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Baldur’s Gate 3 is the RPG to play on the Steam Deck. I’ve spent time playing the game on both desktop and the portable PC gaming device and what makes Baldur’s Gate 3 a great game for Steam Deck is the option to play an hour here and there wherever you are, whether you’re on the go or just away from your desk, as the game is so vast and time-consuming.

Developed by Larian Studios, Baldur’s Gate 3 is a long-awaited entry in the series that started in the late ’90s. There hasn’t been a proper sequel since 2000. After being in early access for three years on Steam, the game launches Thursday for $60. If you love RPGs like I do, you’ll find plenty of reasons to love the game.

Raise the Gate

Baldur’s Gate is based on the Dungeons & Dragons pen-and-paper RPG. The story goes that your character, along with several companions, has been abducted by mind flayers (you know, like from Stranger Things), and they’ve implanted parasites into your brain. It’s now up to the group to get these little monsters out of their heads before it turns them into mind flayers.

The game uses turn-based gameplay where characters use weapons, magic and other skills in combat. To give an experience resembling a Dungeons & Dragons game, there are a lot of choices available in Baldur’s Gate 3. While this is a pretty common aspect of role-playing games today, what isn’t is the inclusion of a 20-sided die.

Decisions such as using intimidation, searching around an area or even petting an animal are all determined by the roll of the dice. It’s this uncertainty of these choices that make Baldur’s Gate 3 so thrilling. In one instance, a child was trying to scam me into buying a “magical” trinket, and I had the choice to point out his lies. Since I was playing as a rogue, I was able to win all the rolls to prove that the kid was lying. This led to an interesting interaction that could change things further in the game.

This freedom to make so many choices and to have them change the game slightly is what gives Baldur’s Gate 3 an incredible amount of replay value. The developer says there are more than a thousand endings.

There’s also a surprising amount to explore. A dried-up well seems innocent enough, but if you explore it, you can find a giant nest of magical spiders ready to destroy your party. You’ll also come across a wealth of characters with their own problems that you can help with or just ignore. Or if you want to go the evil route, there’s the option to just steal from and kill many of the characters in the game. I spent most of my time being the good guy, but there were times that I did something bad, like when I accidentally looted a merchant’s chest. Some actions will just get people upset at you, while others can land you in jail.

Newcomers to RPGs, or at least D&D RPGs, might find Baldur’s Gate 3 to be both overwhelming and difficult. It may seem hard, but the game requires a lot of thought in and out of battle. With so many decisions, it is very likely players will make the wrong one, which is why saving the game often is vital.

Good things come in small packages

Baldur’s Gate 3’s visuals are both stylish and detailed, and come off looking great on the Steam Deck. It takes a little tweaking of the display options to get the right settings to keep the game running smoothly while still showing off all the beautiful graphics. For me, this meant keeping the frames per second at 30, bringing down the resolution from its max setting of 1,280×800 pixels and putting the overall quality preset to medium. Also, expect to get your hands warm as the Steam Deck’s fans will be blowing hot air to keep it cool while playing, but the lowered setting should be able to get about two hours of gameplay.

I did also have an issue getting the game to launch on Steam Deck, requiring me to go into the game’s settings on Steam and force it to launch. It’s likely this will not be needed with the game’s official release.

Baldur’s Gate 3 launches on Steam on Thursday. It’ll head to the PS5 in September and eventually to the Xbox Series X and S.

Whether you’re a 3D printing novice looking to grab your first printer, or you’ve already got some experience and are ready to upgrade, we’ve got a deal you won’t want to miss. The AnkerMake M5 earned its place on our list of the best 3D printers of 2023 thanks to its record-breaking print speeds. Amazon currently has this printer on sale for $559, which saves you a whopping $240 compared to the usual price. There’s no set expiration for this deal, so get your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

If you’re looking for your first 3D printer, you should opt for a machine that’s easy to use and produces excellent quality. The AnkerMake M5 has several features that make your life easier. Features like auto bed-leveling, filament runout sensors and AI for detecting errors help you get the best print you can from the get-go. Setting it up is very easy.

The print quality is extremely good, especially if you slow the printer to about 180 millimeters per second. It also has the added bonus of a time-lapse camera, which lets you record your model as it prints so you can share it on social media. It’s a great all-round printer. With $240 off its standard price, the AnkerMake M5 is a deal you don’t want to miss.

With a commitment to spend more than $2 billion on Korean productions over the next four years,Netflix has huge ambitions for Korean films and TV series. Shows like Squid Game have become global sensations, and the streamer’s slate continues to grow. Although reality series like Physical: 100 and Single’s Inferno have gained popularity, the streaming service’s K-drama lineup is drawing viewers in with its portfolio of trippy sci-fi dramas, zombie stories, romances and more.

The platform is dropping new shows, documentaries and six films throughout 2023. We’ve created a list of the best K-dramas on Netflix (besides Squid Game), and in some cases, tell you when to look out for new seasons. If you’re still digging for additional titles, try searching with this special hidden code: 68699.

Read more: Best Streaming Services for K-Dramas

Need a solid pair of everyday earbuds, but don’t want to spend a fortune? Whether you use your earbuds to focus, relax or stay motivated during a workout, there are options out there with solid sound quality that won’t break the bank. And right now Amazon has slashed the price on the already affordable Google Pixel Buds A-Series by 40%, dropping the price from $99 down to just $59. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

If you’re looking for a cheap pair of everyday earbuds, the A-Series can fit the bill. They’re light and comfortable, but offer good sound for the price, along with solid call quality if you’re looking for an option to help you stay connected on the go. These buds even have an adaptive sound mode that will shift the volume automatically in response to the ambient noise in your environment. And if you need directions, translations or other help, you can get help hands-free with access to Google Assistant.

As for battery life, you can expect to get up to 5 hours of playback per charge, with an additional 19 hours with the charging case. These earbuds are also IPX4-rated sweat-resistant, so whether you wear them at the gym or get caught in inclement weather on your commute, these buds can handle it.

And if you want to see what other options are out there, be sure to check out our roundup of the best earbuds and headphones deals happening now.

StockX took the world by storm when it launched back in 2016. The online marketplace quickly became the go-to spot for sneakers of all kinds, as long as buyers were willing to pay those steep markups. Over the years, StockX has pivoted to selling game consoles and other tech gadgets. And while most items still come with a premium price tag, there are some great deals around. Right now, StockX is offering stellar savings, and here’s what we recommend checking out.

Looking for more discounts? CNET has the current StockX coupons and promo code offers, updated and verified daily.

Welcome to CNET Coupons, the first stop before you shop, featuring a multitude of deals and discounts from top online retailers. Simply head over to our coupon page and type in your favorite store or brands to find all the deals available for the week.

Nearly three years after its release, we’re finally starting to see some deals on Sony’s popular PlayStation 5. And if you’ve finally got your hands on one of these next-gen consoles, you’re probably eager to start enjoying some of its most popular games. You’ll get access to a huge library of older games with a PS Plus subscription, but if you want to try out some of the more recent titles, Amazon has some great deals available right now.

The online retailer is currently offering discounts on some of the PS5’s biggest games, with many down by more than 50%. With Spider-Man 2 coming in just a few months, you may be looking to get caught up on the action-packed series. Right now, you can grab the Ultimate Edition of Spider-Man: Miles Morales — which also includes the original Spider-Man game from 2018 — for just $39, which saves you $31 compared to the usual price. Or transport yourself to feudal Japan with the director’s cut of Ghost of Tsushima. This cinematic open-world game features razor-sharp combat, and is on sale for just $30, which saves you $40 compared to the usual price. And those who enjoy a serious challenge can pick up the recent remaster of Demon’s Souls — the predecessor of FromSoftware’s infamous Dark Souls series — for $40 off, which drops the price down to just $30.

There are some other great games on sale at Amazon, and you can check out our full roundup of all the best PS5 deals for more bargains on hardware and accessories.

Meta’s messaging app WhatsApp is positioning itself as more of a Zoom, Teams and Skype competitor by introducing screen sharing during video calls.

The new feature, announced by Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg Tuesday, is leaving beta and will be rolled out gradually to all WhatsApp users over the next few weeks.

“We’re adding the ability to share your screen during a video call on WhatsApp,” Zuckerberg posted in his Instagram broadcast channel Tuesday.

How to share your screen on a WhatsApp video call

If you’re one of the lucky few who already have access to the feature, here’s how to use it:

1. Start a video call with one or more people.
2. Click the new Share icon.
3. Choose whether to share a specific application or your entire screen.
4. Your screen will then be shared with all participants on the call in landscape view. Their video icons will still be visible on the right side of your screen.

Meta has been focused on bringing new features to expand the use of WhatsApp over the last few months, including instant video messages, channels to follow people and brands, locking your intimate chats, editing sent messages, Wear OS integration and the ability to use WhatsApp across multiple phones and move your messages to a new phone.

Read more: Best Phone to Buy for 2023

Google Messages will now be encrypted by default when messaging between Android devices, the company said in a blog post Tuesday.

Previously, it was an option to encrypt your Google Messages, but now it’s set to default. This means that when sending texts between two Android devices, including in group chats, outside actors won’t be able to view or monitor your messages. Encrypted messaging is already the default on services like WhatsApp, Signal, Telegram and Apple’s iMessage.

Unfortunately, text messages between iPhone and Android users still lack this encryption. That’s because Apple uses iMessage as the default messaging app, which isn’t available on Android. For encrypted messaging between Android and iPhone, it’s best to use a third-party instant messaging app instead.

Read more: Pixel 7 Pro Review: Google’s Best Flagship Phone Gets Better

Google’s push to make Messages encrypted by default is part of a campaign to get the larger phone industry on board with RCS, or rich communication services. In the early days of cellphone communication, standard SMS text messages were an easy way to communicate without having to jump on a phone call. But as people’s needs became more dynamic, with longer posts, images and videos, SMS didn’t have the baked-in infrastructure to handle these demands. It’s why Apple moved away from standard messages to iMessage in 2011, where larger messages and files could go through its servers. To make the transition easy, Apple made iMessage the default app on iPhones, allowing it to handle both iMessages and standard text messages.

This has meant, however, that those messaging iPhone users from non-Apple devices don’t have their messages encrypted, nor are they able to share pictures or jump into group chats as easily. Their messages also appear in green bubbles.

Still, SMS needs to be phased out. RCS is a standard that Google, Samsung and phone carriers are on board with. Apple has been holding out, citing a lack of incentive or demand from its users. And in court filings revealed during the Apple vs. Epic Games trial, we learned that iMessage is a core reason why people don’t switch from iPhone.

It’s not until you try one that you realize projectors can be awesome outdoors. The best portable projectors are easy to set up in any room of your house or in the great outdoors (or at least your great outdoors). If you’re wondering about picture quality, I’d say fret not, because projectors have come a long way.

Whether you project onto a blank wall or a projector screen, you can capture the picture quality you crave without getting weighed down. They also offer a handful of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, HDMI and Bluetooth, and typically run on batteries. Many mini projectors can give you access to Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, Hulu and other streaming services without you having to connect a streaming device or laptop.

Portable projectors do come with some drawbacks, though. One is that many are relatively dim, lacking the brightness of a traditional home theater projector. Meaning they can’t project as large an image as the big guys. Another is that most portable projectors, especially the cheapest ones, often have lower resolution than their larger counterparts, especially 4K projectors. If you’re never going to be far from an outlet, a standard projector will get you a much bigger, brighter and better image for similar money. But if you want something compact, portable and maybe battery-powered, here are our top picks for the best mini projector.

Other products we’ve tested

Anker Nebula Solar Portable: We didn’t like the Solar Portable as much as the BenQ GS50, Xgimi Halo Plus or even its sibling, the Mars II Pro. Its main disadvantage compared to others on this list is its relatively dim image, which means it can’t project as large a picture and still look good. If you want a sleek, budget-friendly portable with 1080p and plan on keeping the image on the small side, however, this is a solid choice. Read our Anker Nebula Solar Portable review.

BenQ GS50: The GS50 is roughly the same size as the Xgimi Halo Plus, and is also 1080p and has a built-in battery. You can even use it as a Bluetooth speaker. However, it’s dimmer than the Xgimi Halo Plus for similar money. Read our BenQ GS50 review.

LG CineBeam PH30N: The LG PH30N is tiny even compared to other portable projectors, even smaller than the AAXA. It’s not particularly bright, however, nor does it have built-in apps. The battery doesn’t last as long as the AAXA either although it is a bit cheaper. Read our LG CineBeam PH30N review.

Samsung Freestyle: The small, cylindrical Freestyle is an interesting idea, but it comes up short. About the size of a Bluetooth speaker, and in fact can double as one, the Freestyle can pivot on its stand to project an image at any height on walls and even the ceiling. Its built-in streaming is far better implemented than most portable projectors. However, it lacks a battery and its performance is average, at best. Worse, its price is a good 50% higher than it should be based on how it looks and performs. Read our Samsung Freestyle review.

Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2: Another relatively expensive small projector we didn’t love, the Xiaomi at least has a gorgeous, Apple-like design going for it. We appreciated the compact size, 1080p resolution and built-in Android TV streaming, but the cons outweigh the pros. It’s relatively dim, especially for the price, and it lacks both a built-in battery and compatibility with a USB power source, so it’s not truly portable. Read our Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 review.

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K: Since it has a handle and a compact size, the Cosmos Laser 4K is technically portable, but it’s hardly mini at more than 10 pounds. There’s also no battery so you’ll need to plug it in. It’s nice and bright, but the other downsides — lack of zoom, average overall image quality and a steep price for what you get — keep it off this list. Read our Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K Projector review.

BenQ HT2050A: The HT2050 isn’t technically a portable projector at all, but it is compact and roughly the same price as one of the more expensive “portable” options. Its picture is also much better in pretty much every way, so if you’re looking for a projector for use around the home, or maybe backyard, and you don’t need battery power, it’s worth considering. Read our BenQ HT2050A review.

How we test portable projectors

Every projector we review goes through elaborate objective and subjective testing. CNET editors pick the products and services we write about based on editorial merit. When you buy through our links, we may get a commission.

Read more: How CNET Tests Projectors

With a family that includes a pre-toddler, I shop for supplies at Target weekly, sometimes multiple times a week, either in the store near me or online. But I didn’t always know about the retail giant’s loyalty program, Target Circle. Now when I shop, I first browse the Target app to check out offers, see how much money I’ve earned to use toward my purchase and download digital coupons.

If you’ve never used Target Circle, it’s easy to sign up and it’s free to use. There are some great perks that come with being a rewards program member — for instance, exclusive offers and savings.

I’ll explain how Target Circle works to save you money and how you can earn cash back while you shop — without a credit card. For more, check out these four ways to save on your next Target shopping spree.

What is Target Circle?

Target Circle is the retailer’s loyalty program, which lets you earn 1% cash back on all your purchases at Target. The program includes personalized offers and digital coupons that you wouldn’t normally get without being a Circle member.

Target Circle benefits

Having a Target Circle membership gets you benefits and deals that other shoppers don’t get. Here’s what they are.

• 1% earnings on every purchase you make at Target. You can use any cashback on future purchases. Even better: If you have a Target RedCard, you can earn 5% cash back.
• Birthday gift of 5% off your purchase.
• Digital coupons for specific store categories — 20% off baby clothes, for example, and 10% off beauty products.
• Personalized bonus offers — for example, you may get a deal that lets you make two qualifying purchases of $60 or more to earn a $10 reward in Target Circle earnings.

You can use up to 75 offers at once. Note that all offers and earnings have an expiration date, so make sure you use them before it’s too late.

How to sign up for Target Circle

If you regularly shop at Target, there’s really no reason not to sign up for its loyalty program. To sign up, visit target.com/circle and click Create account, then provide your email address, name and phone number. You’ll also create a password at this time.

How to use Target Circle rewards

Once you’ve got a Target Circle account, you can begin using it at any time. Make sure you’ve activated any offers and coupons before you head to checkout. If you’re in the store, you just need to enter your phone number on the keypad at checkout or scan your Target Circle barcode.

If you forget to enter your phone number at checkout, enter the receipt numbers on the Target Circle dashboard or use the app to scan the barcode.

If you’re shopping online, just make sure you’re signed in to your account before checking out. You should see all your discounts applied in your cart.

How to redeem Target Circle earnings

After making purchases, you earn 1% cash back that you can use on future trips to the store. There’s no purchase minimum to redeem your earnings, and you can use them at any time on anything you’d like.

To redeem them in-store, head to the Wallet section in the Target app or online. Toggle the switch next to Target Circle earnings. It’ll show you how much you have available to use on a purchase. You’ll then select the box next to your earnings and click Save. Note that your earnings will expire if they aren’t redeemed within one year.

If using online, you’ll be given the option at checkout to apply your earnings.

Bonus: You can even use your Target Circle earnings at Starbucks inside Target.

Get these deals through these Target partners

Target has partnered with several other companies to give Circle rewards members additional deals. Here’s what they are.

• Apple News free for three months.
• Tripadvisor Plus free for one year.
• MLS season pass free for one month.
• AppleTV Plus free for three months.
• Apple Arcade free for three months.
• Apple Fitness Plus free for four months.
• Apple Music free for three months.
• iCloud Plus free for three months.
• Earn Ultimate Rewards when you buy Ulta Beauty products.

For more Target shopping tips, here’s a Target clearance cheat sheet to help you get more and spend less. Also, if you’re interested in Target’s RedCard, read this.