Samsung makes some of the very best Android devices you’ll find on the market right now, earning spots on our list of the overall best phones and best smartwatches available for 2023. We’ve been impressed by its latest models — the Galaxy S23 series and the Galaxy Watch 5 — but its previous-gen models still have a lot to offer, and right now, you can pick some up at a bargain. Woot is offering up to 58% off Galaxy S22 phones and the Galaxy Watch 4, saving you hundreds compared with the usual list price, along with deals on compatible cases and screen protectors. This sale runs through April 21, but Woot usually has a limited stock, so some items may sell out before then.
The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the largest and most advanced phone you’ll find at this sale. It features a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a 6.8-inch display and an upgraded 5,000-mAh battery and comes with an embedded S Pen stylus. The entry-level Ultra with 128GB of storage has just 8GB of RAM, but models with 256GB or 512GB of storage bump that up to 12GB for speedy performance. Prices start at $748, which saves you a whopping $452 compared to the usual price.
If you don’t need the most advanced model, the Galaxy S22 and the step-up Galaxy S22 Plus are both on sale for $600, saving you $160 and $400, respectively. They feature similar specs, including an AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM and a 50MP rear camera. The main difference is that the S22 Plus has a slightly larger display — 6.6 inches compared the base model’s 6.1 inches — as well as a larger, 4,500 mAh battery. But note that the Galaxy S22 is only available with 256GB of storage.
And phones aren’t the only thing you can pick up on sale right now. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is also a generation old, but still boasts some impressive hardware and features, including fitness and workout tracking, support for apps like YouTube and Spotify, real-time notifications from your phone and more. There are two models on sale right now, and both are equipped with LTE support so you can activate it with a cellular service provider. You can grab the 40 mm model for $145, saving you $155, or upgrade a larger 46 mm display for $180, saving you $250.
Woot also has tons of S22 series cases on sale so you can protect your new phone, with prices starting at just $6. And you can check out our full roundup of all the best phone deals for even more bargains.
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Apple gave us many of the features we’ve been waiting for with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. These include an always-on display and better multitasking thanks to Apple’s Dynamic Island. But there are a few ways Apple could take things further with the iPhone 15, particularly when it comes to the cheaper, non-Pro models.
Samsung frequently trickles high-end features down to cheaper phones over time, and I’d like to see Apple embrace this approach more fully, too. The Dynamic Island, for example, could become a more integral part of the iPhone experience if it arrives on Apple’s more affordable devices. It’s also about time that Apple’s regular iPhones got a refresh rate boost.
Apple typically announces its new iPhones in September and releases them shortly thereafter. Here’s what I’m hoping to see from the iPhone 15 later this year.
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USB-C charging
The iPhone still needs a Lightning cable to charge, but that may not be the case for long.
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The Lightning connector has been around for 10 years, and it’s time for a change. With so many Apple products making the switch to USB-C, there’s never been a bigger need for one charger that powers all devices. Apple currently has four different types of chargers on the market: Lightning (for iPhones, the 2021 iPad, AirPods and a few other accessories), USB-C (for most new iPads and MacBooks), MagSafe (the wireless magnetic charger for iPhones) and MagSafe 3 (the magnetic charger for the 2022 MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro).
Making new iPhones compatible with USB-C instead of Lightning means you could use the same cable to charge your new phone, the Mac and new iPads. There’s a good chance most of your other electronics use USB-C too.
The good news is that a USB-C iPhone may not be very far away. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, confirmed that the company would comply with the European Union’s mandate that all phones sold in the region would need to have a USB-C charging port. He made the comments during an interview at the Wall Street Journal Tech Live conference. Apple has also previously tested USB-C iPhones, according to Bloomberg.
However, Apple has not revealed any specifics about its plans. We don’t know if Apple will begin making the switch to USB-C with the iPhone 15 or if it will wait until the following year, since the new rules require USB-C by the end of 2024. Apple also has not said whether USB-C will be coming to all iPhones or just European models, although analysts expect Apple to make a complete shift to USB-C.
Higher refresh rates on the regular iPhone 15
The iPhone 14 Pro (pictured) has ProMotion, but the regular iPhone 14 doesn’t.
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Starting with last year’s iPhone 13 Pro, Apple added higher refresh rates to the displays on its premium smartphones. The iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have a feature Apple calls ProMotion, which can boost the screen’s refresh rate as high as 120Hz depending on what’s being shown. This results in more fluid scrolling and smoother animations.
It’s a small touch, but one that makes the experience feel more pleasant — as my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the iPhone 13 Pro. While having a high refresh rate isn’t a deal breaker, it’s become standard on most smartphones. Google’s $599 Pixel 7 has a 90Hz refresh rate and Samsung’s $800 Galaxy S22 includes a 120Hz refresh rate, for instance. Even the $450 Galaxy A53 5G has a 120Hz display, making its absence on the $799 iPhone 14 feel even more noticeable.
However, there’s a chance Apple may keep ProMotion exclusive to its high-end smartphones this year. Ross Young, a display industry analyst and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, tweeted in September that he’s not expecting to see this feature on the standard iPhone 15.
More features that use the Dynamic Island
The iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island.
James Martin/CNET
The Dynamic Island, which is available only on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, is essentially a second miniature screen. Instead of getting rid of the notch, Apple gave that space a new purpose by using it to display information from other apps.
For example, you can see music that’s currently playing, timers, and directions in Maps at the top of the screen — eliminating the need to switch between apps. The Dynamic Island makes it easier to multitask on the iPhone 14 Pro, an area in which Apple has traditionally lagged behind Samsung and other Android phones that support split-screen apps.
Now that the Dynamic Island has proven its value, I’d like to see Apple do even more with it next year. It would be interesting to see Apple use this space to make proactive suggestions, like apps that may be useful based on your activity, the time of day or your schedule. Part of the Dynamic Island’s usefulness also depends on what app developers decide to do with it, too. There are already a handful of apps that incorporate the Dynamic Island, such as Pixel Pals, which essentially looks like a Tamagotchi for your iPhone. But I’m hoping to see more practical use cases for the Dynamic Island that make it feel like a more critical part of your phone, similar to the iPhone’s home screen widgets.
If Apple does expand the Dynamic Island’s functionality in the future, there’s a chance you may not need the iPhone 15 to take advantage of it. Instead, Apple could build new Dynamic Island features into its next major software update, which is likely to be called iOS 17.
A smaller notch on the regular iPhone 15
The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (pictured) still have a notch.
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If Apple isn’t going to bring the Dynamic Island to the base iPhone 15, I hope it at least makes the notch less intrusive. The notch hasn’t changed all that much since its debut on the iPhone X in 2017, aside from the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Meanwhile, other smartphone makers like Samsung, Google and OnePlus have found ways to provide edge-to-edge screens on their devices without carving out a large notch for the front-facing camera. Reducing the notch’s size would likely result in more screen space and a more modern look for the iPhone 15.
If Apple does move in this direction, we might have to wait until the iPhone 16 to see it. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities known for his Apple predictions, estimates under-display Face ID and front-facing camera sensors will be coming in 2024.
That said, there are good reasons why the iPhone still has a larger notch than many of its competitors. It mostly comes down to Face ID, which is more sophisticated than the facial recognition systems found on other phones like the Pixel 7, which Google cautions shouldn’t be used for authenticating sensitive data like payment information.
However, if Bloomberg’s often-accurate Mark Gurman is to be believed, Apple will bring the Dynamic Island to all four new iPhone models in 2023.
Reverse wireless charging
Certain Samsung devices have Wireless PowerShare for charging other devices.
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Many Android phones have reverse wireless charging, which is exactly what it sounds like. You can use the back of phones like the Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 to charge other devices, like a smartwatch or earbuds. While it’s likely not a must-have for most people, I can imagine it being very useful for avid AirPods users.
No one likes being stuck on their morning commute with a dead pair of AirPods. Having the option to get just enough juice to make it through my 30-minute train ride by placing my AirPods on the back of my phone for a few minutes could be a game changer. Yes, you’ll have to sacrifice some of your phone’s battery. But if you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll easily be able to charge your phone once you arrive — like the office — it might be worth that tradeoff.
The return of Touch ID
The iPad Air includes Touch ID in the power button.
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While Face ID is convenient in many situations, there are instances in which using your finger to unlock your phone is just more practical. That’s why I’m hoping Touch ID makes a comeback on the iPhone. Maybe you haven’t had time to set up Face ID so that it works with a mask yet, or perhaps you’re just not holding your iPhone at the right angle for Face ID.
Apple clearly sees the value in fingerprint recognition, considering the top button on the latest standard iPad and iPad Air have Touch ID. Doing the same for the iPhone 15 would add more convenience, giving users the choice to use Face ID or Touch ID depending on the situation. Most Android phones have both a fingerprint reader and some form of facial recognition, so it would be great to see iPhone users get the same options.
It’s unclear whether Apple will ever bring Touch ID back to the iPhone. While the analyst Kuo previously predicted that future iPhones would get an under-display fingerprint sensor, he changed his outlook in March 2022. With rumors from Kuo suggesting that Apple may cancel the iPhone SE it had previously planned for 2024, introducing a new iPhone with Touch ID could be more important than ever.
The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max already address many of the previous shortcomings of Apple’s smartphones. The updates I’m hoping to see in the iPhone 15 may not seem revolutionary, but they’re bound to make everyday tasks like charging and unlocking your phone a bit easier.
New iOS features can be fun, but we recommend downloading a beta only on something other than your primary phone, just in case the new software causes issues. Apple also provides beta testers with an app called Feedback, which they can use to notify the company about any issues in the new software. That way, problems can be addressed before general release.
Here are the new features beta testers can try now with iOS 16.5 beta 2.
Apple News gets a Sports tab
The Apple News app launched in 2015, and the first iOS 16.5 beta brought a Sports tab to the app for the first time. The tab can be found in the toolbar across the bottom of your screen when you open the app. Before, the toolbar displayed tabs for Today, News Plus, Audio, Following and Search. The iOS 16.5 beta 1 got rid of the Search tab to make room for the Sports tab.
Ask Siri to start a screen recording
With iOS 16.5 beta 1, you could ask Siri to start a screen recording for you. Prior to that beta, you had to go to add the screen recording tool to your Control Center, then turn on the tool manually. Now asking Siri could save you time, since you won’t have to edit out the beginning and end of your videos where you turn the recording on and off.
There’s no word on when iOS 16.5 will be released to the general public. There’s also no guarantee these beta features will be released with iOS 16.5, or that these will be the only features to come out with the update.
Apple’s phones are some of the best on the market right now, with several iPhone models claiming a spot on our list of the best phones overall for 2023. Their one major drawback is that they’re expensive, with some some high-end models starting north of $1,000. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price to get your hands on one. Both carriers and retailers are offering some great bargains right now, so you can get a sleek new iPhone in your pocket for less.
The CNET team scours the web to bring you the very best carrier and retailer offers on all of Apple’s current iPhone models, whether you want the latest iPhone 14, the budget-friendly 2022 iPhone SE or an older model like the iPhone 13 or 12. We’ll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often for the best prices available.
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Best iPhone deals available now
Find the best deals for models across iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone SE 2022 and older iPhone models below grouped by generation.
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iPhone 14 deals
The iPhone 14 series is Apple’s current flagship line of phones and includes the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and top-spec iPhone 14 Pro Max. Being Apple’s latest and greatest, these phones don’t come cheap, though there are iPhone deals out there to reduce the sticker shock.
The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are available to buy directly from Apple, with delivery and in-store pickup options. You can trade in your old device for up to $600 off your new one and use an Apple Card to get 3% back on your purchase.
Verizon is offering up to $800 off iPhone 14 purchases for both new and existing customers via bill credits when you trade in your old device. Applied over 36 months, the credits require you to take out a new line on Verizon’s One Unlimited for iPhone plan, or one of its 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More plans, or be eligible for an upgrade if you already have a line on a qualifying plan. The One Unlimited for iPhone plan is particularly appealing for those all-in on the Apple ecosystem, as it saves you up to $480 per year with its inclusion of an Apple One family account. Those who switch their existing number over from another carrier will get an added bonus in the form of a $200 Verizon gift card.
Verizon is also offering $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro and $460 off a ninth-gen iPad with the purchase if you’re looking to add even more Apple devices to your collection. Though you’ll need a new line for the tablet as well.
Best Buy isn’t carrying any unlocked models at the moment, but you can save big on carrier models with a trade-in. Both AT&T and Verizon customers can save up to $800, or up to $1,000 for T-Mobile customers, with an eligible trade-in and qualified activation.
New and existing customers buying an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro at AT&T can save as much as $800 with trade-in. To get the discount, buy an iPhone 14 device on a qualifying installment agreement, activate or keep eligible unlimited voice and data wireless service, and hand over your old phone in good working condition. You’ll get $800 in bill credits for trade-ins valued at $130 or higher, and even older and damaged devices valued at just $35 or more will still net you $350 in trade-in credit.
Snag an iPhone 14 and 14 Pro from $0 at T-Mobile with an eligible trade-in and a new line of service. The discount of up to $1,000 is applied via 24 monthly bill credits and requires you to activate a new line of service on a Magenta Max plan. If you don’t want or need a Magenta Max plan, you can still save up to $830 with a trade-in and new line on other qualifying plans. T-Mobile is also offering $700 off a second iPhone with the purchase of your first and activation on a new line of service on a qualifying plan.
Visible isn’t offering any discounts on the new iPhone 14 series, but if you have a phone you want to trade in you can potentially get some value for your old device.
The iPhone 13 may not be Apple’s flagship series anymore, but these are still some super powerful phones worth considering. With the iPhone 14 taking top spot, there are some great iPhone 13 deals to be found right now.
You can trade in your old iPhone and get as much as $600 off the iPhone 13 when you hand over an iPhone 12 or older. You can choose to finance your phone and Apple will apply the value as credit, or you can pay the full amount of the phone and they’ll credit your payment method after receiving the old phone. Also, you’ll get 3% back if you pay with an Apple card.
AT&T is offering iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro devices from just $15 per month on qualifying installment plans without the need to trade in your old phone. The discount saves you up to $190 and is applied as bill credits over 36 months. And while it’s not required to get this deal, AT&T does offer discounts for trade-ins as well.
T-Mobile offers up to $830 in bill credits when you trade in an older iPhone for a newer model, meaning the 128GB iPhone 13 is effectively free for those starting a new line. You can also save $700 on a second iPhone with the purchase of your first and a new line of service on a Magenta Max plan. T-Mobile also has its own trade-in program where existing customers can still save hundreds in exchange for their old phone without a new line of service.
If you’re a new Verizon customer, you can pick up an iPhone 13 for free when adding a new line on any unlimited plan. And if you’re an existing customer who’s eligible for an upgrade, you can still save up to $600 when you trade in your old or damaged device. New customers will also get a free $200 Verizon gift card when switching their existing number over from another carrier. The company is also offering some other bonuses, like a free ninth-gen iPad and $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro with your purchase.
Though it’s no longer the latest model, Apple still sells the iPhone 12 and reduced its price when the iPhone 13 launched in 2021 making for some stellar iPhone deals. It’s a solid upgrade for anyone still using an older iPhone who doesn’t want to spend top dollar.
Apple offers as much as $600 off iPhone purchases with trade-in, though the top discounts are for people trading in iPhone 13 series devices which you’re unlikely to be doing when buying an iPhone 12. That being said, older models like iPhone 11 Pro Max can still net you up to $280 off and select Android phones are also eligible for trade-in.
Verizon is offering $600 off iPhone 12 with a new line on an unlimited plan meaning you can effectively get the 64GB device for free there without the need to hand over your old phone. Verizon is also offering some other bonuses like a free a 9th-gen iPad, $120 off select Apple Watches and $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro, though you’ll need to activate the new devices on a qualifying plan as well.
T-Mobile has a few deals on iPhone 12 right now including as much as $830 off when you trade in your old phone and add a new line. If you don’t have a device to trade in, you can still save up to $215 with a new line on a qualifying plan.
The budget option in Apple’s lineup, the iPhone SE was updated in 2022 but is still targeted squarely at people who want a no-frills iPhone experience. From $429, it’s the affordable device for anyone who wants to stick with a familiar experience.
Best Buy isn’t offering any deals on unlocked models of the iPhone SE at the moment, but the tech retailer has partnered with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, and is offering some ways to save on carrier models. AT&T customers can save $100 with a new line, while T-Mobile customers cans save up to $215 with a new line, and will get an extra $100 for trade-ins. At the moment, there aren’t any deals for Verizon customers, but Best Buy does have its own trade-in program, where you can save up to $650 in exchange for your old phone.
If you prefer to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all the carrier models along with the unlocked one. And if you’re already an iPhone owner looking to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $600 when you trade-in an iPhone 7 or newer. With a base price of $429, that means that you could theoretically get the new SE totally free, though you’re probably going to be trading a phone that gets you $40 to $100 off. If your trade-in doesn’t cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining cost in full, or split it into 24 months of interest-free payments when you use an Apple Card during checkout.
While Verizon deals on upgrading existing lines are pretty slim right now, there is a great offer available if you’re looking to add a new line of service. When you buy an iPhone SE on a new line with any unlimited plan, you can save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount will be applied in the form of monthly credits over a 36-month period, even if you buy the phone outright.
Verizon is also offering some other bonuses like a $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro, $120 off select Apple Watches and a free 9th-gen iPad, though you’ll need to activate the new devices on a qualifying plan as well.
Spectrum is another carrier that has the 2022 iPhone SE available for purchase, though the deals are pretty slim. The only offer available is an extra $100 on top of the estimated value of your device with a qualifying trade-in and a new line of service.
Metro has the best prepaid offer of any retailer or carrier out there at the moment. When you purchase an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number over to Metro’s $60-per-month unlimited data plan, you’ll get an instant $330 rebate. Meaning you’re getting the iPhone SE for a single $100 purchase, rather than discounted via monthly credits. Those who don’t have a number to switch over can still save $100 with the activation of a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you’re looking to purchase your phone outright, this is the best offer you’ll find, though you’ll have to actually go to the store in person to claim it.
Note: Because Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those switching their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.
Visible isn’t offering any discounts on the iPhone SE, but if you have a phone you want to trade in you can potentially get some value for your old device.
While it appears a simple question at first, the best iPhone deal for you might be different from the best iPhone deal for someone else. Apple currently sells eight different iPhone models, so choosing the right one for you means assessing your needs and preferences when it comes to things like design, features, cameras and price.
The current iPhone 14 is going to be the best iPhone for most people as it balances top-tier features with a relatively affordable price (especially with the above deals). It has a bright and clear OLED display, 5G support and cameras that are more than good enough for day-to-day use, and the A15 Bionic chip powering it is a portable powerhouse.
Take the step up to the iPhone 14 Pro line and you’ll get an additional camera lens for macro photography, a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, a brighter display with the new Dynamic Island feature plus a heftier feeling stainless steel construction. It’s the best iPhone for those that want the latest and greatest technology from Apple.
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The outgoing iPhone 13 models are still stellar phones, though, and you can pick up the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini from Apple for a while longer. If value is your main decision driver, the iPhone 12 is also still available from Apple and from carriers with some significant markdowns. Just because these are previous-gen devices, that doesn’t mean they might not be the best iPhone for you with their great displays, cameras and speedy performance making them great value for money. Plus, Apple is great at supporting its older devices with software updates for many years after they are released.
If you want the most affordable iPhone, you’re going to be looking at the iPhone SE (at least when it comes to brand new phones, that is). Updated in 2022, the third-generation iPhone SE maintains the overall design of the iPhone 8 which will be familiar to a lot of iPhone buyers. Don’t be fooled by its classic appearance, though, as inside it is powered by the beefy A15 Bionic chip found in the current flagship iPhone models. It also offers 5G connectivity and a 12-megapixel camera. For $429, it’s a lot of iPhone for not a lot of money.
What is the cheapest iPhone deal?
To buy outright in new condition, the iPhone SE is going to offer the cheapest iPhone deal. It starts at $429 contract-free and you can find carriers offering iPhone SE deals from as little as $11 per month making it a super affordable choice.
Apple also still sells the iPhone 12 from $600 meaning you can get a more modern-looking device with an edge-to-edge display and dual camera system for not much more, though it’s powered by the slower and older A14 Bionic chip.
When is the best time to snag an iPhone deal?
There are a few points in the year that make the most sense to buy an iPhone. The first is when a new model launches, usually in September each year. If you’re an early adopter that wants the best device as soon as possible, that’s when you’ll get it. It’s also a great time of year to buy if you’re looking for an iPhone deal as prices on older models drop to make room for the new devices.
Other times of year that make the most sense are during major sale seasons, including annual events like Labor Day sales, Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Apple tends not to participate in these events, at least not directly, but you can bet third-party retailers and carriers will be offering some of their best iPhone deals of the year at these times.
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In efforts to gain a competitive edge in the streaming world, Warner Bros. Discovery is launching Max, its freshly rebranded service that merges content from HBO Max and Discovery Plus. In addition to offering a slate of new and existing titles from Warner, HBO and Discovery, the company is teasing a plan to add live sports — and news — to the streaming platform in the future.
CEO David Zaslav shared the news during the media company’s virtual press event on Wednesday. He said that Warner Bros. Discovery would disclose details in a few months. “We’re a global leader in sports. And we’re a global leader in news,” said Zaslav. “And in a few months, we’ll come back to you with details of our attack plan to use this important and differentiating live content to grow our streaming business even further.”
US men’s and women’s soccer has been the only live sports offering on HBO Max, while Discovery Plus has streamed athletic events across sports like cycling, boxing, swimming, figure skating and wrestling. However, Warner Bros. Discovery’s portfolio includes ownership of TNT and TBS, which air content from the NHL, the NBA and MLB.
Spreading its live sports coverage to the Max streaming platform could potentially attract new subscribers who want to watch as much as they can on a single service. With subscription plans ranging from $10 to $20 per month, Max may sound appealing if the content lines up with fans. The service will roll out to US customers on May 23.
Competition for streaming sports content is growing. Apple TV Plus offers Major League Soccer and Friday Night Baseball from MLB. YouTube TV just acquired the NFL’s Sunday Night Ticket, and streamers like Prime Video and Paramount Plus also offer access to live NFL games.
The NBA postseason has begun. The play-in tournament got underway last night with teams looking to lock up a seventh seed in each conference. In the first play-in game, the Hawks beat the Heat and will now face the No. 2 seed Celtics in the Eastern Conference first round. There was more drama in the second game, with LeBron James leading the Lakers past the Timberwolves in overtime. The Lakers will now head to Memphis to take on the Grizzlies in the Western Conference first round.
The play-in games continue tonight. First up are the Bulls and Raptors. The winner will take on the Heat for the eighth and final playoff spot in the East. In the night cap, the Thunder and Pelicans play for the chance to face the Timberwolves for the eighth seed in the West.
The NBA playoffs are off to a great start and should only get more exciting as they progress. Here’s everything you need to know about watching and streaming the NBA postseason with or without cable.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder take on the New Orleans Pelicans tonight on ESPN.
Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
What is the schedule for the play-in games?
The play-in game schedule is as follows (all times ET):
Wednesday, April 12:
Chicago Bulls vs. Toronto Raptors, 7 p.m. on ESPN
Oklahoma City Thunder vs. New Orleans Pelicans, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
Friday, April 14:
Bulls/Raptors winner vs. Heat, 7 p.m. on TNT
Thunder/Pelicans winner vs. Timberwolves, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
When do the NBA Playoffs start?
The NBA playoffs start on Saturday, April 15.
The NBA Finals will begin on Thursday, June 1. Game seven of the Finals, if necessary, will take place on Sunday, June 18.
What does the NBA playoff bracket look like?
What channels will broadcast playoff games?
The play-in games will air on TNT and ESPN. The NBA playoffs will air on TNT, ESPN, ABC and NBA TV.
This year TNT will have the Eastern Conference finals, while ESPN will take the lead on the Western Conference finals. The NBA Finals will air on ABC.
Best options for streaming the NBA playoffs
As all the games will be shown nationally, most of the major streaming TV services offer all the networks you’ll need for watching the NBA playoffs. That said, it can be a bit complicated.
Sling TV’s Orange plan includes ESPN and TNT. NBA TV is available as part of the Sports Extra add-on, which costs $11 a month. ABC, however, is only available in eight markets (Chicago, Los Angeles, New York City, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Fresno, Houston and Raleigh) and requires the Orange and Blue combo plan if you want ESPN too. That combo plan costs $65 per month in all of those cities except Fresno, Houston and Raleigh, where it costs $60.
Hulu Plus Live TV costs $70 a month and ESPN, ABC and TNT, but not NBA TV. Click the “View all channels in your area” link at the bottom of its welcome page to see which local networks are available where you live.
YouTube TV costs $73 a month and offers all the main basketball channels for the NBA playoffs, including NBA TV. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area.
DirecTV Stream is expensive. It’s the priciest of the five major live TV streaming services. Its cheapest, $65-a-month Entertainment package includes ESPN, ABC, and TNT. You’ll need to move up to the $85-a-month Choice plan to get NBA TV. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels and RSNs are available in your area.
It is worth noting that DirecTV has an additional $15 “advanced receiver service” fee that automatically applies and is extra from the sticker price, which makes the Entertainment package $80 per month and the Choice option $100 per month.
Each live TV streaming service offers a free trial, allows you to cancel anytime and requires a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.
We’ve already seen new devices from Samsung and OnePlus arrive this year, but smartphone shoppers likely have a lot more to look forward to in 2023. That’s especially true for those 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. 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.
Now playing:Watch this:The Most Exciting Phones I Want to See in 2023
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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 7A
The Google Pixel 6A.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: If Google maintains its tradition, we could see a cheaper version of the Pixel 7 known as the Pixel 7A launch in the spring or summer time frame. Rumors about the Pixel 7A are scarce right now. But developer Kuba Wojciechowski says he found details possibly pertaining to the Pixel 7A in the Android codebase, suggesting that some fairly significant upgrades are in store.
Wojciechowski’s findings indicate the Pixel 7A could have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz and wireless charging — two characteristics that are noticeably absent from the Pixel 6A. Leaked renders from Hemmerstoffer that were once again published on Smartprix also suggest the Pixel 7A will have a very similar design as its predecessor.
The Pixel 7A could also include the same Tensor G2 processor that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro as well as a camera setup that includes wide and ultrawide sensors. That’s if the Pixel 7A follows in the same footsteps as the Pixel 6A, of course.
The Pixel 7A is also believed to have surfaced on the Vietnamese website Zing News, which suggests it will have a 6.1-inch screen and a design that’s very similar to the Pixel 7’s — even down to the camera bar.
Why I’m excited about it: Google’s A-series Pixel phones are seriously impressive from a value standpoint. That’s why the Pixel 6A has received a CNET Editors’ Choice award and is our favorite Android phone under $500. If Google manages to address the Pixel 6A’s very few shortcomings while maintaining the same price of $449, it’ll be an even more formidable challenger to Samsung in the affordable phone market.
Google Pixel 8 lineup
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have only been out since mid-October 2022, but rumors have already started to surface about the Pixel 8 family. 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.
Google Pixel Fold
Leaks suggest Google’s foldable Pixel could look like the Oppo Find N, pictured here.
Eli Blumenthal/CNET
What we’re expecting: Google hasn’t entered the foldable phone race yet, but that could change very soon. The search giant may release a foldable Pixel phone as early as June, according to 9to5Google and WinFuture.
Google’s take on the foldable phone could look like the Oppo Find N, according to 9to5Google. YouTube personality Dave2D says he received a blank model showing what the rumored Pixel Fold’s design could look like, and it kind of resembles Microsoft’s Surface Duo.
Developer Kuba Wojciechowski also reportedly discovered clues in the Android 13 beta hinting at a possible foldable Pixel device. The code suggested the phone would have a main, telephoto and ultrawide camera just like most premium phones, along with the same inner selfie camera as the Pixel 6.
Why we’re excited about it: We won’t know anything for certain unless Google announces a foldable phone. But there are a couple of reasons why I’m excited about the idea of a Pixel Fold.
Google typically undercuts Samsung and other phone makers on price, meaning the Pixel Fold could end up being fairly affordable compared to competitors. Foldables are also still largely a novelty. They appeal to early adopters, but most people still don’t really see the value in foldable phones just yet. Foldables phones are only expected to have accounted for 1.1% of the global smartphone market in 2022, according to The International Data Corporation’s estimate.
Since Google operates Android and has a history of coming up with unique features for its regular Pixel phones, I’m hoping it’ll do the same for a Pixel Fold. With its current Pixel devices, Google has added helpful features like the ability to sharpen photos that are out of focus and have Google Assistant wait on hold for you. If it does release a foldable, I’d like to see it follow the same approach and develop creative, useful features that take advantage of a foldable screen.
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 typically releases its new foldable phones in August, meaning we’re likely to see the next Z Fold 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: Making the cover screen slightly larger would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings. 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.
Nvidia’s latest throwdown in the GPU arena, the GeForce RTX 4070 seems like the most well-rounded meat-and-potatoes gaming card choice you can get — at least for the moment. It’s a first-rate option for upgrading to high-speed, highest quality 1080p through entry 4K gaming, hitting all of 1440p in between. Covering that much ground means you should be safe for a few years until you’re ready to upgrade again. It’s good for 4K video editing, most streaming and entry-level pro and AI-assisted graphics. The size and power requirements make it a good fit for midsize systems. And starting at $600, it’s the least expensive way to hit all those targets.
The step-up RTX 4070 Ti outperforms it, sometimes by quite a bit, thanks to its faster GPU clock and more cores across the board, which makes the 4070 Ti a tempting competitor for the same gaming performance classes as the RTX 4070. But it’s at least $200 more (although who knows what the 4070’s price range will settle at once the third-party boards start to ship on April 13), recommends a class higher of power supply and takes up more space. Though the 4070 Ti only needs a half-slot more width, that means it will block an entire second slot on many motherboards, and it might not even fit in some smaller systems.
Nvidia GeForce RTX 4070 Founders Edition
Memory
12GB GDDR6X
Memory bandwidth (GBps)
504.2
Memory clock (GHz)
11
GPU clock (GHz, base/boost)
1.92/2.475
Memory data rate/Interface
21Gbps/192 bits
RT cores
46
CUDA Cores
5888
Texture mapping units
184
Streaming multiprocessors
46
Tensor Cores
184
Process
4nm
TGP/min PSU (watts)
200/650
Max thermal (degrees)
194F/90C
Bus
PCIe 4.0×16
Size
2 slots
Launch price
$600
Ship date
April 12, 2023
AMD’s RX 7900 XT and RX 7900 XTX also outperform the RTX 4070, but they’re even more expensive than the RTX 4070 Ti and can’t keep up with the RTX 4070 for ray tracing. They’re also 2.5 slots thick like the 4070 Ti. And though it sounds tempting to opt for a last-generation GeForce model, they aren’t really cheaper unless you drop below an RTX 3070. But at that point you’ve also dropped down to a different performance class.
The RTX 4070 FE’s power connector.
Lori Grunin/CNET
One reason to go for an RTX 40-series class card over an older generation is the jump from DLSS 2 to DLSS 3, Nvidia’s performance optimization technology, that the newer Ada architecture made over Ampere. DLSS 3 delivers significant gains over its predecessor. The downside is that there aren’t a lot of DLSS 3-supporting games out yet — only about 50, which isn’t much out of the universe of thousands of games. But it does bump DLSS 2 performance over the RTX 30-series as well.
It was a bit odd that Nvidia didn’t release a home-grown Founders Edition of the 4070 Ti, but it returned to tradition with the 4070; the Founders Editions are notable for having guaranteed as-launched prices, though they also tend to sell out fast for that reason.
There’s little novel about the RTX 4070 FE’s design relative to the rest of the line. The one notable distinction is the power connector, which like the others needs either the bundled adapter or PCIe 5.0 PSU cables/adapters, but only uses a single 12-pin connection (rather than two).
Like its siblings, the RTX 4070 FE has three DisplayPort 1.4 connections and one HDMI 2.1.
Lori Grunin/CNET
Companies release the highest priced, highest performing model, wait a little while to see how many people snap it up, then release a slightly cheaper, slightly less powerful model, rinse and repeat. And none do it more consistently than Nvidia. That makes offering informed buying advice harder than necessary: We know that slower, cheaper GPU models are coming, but not how much slower or how much cheaper.
I wouldn’t be surprised if there were a 4060 Ti in our future that makes an incremental drop that’s worth the performance sacrifice for the price savings, the way the RTX 4070 did subsequent to my review of the RTX 4070 Ti. But for the moment, the GeForce RTX 4070 seems to strike the best balance of performance for the money, and one that should keep you happy for a few years.
Relative performance of other GPUs
Shadow of the Tomb Raider gaming test (1440p)
RTX 4070
163
RTX 3080 Ti
167
RX 7900 XT
182
RTX 4070 Ti
195
RTX 4070 (DLSS 2, Quality)
198
RX 7900 XTX
209
RTX 4080
220
RTX 4090
235
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance (FPS)
3DMark Time Spy graphics test
RTX 4070
18,013
RX 7900 XTX
19,760
RTX 4070 Ti
22,731
RX 7900 XT
24,814
RTX 4080
28,275
RX 7900 XTX
29,413
RTX 4090
35,467
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance
3DMark Fire Strike Ultra
RTX 4070
10,413
RTX 3080 Ti
12,635
RTX 4070 Ti
13,707
RX 7900 XT
16,879
RTX 4080
17,619
RX 7900 XTX
19,760
RTX 4090
24,407
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance
Guardians of the Galaxy (1440p at maximum quality with ray tracing)
RX 7900 XT
83
RTX 4070
89
RX 7900 XTX
93
RTX 3080 Ti
102
RTX 4070 Ti
109
RTX 4080
136
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance (FPS)
Procyon Video
RX 7900 XT
8,259
RTX 4070
8,383
RTX 4070 Ti
8,479
RX 7900 XTX
8,494
RTX 3080 Ti
8,792
RTX 4080
9,250
RTX 4090
9,678
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance
SpecViewPerf 2020 SolidWorks (4K)
RTX 4070
154.28
RX 7900 XT
165.46
RX 7900 XTX
184.8
RTX 4070 Ti
189.64
RTX 3080 Ti
191.52
RTX 4080
233.84
RTX 4090
304.66
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance (FPS)
3DMark Speed Way (DX12 Ultimate)
RTX 4070
4,479
RX 7900 XT
4,534
RTX 4070 Ti
5,429
RX 7900 XTX
5,891
RTX 4080
7,168
RTX 4090
9,813
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance
3DMark DXR (DirectX Ray Tracing)
RX 7900 XT
42.06
RX 7900 XTX
49.16
RTX 4070
51.82
RTX 3080 Ti
54.96
RTX 4070 Ti
67.95
RTX 4080
85.01
RTX 4090
136.05
Note:
Longer bars indicate better performance (FPS)
Test PC configuration
Custom PC
Microsoft Windows 11 Pro (22H2); 3.2GHz Intel Core i9-12900K; 32GB DDR5-4800; 2x Corsair MP600 Pro SSD; Corsair HX1200 80 Plus Platinum PSU, MSI MPG Z690 Force Wi-Fi motherboard, Corsair 4000D Airflow midtower case
My one New Year’s resolution for 2023 was to read more books. As a new mom with a full-time job, I thought I might as well have been planning a trip to the moon. I’ve always loved reading, but the days of devouring books like I did in school are few and far between. For many of us, the responsibilities of everyday life have taken the place of reading an entire book in a day, as we did as kids.
A constant list of to-dos doesn’t stop me from adding book after book to my To Be Read list. But as I watch the list grow, I often feel a pang of worry that I won’t get through it. Just like being too busy, a reading slump can take the wind out of your literary sails.
BookTok is a portion of TikTok dedicated to books.
James Martin/CNET
But you can get back into reading, and the journey is entirely your own. Whether you need to organize your books, make a reading plan or find better book recommendations, there are online tools to help meet your needs. Here are a few tips to get you turning pages once again.
Check out BookTok
If you’re looking to climb out of a reading slump or get more recommendations, the internet is always a great place to start. BookTok, the corner of TikTok that’s about reading and books, will introduce you to other avid readers. Search “BookTok” in TikTok and you’ll be flooded with recommendations and reviews, and roundups by genre or plot trope. You’ll also encounter content creators just sharing the joy of reading.
No desire to join TikTok? No worries. You can also find the same type of content on YouTube, Instagram and Pinterest. I’ve gotten dozens of recommendations from social media sites, and I have more than a dozen tabs open in my mobile browser from sites like Book Riot or Buzzfeed Books.
Start a reading journal
I can easily lose an hour scrolling through posts on Tumblr, Pinterest and TikTok about reading journals. The journals serve as a creative space loaded with stickers, doodles and tiny printed book covers, and they also provide a method of tracking and keeping to your reading goals.
If you want to start from scratch, just find a notebook and a pen. Or you can go the extra creative mile and invest in some stickers, markers, washi tape and colorful pens. Your journal can be as detailed or basic as you want. I have a pretty simple book journal that I found at Barnes and Noble. I use it to track the basics — how many books I’ve read, how long it took me to read a given title, the book’s format, my rating and general thoughts. And, of course, I spice things up with stickers and doodles. I’ve also used a digital reading journal purchased for about $20 on Etsy. You can also snag a BookTok themed journal with premade pages on Amazon.
Use a book-tracking app
Here’s what a list can look like on Goodreads.
Shelby Brown/CNET
If you aren’t keen to keep up with a physical journal, there are plenty of book-tracking apps that can live on your phone, tablet or computer. I’ve been a dedicated Goodreads user for several years. The app lets you organize your books into lists, or shelves — like Want to Read, Currently Reading, Read — but you can also make your own shelf or tag to track whatever you want. You can leave reviews, take a reading challenge, get book recommendations and talk to other readers. Some authors are active on Goodreads, so you might even get a response from your favorite writer.
Goodreads is by no means the only book-tracking app. Other options include apps like StoryGraph and Bookly.
Download or make a book-tracking spreadsheet
If you want something in between a journal and an app, you can download or build your own book-tracker in Excel or Google Sheets. Both programs have dozens of features to track your reading down to the finest detail.
I’ve created my own basic spreadsheet, which was a lot of work. If you’re not familiar with spreadsheets — or you’re a fan of instant gratification like me — you can purchase a premade spreadsheet and download it to your device.
I purchased a book-tracking spreadsheet on Etsy for about $2.50, and it’s become one of my favorite tracking methods. The creator, ToadstoolsTerrariums, has space for wish lists, genres, ratings, notes and general thoughts. ToadstoolTerrariums’ pie graph feature — which shows a colorful breakdown of your genres and ratings — is what really sets it apart from others.
Reading challenges require no notebooks, apps or spreadsheets (unless you want them to). Like book journals and spreadsheets, however, your reading challenge can be as detailed or simple as you want. Google “reading challenges” and dive into a plethora of creative options. I’ve challenged myself to read 30 books this year, and I’m tracking my progress via the Goodreads app.
Want to talk to other readers about your favorite books? The Fable app is a great place to go.
Shelby Brown/CNET
Join a book club (IRL or online)
Tracking books is one thing. But for me, talking about them with other readers is the real joy. For a long time, book clubs conjured images of living rooms and finger-sandwiches in the suburbs (and the older I get, the more attractive that sounds). But a book club can be anything you want: a gathering of all your friends, a quick text, or sending a meme, or just reading a book in tandem with someone else. You can even create and join book clubs through apps like Fable, forums on Reddit and Discord, and websites like Reedsy and Bookclubs.com.
Summer is just around the corner, and that means many of you are planning a road trip to one of America’s 63 national parks. The National Park Service recorded 312 million visits in 2022, an increase of 5% over the previous year, and while that’s still a bit lower than pre-pandemic levels, figuring out how to make the most of your time in the wild can sometimes be — well — a bear.
To help make you the most of your outdoor adventure, Google is rolling out updates to Google Maps that will help you get around the park a bit easier and perhaps with more confidence about your enjoyment of the experience, addressing challenges such as identifying a trail that suits your group’s ability or finding public restrooms close to your location.
The updates, which Google announced Tuesday in a company blog post, focus on four key areas of interest to many park visitors, including those must-do attractions, campgrounds, visitor centers and trailheads. The updates will include more details about the attractions, such as photos, videos and reviews from other visitors to help you decide whether it’s worth adding to your itinerary.
Another helpful update will make it easier to decide whether a particular trail in the park meets your desires and skill levels. Maps will highlight the entire route of the trail, from where it begins to where it ends, and include photos and reviews from other users, including how difficult it is and whether it’s suited for walking, hiking or biking.
Getting to the park and to the trails should be a bit easier with more precise directions, including highlighting park entrances on the map. And because cell service can often be sketchy in the wilderness, Google will offer a new way to download park maps for offline use.
The updates will come to iOS and Android users later this month, with updates for parks around the world planned in the coming months, Google said.
