Alongside the release of the iPhone 15 series and Apple Watch 9, September’s Apple event brought us the release of iOS 17, the latest version of the iPhone’s operating system. This latest version of iOS contains pretty major updates to existing apps like Messages, Maps and Siri, while also adding new features like StandBy Mode and NameDrop.
Read more: 7 Hidden Features of iOS 17 That You Shouldn’t Miss
iOS 17 has been out for several weeks, but even if you didn’t update right after it hit your phone, it’s not too late to give it a try. However, before you jump right into updating, there are a few things you should know. Read on to learn everything you should do before installing iOS 17 on your iPhone.
To learn more about iOS 17, check out all the best features on iOS 17 and whether or not your iPhone supports iOS 17.
First, is your iPhone even compatible with iOS 17?
As long as you own an iPhone XS or later, you should be able to download iOS 17. Below is a full list of every iPhone compatible with Apple’s new software update. And if your current phone isn’t on the list, here are some more recent iPhone models to consider purchasing.
The iPhone 15 series, Apple’s latest phones, comes with iOS 17 already installed, so you won’t have to do any updating.
Next, make sure your iPhone is fully updated
Before you update to iOS 17, make sure you’re updated to the latest iOS 16 version so that you don’t encounter any issues if you decide to revert. Also, it’s just good to always be updated to the newest mobile software version in case there are major bugs or other issues in older iOS versions.
To update your iPhone to the latest version iOS 16, go to Settings > General > Software Update and check for any available updates.
Now, back up your iPhone before installing iOS 17
This is important: Even though iOS 17 has been out for a couple of weeks, updating your phone can still put it in jeopardy. You could potentially lose pictures, text messages, app data and other treasured memories you’ve stored on your phone. However, you can protect against the risk of losing data when you update.
The best way to protect your info is to back up your iPhone while it’s still running iOS 16. The reason is that if you update to iOS 17 but then decide to go back to iOS 16, you have an up-to-date backup to revert to, so that you keep your most recent photos, text messages, app data and more.
Now, there are two ways to back up your iPhone: via iCloud and your computer.
Back up your iPhone with iCloud
Your iPhone should automatically back up by default once a day, as long as your device is connected to both a power source and Wi-Fi and locked.
To check if this feature is enabled, go to Settings > [your name] > iCloud Backup and make sure that Back Up This iPhone is enabled. Also, if you have a compatible 5G iPhone, including the iPhone 12, iPhone 13 and iPhone 14 models, you can enable Back Up Over Cellular to have your iPhone back up over your cellular network when you’re not connected to W-Fi.
You can also just manually back up your iPhone with iCloud. In the same iCloud Backup page, simply tap Back Up Now. Underneath that, you’ll see the last time a successful backup was created. Under All Device Backups, you can check out more information about your backups, including backup size, and customize what is backed up.
Back up your iPhone with Mac or Windows
If you don’t have storage on your iPhone or iCloud, you always have the option to back up your device via your computer.
On Mac, connect your iPhone to your computer via lightning cable, open Finder and select your iPhone. Next, check the circle next to Back up all of the data on your iPhone to this Mac and then hit Back Up Now.
The process with Windows is pretty similar. Again, connect your iPhone to your computer via cable, but this time open the iTunes app and click the iPhone button on the top-left of the window. In the Summary page, click Back Up Now to back up your iPhone to your Windows PC.
For more on Apple, here are the best iPhone deals right now and the best iOS 17 features.
MediaTek on Monday announced its newest silicon for top-tier Android phones, the Dimensity 9300. Along with incremental improvements to performance and battery life, the chip also adds something expected to be all the rage in 2024: on-device generative AI.
Phone manufacturers that build their own chips have been introducing AI features, like Google’s Tensor silicon enabling Magic Editor and Live Translation, but generative AI has become the new frontier for mobile AI.
MediaTek’s announcement comes weeks after Qualcomm revealed its Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, which is set to bring on-device generative AI to phones it powers, starting with the just-launched Xiaomi 14. This pits the two chip companies in a race to see which phonemakers will be excited enough by either chip’s features. MediaTek expects the first phones with the Dimensity 9300 to launch soon.
Read more: I Could’ve Used Qualcomm’s ChatGPT-Like Phone AI on My Trip to Hawaii
As far as the chip’s capabilities go, MediaTek isn’t as bullish as Qualcomm on generative AI. Though the Dimensity 9300 seems to be in the ballpark of Snapdragon 8 Gen 3, MediaTek’s chip takes less than a second to generate a Stable Diffusion image and can run 7 billion parameter AI models at 20 tokens per second. It can also run 13 billion parameter models and up to a maximum 33 billion parameters with reduced tokens per second. Ultimately, this gives the chip a bit more longevity as more robust language models come into use.
Instead, MediaTek touted the Dimensity 9300 for its 46% better peak performance and 40% lower power needed to meet the performance on last year’s Dimensity 9200 chip. The new silicon also has 46% better ray tracing than its predecessor. MediaTek made a direct comparison to Qualcomm’s just-launched chip, saying the Dimensity 9300 scored over 7,600 in a real device on the benchmark Geekbench 6.0 compared to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 scoring 7,501 in what MediaTek called a “lab environment.” CNET ran Geekbench 6 test on a sample smartphone with the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and found similar results.
One difference between the two chips is architecture. MediaTek’s Dimensity 9300 is a 4-nanometer plus TSMC with eight total cores: four X4 performance cores (one at 3.25GHz, three at 2.85GHz) and four Cortex A720 efficiency cores running at 2 GHz. The Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 is a 4-nanometer TSMC and has eight cores as well: one ultra performance core at 3.3GHz, five large performance cores (three at 3.2GHz and two at 3GHz) and two small efficiency cores at 2.3GHz.
Another difference is which phones end up using either chip. Chinese manufacturers like Xiaomi and Vivo have used Dimensity chips in their premium handsets, but those selling devices in the US, like Samsung and Motorola, typically use Snapdragon chips for higher-end phones. While that could always change, MediaTek isn’t expecting to land big in the US this year, though it does see more opportunity for markets in Europe.
“We certainly feel we can deliver everything that a flagship needs and to meet the needs of US carriers,” said Finbarr Moynihan, lead of corporate marketing at MediaTek. “For the near term, we’re going to see China is going to be the most important market for these devices in the near term.”
In addition to overall performance improvements, the Dimensity 9300 adds to camera capabilities with 16-object segmentation (changing lighting and focus for up to 16 objects), pixel-level autofocus, standalone optical image stabilization and more to help phones take better photos.
For foldables, the chip supports dual active displays at 4K up to 120Hz, along with Google Ultra HDR display support in Android 14. Connectivity improvements with MediaTek’s UltraSave 5G give 10% more power efficiency as well as extra range for Wi-Fi connectivity.
We’ll have to wait until we get a phone running the Dimensity 9300 to see if it lives up to its benchmark claims. But perhaps more interesting are what manufacturers will do with its generative AI capabilities — even if MediaTek is less interested in the new technology, device makers and users will want to see what’s possible in the next era of smartphones.
Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.
If you want a big TV with an excellent picture but you don’t want to spend a fortune, the TCL QM8 belongs at the top of your list. This TV is even better than the best TV for the money I tested last year, the TCL 6-series. It delivered superior brightness and contrast, and it manages to keep the price pretty much the same. As long as your size bracket is “65-inch or bigger” and your price range is “not an OLED,” this is my pick for you.
On the other hand, if you need a 55-inch size instead, you should go for the Hisense U8K. Like this TCL, it’s also a Google TV that offers superb image quality and mini-LED technology for a price that’s much lower than you’d pay for an equivalent fidelity on a Samsung or Sony. I compared the TCL QM8 and the Hisense U8K side by side in the TV lab at CNET and though both looked superb, I give the slight edge overall to the brighter, more contrasty TCL.
With two TVs this close in picture quality and features, the tiebreaker for me comes down to price. If the Hisense U8K is available for significantly less than the TCL QM8 at the time you’re reading this, I’d recommend getting the Hisense instead. The two are just that close. And if you’re wondering how much more you’d need to spend to get an even better picture, check out the pricing on the LG C3 OLED TV. It performed better than the TCL in my comparisons, but it also costs a lot more.
TCL QM8 series TV sizes
I performed a hands-on evaluation of the 65-inch TCL QM8, but this review also applies to the other screen sizes in the series. All sizes have similar specifications and should provide similar picture quality.
The QM8 sits at the top of TCL’s 2023 TV lineup. The less expensive Q7 and Q6 series lack mini-LED backlights and don’t get as bright as the QM8 series. I haven’t reviewed those models yet, but based on their specifications I expect they’ll have worse image quality overall than the QM8.
And if you happen to be in the market for a 100(ish)-inch TV, it’s worth noting that the 98-inch TCL QM8 costs more than $10,000 at the time of this writing while the 100-inch Hisense U8K costs around $4,000. Advantage: Hisense.
Stepped-up design and a sleeker remote
The TCL QM8 isn’t as sleek as a high-end Samsung, but I preferred its look and feel to that of the Hisense. The first thing I appreciate is the central pedestal stand, which I like better than the two-legs-to-either-side look. TCL gives you two different height choices with the stand as well so you can better fit a soundbar below the screen if you’d like. Note that unlike the LG C3 OLED, this TV is quite heavy, as usual for an LED LCD with a complex backlight.
The remote is a long, thin wand that looks nicer than you’ll see on most budget TVs, and I appreciated the backlit keys. That said, it suffers from a level of button clutter that makes it more confusing than Samsung or Roku TV clickers. There are two different menu buttons (one gear-shaped and another “hamburger”), a dedicated profile key for some reason, and no fewer than seven shortcut keys to streaming services, including the TCL channel that I had to Google just now to find out what it was. I’m willing to bet that key won’t wear out.
TCL went with Google TV over Roku TV (unfortunately)
Don’t get me wrong, the Google TV operating system is good, it just isn’t as good as Roku. And up until 2023, TCL has been using Roku TV in its flagship mini-LED models like the 6-Series. The company made the switch to Google in the QM8 and other 2023 sets to have “more control” over features and updates, according to a TCL rep I spoke with.
Google TV offers excellent voice results thanks to Google Assistant, along with a well-implemented kids profile mode and parental controls; tight integration with Google apps (in particular YouTube and YouTube TV); and more apps overall than proprietary systems like Samsung and LG, thanks to the Google Play store. Roku is simpler to use in my experience, however, and its search results are better than Google TV’s.
In my tests on the QM8 Google TV’s system, the responses were quick enough, just as speedy as on the Hisense U8K. As usual with Google, I didn’t love the large chunk of space at the top devoted to promotions of shows and movies on various services. I also wish the “continue watching” row was higher up, rather than placed below the “top picks for you” and apps rows. There were lots of suggestions across various apps but still plenty of content I didn’t care about.
Ultimately TCL’s choice of Google over Roku isn’t a deal-breaker, in part because there’s an easy and inexpensive solution if you want to use Roku’s system on the QM8 anyway. Just attach a Roku streaming device and use it instead of Google TV.
TCL QM8 features: Mini-LED maxes brightness and dimming
The big difference between the QM8 and cheaper LCD-based TVs is its mini-LED backlight. Mini-LEDs are (surprise!) smaller than standard LEDs, allowing them to be grouped into more local dimming zones. Full-array local dimming, in turn, is the best way to improve picture quality on LCD TVs. It allows the screen to dim and brighten different areas simultaneously. Smaller areas, or more dimming zones, mean more-precise illumination — which ultimately increases contrast, the most important ingredient in a good picture — but they’re not the only factor.
The QM8 has a true 120Hz refresh rate, which leads to better motion performance than 60Hz TVs. Like most TVs in its class today, the 6-Series uses quantum dots that help improve color compared with non-QD-equipped TVs. And of course it supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10 high dynamic range (HDR) formats (these days, basically the only manufacturer that doesn’t is Samsung). The QM8 also adds Dolby Vision IQ, which works with an ambient light sensor to automatically adjust the picture.
Other features:
Four HDMI inputs (one with 4K/144Hz, one with 4K/120Hz, one with eARC).
Analog (composite) AV input.
USB port (2.0).
Ethernet (wired internet).
Headphone jack.
Optical digital audio output.
RF (antenna) input.
The biggest step-up in connections compared with the earlier TCL 6-Series Roku TVs is the ability to accept 4K/120Hz input signals, from an Xbox Series X or PlayStation 5, for example. The TV is actually capable of 144Hz input, according to TCL, but that extra bit of refresh isn’t a big deal in my book, and is available only on select PC cards. Other gaming extras are par for the midrange TV course, namely VRR, or variable refresh rate, and ALLM (auto game mode). One of the inputs also supports eARC.
One more feature to file under “not a big deal” is the QM8’s lack of a built-in ATSC 3.0 over-the-air tuner for NextGen TV broadcasts, something found on competing TVs, including the Hisense U8K. Those broadcasts are taking awhile to actually arrive and once they do, you’ll be able to attach an external tuner to watch them if you want.
TCL QM8 vs. Hisense U8K and others: Picture quality compared
For this comparison I lined up three 65-inch TVs side by side: the Hisense UK8 and the TCL QM8, which cost about the same, and the LG OLED C3, which costs significantly more. I didn’t include other models in the lineup this time, but from past reviews I can say the image quality of the QM8 is significantly better — brighter, with better color and contrast — than the Roku TV Plus Series, Amazon’s Fire TV Omni QLED and the Vizio MQX (all of which cost less) and a bit better than last year’s TCL 6-Series and Hisense U8H. Let’s dive in.
TV and movies: Contrast is the difference between the brightest whites and darkest blacks, and it’s the most important contributor to TV image quality. This TCL TV is an absolute contrast beast. Watching my standard demo montage from the Spears & Munsil 4K Blu-ray, the QM8 delivered visibly brighter highlights than even the Hisense – despite their similar light output measurements – and matched it with a depth of black that was as close to OLED perfection as I’ve seen on any LED LCD-based TV.
On the flip side, I got the impression that the TCLQM8 looked a bit too brilliant in some scenes. The side-by-side images between it and the Hisense gave the TCL the brightness advantage time after time (it was around 200 to 400 nits brighter in the brightest highlights I measured with an LS-100 light meter) but the Hisense and LG C3 OLED both looked just a bit more natural to my eye. Both of those TVs measured more accurate as well, hewing closer to the target EOTF for HDR than the QM8. That said, my eye kept getting drawn back to the TCL’s brighter, more powerful picture.
The QM8 looked incredibly good in my Netflix comparison too. Watching the excellent Our Cosmos documentary revealed its superb contrast once again. Its black levels and shadow detail were second only to the C3 OLED, with minimal blooming, and a step darker than the Hisense, for more visible punch. The shots of deep space, stars and planets looked nearly as impressive as on the OLED, and scenes of the dark jungle were rich with detail and life.
Its brightness was also better, once again. I measured a spot of sunlight peeking through the trees (episode 2, 36:37) and the QM8 outshone the Hisense by nearly 300 nits (1,300 compared with 1,000), and it more than doubled the brightness of the OLED. Other highlights on the TCL were consistently brighter as well. At times its brightness again seemed a bit more intense than natural, and overall I thought the balanced image of the OLED still looked better, but the QM8 certainly has its appeal.
Gaming: TCL has improved some of its gaming features, though the QM8’s level of extras isn’t quite as comprehensive as what you find with Samsung or LG. In the settings menu (Settings > system) there’s something called Game Master that turns on VRR and Auto Low Lag Mode and allows access to a game bar and three different gaming specific picture modes. The game bar (accessible by holding down the three-line menu button under the Home key on the remote) shows current gaming status, including real-time frames per second, HDR and other features, and allows you to switch between the three modes.
Playing Starfield, I preferred the look of the Original mode to the other two (FPS and RGB), both of which looked very blue and unnatural. A toggle for “shadow enhancement,” with four levels, exposed progressively for shadow detail. Viewers playing dark shooters might prefer that, but to my eye it just washed out the already pale-looking game even more. As with some TVs, you can even add a crosshair (called “Aiming Aid” by TCL) and adjust the style.
As expected, the TCL checked all the boxes on my Xbox Series X’s compatibility menu, including Dolby Vision for gaming. Input lag in HDR was excellent, at 13.9 milliseconds (for some reason my devices didn’t register in SDR, so I couldn’t test lag there).
Comparing the game mode image quality between the Hisense, TCL and LG C3, the story was similar to what I saw with TV and movies. The C3 looked the best overall when I played Starfield, and the TCL had the brightness advantage, but the image of the Hisense looked a bit more balanced to my eye, with more natural color, than did the TCL’s. Overall, however I preferred the more dynamic picture of the TCL over the Hisense for games in my side-by-side comparison.
Bright lighting: With its prodigious light output, the QM8 is a superb bright-room performer as well. It’s one of the brightest TVs I’ve ever measured, and only fell short of the Samsung QN90B because the Samsung “cheats” by not being able to sustain its brightness over time.
Light output in nits
TV
Brightest mode (HDR)
Accurate mode (HDR)
Brightest mode (SDR)
Accurate mode (SDR)
Samsung QN65Q90B
3,316
1,981
2,625
974
TCL 65QM850G
1,975
1,975
1,739
1,448
Hisense 65U8K
1,966
1,966
1,720
1,240
TCL 65R655
1,387
1,194
1,292
624
LG OLED65C3
861
817
501
464
Vizio M65QXM-K03
939
742
958
608
Roku TV Plus
514
455
579
404
I appreciated that for HDR, the TCL’s most-accurate picture modes are also its brightest (IMAX and Movie). With HDR sources aside from games, I’d recommend simply leaving the TV in either one of those modes regardless of lighting condition. For SDR (standard dynamic range), the brightest mode is Sports, but it’s not very accurate. Fortunately, Movie is still plenty bright for just about any lighting condition, and quite accurate.
The TV’s screen finish did a fine job handling reflections, about as well as the Hisense U8K, but it didn’t preserve dark areas as well as the C3 OLED.
TCL QM8 settings and picture mode notes
The most accurate picture mode for HDR was IMAX, which measured slightly better than the next-best (Movie) in my tests. Both were slightly red in grayscale and didn’t follow the EOTF as closely as some comeditors, but the advanced color tests (Colormatch HDR and Color Checker) still qualified as Good in the Geek Box (see below).
Note that only Movie allows you to tweak things like brightness and color (IMAX has no picture adjustment options). For SDR mode, Movie was the best, but in its default settings it was still relatively inaccurate, so I tweaked it slightly to achieve a better image (namely changing the color temperature setting to -4 and gamma to 2.2). Those tweaks are reflected in the results below.
Geek box
Test
Result
Score
Black luminance (0%)
0.017
Good
Peak white luminance (SDR)
1739
Good
Avg. gamma (10-100%)
2.13
Good
Avg. grayscale error (10-100%)
3.68
Average
Dark gray error (30%)
2.59
Good
Bright gray error (80%)
4.60
Average
Avg. color checker error
3.37
Average
Avg. saturation sweeps error
2.60
Good
Avg. color error
1.82
Good
1080p/24 Cadence (IAL)
Pass
Good
Input lag (Game mode)
[No result]
N/A
HDR10
Black luminance (0%)
0.023
Good
Peak white luminance (10% win)
1975
Good
Gamut % UHDA/P3 (CIE 1976)
97.29
Good
ColorMatch HDR error
2.89
Good
Avg. color checker error
2.93
Good
Input lag (Game mode, 4K HDR)
13.90
Good
Check out how we test TVs for more details on the Geek box and our TV testing methodology.
If you’re a primarily auditory learner, Rosetta Stone is our favorite language learning app on the market in 2023. And while a lifetime subscription is typically pretty pricey at $399, right now we’ve got a deal that can help you get signed up for a lot less. Rosetta Stone is already offering a $200 discount, but when you sign up through StackSocial and use the promo code ROSETTA at checkout, you can save an extra $39, which drops the price down to just $160. Though this offer is only avalable through Nov. 9, so be sure to get signed up before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.
This membership gives you access to 25 different languages, from Spanish to Korean, allowing you to better communicate with locals on your travels and increase your comfort level in international settings. Of course, even those who do not plan on traveling far from home can benefit from improved language skills. Whether you want to speak with international neighbors or enjoy media from other places, hobbyists can take advantage of this deal too.
Every single lesson, no matter the language, is broken up into manageable chunks, both online and off. You also have access to an immersive learning environment that will keep you interested throughout the course to keep your mind on perfecting your studies. Plus, you can even practice your accent using speech recognition technology.
The Carolina Panthers will not be winless in 2023. After finally getting a victory in Week 8, the Panthers improved to 1-6 on the season. On Sunday they will look to turn that win into a streak when they host the 3-5 Colts.
Kickoff for Sunday’s contest is set for 1:05 p.m. PT (4:05 p.m. ET) on CBS. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local CBS channel.
The gridiron clash will be shown on TV in the Charlotte and Indianapolis areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch, or you just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There’s an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Colts vs. Panthers: When and where?
For Week 9 of the NFL season, the Panthers host the Colts at 4:05 p.m. ET (1:05 p.m. PT)on Sunday. The game is set to take place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina, home of the Panthers.
How to watch the Colts vs. Panthers game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and 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, plus it’s a great idea for when 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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.
How to watch Colts vs. Panthers in the US
This week’s Colts-Panthers game is on CBS, so in addition to a VPN, you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local CBS affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The good news for football fans is that CBS is available on most of the major streaming services. The least expensive option is Paramount Plus.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local CBS stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost far more than Paramount Plus, but they also carry many live channels, including football broadcasting channels like Fox and ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for CBS. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming Colts vs. Panthers game using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success 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.
An Eagles-Cowboys game always feels big. When these NFC East powers are two of the best teams in football? Even bigger.
Sunday’s game in Philadelphia between the 7-1 Eagles and 5-2 Cowboys is the game of the week, matching the Cowboys’ stout defense led by linebacker Micah Parsons against the bruising Eagles offense behind quarterback Jalen Hurts and wideout A.J. Brown.
The Cowboys and Eagles kick off in Philly at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT) on Fox. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local Fox channel.
The game will be shown on TV in the Dallas and Philadelphia areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or you just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There’s an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Cowboys vs. Eagles: When and where?
For Week 9 of the NFL season, the Eagles host the Cowboys at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 a.m. PT)on Sunday. The game is set to take place at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, home of the Eagles.
How to watch the Cowboys vs. Eagles game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game, and that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day, plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling, 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’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location as being in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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 the Cowboys vs. Eagles game in the US
This week’s Cowboys-Eagles game is on Fox, so in addition to a VPN set to an area carrying the game (see tips below) you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local Fox affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The least expensive such service is Sling TV Blue.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost more than Sling TV, but they also carry more channels, including football-broadcasting channels like ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming Cowboys vs. Eagles using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
Sling Blue is only an option if and when the ability to get Fox local affiliates is active on your account. You may want to verify that your billing address is eligible for that option before committing your credit card.
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.
It’s been a busy week for the 3-5 Raiders. The team fired its head coach and general manager and benched its starting quarterback.
Linebackers coach Antonio Pierce takes over on an interim basis for the fired Josh McDaniels, and rookie Aidan O’Connell will start in place of the oft-injured Jimmy Garoppolo.
The 2-6 Giants have fared worse than the Raiders thus far this season, but are expected to have starting quarterback Daniel Jones back for Sunday’s game.
The Giants and Raiders kick off in Las Vegas at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. PT) on Fox. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local Fox channel.
The game will be shown on TV in the New York and Las Vegas areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or you just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There’s an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Giants vs. Raiders: When and where?
For Week 9 of the NFL season, the Raiders host the Giants at 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 a.m. PT)on Sunday. The game is set to take place at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada, home of the Raiders.
How to watch the Giants vs. Raiders game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game, and that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day, plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling, 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’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location as being in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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 the Giants vs. Raiders game in the US
This week’s Giants-Raiders game is on Fox, so in addition to a VPN set to an area carrying the game (see tips below) you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local Fox affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The least expensive such service is Sling TV Blue.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost more than Sling TV, but they also carry more channels, including football-broadcasting channels like ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming Giants vs. Raiders using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
Sling Blue is only an option if and when the ability to get Fox local affiliates is active on your account. You may want to verify that your billing address is eligible for that option before committing your credit card.
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.
After a strong start to the year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have hit a rough patch. The Bucs have dropped their last three games, falling to 3-4 on the year and third in the NFC South.
The good news for Tampa Bay is that even with these troubles, they’re still only one game out of first place.
On Sunday they take on a Houston team that enters Week 9 following a rough loss last Sunday against the Panthers, which was Carolina’s first win of the season.
Houston is now similarly 3-4 on the year, but the loss created further distance between the Texans and the AFC South-leading Jacksonville Jaguars.
Kickoff is called for 1 p.m. PT (4 p.m. ET) on CBS. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local CBS channel.
The game will be shown on TV in the Houston and Tampa Bay areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Bucs vs. Texans game today: When and where?
This Week 9 NFL fixture sees the Texans host the Buccaneers at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Sunday. The game will take place at NRG Stadiumin Houston, home of the Texans.
How to watch the Bucs vs. Texans game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and 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, plus it’s a great idea for when 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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.
How to watch Bucs vs. Texans in the US
This week’s Bucs-Texans game is on CBS, so in addition to a VPN you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local CBS affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The good news for football fans is that CBS is available on most of the major streaming services. The least expensive option is Paramount Plus.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local CBS stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost far more than Paramount Plus, but they also carry many live channels, including football broadcasting channels like Fox and ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for CBS. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming the Bucs vs. Texans game using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success 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 Bears’ 2023 campaign has not exactly gone to plan. After a strong showing against the Raiders in Week 7, Chicago got beat up on Sunday Night Football by the Chargers, which dropped their record to 2-6 on the season.
On Sunday, they head to New Orleans to take on a 4-4 Saints team that put up 38 points on the road against the Colts last week.
Kickoff is called for 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. ET) on CBS. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local CBS channel.
The gridiron clash will be shown on TV in the Chicago and New Orleans areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch, or you just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There’s an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Bears vs. Saints: When and where?
For Week 9 of the NFL season, the Saints host the Bears at 1 p.m. ET (10 p.m. PT)on Sunday. The game is set to take place at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, home of the Saints.
How to watch the Bears vs. Saints game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and 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, plus it’s a great idea for when 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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.
How to watch Bears vs. Saints in the US
This week’s Bears-Saints game is on CBS, so in addition to a VPN, you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local CBS affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The good news for football fans is that CBS is available on most of the major streaming services. The least expensive option is Paramount Plus.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local CBS stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and FuboTV. They all cost far more than Paramount Plus, but they also carry many live channels, including football broadcasting channels like Fox and ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for CBS. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming Bears vs. Saints game using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success 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 Vikings and Falcons are each 4-4 on the year, and both teams will have a new quarterback under center when they meet on Sunday.
The Vikings lost starter Kirk Cousins for the year to an Achilles injury and will turn to Jaren Hall, a fifth-round rookie out of BYU.
It may be a one-week appearance for Hall; the Vikings traded for Joshua Dobbs and will likely turn to him once he’s had time to peep Minnesota’s playbook. For the Falcons, Taylor Heinicke will start in place of Desmond Ridder, who was benched during last week’s loss.
The Vikings and Falcons kick off in Atlanta at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) on Fox. We’ll show you how you can watch, even if the game isn’t available on your local Fox channel.
The game will be shown on TV in the Minneapolis and Atlanta areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming. There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.
Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.
Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable
Vikings vs. Falcons: When and where?
Week 9 of the NFL season sees the Falcons host the Vikings at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT)on Sunday. The game will take place at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia, home of the Falcons.
How to watch the Vikings vs. Falcons game online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch the game and 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, plus it’s a great idea for when 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. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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 and Canada, as long as you’ve got 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 the Vikings vs. Falcons game in the US
This week’s Vikings-Falcons game is on Fox, so in addition to a VPN set to an area carrying the game (see tips below) you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local Fox affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The least expensive such service is Sling TV Blue.
Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost more than Sling TV, but they also carry more channels, including football-broadcasting channels like ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.
If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that there are no streaming or monthly fees required, though you will need to make sure you have good reception.
Quick tips for streaming Vikings vs. Falcons using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
Sling Blue is only an option if and when the ability to get Fox local affiliates is active on your account. You may want to verify that your billing address is eligible for that option before committing your credit card.
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.
