Get ready to learn about what Windows 11 of the future looks like at Microsoft’s March 21 event

We’ve begun getting hints of what Microsoft is gearing up to announce for Windows 11 at its March event, and now we’ve got new pieces of the puzzle. We’re expecting information about a new feature for the Paint app, Paint NPU, and about a feature that’s being referred to as ‘AI Explorer’ internally at Microsoft. 

Microsoft has put up an official page announcing a special digital event named “New Era of Work” which will take place on March 21, starting at 9 PM PDT. On this page, users are met with the tagline “Advancing the new era of work with Copilot” and a description of the event that encourages users to “Tune in here for the latest in scaling AI in your environment with Copilot, Windows, and Surface.”

It sounds like we’re going to get an idea of what the next iteration of Windows Copilot, Microsoft’s new flagship digital AI assistant, will look like and what it’ll be able to do. It also looks like we might see Microsoft’s vision for what AI integration and features will look like for future versions of Windows and Surface products. 

A screenshot of the page announcing Microsoft's digital event.

(Image credit: Microsoft)

What we already know and expect

While we’ll have to wait until the event to see exactly what Microsoft wants to tell us about, we do have some speculation from Windows Latest that one feature we’ll learn about is a Paint app tool powered by new-gen machines’ NPUs (Neural Processing Units). These are processing components that enable new kinds of processes, particularly many AI processes.

This follows earlier reports that indicated that the Paint app was getting an NPU-driven feature, possibly new image editing and rending tools that make use of PCs’ NPUs. Another possible feature that Windows Latest spotted was “LiveCanvas,” which may enable users to draw real-time sketches aided by AI. 

Earlier this week, we also reported about a new ‘AI Explorer’ feature, apparently currently in testing at Microsoft. This new revamped version which has been described as an “advanced Copilot” looks like it could be similar to the Windows Timeline feature, but improved by AI. The present version of Windows Copilot requires an internet connection, but rumors suggest that this could change. 

This is what we currently understand about how the feature will work: it will make records of previous actions users perform, transform them into ‘searchable moments,’ and allow users to search these, as well as retract them. Windows Latest also reinforces the news that most existing PCs running Windows 11 won’t be able to use AI Explorer as it’s designed to use the newest available NPUs, intended to handle and assist higher-level computation tasks. The NPU would enable the AI Explorer feature to work natively on Windows 11 devices and users will be able to interact with AI Explorer using natural language

Using natural language means that users can ask AI Explorer to carry out tasks simply and easily, letting them access past conversations, files, and folders with simple commands, and they will be able to do this with most Windows features and apps. AI Explorer will have the capability to search user history and find information relevant to whatever subject or topic is in the user’s request. We don’t know if it’ll pull this information exclusively from user data or other sources like the internet as well, and we hope this will be clarified on March 21. 

Person working on laptop in kitchen

(Image credit: Getty Images)

What else we might see and what this might mean

 In addition to an NPU-powered Paint app feature and AI Explorer, it looks like we can expect the debut of other AI-powered features including an Automatic Super Resolution feature. This has popped up in Windows 11 23H4 preview builds, and it’s said to leverage PCs’ AI abilities to improve users’ visual experience. This will reportedly be done by utilizing DirectML, an API that also makes use of PCs’ NPUs, and will bring improvements to frame rates in games and apps.

March 21 is gearing up to bring what will at least probably be an exciting presentation, although it’s worth remembering that all of these new features will require an NPU. Only the most newly manufactured Windows devices will come equipped with these, which will leave the overwhelming majority of Windows devices and users in the dust. My guess is Microsoft is really banking on how great the new AI-driven features are to convince users to upgrade to these new models, and with the current state of apps and services like Windows Copilot, that’s still yet to be proven in practice.

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Apple Vision Pro may not fully launch until March alongside new iPads

The launch of Apple’s Vision Pro headset is going to be a little later than anticipated as rumors state it’ll come out sometime in March 2024.

Industry insider Mark Gurman claimed in his recent Power On newsletter that the original plan was for January 2024, but for reasons unknown, things had to be pushed back a couple of months. Forbes in their report suggests two possible reasons for the delay. One: Apple may want further “advanced device testing” before the big day. Two: the tech giant is still hashing out the logistics of how it plans to distribute the Vision Pro. The idea so far is Apple will release the VR headset in the United States first with an international launch to certain countries later on in 2024. We currently don’t know the full list of global regions that’ll receive the Vision Pro although Gurman has said in the past that the United Kingdom and Canada are two possible locations.

According to 9To5Mac, Apple is expected to “sell the device by appointment only” at one of its in-person stores or online on its digital storefront. The company will not partner up with third-party retailers as it aims to “carefully curate the rollout”.

The Vision Pro is slated to offer differently-sized headbands as well as prescription lenses so all users can enjoy the mixed-reality experience. Doing so would’ve required retailers to stock up on hundreds of accessories for a headset they might not be familiar with. It appears Apple would rather do everything itself in order to avoid any errors.

Alongside new iPads

It is disappointing to learn about the delay for the Vision Pro although it does make sense. Not just because Apple wants to do more testing, but also so it can line up the launch with the release of other products. Spring can be a busy time for the company and this upcoming season looks like it won't be an exception. Gurman stated back in October that there will be new iPads in March; however, it will simply be a minor refresh. What constitutes a “minor” upgrade is unknown.

If you want a more substantial upgrade, you may have to wait a bit longer. Other rumors suggest Apple will launch an iPad Pro sporting an OLED screen in 2024. It'll be available in 11-inch and 12.9-inch models. From there, Apple will reportedly continue updating its hardware, such as the iPad Air and MacBook Pro, with OLED tech in the following years. As always, take this information with a grain of salt. Things could change at the last minute.

Be sure to check out TechRadar’s list of best iPads for 2023.

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Today’s Wordle answer #275 (with hints) Monday March 21

It's the start of a new week and how better to get a handle on it than slipping into the old familiar waters of Wordle? After last week's maelstrom of challenging solutions, Wordle #275 feels surprisingly straightforward – almost kind in comparison.

Though, should we trust this someone softer Wordle solution, or is it just the New York Times lulling us into a false sense of security? Time will tell.

Don't be hard on yourself if today's puzzle has left you stumped so far, it's a Monday, after all. Not only that, but after the challenges of MOVIE and CATER it's no wonder you might be suspicious of this solution.

Read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #275. 

Wordle March 21 hint

First up, the riddle:

Saying it aloud will add confusion,

Homonyms are key to this solution.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There are multiple vowels today
  2. It’s a very common word
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, CONSONANT, VOWEL, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #275

If you went vowel heavy with your starting word then you'll likely have picked up quite a few letters, though they may have needed a shuffle around. Hopefully your streak wasn't endangered but, don't worry, if you're down to the wire – don't through your phone to ground, sweep your laptop off the table, or snap your Nintendo DS loaded up with a homebrew browser in half: the Wordle answer for today is THEIR.

Wordle answer #275

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

While you might have completed the original Wordle, the Wordle Classic, full fat Wordle, that doesn't mean your Wordling day has to be done. No, there are plenty of Wordle alternatives out there.

If you need another dose of Wordle in your life read on…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Beware, once you turn this tap, you'll never be able to stop the flow of Wordle. Wordle Unlimited is an unofficial spin-off of Wordle that has no limit to the number of times you can play in a day. Not only that, it has social features that let you craft Wordle puzzles for your friends. Here's how to use and play Wordle Unlimited.

The custom Wordle is the real highlight of the game, giving you a versatile tool for trolling your friends. Not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior…

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Today’s Wordle answer #275 (with hints) Monday March 21

It's the start of a new week and how better to get a handle on it than slipping into the old familiar waters of Wordle? After last week's maelstrom of challenging solutions, Wordle #275 feels surprisingly straightforward – almost kind in comparison.

Though, should we trust this someone softer Wordle solution, or is it just the New York Times lulling us into a false sense of security? Time will tell.

Don't be hard on yourself if today's puzzle has left you stumped so far, it's a Monday, after all. Not only that, but after the challenges of MOVIE and CATER it's no wonder you might be suspicious of this solution.

Read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #275. 

Wordle March 21 hint

First up, the riddle:

Saying it aloud will add confusion,

Homonyms are key to this solution.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There are multiple vowels today
  2. It’s a very common word
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, CONSONANT, VOWEL, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #275

If you went vowel heavy with your starting word then you'll likely have picked up quite a few letters, though they may have needed a shuffle around. Hopefully your streak wasn't endangered but, don't worry, if you're down to the wire – don't through your phone to ground, sweep your laptop off the table, or snap your Nintendo DS loaded up with a homebrew browser in half: the Wordle answer for today is THEIR.

Wordle answer #275

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

While you might have completed the original Wordle, the Wordle Classic, full fat Wordle, that doesn't mean your Wordling day has to be done. No, there are plenty of Wordle alternatives out there.

If you need another dose of Wordle in your life read on…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Beware, once you turn this tap, you'll never be able to stop the flow of Wordle. Wordle Unlimited is an unofficial spin-off of Wordle that has no limit to the number of times you can play in a day. Not only that, it has social features that let you craft Wordle puzzles for your friends. Here's how to use and play Wordle Unlimited.

The custom Wordle is the real highlight of the game, giving you a versatile tool for trolling your friends. Not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior…

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Today’s Wordle answer #275 (with hints) Monday March 21

It's the start of a new week and how better to get a handle on it than slipping into the old familiar waters of Wordle? After last week's maelstrom of challenging solutions, Wordle #275 feels surprisingly straightforward – almost kind in comparison.

Though, should we trust this someone softer Wordle solution, or is it just the New York Times lulling us into a false sense of security? Time will tell.

Don't be hard on yourself if today's puzzle has left you stumped so far, it's a Monday, after all. Not only that, but after the challenges of MOVIE and CATER it's no wonder you might be suspicious of this solution.

Read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #275. 

Wordle March 21 hint

First up, the riddle:

Saying it aloud will add confusion,

Homonyms are key to this solution.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There are multiple vowels today
  2. It’s a very common word
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, CONSONANT, VOWEL, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #275

If you went vowel heavy with your starting word then you'll likely have picked up quite a few letters, though they may have needed a shuffle around. Hopefully your streak wasn't endangered but, don't worry, if you're down to the wire – don't through your phone to ground, sweep your laptop off the table, or snap your Nintendo DS loaded up with a homebrew browser in half: the Wordle answer for today is THEIR.

Wordle answer #275

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

While you might have completed the original Wordle, the Wordle Classic, full fat Wordle, that doesn't mean your Wordling day has to be done. No, there are plenty of Wordle alternatives out there.

If you need another dose of Wordle in your life read on…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Beware, once you turn this tap, you'll never be able to stop the flow of Wordle. Wordle Unlimited is an unofficial spin-off of Wordle that has no limit to the number of times you can play in a day. Not only that, it has social features that let you craft Wordle puzzles for your friends. Here's how to use and play Wordle Unlimited.

The custom Wordle is the real highlight of the game, giving you a versatile tool for trolling your friends. Not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior…

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Today’s Wordle answer #275 (with hints) Monday March 21

It's the start of a new week and how better to get a handle on it than slipping into the old familiar waters of Wordle? After last week's maelstrom of challenging solutions, Wordle #275 feels surprisingly straightforward – almost kind in comparison.

Though, should we trust this someone softer Wordle solution, or is it just the New York Times lulling us into a false sense of security? Time will tell.

Don't be hard on yourself if today's puzzle has left you stumped so far, it's a Monday, after all. Not only that, but after the challenges of MOVIE and CATER it's no wonder you might be suspicious of this solution.

Read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #275. 

Wordle March 21 hint

First up, the riddle:

Saying it aloud will add confusion,

Homonyms are key to this solution.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There are multiple vowels today
  2. It’s a very common word
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, CONSONANT, VOWEL, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #275

If you went vowel heavy with your starting word then you'll likely have picked up quite a few letters, though they may have needed a shuffle around. Hopefully your streak wasn't endangered but, don't worry, if you're down to the wire – don't through your phone to ground, sweep your laptop off the table, or snap your Nintendo DS loaded up with a homebrew browser in half: the Wordle answer for today is THEIR.

Wordle answer #275

(Image credit: New York Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

While you might have completed the original Wordle, the Wordle Classic, full fat Wordle, that doesn't mean your Wordling day has to be done. No, there are plenty of Wordle alternatives out there.

If you need another dose of Wordle in your life read on…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Beware, once you turn this tap, you'll never be able to stop the flow of Wordle. Wordle Unlimited is an unofficial spin-off of Wordle that has no limit to the number of times you can play in a day. Not only that, it has social features that let you craft Wordle puzzles for your friends. Here's how to use and play Wordle Unlimited.

The custom Wordle is the real highlight of the game, giving you a versatile tool for trolling your friends. Not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior…

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Today’s Wordle answer #273 (with hints) Sunday March 20

Hello Wordle Sunday traveller – welcome to another day of gaming, and this time we're on #274. Where does the time go, eh?

After the debacle of yesterday's word – which stumped many, we're back with another tough one – it's not really fair this weekend, is it? Or maybe this is what Wordle is all about, offering something impossible to then be beaten. Or maybe it's too early on a Sunday to be thinking such thoughts and we should be making pancakes instead.

So, you can either take a look at the Wordle answer archive to see today's solution (do bookmark it) or read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #274. 

Wordle March 19 hint

First up, the riddle:

Rip it all up and start again,
Make sure you extend things now and then.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There’s only one vowel today…
  2. … but it’s twice
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, VOWEL, CONSONANT, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #273

Look, we all know how easy it is to break the streak. You've got a lot on, and you're only on the second guess… before you know it, you've thrown your tea all down your front, the car won't start and you're on the sixth guess. You can't let this be the thing that breaks you. So, let's solve that: the Wordle answer for today is RENEW.

Today's wordle answer on white background

(Image credit: TechRadar / NY Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

So you’ve done today’s Wordle. Well done. So each day we’re going to recommend one of the best Wordle alternatives so the joy train of daily puzzling isn’t over for you.

Today, lean back and get ready for a longer Wordle session…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Love a bit of Wordle but annoyed it only lasts one day? Well, why don't you try Wordle Unlimited, the hugely unofficial game where you can play as many times as you like – and we've got all you need to know on how to use and play Wordle Unlimted ready for you.

One of the real highlights of Wordle Unlimited is you can create custom Wordle games to send to your friends. A versatile tool for trolling, not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior.

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Today’s Wordle answer #273 (with hints) Sunday March 20

Hello Wordle Sunday traveller – welcome to another day of gaming, and this time we're on #274. Where does the time go, eh?

After the debacle of yesterday's word – which stumped many, we're back with another tough one – it's not really fair this weekend, is it? Or maybe this is what Wordle is all about, offering something impossible to then be beaten. Or maybe it's too early on a Sunday to be thinking such thoughts and we should be making pancakes instead.

So, you can either take a look at the Wordle answer archive to see today's solution (do bookmark it) or read on for some full hints and insight to tackle puzzle #274. 

Wordle March 19 hint

First up, the riddle:

Rip it all up and start again,
Make sure you extend things now and then.

Not good enough? How about these then?

  1. There’s only one vowel today…
  2. … but it’s twice
  3. It takes the form CONSONANT, VOWEL, CONSONANT, VOWEL, CONSONANT.

Today’s Wordle answer #273

Look, we all know how easy it is to break the streak. You've got a lot on, and you're only on the second guess… before you know it, you've thrown your tea all down your front, the car won't start and you're on the sixth guess. You can't let this be the thing that breaks you. So, let's solve that: the Wordle answer for today is RENEW.

Today's wordle answer on white background

(Image credit: TechRadar / NY Times)

Today’s Wordle alternative

So you’ve done today’s Wordle. Well done. So each day we’re going to recommend one of the best Wordle alternatives so the joy train of daily puzzling isn’t over for you.

Today, lean back and get ready for a longer Wordle session…

Wordle Unlimited

TechRadar winning a Wordle Unlimited game

(Image credit: Wordle Unlimited)

Love a bit of Wordle but annoyed it only lasts one day? Well, why don't you try Wordle Unlimited, the hugely unofficial game where you can play as many times as you like – and we've got all you need to know on how to use and play Wordle Unlimted ready for you.

One of the real highlights of Wordle Unlimited is you can create custom Wordle games to send to your friends. A versatile tool for trolling, not that we'd encourage that sort of behavior.

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Read More

Today’s Wordle answer and hints #273 (March 19)

Looking for some help with today’s Wordle answer, for puzzle #273? Of course you are – otherwise this is a weird article for you to have clicked on.

We’ve been bringing you the answers and insights for a while and you can check out our Wordle answers archive to see what’s been happening each day.

But it’s all about today, and we’re here to – first – bring you a hint to help save the streak, then it‘s straight to the answer.

And if you can't be bothered with even having to look at the hint, the just jump to the answer and get on with the weekend. We’ve all got better things to do, right?

Today’s Wordle hint and riddle

Wordle answer with no correct letters

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We’re trialling this daily riddle format – is it working? Is it useful? Hard to say, but they’re fun to write… so do email in and let us know!

Today's Wordle riddle:

Give permission to achieve a goal, but be ready – this one starts with a vowel.

OK, ’goal’ and ‘vowel’ don’t technically rhyme. It’s assonance, which is a poetry word for ‘I can do what I want because poetry’. How about some hints to keep this party rolling?

  1. There are two vowels today
  2. It has a double letter
  3. It ends with a W

Does that help? No? OK, fine… you can have the answer. BUT, do check out our Wordle solver tools below to see if they can help you instead – a quick scroll will jump you past the answer.

Today’s Wordle Answer #273

Today’s Wordle answer on black background

(Image credit: TechRadar / NY Times)

The Wordle answer for today is: ALLOW.

It’s already looking like a tricky one to start the weekend – and we often see this when a vowel is placed at the start of a word. A double letter as well… we can see this one running and running.

Google Trends suggests that this is proving to be the case – the UK saw a HUGE spike in Wordle Answer at midnight, although the usual 7AM follow up wasn’t there:

Wordle trends on a white background

(Image credit: TechRadar / Google)

With nothing trending today in Wordle, we expect this article to be read by people stumped through the A at the front – and maybe the double letter.

Today’s Wordle alternative

So you’ve done today’s Wordle. Well done. So each day we’re going to recommend one of the best Wordle alternatives so the joy train of daily puzzling isn’t over for you.

Today, it’s time to get your calculator out…

Nerdle

The starting screen to a game of Nerdle

(Image credit: Future)

Such a different game to Wordle, but it gives your brain a different workout. Consider Wordle your long, steady state run and then Nerdle being the HIIT workout you (inexplicably) do next.

You're asked to enter a sum of 8 numbers or symbols long… and apart from knowing it has to have some numbers and an equals in there, that's all you get.

It's a great play – plus there's an 'Instant Nerdle' that shows you one line of semi-correct entries in the wrong place… and it's up to you to get it. Lovely.

TechRadar – All the latest technology news

Read More

Today’s Wordle answer and hints #273 (March 19)

Looking for some help with today’s Wordle answer, for puzzle #273? Of course you are – otherwise this is a weird article for you to have clicked on.

We’ve been bringing you the answers and insights for a while and you can check out our Wordle answers archive to see what’s been happening each day.

But it’s all about today, and we’re here to – first – bring you a hint to help save the streak, then it‘s straight to the answer.

And if you can't be bothered with even having to look at the hint, the just jump to the answer and get on with the weekend. We’ve all got better things to do, right?

Today’s Wordle hint and riddle

Wordle answer with no correct letters

(Image credit: TechRadar)

We’re trialling this daily riddle format – is it working? Is it useful? Hard to say, but they’re fun to write… so do email in and let us know!

Today's Wordle riddle:

Give permission to achieve a goal, but be ready – this one starts with a vowel.

OK, ’goal’ and ‘vowel’ don’t technically rhyme. It’s assonance, which is a poetry word for ‘I can do what I want because poetry’. How about some hints to keep this party rolling?

  1. There are two vowels today
  2. It has a double letter
  3. It ends with a W

Does that help? No? OK, fine… you can have the answer. BUT, do check out our Wordle solver tools below to see if they can help you instead – a quick scroll will jump you past the answer.

Today’s Wordle Answer #273

Today’s Wordle answer on black background

(Image credit: TechRadar / NY Times)

The Wordle answer for today is: ALLOW.

It’s already looking like a tricky one to start the weekend – and we often see this when a vowel is placed at the start of a word. A double letter as well… we can see this one running and running.

Google Trends suggests that this is proving to be the case – the UK saw a HUGE spike in Wordle Answer at midnight, although the usual 7AM follow up wasn’t there:

Wordle trends on a white background

(Image credit: TechRadar / Google)

With nothing trending today in Wordle, we expect this article to be read by people stumped through the A at the front – and maybe the double letter.

Today’s Wordle alternative

So you’ve done today’s Wordle. Well done. So each day we’re going to recommend one of the best Wordle alternatives so the joy train of daily puzzling isn’t over for you.

Today, it’s time to get your calculator out…

Nerdle

The starting screen to a game of Nerdle

(Image credit: Future)

Such a different game to Wordle, but it gives your brain a different workout. Consider Wordle your long, steady state run and then Nerdle being the HIIT workout you (inexplicably) do next.

You're asked to enter a sum of 8 numbers or symbols long… and apart from knowing it has to have some numbers and an equals in there, that's all you get.

It's a great play – plus there's an 'Instant Nerdle' that shows you one line of semi-correct entries in the wrong place… and it's up to you to get it. Lovely.

TechRadar – All the latest technology news

Read More