Technology

• MSI will be extending panel refreshes on its OLED Care 2.0 monitors to 24 hours instead of 16 hours
• It will eliminate gameplay disruptions for gamers
• This will come into effect starting in May

OLED monitors have gradually become a mainstream option for many users (especially gamers) with advanced care technologies built to help prevent image retention and burn-in. Fortunately, MSI is introducing a new measure to further improve this technology's efficiency.

As stated in a press release, MSI will be extending its OLED Care 2.0 timer to 24 hours to prevent panel protection (pixel shifts) from activating automatically to stop burn-in (permanent image retention). Previously, this would occur every 16 hours which would disrupt activities - but now, users will have more flexibility with this function without many disturbances.

It goes a long way to show how advanced MSI's OLED care is, as most other monitors advise users to start pixel refreshes at least every 4 or 6 hours: with my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide, prompts will be presented every 6 hours, and while you can always set this to not show up at all, it's also easy to forget to activate.

Measures such as this could prove to be beneficial for MSI and other OLED displays: one of the biggest reasons why most PC users won't make the transition to OLED from a regular LED monitor (besides its expensive nature), is the fear of potential burn-in, but that's very quickly becoming a non-issue.

RE4 remake in OLED greatness... (Image credit: Future) OLED monitors are finally getting the attention they deserve, and I love it

There's still a long way for OLED monitors to go in terms of pricing and improvements for work-related activities - as most OLED users complain about text fringing when working from home - but it's great to see that companies are making extra efforts to make them more accessible.

Samsung has already announced that it will introduce cheaper OLED monitors to help speed up the transition from regular LED, which could encourage gamers to make the switch. I've stated this before, but OLED is quite literally the best display type I've had the pleasure of using, with deeper black levels thanks to an infinite contrast ratio, ultimately providing great image accuracy.

Updates to technologies like OLED Care 2.0 are examples of what will only help the display type become mainstream. We're also seeing discounts more often for the likes of Samsung's Odyssey G6 QD-OLED, which is currently 31% off at Amazon.

It's only a matter of time before LED is left behind for a large majority, and I can't wait until that day comes.

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• MSI will be extending panel refreshes on its OLED Care 2.0 monitors to 24 hours instead of 16 hours
• It will eliminate gameplay disruptions for gamers
• This will come into effect starting in May

OLED monitors have gradually become a mainstream option for many users (especially gamers) with advanced care technologies built to help prevent image retention and burn-in. Fortunately, MSI is introducing a new measure to further improve this technology's efficiency.

As stated in a press release, MSI will be extending its OLED Care 2.0 timer to 24 hours to prevent panel protection (pixel shifts) from activating automatically to stop burn-in (permanent image retention). Previously, this would occur every 16 hours which would disrupt activities - but now, users will have more flexibility with this function without many disturbances.

It goes a long way to show how advanced MSI's OLED care is, as most other monitors advise users to start pixel refreshes at least every 4 or 6 hours: with my Alienware AW3423DWF QD-OLED ultrawide, prompts will be presented every 6 hours, and while you can always set this to not show up at all, it's also easy to forget to activate.

Measures such as this could prove to be beneficial for MSI and other OLED displays: one of the biggest reasons why most PC users won't make the transition to OLED from a regular LED monitor (besides its expensive nature), is the fear of potential burn-in, but that's very quickly becoming a non-issue.

RE4 remake in OLED greatness... (Image credit: Future) OLED monitors are finally getting the attention they deserve, and I love it

There's still a long way for OLED monitors to go in terms of pricing and improvements for work-related activities - as most OLED users complain about text fringing when working from home - but it's great to see that companies are making extra efforts to make them more accessible.

Samsung has already announced that it will introduce cheaper OLED monitors to help speed up the transition from regular LED, which could encourage gamers to make the switch. I've stated this before, but OLED is quite literally the best display type I've had the pleasure of using, with deeper black levels thanks to an infinite contrast ratio, ultimately providing great image accuracy.

Updates to technologies like OLED Care 2.0 are examples of what will only help the display type become mainstream. We're also seeing discounts more often for the likes of Samsung's Odyssey G6 QD-OLED, which is currently 31% off at Amazon.

It's only a matter of time before LED is left behind for a large majority, and I can't wait until that day comes.

You may also like...

• Forget Samsung's new modular OLED panels – if this tech works on TVs we could get giant OLED TVs at half the price
• The cheapest OLED TV deals and sales in April 2025
• What is QD-OLED? The hybrid OLED TV tech explained

Sony has announced its 2025 TV lineup, with the new offerings led by a mark II version of its Bravia 8 OLED TV that uses a QD-OLED display panel. Other new TVs announced include entry-level mini-LED and regular LED models, and there’s a new entry-level addition to Sony's Bravia Projector lineup.

The current Sony Bravia 8, one of 2024's best OLED TVs, will carry over in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup, along with the 77-inch version of the Sony A95L, a 2023 model that also uses a QD-OLED panel. The flagship Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED TV series carries over for 2025 as well, along with its mid-range Bravia 5 mini-LED and Bravia 3 LED series TVs.

The new Bravia 5 series mini-LED TV series will feature a 98-inch model, the company’s first mini-LED TV in an extra-large screen size and a replacement for the outgoing Sony X90L, which also featured a 98-inch option.

Pricing and availability for all new models are yet to be announced.

Bravia 8 II OLED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 8 II will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes, and according to Sony gives viewers a 50% brighter OLED TV option than the Sony Bravia 8 series, which uses a standard W-OLED panel. Sony says the new OLEDs are also 125% brighter than the earlier flagship A95L series.

Bravia 8 II TVs use the company’s XR Processor with XR Triluminos Max and XR Clear Image. They feature a One Slate design, with a slimmer chassis than the Bravia 8 series models.

Audio features on the Bravia 8 II include Acoustic Surface Audio+, which uses transducers embedded behind the display that turn the OLED panel into a speaker, and Acoustic Center Sync, which lets the TV be used as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system. Another upgrade the Bravia 8 II brings is dual subwoofers, over the single subwoofer present on Bravia 8 series models.

Bravia 5 mini-LED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 5 is the company’s new entry-level mini-LED TV series, and will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch screen sizes, making the Bravia 5 the largest size option in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup. These TVs use an XR Processor and an XR Backlight Master Drive panel with up to six times more local dimming zones than the Sony X90L series, according to Sony. They also feature Studio Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced picture modes.

On the audio side, Bravia 5 TVs feature Acoustic Multi-Audio, which uses new magnetic tweeters positioned on the left and right sides of the TV’s frame along with down-firing X-Balanced speakers. There's also an Acoustic Center Sync feature that lets the TV work as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system.

Bravia 2 II LED

(Image credit: Sony )

The Sony Bravia 2 II is the company’s new entry-level TV series, and features an LED display panel with an X1 4K processor that was previously used in the company’s flagship TVs. These models will be available in 43-, 50, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch screen sizes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio support.

Bravia Projector 7

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia Projector 7 is the new entry-level home theater projector in the company’s lineup, which also includes the Bravia Projector 9 and the Bravia Projector 8, our pick as the best premium gaming option in our best 4K projectors guide.

The Projector 7 is a 2,200-lumen native 4K laser model that gives viewers a more compact and lightweight (28lbs / 12.7kg) projector option compared to the upper-tier models in the Sony Bravia Projector lineup.

The Projector 7 features the same XR Processor for Projector found in the company’s step-up models, with XR Deep Black to enhance contrast. The Projector 7 is also well suited to gaming, with 4K 120Hz support on its dual HDMI inputs and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

A new feature making its debut on the Projector 7 is an Aspect Ratio Scaling Mode. This conveniently lets viewers switch between 2.35:1 and 16:9 display without any lens adjustments when using a Cinemascope screen by simply tapping on a remote control button.

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Sony has announced its 2025 TV lineup, with the new offerings led by a mark II version of its Bravia 8 OLED TV that uses a QD-OLED display panel. Other new TVs announced include entry-level mini-LED and regular LED models, and there’s a new entry-level addition to Sony's Bravia Projector lineup.

The current Sony Bravia 8, one of 2024's best OLED TVs, will carry over in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup, along with the 77-inch version of the Sony A95L, a 2023 model that also uses a QD-OLED panel. The flagship Sony Bravia 9 mini-LED TV series carries over for 2025 as well, along with its mid-range Bravia 5 mini-LED and Bravia 3 LED series TVs.

The new Bravia 5 series mini-LED TV series will feature a 98-inch model, the company’s first mini-LED TV in an extra-large screen size and a replacement for the outgoing Sony X90L, which also featured a 98-inch option.

Pricing and availability for all new models are yet to be announced.

Bravia 8 II OLED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 8 II will be available in 55-inch and 65-inch screen sizes, and according to Sony gives viewers a 50% brighter OLED TV option than the Sony Bravia 8 series, which uses a standard W-OLED panel. Sony says the new OLEDs are also 125% brighter than the earlier flagship A95L series.

Bravia 8 II TVs use the company’s XR Processor with XR Triluminos Max and XR Clear Image. They feature a One Slate design, with a slimmer chassis than the Bravia 8 series models.

Audio features on the Bravia 8 II include Acoustic Surface Audio+, which uses transducers embedded behind the display that turn the OLED panel into a speaker, and Acoustic Center Sync, which lets the TV be used as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system. Another upgrade the Bravia 8 II brings is dual subwoofers, over the single subwoofer present on Bravia 8 series models.

Bravia 5 mini-LED

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia 5 is the company’s new entry-level mini-LED TV series, and will be available in 55-, 65-, 75-, 85-, and 98-inch screen sizes, making the Bravia 5 the largest size option in Sony’s 2025 TV lineup. These TVs use an XR Processor and an XR Backlight Master Drive panel with up to six times more local dimming zones than the Sony X90L series, according to Sony. They also feature Studio Calibrated and IMAX Enhanced picture modes.

On the audio side, Bravia 5 TVs feature Acoustic Multi-Audio, which uses new magnetic tweeters positioned on the left and right sides of the TV’s frame along with down-firing X-Balanced speakers. There's also an Acoustic Center Sync feature that lets the TV work as a center channel with a compatible Sony speaker system.

Bravia 2 II LED

(Image credit: Sony )

The Sony Bravia 2 II is the company’s new entry-level TV series, and features an LED display panel with an X1 4K processor that was previously used in the company’s flagship TVs. These models will be available in 43-, 50, 55-, 65-, and 75-inch screen sizes with Dolby Atmos and DTS:X audio support.

Bravia Projector 7

(Image credit: Sony)

The Sony Bravia Projector 7 is the new entry-level home theater projector in the company’s lineup, which also includes the Bravia Projector 9 and the Bravia Projector 8, our pick as the best premium gaming option in our best 4K projectors guide.

The Projector 7 is a 2,200-lumen native 4K laser model that gives viewers a more compact and lightweight (28lbs / 12.7kg) projector option compared to the upper-tier models in the Sony Bravia Projector lineup.

The Projector 7 features the same XR Processor for Projector found in the company’s step-up models, with XR Deep Black to enhance contrast. The Projector 7 is also well suited to gaming, with 4K 120Hz support on its dual HDMI inputs and Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM).

A new feature making its debut on the Projector 7 is an Aspect Ratio Scaling Mode. This conveniently lets viewers switch between 2.35:1 and 16:9 display without any lens adjustments when using a Cinemascope screen by simply tapping on a remote control button.

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• Nintendo has announced Donkey Kong Bananza
• Donkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D platformer action-adventure game
• It's launching exclusively on the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025

Nintendo has announced the next entry in the Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong Bananza, set to launch for the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

Donkey Kong Bananza was the final major game announcement of the rollercoaster that was the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today and is described as a new 3D platforming game.

"Explore a vast underground world - by smashing your way through it! Bash, throw, and climb through just about anything in DK’s brand-new 3D platforming action-adventure game!" Nintendo said.

We got our first look at the game with the first trailer, showcasing the titular character traversing what appears to be linear open-world levels and a number of unique biomes.

The game will also feature some side-scrolling elements during exploration, boss fights, collectible resources, and a mysterious underground location.

Donkey Kong Bananza's announcement joined a ton of other major reveals, including Mario Kart World, the next entry in the racing series featuring an open world and 24 players.

It was also announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be launching on June 5, 2025. Preorders open on April 8 and will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.

Nintendo has confirmed that two Treehouse presentations will also air this week, offering a new look at Switch 2 gameplay.

The first broadcast will air on April 3 at 7AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST, and the second will take place at the same time on April 4.

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• Nintendo has announced Donkey Kong Bananza
• Donkey Kong Bananza is a new 3D platformer action-adventure game
• It's launching exclusively on the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025

Nintendo has announced the next entry in the Donkey Kong series, Donkey Kong Bananza, set to launch for the Switch 2 on July 17, 2025.

Donkey Kong Bananza was the final major game announcement of the rollercoaster that was the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct today and is described as a new 3D platforming game.

"Explore a vast underground world - by smashing your way through it! Bash, throw, and climb through just about anything in DK’s brand-new 3D platforming action-adventure game!" Nintendo said.

We got our first look at the game with the first trailer, showcasing the titular character traversing what appears to be linear open-world levels and a number of unique biomes.

The game will also feature some side-scrolling elements during exploration, boss fights, collectible resources, and a mysterious underground location.

Donkey Kong Bananza's announcement joined a ton of other major reveals, including Mario Kart World, the next entry in the racing series featuring an open world and 24 players.

It was also announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 will be launching on June 5, 2025. Preorders open on April 8 and will cost you $449.99 / £395.99.

Nintendo has confirmed that two Treehouse presentations will also air this week, offering a new look at Switch 2 gameplay.

The first broadcast will air on April 3 at 7AM PT / 9AM ET / 2PM BST, and the second will take place at the same time on April 4.

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Talk about a surprise for the new Switch.

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• Samsung has debuted the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE Plus
• The latter model features a series-first 13.1-inch screen
• They start at $499.99 / £499 / AU$TBC, and are available now

In our Samsung Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus review, we described Samsung’s 2024 entry-level tablet as the “anti-iPad Air”, and its newly announced successor – the Galaxy Tab S9 FE Plus – further improves on the company’s winning formula.

Debuting alongside the smaller Galaxy Tab S10 FE (which has almost identical specs), the Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus features a supersized 13.1-inch display – scaled up from last year’s 12.4-inch model – an Exynos 1580 chipset, a 10,090mAh battery, IP68 dust- and water-resistance, up to 12GB of RAM, and up to 256GB​ of storage.

The standard Tab S10 FE, meanwhile, sports a 10.9-inch display and an 8,000mAh battery. Both models get a 13MP wide rear camera, a 12MP ultra-wide front camera, and support for the included S Pen stylus.

Aside from their superior chipsets and that display size increase for the Plus, both models best their respective predecessors with a suite of Galaxy AI features, including an upgraded Object Eraser, Best Face, and Auto Trim. Samsung’s glare-reducing Vision Booster technology has also made the jump over from the best Samsung TVs (and indeed the Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra) to the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE Plus.

Image 1 of 2

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE (Image credit: Samsung)Image 2 of 2

The Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 FE Plus (Image credit: Samsung)

Annoyingly, you’ll pay for these upgrades via a price increase, albeit a relatively minor one – the Galaxy Tab S10 FE starts at $499.99 / £499 / AU$TBC while the S10 FE Plus starts at $649.99 / £649 / AU$TBC. But both models are still significantly cheaper than their closest Apple counterparts in the iPad Air (2025) series.

Of course, the Exynos 1580 chipset is no match for Apple’s M3 behemoth, but Samsung’s new tablets do benefit from a similar-looking LCD display – in fact, you’ll get a variable 90Hz refresh rate here, where the iPad Air remains stuck at 60Hz.

The appeal of Samsung’s FE tablets, then, remains as strong as ever: if you want a more powerful Android slate, look to something like the “exceptional” Samsung Galaxy Tab S10 Plus, but for those in need of a no-frills tablet with a beautiful display and great software, the Galaxy Tab S10 FE and S10 FE Plus could be great options.

Both models ship in three colors – Gray, Silver, and Blue – and are available now from Samsung.com in 5G and Wi-Fi variants. Stay tuned for our full reviews.

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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 Wednesday's puzzle instead then click here: Quordle hints and answers for Wednesday, April 2 (game #1164).

Quordle was one of the original Wordle alternatives and is still going strong now more than 1,100 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 #1165) - hint #1 - Vowels How many different vowels are in Quordle today?

• The number of different vowels in Quordle today is 4*.

* 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 #1165) - 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 2.

Quordle today (game #1165) - hint #3 - uncommon letters Do the letters Q, Z, X or J appear in Quordle today?

• Yes. Two of Q, Z, X or J appear among today's Quordle answers.

Quordle today (game #1165) - 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 2.

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 #1165) - hint #5 - starting letters (2) What letters do today's Quordle answers start with?

• A

• J

• D

• J

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

Quordle today (game #1165) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle, game #1165, are…

• ASCOT
• JETTY
• DRUNK
• JOLLY

I’m allowing myself a deep sigh of satisfaction and some shoulder dusting today, after completing Quordle without a hitch. I’ll save my rooster dance for if I ever finish after six turns (unlikely).

In truth, the only tricky word was ASCOT and I only got that as it’s been in Quordle before, but hey they all count.

How did you do today? Let me know in the comments below.

Daily Sequence today (game #1165) - the answers

(Image credit: Merriam-Webster)

The answers to today's Quordle Daily Sequence, game #1165, are…

• ERECT
• LURCH
• RALPH
• MADAM

Quordle answers: The past 20

• Quordle #1164, Wednesday 2 April: INDEX, QUEEN, INCUR, STOLE
• Quordle #1163, Tuesday 1 April: HUMUS, BALMY, WORRY, ERECT
• Quordle #1162, Monday 31 March: RECUT, MOODY, WHERE, BRACE
• Quordle #1161, Sunday 30 March: CRIME, DRINK, CLOVE, TRUER
• Quordle #1160, Saturday 29 March: LATER, ODDLY, CUMIN, AGREE
• Quordle #1159, Friday 28 March: TERSE, MUSHY, PROVE, FROND
• Quordle #1158, Thursday 27 March: CRONE, APNEA, LIGHT, AWOKE
• Quordle #1157, Wednesday 26 March: LEFTY, NOOSE, NOISE, TRIAD
• Quordle #1156, Tuesday 25 March: SNEER, WATCH, FLORA, STAIN
• Quordle #1155, Monday 24 March: FLOUT, SMASH, RAZOR, SMALL
• Quordle #1154, Sunday 23 March: ALLEY, GAMUT, GEESE, RADII
• Quordle #1153, Saturday 22 March: PICKY, BRACE, BOOZE, SURLY
• Quordle #1152, Friday 21 March: DITTY, VALOR, TOWER, AMISS
• Quordle #1151, Thursday 20 March: RIPER, STILL, WAFER, NOTCH
• Quordle #1150, Wednesday 19 March: FLAME, CARAT, SPAWN, TUNIC
• Quordle #1149, Tuesday 18 March: NAVEL, TREAT, COPSE, SLINK
• Quordle #1148, Monday 17 March: INFER, FLINT, CHUMP, SHEER
• Quordle #1147, Sunday 16 March: INPUT, RUMBA, ELUDE, BLANK
• Quordle #1146, Saturday 15 March: SPEED, CLASH, RISKY, GRATE
• Quordle #1145, Friday 14 March: BELIE, SPEAR, GROWL, ADOBE