Author: Admin

Google’s Pixel line of flagship phones has always impressed us, with the most recent Pixel 8 and 8 Pro packing solid performance, generous software support and innovative AI-based features. But those two phones launched in October 2023, so we’re already looking ahead to later in the year when we may see the Pixel 9 series.

Rumors are still quite patchy, but there are some key bits of information we’ve been able to glean about the upcoming range.

We’ll be updating this story over the next several months as the Pixel 9 launch gets closer, so keep checking back.

Read more: Why I Need Apple to Make a Foldable iPhone

Fall 2024 launch

Google usually releases its new Pixel devices in October, as was the case with the Pixel 8 series and Pixel 7 series. There are currently no rumors to suggest Google is looking to radically alter its product release timeline, so it seems likely we’ll be seeing the Pixel 9 series later in the year.

In the meantime, Google I/O takes place in May, and it’s possible we’ll see a teaser for the upcoming range, and possibly an announcement of the more affordable Pixel 8A.

Three Pixel 9 models

A rumor that’s persisted since Android Authority published it back in late 2022 is that there’ll be three models of the Pixel 9 phone, rather than the usual two. It’s expected that we’ll still see a base Pixel 9, but there may now be two versions of the flagship Pro range: a large model and a smaller one.

Read more: Top Phones to Expect in 2024

The smaller version will reportedly be similar in size to the base model but will include the higher-performance cameras typically seen only with the larger size. The 9 Pro XL (as it’s rumored to be named) would feature the same higher-end specs but with a larger display.

This more closely mirrors Apple’s strategy, which typically includes the base iPhone models, along with two Pro phones in different sizes with beefed-up cameras.

iPhone-like design

Speaking of the iPhone, it’s possible the Pixel 9 range will get design changes that echo some of the iPhone 15’s aesthetics. Renders apparently acquired by notable tipster OnLeaks and published by MySmartPrice show a Pixel 9 with flat, metal sides and a flat back panel that look similar to those seen on the most recent iPhones.

The other big physical change shown in the leaks is to the camera bar on the back. Previously, this was one solid bar that stretched the whole width of the phone, connecting to the edges on both sides. The renders suggest the camera bar will instead become an oval island that stands alone in the middle.

While the rumors haven’t been specific about what size displays we may see, most signs suggest the base Pixel 9 will remain around 6.1 inches, with the 9 Pro coming in at a similar size. The 9 Pro XL would be larger, measuring around 6.8 inches, in line with the sizing of the current Pixel 8 Pro.

Similar cameras

Full camera specs have yet to leak, so there’s little for photographers like me to get excited about just yet. However the rumors regarding a third size for the Pixel 9 family suggest that this will allow Google to bring the same triple-camera setup — including telephoto zoom — to the smaller Pixel 9 Pro. Currently, that’s available only on the larger Pixel 8 Pro handset.

That’s good news for those of you who prefer a smaller phone but still want the best features. Though whether Google takes a page from Apple’s book by adding exclusive features to its largest phone remains to be seen. (The iPhone 15 Pro Max, for example, has a 5x optical zoom option that isn’t available on the smaller iPhone 15 Pro.)

New Tensor processor

It’s pretty much a given that Google will unveil the latest generation of its homegrown processor, likely to be called the Tensor G4. Google’s Tensor processors aren’t top of the class in terms of raw power, but the company boasts they’re particularly tuned for on-device AI. We expect that’ll once again be the case for Google’s next Tensor chip.

Android 15 at launch

Google always uses the Pixel line to show off the latest that Android has to offer, so it’s safe to assume the Pixel 9 series will launch with the latest Android 15 on board. Android 15 is set to be officially unveiled at Google I/O in May, but the early developer previews show new settings for improved privacy and camera control.

One major new feature may be the addition of satellite messaging, according to Android Authority, helping the Pixel line compete with Apple’s Emergency SOS features that also use satellite messaging.

Beyond that, it’s safe to assume there’ll be increased focus on generative AI features. We also hope to see Google continue to offer at least seven years of software support as it did with the Pixel 8. If it does, the Pixel 9 series will still be safe to use in 2031.

Higher prices

There aren’t any rumors about potential prices for the Pixel 9 series yet, but leaks via WinFuture suggest the upcoming Pixel 8A will be more expensive than its predecessor, at least in Europe. The Pixel 7A launched at 509 Euros (around $542), but the Pixel 8A could cost 569 Euros ($606), according to the report — a significant year-on-year increase. A price increase for the Pixel 8A doesn’t necessarily mean a more expensive Pixel 9 range, but it does suggest Google isn’t shy about upping its prices.

Having solid project management software can help keep all aspects of your team organized and running efficiently. There are a lot of software options out there and they all range in price and functionality. If you’re looking for a budget friendly option, this deal from StackSocial that knocks Microsoft Project Professional 2021 version down to just $30 is worth considering. Normally, it would set you back $250, making this limited-time offer a 92% savings.

This app can streamline project management to make it much simpler to keep up with all the nuts and bolts of your plan. It includes plenty of features, including prebuilt templates; a way to run what-if scenarios; complex schedules with built-in multiple timelines; helpful resource assignment technology; automated scheduling tools; built-in reports and more. Plus, it can sync with Project Online and Project Server and it supports Long-Term Servicing Channel and is compatible with Office LTSC and Office 2021, with support available through Oct. 13, 2026.

If you’re looking to buy Project Professional 2021 outright, rather than subscribing to a monthly plan, it’ll cost you $1,130 from Microsoft directly. You can also get a one-month free trial through Microsoft. This StackSocial deal essentially saves you over a thousand dollars on the one-time fee and skips those recurring subscription fees that other options require.

It’s worth noting that only new customers can take advantage of this deal. And once you make your purchase, you’ll be able to install the app only on a single computer for use at home or work, so you’ll have to decide which PC you want to access this program through. Because you won’t be able to download this app on multiple devices, if your computer dies, you may lose access to Project Professional 2021 and be unable to transfer it to another computer. If this is your first purchase from StackSocial, you can save an additional 15%.

Formula 1 is returning to China for the first time in almost five years. For longtime F1 viewers and new fans alike, this return to the Shanghai International circuit is hugely exciting. The track features exhilarating straights and challenging corners, which will make for some serious racing action.

Already, this weekend is proving to be an exciting one. With drivers having not practiced this circuit in five years (and some never having driven it before) the playing field could be leveled this weekend. Lando Norris of McLaren was able to snag pole from the clutches of Max Verstappen for this weekend’s sprint, and if successful on Saturday, Norris would take home his first ever F1 win.

The Japanese Grand Prix saw a return to first and second place for current championship leader Max Verstappen and Red Bull team mate Sergio Pérez. Red Bull’s victory in Japan further extended Verstappen’s World Drivers Championship lead on 77 points. Pérez follows in second place with 64 points and Ferrari’s Charles LeClerc is third with 59 points.

This weekend’s Grand Prix will follow the sprint race format, which means there will be extra events and racing that fans can tune into this weekend. The sprint action began on Friday with sprint qualifying and the sprint race. On Saturday, drivers will qualify for the Sunday Grand Prix.

The main race, which takes place on Sunday, April 21, starts at 2:55 a.m ET (11:55 p.m PT) and will be held at the Shanghai International Circuit in the city’s Jiading district. The race will air on ESPN and ESPN Plus.

The entire race weekend, including practice sessions and qualifying, will be shown in the US on ESPN’s family of TV and streaming networks. Folks looking to follow all of it will need access to the ABC and ESPN news channels on cable or live TV streaming services, or the ESPN Plus streaming service. We’ve broken down everything you need to know to stream today’s race, and all the other F1 races this season.

When, where and what time are the races?

Races are held on Sunday and are usually spaced two weeks apart. Here’s the entire schedule.

F1 2024 schedule

Date	Race	Time
March 2	Bahrain GP	10 a.m. ET
March 9	Saudi Arabian GP	12 p.m. ET
March 24	Australian GP	12 a.m. ET
April 7	Japanese GP	1 a.m. ET
April 21	Chinese GP	3 a.m. ET
May 5	Miami GP	4 p.m. ET
May 19	Romagna GP	9 a.m. ET
May 26	Monaco GP	9 a.m. ET
June 9	Canadian GP	2 p.m. ET
June 23	Spanish GP	9 a.m. ET
June 30	Austrian GP	9 a.m. ET
July 7	British GP	10 a.m. ET
July 21	Hungarian GP	9 a.m. ET
July 28	Belgian GP	9 a.m. ET
Aug. 25	Dutch GP	9 a.m. ET
Sept. 1	Italian GP	9 a.m. ET
Sept. 15	Azerbaijan GP	7 a.m. ET
Sept. 22	Singapore GP	8 a.m. ET
Oct. 20	United States GP	3 p.m. ET
Oct. 27	Mexican GP	4 p.m. ET
Nov. 3	Brazilian GP	12 p.m. ET
Nov. 24	Las Vegas GP	1 a.m. ET
Dec. 1	Qatar GP	12 p.m. ET
Dec. 8	Abu Dhabi GP	8 a.m. ET

Best option for streaming in the US

How to watch F1 online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the race 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 race 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 Canada, 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 F1 racing in the UK

F1 in the UK is shown on Sky Sports and Channel 4 — Sky Sports airs the races, practice rounds and qualifying, while free-to-air Channel 4 offers highlights broadcast after the day’s action takes place. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the race via its app, but cord-cutters can watch Sky TV with unlimited Sky Sports on a Now TV membership.

Other options for streaming in the US without cable

Beyond ESPN Plus, numerous live TV streaming services carry channels with F1. Race weekends normally start on Friday with multiple practice runs and continue on Saturday with qualifying. The races themselves take place Sunday. ESPN typically airs practices and qualifying on a mix of ESPN 2 and ESPNews, while the races tend to air on ESPN. F1 events in North America often land on ABC.

Here are some of the best ways to catch the entire race weekend without cable.

Thirty-two of the sport’s best players are set to battle it out on the green baize of the Crucible in Sheffield over the next two weeks for the 2024 World Snooker Championship.

Ronnie O’Sullivan is once again installed as the bookies’ favorite to triumph this year, with “The Rocket” going in search of a record eighth win in snooker’s most prestigious event.

O’Sullivan’s most likely challenge from the 32-man field is from 2019 winner Judd Trump and last year’s beaten finalist Mark Selby, with defending champion Luca Brecel rated as an outside bet.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every match of the 2024 World Snooker Championship, no matter where you are in the world.

World Snooker Championship 2024: When and where?

The 2024 World Snooker Championships takes place between Saturday, April 20, and Monday, May 6, at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield, England.

Morning sessions of play begin at 10 a.m. BST in the UK (5 a.m. ET or 2 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 p.m. AEST in Australia). Afternoon sessions usually start at 1 p.m. BST (8 a.m. ET, 5 a.m. PT, 10 p.m. AEST), while evening sessions kick-off at 7 p.m. BST (2 p.m. ET, 11 a.m. PT, 4 a.m. AEST)

The full schedule for the tournament, including start times for each match, can be found on the official World Snooker Tour website.

How to watch the World Snooker Championship 2024 online from anywhere using a VPN

If you can’t view the tournament locally, you may need a different way to watch this match; this is where 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. It’s also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you can 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.

Watch the World Snooker Championship 2024 for free in the UK

Snooker fans in the UK can watch live coverage of key games from the 2024 World Championship on free-to-air broadcaster the BBC, with coverage spanning BBC One, BBC Four and the BBC Red Button service. This also means viewers in the UK will be able to stream live action from The Crucible for free on BBC iPlayer.

For more comprehensive coverage of this year’s tournament, Eurosport and its associated streaming service Discovery Plus boast live coverage of every session.

Livestream the 2024 World Snooker Championship in the US, Australia and Canada

This year’s tournament can be watched live in both regions via streaming service Matchroom Live.

Livestream the World Snooker Championship 2024 in China

If you’re based in China you can watch the 2024 World Snooker Championship on free-to air broadcaster CCTV5, as well as Migu, and Huya.

Quick tips for streaming the 2024 World Snooker Championship using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming the 2024 World Snooker Championshiplive 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.

The NBA’s postseason picture is almost complete. The Lakers and Sixers punched their tickets to the playoffs in the first two nights of play-in games. Friday’s games will determine the final seeds in the Eastern and Western conferences.

First up is the East, with the Bulls, fresh off a dominant win against the Hawks on Wednesday, heading to Miami to take on the Heat. In addition to falling to the Sixers in a close game on Wednesday, the Heat are expected to be without star Jimmy Butler who may miss multiple weeks after a possible MCL injury.

Tip-off for this game is called for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on ESPN, with the winner becoming the East’s eighth seed and taking on the Boston Celtics.

On the other side of the bracket, the Kings will head to New Orleans to battle the Pelicans. The storyline here is remarkably similar to the East’s: The Pelicans lost a close game to the Lakers on Tuesday and will enter Friday’s contest without star Zion Williamson, who has a left hamstring injury. The Kings, meanwhile, are riding high after a thorough beatdown of the Warriors in their play-in game.

Tip-off for this game is set for 9:30 p.m. ET (6:30 p.m. PT) on TNT, with the winner becoming the West’s eighth seed and going up against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Here’s everything you need to know to watch or stream the play-in games as well as the NBA playoffs.

What is the play-in tournament and playoff schedule?

Here is the schedule for the next few days of NBA action (all times ET):

Friday, April 19 (Play-in)

• Bulls vs. Heat, 7 p.m. on ESPN, winner plays the Celtics and is the eighth seed in the East.
• Kings vs. Pelicans, 9:30 p.m. on TNT, winner plays the Thunder and is the eighth seed in the West.

Saturday, April 20 (Playoffs)

• Magic vs. Cavaliers, 1 p.m. on ESPN
• Suns vs. Timberwolves, 3:30 p.m. on ESPN
• 76ers vs. Knicks, 6 p.m. on ESPN
• Lakers vs. Nuggets, 8:30 p.m. on ABC

Sunday, April 21

• Winner of Bulls/Heat vs. Celtics, 1 p.m. on ABC
• Mavericks vs. Clippers, 3:30 p.m. on ABC
• Pacers vs. Bucks, 7 p.m. on TNT
• Winner of Pelicans/Kings vs. Thunder, 9:30 p.m. on TNT

Monday, April 22

• Magic vs. Cavaliers, 7 p.m. on NBA TV
• 76ers vs. Knicks, 7:30 p.m. on TNT
• Lakers vs. Nuggets, 10 p.m. on TNT

What does the NBA playoff bracket look like?

The Boston Celtics earned the top spot in the East, and the Oklahoma City Thunder edged the defending champion Denver Nuggets for the top seed in the West. Here’s what the matchups look like for the 2024 NBA Playoffs that begin Saturday:

Eastern Conference

• No. 1 Boston Celtics vs. No. 8 Miami Heat/Chicago Bulls
• No. 2 New York Knicks vs. No. 7 Philadelphia 76ers
• No. 3 Milwaukee Bucks vs. No. 6 Indiana Pacers
• No. 4 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. No. 5 Orlando Magic

Western Conference

• No. 1 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. No. 8 New Orleans Pelicans/Sacramento Kings
• No. 2 Denver Nuggets vs. No. 7 Los Angeles Lakers
• No. 3 Minnesota Timberwolves vs. No. 6 Phoenix Suns
• No. 4 Los Angeles Clippers vs. No. 5 Dallas Mavericks

How to watch the NBA play-in tournament

You can watch the play-in games on TNT and ESPN with a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service. Four of the five major services (all but Fubo) offer both channels. You can also watch the TNT broadcast of the Western Conference play-in games with Max.

The rest of the playoffs will be shown on ABC, ESPN, TNT and NBA TV.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.

As the weather warms up, odds are you’ll be spending more time outside. Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to listen to your favorite tunes out by the pool or in your garage gym without spending a ton of money? This epic deal from Harman Kardon slashes $400 off the price of its powerful Onyx Studio 7 speaker, dropping it to just $80. This is a limited-time deal and is good through Sunday, April 21 (as long as it doesn’t sell out before then).

The Onyx Studio 7 is available in three colors: blue, gray and black. It has a sphere-like design with a built-in aluminum handle. Inside there are dual tweeters, and you can connect two of the Onyx Studio 7 speakers together for an even better audio experience.

It offers eight hours of music playback per charge so you can take your favorite playlists with you anywhere you go. You can connect two different devices to the Onyx Studio 7 at the same time. If you’re looking for a powerful, great sounding Bluetooth speaker to blast your favorite tunes through this summer, you’re not going to want to miss out on this deal. Be sure to act quick, as this massive 83% discount won’t be sticking around for long.

On Tuesday, Boston Dynamics retired its famous humanoid robot HD Atlas, after 11 years of running, flipping, dancing and parkour. On Wednesday, the company introduced its successor. The new, all-electric Atlas is stronger than HD Atlas, with a wider range of motion.

The new Atlas definitely does one thing that HD Atlas couldn’t — stand up completely from a prone position. However, the way the robot gets up from the ground has some folks creeped out.

Instead of rolling over and pushing itself up with its arms, the new Atlas bends its legs entirely backward, with knee and hip joints rotating nearly all the way around, then it pushes itself up as the rest of its body unfurls. The head turns 180 degrees toward the camera while the robot walks backwards creepily.

The new Atlas video was enough to land the robot on the subreddit Oddly Terrifying, where user Jean_velvet joked, “I don’t think anything bad can happen from creating machines with higher levels of motion than any living creature on the planet.”

In an interview with IEEE Spectrum, Boston Dynamics’ CEO Robert Palter said, “our explicit intent was for it not to be human-like,” and based on the video of Atlas standing, it seems like the company was wildly successful in that goal.

To learn more about the new electric Atlas, the robot dog Spot and all of Boston Dynamics’ robots, watch Stephen Beacham’s deep dive video.

Apple’s about to grow the iPad Air line, according to a new report, which says new iterations of the tablet will include a 12.9-inch model. Until now, that size has only been offered in the iPad Pro line.

Ross Young, a longtime supply-chain analyst, posted to subscribers on X on Thursday that he’d heard Apple was preparing a new 12.9-inch iPad Air, and that it would use “left over panels” from the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Apple markets those screens as “Liquid Retina XDR,” a similar name to the $4,999 Pro Display XDR, featuring mini-LED technology that provides better contrast than the iPad’s more standard LCD display. The post was written about earlier by 9To5Mac.

Apple representatives didn’t respond to a request for comment.

While the report about mini-LED screens in iPad Air is notable, it comes amid increasing chatter in the Apple rumor-verse about upcoming iPad updates likely to arrive next month. Every iPad line is expected to receive an update this year, which isn’t an annual event, unlike the company’s iPhone updates every fall.

Read more: iPad 2024 Rumors: New iPad Pro and Air Models Arriving in Early May

One of the headline updates is likely to include improvements to the iPad Pro, which starts at $799 for an 11-inch display and $1,099 for a 12-inch display. Apple is reportedly planning to upgrade from its current screen technology to OLED-based screens, which are known for being power-efficient while also allowing for deeper blacks and brighter colors. The iPad Air would then naturally use the well-regarded mini-LED technology for its 12.9-inch lineup, though hopefully still at a lower price than the equivalent iPad Pro.

Later this year, Apple is still expected to release new iPhones as well. The new devices, likely called the iPhone 16, are rumored to reduce bezel borders and expand screen sizes for the iPhone 16 Pro and iPhone 16 Pro Max. Meanwhile, the entry-level iPhones, which typically start at $799, will reportedly gain last year’s well-received action button instead of a mute switch.

Read more: iPhone 16: All the Major Rumors on Apple’s Next iPhone

Between the expected iPad launch in May, and iPhone launch in September, Apple is also expected to introduce significant software improvements for those devices this summer. The latest software versions are likely to be called iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 when they’re announced at Apple’s Worldwide Developers Conference this June.

The upgraded software will reportedly include new AI features to compete against the growing popularity of OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Google’s Gemini. (For hands-on CNET reviews of generative AI products, including Gemini, Claude, ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot, along with AI news, tips and explainers, see our new AI Atlas project.)

Read more: iPhone AI Evolution: What the Rumors Say About iOS 18

Apple is making impressive advancements to make its products more sustainable and become carbon neutral by 2030. This week alone, Apple announced increased investment in clean energy and water suppliers. And the company cut its greenhouse gas emissions by more than 55% since 2015.

Apple has a number of environmental wins to boast as we approach Earth Day. But when we talk about sustainability and Apple — the largest manufacturing company by revenue — there’s a conflict at the core of this topic. Apple grows by having us buy shiny new things. Even when Apple incorporates recycled materials, resources must be drained to keep producing new products.

It’s made me want to look more into buying products that are made with eco-friendly materials. Last year, Apple came out with an Apple Watch Sport Loop, a fabric band made of recycled materials. And there’s the FineWoven iPhone case, also made with recycled materials. But both left me feeling pretty unimpressed and looking into alternatives.

In this week’s episode of One More Thing (embedded above), I poke at the sustainability struggle for consumers. A recent CNET survey found Millennial and Gen Z consumers were more willing to pay a higher price to own an environmentally friendly version of an electronic or accessory. Can Apple rethink the recycled materials it uses in accessories to give us products that we don’t want to toss back into the trash? (Or at least, make them compostable.)

That same CNET data also revealed that 75% of folks surveyed didn’t have a plan for what to do with their old tech. Are we all just letting old iPhones collect dust on shelves? In the video I go over some tips for keeping your device alive for longer — and eventually you might be able to repair it with used iPhone parts.

Apple won’t stop making a new iPhone every year. But if we get smarter about repairs and battery health, we don’t have to be as tempted by the yearly upgrade.

DuckDuckGo is a privacy-focused search engine. Unlike rivals such as Google and Bing, DuckDuckGo eschews ad trackers, making it tougher for websites to gather browsing data. In addition to its search engine, the company offers a web browser and mobile apps. When DuckDuckGo announced its Privacy Pro suite — consisting of a VPN, information removal tool and identity theft restoration — I was excited to give its virtual private network a spin.

During my testing, I was impressed by DuckDuckGo’s VPN offering. Although it lacks the sheer volume of servers and bountiful features of our top VPN recommendations, like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, its intuitive design is great for beginners.

DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro VPN is user-friendly

DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro VPN is impressively simple without sacrificing basic functionality. Everything from signing up to using the VPN itself is a breeze. Here’s how to get started with DuckDuckGo’s VPN:

1. Head over to DuckDuckGo and click on the Privacy Pro link.
2. Select the $10 a month or $100 a year plan to sign up, or choose I Have a Subscription if you’re already enrolled.
3. Now that you’re signed up, download and install the DuckDuckGo browser or fire it up on your device if it’s already on your machine.
4. To log into your DuckDuckGo VPN, you’ll need to enter a one-time passphrase, which will be emailed to you.

Once you’ve signed into your Privacy Pro account, you’ll need to enable your VPN.

To turn on a VPN on Android or iOS/iPadOS:

1. Tap Open VPN in your DuckDuckGo app.
2. Then, you can toggle on your virtual private network.

Here’s how to add DuckDuckGo on Windows and MacOS:

1. Head to Settings > Privacy Pro > VPN.
2. Confirm the pop-up asking you to install the DuckDuckGo VPN. On Windows, tap Install. With MacOS, press. Add VPN Configuration and Allow in the pop-up window.
3. Click the VPN logo in the top right-hand corner of your DuckDuckGo browser.

Privacy Pro is great for general privacy and streaming

Compared to other VPNs, like ExpressVPN, NordVPN and Surfshark, DuckDuckGo is pretty spartan. You can choose from servers in seven different countries: Canada, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Spain, the UK and US. Split tunneling — which lets you use a VPN for some apps but not others — is available on Android, but not MacOS, Windows or iOS/iPadOS.

I regularly use split tunneling when I want to stream one of my favorite Canadian TV shows, Murdoch Mysteries, on the CBC website using a VPN while excluding my Steam client so I can download PC games without throttling my internet connection.

I didn’t experience any DNS leaks, and was thrilled to discover built-in kill switch functionality. A kill switch disables your internet connection in the event of an unexpected VPN interruption, ensuring that your actual IP address stays masked. In addition to enhancing privacy, DuckDuckGo’s VPN is decent for streaming. I was able to use the Privacy Pro VPN to watch Final Destination on Netflix using a French server — normally, it’s unavailable on Netflix in the US.

But you won’t find the vast array of settings that well-established VPN providers offer. For instance, you can’t select different VPN protocols like OpenVPN or IKEv2 — DuckDuckGo only uses WireGuard. VPN newcomers shouldn’t mind, but power users may be disappointed by the lack of customization. Likewise, DuckDuckGo’s server roster of seven countries currently falls well short of the 100-plus worldwide locations that CNET’s top VPNs include. Its relatively small server network means DuckDuckGo isn’t ideal for travel.

You won’t find specialty servers, such as Double VPN or Onion Over VPN options, which encrypt your connection twice for beefed-up privacy. Similarly, DuckDuckGo’s virtual private network doesn’t include obfuscated servers, which make it more difficult for ISPs or websites to determine that you’re using a VPN — helpful in situations like on school Wi-Fi where VPNs might not work properly with some apps. Folks with critical privacy needs, like investigative journalists or political asylum-seekers, should look elsewhere.

However, there’s beauty in its simplicity. People simply seeking extra privacy while browsing the web or the ability to unblock international Netflix libraries in a handful of countries will appreciate the no-frills design of DuckDuckGo’s VPN. And the service should only improve. A DuckDuckGo spokesperson told me via email that the company plans to bring split tunneling to other operating systems besides just Android and that there’s a third-party audit in progress to back up its no-log claims. Plus, DuckDuckGo intends to roll out more servers as its Privacy Pro service gains traction.

Unlike other browser plugins, the DuckDuckGo VPN works machine-wide

Whereas most VPN browser plugins only tunnel your web browser traffic through a virtual server, DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro VPN works across your entire device. Essentially, the DuckDuckGo browser doubles as a VPN client app. So with the DuckDuckGo VPN toggled on, I was able to stream Law & Order: Special Victims Unit (normally on Peacock and Hulu in the US) on Netflix via a UK server in the Windows Netflix app. By comparison, most Chrome VPN plugins like the NordVPN app only secure traffic in your browser, not apps downloaded on your device or other web browsers.

Privacy Pro is a nice way to support DuckDuckGo and easily bolster privacy on supported devices

Because of its limitations, I don’t think DuckDuckGo’s Privacy Pro VPN will become most folks’ — myself included — daily driver. It’s only supported on a handful of platforms, has a small server network and lacks many advanced features. Still, it’s a great choice for DuckDuckGo enthusiasts who want to financially support the privacy-centric search engine and keep it free from data collection. Developing a browser and search engine isn’t free, so this is a neat means of getting a solid service while contributing to DuckDuckGo development efforts.

Additionally, I can see this as a nifty all-in-one privacy suite — a VPN and tracking-free browser — while on a borrowed computer. You could simply download the DuckDuckGo browser, log into your VPN and enjoy system-wide privacy on a friend or family member’s PC, for example. That saves you from having to download a VPN app, install it and log in. Plus you get the added benefit of browsing without saved search history that way.

VPN beginners who just want more privacy will appreciate the streamlined interface. If you don’t care about the small pool of servers or limited features, this is a good choice. VPNs can be overwhelming if you’ve never used one, and this app lets you get started without needing a veritable glossary of terms to determine the correct settings to enable.

While I mostly stuck to the VPN portion, Privacy Pro includes a Personal Information Removal feature alongside Identity Theft Restoration. Personal Information Removal lets you remove information, such as your home address and phone number, from sources like people-finder websites. Data deletion services like this are useful, if imperfect, ways to get your information away from data brokers. Identity Theft Protection assists in the event of identity theft — a service I wish I had a few years ago when my credit card was charged over $800 at a barber shop (spoiler alert: It wasn’t me). If you’re in the market for these services, paying $10 a month or $100 annually is a great value. and on top of that, you get a VPN.

For more information about this privacy-focused search engine, learn why you should use DuckDuckGo instead of Google.