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The 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is the biggest laptop to ever carry that famous marque, and it’s easily one of the best laptops for most people. But like most things sporting the Apple logo, it isn’t cheap. Thankfully, this Amazon deal brings the price down somewhat: Order now, and you’ll pay just $1,349 for this upgraded model with a 512GB SSD.

That SSD upgrade is an important one because it not only means you’ll get more storage, you’ll get faster storage as well. MacBook Airs with 256GB SSDs are slower because they use a single storage chip. Those with 512GB have two, making for speedier performance. That’s something worth keeping in mind, and it helps make the cost of the 512GB upgrade easier to stomach. The $150 discount on the original $1,499 asking price helps, too.

This deal is currently available on the Space Gray and Gold versions of the 15-inch MacBook Air, but not the Silver or Midnight ones. We’re big fans of the Space Gray anyway, but make sure to have your chosen color selected before you add your new laptop to your cart.

Beyond the storage, the 15-inch MacBook Air has even more going for it. The M2 chip is lightning fast, as is the 8GB of on-board RAM. The large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display looks great, and with features like Touch ID and a FaceTime HD camera, you’ve got everything you’re likely to need. Throw in USB-C and MagSafe charging and it’s impossible to go wrong.

iOS 17 should be releasing to the general public next month after Apple’s September event, where the company is also expected to announce the iPhone 15 series. That’s still several weeks away, but if you’re interested in testing some of the new features in iOS 17, you can download and install the seventh iOS developer beta right now for free.

Beta 7 doesn’t bring too many new changes. They’re mostly minor updates, including a tweak to the end-call button (which Apple has moved twice now throughout the iOS 17 developer betas) and some bug fixes.

The company first announced iOS 17 at WWDC in June. Shortly after the keynote event, Apple released the first developer beta version of iOS 17. Typically, you have to pay $99 to officially download and install any Apple developer beta software, but this year the company is letting anyone get a crack at iOS 17, as long as they join the Apple Developer Program.

Read more: Apple Unveils iOS 17 for the iPhone at WWDC 2023

iOS 17 emphasizes communication, with several new features for the Phone, FaceTime and Messages applications, including personalized contact posters, video messages, a more intelligent autocorrect, improved AirDrop options and the Journal app.

Before you go on and install iOS 17, you should know that developer beta versions like this aren’t intended for general use, especially because they may have unfinished features and issues that can make the iPhone difficult to use. These early beta releases are, instead, for developers, to help them keep their apps up to date and get early access to the upcoming features.

In short, you probably shouldn’t install the developer beta on your primary iPhone. If you really want to get iOS 17 right now, try to find a spare iPhone that’s new enough (iPhone XS or later) to work with the latest software.

Read more: iOS 17 Is Coming This Year. Will It Work on Your iPhone?

For folks who still want to dive in, we’ll show you how to install the iOS 17 developer version on your iPhone, as well as what to do in case you want to revert to iOS 16.

Want to learn more about the stuff unveiled at WWDC? Here’s what you need to know about Vision Pro, Apple’s new augmented reality headset. And here’s all the dope on the new 15-inch MacBook Air and MacOS Sonoma.

What to know before you download the iOS 17 developer beta

Because the iOS 17 developer beta is an early prerelease version, the software could have bugs and other issues.

Again, if you’re thinking about downloading iOS 17, do it on a backup or secondary phone, if available. The iOS 17 developer beta’s issues could cripple your iPhone and make it difficult to use, disabling phone calls or text messages or making it extremely laggy. However, if you only have your main phone or tablet available, make sure to back up your iPhone on iOS 16.5 (the latest version of iOS 16) before updating to iOS 17. That way you have the option to return to iOS 16 if there are too many issues on the new OS.

Also, you must have an iPhone XS or later to run iOS 17. iOS 17 is not supported on the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, all of which supported the iOS 16 developer beta last year.

And most importantly, to download the iOS 17 developer beta, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. The full membership is $99 a year, but as mentioned above, Apple is now offering a free membership option, with limited tools and resources, that allows pretty much anyone to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta for free.

You can also wait to join the Apple Beta Software program next month, which will provide a more stable iOS 17 upgrade than the developer version.

How to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, for free

If you’re only interested in testing out the iOS 17 developer beta for fun, you don’t need to pay for an Apple Developer Program membership. You can easily use your existing Apple ID to sign up for the developer program and download developer software onto your iPhone.

1. Go to Apple’s Developer website, tap the three-dash menu in the top-right and hit Account.

2. Sign in with your existing Apple ID.

3. Read through the Apple Developer Agreement, check the boxes at the bottom and then hit Submit.

You now have a free Apple Developer Program account. You can skip the next step to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone.

How to enroll in the paid Apple Developer Program

If you’re a developer, and want full access to development tools and the ability to distribute apps on the App Store, then you’ll want to pay for the Apple Developer Program. On your iPhone, here’s how you can enroll:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store, launch the app, go to Account and tap Enroll Now.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials, read through the various benefits and instructions, enter your personal information and scan your ID to verify your identity.

3. Once this information is submitted, you must choose your entity (individual for most people) and agree to the program license agreement.

4. Finally, pay the Apple Developer membership fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 (about 80 or AU$140) a year.

After you successfully make the payment, you’ll be redirected to your Account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can verify that you’re now enrolled, and you can also check out the date of your membership’s expiration next year.

You can install iOS 17 with an over-the-air update on your iPhone

The easiest way to download the iOS 17 developer beta is with an over-the-air update — the way you would update to any other new software release on your device. Once you’re a member of the Apple Developer Program, free or paid, you’ll automatically have the option to install iOS 17 from your settings. Here’s how:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Next, go into Beta Updates and tap iOS 17 Developer Beta.

3. Go back and tap Download and Install under the new “iOS 17 Developer Beta option” that appears.

You’ll need to then enter your passcode, agree to the terms and conditions and wait for the update to be installed. The process can take over 20 minutes, depending on your internet connection. Once your phone reboots, you should have access to the iOS 17 developer beta.

Or download the iOS 17 developer beta using your Mac

Over-the-air updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, your computer is really the only way to update to iOS 17 beta without manually clearing out space.

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, find “iOS 17 beta,” click Download Restore Images and download the iOS beta software restore image for your specific device.

2. Connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or hit Trust This Computer if prompted.

3. Next, open Finder, click your device in the sidebar under Locations.

4. Hold down the Option key, click Check for Update and choose the iOS 17 beta software restore image you just downloaded from the Apple Developer page.

The iOS 17 beta software will install on your device. Wait for a few minutes and when your phone reboots, you should have access.

While you’re here, check out the best iPhone model you can get in 2023. And if you’re looking for a new computer, check out these laptops you might be interested in.

Asus’ Zenfone 10 is now available for preorder in the US with a starting price of $700. The device previously launched in the UK and Europe on June 29, starting at 750 in the UK, and the phone began shipping in late July.

Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Zenfone has a compact 5.9-inch design for those who prefer a phone that fits in one hand. Along with its small size, the phone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack and five colors: midnight black, starry blue, aurora green, eclipse red and comet white.

While testing the phone out, CNET’s Andrew Lanxon said it possesses a powerful processor and performed well for ordinary tasks and more intense activities like gaming. He noted that while Asus is offering four years of security updates, the Zenfone only comes with two years of software support. According to the company’s press release, battery life has improved by 13% over the last model, and it’s equipped with Ozo audio-powered 3D surround sound.

The device runs on Android 13 and can be ordered via Asus or Amazon. If you order a Zenfone 10 directly from the company’s site from now until Sept. 30, you’ll also receive an added freebie: a pair of ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds.

With its small display, the phone is something of a rarity in a market where standard screen sizes are larger, ranging from 6.1 to 6.3 inches. The phone competition is high, however, with releases from Samsung, Apple, Google and OnePlus this year. CNET’s top pick for small phones is Apple’s iPhone 13 Mini.

Read also: Best Cellphone Plans of 2023: Our Top Picks for August

Max subscribers — a new streaming option will be here in a… hurry.

The Flash, released in theaters in June, catches up with Warner Bros. Discovery’s service this week. The flick follows protagonist Barry Allen, who uses his powers to meddle with the past but inadvertently alters the future. Ezra Miller reprises their role as Allen after appearing in projects such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 2016’s Suicide Squad and 2017’s Justice League. The new movie is directed by It horror film helmer Andy Muschietti.

The Flash also stars Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue and Michael Keaton (along with some other notable cameos from actors such as Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck). The movie has a score of 56 on Metacritic. Here’s when you can stream it on Max, plus why a VPN might improve your experience.

When to watch The Flash on Max

The Flash sprints onto Max in the early morning hours on Aug. 25 (3:01 a.m. ET, to be exact).

Max, formerly HBO Max, unites the HBO Max and Discovery Plus libraries and is currently available in the US. There are three plans to choose from, and you’ll need to upgrade if you want to remove ads and gain the ability to download titles. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can also buy The Flash for $20 from services like Amazon and Vudu.

How to watch The Flash from anywhere with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Max while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is 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. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose the United States, where The Flash will be streaming on Max. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you are connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream The Flash on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Max to stream.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

No one knows yet what the perfect device looks like for mobile gaming, but we’re getting a sense of what will be on the inside of them — and it looks like it’ll come from either AMD or Qualcomm. And Qualcomm’s making a bid to be inside game-focused handhelds across the price spectrum with its Snapdragon G series.

Qualcomm’s reached the reference design stage for the top-of-the-line G3x Gen 2 chipsets, the processors for products intended to have the whizziest features and performance. (A reference design is something between a proof-of-concept and a way to give manufacturers something to work from to design and build their own products.) It’s the second generation of the G3; Razer used the Gen 1 in its Razer Edge.

What counts as whizzy? Everything you need to play mobile AAA games and other power-draining, heat-generating mobile games that you don’t want to inflict on your phone: active cooling, hardware ray tracing, haptics, upscaling for games, XR glasses tethering, the latest generation of Bluetooth (for lowest latency audio connections), and high-speed WiFi 7 and 5G networking. Breakout illustrations also suggest dual 3,000mAh batteries, plus the chipset supports upgradable storage.

Qualcomm doesn’t have any high-profile partners lined up yet (though there’s always this power team up) — or at least isn’t talking about any of them — just OEMs whose names you probably wouldn’t recognize.

The reference design I saw for the G3x Gen 2 was pretty similar to the one Scott Stein saw when Qualcomm first launched the G3, just a little boxier. Plugged in with a set of XR glasses gave a taste of that future, which offers more immersion (and comfort) because you can look forward — a lot more comfortable over long stretches than looking down.

At the moment, the nascent mobile market is pretty much owned by Qualcomm and AMD. AMD’s Ryzen processors are popular for expensive gaming devices like the Xbox Series X|S and PS5 consoles as well as handhelds designed to run PC games like the Valve Steam Deck and the new Asus ROG Ally. And if it runs Android, chances are it’s got an Qualcomm Snapdragon inside.

True, most of those are phones, but the Logitech G Cloud and Razer Edge also fall into that camp. The Nintendo Switch is an outlier, a relatively old handheld still equipped with an Nvidia Tegra X1 — a chip that debuted in 2015 — but Nintendo uses a lightweight, proprietary operating system and games are constrained to work within the performance limitations. Who knows if it will carry through to the Switch 2, whenever that appears.

For that end of the spectrum (more or less under $200), Qualcomm is offering the Snapdragon G1 for devices almost solely intended to stream games locally — the way PlayStation’s Portal (formerly Project Q) is just a remote way to play games running on your PS5 — or playing via the cloud with services like GeForce Now and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cloud Gaming.

Because the device doesn’t do any onboard rendering when streaming games, just processing input and output and decoding video, they won’t run hot. So they’re intended for fanless designs, low input lag and optimized for battery life. It’s Wi-Fi only, which helps keep the cost down; but it’s a bit disappointing that it’s WiFi 5, which isn’t as robust for this use as WiFi 6 and above or 5G.

And in the middle sits the Snapdragon G2, which adds native mobile games to cloud gameplay and better networking: WiFi 6/6E and 5G.

I wouldn’t expect to see any devices incorporating the G series before CES 2024, although it’s possible Razer could slip in a Gen 2 upgrade in its Edge beforehand.

Apple’s iPhone 14 series may be the latest models available from the brand, but there are of deals on older iPhones. If you’re looking to find a great deal on a phone and don’t necessarily need the most advanced models out there, you may want to consider some of the refurbished models currently available at Woot.

You can grab older generation iPhones — including the previous-gen iPhone 13 — along with refurbished Apple Watches starting at just $200, which can save you hundreds. This offer is available now through Aug. 31, while supplies last. Some models have already begun to sell out, however, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

All of the models available in this sale are fully unlocked and are Grade A refurbished models, which means the phones have been tested, inspected and repaired to full working condition and have minimal cosmetic damage. And they are backed by a 90-day limited warranty from Woot, just in case.

Woot has both the iPhone 13 and the iPhone 13 Pro available for purchase, with the base model starting at $550 and the Pro model going for $700. The iPhone 13 is still our favorite everyday phone on the market. And both the base and Pro versions feature a 6.1-inch screen and come with 128GB of storage, though you can upgrade to the 512GB version of the iPhone 13 for just $650, which is only $100 more and may be worth the splurge if you tend to save a lot of photos and videos.

But if you prefer a larger screen over massive storage, you may want to snag the iPhone 12 Pro Max instead. It’s a generation older, but it’s still a solid phone and it comes with a 6.7-inch screen, which may be a better fit for some people. Plus, it’s available for as low as $630 right now — and with cloud storage readily available, there are plenty of ways for you to hold onto your memories. And the base model iPhone 12 is also marked down to just $370.

However, if you’re looking for a bottom-dollar deal on a solid smartphone, the iPhone 11 is available for as low as $290 for the 64GB model or $330 for the upgraded 128GB version.

And for those that are just getting into the smartwatch game or want a decent option without paying the price for the Series 8 or Ultra, you can grab the Apple Watch Series 6 GPS model starting at $200, with an upgrade to the LTE version for just $5 more. It still offers an always-on display, an ECG sensor and tons of fitness-tracking features to help you keep up with activity levels and more. Plus, you can play music or receive calls and messages right from your wrist, which is convenient when you’re on the go.

Between the photos, videos, games and more, it feels like you never have enough storage on your phone or tablet. Fortunately, a lot of mobile devices these days allow you to expand their storage capacity with a microSD card. This durable Samsung Evo Select card boasts a whopping 512GB of storage, and right now you can pick it up for just $30 at Amazon, saving you $11 compared to the usual price. Though there’s no set expiration for this deal, so you’ll want to get your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

With a 512GB capacity, this Evo Select microSD card has enough space to store up to 30 hours of 4K video, or over 200,000 4K photos. And it boasts impressive data transfer speeds of up to 130MB/s. It also features a rugged design that can handle some pretty extreme conditions. It can operate in temperatures ranging from -25 degrees to 85 degrees Celsius, and is protected against water, X-rays and magnets. Plus it can handle drops of up to five meters. It also comes with a standard SD adapter, so you can use it in your digital camera as well.

It’s worth noting that the 256GB model is on sale for just $18 right now, so you could pick up two for around the same price. And you can check out our full roundup of all the best microSD card deals for even more bargains.

The newest Netflix Game now available to subscribers is WrestleQuest, a pro wrestling RPG from Mega Cat Studios.

WrestleQuest, originally released on other platforms on Aug. 8, is touted by its creators as the “ultimate fusion” between pro-wrestling and role playing games. Mega Cat Studios describes the game as a collection of “wild realms, exotic monsters, action figure fighters and spandexed allies [that] await as this fantasy goes beyond the ring.”

You can access this game and others with any of Netflix’s subscriptions, which start at $7 a month. To access Netflix games, open the Netflix app on your Android or iOS device, scroll down the homepage until you see the Mobile Games carousel, and tap into the game you want to play. If you’re a Canadian or UK Netflix user, you may have the option to play Netflix Games on your TV.

Other games recently released on Netflix include Cut the Rope Daily, The Queen’s Gambit Chess and Too Hot to Handle 2.

For more, check out the best gaming subscriptions and see why CNET gave Netflix an 2023 Editors’ Choice Award for best streaming entertainment.

Xbox is leaning into the Starfield game hype by bringing out a new wrap for the Xbox Series X that allows gamers to add customization to their console without having to buy a whole new unit, Microsoft said Monday.

Three new wraps, which retail for between $45 and $50, deliver “an option that’s more affordable and more sustainable than purchasing a special edition or limited edition console,” Microsoft said.

Because the Xbox Series X console wrap isn’t a sticker, it can easily be folded around your console and removed. Microsoft said the exterior is wrapped in microfiber and has a “soft smooth white high-tech feel” secured “with a hook and loop enclosure.” Unlike a vinyl skin, these wraps seem to be made of a thicker material and don’t sit nearly as flush as a sticker would on the gaming console.

As well as Starfield, the wraps will also be available in arctic camo and mineral camo colorways. Already for Starfield, Microsoft has released a limited edition wireless controller and headset, both of which are sold out.

The Starfield edition wrap will launch on Oct. 18, with the camo versions following on Nov. 10. You can preorder them now.

Microsoft isn’t the first console manufacturer to offer gamers ways to customize their consoles. Sony released PS5 console covers early last year in a variety of different colors. Limited covers include a Spider-Man 2 variant as well as a LeBron James edition. While Sony hasn’t given exact numbers on how well its console covers have sold, considering the company has sold over 40 million PS5 units, accessory sales are likely an important factor in PlayStation’s overall earnings. It isn’t surprising that Microsoft is offering its fans similar customization options.

If you’re a student filmmaker, you know how important it is to create professional quality work and save as much money as humanly possible. As a student filmmaker, I struggled with the same balance. My priority was spending on tech that would accommodate both my academic and creative needs, so when it came time for me to sit down and write my short, I was left with little to spend on script-writing software.

What I needed as a student was a cost-effective or free option that would yield professional results. I wanted my scripts to look high-quality, particularly since I was going to be sharing them with my peers. I also needed the software to work with the tech I already had. So I went on a screenwriting software deep dive, and in my research I found all sorts of programs that stood out to me.

Some programs fit my needs perfectly, including Arc Studio Pro or Studio Binder. However, I also came across tons of other software that would fit every writer’s budget and needs. Writing is a personal undertaking, so it’s important that your software feels like an extension of you, and not just a means to an end. What worked well for me might not work for others, and that’s perfectly fine! It’s the reason I’ve included other industry favorites and well-loved programs in this list — there’s something here for everyone.

Something I noticed when doing my own screenwriting software research is that the pricing gets confusing. Every program seems to have a different payment schedule, and that can make it hard to directly compare pricing. So, for the sake of comparison, one-time purchase prices have been translated into what the monthly cost would be if the software were purchased on a monthly basis. I’ve done the same for yearly subscriptions, so you’ll see both the yearly recurring price and what that price would be if you were paying month-by-month.

Check out more on cost-effective computers and budget-friendly tablets.