be put all over the place, and the feedback is largely negative in terms of how apps are categorized – particularly as a ton of software just gets chucked in the 'Other' category (meaning Windows doesn't have a clue where it should go).

This wouldn't be such a big issue if you could rejig all this yourself, and manually shift icons around – but you can't. There's no way to move apps to different categories, or rename categories, or indeed create new groups. People are pretty frustrated with Microsoft's decision here, and I have to agree, it seems very odd that you can't tinker around with this view.

However, there's praise for an important customization twist that is present with the new Start menu, and that's removing the section that carries Microsoft's 'recommendations' – and I fully agree that this is a very welcome touch.

Where on earth is the new Start menu?

(Image credit: Elnur / Shutterstock)

Tellingly, the most upvoted comment in the 'thoughts' Reddit thread picked out by our sister site, Windows Central, is this: "I'll tell you my thoughts when I finally get it."

This includes me, because I don't have the revamped Start menu on my Windows 11 laptop or desktop yet. I'm not alone, as there are a surprising number of comments bemoaning that the redesigned UI hasn't arrived yet.

That's surprising, as the full rollout officially began back in November 2025, so it appears Microsoft is taking its sweet time over the deployment.

For some, then, the wait continues – and for others, their wish is that they never got the new Start menu in the first place. Maybe Microsoft will now be looking into implementing further customization, at least for that category view.

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Free RPG Where Winds Meet is already hundreds of hours long, but it's about to get even bigger thanks to a massive new expansion that adds a huge desert to explore and fearsome bosses to defeat

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• Free-to-play RPG Where Winds Meet is getting a massive new expansion called Hexi
• It adds a new desert region and loads of fresh content
• The whole expansion will be free for all players and drops next week

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Free-to-play role-playing game (RPG) Where Winds Meet is getting a massive new expansion set in a dreamy desert.

Where Winds Meet Hexi begins on March 6, 2026, and brings not just one but three huge new desert-themed open-world maps that contain nearly 20 sub-regions. They will be released in three sequential chapters, starting with the introductory 'Jade Gate Pass' next week.

In a recent preview livestream, developer Ella shared that the focus of this expansion will be "a much more cinematic approach to storytelling" that's "quite different" from the team's previous approach.

She also revealed that the setting, Hexi, is based on a mixture of real-world history and myth. "We wanted to create something uniquely Where Winds Meet," she said. "A more poetic, romantic vision of the frontier."

The entire expansion takes place in a dream, letting the team experiment with fantastical visual elements like floating, crumbling buildings, beautiful golden trees, and parades of magical, incense burner carrying camels.

As you would expect, these new areas will be filled with things to do, ranging from the fresh story content to a barrage of side-quests and 11 terrifying new bosses to defeat.

(Image credit: Netease Gamesq)

Two new martial arts will also be added for the Umbrella and Roped Dart, respectively, introducing new traversal options and combat possibilities.

The Hexi expansion will be free for all players and offer hundreds of free rewards. It's available to pre-load now, and if you haven't experienced Where Winds Meet yet, you can pick up the base game for free on PS5, PC, and mobile.

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No, that budget laptop doesn't have 1.1TB of storage — watch out for this shady trick some Amazon sellers are trying

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• Some Amazon third-party sellers are listing cheap laptops with 1.1TB storage
• In fact, these laptops have OneDrive subscriptions bundled, so the reality is 1TB of that storage is in the cloud, and the local drive is 128GB
• That's designed to mislead buyers, and in some cases, the subterfuge around this gets even worse

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There's a worrying trend with laptops listed for sale on Amazon (or indeed other retailers) in which the sellers are lumping cloud storage in with the drive space quoted when it comes to listing the specs.

Neowin picked up on this Reddit thread and observed that this is a practice that's currently creeping in with third-party sellers, and it's becoming more prevalent on Amazon, but also other retailers in the US like Newegg.

What's happening is that those sellers are advertising laptops like this, with the headline: "HP Ultrabook 15.6' Laptop, 1.2TB Storage, Microsoft 365 Included, Intel 13th 4-Core."

Now, after that, as the second line of the product description, you'll find it says: "1TB OneDrive, 128GB UFS, no Mouse, Moonlight Blue."

What this actually means is that the 1TB of OneDrive storage, which is part of the Microsoft 365 (for a year) bundle that's included with the laptop, is part of that quoted 1.2TB of storage. On top of that, the SSD (a UFS model) is actually just 128GB, so it's been rounded up to 0.2TB somehow, when really, even with the cloud storage, this should be quoted as 1.1TB.

There are multiple examples of this on Amazon, some of which admittedly make it clearer, stating storage specs such as: "1.1TB Storage (1TB OneDrive + 128GB SSD)." With the breakdown right next to the figure here, you can at least immediately see where this 1.1TB is coming from (and at least they've rounded down, not up, with the SSD, too).

But still, less tech-savvy buyers may, even in those cases, just see 1.1TB and gloss over the bit in brackets.

Going back to the first example of the HP Ultrabook 15.6, this is even more duplicitous, because it only mentions the RAM loadout in one place (which is easy to miss). The notebook carries just 4GB of system memory, yet in the full spec breakdown the seller says: "Up to 32GB RAM can smoothly run your games and photo- and video-editing applications, as well as multiple programs and browser tabs, all at once. 1.2B [sic] Storage leaves the power at your fingertips with the fastest data transfers currently available."

Again, mentioning that the laptop is 'up to' 32GB of RAM is technically true (as other models in the same line-up could pack more), but the seller is obviously hoping you'll read this as the notebook actually having 32GB of RAM.

And you won't be "smoothly" running anything in Windows 11 with 4GB, let's face it. (Even though technically it is the minimum RAM spec, you need 8GB for anything like a decent experience in Microsoft's OS, and even that's looking much shakier these days).

The mention of 1.2TB (with a typo) storage in the detailed specs also suggests that this is the full size of the SSD, and the description of having the "fastest data transfers currently available" is clearly laughable.

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Analysis: shady practices to watch out for

(Image credit: Getty Images)

There are lots of pitfalls out there in terms of shady third-party sellers flogging cheap laptops with what appear to be too-good-to-be-true specs. And as the old adage runs, if it looks too good to be true, it probably is. However, as one Redditor in the above linked thread puts it: "I know so many people around me who would just fall for this…"

It pays to read spec details carefully, then, and to be skeptical of anything that looks too much like a red-hot bargain – because you may just end up getting burned. If in any doubt, check with a friend who's into PCs, and don't forget that here at TechRadar we'll regularly highlight bargain laptops – particularly in the big sales like Prime Day or Black Friday – and you can be sure those deals are golden.

As for the dangers out there, particularly watch out for hidden low amounts of RAM, as we saw above, and slow old processors which very cheap laptops are often built around (typically aging Celerons). But the latest trick, as shown here, is bargain basement laptops with 1.1TB or 1.2TB storage advertised which are really just bundled free OneDrive subscriptions for a year. You won't ever get a laptop with a 1TB SSD for just a few hundred dollars.

Something else to watch out for as a catch is laptops which have something like "628GB storage" listed when in reality that's a 128GB SSD with a 500GB external hard drive bundled. While it's still handy to have that extra storage – or indeed a free 1TB slab of space on OneDrive (albeit for just a year before you have to pay for it) – it's very different to having the space on the local drive, of course.

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Lenny Kravitz feeds his foes to alligators in latest 007 First Light trailer showcasing the villain's first dramatic encounter with Bond

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• A new 007 First Light trailer has been released showcasing the game's villain, Bawma
• The trailer includes an extended cinematic sequence showing Bawma's first meeting with Bond
• Bawma is played by actor and musician Lenny Kravitz

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IO Interactive has released a new extended trailer for 007 First Light, offering an extended look at the game's villain, Bawma, played by actor and musician Lenny Kravitz.

Bawma was revealed during The Game Awards 2025, but in the extended during IGN Fan Fest, we're treated to a cinematic sequence from the upcoming game with new scenes highlighting his dramatic first encounter with Bond and his MI6 mentor, John Greenway.

It also builds on the character's initial reveal, portraying him as a charismatic and unpredictable leader of a powerful black-market arms network.

In the trailer, we see Bond and Greenway hanging upside down over a pit of alligators while Bawma monologues like a classic Bond villain. He goes on to have his henchman kick another one of his foes into the pit to be eaten by the reptiles.

I just want to know how Bond is going to get out of this one...

According to IOI, Bawma is a powerful adversary for Bond to contend with and "plays a key role in shaping his journey in 007 First Light."

Alongside Patrick Gibson's Bond and Kravitz's Bawma, the game is also expected to feature an ensemble cast, including John Greenway, played by Lennie James, and M, portrayed by Priyanga Burford.

The story will also centre Bond on an important mission after the former British operative 009 reemerges and turns rogue, though their identity remains hidden for now.

After receiving a short delay, 007 First Light will now launch on May 27, 2026, for PS5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC.

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The rumored touchscreen MacBook Pro could get the iPhone’s Dynamic Island, but still lack one key feature

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• A new report says the touchscreen MacBook Pro will get the Dynamic Island
• This feature comes from the iPhone and will be found in the OLED display
• Don’t expect Face ID, as the report makes no mention of this feature

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We’ve been hearing for some time now that Apple is planning to release a touchscreen MacBook Pro later this year. Now, Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman has boosted that idea by revealing fresh details about Apple’s plans — but there’s one key thing missing.

Gurman outlined what we can expect in a new report, wherein he explained that the forthcoming MacBook Pro will likely use the Dynamic Island currently found in all the best iPhones, as well as a new touch-oriented interface that adapts to your actions.

Starting with the Dynamic Island, Gurman says the implementation of this feature in the MacBook Pro will differ from the version found in the iPhone 17 series. That’s because the MacBook Pro version will be “built around a hole-punch-sized cutout for the computer’s camera,” Gurman contends, making it “smaller than the pill-shaped notch in current iPhones.” That should complement the redesigned Dynamic Island that is set to launch with the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro that are due to arrive later this year.

As for the new interface, this will apparently be integrated into an OLED display with touchscreen capabilities. Gurman believes that Apple has created a system that adapts to your input, whether that’s the traditional mouse and keyboard or a finger. If you use the latter, macOS will enlarge the on-screen controls to make them easier to tap, for example.

This interface also involves the addition of a new type of menu that surrounds the user’s finger, putting controls close at hand. Certain menus, such as the emoji selector, will have touch-optimized interfaces if you’re using touch controls. And you’ll be able to use common gestures found in iOS, such as fast scrolling and pinching to zoom in on photos.

Where’s Face ID?

(Image credit: Future)

The influence of iOS on both the rumored Dynamic Island and the touch interface is clear to see. It would reflect a growing crossover between iOS and macOS, which has seen Apple introduce universal apps and tools like iPhone Mirroring and Universal Control in recent years.

However, one key feature that apparently won’t make the leap to the Mac is Face ID, despite it being a vital part of the iPhone’s Dynamic Island. Gurman’s report makes no mention of Face ID, and it looks like Mac users will have to stick to Touch ID for the time being – especially considering Gurman previously claimed that Face ID on the Mac is “years away” from being realized.

That said, Apple has published numerous patents over the years concerning the process of incorporating facial recognition into a Mac, so it appears that the company is at least considering adding it to its laptops. But for now, it appears that Face ID is one feature that will remain absent from the MacBook Pro.

Apple is expected to release the touchscreen MacBook Pro near the end of 2026. Before that happens, a new version of the laptop – with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips but lacking the Dynamic Island and touchscreen display – is slated for this spring, or sometime between March and May.

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Microsoft's planned new AI trick for Edge will 'automatically open the Copilot side pane' with Outlook email links — and I can feel the hate already

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• Microsoft Edge has a new feature on the roadmap
• When you click a link in an Outlook message, it'll open that link in Edge with a Copilot side pane
• This side pane will provide 'contextual insights and actionable suggestions', but I'm betting the idea won't be well received

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Microsoft is preparing a feature for its Edge browser that automatically opens Copilot AI in a sidebar, and I can tell you now that this idea isn't going to be popular.

Windows Central spotted the addition to the Microsoft 365 Roadmap which means that when a Windows 11 user clicks a link in an Outlook message that opens in Edge, the Copilot side pane will automatically pop into view on the right of the browser window with extra details.

Microsoft explains: "When users open links from Outlook, Microsoft Edge can automatically open the Copilot side pane to provide contextual insights and actionable suggestion chips based on email and destination content – such as highlighting key points, and recommending next actions — without disrupting the browsing flow.

"This experience helps users quickly understand content, take action with fewer steps, and get more value from Copilot while extending productive browsing time in Edge."

The feature is under development currently, and is expected to be rolled out starting from May 2026, according to the provided timeline on the roadmap. So in theory — if nothing derails the concept — it might be just a few short months away.

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Analysis: tread carefully, Microsoft

(Image credit: Shutterstock / monticello)

Despite the big AI backlash that started late last year, Microsoft clearly isn't downing AI tools – but did we think it would? No, of course not, as AI agents are the next-big-thing (TM) in Windows 11, and there's no getting around that.

Development of other AI features will continue as well, and Microsoft isn't putting any of this on ice to fix Windows 11. The promised work to address the fundamental issues that have blighted the desktop OS for a long time will happen alongside more AI being introduced to Windows 11 — it won't push AI aside.

The problem lies in what kind of AI features Microsoft is ushering in, and the sort which automatically pop up in your face in certain scenarios are the very unwelcome variety.

Granted, we don't know how this particular feature will be implemented, and we know very little about it at all save for what we can infer from a paragraph of description. Presumably it won't be on by default – the use of the word 'can' in Microsoft's blurb suggests that — but why do I worry that it might be?

Probably because Microsoft has pulled that kind of trick in the past, but given the anti-AI sentiment from many Windows 11 users these days, it'd be very foolish to try these kinds of shenanigans in 2026.

We shall see, and indeed Microsoft could even abandon this idea entirely — just because it's on the roadmap now, that doesn't rule out the feature getting pushed aside and abandoned. However, this is one addition that Microsoft will need to tread very carefully with, if the company does forge ahead with the idea.

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I can't believe I'm actually excited to sit in virtual traffic in the 'most ambitious and content-rich Bus Simulator to date'

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• Astragon Entertainment has unveiled Bus Simulator 27
• It will feature 45 officially licensed buses, and even coaches for the first time
• It's playable solo, but also in four player online co-op

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Publisher Astragon Entertainment has announced Bus Simulator 27, the next entry in its niche but surprisingly enjoyable transport simulator series.

Putting you in the driver's seat of a fleet of officially licensed buses from brands like Mercedes-Benz, IVECO, and Scania, the Bus Simulator games are all about living your bus driver fantasy by carefully following a timetable and transporting passengers around large maps.

This new entry is billed as "the most ambitious and content-rich Bus Simulator to date," and boasts more than 45 officially licensed vehicles to try. There are double-decker buses, electric buses, articulated buses, and more. Basically, if it's a type of bus you can probably drive it in this game.

If that wasn't enough excitement, coaches will be playable for the first time in the series - taking the action outside of a single city with long-distance passenger routes.

This instalment is set in Felicia Bay, a fictional region based on the Iberian Peninsula (a region that mainly encompasses the sunny streets of Spain and Portugal) and features a suite of modes. There's a story that has you building your own bus empire, Career challenges, and a full sandbox to play around in.

You'll even be able to bring your friends along for the ride with support for four-player online co-op.

The game is set to release in the latter half of 2026 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X and Series S. It's available to wish list now on those platforms.

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This new Hitman crossover mission features a blockbuster star from the Resident Evil movies

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• The latest free Hitman World of Assassination mission has arrived
• It stars Hollywood actress Milla Jovovich
• It's available to play until March 24, 2026

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The latest Elusive Target mission has launched for Hitman World of Assassination, and it seems like the perfect starter course ahead of the release of Resident Evil Requiem later this week.

Titled 'The Harbinger', this limited-time content drop stars blockbuster actress Milla Jovovich, known for her appearances in sci-fi and action movies like The Fifth Element and the Resident Evil series.

The Resident Evil movies do seem to be a big inspiration here, with the mission's story following on from the events of the game's virus-filled Patient Zero campaign. Jovovich portrays Lilith Devereux, the mysterious new CEO of a fictional biotech corporation, whom players must assassinate as protagonist Agent 47.

“I am stepping into an amazing character with Lilith; she is dangerous, she has ambition, and a dark secret, revealed Jovovich ahead of the mission's launch.

It takes place in Hitman World of Assassination's existing Thornbridge Manor level, though you can expect a few new surprises this time around.

It's free for existing owners of Hitman World of Assassination from today, February 25, until March 24. Even if you don't own the game, can play it at no cost via the Free Demo version in that same time frame.

It arrives alongside the paid Patient Zero Requiem Pack downloadable content (DLC) pack. This grants permanent access to the mission in the Elusive Target Arcade mode, plus some bonus goodies, including the new Bartoli 75S "Lucky Knight" pistol and a stylish outfit inspired by the level.

Hitman World of Assassination, previously branded as Hitman 3, is available on a wide range of platforms, including PC, PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X and Series S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2.

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YouTube Premium’s cheapest tier just got better — with background play and downloads

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• YouTube is adding downloads and background play to its Premium Lite plan
• It's the first upgrade to the Premium Lite plan since its inception last year
• Music fans will still have to upgrade however, as ad-free music videos are still paywalled into the Premium Plan

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YouTube locks tons of features behind the walls of its rather pricey Premium tier, but now it’s bringing a few of them over to its more affordable Premium Lite plan.

The platform announced on its blog that offline downloads and background play are both being integrated into YouTube Premium Lite, and are being rolled out now. This is a big upgrade; when YouTube launched Premium Lite in March 2025, it offered ad-free viewing for most videos (with the exception of music videos and music content) and not much else. Premium Lite subscribers don’t get the YouTube Music perk, either.

Until now, the only way subscribers could view all videos ad-free was by signing up to the full-price YouTube Premium plan for $13.99 / £12.99 (about AU$20) a month. While YouTube Premium Lite ($7.99 / £7.99, or about AU$10 a month) is still missing features such as jump ahead, queuing, and continue watching, downloads and background play were the most-requested features.

(Image credit: YouTube )

“Last year, we expanded our Premium Lite pilot to more markets​ and heard feedback about wanting these additional features included in the service. ​We're excited for today's update and to continue testing and building products that best meet our users’ needs,” the YouTube team shared in its announcement.

Going forward, the YouTube Premium Lite experience will give you an even bigger taste of what the standard plan has to offer. For most people who just want to enjoy mostly ad-free viewing and now the added benefits of downloads and background play on most videos, YouTube Premium Lite will be the ideal option, and the next step is to roll out a Premium Lite Family plan to give households a more affordable alternative.

That’s not the reason why I’m still more attracted to the standard YouTube Premium plan, though.

I’m nothing without YouTube music videos

(Image credit: YouTube)

I’ve been eyeing up a YouTube Premium subscription for quite a while now, and though I’ve come close to it many times, for some reason I always pull myself back. For the most part YouTube Premium Lite is the ideal plan, but leaving out ad-free music videos is a bit of a kick in the teeth. That said, I know exactly why YouTube does this.

As far as the best music streaming services go, YouTube Music is no match to Spotify or Apple Music on the features and popularity front. However, it has the edge over its competitors with one particular thing: music videos.

I’ve tested Spotify’s music video ecosystem many times, and despite being a subscriber for the last decade, I can see it doesn’t even come close to what YouTube has to offer with music videos. It’s all over the place, and the way videos appear in the playback page is quite unflattering. I’m not the only one who thinks so, and Spotify music videos have been at the center of heated discussions since their inception.

I hate "listening" to music videos :( from r/truespotify

I think I speak on behalf of many music fans when I say that, despite being subscribed to audio streaming platforms that aren’t YouTube Music, we still revert to the standard YouTube app for the visual elements, whether that’s for music videos or live performances. So the fact that YouTube has identified and paywalled this advantage is no surprise whatsoever — it’s just frustrating to know that the Premium temptation is inevitable.

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Dell and Lenovo laptops with Nvidia CPUs 'could come in the first half of this year' — so get ready for some thin-and-light gaming powerhouses (hopefully)

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• New rumor suggests laptops with Nvidia's new CPUs could arrive in the first half of 2026
• These are the long-rumored N1 and N1X processors, which are Arm-based
• There'll be notebooks from Dell and Lenovo, plus other vendors, too

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If you're wondering when laptops will start shipping with Nvidia's new Arm CPU inside, the latest rumor suggests the initial models will debut in the first half of this year.

A report from the Wall Street Journal (via VideoCardz) claims that Dell and Lenovo are working on laptops with Arm CPUs from Nvidia – built in collaboration with MediaTek – that "could come in the first half of this year".

That suggests an arrival in the next four months or so, and this info comes from sources in Nvidia's supply chain.

These are the long-rumored N1 and N1X CPUs, in case you were in any doubt. The report notes that the hope is that Nvidia's silicon can help to make notebooks both lighter and thinner, while maintaining a long battery life.

That, of course, fits the bill very well for an Arm chip, with these processors excelling at achieving new heights of battery longevity in thin-and-light laptops.

Dell and Lenovo are mentioned specifically, but the WSJ notes that other laptop manufacturers will be on board with Nvidia's Arm CPU, as you'd expect – though perhaps the first devices will be from the mentioned vendors.

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Analysis: strong Arm tactics

(Image credit: Collin Probst // Future )

While Arm has its strengths – as noted, certainly in power efficiency – these laptops have their weaknesses when running Windows 11, too. Namely, compatibility issues around some software and particularly games, though a lot of meaningful strides were taken in smoothing over gaming on an Arm notebook last year.

An Nvidia-powered Windows on Arm laptop could be pretty exciting, then, as a thin-and-light capable of coping with mainstream gaming relatively well with its integrated graphics. Because, naturally, the GPU is going to be one of Nvidia's strong points here, with previous rumors that the graphics core count could be up there with the RTX 5070. Although note that doesn't mean actual performance will be – we've got to be realistic around the scope with integrated graphics, given thermals and so forth.

There's also the issue of driver quality in Nvidia's favor, which is a shakier area for the Adreno GPUs in Qualcomm's Snapdragon chips (which will be Team Green's rival in the realm of Windows on Arm notebooks).

Regarding the rumored timing, there are concerns about the RAM crisis, which is making everything difficult in the PC world and extending to storage memory chips, too, and how that might interfere with Nvidia's launch plans.

Previous rumors suggested a Q1 2026 launch for these N1X laptops, but that never seemed all that likely, as Nvidia didn't even mention the devices at CES 2026 (and if they were close at hand, Team Green surely would have done).

I'm not sure about a launch in the first half of 2026, either, at this point. The WSJ seems rather tentative in its phrasing with the rumored timeframe, so it sounds far from certain. From a betting perspective, I'd give Q3 the same odds as Q2 here, given the current PC climate, but we shall see.

Furthermore, there are other notable questions here. What about the rumored desktop incarnation of Nvidia's new Arm CPU? And indeed, remember Nvidia's separate collaboration, away from MediaTek, in which the firm is providing integrated graphics for Intel CPUs (among other plans) – how does that fit with this Arm masterplan? 2026 is sure to be a revealing year for Nvidia, but I'm not convinced those revelations are anything like imminent yet.

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