Microsoft’s Office suite of apps offers industry-standard productivity tools and an essential part of any computer user’s arsenal. It’s used by businesses, schools and individuals around the world, and for word processing, spreadsheets, mail and more, it’s probably an Office app you’re going to want to use. You’ve probably used Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook before, but Office apps aren’t always included with computer purchases, and getting access on your own can carry a hefty price tag.
There is a barebones freebie version of Office out there, but assuming that basic version of Office won’t work for you (see below), your options essentially come down to paying a rolling monthly or yearly fee for a Microsoft 365 subscription or opting instead for a one-time Office license with the full panoply of apps, which typically costs as much as $430. But for a limited time, StackSocial is offering a Microsoft Office 2021 license for just $40. That’s over 80% off its usual price. Better yet, this license, which is available for either Windows or Mac, is a one-time purchase that grants you unlimited access with no recurring charges.
Now, a deal this good comes with some caveats. First, this key is good only for a single computer, so you won’t be able to install it on various machines in your home, and if your current computer happens to die, you could run into a snag when trying to transfer it. Likewise, you’re passing up on other benefits you’d get as a 365 subscriber. You won’t get any OneDrive Cloud Storage, nor will you get the fancy new cloud-based AI features like Microsoft Copilot. And while the apps should continue to work as long as your computer does, Microsoft’s support for this version of Office ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
To that last point: Though this is listed as a “lifetime license” — that is, the lifetime of the computer you installed it on — it’s worth noting there’s always a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license. But versions of Stack’s deal have been running for more than a year — the one we bought in early 2022, for instance, still works fine. At this cost, it takes a little over four months for you to get a full return on the investment compared with buying the subscription, so the risk factor isn’t super high here.
WhatsApp is a messaging app with big plans. A new feature, WhatsApp Channels, is coming to the encrypted messaging service, Meta-owned WhatsApp announced Thursday.
Channels is a “one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls,” the social media giant said in a statement. You’ll be able to use a searchable directory to select channels to follow and can choose to follow channels for your favorite sports teams, hobbies or updates from local officials.
How Channels will work on WhatsApp
Channels will appear on a new tab within WhatsApp labeled Updates, separate from regular chats. Admins won’t be able to add followers to their channels, so you can’t be forced into receiving updates from any groups.
“Channels will aspire to be the most private broadcast messaging product available and will come with the strong privacy protections people expect from WhatsApp,” Meta’s statement said, noting that Channel history will only be available for 30 days, after which it will disappear automatically.
Phone numbers and profile photos of channel admins also won’t be shared with followers, and following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or to other followers.
Who will be on WhatsApp Channels?
A promotional video calls Channels “a private way to follow all topics you care about,” displaying such topics as “carpentry tips,” “traffic” and “weather.”
Partners at launch will include the soccer teams FC Barcelona and Manchester City, as well as the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization.
“We also believe there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness,” the statement said.
When will WhatsApp Channels arrive?
A representative for WhatsApp didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on when exactly the new feature will arrive, but the Meta statement says that Channels will be first available in Colombia and Singapore before arriving in other countries.
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It’s already been a busy year for smartphone launches. Samsung kicked off 2023 with the Galaxy S23 lineup, and Google introduced the Pixel 7A and Pixel Fold at its developer conference in May. But as we approach the second half of 2023, there should be even more to look forward to, especially if you’re interested in foldable phones.
Though it’s hard to predict exactly what’s in store for the phone industry, it’s possible to make some educated guesses since many companies stick to the same launch routine. The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September, possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. Samsung is holding its next Unpacked event in late July, meaning we may see new Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold devices soon. Google’s rumored Pixel 8 could launch in the fall, likely with a new Tensor processor.
Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 14 lineup.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Apple’s new iPhone family usually launches in September, and we have no reason to believe 2023 will be any different. The adoption of USB-C charging is one of the biggest changes we’re expecting to see on Apple’s next-generation iPhones.
The European Union recently mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024. Apple said it would comply with these rules but did not specify whether that means we’ll see a shift to USB-C starting in 2023. It’s also not confirmed if a USB-C iPhone would get a global release, or if it would remain solely a European model.
Otherwise, we’re likely to see routine changes such as some camera upgrades and a new processor. TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for making pretty accurate predictions about upcoming Apple products, tweeted that Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15.
It already made a step in that direction with the iPhone 14 generation by keeping features like the Dynamic Island and new A16 Bionic processor exclusive to the Pro line. What’s more interesting, however, is the idea that Apple could further differentiate the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, according to Kuo.
The main difference between the regular Pro and Pro Max comes down to screen size. Giving the Pro Max some extra perks could further convince shoppers to splurge on Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also believes Apple could change the name of the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in the future to better align with other products like the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.
Watch this: The Most Exciting Phones I Want to See in 2023
07:28
OnePlus Foldable Phone
OnePlus teased its first foldable phone, but hasn’t provided concrete details yet.
Eli Blumenthal/CNET
What we’re expecting: OnePlus plans to launch its first foldable phone in the second half of 2023, the company said before its event at Mobile World Congress in February. Unfortunately, we don’t know much else. The company has yet to announce any details about the device itself, precisely when it plans to launch the phone, or how much it could cost.
Why we’re excited about it: Like Google, OnePlus has a reputation for beating Samsung and Apple on price. That makes me hopeful that OnePlus’ foldable phone will be significantly less expensive than the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Oppo Find N2 from OnePlus’ sister brand has also been well received, with CNET’s Sareena Dayaram calling it the lightest foldable she’s ever carried, so there’s a chance OnePlus could follow in its sibling’s footsteps. Plus, it’ll be nice to see Samsung face more competition in this space.
Google Pixel 8 lineup
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: Rumors have already started to surface about what to expect from the Pixel 8 family, which is expected to arrive this fall. German tech blog WinFuture reports that it found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.
Prolific leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer also partnered with the tech blogs MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to publish what are said to be renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Based on these images, both phones will have a similar design with softer edges compared to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Why I’m excited about it: There haven’t been many rumors about the expected Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means there isn’t too much to get excited about yet. But what I’m most interested in is what new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Even though foldable phones are still new to most people, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. The next version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid could have a slot for storing Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a lighter design and a less noticeable crease, according to Korean news outlet The Elec. The report didn’t definitively say the Z Fold 5 will have these improvements, but did say Samsung has cited them as barriers that must be overcome to make foldable phones more popular.
Other more recent reports from The Elec, ET News and well-known leaker Ice Universe suggest Samsung could implement a water drop-shaped hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. That new hinge would likely help with minimizing the device’s crease and thickness.
Otherwise, we can probably expect to see routine improvements to the camera and processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also added some new multitasking features to the Z Fold 4 this year, such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the screen as a mini trackpad when the display is folded halfway. So there’s a chance we’ll see other software enhancements in the future, too.
Samsung’s next Unpacked event will take place in Seoul, South Korea in late July, and we’re expecting to see new foldables since the company typically releases Fold and Flip devices around that time.
Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs a lot more than an included S Pen to bring foldables into the mainstream. But making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience could go a long way in further defining who the Z Fold is for and why it exists in the first place. Samsung is promoting the Z Fold 5 as a productivity-oriented device, so having an embedded S Pen seems like a natural move. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are both compatible with the S Pen, but they must be purchased separately.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The new Galaxy Z Flip 4 looks nearly identical to last year’s Z Flip 3.
Patrick Holland/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung’s next flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less noticeable crease, according to Ross Young, cofounder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Ross recently tweeted that the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display measuring around 3 inches and a new hinge design that could make the crease more subtle. That would represent a sizable increase from the current Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. Like with the Z Fold 5, there’s a chance we’ll see general improvements to camera quality and software as well as a new processor.
Why I’m excited about it: Enlarging the cover screen would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings, while making it more competitive with the new Motorola Razr Plus. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the Z Flip 4, the cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.
Overall
It seems like some of the biggest improvements we’re expecting to see across the board on new smartphones in 2023 will have to do with battery and charging improvements, as well as camera and design upgrades. We’ll know more throughout the year as more reports and rumors arrive, and as Samsung, Apple and Google actually debut their devices.
If you’re trying to decide between Apple’s AirPods 3 and its AirPods Pro 2, the biggest questions are whether you want active noise cancellation in a noise-isolating design or open earbuds that don’t require you to jam silicone ear tips into your ears. Yes, there’s a price difference — the AirPods Pro 2 sell for about $200 online while the AirPods 3 cost about $150. But with only about $50 separating the two AirPods models, it’s probably more important to focus on those key differences rather than dwelling too much on their price.
Apple has bridged the gap between its Pro and regular AirPods by upgrading the AirPods 3’s design — it now looks more like the Pro’s design minus the silicone ear tips — and giving it the same IPX4 splash-proof water resistance rating. Additionally, the AirPods 3, like the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, also have Apple’s spatial audio with head-tracking feature.
But there are still certain benefits you can only get on the $249 AirPods Pro 2, the biggest being active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Multiple ear tip sizes, the ability to swipe up and down to control music volume and ultra wideband support are also exclusive to the Pro 2. But noise cancellation will likely make the biggest impact in everyday use, and it’s the most important factor to consider.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3
AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 3
Price (USD)
$249
$169 (Lightning case)
Price (UK)
249
179 (Lightning case)
Price (AU)
AU$399
AU$279 (Lightning case)
Weight (earbuds)
0.19 ounce
0.15 ounce
Audio features
Active noise cancellation, Adaptive transparency, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Audio technology
Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, vent system for pressure equalization
Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier
The biggest difference in terms of design is that the $169 AirPods don’t have interchangeable silicone tips like the AirPods Pro 2, which include four sizes to choose from. The AirPods 3 are also lighter than the AirPods Pro 2 at 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) versus 0.19 ounce (5.3 grams).
The AirPods 3 and new AirPods Pro share some similarities when it comes to design, although it’s very easy to tell them apart. The AirPods Pro 2’s stems, for example, are noticeably shorter than those on the AirPods 3. But both models are sweat and water resistant, which could make them more appealing than the $129 regular AirPods for those who want to wear them during exercise.
The third-generation AirPods.
David Carnoy/CNET
The case for the AirPods 3 sort of looks like a cross between the case for the standard AirPods and that of the AirPods Pro. It’s much shorter and wider than the entry-level AirPods case, but it’s not as wide as the holster for the AirPods Pro. You can also charge the case for the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro via Apple’s wireless MagSafe charger, or by plugging it in with a Lightning cable. But you’ll have to pay an extra $10 to get the MagSafe wireless charging case bundled with the AirPods 3. The MagSafe-compatible case for the AirPods Pro 2 also has a lanyard loop, unlike the AirPods 3’s case.
The second-generation AirPods Pro’s case also has another capability: ultra wideband support. That essentially means the case has a built-in AirTag for easier location tracking.
Watch this: AirPods Pro 2 Review: Hard to Beat for Apple Users
10:21
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Audio
The AirPods Pro 2 have active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
David Carnoy/CNET
You’ll still have to splurge on Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds to get active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Since the second-generation AirPods Pro have Apple’s new H2 chip, they can cancel up to twice as much noise as the previous AirPods Pro, according to Apple’s claims. Transparency Mode has also gotten an upgrade on the second-generation model. The new chip can reduce loud noises from your surroundings when in Transparency Mode, which should make sounds like a passing vehicle seem less jarring.
That new H2 chip also brings improved audio to the AirPods Pro 2, further distinguishing them from the AirPods 3. As my colleague David Carnoy wrote in his review, the H2’s computational power helps the AirPods Pro process a broader range of frequencies.
You’ll also get swipe controls for managing volume levels on the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 3 just have Apple’s force sensors, which you can press to skip ahead, pause music or answer calls.
But both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have dynamic spatial audio and adaptive EQ. The former is essentially virtual surround sound, while the latter adjusts the sound to your ears.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Battery life
The AirPods 3 (pictured) and AirPods Pro 2 offer similar battery life.
David Carnoy/CNET
Battery life is similar for both models, although there are some slight differences. Both earbuds should provide up to 6 hours of listening time, according to Apple’s claims. But you’ll get 5.5 hours of battery life when using spatial audio and head tracking on the AirPods Pro 2, while the AirPods 3 offer slightly shorter 5-hour battery life with that surround sound feature enabled. Apple also claims the AirPods Pro 2 provides 4.5 hours of talk time, while the AirPods 3 offer up to 4 hours.
The case for both earbuds should provide up to 30 hours of listening time, says Apple. But when it comes to talk time, you can expect to get 24 hours from the AirPods Pro 2’s case and 20 hours from the AirPods 3’s case. Five minutes in each case is expected to replenish around one hour of listening time or roughly 1 hour of talk time.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: How to choose
The AirPods Pro 2 are for those who want active noise cancellation, better audio and a more customizable fit. You’ll also get some other perks, like the ability to track them down more easily should they get lost, thanks to the U1 chip. The AirPods 3 are a more suitable choice if you don’t care about noise cancellation and prefer earbuds with an open design (and yes, they cost about $50 less, so they do offer some appeal to those on tighter budgets). At the same time, the AirPods 3 still have more to offer than the AirPods 2, which lack features like water resistance, adaptive EQ and spatial audio with head-tracking.
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
Note that while Apple has discontinued the , they’ll remain on sale until supplies are exhausted. However, most people should get this newer model if they can afford it. The AirPods Pro 2 continue to see small discounts, dipping to as low as $223 during Amazon’ Early Access Prime event in October.
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling NoMultipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Take one look at the new design of the third-gen AirPods, and the first thing you’ll probably think is: “Those look like the AirPods Pro without ear tips.” You wouldn’t be wrong. While they’re more fraternal than identical twins, the AirPods 3 are shaped like the AirPods Pro, with the same shorter stems and same pinch controls as those of the Pro. Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It’s much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.
Samsung plans to hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event in its home country for the first time next month, the Korean electronics giant announced late Tuesday.
Samsung’s 27th Unpacked launch event will take place in Seoul in late July, the company said in a statement that indicated it would unveil its next generation of foldable devices. This could include the expected Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5.
In the past, Samsung has usually chosen to unveil its new lineup of devices in cities such as New York and Barcelona. The company is rumored to have plans for separate launch events in the US and Canada, but Samsung hasn’t yet announced any additional Unpacked events.
Foldable phones have garnered a lot of attention in recent years, though they’ve yet to hit the breakout moment when they graduate from being a novelty device. But they do appear to be picking up steam: In just the last few weeks, Google announced its first foldable phone, called the Pixel Fold, and Motorola unveiled the new Razr Plus and Razr.
“The foldable category embodies Samsung’s philosophy of delivering breakthrough innovation that pushes boundaries to reshape the future of mobile experiences,” TM Roh, the head of the mobile experience business at Samsung, said in a statement.
With the release last year of the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung’s current flagship foldable, the company took a step in the right direction in its quest to win over consumers’ interest and wallets, CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco wrote earlier this month.
She praised the device’s fine-tuned design, improved nighttime photography and longer battery life. But she still has a wish list of improvement suggestions she thinks will make Samsung’s foldable more attractive.
Eadicicco suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 5 needs a bigger cover screen and could add more functionality to Flex Mode, which taps into the phone’s ability to bend and fold in different ways.
Samsung didn’t announce a specific date for the event or tease specific products expected to be announced, but perhaps a new Galaxy Z Flip will be unveiled that taps these suggestions. You can expect CNET to be on hand for the event with all the details, commentary and expert insight.
Microsoft makes plenty of Windows laptops for those wanting to keep everything in one ecosystem. And right now, Best Buy is giving you the opportunity to save as much as $300 on Microsoft’s latest Surface Laptop 5, with discounts across a variety of configurations for a limited time. The entry-level model is down to $900, a $100 price cut, with higher-spec and larger screen variants seeing even greater savings.
In our Surface Laptop 5 review, CNET’s Lori Grunin found the machine to be a solid, if unremarkable, laptop for most folks. It provides a decent option for those not needing to spend over the odds on a flashy or super-powerful machine, while being able to handle all of the day-to-day computing needs of an average PC user.
The models on sale include both 13.5- and 15-inch variants to suit your size preference, as well as a mix of internal specifications. Cheaper models sport an Intel i5 processor, with better i7 processors available for a little more cash. RAM starts at 8GB and can be configured as high as 32GB on the larger model, with solid-state storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
Both sizes offer a touchscreen and support Dolby Vision IQ picture quality and Dolby Atmos audio, so it’s great for streaming shows and movies. The Surface Laptop 5 comes with Windows 11 installed and is designed to handle Xbox cloud gaming right out of the box, though an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is sold separately. And you can expect battery life of up to 18 hours with mixed usage (we managed to get just under 10 hours out of it in our streaming video testing).
New features are coming to Apple’s Messages thanks to the iOS 17 software update Apple revealed on Monday. But you’ll have to wait to get your hands on it (unless you’re a developer). With iOS 17, you’ll be able to turn pictures into stickers, transcribe voice memos, keep your friends and family notified on your way home, and more.
News about the iOS 17 Messages update came during the keynote address at the Worldwide Developers Conference at the company’s headquarters in Cupertino, California. Apple traditionally uses the annual event to give developers a preview of updates to its desktop and mobile software, and sometimes it introduces new hardware too. On Monday, the company unveiled its first mixed reality headset, the Vision Pro.
The update to Messages will be part of iOS 17, which will arrive this fall. With the new features, people will be able to take their photos and turn them into stickers they use in text conversations, alongside standard emoji, which can also be used as stickers. People can customize their stickers with effects — like shiny, puffy, comic and outline — and keep them in a new drawer in the keyboard for streamlined access, Apple said in a press release. Stickers will be available systemwide, including in third-party apps.
To make a photo into a sticker, you’ll touch and hold an object in a photo. Then you can style your object with various effects, outline it or create animated Live Stickers with Live Photos. To use the sticker in Messages, you’ll add them in the bubble from the Tapback menu.
Watch this: Apple Reveals iOS 17
16:43
Search in Messages, Check In and more
Also coming is a refined search feature. People will be able to apply additional filters to their Messages search to more quickly find the exact conversation they’re looking for. Plus, when you’ve received lots of texts in a group chat, you’ll be able to use the catch-up arrow to locate where the conversation left off last.
iOS 17 Messages will also transcribe voice memos you receive, if you don’t have the time to listen to them. Apple also announced a new feature that will let you keep track of your friends by viewing their location in your text conversation.
Apple’s Check In feature through iOS 17.
Screenshot by CNET
Another new location sharing feature is Check In. If you want to keep a friend or family member updated on your journey home, for example, you’ll be able to use Check In, which notifies the person of your whereabouts and lets them know if you’re having trouble getting home. “If they are not making progress toward their destination, useful information will be temporarily shared with the selected contact, such as the device’s location, battery level, and cell service status,” Apple said in the press release. Check In will be end-to-end encrypted, so only you and the person you’re sharing this information with is privy to your location.
The iOS 17 updates don’t stop at Messages. Apple also introduced Live Voicemail, which will give people the ability to see the message a person is leaving you as it is being recorded. This could help with deciphering between important calls that unknown numbers leave and spam.
The iOS 17 update for FaceTime includes audio and video messages, so people can leave their friends and families a FaceTime voicemail of sorts.
Also, if people want to share a contact with one another, they can use the new feature NameDrop. By bringing two iPhones or one iPhone and one Apple Watch close together, contact information can be transferred from one device to the next.
Huge library that covers any era and viewers of all ages
Striking, eye-catching interface
Larger selection of 4K titles
Watch HBO shows as they air
Kids’ content lineup and parental control features
Don’t like
Glitchy user experience
Missing episodes from popular TV shows
High price, even with ads
Max is here. The refashioned streaming service replaces HBO Max and boasts more than 35,000 hours of content with a library twice as big as its predecessor. Blending Discovery Plus titles with the former HBO Max, the revamped service showcases the depth of the Warner Bros. catalog as befits a company that’s been in the entertainment business for 100 years.
HBO has long been considered prestige television with shows like The Sopranos, Game of Thrones and Succession. Warner Bros. Discovery chose to drop HBO from Max’s new name in favor of magnifying all of its brands and broadening its appeal to a larger audience — including kids. (It already has a top spot on our list of the best streaming services for kids.)
Merging all this content under one roof gives the platform a leg up on its biggest rivals: Netflix and Disney Plus. That said, Max is on the pricier side with a starting rate of $10 per month to watch with ads, going up to $20 if you want 4K and more streams.
If you already get access to Max for free, such as with an HBO cable subscription, you should definitely keep it. At the time of this writing, Max still has to work out some bugs with how the app functions to make streaming more seamless. But the breadth of the platform’s catalog and video quality makes it worth having, especially if you’re comfortable paying more money for a streaming service. You can always split the cost with someone outside your household and share your streams. And if you’re someone who only wants to stream Discovery Plus, it’s still available as a separate app.
Prices for Max subscriptions are the same as the old HBO Max: With ads, it’s $10 per month ($100 annually) and ad-free is $16 a month ($150 annually). But the new Ultimate ad-free plan is $20 monthly and will be the only subscription to offer 4K content and Dolby Atmos on select movies and shows. For now, features like 4K access and Dolby Vision will be accessible during the first six months of Max’s launch for legacy customers with the $16 ad-free plan.
Max subscription plans
Ad-Lite
Ad-Free
Ultimate (ad-free)
Monthly price
$10
$16
$20
Number of screens you can watch at the same time
2
2
4
Number of offline downloads
0
30
100
HD available
Yes
Yes
Yes
4K Ultra HD available
No
No
Yes
Though most of the major streaming platforms have raised prices, Max remains among the most expensive services. Its pricing is comparable to Netflix for the ad-free experience, but at least you can still share your password without paying extra. We spent time testing all three subscription tiers and noted any differences between Max and the previous version of the app. Each plan offers something different.
Max’s stable of TV shows and movies is its power
Max has a hefty catalog that carries a range of films and TV series across multiple genres, and there is something for every age group in your household. The marriage between the HBO Max library and Discovery Plus serves up a selection of food, drama, comedy, animation, crime, superheroes, nature docs and lifestyle. In addition to HBO titles and Max originals, you’ll find DC, Studio Ghibli, CNN, Sesame Street, Looney Toons, Food Network, Magnolia Network, TLC, TCM, The CW and more — including the massive vault of Warner Bros. film and TV shows that spans a century. Only some things from Discovery Plus are on the platform though — namely the most popular content.
Warner Bros. Discovery says it will roll out “40 new titles and seasons every month” on the service. At launch, the service debuted new Max originals like Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai and SmartLess: On The Road, along with HBO originals such as Reality (starring Sydney Sweeney). The catalog will continue to expand in the coming months, including platform exclusives.
Gizmo has an original series on Max that’s perfect for the whole family.
Max
The Justice League lives here with other DC properties, and Discovery’s stash of documentaries and reality TV shows is a click away. HBO favorites like Succession, The White Lotus, The Last of Us and House of the Dragon are available to stream as they air live on the cable network, with new episodes arriving each week. And you can still stream TCM classics such as Dirty Harry and National Lampoon’s Vacation on the platform.
Max’s offerings for kids are a highlight of the service, with plenty to stream from Elmo, Cartoon Network, Scooby Doo, Lego, DC, all versions of Teen Titans and a host of originals. That includes preschool content like Blippi, family movies and teen-friendly TV shows, animation and film franchises.
While exploring the content, I noticed missing episodes for some shows like Regular Show, which is a staple in my household. Steven Universe is seemingly intact, but other series like Amazing World of Gumball, Impractical Jokers and We Bare Bears are not. It’s unclear whether this is a temporary bug, a licensing matter or if Max is in the process of removing more content.
On HBO Max, there were less than 40 movies and TV shows available to stream in 4K HDR. If you have the Ultimate plan and a device that supports 4K, you’ll be able to stream more than 1,000 titles, including Avatar: The Way of Water, House of the Dragon, Dune, The Wizard of Oz, Goodfellas, And Just Like That…, Euphoria and all the Harry Potter films. If you type “4K” in the search bar, 27 shows and movies pop up, but you should look for the format in the title’s description.
Warner Bros. Discovery said the 4K lineup might change, but you can find a list of what was available at launch by visiting this page. Be aware the company will continue to remove titles from the Max service as part of its cost-cutting strategy.
Before I dive into the experience of using Max, you should know my early testing was filled with glitches. Max arrived on May 23, days before Memorial Day weekend — prime time for streaming. I spent more than a week getting acquainted with Max, learning its strengths and flaws while comparing it to its previous incarnation and its competitors.
There were some hiccups. Just switching from the old purple HBO Max app on my Roku stick and Amazon Fire TV device to the new blue Max app was filled with frustration. And even after my week-long jaunt into Max, its performance was still less than smooth. Some of the glitches were minor e.g. a show host’s picture didn’t match the name in the description. Others, such as the TV app freezing and eventually kicking me out or some particularly wonky navigation, were more of an issue. For example, I found myself in a seemingly endless scroll of titles trying to reach the screen’s bottom, when suddenly the selector box got cut off, the app froze and my TV screen turned into a blue abyss.
But at least my profiles, watch list and Continue Watching rows all migrated without a hitch. I didn’t lose any playback progress for movies and shows that I stopped, either. And despite the bugs, the video quality on Max is top-notch. The phone app experience was considerably better, too. Max is actively working out any kinks on all platforms based on customer feedback, so the overall experience should get smoother. We’ll update this review with any progress in a month or two.
I kept losing my place when scrolling up and down rows of content.
Max/Screenshot by CNET
User interface and navigation experience
For the most part, Max appears and operates similarly to HBO Max and other streamers like Hulu and Netflix. As promised, the rebranded service comes with some improvements and big changes to the user experience. The purple is gone (I miss it, and you may too), but even with the color palette switching to blue — like Paramount Plus, Disney Plus and Sling TV — the TV app is still crisp. The phone version seems darker but is still easy to follow. Among the added enhancements are an expanded set of profile avatars with more than 350 options, a default kid’s profile for new accounts and optimized personalization.
Navigation icons on Max’s phone app are at the bottom of a show’s title page.
Max/Screenshot by CNET
Changes to the home screen, navigation and content organization are noticeable. The top rail has five tabs: Home, TV series, Movies, HBO and “New & Notable.” The prominent placement of the HBO tab is helpful as a direct path to finding all releases — new or old — from the network and a plus for those who only care a little about the Discovery Plus library.
On TVs, a new side panel has only three icons: Home, Search and My Stuff. The latter quickly took me to my Continue Watching section and watch list. On the phone app, this panel is located at the bottom and has a download icon if your plan includes them.
The top row on Max is Continue Watching (if you have one), followed by personal recommendations curated by the app and then My List (if you added titles). The home screen will become more personalized over time as the app learns your habits. In fact, all menu sections beyond the home page, such as Series and Movies, will become more personalized the more you use them.
The old hub layout on HBO Max (left) versus the new format on Max.
Max/Screenshot by CNET
Scrolling down the home screen reveals Warner Bros. Discovery’s content brand hubs — all 18 of them — including HBO, TLC, HGTV, DC, Max Originals, Kids & Family or Ghibli. One obvious difference is the row of genre tiles is now located all the way at the bottom of the home screen. It’s inconvenient as you need to scroll past all the other rows, including Max’s curated collections, to get to them. You can use the app’s search to find them, but simply putting them higher up on the home page makes more sense to me.
As far as playback, I only experienced a few problems with Max. For example, while streaming one TV show episode, the video kept playing when I tried to rewind a scene, ignoring my command.
Recommendations need time to get to know you
Because Max is an upgrade — or enhanced update — of HBO Max, the streaming service starts from scratch when it comes to recommendations. Your history from HBO Max will not import to the new version, and with all the merged content from Discovery Plus, there’s more to sift through to watch — or skip. The algorithm needs time to learn who you are, and what you like, and will eventually catch up with your preferences, rotating in fresh additions.
Brand new rows of recommendations in Max.
Max/Screenshot by CNET
The brand hubs will help you with the transition from HBO Max to Max, making it easier for customers to find content and fine-tune the recommendation machine. During testing, I noticed not all hubs are solely dedicated to their brands, so you’re likely to find some cross-hub suggestions. It goes deeper than that with related collections and links to other movies or TV series featuring a particular actor. For instance, you can select a Harry Potter cast member or other Warner-owned franchises and be whisked away to the land of Superman, Middle-Earth, The Matrix, James Bond and additional collections.
Using parental controls
I gave the default kid’s profile a spin to get a feel for the experience. It’s preconfigured with access to PG- and TV-PG-rated movies and shows. Parents can adjust the content ratings, and you’re prompted to do so the first time you click on the profile. You can only change the settings from a web browser, though.
Ratings range from little kids — which starts at TV-Y — up to teens, with the most mature options being TV-14 and PG-13. As long as you keep the profile set to Kids Mode, your child will only see age-appropriate content according to the ratings that you choose. If you toggle the kid-proof exit button, a four-digit PIN is required in order to exit the profile. The home screens look different depending on the age and content ratings, so you may want to create separate profiles if you have older kids and little ones in the family.
When I set my kid’s profile for teens, some of the titles that showed up on the home screen included Talladega Nights, Friends, The Big Bang Theory, 50 First Dates, Teen Titans Go! and the Harry Potter collection. Be aware that there’s a wide variety of content under the teen-rating umbrella if you’re a parent who wants to monitor what your child is watching.
On the ad-based plan, the ad load is virtually the same as before, with 3 to 4 minutes of commercials playing per hour of content. When I watched one 90-minute episode of 90 Day Fiancé, I encountered five commercial breaks of various lengths that lasted a total of 3 minutes, 15 seconds. By contrast, when I streamed Shazam 2 (which runs for 2 hours, 10 minutes), the total ad time was just under 2 minutes, including a 25-second preroll.
While using the kid’s profile, I watched one 24-minute episode of Full House with no ads, and it was the same for a short episode of Teen Titans Go. There were no commercials during films either in this profile. Competitor Disney Plus does include ads while streaming in a kid’s profile, though Max and Netflix avoid it. Still, if you can afford the extra $6 a month, go ad-free.
Downloads are only available on ad-free subscriptions, and speeds are fairly quick. It only took me about 35 seconds to download one episode of Barry on my phone, and a little over 3 minutes for The Batman — a movie that runs three hours. You have the option to select video quality for downloads, choosing from “good” for faster speeds, “better” for higher-quality video that uses more data or “best,” which downloads at a slower rate. It’s one of the areas that the Warner Bros. Discovery team worked to improve.
When I tested the app with the premium Ultimate subscription, I noticed the experience was the same as the $16 ad-free version. There’s a short promo reel featuring Max movies and shows that runs before some content, but not all. It played before Shazam!: Fury of the Gods, but not when I streamed an episode of Titans. So, for $4 more, we get two more simultaneous streams, all the 4K content and 100 downloads versus 30.
Summer Game Fest on Thursday showcased some of the big games coming out soon, and the big reveal of the online event was the first look at Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
A sequel to Final Fantasy VII Remake, Rebirth takes place after the events of that game and continues the story of Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Barret, Red XIII and Yuffie as they unravel the mystery surrounding the legendary villain, Sephiroth.
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth will launch in early 2024 for the PS5 and will come on two discs.
Publisher Square Enix also used Thursday’s show to reveal a new Final Fantasy mobile game: Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis. Coming to iPhones and Android phones, Ever Crisis is a chapter-structured RPG taking place during the events of Final Fantasy VII and will include storyline events added from the Final Fantasy VII Remake.
Final Fantasy VII Ever Crisis is available for preregistration on the App Store and Google Play. A closed beta test of the game for Android players will happen July 6-13.
