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The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max are defined by their refinements and represent one of the most compelling Apple releases in years. When I initially reviewed both phones, I was impressed with the lighter build, new shortcut button, cameras and the A17 Pro chip. Like the regular iPhone 15, the Pro models have a USB-C charging port instead of Apple’s proprietary Lightning connector, making charging more convenient.

But a lot has happened over the past month. Widespread reports of phones overheating made for a somewhat controversial launch, but Apple has since addressed the issue.

Over the past four weeks, I further tested the iPhone 15 Pro’s cameras, ran CNET’s battery drain test, evaluated performance and conducted charging tests. And I had more time to use the iPhone 15 Pro as my everyday smartphone. Here are my findings.

iPhone 15 Pro-gate(s)

Since the iPhone 15 Pro launched, there have been a few controversies including reports of the iPhone 15 Pro easily bending or experiencing screen burn-in. I have not encountered any of these issues, nor have my CNET colleagues. According to MacRumors, the beta version of iOS 17.1 alleviates the burn-in problem, and the final version, which just came out this week, could do the same. It’s difficult to judge how widespread the burn-in issue is based on these reports alone.

Then there was FineWoven case-gate. Apple announced it would no longer continue to make its own line of leather cases and accessories to help reduce its impact on the environment. As a replacement, Apple launched a new line of FineWoven cases that aren’t made from animal products.

While the cases protected my 15 Pro and Pro Max just fine, the FineWoven cases showed wear and tear after just a week. Dirt and scuffs easily remain; the case on my 15 Pro had scuff marks and indents despite not having used it much the first week. The case’s MagSafe magnet left a circular imprint on the cases for my 15 Pro and Pro Max.

Apple’s support page on taking care of FineWoven cases and accessories includes instructions on how to clean them. I tried this on one of my FineWoven cases, and it got most of the dirt out. But I don’t want a phone case that I have to clean every couple of weeks.

I carry my iPhone 15 Pro Max without a case and use Peak Design’s slim wallet, which is also fabric, but I can touch it without worrying about scuffs. The wallet works with Peak Design’s cases or MagSafe to magnetically attach to the back of my phone. After three weeks of use, the Peak Design slim wallet still looks new, surviving harrowing hours next to keys in my pocket.

Read more: 1 Month Later, the iPhone 15 Is Still an Excellent Upgrade

Perhaps the biggest iPhone 15 scandal involved reports of phones overheating. Apple told CNET that there were four causes that made an iPhone feel warmer than normal, none of which were specifically tied to Pro models, their titanium design or the iPhone 15 series specifically.

When you use a power adapter higher than 20 watts, the phone can feel warm to the touch. This holds true if you’re using a Lightning cable on the iPhone 14 series or a USB-C cable on the iPhone 15 series. I used my MacBook Pro’s 140-watt charger over USB-C to charge the 15 Pro and noticed it was warm to the touch after 30 minutes.

Read more: I Upgraded to an iPhone 15 Pro Max From an 11. Here’s What Happened

According to Apple’s support page, restoring from a backup file or setting up a new phone from scratch can also cause the iPhone to get warmer than normal, as can playing graphic intensive games. When I played Resident Evil Village on the iPhone 15 Pro, it was noticeably warm after 30 minutes.

Certain apps like Instagram and Uber as well as bugs in iOS 17 caused iPhones old and new to overheat. Apple worked with app developers to fix the problem (both Instagram and Uber have updated app versions) and released the iOS 17.0.3 update to solve the issue.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max charging tests

One of the biggest changes to the iPhone 15 series was the inclusion of a USB-C port instead of Lightning. Despite the change, charging speeds are identical to iPhone 14 series models.

I ran several charging tests on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. I used a 20-watt charger for the first test and noted how the battery percentage increased after 30 minutes. As you can see in the chart below, both the 15 Pro and Pro Max recharged more of their respective batteries than the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max.

The iPhone caps its max charge speed to 27 watts, so using a power brick that supports a higher wattage won’t make the phone charge any faster. So I ran the same test a couple of more times, using my MacBook Pro’s 140-watt charger. I ran it before and after installing iOS 17.0.3, and the charging speeds were identical. That means the software fix doesn’t throttle charging speeds. Results were nearly the same as those from my 20-watt charging test.

I ran a 30-minute wireless charging test via MagSafe on both phones, and the results were almost exactly the same. The 15 Pro added 22% over a half hour period, and the 15 Pro Max added 21%.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max battery tests

In my experience, the 15 Pro averages a full day on a single charge, while the 15 Pro Max gets between a day and a half to two days. Battery life can vary depending on how you use your phone, so I also ran two additional CNET battery tests.

The first was an endurance test. Over the course of 45 minutes, I played games, watched YouTube videos, made a FaceTime video call, and scrolled my Instagram and TikTok feeds. As you can see in the results below, both new Pro models did better than the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, as well as Samsung’s Galaxy S23 series. The less battery percentage lost, the better.

The second test I ran involves streaming a video over the course of three hours with the battery starting at 100%. I checked the battery level at every hour to see how much the battery percentage dropped. The results show that the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max last longer than the Galaxy S23 Ultra did in the same test. The less battery percentage lost, the better.

iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max performance tests

The iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max have the A17 Pro chip, meaning they can support console video games. I was blown away when I played Resident Evil Village on my iPhone 15 Pro Max. The only sign that the phone was working hard was that the back of the device felt warm after 30 minutes.

I also ran several performance benchmark tests to see just how powerful Apple’s new A17 Pro chip is. I ran the Geekbench 6 CPU test, which measures general performance, and 3D Mark Wild Life Extreme for testing graphics performance.

As you can see in these results below, the A17 Pro chip enabled the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max to score higher than any phone we’ve ever tested. They not only outperformed the iPhone 14 Pro Max but every Android phone we’ve tested this year, including the Galaxy S23 Ultra. All of the 15 Pro and Pro Max’s power is kind of overkill now, but should help their longevity as new features and versions of iOS come out.

In terms of graphics, the 15 Pro and Pro Max’s performance is on par with the Samsung Galaxy S23 series, which runs on the Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 for Galaxy chip.

Other iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max standout features

After spending one month with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, a few features stood out to me. At the top of that list is the 15 Pro Max’s 5x optical zoom. It captures beautiful images with great detail and a wide dynamic range. Check out the photo above that I took of the Manhattan Bridge just after sunrise.

I’m also impressed with the new 24-megapixel resolution option. It basically combines pixel binning image data and resolution image data into a single higher resolution photo that has more detail than photos taken on the 14 Pro or Pro Max.

I Took 600+ Photos With the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max. Look at My Favorites

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As I mentioned before, I don’t use a case on the phones and love the way they feel in my hand. Apple found a good balance between the weight and the size of the phone, especially the 15 Pro Max model. The slightly curved edges make the phones enjoyable to hold.

Apple’s iOS 17 software has been a blast to use, especially Check-In and Stickers in iMessage. I get so much joy from turning live photos into animated stickers and peppering them in message threads to the delight and annoyance of my friends.

StandBy mode is also nice and turns the 15 Pro and Pro Max into a mini heads up display for time, photos and other widgets when charging. I use a Belkin BoostCharge Pro dock for StandBy mode at work and a Twelve South HiRise 3 Deluxe dock at home. The StandBy screen looks contemporary, and I like being able to switch between the widgets. I do hope Apple adds more functionality to StandBy mode in iOS 18.

But there are some software bugs in iOS 17. For example, I had Safari freeze and become unresponsive when trying to navigate or reordering tabs. These hang-ups only happened a few times and don’t seem too problematic, but they are annoying.

My CNET colleague Bridget Carey experienced a weird bug in which black borders appeared to the right and underneath photos she took. She said quitting the Camera app and reopening it resolved the issue, even though the pictures she took before the app reset still show up in the Photos app with black borders. There is a MacRumors forum post showing someone else experiencing the same thing.

What’s next for the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max? Well, we’re still waiting for Apple to add the ability to record 3D videos (Apple calls them spatial videos), which you’ll be able to watch in 3D on the new Vision Pro headset. The Journal app in iOS 17 still hasn’t launched, though it does appear in the beta version of iOS 17.2. Apple didn’t say exactly when the new app would be released, but I’m keen to try it out. The app uses AI prompts to get you started writing.

After a month with the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, I’m still enamored. And I’m excited to continue testing them for months to come.

Joining the passwordless movement, Amazon announced earlier this week that you’ll now be able to use passkeys to log in to your Amazon accounts. The tech giant joins a slew of companies who are saying goodbye to passwords and opting for passkeys instead.

Switching to passkeys isn’t mandatory for Amazon customers, the shopping giant said, so if you’re not ready to make the switch, you can keep using your passwords. But if you’re interested in ditching your passwords for good, you can go ahead and set up your Amazon passkey right now.

Here’s what to know about Amazon’s adoption of the password alternative. For more, here’s how Apple’s adopting passkeys and what Google is doing to ditch passwords.

What is a passkey?

Passkeys are a new, secure and easier way to log in to a service or website using biometric authentication like a fingerprint or face scan (or other methods, like a PIN) instead of a password. You might already have a bit of experience with passkeys. For example, if you have Face ID set up on your iPhone, some apps allow you to to use Face ID to sign in instead of typing your account password.

According to backers of passkeys, it’s a more secure method of logging into your accounts than with traditional passwords and is much less susceptible to phishing attacks. Passkeys can be more convenient than keeping track of all of your passwords, let you log in usually with just a click instead of several taps and eliminate the need for two-factor authentication codes, which can clog up your inbox or messages app.

Who else is implementing passkeys?

Amazon is the latest in a string of tech companies that have either axed passwords or given customers the option to use a passkey instead of a password. In adopting passkeys, the online retailer joins the likes of Google, Nintendo and Apple in passwordless support.

Which Amazon services work with passkeys now?

Right now, Amazon has only rolled out passkeys to its primary retail website.

In a response to CNET’s request for comment on where users could take advantage of passkeys, Amazon said “Passkey support is available globally today for all Amazon customers using browsers.” The company indicated that more support would be rolling out to the iOS Amazon Shopping app and that the Android Amazon Shopping app would be receiving passkey support in the near future.

The company also said that it “will be adding passkeys to more apps in the future,” so users of Amazon-owned companies like Goodreads and Twitch could expect to see passkey support at some point in their future, too.

How to set up a passkey on your Amazon account

If you’re interested in ditching your password and opting to use a passkey for your Amazon account, it’s easy to set up. Again, passkeys aren’t mandatory for Amazon customers, so if you feel more comfortable using your password, you won’t have to worry about changing over right away.

To set up a passkey, all you have to do is go to your Account page and select Login & Security.

Once in the Login & Security menu, scroll down to the Passkeys tab and select the Set Up button.

This should bring you to another screen, where you will select Set Up again.

After selecting Set Up a second time, follow the onscreen instructions that are specific to your device or browser to set up your passkey.

After completing these steps, you can say goodbye to your passwords and use your passkey to log in to your Amazon account.

For more, here’s how to use passkeys to login to your Google account and the best password manager for 2023.

There’s an intriguing London derby in store at Selhurst Park today as Crystal Palace look to end table-topping Tottenham’s unbeaten run.

Under new boss Ange Postecoglou, Spurs have made their best start to a season since winning an historic league and cup double all the way back in 1960-61.

Palace currently find themselves in a respectable 11th, but goals have been a problem for Roy Hodgson’s men, with the Eagles having hit the net just seven times in their nine league games so far.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch all of the action live wherever you are in the world.

Crystal Palace vs. Spurs: When and where?

Crystal Palace hosts Tottenham Hotspurs at Selhurst Park on Friday, Oct. 27. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. BST (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m PT, 6 a.m. AEDT).

How to watch the Crystal Palace vs. Spurs game online from anywhere using a VPN

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

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. 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, non-blackout 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, 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 the Crystal Palace vs. Spurs game in the US

Friday’s Crystal Palace-Spurs match is on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login, and can be streamed via Sling TV and other more expensive streaming TV services.

Livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Spurs game in the UK

Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). The Crystal Palace-Spurs game is exclusive to Sky Sports — showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

Livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Spurs game in Canada

If you want to stream Crystal Palace vs. Spurs live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to FuboTV Canada. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

Livestream the Crystal Palace vs. Spurs game in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League game live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches 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.

Soundbars are a serious sound quality upgrade over your TV’s built-in speakers, and they cost a lot less than a full home theater setup. Right now, Amazon has slashed the price of the Samsung Q-Series HW-Q60C 3.1 channel soundbar by over 50%, bringing the cost to just $248. That’s a savings of $250 and the lowest price we’ve seen. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

This soundbar and subwoofer set supports Dolby Atmos and Adaptive Sound Lite, while jumping your current setup to three channels of audio, which will create a more immersive sound experience. It comes equipped with multipoint Bluetooth connectivity, which means you can connect two smart devices at once, plus if you have a compatible Samsung TV, you can use Q-Symphony to pair the devices’ audio. And for gamers, this soundbar has a game mode that optimizes how you play, thanks to directional audio that helps eliminate distractions.

Other benefits exclusively for Samsung fans are that select Samsung phones can use a tap-to-hear feature to stream music from your phone to your soundbar, as well as a remote that will allow you to control your Samsung TV and soundbar from one place. That said, you can still use this soundbar with other brands for a fuller sound. If you’ve been looking for an affordable soundbar, this is a stellar deal.

Read more: How Dolby Vision and Atmos Make Scary Movies Like ‘It’ More Immersive — and Terrifying

For true versatility, investing in a two-in-one model that combines the best of tablets and laptops in one device has long been a good idea. Right now, you can nab the HP Spectre 2-in-1 laptop for $850 — that’s a $650 discount. And if you’re a My Best Buy Plus or Total member, you can score an extra $50 savings, bringing the price down to just $800. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

This 2023 laptop comes equipped with a 13.5-inch IPS touchscreen display with full HD resolution and durable Corning Gorilla Glass. Because it’s nice and compact, it’s a solid portable option for those who need a computer to take on the go, and it has a full 360-degree hinge to use it in multiple positions.

As for storage, this model has 512GB of solid-state storage and 16GB of RAM, plus it has a 13th-gen Intel i7 Evo processor to handle big projects, multitasking, multimedia and more. It’s also compatible with Wi-Fi 6E for those who have a cutting-edge router. And with fast charge, you’ll be able to bring a dead battery up to 50% in just 45 minutes.

Elevate your entertainment space with a home theater speaker set. Whether you’re blasting tunes or looking for an immersive theatrical experience while streaming your favorite films, investing in Sonos speakers can be a great idea for any home. While top-tier Sonos speakers tend to be pricey, right now the company is slashing prices on home theater sets by up to 20%, making it a bit more affordable to revamp your space. These offers are available now through Oct. 29.

Looking for a powerful entertainment setup that supports Dolby Atmos? Right now you can snag the Premium Immersive Set with Arc for just $1,856. That’s certainly a splurge, but it’s $340 less than it normally lists for and includes an Arc premium smart soundbar, two Era 100 smart speakers and a Gen 3 Sub premium wireless subwoofer. Both the Sonos Arc and the Sonos Era 100 speakers earned spots on our roundup of the best Sonos speakers you can buy, which makes this set easy to recommend.

You can also lose the Era 100 speakers and opt for the Premium Entertainment Set with Arc for $1,358 — that’s a 20% discount. It still has the Arc and Sub so you can get immersive sound with Dolby Atmos for less. Or grab the Entertainment Set with Beam for $742 (save $186), which includes another of our favorite Sonos speakers, the Beam Gen 2 smart soundbar, along with a Sub Mini.

For the lowest price on a speaker set, check out this Entertainment Set with Ray option. It includes a Ray soundbar and a Sub Mini wireless subwoofer that will work together to deliver a more powerful bass and clear dialogue. And right now it’s discounted by by $142, bringing the price to just $566.

There are a number of other deals available as well, so be sure to check out the entire sale selection at Sonos to find the right theater set for your home.