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T-Mobile and Microsoft are giving Surface Pro 9 with 5G users a gift as the holidays approach: 30GB of free 5G data. T-Mobile says that the new promotional offer announced on Thursday, is available to anyone who doesn’t already have its 5G service active on their Surface.

This isn’t the first time T-Mobile has offered free tablet data. Back in 2013 it was giving iPad users free 200MB of cellular data per month “for life.” It ended the program for new users, however, in 2017.

With this deal, T-Mobile is upping the data to a much more usable 30GB, but it should be noted you will only have 90 days to use it. If the 90-day window closes (or you use up the 30GB) you will need to start paying for a connected device plan to continue accessing T-Mobile’s network. Under T-Mobile’s tablet plans, 2GB of high-speed data is $10 per month while unlimited data (with 50GB at high-speed) starts at $20 per month.

Surface Pro 9 with 5G users can activate the T-Mobile eSIM by heading to “Network,” choosing the “connect with a data plan” option and selecting T-Mobile followed by “get connected.” According to T-Mobile’s website outlining the instructions you will need to enter in payment information.

The extended free data trial on the Surface is similar to what T-Mobile offers prospective phone switchers with its Network Pass. That program allows unlocked phone users a similar ability to sample T-Mobile’s network for free over 90 days, though you won’t need to give the company a credit card for that trial.

It is unclear if T-Mobile plans to bring this offer to other connected Surfaces or devices. CNET has reached out to the carrier for additional details and will update if they respond.

Could this finally be South Africa’s year? After a superb World Cup campaign, the Proteas will be looking to lose their well-earned chokers tag as they battle it out today with Australia for a place in the final.

South Africa have tasted heartache on four previous occasions at this stage of the tournament and have never reached the final, but after seven wins out of nine in this year’s tournament, fans could be forgiven for thinking that this could finally be their year.

Standing in their way are five-time winners Australia. The Baggy Greens have recovered well after losing their first two games of the tournament, and are currently on a run of seven straight wins. However, they have lost their last four meetings with South Africa, including a 134-run thrashing in the early stage of this World Cup in Lucknow four weeks ago.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, no matter where you are in the world.

South Africa vs. Australia: When and where?

South Africa take on Australia at Eden Gardens in Kolkata, India, on Thursday, Nov. 15. Play is set to start at 2 p.m. IST local time in India. (That’s 8:30 a.m. GMT in the UK, 7:30 p.m. AEDT in Australia, and 3:30 a.m. ET or 12:30 a.m. PT in the US.)

How to watch the 2023 Cricket World Cup online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the tournament locally, you may need a different way to watch — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Australia, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Livestream South Africa vs. Australia in the US

World Cup 2023 matches are available to watch live on both ESPN Plus and dedicated cricket streaming service Willow TV.

Stream South Africa vs. Australia in India for free

Free live coverage of the 2023 Cricket World Cup in the host nation is available to watch on mobile devices via the Hotstar app.

Those looking to catch all the action on a device with a larger display will need to sign up for pay TV service Star Sports or Disney Plus Hotstar.

Watch South Africa vs. Australia in the UK

All matches of the Cricket World Cup are being shown live in the UK by Sky and its dedicated Sky Sports Cricket channel. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the first Test via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account, and a Now Sports membership, to stream the match.

Stream South Africa vs. Australia in Australia

Pay-TV network Foxtel and its streaming platform Kayo is showing every match of the 2023 Cricket World Cup, including South Africa vs. Australia.

Stream South Africa vs. Australia for free in New Zealand

Pay TV broadcaster Sky Sport has broadcast rights to show every 2023 Cricket World Cup game live in New Zealand.

Quick tips for streaming the 2023 Cricket World Cup using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming the Cricket World Cup action live may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

If you have an older TV that isn’t smart, or don’t like the smart platform your current TV is on, you can upgrade with a Fire TV from Amazon. That’s great if you’re part of the Amazon ecosystem, and you can even get it for cheap by taking advantage of some Black Friday deals from Amazon. In fact, Amazon is having a sale on Fire TV sticks, and you can get one for as low as $16.

If you’re not sure which Fire TV Stick to choose, have a look at our list of the best Fire TV Sticks to compare. One of our favorites for anyone with a 4K TV who wants to take advantage of ultra-high-definition streaming, is the Fire TV Stick 4K. It’s currently priced at $45, saving you 25%. The device also offers HDR and HDR10 Plus. And streaming can be lightning-fast with Wi-Fi 6 support.

If you don’t have a 4K TV or aren’t particularly worried about streaming in the highest resolution, the most affordable model at this sale is the Fire TV Stick Lite which you can grab for just $16, $12 off. It’s our favorite budget option and only offers the basics that allow you to access your favorite streaming apps through any HD TV. Or, for just $4 more, you can upgrade to Amazon Fire Stick with Alexa Voice Remote, which is currently on sale at 50% off the regular price.

And if you want the total powerhouse, the Fire TV Cube also offers 4K streaming and is the fastest streamer in this sale — it’s twice as powerful as the Fire TV Stick 4K Max and it’s $110 right now. It has Wi-Fi 6E and Ethernet, hands-free Alexa, along with support for Dolby Vision, HDR and Dolby Atmos.

Since the iPhone 14 launched in late 2022 with Emergency SOS satellite texting, Apple has trumpeted the feature’s successful use in saving people from dire situations outside cell signal range. While initially offered for two years of free service, Apple announced that current iPhone 14 owners will get another year of Emergency SOS without charge.

Emergency SOS taps into GlobalStar’s network of satellites to enable iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 owners in 16 countries to reach emergency services in remote areas not reached by mobile networks. While Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T have all announced plans to use satellite networks to expand connectivity, none have moved beyond technical demonstrations. A Qualcomm endeavor to link Snapdragon-powered phones to Iridium’s satellite network also recently shuttered.

This leaves Apple as the first and still only major phone provider to offer widespread coverage of satellite emergency texting, and the company has not been shy about touting when Emergency SOS has helped people in life-threatening situations. Providing another year of the satellite service to iPhone 14 owners will likely lead to more incidents of people rescued using Emergency SOS.

But it doesn’t clear up Apple’s long-term plans for Emergency SOS. When the iPhone 14 launched, Apple noted that phone owners would get two free years of the service, though the company didn’t explain how the service would be used afterward (say, for a one-time or monthly fee). Adding another free year of service is certainly welcome, but still doesn’t clarify how the service will evolve.

Read more: How to Use Your iPhone 14’s Emergency SOS via Satellite to Contact 911

It’s worth noting that anyone who buys an iPhone 14 after today won’t get the extra year, according to Apple’s official post — only those who activated their phone in a country that supports Emergency SOS prior to Nov. 15, 2023, when the extension was announced. Since the trial period begins when a device is first activated, that means someone who bought and booted up an iPhone 14 up to Nov. 14 will get three years of Emergency SOS.

Owners of the iPhone 15, which just launched in September, will also not get the extra year of Emergency SOS.

Apple’s sleek second-gen AirPods Pro are one of the overall best pairs of earbuds on the market right now. And while they may be a little pricey at $249, with Black Friday just around the corner, you’ll have a chance to get your hands on a pair for less. Walmart will be offering a whopping $80 off the original model with the Lightning charging case when its official Black Friday sale kicks off next Wednesday, Nov. 22, which knocks them down to a new all-time low price of just $169. This deal will be open to everyone starting at 3 p.m. ET, while Walmart Plus members will get early access starting at noon ET.

CNET’s resident audio expert David Carnoy called the AirPods Pro 2 the “best lightweight earbuds you can buy” in his original review. They offer some of the best noise-canceling capabilities you’ll find on a pair of earbuds and have a built-in transparency mode for when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Plus, they will automatically optimize volume based on your environment. iPhone users will also get access to exclusive features like personalized spatial audio and hands-free Siri access. And the AirPods Pro 2 boast Qi wireless charging and have an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge (with the charging case).

It’s worth noting that Apple recently released an updated version of the AirPods Pro 2 with USB-C charging, as well as slightly improved dust resistance and lossless audio support for its Vision Pro VR headset. But this offer is only available on the original model that charges via Lightning cable. And there are plenty of other upcoming Walmart Black Friday deals that you’ll be able to shop, including discounts on top-rated headphones, laptops, tablets and much more.

When Qi2 was first announced at CES earlier this year it brought a fair amount of promise, notably with the addition of Apple to the Wireless Power Consortium and its inclusion of magnets into the wireless charging standard. On Wednesday, the next step in this transition — which should bring faster magnetic wireless charging to both iPhone and Android phones — got a more solid time frame as the WPC announced that “Qi v2.0” certified devices will “be available in time for the holiday season.”

Apple’s recently announced iPhone 15 lineup already has support for Qi2 and Belkin, Mophie, Anker and Aircharge have already announced Qi2 accessories. The WPC says that “over 100 devices are currently in testing or in the certification testing queue.”

With Qi2 (pronounced “chee two”), manufacturers will be able to incorporate magnets into their devices to make it easier for phones to snap onto wireless chargers and other magnetic accessories. While Apple incorporated magnets for its MagSafe accessory line since the iPhone 12’s release in 2020, Android phone users interested in a similar feature have relied on phone cases to use similar accessories. Using magnets should help wireless chargers better line up with devices for faster recharging, especially compared to current Qi chargers that might not charge a device if a phone isn’t lined up exactly as instructed.

“These certified Qi2 chargers provide smoother, faster charging that is more energy efficient, and offers wide interoperability,” said Paul Struhsaker, executive director for the WPC in a press release announcing that the first devices have completed certification testing.

There are two main parts of Qi2, the magnetic portion known as the Magnetic Power Profile, which is based on Apple’s MagSafe and utilizes magnets, as well as an “enhancement to the existing wireless charging Extended Power Profile.” The latter portion does not include magnets but still “complies” with the new standard.

Only devices with the magnetic profile will feature the Qi2 branding, with other devices using the existing Qi logo even if they support EPP.

The WPC confirmed to CNET that the maximum wattage for devices with the magnetic profile is 15W — which matches the speed of Apple’s MagSafe chargers. It also confirmed that Qi2 wireless chargers will be able to charge older devices and that older devices will be able to wireless charge on Qi2 pads and accessories.

Because the incorporation of magnets is no longer proprietary to Apple, Android device makers can now adopt Qi2 into their upcoming devices and allow them to tap into the technology and potentially the surrounding ecosystem of non-charging magnetic accessories.

The WPC’s board includes members from Apple, Samsung and Google with The Verge noting that Google’s representative, Liyu Yang, has worked on bringing wireless charging to Pixel devices. A release announcing his appointment to the WPC board this month noted that he is “currently leading the investigation and design of next-generation wireless charging platforms for future Pixel products.”

Whether other manufacturers embrace the technology to add software features, like Apple’s introduction of StandBy mode on iOS 17, however, remains to be seen.

If you’re in the market for a high-end TV this Black Friday and holiday season, there’s a new option to consider. Sharp is now selling the first TV to include two of my favorite technologies: an OLED screen and Roku’s smart TV system.

The new Sharp TVs are available now and compete directly against some of the best TVs I’ve reviewed, including the LG C3 OLED TV. Their current prices are similar as well. The lowest online price I found for the 55-inch Sharp (model 4T-C55FS1UR) is $1,200 while the 65-inch (model 4T-C65FS1UR) is selling for $1,500. That’s about $100 less than the C3 in both sizes.

Organic Light Emitting Diode screens deliver the best picture quality can buy today. I reviewed the C3 as well as a few other 2023 OLED TVs at CNET’s TV lab and they outperform any of the non-OLED models I’ve tested. I haven’t reviewed the Sharp, but judging from its specifications I would expect to have similar image quality to other OLED TV models, although I’d be surprised if it was better, or as bright, as the C3.

The Sharp’s Roku smart TV system is easier to use and has more apps than the built-in systems found on LG and Samsung TVs. I also like Roku’s simple voice remote. But if you’re buying a TV this expensive, the built-in smart TV system isn’t a big deal. That’s because you can always buy a separate, inexpensive streaming device, such as our Editors’ Choice Roku Express 4K Plus (currently $25).

The new Sharp TVs include most of the gaming extras I would expect from a high-end TV, including 120Hz refresh rate panels, 4K/120Hz input and variable refresh rate so you can get the best image quality from from PlayStation5 and Xbox Series X. They also support Dolby Vision high dynamic range. A Roku representative confirmed to CNET that the TVs use WOLED, not QD-OLED technology.

Should you buy one of these Sharp Roku TVs instead of something like the LG C3? I can’t say for sure until I test one. In the meantime here’s the list of the best TVs I can recommend.

The Analogue Pocket, an impressive third-party Game Boy handheld that came out in 2021, is set to release another line of limited edition colors, this time taking inspiration from past Nintendo colorways.

With preorders dropping on Friday, Nov. 17, at 8 a.m. PT, this limited line of colors pulls from past Game Boy models. For example, the red unit seems to take inspiration from the Game Boy Pocket whereas the spice orange color takes after the Game Boy Advance. The price sees a $30 jump to $250 over the standard black and white units. Analogue says units will ship three days later on Nov. 20.

The classic colors will be made available in blue, green, indigo, spice orange, pink, red, silver and yellow. Analogue says once these colors are sold out, there won’t be future restocks.

New colors are a common way for video game console manufacturers to reinvigorate sales of existing hardware. Nintendo, Sony and Microsoft have rich histories of releasing limited edition colors as a way to excite consumer demand. It hit a fever pitch during the height of the pandemic when resellers, often referred to as scalpers, were using bots to buy up limited edition Animal Crossing Nintendo Switch consoles, selling them for more than double the price. Nintendo actually had to begin using a lottery system in Japan, and the company has started looking at strategies to deter scalping.

Analogue’s new array of colors isn’t the first time the company has experimented with limited editions, either. It launched a line of translucent colors earlier this year, all of which sold out quickly and are now selling for between $75 and 100 more than their retail asking price on eBay.

Beyond releasing new colorways, the folks at Analogue are currently working on next year’s Analogue 3D, a system that can take Nintendo 64 cartridges and output games at 4K resolution.

Get a head start on Black Friday deals and save money on an Xbox Series S with 512GB of storage plus an extra controller. Normally this bundle would cost you $370, but this Walmart Black Friday deal brings the bundle’s price down to $290, saving you $80.

I bought my Series S shortly after its release in 2020 after a lot of back and forth over whether I wanted this console or its larger, more expensive sibling, the Xbox Series X. Since then I’ve used the Series S for gaming and streaming content almost every day, and I don’t know why I ever debated buying the Series X.

The Series S has enough power to handle my streaming needs and play the latest games, including Starfield and Lies of P, without any hiccups or graphical issues. Sure, it has a lower resolution than the Series X, but even after seeing side-by-side videos and photos of both consoles working simultaneously, I can’t tell much of a difference.

One major downside to the Series S is it doesn’t have an optical disc drive. That means if you have a game disc for newer or older games, you can’t play them on the Series S. However, if you pair the Series S with the Xbox Game Pass subscription service — which starts at $10 a month and allows you to access a digital library of new and old games — you won’t notice the missing disc drive.

Whether you need to focus in a crowded home or you have a long commute, having a pair of earbuds with active noise cancellation is a good idea for anyone. Not only does it help to quiet background noise, but it also means you can listen to your music, podcasts, shows or whenever you like without disruption.

If you’re looking to invest in a pair, consider Bose QuietComfort Earbuds 2. These earbuds won an Editors’ Choice Award last year and according to CNET’s David Carnoy, offer “excellent sound and best-in-class noise canceling.” These have since been upstaged by the newer, improved Bose QuietComfort Ultra Earbuds — but those sport a $299 price tag. The QC Earbuds 2 are still an excellent choice for most people and right now Amazon has slashed the price ahead of Black Friday, bringing a pair back down to just $199. That’s an $80 savings and back down to the lowest price we’ve seen.

All three color variants of the Bose QC Earbuds 2 are on sale including in triple black, soapstone and eclipse grey. These buds have a few similar features to their predecessors, but use them in a slightly more efficient way. For example, while they have similar drivers, Bose has used its CustomTune technology to improve audio fidelity. They also have much more depth and nuance than the previous version, and things generally sound clearer and more natural. There’s also a great warm sound to voices, which also helps when it comes to making phone calls, and the four mics, two of which are beamforming, help pick up your voice so that those at the other end can hear you perfectly.

The impressive thing about the QC Earbuds 2 is the active noise cancellation (ANC), with a particular emphasis on the previously hard-to-silence mid and high frequencies. In fact, you’ll find that it blocks out well over half the amount of noise you’d find in your average busy city street. Even transparency mode has gotten an upgrade, with things sounding much more natural, so it doesn’t even feel as if you’re wearing them.

As for battery life, you can expect around six hours with ANC activated and another 18 hours or so from the case, for a total of 24 hours of coverage. The only downside is that the QC Earbuds 2 case doesn’t have wireless charging, so you’ll have to connect it to a USB-C cable. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later to score a pair at this price. Be sure to check out other Amazon Black Friday deals happening now for even more savings.