Top movies and shows coming to Disney Plus in March 2022

Disney Plus subscribers have an abundance of new content to look forward to throughout March 2022, with a range of exclusive blockbuster movie releases, binge-worthy new TV shows and the long-awaited streaming arrival of a family sitcom classic.

In fact, it's such a content-packed month, that we've taken the liberty of highlighting our picks for the top movies and shows coming to Disney Plus in March 2022.

Key titles include the premiere of Pixar's latest masterpiece, Turning Red, Steven Spielberg's excellent remake of West Side Story, and Marvel's highly anticipated new series, Moon Knight.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg! Check out our hand-picked list of the best movies and TV shows arriving on Disney Plus this month below.

March 2022 movie highlights

West Side Story (available March 2)

Critics and audiences agree that Steven Spielberg's West Side Story remake is a dazzling new take on a classic musical that arguably surpasses the 1961 original film. Essentially a modernised take on Romeo & Juliet, West Side Story sees the burgeoning romance between Tony (Ansel Elgort) and Maria (Rachel Zegler) caught in the middle of an intense street war between two teenage gangs of different ethnic backgrounds.

Fresh (available March 4)

Coming right off the back of his incredible performance in Pam & Tommy (also streaming on Disney Plus), Sebastian Stan enters even darker territory in Fresh, a thriller which explores modern dating at its absolute worst. Fresh follows young woman Noa (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her battle to survive the "usual appetites" of her new boyfriend (Stan). The trailer above is giving us real Ted Bundy vibes, but we'll have to wait and see which horrors lie in store.

Turning Red (available March 11)

Pixar has a great knack for allegorical storytelling, and it looks like Turning Red is no exception. This time, the animation powerhouse is exploring the awkwardness of puberty, with confident dork Meilin Lee (Rosalie Chiang) finding her life turned upside down when her body suddenly goes through a big change. Hair in weird places? More like fur in all places!

Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u (available March 25)

Fans of singer-songwriter Olivia Rodrigo will adore this insightful documentary, which charts the writing of her debut album "SOUR" during a road trip from Salt Lake City to Los Angeles. Featuring new live arrangements of her hit songs, eye-opening interviews and loads of behind-the-scenes footage from the making of the album, fans are bound to love Olivia Rodrigo: driving home 2 u.

March 2022 TV highlights

(Image credit: 20th Television)

Malcolm in the Middle: The Complete Series (available March 2)

It's hard to overstate the impact that Malcolm in the Middle had upon its arrival in the mid '90s. Feeling sort of like a live-action take on The Simpsons formula, Malcolm in the Middle is a heightened family sitcom where anything goes. It's also where many of us first became aware of future Breaking Bad star Bryan Cranston, who plays the hapless dad in the show.

The Dropout (available March 3)

Based on the unbelievable true story of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) and her health technology corporation Theranos, The Dropout explores a tale of ambition and fame gone terribly wrong. Boasting only a high school diploma, Holmes went on to become the world’s youngest self-made billionaire, only to lose it all in the blink of an eye.

How I Met Your Father (available March 9)

Fans of the long-running sitcom series How I Met Your Mother are in for a treat with the show's first spin-off, How I Met Your Father. Leading an all-new cast of characters, Sophie (Hillary Duff) recounts the story of how she met her son's father, starting in 2021, when she and her close-knit group of friends explored the world of dating together. Will it be as legen... wait for it... dary as the original series? Only time will tell.

Moon Knight (available March 30)

While all of Disney's live-action Marvel shows up until this point have been based on existing characters from within the MCU, Moon Knight will change things up by presenting an intriguing character which has not yet been explored on-screen. Oscar Isaac leads the cast as a man who discovers he has Dissociative Identity Disorder, and that one of his identities is actually a mysterious vigilante who has inherited mystical powers from a statue of the Egyptian deity Khonshu. Sounds wild!

• Best movies on Disney Plus for grown-ups: what to watch after the kids go to bed

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Torvalds admits he's a bit worried about the next Linux build

The speed at which Linux developers are working on version 5.17 of the popular kernel has gotten the OS’ boss a bit worried.

In the weekly State of the kernel post, Linux creator (and the biggest developer)  Linus Torvalds, said he believed the progress (or lack thereof) wasn’t caused by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, or “whatever crazy things are going on in the world”, as these things “don't seem to have affected the kernel much."

However, the number of known regressions that Torvalds is claiming have been out there since late January have affected the development cycle. Although these “don't seem all that big and scary”, Torvalds did stress that some of them were reported right after the rc1 release, meaning they’re getting somewhat stale. 

Linux “looks fine”

“I'd hate to have to delay 5.17 just because of them, and I'm starting to be a bit worried here. I think all the affected maintainers know who they are,” he concluded, before urging subsystem maintainers to make these regressions a priority. 

Torvalds also seems to be extra careful not to cause any panic, saying “but on the whole, things look fine. Just a few remaining warts is all. But the more testing to verify, the better.”

Read more

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Linux, an operating system that, in its early days, couldn’t stand next to the likes of Windows, or macOS, has grown immensely popular with the proliferation of mobile devices and the Internet of Things (IoT). An open-source Unix-like operating system, based on the Linux kernel, the OS now powers Android, the world’s biggest and most popular mobile operating system.

Furthermore, many IoT manufacturers have deployed Linux on their devices, as well.

However, some manufacturers are also moving away from Linux. Google, for example, is developing an entirely new operating system for some of its IoT and smart home devices, called Fuchsia OS. This new OS, which is still in early development phase, is based on a new kernel named Zircon.

• These are the best laptops for programming

Via: The Register 

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How I solved Wordle #254 - spoilers for today's puzzle

Welcome back to my weekday Wordle Solution Diary, where I take you step-by-step through my own Wordle puzzle efforts. Today, we're tackling Wordle #254.

For those unfamiliar with Wordle, The New York Times’ (recently-purchased) daily word game asks you to guess a five-letter word in six tries.  Simple right?

If you just want to skip to the Wordle answer for today, (and yes, we have a page to do just that), you can depart right now. But what would be the fun in that? 

Daily Wordle Diary

How I solved Wordle #251 - when V is a friend and enemy

You want to preserve your streak and, I believe, learn how to get better at Wordle, which means making smart choices and understanding the tactics that can take you from a "Winning in 5" to a "Solved in three" kind of Wordle player.

The guide below includes how I make my guesses and images of my work. When I make a mistake, you'll see it. Maybe it'll help you avoid some of your own.

Let's Wordle together.

Spoiler Alert: If you do not want to know today’s Wordle answer, STOP READING IMMEDIATELY.

Starting early

Showered and dressed, I feel ready to beat Wordle at its own game. I play today's Wordle on my desktop to ease the screen captures I'll use to help guide you. 

The Wordle start screen (Image credit: Future)

The first word

Your biggest leap will always be that first word. I can choose any five-letter word but, generally, dismiss anything with double letters, as per our guide on how to win at Wordle. 

There are two goals: Get as many correct letters in the right spots as possible and miraculously guess the word on the first try. Thus far, I've never accomplished the latter.

I chose "PLACE" because of its attractive mix of vowels and consonants. Look at all those vowels. How can I miss with this word?

(Image credit: Future)

Mixed results

I've seen worse first results (see #251). The "E" at the end (right letter and right place) is a nice anchor to start with. I'm not surprised to see the "C" in there; so many five-letter words include a "C."

One thing I do not do at any stage in my process is Google words that include "C" and/or "E." It just feels like cheating. Come on, we can do this the old-fashioned way.

(Image credit: Future)

The second guess

As happy as I am that I now have two-out-of-five letters, this is not enough raw material to construct a word. As a result, I'm going with my tried-and-true strategy of a second word that uses a completely new collection of letters. You know what I want: To solve this Wordle in three.

(Yes, I know those of you that love Wordle's Hard Mode will look down upon me. But the stats show that I'm in the majority of people playing the game, so I'm OK with it.)

Obviously, "Rough" is not the word, but I'm hoping a few of those letters are winners.  As I prepare to hit enter, it occurs to me I'm doing all this before my first cup of coffee. That may be a mistake.

(Image credit: Future)

Double the fun

Look at me, picking up two new letters. Four-fifths of the way there to all the letters I need and a Wordle solution. My next guess is crucial. I can't rush things. I really want to solve this in three.

(Image credit: Future)

Three's the charm?

With four letters, I plan to spend a few minutes trying different letter combinations in my head and on the Wordle board before committing (hitting "Enter"). I need strategy, inspiration, and luck.

Two vowels and two consonants make me think this isn't one of those oddball words or one where people might accuse The New York Times of making the game harder.

One hurdle: Only one letter is in the right place but I think old friends "C" and "H" might be paired together at the start of the Wordle answer.

I have the tiniest epiphany. An open vowel, like "O," has to go after "CH." If that's the case, there's really only one choice for what can go between "CHO" and the "E" that we know does belong at the end.

Still wishing I was holding a cup of coffee in my hand, I hit enter.

(Image credit: Future)

Wait, what?

(Image credit: Future)

Not gonna lie, I am shocked. I really thought "CHOSE" was the answer. It's a great five-letter word, and S is one of the most popular letters. I'm honestly bummed that I missed out on solving Wordle in three. 

In a situation like this, where four of the correct letters are also in their correct places, the task becomes relatively simple: go through the remaining letters in your head, slotting each one into the open spot.

The only obvious answer is what just happened to me a moment ago. 

(Image credit: Future)

Success

I can't really blame myself for first choosing "CHOSE" over "CHOKE." I'm generally positive, totally non-violent, and I'm not into sports. The word simply never occurred to me. 

I also consider myself lucky - CHORE is a word using the more popular R in the space there, and that could have seen me do this in five attempts, despite a strong strategy.

In the end, this is a pretty good result and Wordle credits me with a "Splendid" for my efforts. How did you do?

(Image credit: Future)

• Need more Wordle each day? Wordle Unlimited is your (super unofficial) fix 
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Ozark season 4 part 2: release date, cast and everything we know so far

The first half of Ozark's fourth and final season is here. Unlike the show's previous seasons, which have arrived in typical Netflix style in a single drop on release day, the final run of Ozark will come in two halves of seven episodes each, with the first seven now live on the streaming service. 

The first seven episodes arrived on the streaming giant on January 21 with the remaining episodes now confirmed to debut on April 29. 

It’s all been leading up to this—how will the Byrdes’ story end? Ozark Season 4 Part 2 is coming to Netflix, 29 Apr 💥 pic.twitter.com/4jy6BnuxkUFebruary 24, 2022

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For the uninitiated – and why would you be reading this Ozark season 4 guide if you weren't already a huge fans? – Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman) moves his family to the Ozarks in order to launder cash for a cartel. Over time, the series has taken its characters to some incredibly dark places and, in our view, has emerged as Netflix's most underrated series.

Before its final episode airs, though, what do we know about Ozark season 4? Below, you'll find more information about the series' last entry, including its release date, trailers, cast, plot threads that need to be resolved, and more. Spoilers follow for Ozark seasons 1 through 4.5.

Ozark season 4 part 2 release date

Ozark season four part 2 release date: April 29, 2022

(Image credit: Netflix)

The final seven episodes of Ozark season 4 will landed exclusively on Netflix on Friday, April 29. 

With the show's final season broken in two, we'll have a wait a little while yet to see how the story of the Byrde family comes to an end...

Ozark season 4 trailer

Ozark: catch up on everything that's happened so far

Netflix released a catch-up guide for what has happened thus far in Ozark. Get up to speed on the dark drama above and get ready for the new season below:

Ozark season 4 cast

Ozark season 4 cast: who is returning for one last hurrah?

Jason Bateman as an increasingly desperate Marty Byrde in Ozark, which returns on Netflix for season 4 in the future. (Image credit: STEVE DIETL/NETFLIX)

Here's who is returning for Ozark season 4:

• Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde
• Laura Linney as Wendy Byrde
• Julia Garner as Ruth Langmore
• Lisa Emery as Darlene Snell
• Sofia Hublitz as Charlotte Byrde 
• Skylar Gaertner as Jonah Byrde
• Veronica Falcón as Camila
• Ali Stroker as Charles-Ann
• Bruce Davison as Randall Schafer

The fourth season of Ozark sees a host of returning (and surviving) characters as the show reaches its dreaded climax. Jason Bateman, who won the SAG Award for Male Actor in a Drama Series for his role as Marty Byrde, will return, along with his onscreen wife Wendy, played by the fantastic Laura Linney. Rounding out the Byrde family are Skylar Gaertner and Sofia Hublitz as Jonah and Charlotte.

Sadly, scene-stealer Tom Pelphrey won’t be returning this season as Wendy’s brother Ben after his heart-breaking exit in season 3. Additionally, we don't expect to see Janet McTeer return from the dead as Helen, who came to her shocking, bloody end in season 3’s final moments. That said, series favorite Julia Garner will return as the indomitable Ruth Langmore.

With their unexpected love affair, we are sure to see more of Charlie Tahan as Wyatt Langmore and Lisa Emery as Darlene Snell, and with an increased presence last season, Felix Solis will be back as the intense cartel boss Omar Navarro – this time as a series regular.  

Other than the returning cast, Ozark season 4 will introduce a host of new characters. As the Byrdes squirm their way into the political realms of the Ozarks, X-Men’s Bruce Davison will appear as a powerful retired U.S. senator that can be bought for the right price, as reported by Deadline. 

The outlet also confirmed that Ozark season 4 will introduce actors Alfonso Herrera, Adam Rothenberg, Damian Young, Bruno Bichir, CC Castillo, and Katrina Lenk to the cast – collectively, they will make up the bulk of both the Navarro crime family and the law enforcement circling them. 

In June 2021 (via THR), two new recurring cast members were added to the show: Veronica Falcón and Ali Stroker, who will each appear in. Falcón, who you might know from HBO's Perry Mason, will play Camila – sister of Omar Navarro, and apparently a formidable member of the family drug business. Meanwhile, Stroker plays Charles-Ann, a friend of Ruth's mother. 

Ozark season 4 part 2 story

Ozark season 4 part 2 plot: what story threads need to be wrapped up?

Netflix's Ozark, now heading for its finale... (Image credit: STEVE DIETL/NETFLIX)

The first part of Ozark's final season began in very dramatic style as we find the Byrdes in their car, discussing an upcoming FBI meeting, when a truck smashed into the van, causing it to roll over. That proved to be a flash-forward, and one still hanging over the family as the seven episodes drew to a close. When will we find out what happened to the family? At some point in the second half of the season. 

We're also dealing with a Ruth Langmore on the warpath after Javi killed both Wyatt and Darlene. Having confronted the Byrdes, Jonah revealed to her that Javi killed her cousin. Now, despite Marty's warnings that Javi is untouchable, Ruth has made it clear that she wants him dead and that they will have to kill her to stop her. Expect one hell of a confrontation. 

While the Byrdes always seem like a family in a state of disarray, but it's particularly acute at the end of the fourth season's first part. Wendy is still struggling with her brother Ben's death, and Jonah has completely turned against her in the aftermath. 

Now allied with Ruth, the Byrdes' son has no intention of accompanying the family to Chicago, where they plan to settle eventually. Although given the season's opening salvo, where the family are driving towards the Windy City, it seems like he gets there somehow. 

Finally, we've also got private investigator Mel Sattam, who is on the hunt for lawyer Helen Pierce’s body. Will he find it? And will he eventually find out what happened to Ben?

The Byrde family, whose complicated lives are at the center of Ozark on Netflix. (Image credit: Netflix)

How can we expect Ozark to end?

Interviewed recently by Indie Wire about how he perceived the show was going to finish up, star Jason Bateman revealed as far as he's concerned, there's one big question that needs to be answered for audiences, and he already knows the answer.

Bateman said: "I do know where everything is going to end…  I was interested in the big question [Chris Mundy, showrunner] has the opportunity to answer: Are they going to get away with it, or are they going to pay a bill? What does he want to message to the audience about the consequences of what the Byrdes have done – or lack thereof?"  We had some great conversations about that, and he's got really good ideas about that. Specifically, what kind of happens at the end of the last episode: I know, and it's great."

Mundy, meanwhile, has promised fans a satisfying ending real closure when the curtain finally comes down on Ozark. 

He told the Hollywood Reporter: "I always want closure. I don’t want to feel messed with. I want to feel like, “OK, that was the end.” So hopefully people will feel closure by the end — whether they like it or not, I don’t know. In terms of tone, we’re going deeper into the family and their bonds. Is family the ultimate bond? Is friendship? Is marriage? At what point is it almost unhealthy to stay, even if you love somebody? We’re going to delve into that with Marty and Wendy. Hopefully, the back half will still be fun and exciting, but also really emotional for the Byrdes and Ruth.

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Zendesk's plan to acquire SurveyMonkey is officially dead

Zendesk's billion-dollar plan to acquire Momentive, which runs the popular SurveyMonkey tool, has failed after its own shareholders rejected the proposal. 

The deal was worth around $4.1 billion, with the news coming just days after the CRM giant turned down a $16 billion offer to be acquired by a consortium of private equity firms. 

"While we were excited by the potential of this transaction to transform the customer experience and create stockholder value, we respect and appreciate the perspectives of our stockholders," said Zendesk CEO Mikkel Svanek. 

Foiled bid

In a blog post, Svanek explained a little more about what made Momentive an attractive target and Zendesk's future plans. Zendesk's business is sound, he said, but could've been augmented by Momentive. 

"We planned to acquire Momentive as a way to accelerate our ability to deliver the future of customer intelligence," he wrote. "While we will not be moving forward with that acquisition, we remain as committed as ever to helping our customers get more value out of their data." 

Investor hostility 

The deal was sunk largely by activist shareholders who opposed it. The Wall Street Journal reported that Jana Partners, which owns 3%, and Janus Henderson, which owns 5%, both opposed the deal. Jana called it a "reactive and impulsive decision". 

Faced with scepticism from its own shareholders, spending $4.1 billion is an impossible ask. Shareholders voted against the deal on February 25. 

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For Momentive, the decision is not ideal. "While we are disappointed that Zendesk stockholders did not vote to approve the transaction, we are confident in our go-forward strategy," said Monentive CEO Zander Laurie. 

It remains to be seen what direction the two companies take but with intense pressure in the CRM market, Zendesk needs to find a bold new plan. 

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Windows 11 Start menu is disappearing for some people in new update

Windows 11's February feature update is causing issues for some users, where the Start menu disappears as soon as you hover over to it, thanks to a conflict with widgets trying to appear at the same time.

The update brought a preview option for Android apps on the Microsoft Store, alongside dark mode in Notepad, the return of Windows Media Player, and more.

But there's a growing number of users who are reporting issues with the Start menu, where it looks to be conflicting with the widgets in the Taskbar.

In our tests, we also found the same issue, while pressing the Windows key to keep the menu from disappearing, instead of using the mouse to click on the Start menu icon, seemed to fix the problem.

---

Analysis: a glaring bug that should have been fixed before release

It's certainly a frustrating bug, and it raises the question of why wasn't this fixed before the February update landed? The Taskbar and the Start menu have both seen polarizing changes since Windows 11 was announced in June 2021.

This bug won't help matters for - to have the Start menu disappear, especially when you want to quickly launch an app or a document, is going to frustrate many people.

But Microsoft is aware of the bug, according to Windows Latest, so we may not have to wait long for the next fix to arrive. But, in a time when a big change to a feature that's been in Windows for almost thirty years is rendered useless because of a bug, it isn't going to be a good advert for Windows 11.

So the company has to act fast here and make sure that something like this doesn't appear in the release update for all users in the future. But if you're also experiencing the same or other issues, let Microsoft know in the Feedback Hub.

• Everything we know of Windows 11 'Sun Valley 2' so far

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Roku just lost a ton of channels – can this upgrade plug the gap for cord cutters?

It’s been a potentially frustrating week for owners of Roku streaming sticks and boxes. The mega-popular provider of online TV dongles and devices executed its long-planned move to remove uncertified channels from its set top box, meaning viewers lost access to potentially hundreds of streaming channels as of February 23, 2022.

Looking to soften the blow somewhat, Roku has announced a new upgrade to its own Roku Channel, taking a leaf straight out of the Netflix playbook.

Going forwards, the Roku Channel (which provides free ad-supported streaming to anyone with a Roku account) will finally get access to a ‘Save List’, letting users mark shows and movies they want to watch at a later date. These will then be added to a ‘Save List’ row in the Roku Channel interface.

Roku had already bolstered the Roku Channel hub earlier this month, adding 25 new channels to the Live TV Guide in the US that pulled in content from Ax Men, Crime ThrillHer, Fox Weather, Ice Road Truckers and Modern Marvels, among others.

---

Roku's secret weapon lost?

Though long overdue, the Save List is a welcome addition for anyone looking to better organize their Roku TV viewing habits.

But it’s not enough to paper over the gaping hole left by the removal of its uncertified channels. They were Roku’s ace in the hole – making it a secret portal to all sorts of unusual TV channels not offered by other platform providers like Amazon’s Fire TV or Apple TV.

By putting in a code provided by channel developers, users could access channels not yet certified for inclusion from the official Roku store. While the quality of this content was sometimes questionable (and lots of adult-only viewing made it through to Roku this way), it also provided a route for niche content makers to get their channels in front of people. 

Beta channels and the Independent Developer Kit will replace the uncertified channels.

“The Roku IDK and beta channel feature will facilitate broader innovation, improve beta testing, and offer a better development experience and a more standardized development process across streaming platforms,” said Roku in a statement.

It makes sense that Roku would move to a format where it can better police the content finding its way onto its platform. But the fun of the Wild West-like uncertified channels program, for better or worse, is now lost as a result. The closest thing we’re left with is to sideload Android-based TV channels to Android TV devices or Android-based streaming sticks like the Fire TV – though this is a more laborious process, and lacks the wealth of options that Roku had secretly been building up for more than a decade.

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March Aussie streaming calendar: the best movies and TV to watch this month

With so many movies and TV shows to stream across a variety of Australian streaming services, which includes the likes of Netflix, Stan, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Binge, Apple TV Plus and more, it can be tough to cut through all the noise to find the best stuff to watch each month.

It's with this in mind that we've cobbled together this January Aussie streaming calendar, which helpfully highlights the best movies and TV worth watching this month.

As we move forward in the coming months, we'll expand upon this format to identify a wider selection of films and TV series to stream, and include some of the top new rental releases on services like iTunes, Google Play and more. 

For now though, here are our top movie highlight for March 2022, followed by our picks for the top TV shows to stream this month.

March 2022 movie highlights

The Adam Project (available 11/3/2022 on Netflix)

Sporting a distinctly '80s vibe that recalls films like The Last Starfighter, Inner Space and Flight of the Navigator, Netflix's The Adam Project sees a time-traveling pilot (Ryan Reynolds) team up with himself as a child (Walker Scobell) and his late father (Mark Ruffalo) in order to save Earth. From Shawn Levy, producer of Stranger Things and director of Real Steel, we expect The Adam Project to be a wonderful sci-fi throwback.

Turning Red (available 11/3/2022 on Disney Plus)

Pixar knows a thing or two about crafting brilliant coming-of-age stories, and Turning Red looks set to take that theme a step further with its metaphorical tale about the awkwardness of puberty. Confident geek Meilin Lee (Rosalie Chiang) thinks she has life all figured out – that is until her body suddenly goes through a big change, leading her to turn into a giant red panda whenever she gets too worked up!

Deep Water (available 18/3/2022 on Netflix)

An erotic thriller starring Ana de Armas (Knives Out) and Ben Affleck (Phantoms)? Umm, yes please! Director Adrian Lyne (Indecent Proposal, Fatal Attraction, 9½ Weeks) steps behind the camera after a 20-year hiatus for this story about a husband who allows his wife to have affairs, only to become the prime suspect when one of her lovers disappears.

Black Crab (available 18/3/2022 on Netflix)

All-round badass Noomi Rapace (The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) stars in Black Crab, a Swedish-language post-apocalyptic war thriller which sees a reluctant soldier (Rapace) set off across a frozen sea as part of a last ditch mission to save her daughter and end the war.

March 2022 TV highlights

Bridgerton (season 2 available 25/3/2022 on Netflix)

Everyone's favourite guilty pleasure Bridgerton is back for its highly anticipated second season, which sees Lady Whistledown (Julie Andrews) return to invite us into the lives of two new lovers in Regency-era England. If it's anything like the first season, you can expect a generous helping of rumpy-pumpy.

Winning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty (available 7/3/2022 on Binge)

Adam McKay (Don't Look Up, Anchorman) lays up a stunning throwback to the glory days of Basketball in the early '80s with WInning Time: The Rise of the Lakers Dynasty. John C. Reilly plays Jerry Buss, the man who set in motion team's gargantuan success with his decision to take Earvin 'Magic' Johnson (Quincy Isaiah) under his wing, bringing the sport a much-needed dose of glamour. 

Star Trek: Picard (season 2 available 4/1/2022 on Amazon Prime Video)

The legendary Jean-Luc Picard (Sir Patrick Stewart) is back for an all-new season of Star Trek: Picard! This time, he and his crew take a journey into the past. This gives  Picard to enlist some familiar friends (along with some new ones) in order to save the galaxy’s future during the 21st century.

Formula 1: Drive to Survive: Season 4 (available 11/3/2022 on Netflix) 

While the trailer for Netflix's fourth season of Formula 1: Drive to Survive hasn't officially dropped yet (the trailer above is for season 1), we do know that race fans can expect yet another drama-filled season of F1 racing, this time focusing on 20 drivers made up of both veterans and rookies.

Joe vs. Carole (TV series – available 21/1/2022 on Netflix)

No, it isn't a sequel to Tom Hanks' early '90s oddity Joe versus The Volcano – Joe vs. Carole is actually a dramatised TV series based on Netflix's Tiger King. Remember? That ridiculous true crime show everyone cared about for about a week around the start of the pandemic? Well, this show aims to remind you about that. John Cameron Mitchell (Hedwig and the Angry Inch) takes on crazy Joe Exotic role, while SNL-favourite Kate McKinnon (Ghostbusters) steps into the role Carole Baskin.

The Boys: Diabolical (available 4/3/2022 on Amazon Prime Video)

An animated anthology series in the vein of Love, Death + Robots and Star Wars: Visions, The Boys: Diabolical offers an ultra-violent and raunchy respite while we eagerly await The Boys: Season 3. Featuring an all-star voice cast throughout eight individual stories and styles of animation, The Boys: Diabolical is sure to live up to its name.

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Google Chrome is removing its data saving mode on Android - lets celebrate

When version 100 of Google's Chrome browser is available to download, it will be without the Lite mode that enables less mobile data to be used on Android devices when browsing the web, and I couldn't be happier.

In a blog post, the company explained that it doesn't see the need for a feature to minimize data used in its web browser, when the amount of cellular data has increased, while the cost has stayed the same.

The feature arrived back in 2014 as a way to load webpages with less data being used, which could be useful for those on a small data plan for their smartphone. 

Having sold phones and data plans to customers in a previous career, the end of this feature is only good news for me, but mainly for the customer who reads their content from Chrome on a mobile device every day.

When does Chrome 100 arrive?

According to Google's Roadmap status page for Chrome, version 100 will arrive on March 29, with a beta arriving around March 3.

This will apply to all versions of Chrome - from its mobile versions to the desktop on PC, Mac and Chromebook.

But with the Data Saver feature only on Android versions, it's not going to be something that's missed by many users, especially as there's data saving features built into Android 12 for all apps anyway, by going to Settings > Cellular Data.

Having worked at a phone store for years before switching careers to be a writer, helping customers with their phones and the data they would use, would be a common task for me. Some would come in, asking me why they had received a text stating they were at 80% of their monthly data usage.

Looking at how much data apps would be used, a web browser would usually reign supreme at the top of this list. But this was in a time where 2GB of data a month would be normal to see, not the 150GB a month or unlimited plans we all see advertised.

(Image credit: Shutterstock)

But when a 'lite' mode would appear on a browser or a social media app like Facebook, it would degrade the experience. I remember pixelated images loading instead, or certain content removed so the text would be all over the place.

However, it's finally time to see the back of these features - they only hinder, not help the experience if you're trying to search for something or read the latest news in Chrome on your Samsung S22.

As Google Chrome hits a century of a version number, it's great to see this disappear, and instead, enrich the content that's available for your interests across the spectrum of the web.

However, Firefox is also approaching version 100, so there's a chance that we may see a landmark feature arrive from Mozilla as well. March is looking to be an eventful time for web browsers on many devices, and I'm here for it.

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10 new movies and shows on Netflix, Prime Video and more in March 2022

Spring has, well, officially sprung – in the northern hemisphere, at least. The long, cold winter months (read: hot and tropical if you live in southern climates) are over, but there's still plenty of streaming content on the way for you to enjoy.

March 2022 is looking like an absolutely stacked month, too. From new Netflix movies and returning Prime Video shows, to the first Marvel Phase 4 project of the year and two major Paramount Plus offerings, you'll be spoiled for choice as per usual. Add in a number of Oscar contenders making their way to various streaming platforms, and a new HBO Max show involving Taiki Waititi, too, and it was a struggle to whittle this list down to just 10 entries.

Still, we consider the films and shows listed below to be the best of what's on offer. Here, then, are 10 of the best films and TV series to look out for in March 2022.

West Side Story (Disney Plus)

When to stream it: Wednesday, March 2

Steven Spielberg's remake of the iconic Romeo and Juliet-inspired musical may not have performed well at the global box office in late 2021, but it clearly resonated with some critics and leading industry figures – West Side Story has been nominated for seven Oscars (including Best Picture) and six BAFTAs before this year's ceremonies. 

So it must be worth watching, right? In our view, yes. If you're watching it for the first time, you'll likely enjoy the story and songs on offer. Alternatively, if you've already seen the stage play or 1961 film adaptation, you may be interested to see how Spielberg's vision stacks up against its predecessors.

Either way, if you missed its theatrical run, you're in luck. West Side Story is coming to Disney Plus this month, which is perfect timing ahead of the BAFTA and Academy Award ceremonies taking place on March 13 and 27, respectively. Just don't blame us if you get classic musical numbers, including Maria or America, stuck in your head for days on end.

Our Flag Means Death (HBO Max)

When to stream it: Thursday, March 3

Fans of period comedies, Taika Waititi, and pirates, rejoice! Our Flag Means Death, a new comedy series from David Jenkins (People of Earth) and executively produced by Waititi, is here to cure your winter (or summer) blues with a huge helping of humor and swashbuckling on the high seas.

Set in the 18th century, Our Flag Means Death is loosely based on the seafaring adventures of Stede Bonnet (Rhys Darby), a gentleman-turned-pirate who struggles to earn the respect of his crew. When Bonnet's entourage runs into the legendary pirate known as Blackbeard (Waititi), though, comedy capers and misadventures quickly ensue.

With a supporting cast including Leslie Jones, Rory Kinnear, Samson Kayo, and Ewen Bremner, comedy fans (and those of Waititi, Thor: Love and Thunder's director) will certainly want to check this out on HBO Max. Unfortunately, there's currently no launch date or streaming platform news concerning its UK release.

Picard season 2 (Paramount Plus)

When to stream it: Thursday, March 3

After a new two-year wait, the next instalment in Jean-Luc Picard's latest Star Trek adventure arrives on Paramount Plus in early March.

Set after the events of its first season, Picard season 2 sees the legendary starship captain lead his crew on a journey where, well, a fair few men have boldly gone before: into the past. Facing a race against the clock to ensure the galaxy's survival, Picard must enlist the help of old and new allies in yet another time-bending adventure.

Whoopi Goldberg's Guinan, Annie Wersching's Borg Queen, and John de Lancie's Q are just a few of the beloved Star Trek characters returning for Picard season 2. There'll be plenty for nostalgic fans to wrap their eyes around, then. Season 2 will also premiere in the UK on Prime Video on Friday, March 4.

The Boys Presents: Diabolical (Prime Video)

When to stream it: Friday, March 4

The Boys season 3 won't be with us until June, but fans of Prime Video's R-rated, satirical superhero show have some new content to tide them over until then.

Set in The Boys universe, The Boys Presents: Diabolical is an animated anthology series, comprising eight original and standalone tales, that fleshes out the world inhabited by Billy, Hughie, Homelander and company.

Diabolical will follow new and returning characters whose lives are impacted by Compound V – the substance that grants superpowers to any individual who consumes it – in a wide variety of animation styles.

At just 10 minutes apiece, Diabolical's octet of tales can be binged in one sitting, and contain as much humor, gory action, and heart as its live-action and graphic novel counterparts. Justin Roiland (Rick & Morty), Don Cheadle (various Marvel projects), Andy Samberg (Brooklyn Nine Nine), Aisha Tyler (Criminal Minds), and The Boys' comics co-creator Garth Ennis are just some of those involved in this hugely collaborative project.

Dune (HBO Max)

When to stream it: Thursday, March 10

It was previously available to stream on HBO Max last October (for 28 days, anyway) as part of Warner Bros' 2021 day and date release schedule. But, after receiving 10 nominations ahead of this year's Oscars, Denis Villeneuve's Dune returns for another stint on WarnerMedia's streaming service. You know, in case you missed it in late 2021, or simply want to watch it for the fifth time.

Dune tells the story of Paul Atreides (Timothee Chalament) as he and his family relocate to Arrakis, a desert planet that's the only source of the invaluable substance known as 'spice', at the Galactic Emperor's request. Events that follow will test Paul's endurance and survival skills, and eventually lead him to encountering the Fremen, Arrakis' native population. Among them is Chani (Zendaya), a mysterious woman who Paul has dreamed of.

In our review, we called Dune "an absorbing and striking sci-fi epic" whose runtime was a bit too long for our liking. You can read more on how Dune's production team brought the film to life in an exclusive chat with TechRadar here.

Turning Red (Disney Plus)

When to stream it: Friday, March 11

The arrival of a new Pixar movie is always something worth heralding – and Turning Red is no different.

Pixar's latest animated feature follows Meilin 'Mei' Lee (Rosalie Chiang), a confident-but-nerdy teenage girl who, after one fateful night, uncontrollably turns into a giant Red Panda whenever she experiences strong emotions. With her loyalties torn between her devotion to her Chinese-Canadian heritage (read: her mother) and wanting to become more independent, Mei must navigate the tricky life chapter known as puberty while trying to solve the mystery behind her irrepressible transformation.

Billed as a 'tween fever dream' fantasy coming-of-age tale, Turning Red fuses Western-style animation with anime influences to deliver a striking and original aesthetic that's sure to set it apart from other Pixar productions. Like Soul, Onward, and Luca before it, Turning Red will be a Disney Plus exclusive.

Look out for our review and chat with Turning Red's director and producer, which is coming soon.

The Adam Project (Netflix)

When to stream it: Friday, March 11

Following their successful partnership on Free Guy, Ryan Reynolds (Red Notice, Deadpool) and Shawn Levy (Stranger Things) reunite in this Netflix sci-fi film that places the notion of time travel paradoxes at the center of its story.

Reynolds plays Adam Reed, a mid-2050s fighter pilot who travels back to the year 2022 on a supposedly secret mission. Here, Reed teams up with his 12-year-old self (played by newcomer Walker Scobell) and his late father (Hulk actor Mark Ruffalo) to save the world, presumably while evading any fellow time travelers sent to stop him from doing so.

We don't expect The Adam Project to reinvent the time travel genre and, based on its trailer, it's sure to contain a fair few sci-fi tropes. But, with a charismatic lead in Reynolds and a strong supporting cast (Scobell looks like a future star in the making), it should delight fans who want something easy and fun to watch.

Halo: The TV series (Paramount Plus)

When to stream it: Thursday, March 24

After spending years in development hell, which included multiple changes among its crew and the need to find a new streaming platform home, the Halo TV show is finally set to launch on Paramount Plus.

Set in Halo's Silver Timeline – a reality that runs parallel to the iconic videogame series' main storyline – Paramount's live-action adaptation will retell the story of Master Chief (Pablo Schreiber) and humanity's war with the Covenant through a new lens. It'll contain plenty of Halo canon, however, so the TV series won't stray too far from what diehard fans have come to love about the sci-fi franchise. Given the fan reception to the new design for Master Chief's AI companion Cortana, though, there are bound to be things that don't sit right with Halo's fanbase. Still, it'll be interesting to see how the TV show compares (and differs) from the source material.

Like Our Flag Means Death, there's no word on when Halo's TV adaptation will be available to stream in the UK. Paramount Plus is set to arrive on British shores this summer, so UK viewers may have to wait to catch it, unless Prime Video, Sky, or Now TV come to the rescue.

Bridgerton season 2 (Netflix)

When to stream it: Friday, March 25

Up until Squid Game's unparalleled success in 2021, Bridgerton season 1 was Netflix's most-watched original series. That shouldn't have come as much of a surprise, mind you, given its soapy drama, fantastical costume and set designs, and steamy sex scenes.

With season 2 set to debut in late March, Bridgerton will be gunning to reclaim its crown from its Netflix sibling. The show's second outing is sure to be based on the next novel in Julia Quinn's romance series – i.e. The Viscount Who Loved Me. But, judging by its teaser trailer, we expect some creative liberties have been taken to differentiate it from the source material.

With Regé-Jean Page's fan favorite character Sam Basset not set to return, though, it's unclear if Bridgerton season 2 will hold the same allure as its predecessor. Still, we suspect it might do, so don't be alarmed if Bridgerton rockets to the top of the Netflix streaming charts soon.

Moon Knight (Disney Plus)

When to stream it: Wednesday, March 30

Spider-Man: No Way Home was only released last December, but it's felt like a very long wait for the next Marvel production to arrive. That lull is due to end just before March concludes, though, with the highly-anticipated Moon Knight set to debut on Disney Plus.

The latest MCU TV show stars the award-winning Oscar Isaac (Star Wars, X-Men) as Steven Grant, a mild-mannered gift shop employee with dissociative identity disorder (DID). Plagued by dreams and visions of supposedly other lives he's lived, Grant is drawn into a deadly mystery surrounding Egyptian mythology and superpowered beings – one of which, the anti-hero known as Moon Knight, is one of Grant's alter-egos.

Isaac is joined by fellow award-winning actor Ethan Hawke as the mysterious Arthur Harrow in a show that's billed as pushing the MCU's semi-family friendly tone to its limit. Expect this one to make a big splash. And check out our trailer breakdown article while you're here, too.

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Why MSN Messenger, Google Wave, and Vesper should return in 2022

There are some apps that are abandoned through no fault of their own. The team responsible could have moved on to other projects, or a new, redesigned app may have appeared to take its place.

If you go trawling through YouTube or even find an old PC in the family office, you can find yourself transported back to a time when the only way you could use the internet was by being sat down in front of a desk, waiting for a dial-up modem to connect.

But we're also heading into an era with the App Store and Google Play Store, where  users are longing for deleted apps to make a comeback, regardless of how they may look or operate in today's world.

There’s a growing nostalgia for the apps we used to use every day. Whether it's to feel like we're back at school, or just because the app was so good that we’d like to use them again for our new Windows 11 and iPhone 13 devices in 2022. Windows Media Player coming back is a great example of this, and it's why there should be more comebacks for depreciated apps.

With this in mind, here are three apps that should see a return and a remake for 2022 to take advantage of the devices we use every day.

Vesper

(Image credit: Q Branch)

This is a note-taking app that set itself apart from the rest in the productivity category at the time. 

Created by Q Branch, involving Brent Simmons, Dave Wiskus, and John Gruber, the app was launched in 2013 and then discontinued in 2016. But thanks to the ability to redownload apps that have disappeared from the App Store, Vesper can still be used in 2022.

Vesper’s design is classically inspired by Apple's Notes app from 2013, but in a modern vibe that still looks good in 2022.

The app's purpose is simple - to take notes. But you can also tag these notes, similar to a feature that Apple brought to its own Notes app only in 2021. You can swipe to the left to archive any notes that you don't need, and you can re-arrange them to order the notes in a way that suits your needs.

For some reason, we weren't able to redownload it for iPhone, but on an M1 Mac we could, and it still works great, even with a janky way to resize the window in only two ways.

You can't sync notes to different devices as that was shut down when Vesper shut its doors, but it's a great app to use locally on your device if you're creating one or two projects.

Since its discontinuation, the source code has been available on GitHub for someone else to make their own interpretation of the app. Using this app in 2022, we can't help but wonder if one last hurrah should occur for Vesper. One more version where the band gets back together, much like James Bond in the mid-nineties, to be relevant again but for a new civilized age.

Even in a world where we have note apps that work similarly to WhatsApp, there's still room for a Vesper, especially in an app world where we use to-do lists and collaborative efforts to jot things down for those personal projects.

To see a new, final Vesper with Widgets, a web version variant, iCloud sync, alongside the proverbial dark mode option, could be a great way for Q Branch to sign off and raise a glass to, and have it work for our modern iPhones again.

MSN Messenger

(Image credit: TechRadar)

Between 1999 and 2009, Microsoft's messaging app was everywhere. You'd finish school and go straight to your parents' PC to log on to MSN Messenger, to either continue a conversation from earlier or to arrange something for later that evening.

You would log in and be greeted with a list of the contacts you've added, with many showcasing using waves of emojis and symbols placed on either side to their name for effect.

You could 'nudge' and 'wink' a friend who would be online, and you could exchange images if you wanted.

Eventually, the ability to play games with one another, alongside webcam support would be available to use, taking a strain on the 120Kbps broadband that would have been the average common internet speeds in 2003.

MSN Messenger was also arguably the first dating app before Tinder and Bumble. A small rainbow or heart next to a name would be a not-so-subtle hint on someone's name, yet it could initiate something more in the playground the next day. Messenger had something for everyone during those times, but ironically it didn't move to where apps were going.

Due to the rise of the iPhone and the App Store in 2008, Windows Live Messenger, as it was renamed to, dropped in usage, as everyone was starting to use WhatsApp, Facebook, FaceTime, and iMessage to communicate with one another, and Messenger was discontinued in 2014.

While you can install a version of the app in Windows 11, you can only get as far as the login screen, as the server to connect to the Hotmail server has long been depreciated.

In hindsight, Microsoft didn't know what it had - it rode a wave that the company hasn't had in the messaging category since. Especially when you consider how Zoom soared in use during the pandemic while Skype was left as an afterthought.

But nostalgia is starting to seep through to apps - Windows Media Player has returned to Windows 11, and currently, there are two apps by Microsoft, Teams, and Skype that both do the same function, but not as well as Zoom.

Rebooting MSN Messenger as a service for everyone, but with business features for work, could be a big boon to many.

Imagine MSN Messenger as an app for iOS and Android, alongside Windows 11, macOS, and Chromebooks. With Microsoft's aim of making apps available on as many systems as possible Messenger is the next logical step.

One that can bring back the nudges, the winks, and themes to bring the look of 2022 back, could be appealing to many, while the features are useful to others.

Microsoft is in a bind with Skype and Teams. Making a fresh start with an app that users have nostalgia for, but rebuilt for 2022, could be something that could appeal to everyone, and clear the deck of confusion that the company has carried with the two apps for a number of years now.

Google Wave

This effort by Google in 2009 was a direct precursor to the Slacks and Microsoft Teams of apps that you probably use every day in 2022.  The main theme of Google Wave was collaboration, with an effort to help with projects that involve many users without having to use Skype or a messaging app from back in the day, in order to collaborate in a Google Docs file.

Wave only lasted for three years between 2009 and 2012, but it’s still missed by plenty of users. It was a time when Google would try out different products almost every six months, but if it didn't quite hit the mark there’s a good chance you’re not able to use it anymore.

Google Wave worked differently from other apps, as you would have to be referred in order for your Google account to have access to Wave giving it an exclusive feel. Eventually, in 2010 it was available to everyone, so you could invite someone to a project without having to find a referral link.

This would combine Google Mail, Google Docs, Google Calendar, and your contact list into one app, where you could collaborate on different projects. 

While the user interface in the video department left a lot to be desired due to so much going on, it had a knack for introducing each feature and interface option in steps. After an hour or so, you'd be able to use it with ease.

But Google pulled the plug on Wave in 2011, with its reasons being that too few users were using the service, even though there were signs that it was about to grow, due to the increase in social network usage at the time.

As it is with Google's stance on abandoned projects, there's no way of trying out a remade version of Wave in 2022 - you can only be reminded through screenshots and videos. But in a way, you're already using them through Slack, Teams, and Google Docs collaborations.

But it's a service that should come back, as it could work well alongside Slack integration and app versions on iOS and Android.

But with Google's focus on mobile and content, it's 50/50 as to whether it would consider a return for Wave.

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How I solved Wordle #251 - spoilers for today's answer

Winning at Wordle every day is a daily goal, but the reality is a once-a-day effort to solve a five-letter puzzle that can feel equal parts exhausting and exhilarating. Oh, those rare, solved in three, miraculous solved in two, or incredibly lucky one-and-done. It’s the four, five, and six guesses that really get you - but it’s also those journeys that teach us the most.

For those unfamiliar with Wordle (but then why are you here?), The New York Times’ (recently-purchased) daily word game asks you to guess a five-letter word in six tries.  Simple right?

Well, while we could just tell you the Wordle answer for today, that wouldn't be much use, would it? Even if it preserves your streak, it's a hollow victory - this is a game where you're only cheating yourself out of learning.

What starts today is a daily (weekdays) diary of how I, someone whose very existence is predicated on a playing with and using words, solved Wordle. 

Come with me on a journey of how to pick a first word (was I packing vowels or constants?), and what crucial choices I made along the way to winnow out useless letters, collect accurate ones, and then compose them into one seemingly simple five-letter word.

I'll also do my best to share images of my work. Including all the embarrassing mistakes. Come, let’s learn how to Wordle like a pro, together, so you no longer need to grab the answer.

Spoiler Alert: If you do not want to know today’s Wordle answer, STOP READING IMMEDIATELY.

A mid-day break

Today, I'm playing Wordle on my desktop. I figure it’ll make capturing screenshots of my successes and failures a little easier. On a whim, I ask Siri to play The Beatles’ Abbey Road. The classic album should put me in a good headspace for puzzle work.

The Wordle start screen (Image credit: Future)

The first word

I choose quickly, going with FRAME. It’s a little heavy on the consonant side, but the solid anchors of A and E vowels make me confident I should have at least two correct letter hits.

This seemed like a good place to start. (Image credit: Future)

Disaster

In all my weeks of playing, this is the first time I have ever had a zero letters result on Row 1. On the bright side, I have now eliminated five letters from consideration. But now I'm in the unusual position of having to start from scratch. This means I'll once again begin with a word that has a decent mix of vowels and letters. Putting on a brave face, I dive back in.

Not the result I expected. (Image credit: Future)

The second guess

What’s interesting is that the calculation here is already different because key letters like A and E are no longer available to me. This cuts out a significant number of potential five-letter words.

I've used POUND on many previous Wordles. It leans heavily on consonants but also represents the framework of many other five-letter words. In general, it’s always smart to use words that, with one or two changed letters, could be a different five-letter word.

Feeling unexpectedly confident, I hit enter.

This is... going well. (Image credit: Future)

Uh-oh

Things are not going well. Wordle has clearly dug deeper than normal for this quintuple configuration. I got one letter - just the D. At least it’s in the right position. That, in and of itself, helps narrow the list of potential words to an even greater degree. Still, I have very few materials to work with here. Instead of relying on what I have to make the next guess, I must focus on what’s been excluded.

Making a new choice

I never use a scratchpad when Wordling, but I do work out letter configurations in my head before putting them on the Wordle game board. I may also start typing in potential letter combinations in Worlde to see if they spark a word idea. I can do this a dozen or more times before committing.

I also look at letters to identify possible starting letters and what I consider more obvious middle letters. These can be vowels or consonants, but the choices are usually driven by letters I’ve solved for the beginning or end of the word. In this case, all I have is that D.

Looking at what’s left, I notice I have just one vowel (I) left. Y, the sometimes vowel, is still there, but I’m convinced that if it’s in the mix, it’ll be the first letter. That “I”, though. I feel like it has to be used (hard to have a word without a vowel) and has to be in the middle.

Third time’s the charm?

With Wordle, you learn new words every day. (Image credit: Future)

I start by just typing in a few letters to see if they spark full, five-letter inspiration. “HIT,” though, does not.

The work is also full of “is this a word?” guesses. The good news is that Wordle never penalizes you for guessing with words that don’t exist. It just shudders in a rather judgy way to let you know that that simply won’t do.

Guess what, “BILED” is apparently a word, meaning, “Containing, possessing, or having an application of bile.”

Fourth round

I now know two letters, and, somewhat surprisingly, I have them both in the right place. As I guessed, the “I” belonged near the middle. By using an “E” again - even though I know it's not part of the final word - I wasted an opportunity to guess at another letter. In my defense, I really thought “BILED” was not a real word.

I need to take a beat and really analyze what’s left. So many consonants. What could that Wordle be?

In my head, I’m putting every remaining letter ahead of “I” and ending with an “ed” sound just to try and spark some insight. I try a letter combo but don't commit because, as is often the case, my idea doesn’t fit in the allotted five letters.

Stuck, I remind myself that there is a possibility that one or more letters could repeat. I don't see the “I’ doing that, but there could be another “D” in the middle. My brain feels like mush.

You try lots of letter combinations and words or non-words along the way, without committing to any of them. (Image credit: Future)

Starting over, again

At this stage, I can keep grinding away at my available letters or try a word that pulls in as many unused letters as possible to try and pick up one or two more correct letters. Solving this with two, even in the right place seems next to impossible.

In the end, I decide against this method. My problem is that I have too few vowels. The lack of an “E” before the “D” is concerning. Perhaps it’s a “Y” before the “D.”

I change my mind again and go with a word that has the benefit of using four new letters. I’m praying “SIGHT” gets me at least one or two new letters.

Trying a different tactic. (Image credit: Future)

What’s left

Not even remotely what I expected. Only “I” is left standing as “S,” “G,” “H,” and “T” are not in the correct word.

Getting nowhere, fast. (Image credit: Future)

A moment of inspiration

I look at the “V” and start thinking it’s a great letter to go before “I.” Then inspiration hits.

As I noted earlier, I have to leave open the possibility that the word would repeat one or more letters. I enter “VIVID.”

The excitement builds before I hit “Enter.” There’s so much promise in this guess. It’s educated (what’s left to choose, really?) but also a leap.

Could it be? (Image credit: Future)

Success

What a relief. (Image credit: Future)

Wordle awards me a “Great!”. It’s not much of a compliment. It knows I could’ve done better. I’ll take it, though. Just happy to be through this one.

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