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Monitor testing and evaluation consists of formal and subjective quality tests and hands-on assessment of the display’s design and features — connection selection and location, menus and options and overall behavior. As part of the process we use the monitor for tasks specific to its mission, such as everyday productivity, video streaming, image and video editing or different types of gaming (such as FPS or RPG). Note that we only report a fraction of our results, usually what’s necessary to adequately convey a monitor’s strengths and weaknesses for particular uses.

The process begins with unboxing and setup; it’s connected to our Windows-based desktop testbed (or a relatively high-end Mac in cases that require it) equipped with a current-generation Intel Core i9 and high-end Nvidia GeForce graphics card. Both the computer and monitor are plugged directly into a wall outlet to prevent any power issues that might impact performance.

We generally prefer to use our cables rather than the manufacturer-supplied ones since they’re a known quantity and tend to be higher quality; if we run into any issues, we double check using the manufacturer’s cables. DisplayPort is our primary connection for testing. If the monitor specifies any console-specific capabilities, we connect it to the relevant console(s), Xbox Series X and/or PS5 via HDMI.

Before any testing begins, we photograph the default settings and all menu options for reference and to determine the complete set of tests we’ll need to run on that particular monitor given its specific capabilities; how extensively we test depends on the capabilities of the monitor, the screen and backlight technology used, and the judgment of the reviewer. We disable power-saving measures where relevant, which can affect brightness and related measures (the option is mandatory per California law). We use a subset of these tests to evaluation laptop displays and run them both plugged into a wall outlet and on battery using the default profile but with screen timeouts disabled.

We also record any relevant information about the panel — manufacturer specs for resolution, color gamut and profiles, refresh rates and so on — that may impact our evaluation against manufacturer’s claims. While we review a display with the company’s publicly expressed target market in mind, we also consider the monitor’s suitability for other uses that might apply.Wherever possible, we download drivers and color profiles specific to the monitor.

What we measure

All measurements are performed using the most recent version of Portrait Display’s Calman Ultimate software using an X-Rite i1Display Pro Plus (rebranded as Calibrite ColorChecker Display Plus) and a variety of included patch sets, with additional HDR testing using a Murideo Six-G pattern generator and or the Client3 HDR patterns within Calman. We periodically spot check the colorimeter’s accuracy against the Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer used for our TV testing.

Our test lab is equipped with blackout curtains to fully block ambient light, though complete darkness isn’t essential since the colorimeter sits directly on the screen and isn’t affected by dim lighting. The room has natural light and various artificial sources for normal usage evaluation.

Color accuracy results are reported in units of Delta E 2000. We perform most of the tests (where we know results vary) at both 100% and default hardware brightness levels.

Core tests — those we run on every display, regardless of intent or price — include:

• White point, brightness (peak and minimum), contrast and gamma for sRGB and the native color space measured across 21 gray patches (0-100%), reported rounded down to the nearest 50K as long as there are no big variations. A variation of plus or minus 200K around the target color temperature is considered acceptable for all but the most color-critical displays.
• Color gamut coverage and accuracy for sRGB and the native color space using Calman’s standard Pantone patch set plus grayscale and skin tone patches.
• We add Blur Busters‘ motion tests for gaming monitors to judge motion artifacts (such as ghosting) or refresh rate-related problems.

If a monitor has menu options beyond the basics, we run the same core tests for the following settings when available:

• All color presets
• All gaming presets (such as FPS). We also test brightness for pixel overdrive and motion-blur reduction modes (which tend to lower brightness considerably).
• Gamma for at least 1.8, 2.2 and 2.6
• Color temperatures for at least 5000K, 6300K, 6500K and 9300K

For HDR, we add testing for HDR-specific presets (such as Game HDR or Cinema HDR) and brightness for window sizes of 1%, 5%, 10% and 100% of the screen.

Finally, there are tests we only run when needed to understand the measurements we’ve gotten or to confirm that artifacts we’re seeing — notably nonuniformity — aren’t imaginary.

Are you ready to jump into next-gen gaming with a PlayStation 5? Right now you can get a PS5 bundle featuring God of War: Ragnarok, the follow-up to 2018’s critically acclaimed God of War for $550 at Woot. That’s a $10 savings — but if you’re an Amazon Prime member, you can save an extra $20 when you make your purchase using the Woot app, bringing the price to just $530. This offer is only available today, Feb. 25, while supplies last.

While it has been tough to find PS5 consoles over the last two years thanks to supply chain issues, those woes are finally clearing up. This bundle includes the disk edition of the PS5 console, as well as a DualSense wireless controller with haptic feedback to immerse you in gameplay and of course, a God of War: Ragnarok full game voucher. The console itself has 4K and HDR visuals, ray tracing, a Blu-ray drive, delivers up to 120 frames per second and supports up to 120Hz output. God of War: Ragnarok tops our list for the 15 best PS5 games to play right now and ended up being one of the most satisfying games released last year. Note that this title is rated Mature for players aged 17 and up.

Read more: 8 Tricks to Supercharge Your PlayStation 5 Experience

Nintendo is skipping this year’s Electronic Entertainment Expo, better known as E3. The Switch-maker confirmed on Friday it won’t participate in the gaming convention, which is returning this summer after being canceled in 2022.

“We approach our involvement in any event on a case-by-case basis and are always considering various ways to engage with our fans,” a Nintendo spokesperson told CNET via email. “Since this year’s E3 show didn’t fit into our plans, we have made the decision to not participate. However, we have been and continue to be a strong supporter of the ESA and E3.”

Given that Nintendo has pulled back from the convention in recent years, the move isn’t that surprising. Nintendo stopped holding dedicated press conferences after the 2012 show, instead holding digital-only Nintendo Directs.

Last month, IGN reported that Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo were skipping the event and wouldn’t have a presence on the show floor. Microsoft is expected to hold its own Xbox showcase event in LA this summer.

E3 2023 is scheduled for June 13-16, at the Los Angeles Convention Center. The gaming convention was canceled in 2020 and held as a digital event in 2021 due to the pandemic. It was expected to return in 2022, but ultimately got canceled again.

CNET’s Sean Keane contributed to this report.

Having dropped points to lowly Nottingham Forest last weekend, title contenders Manchester City know they can’t afford another slip up against another relegation-threatened side as they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.

City surrendered top spot in the Premier league to rivals Arsenal last weekend, and they come into this clash off the back of an unconvincing midweek draw away to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

They now come up against a Bournemouth side which pulled itself out of the relegation zone last weekend after a big win over fellow strugglers Wolves, ending a wretched run of nine games without a victory.

That win came at a price, with midfielder Marcus Tavernier picking up a hamstring injury that’s set to rule him out of this clash. Man City meanwhile have doubts over the availability of Kevin De Bruyne, after the Belgium international missed out his side’s draw with Leipzig through illness.

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

Bournemouth vs. Man City: When and where?

Bournemouth host Man City at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 25. Kickoff is set for 5.30 p.m. local time in the UK (12:30 p.m. ET, 9.30 a.m. PT in the US, and at 4:30 a.m. AEST on Sunday, Feb. 26 in Australia).

How to watch the Bournemouth vs. Man City game online from anywhere using a VPN

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

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Sarah Tew/CNET

ExpressVPN

Best VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 a month — if you get an annual subscription.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See at ExpressVPN

Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in the US

This EPL match is on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login. It can also be streamed on a live TV streaming service, most of which carry USA Network.

Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in the UK

Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video. The Bournemouth vs. Man City game is exclusive to Sky Sports — showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want a Now account, and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in Canada

If you want to stream the Cherries against City live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to FuboTV Canada. The service has exclusive rights to this Premier League season.

Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in Australia

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

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

If you have a PlayStation 5, the new PSVR 2 is a ticket to VR experiences that feel a significant step above what Sony’s original PSVR offered. It’s expensive, though, and it doesn’t include any free games (unless you bought the $600 Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle).

Sony already has dozens of VR games on tap for the PSVR 2, but here’s a short list of the best ones you should get at launch to make the most of your experience. These are all games we’ve actually played: we’ll update this list as we get more games in-hand.

One problem with PSVR 2 games is that some of them are as expensive as regular console games. Odds are you won’t buy that many, unless you have free or lower-cost upgrades to games you already own. Some (Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky) are free VR add-on modes to the existing PS5 games, and they’re all must-haves.

PlayStation VR 2

$550 at Sony

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Horizon Call of the Mountain

Sony’s premier flagship PSVR 2 exclusive is an immersive adventure set in the world of the futuristic post-post-apocalyptic Horizon Call of the Wild and Horizon Forbidden West games. Call of the Mountain is more linear, and focused on actions like climbing, using a bow and arrow, and exploring vast mountain ranges. The graphics are amazing. It’s a clear must-get to show off what the PSVR 2 can do. There are even some subtle uses of eye tracking and in-headset vibrations.

$60 at Sony

Sony Interactive Entertainment

Gran Turismo 7

Wow, this racing sim looks good in PSVR 2. Sony’s acclaimed game got a software update that adds VR support in-game, although keep in mind that GT7 doesn’t work with the Sense controllers, oddly: You need to use the DualSense controller (which has some pretty great haptics and force feedback anyway) or one of a number of supported steering wheels. Also, only the races are in VR; the rest is in 2D. But the races look so, so good — this is a must-have to show off how impressive PSVR 2 games could look.

$40 at Target

$40 at Best Buy

$40 at Amazon

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Capcom

Resident Evil Village

Getting scared in VR isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it usually isn’t mine, either. I’ll make an exception for Resident Evil Village, which transforms its entire survival-horror gothic game experience into a first-person PSVR 2 standout with a free PS5 update. This game uses the Sense controllers well for shooting, grabbing items and opening doors and latches; everything looks shockingly vivid in the PSVR 2’s rich HDR OLED display. Next to Horizon: Call of the Mountain, this is the PSVR 2’s most cinematic experience at launch. And yeah, you’ll probably freak out a bit.

$30 at GameStop

Hello Games

No Man’s Sky

No Man’s Sky has been an ever-evolving infinite space exploration game that’s been a standout on PSVR before. The free PSVR 2 update for the PS5 version of the game feels much the same in spirit as how No Man’s Sky worked in VR previously — it’s pretty great. The whole game is VR-playable, including the latest Fractal 4.1 update, which offers an insane amount of game for the money. The Sense controllers feel well-adapted to the game, too. Getting inside a ship for the first time and flying into space is reason enough to try it.

$30 at Walmart

$30 at Amazon

Get Price Alerts

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ILMxLab

Star Wars: Tales from the Galaxy’s Edge Enhanced Edition

One of our favorite Quest 2 games got a remastered update for the PSVR 2, and it sometimes feels like a whole new experience. Expect a first-person shooter that drops you into the wilderness of Batuu, the planet where Disney’s Star Wars theme parks are set. Weapons and tools reverberate realistically with the PSVR 2 haptics and force-feedback triggers, and the environments look great in higher-contrast HDR.

$50 at Sony

Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

Moss Books 1 and 2

These adorable and challenging puzzle platform games have been on our VR best list for years. You control a mouse hero as she adventures through dollhouse-sized worlds that unfold all around like dioramas. On the PSVR 2, these games play similarly, but look even sharper. The sit-down-and-play style is less physically demanding than other PSVR 2 launch games, and could be a great pick for kids to try out if they’re VR-curious — and you’re nearby to keep an eye on them. (The price below is for Moss Book 2, the newest game in the series.)

$30 at Sony

Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

Tentacular

Visit a cartoon island where the villagers are friendly, and you are… a giant tentacled sea beast. Devolver Digital’s wonderful game makes your arms feel like tentacles as you grab and throw things to solve puzzles. It’s funny and charming, and the PSVR 2’s stellar haptics make the tentacles feel even more real. It’s also fun to just toss things around.

$25 at Sony

Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

Tetris Effect: Connected

Yes, this is Tetris, in VR. Tetris Effect Connected has been around for years (including VR versions), and it long since won us with its hypnotic music and visuals. That’s the reason to try this on PSVR 2: The HDR display makes these ambient effects shine like never before. Worth a try for some immersive meditative Tetris, with some new bonus modes that have been added too. It’s a $10 upgrade for anyone who already owns the game.

$40 at Sony

More on the PlayStation VR 2

• PlayStation VR 2: Our Review
• PSVR 2: What’s in the Box
• PSVR 2: Everything to Know

A mere 12 years since it last appeared on our screens, cult workplace sitcom Party Down is back for a long-overdue third season.

The show features Severance star Adam Scott as a “between roles” actor that’s forced to find part-time work alongside a group of other struggling thespians and writers at an LA catering company.

Party Down provided Scott his big break before Parks and Rec, while co-stars Jane Lynch and Martin Starr appeared on the show before their respective appearances in Glee and Silicon Valley. More than a decade on from the show’s cancellation, Scott, Lynch and Starr are now all back for this revival, with Lizzy Caplan the only notable absentee from the original cast due to a schedule conflict.

Replacing Caplan as frustrated comedian Casey Klein is Alias star Jennifer Garner, while there are promised guest appearances from the likes of Nick Offerman, James Marsden, Quinta Brunson and Fran Kranz.

The new season kicks off with a reunion of the group to celebrate egotistical Kyle’s (Ryan Hansen) long-awaited big break as a movie star. The proceeding events of the fateful get-together however result in the former co-workers making an unexpected return to the world of catering.

Don’t miss a moment by following our guide to watching Party Down Season 3 from anywhere in the world.

When does Party Down Season 3 start?

The return of this much-loved comedy kicks off with the season 3 premiere on Friday, Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Starz in the US. New episodes will be broadcast at the same time from then on every Friday evening.

How to watch Party Down Season 3 from anywhere on VPN

So what if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the show or want an added layer of privacy for streaming? There is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the show. If you find yourself unable to watch locally, a VPN can come in handy. Plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

Most VPNs, like CNET’s Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it easy to virtually change your location. Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals.

Sarah Tew/CNET

ExpressVPN

Best VPN for streaming

ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 a month. But you can save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 a month — if you get an annual subscription.

Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

See at ExpressVPN

Watch in the US

Starz

Carries Party Down Season 3 in the US

As well as the much-anticipated return of Party Down, Starz is also the home of original shows such as the Power saga, BMF, P-Valley and Blindspotting.

A Starz subscription costs $9 per month, but the network is currently offering a $15 per month for 3 months discount.

See at Starz

Watch in Canada

Crave

Crave

Carries Party Down Season 3 in Canada

Canadian comedy fans can watch the return of Party Down with Crave, with the first episode set to air at 10 p.m. ET on the Starz 1 channel.

Crave boasts access to classic HBO series, on-demand movies, Showtime content, plus Crave originals. Members can watch shows including The Last of Us, The Gloaming, Yellowjackets and The White Lotus.

A subscription currently costs CA$10 a month for the basic Crave Mobile tier or CA$20 per month for Crave Total, which includes downloads and four streams at a time. New subscribers can meanwhile get access to a seven-day free trial.

See at Crave

Watch in the UK

Lionsgate

Lionsgate Plus

There’s great news for British fans of the show, with Party Down season 3 set to air on streaming service Lionsgate Plus from Friday, Feb. 24.

Formerly known as Starzplay, the service is also the home of Outlander, Station Eleven, The Serpent Queen, The Great, Power Book, Gaslit and Dr. Death.

A subscription currently costs 6 a month, and can be accessed via dedicated apps for Apple and Android devices, with widespread support for most smart TV and set top box platforms.

See at Lionsgate Plus

Tips for streaming Party Down Season 3 using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble viewing after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a network’s app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

if you’re looking for a new wireless charger for your iPhone, Woot is offering a deal on Apple’s first-party MagSafe Charger that’s worth considering. The magnetic charger is available for just $32 there, a near-20% saving compared with the Apple Store and the best price we’ve seen so far this year. Not only does this nifty charger conveniently snap on the back of your device, but it also provides faster wireless charging than most third-party options. This offer is available for four days or while supplies last, and we’ve seen it sell out quickly in the past at this sort of price.

When I made the switch from Android to Apple in 2021, I opted for an iPhone 12 Pro Max and never looked back. Even when I lost my phone, I went and bought the iPhone 13 and continued to use it with my MagSafe charger. And I don’t regret the decision at all: The phone and charger have a perfect place in my at-home office setup. While there may be thousands of different iPhone chargers out there on the market, there’s nothing quite like the first-party Apple version that is designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, and many iPhone cases are now built around this technology.

You can attach this charger to iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models, and enjoy faster wireless charging up to 15 watts. It’s also compatible with regular Qi devices, meaning it can be used to wirelessly charge your iPhone 8 or later, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case. Note, however, that this charger doesn’t come with the block that you’ll need with the compatible USB-C input.

Apple has yet to confirm plans for its first augmented and virtual reality headset, but there are already rumors brewing about a second generation of the device.

Apple’s second generation AR/VR headset will include both a high-end and low-end headset that will “likely” launch in 2025, said Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo post on Friday.

Apple’s first mixed-reality headset could be unveiled in June at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, according to Bloomberg. The long-rumored device is expected to be in the $3,000 range.

Even if the rumored headset is introduced at WWDC, Apple tends to announce new products months before they’re available. Kuo seemed to back up that point on Friday, saying the “probability of the headset launch alongside iPhone 15 in 3Q23 is rising.”

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

More to come.