Here lies the body of Internet Explorer 11. At one point, it ruled the web browser world. Now it is dead.
Microsoft permanently disabled its out-of-support legacy browser on Tuesday in a move to improve user experience and transfer organizations to its newer Edge browser, the company said. This applies to “certain versions of Windows 10,” Microsoft noted.
“With a growing number of websites no longer supporting Internet Explorer, Microsoft Edge offers a faster, more secure, and more modern browsing experience that can still open legacy, Internet Explorer-dependent sites when needed,” Microsoft said in a statement.
As of Tuesday, devices that hadn’t already been redirected from IE11 to Microsoft Edge will be, according to Microsoft.
At one point in the past, Internet Explorer ruled the browser realm. In 2003, it controlled 95% of the browser market. The days of Internet Explorer’s reign are long over, though, and Microsoft moved on to Edge. But Microsoft’s push to integrate the newly AI-boosted Bing search engine into Edge has sparked new interest in both.
When the news that Microsoft was nixing Internet Explorer spread last summer, the public reaction was emotional and hilarious. The browser got its own headstone in South Korea, and IE memes abounded.
Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to create some personal finance explainers that are edited and fact-checked by our editors. For more, see this post.
Oppo’s first flip phone has arrived. The Chinese company showed off the Find N2 Flip at its global launch event on Wednesday. Oppo’s clamshell-style phone appears to be heavily inspired by Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 4, but with a notably different cover screen and perhaps a more squarish design.
Unlike the Z Flip 4, the cover display has a vertical orientation, as opposed to a horizontal layout. It’s also much bigger, measuring 3.26 inches with a resolution of 720×382 pixels. By comparison, the Z Flip 4 has a 1.9-inch external display with 260×512-pixel resolution. In fact, the Find N2 Flip has the largest vertical cover screen on any flip phone.
The cover screen of the Oppo Find N2 Flip.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Apart from the display, the Find N2 Flip has all the features you’d expect from a flip phone in 2023. There are two rear cameras, led by a 50-megapixel lens, a 32-megapixel front-facing camera, a capable processor (MediaTek Dimensity 9000 Plus) and a 4,300-mAh battery, which can be fast-charged at up to 44 watts. There’s no IP rating for water- or dust-resistance. The Galaxy Z Flip 4 has an IPX8 rating, which means it’s also more of an indoor device: It can withstand water immersion but has no official protection against dust.
The Find N2 Flip will be available to pre-order from today and will start at 849 in UK. There are no plans currently for a US release, but this phone is set to hit stores in parts of Europe and Asia.
Half flipped open the Oppo Find N2 Flip.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Find N2 Flip’s cover screen is the biggest display on any flip phone
It’s commendable that Oppo dared to shake up the design of the cover screen on flip phones. Although this might not look as aesthetically elegant as the Galaxy Z Flip 4’s horizontal screen, I believe the Find N2 Flip’s cover screen has the potential for greater functionality. After all, it does boast the largest vertical cover screen on any flip phone.
I found it convenient to use the Find N2 Flip’s cover screen to quickly scan the weather without needing to open up the phone as I went about my day. All I had to do was swipe left, and the cover screen would display my chosen widgets, including the camera, a timer, the weather and the recorder. I wish Google Calendar was included on the list of the widgets — I could still receive notifications from it, but I couldn’t view my plans from the cover screen.
Navigation is simple. You can swipe down the cover screen to bring up the control panel, swipe up to see a list of notifications and swipe left to bring up different widgets.
The camera widget lets you take photos and shoot video from the cover screen.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Widgets on screen showing the weather.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
The camera widget lets you use the cover screen as a viewfinder, allowing you to take selfies, take portrait photos and even shoot video without opening up the phone. Thanks to the larger screen size, you get a good idea of how the photo will turn out as you’re taking the photo.
Quick replies — also available on the Z Flip 4 — are another convenient feature on this device. When I received a Whatsapp message, I could simply reply from the cover screen by choosing from a set of prewritten templates. I also had the option to create my own message template. In addition to WhatsApp, the quick replies feature is available on Slack, Messenger, Telegram and Line. Like the Galaxy Z Flip 4, this phone doesn’t allow you to type or dictate a reply without opening up the phone. You’re limited to the templates.
Oppo Find N2 Flip is refreshingly compact.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
In its current form, however, the Find N2 Flips cover screen has limited functionality compared to the one on the Motorola’s Razr 2020. The Razr 2020 serves up a full keyboard for typing, curates apps that are well suited for the cover screen, such as Gmail and YouTube, and it even lets you play PUBG. I wish the cover display on the Oppo offered such freedoms and utility, but there certainly is potential if Oppo manages to nail the software component.
Find N2 Flip camera
There are two rear cameras on this phone, consisting of a 50-megapixel main camera and an 8-megapixel ultrawide. While this phone has respectable cameras, don’t expect it to take crisp shots of faraway subjects. In fact, images tend to soften when you zoom in digitally by around 5x. To be fair, you’re not likely to be buying this phone for its camera or its zoom skills (there’s no telephoto camera), but for its compact and approachable design. Taking that into account, I found the photos respectable. You can see the camera in action here.
This photo was taken in a bright room. The camera does a great job of capturing the various shades of blue on the couch as well as achieving a wonderful contrast.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Example of 2x zoom, which was taken in a bright room next to large windows.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Notice how even the objects in the distance appear crisp.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
Example of 5x zoom. Notice the softness of the image.
Sareena Dayaram/CNET
The camera does a good job of capturing contrasts and dynamic range. This photo was taken outdoors on a sunny day.
Sareena Dayaram/CNETSareena Dayaram/CNET
Find N2 Flip’s inner display has a slight crease
The inner display of the Find N2 flip takes the form of a 6.8-inch AMOLED panel. At first glance, you might not see any crease running across the screen, but sometimes it’ll appear in certain angles or in bright lighting conditions. You can also feel it on occasion. For the most part, however, the crease didn’t interfere with my user experience and it’s by no means a deal-breaker for me. After all, the display looked crisp, was responsive and reasonably bright in sunny conditions.
It also has a 120Hz refresh rate, which made navigating between apps and scrolling through news feeds a smooth experience. This year, Oppo has updated its hinge, which the company says is smaller and thinner, yet stronger than the one on its predecessor. According to the company, Find N2 Flip has been tested for 400,000 folds. Oppo says the display also has an ultrathin glass coating that should help with durability.
For more details on the Oppo Find N2 Flip, take a look at the specs chart below.
Oppo Find N2 Flip vs. Galaxy Z Flip 4
Oppo Find N2 Flip
Galaxy Z Flip 4
Main Screen: 6.8-inch AMOLED (2520 x 1080 pixels) Cover Screen: 3.26-inch AMOLED (720 x 382 pixels)
Main Screen: 6.7-inch FHD+ (2,640 x 1080 pixels; 22:9) Cover Screen: 1.9-inch (260×512 pixels)
If you’re looking for the best tablet experience, you’re likely going to end up buying an Apple iPad. The devices are sleek, powerful and come packed with features, though one major drawback is that they’re quite pricey. If you don’t mind a few imperfections, a refurbished model can be a great way to save some dough. Right now Woot has various refurbished iPad models on sale with prices starting as low as $120. You can take advantage of these deals now through Feb. 20 while supplies last.
The most affordable tablet in the sale is Apple’s fifth-gen iPad at $125. By today’s standards, its A8 chip isn’t particularly powerful, but it is still capable of running the latest iPadOS 16 software and could serve you as a tablet for web browsing or streaming content, or as a cheap tablet for a kid. Sticking under $200, you could go for the subsequent sixth-gen iPad from $145, or nab the 9.7-inch iPad Pro which offers a slightly more powerful A9X chip and improved camera hardware for $165 in this sale.
If you’ve got a little more room in your budget, several more recent iPad Air and iPad Pro models are available in the sale with prices from $400. Not only will these offer a little more longevity by virtue of being newer hardware, but they also have larger screens at 11 or 12.9 inches. Devices from 2018 and 2020 are included in the sale.
Keep in mind that the iPads included in this sale have been rated as “scratch and dent”-grade refurbs, which means the devices may show signs of regular wear and tear, but have been tested and ensured to be in full working condition. Plus, your purchase also comes with a 90-day Woot limited warranty, just in case. You can shop the entire sale selection of refurbished iPads right now at Woot.
Which tablets have the best price?
Use our CNET Shopping extension to compare top products or find coupon codes before buying your next tablet.
Between work documents, family photos and (of course) memes, it’s important to keep all your files safely stored and organized. Backing them up on an external storage drive is a great place to start, but you’ll want to keep your most precious files somewhere that can never be lost, damaged or stolen. And that means you’ll want to use the best cloud storage service available, which allows you to access your files whenever, wherever, while also saving space on your phone, tablet or computer.
Cloud storage is also important for people working from home who have to share files with colleagues. There are plenty of free cloud storage services available, with many offering upgraded paid plans, which means it’s easy to find a plan that can meet your needs to keep your data stored safely. The best cloud storage options usually feature individual and business plans, but for this article’s purposes, we’ll be focusing on plans for the average user.
We’ve compiled a guide to the most popular cloud storage services: how they work, their strengths and weaknesses, and some lesser-known services if you want to get away from the mainstream. (To be clear, we have not tested these — rather, we are just providing an overview and some analysis of some of the top options in the market.)
What is cloud storage?
Cloud storage is a type of computer data storage that allows your files to be immediately available on almost any internet-connected device anywhere. Files are stored on servers in a data center, instead of directly on your device.
Cloud storage comparison
Google Drive
Microsoft One Drive
Apple iCloud
Dropbox
Amazon Drive
Free storage?
15GB
5GB
5GB
2GB
5GB
Paid plans
100GB of storage for $2 a month ($20 annually); 200GB of storage for $3 a month ($30 annually); 2TB of storage for $10 a month ($100 annually).
Microsoft 365 Family offers 6TB of storage and costs $10 a month ($100 annually); Microsoft 365 Personal offers 1TB of storage and costs $7 a month ($70 annually); OneDrive Standalone offers 50GB of storage for $1 a month ($10 annually).
iCloud Plus offers 50GB for $1/month, 200GB ($3/month) or 2TB ($10/month).
Dropbox Plus offers 2TB of storage for $10 a month; Dropbox Family offers 2TB for $17 a month; Dropbox Professional offers 3TB of storage for $17 a month.
100GB of storage for $2 a month; 1TB of storage for $7 a month; 2TB of storage for $12/month; plans go up to 30TB of storage.
Affordable, customizable personal plans with features that make sense for the average user
Neat management in dedicated app
Easy to use for existing Google accounts
Cons
Google One subscription only applies to one email address
Finding Google One info requires a bit of scrolling on the website
How much free space you get
Google Drive offers 15GB of free storage.
What you’ll pay for
If you’re looking to expand your personal plan (which defaults as a basic free account), you’ll need to check out Google One.
Google One offers six different membership plans, the basic plan being 100GB for $2 per month. The Google One app makes it easy to manage your account, swap between plans, free up account storage, and take advantage of special member benefits.
If you visit Google’s Workspace website, you’ll see business plans between $6 and $18 per month per user. Every business plan comes with a 14-day free trial.
Supported OS
Google One and Google Drive business accounts are supported across Android, iOS, MacOS and Windows
Bottom Line If you’re looking to expand your personal storage, Google One is an easy-to-use app that demystifies cloud storage and how to get the most out of your plan.
Microsoft 365 Personal and Microsoft 365 Family offer a ton of storage for a reasonable price
OneDrive Standalone is available if you’re not looking for extra features
Cons
There isn’t a middle-ground option to get a ton of storage without extra features
No option to increase storage space for OneDrive Standalone
How much free space you get Microsoft OneDrive offers 5GB of free storage with the Basic free account.
What you’ll pay for Microsoft has a robust selection of plans. For personal needs, users can choose between Microsoft 365 Personal, Microsoft 365 Family and OneDrive Standalone. Personal and Family offer the most bang for your buck, but if you’re just looking for storage, these options are loaded with features you don’t need. For storage-only, you can subscribe to OneDrive Standalone which offers 50GB of storage for $1 per month or $10 annually. And starting Jan. 30, Microsoft 365 will introduce a new, “Basic” tier that includes 100GB of storage for $2 or $20 annually, billed upfront, which might be a better choice if the 50GB plan is a bit too limiting.
Supported OS
Microsoft OneDrive works on PC, Mac, Android and iOS.
Bottom Line Microsoft’s plans offer generous packages at reasonable prices for the average user. In addition, the OneDrive Standalone option means you won’t be forced into buying more than you need.
Supported OS
Apple’s iCloud storage is only available for iOS and MacOS.
Bottom Line Apple iCloud is an easy cloud storage service for Apple users to check out because it’s already native to the device. Upgrading from the basic tier is easy and Apple thankfully doesn’t tuck away useful features behind the highest-priced plan.
App integrations with Slack, Asana, Zoom, Google Workspace and more
Cons
Offers least amount of free storage
Most expensive plans
Personal plans don’t differ enough to warrant separate, differently priced plans
How much free space you get Dropbox offers 2GB of free storage
What you’ll pay for Dropbox offers Plus and Family plans for $10/month and $17/month respectively. Both plans offer 2TB of storage, with Family divvying up the space among six users. Based on the site’s comparison, there don’t appear to be enough differences to warrant charging almost double for the Family plan. There is also Dropbox Professional, which offers one user 3TB of storage for around $17/month.
Supported OS
Dropbox works on PC, Android and iOS.
Bottom Line Dropbox’s plans are loaded with features, but offer very little middle ground for user customization. Adding one more personal plan ahead of Plus could give customers a bridge between 2GB and 2TB.
Clean, easily understandable user interface on desktop and mobile
Cons
Moving towards photo and video only in 2023
Only three plans with monthly payment options
How much free space you get If you have an Amazon account, you automatically get 5GB of photo, video and file storage for free. If you’re a Prime subscriber, you get unlimited photo storage.
What you’ll pay for Amazon has multiple paid plans, but you may not want to invest too much right now with the service planning to transition next year. You can upgrade your plan to 100GB ($2/month), 1TB ($7/month) or 2TB ($12/month). After that, there are 10 other plans available going all the way up to 30TB, but those plans renew annually and it’s unlikely the average user would need so much space.
Supported OS
Amazon Drive is available on desktop, as well as iOS and Android. After Drive shuts down, the Amazon Photos app will require a separate download.
Bottom Line Amazon Drive is still an option for storage, but as of Dec. 31, 2023, Amazon Drive will no longer be supported and Amazon will put more focus into Amazon Photos. The iOS and Android app will no longer be available for download as of Oct. 31 of this year. After that, you’ll need to download the Amazon Photos app. For now, you can still upload files on the Amazon Drive website until Jan. 31, 2023.
Of course, Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box and Amazon aren’t your only cloud storage options.
SugarSync is a Dropbox-like alternative with apps for every mobile platform. The service offers personal and business plans with a 30-day free trial to start. With a personal SugarSync account, you get 100GB for $7.49 a month, $250GB for $10 a month or 500GB for $18.95 a month. The service offers secure file-sharing (even if they don’t have an account), collaboration, file syncing, as well as remote data wipe in the event of loss, theft or damage.
Another option for cloud storage is pCloud. The service offers annual and lifetime plans for individuals, families and businesses. PCloud doesn’t limit file sizes and doesn’t throttle your upload or download speeds. While your pCloud files are securely stored on the company’s servers, you can add an extra layer of protection by purchasing pCloud Crypto. PCloud Crypto provides client-side encryption where the encrypted version of your files are stored on pCloud servers, but the plain-text files stay on your computer. With your Crypto Pass code, you can encrypt or decrypt your files.
You can subscribe to Premium 500GB ($50 a year) or Premium Plus 2TB ($100 a year). Both of these plans, as well as the Custom 10TB Plan also offer a lifetime subscription for a flat fee. Customers can start with annual plans and upgrade to lifetime plans later if they choose.
Cloud storage: Terms to know
Cloud: This refers to software and services that are stored on the internet, instead of locally on your computer or phone. The cloud allows you to access your files anywhere with an internet connection.
Data center: Even though your files are stored in the cloud, there is still physical hardware involved. The company that you’ve purchased cloud storage from — like Google or Apple — will have actual servers where customer information lives.
Terabyte: A terabyte is a unit of measurement for digital data. One terabyte equals about 1,000 GB.
Which cloud storage service is right for you?
Sarah Tew/CNET
Frequently asked questions
How do I clear my cloud storage?
The process for clearing your cloud storage may vary depending on which service you use. In the Google One app, for example, there’s a Free Up Account Storage button.
Why use cloud storage?
Instead of having to remember a thumb drive, or emailing items to yourself, cloud storage lets you access your files, documents and photos on demand. If your computer or phone crashes, you don’t have to worry about losing your content, because those files are stored on a separate server. Cloud storage can be a convenient option because options like Google One, iCloud and OneDrive are built into services many use on a daily basis. Cloud storage also lets you keep your device’s local storage freed up.
Is cloud storage safe?
According to Norton, cloud storage is a safe option for users because the on-site servers are usually located in warehouses that few employees have access to. In addition, the files stored on the servers are encrypted, adding another layer of security.
No type of digital storage is risk-free, but cloud storage services also offer more immediate security features like two-factor authentication and security checkups. Privacy and security features may vary between services.
How much cloud storage do I need?
How much storage you’ll need will depend on what you’re storing. A student will likely need a smaller storage plan than a professional photographer. If your needs change, most plans let you easily upgrade or downgrade.
Overwatch 2 promised players some unexpected things in season 3, and the biggest and best surprise has been the web-based dating sim Loverwatch. In the game, you’re guided by Hanzo in cupid form as he helps you navigate your way to Genji’s or Mercy’s heart. The path will take you to Overwatch locales like Midtown and Circuit Royale as you spend time with your date and get to know them better. It’s a hilarious ride filled with Overwatch in-jokes and a surprising amount of heart.
You can play Loverwatch by going to loverwatch.gg. It plays directly in your web browser — no downloads required. If you sign in to your Battle.net account, you’ll be able to earn in-game rewards for successfully earning the admiration of the Overwatch heroes, though some rewards will be added only at a later date.
As I mentioned in CNET’s season 3 guide, the Overwatch roster is overflowing with eligible dates. Of those 30-plus heroes, though, Genji and Mercy are two of the most popular, with plenty of backstory to draw from. That makes them good choices for what’s hopefully the first Overwatch dating sim, or at least the first iteration of it. The game itself hints at the hopes for future installments.
Loverwatch, as weird and unexpected as the project might seem, is one of the best things Overwatch has produced. CNET got to talk to the game’s writers and brand manager in media interviews the day after its launch. Here’s what we learned about the game’s origins and the possibility of fans getting more in the future.
Is Loverwatch canon?
No. The writers pulled from the characters’ personalities based on longstanding lore and in-game interactions, but the events of the dating sim aren’t canon. The game states that upfront before players begin courting the hero of their choice.
How to get the secret ending
For the rewards hunters: Genji and Mercy are the two options at the start of the game, but theirs aren’t the only hearts you can win. If you successfully form a connection with both heroes, you’ll unlock a secret ending where Cupid himself tells you that he admires your dedication to love in all its forms. You’ll get a unique reward for earning this ending, which transfers to your Battle.net account.
The partially-clothed, Cupid-themed Hanzo will give you advice about how to proceed with your dates. He might make for a grumpy advisor, but his guidance is helpful.
Blizzard
Why a dating sim?
Overwatch has needed something like this for years. It’s a bright, vibrant game filled with characters who inspire late-night lore-binging sessions, yet the core game is a competitive shooter — not the most inviting or accessible environment for everyone. A dating sim is a great way for Blizzard to get the game and its characters out in front of more people without asking them to go through the terrors of online matchmaking. The writers do a remarkable job of slipping in-jokes into the dialogue for people who’ve played for years, while still providing context for people who might’ve joined when Overwatch 2 launched as a free-to-play game.
The developers seem to be aware of the potential for engagement outside of the core gameplay. Overwatch Brand Manager Beth Bryson said that, as part of the game’s new free-to-play model, “We’re going to give [fans] ways to experience the Overwatch world and experience our heroes and interact with them in unique and different ways,” and Loverwatch is the introductory path.
According to Senior Narrative Designer Miranda Moyer, heroes are the lifeblood of the game, and the Overwatch developers were enthusiastic about giving fans an opportunity to interact with those heroes in a more character-focused experience. Moyer wrote Genji’s path in the dating sim.
Narrative Designer Kyungseo Min, who wrote Mercy’s path, said, “We wanted to [expand the universe] in a way where we wanted to include members of the community who kinda felt left out by the PVP experience,” and that a project like Loverwatch gives them the opportunity to expand while being inclusive.
Will there be more Overwatch dating sims?
Everyone who plays the game seems to be asking for more. Bryson said the hope is that the player response will be big enough to explore other avenues like Loverwatch. “I think there’s a very large appetite for that within the team. No promises, but we certainly make a stronger case for ourselves if players are jumping in and enjoying it.”
Moyer added, “There is absolutely a lot of enthusiasm behind this project, and we have a ton of ideas for the rest of the cast.”
Maybe your ultimate hope is to be able to court the troubled-but-wholesome members of Overwatch or the more complicated heroes like Ashe or the members of Talon. Or perhaps you just have an unquenchable thirst for one of the game’s omnics. Regardless, the best way to guarantee that possibility is to go play Loverwatch right now. Trust me, it’s worth the 10 minutes or so a single playthrough will take you, and you’ll be helping out the entire Overwatch community by advancing our obsession.
Though it has only been available since October of last year, we have already seen some solid deals on Google’s Pixel Watch , which won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award for 2022.
Officially unveiled alongside the Pixel 7 series of phones at Google’s October media event, the Pixel Watch is the company’s first crack at a first-party smartwatch. Though Google has made Wear OS software available to other smartwatches for years and finalized its acquisition of Fitbit in 2021, the Pixel Watch is the first all-Google smartwatch.
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The Pixel Watch features a round display, interchangeable bands and customizable watch faces. Wear OS has been redesigned for the round display, and the watch features all of the Google apps you would expect, plus fitness features powered by Fitbit smarts. It runs on an Exynos 9110 processor along with a coprocessor and should last for 24 hours per charge, according to Google. It features accurate heart rate tracking and can take an ECG from the wrist, and will be updated with the ability to take blood oxygen saturation measurements. Similar to Apple Watch, fall detection is also built in.
Interestingly, unlike other Wear OS smartwatches, Pixel Watch is only compatible with Android. In a move akin to Apple’s approach with the Apple Watch, you’ll have to remain within the Google ecosystem to enjoy Google’s new wearable.
The Pixel Watch retails at $350 and is available now.
What colors does the Pixel Watch come in?
The Pixel Watch is available in four different finishes: matte black with an obsidian active band, polished silver with a charcoal active band, polished silver with a chalk active band or champagne gold with a hazel active band. The bands are interchangeable, and many third-party options are already available for endless customization options.
How much does the Pixel Watch cost?
Pixel Watch is available with or without cellular connectivity with prices starting at $349. Here’s how the pricing breaks down in full in the US:
AT&T is offering the Pixel Watch for just $5.56 per month with a new line on an eligible installment plan over 36 months. That makes the LTE watch just $200 — a 50% saving.
Buy two Pixel Watch devices at Verizon and save $400, essentially scoring the second device for free. You’ll need to add at least one new line and activate both devices on your wireless plan, then the $400 will be applied as bill credits. Other deals include as much as $180 off when you trade in your old smartwatch or a free Pixel Watch when purchased alongside an eligible Android phone.
You can also go straight to the source for your Pixel Watch order by purchasing at the Google Store. Like at other retailers, the Wi-Fi-only model is $350, but you’ll also nab six months of Fitbit Premium and three months of YouTube Music Premium for free.
Right now this watch is listed at full-price. But if Amazon is your preferred retailer, we have seen the Pixel Watch drop as low as $299 for the Wi-Fi model, so you may want to wait for another sale if you aren’t in a hurry. Either way, you’ll get six months of Fitbit Premium included with your purchase, too.
The Google Pixel Watch is available at Best Buy with delivery or in-store pickup options right now, but there are no discounts currently available. However, if you have a device to trade-in, you may be able to score some credit towards your purchase.
The Google Pixel Watch is available in its various Wi-Fi configurations at Walmart. Currently, you will be paying full price for it, but we will keep you posted on when the next deal is available.
Overwatch 2 promised players some unexpected things in season 3, and the biggest and best surprise has been the web-based dating sim, Loverwatch. In the game, you’re guided by Hanzo in cupid form as he helps you navigate your way to Genji’s or Mercy’s heart. The path will take you to Overwatch locales like Midtown and Circuit Royale as you spend time with your date and get to know them better. It’s a hilarious ride filled with Overwatch in-jokes and a surprising amount of heart.
You can play Loverwatch by going to loverwatch.gg. It plays directly in your web browser — no downloads required. If you sign in to your Battle.net account, you’ll be able to earn in-game rewards for successfully earning the admiration of the Overwatch heroes, though some rewards will be added only at a later date.
As I mentioned in CNET’s season 3 guide, the Overwatch roster is overflowing with eligible dates. Of those 30-plus heroes, though, Genji and Mercy are two of the most popular, with plenty of backstory to draw from. That makes them good choices for what’s hopefully the first Overwatch dating sim, or at least the first iteration of it. The game itself hints at the hopes for future installments.
Overwatch has needed something like this for years. It’s a bright, vibrant game filled with characters who inspire late-night lore-binging sessions, yet the core game is a competitive shooter — not the most inviting or accessible environment for everyone. A dating sim is a great way for Blizzard to get the game and its characters out in front of more people without asking them to go through the terrors of online matchmaking. The writers do a remarkable job of slipping in-jokes into the dialogue for people who’ve played for years, while still providing context for people who might’ve joined when Overwatch 2 launched as a free-to-play game.
So, whether you’re an Overwatch veteran or someone who’s been waiting for an opportunity to engage with the game without being yelled at by strangers online, check out Loverwatch — it’s one of the best things Overwatch has produced.
How to get the secret ending
For the rewards hunters: Genji and Mercy are the two options at the start of the game, but theirs aren’t the only hearts you can win. If you successfully form a connection with both heroes, you’ll unlock a secret ending where Cupid himself tells you that he admires your dedication to love in all its forms. You’ll get a unique reward for earning this ending, which transfers to your Battle.net account.
This was back in the iOS 15 days — iOS 16.3 is the current version — but SharePlay is still a really neat part of the iPhone experience and one of FaceTime’s biggest updates, making Apple a big competitor to Zoom and Teleparty (formerly known as Netflix Party). If you haven’t tried it yet, tonight’s the night. What better time to host a virtual movie night with your far-away partner than Valentine’s Day?
So what exactly is SharePlay? It’s a FaceTime feature that lets iPhone, iPad and Mac users share screens — and streams — with each other.You can use SharePlay to share your screen with your partner to watch movies, listen to songs and more, all while on your FaceTime call. Here’s how to get it set up.
How to use SharePlay stream shows and movies with FaceTime
Having a watch party in FaceTime is simple and intuitive with SharePlay. When you stream movies or TV shows with your significant other, content will sync across devices and allow both parties access to controls. And you’ll still see and hear each other in picture-in-picture as you watch. Streaming services that have partnered with Apple for SharePlay include Hulu, HBO Max, TikTok, Apple Fitness Plus, Twitch, Spotify, ESPN Plus and many more.
In order to use SharePlay, both parties need to use FaceTime on an Apple device (and you have to upgrade to at least iOS 15.1, iPadOS 15.1 or MacOS Monterey 12.1). Another cool feature of SharePlay is that you can cast to your Apple TV while maintaining the FaceTime call on your iPhone. That way you’re not stuck squinting at a tiny screen with your friend’s face blocking the show.
Shared streaming video can be cast from an iPhone to an Apple TV when using SharePlay in FaceTime.
Apple
Here’s how to set up SharePlay in FaceTime:
1. Start a FaceTime call.
2. Open a streaming app while connected to the call and choose a show or movie.
3. Press Play, and both parties can watch the same stream at once.
How to listen to music with SharePlay
Not a big movie buff? Here’s an alternative virtual date idea: Create a playlist just for your significant other, then use SharePlay to listen to it together. When sharing music, both parties will also have access to controls to pause, play or skip songs in SharePlay. And you can even contribute to shared playlists by adding songs to a queue within Apple Music.
Both parties can add songs to a shared queue in FaceTime.
Apple
Here’s how to share music with SharePlay:
1. Start a FaceTime call.
2. Open Apple Music and choose a song.
3. Press Play, and the song will begin playing from both devices at the same time.
Sharing music in a FaceTime call.
Apple
How to use SharePlay to share your screen in FaceTime
Like Zoom, FaceTime will let you share your screen with others on the call using SharePlay, so you can share more than just music and videos. Apple’s suggested use cases include planning a trip together, browsing Zillow with future roommates, showing off a video game or helping a friend with a technical problem by walking them through which settings to change. This feature will also work across Apple devices, which means you can share your Mac screen or your iPhone or iPad screen in a call.
One drawback: SharePlay’s subscription problem
Netflix and YouTube are just two of the apps that won’t sync with SharePlay — though a workaround for YouTube is to just share your screen, not the app. Apple also notes that a subscription will be required for both parties in order to share streaming services like HBO Max or Disney Plus through SharePlay.
We put this to the test and verified that not only do both parties need a subscription to the app being shared, if applicable, but they also need to have the app itself downloaded on both devices. So if your significant other wants to SharePlay a TikTok video and you don’t have the TikTok app installed, you won’t be able to see the video over FaceTime.
USB-C has hit its stride. The charging and data port is built into almost every laptop and Android phone. And now an abundance of accessories makes the most of the standard to speed up data transfer and charge your gadgets faster.
Even Apple, which for years favored its competing Lightning connector, is building USB-C into future iPhones, not just iPads and Macs. That’s great, because more USB-C devices means more USB-C charging ports everywhere, so you’re less likely to be stuck with a drained battery in an airport, office or friend’s car.
Accessories unlock USB-C’s potential. USB docks and hubs multiply the abilities of a single USB-C port on your laptop or tablet. Multiport chargers are great for people with lots of devices to charge, and they’re getting smaller and lighter thanks to efficient new electronics built with gallium nitride components. And now USB-C is increasingly useful as a video port to connect external monitors.
First, though, a little explanation, because USB standards can be confusing. USB-C is the physical connection. It’s the oval port and the reversible cables that now are commonplace on laptops and Android phones. The main USB standard is currently at USB 4.0. This governs the data connections between devices, for example plugging a backup drive into your PC. USB Power Delivery governs how devices cooperate for charging and is newly upgraded to reach powerful 240-watt levels.
USB-C is good for replacing both the original rectangular USB-A ports that first arrived on 1990s PCs to connect printers and mice and the small, trapezoidal ports that caught on for phone charging, called USB Micro B.
This little two-port GaN unit is so much better than conventional phone chargers that it stopped me from being grouchy that phone makers stopped including them. Anker’s Nano Pro 521 is just a little bigger but capable of pumping juice at 37 watts — enough that I use it to power my laptop most days. That’s not as much power as bigger laptop chargers offer, but it’s super small and enough for my daily needs. You can toss into your backpack before heading to school or work. (You may find a clippable coupon at Amazon that will save you as much as 15% on the price shown.)
If you’re moving into the USB-C future, this charger is great. It dispenses entirely with the legacy USB-A ports while offering lots of power over its four ports. It uses GaN charging technology, which lets designers shrink chargers into compact sizes unthinkably small compared to a few years ago. This one delivers 165 watts total. Its included power cable can be handy but bulks up the package if you’re traveling.
This reasonably priced hub adds a lot of utility to a single port on your laptop. It’s got two USB-A ports, microSD and SD card slots, a gigabit Ethernet jack, and an HDMI port that supports 4K video at 60Hz. Its USB-C port can pass along 100 watts of power from an external charger or connect to peripherals.
I like this compact Baseus charger for its two USB-C and two USB-A ports, but what helps set it apart from others is a pair of regular grounded outlets that you can use for more chargers or other devices. That’s useful for families traveling, where you might not have enough power outlets, or for gadget-heavy excursions. Right now I have an extra USB-C charger plugged into it to charge a multitude of gadgets at my home office desk. Its USB-C ports delivered a healthy 61 watts to my laptop in my charging tests. Its built-in power cord is beefy to handle the extra outlets, so it’s not as small as a charger with flip-out power prongs, despite its compact GaN power electronics. In my view, though, the power cord length is often very useful. Another perk: It comes with a USB-C charging cable.
If you need serious wattage, Ugreen’s 6-port Nexode can pump out 200W across its four USB-C ports and two USB-A ports. That’s great if you have two laptops or a laptop and power-hungry accessories like battery chargers or drones.
USB-C has evolved beyond initial limitations that meant hubs only had one port. With four USB-C and three USB-A ports, this is the hub for you if you need to plug in lots of peripherals such as thumb drives or external drives. All the ports can charge phones or tablets, though you’ll need to plug a charger into one of its USB-C ports if you need higher power levels. The hub’s USB-C ports can’t handle monitors, unfortunately.
This 26,800-mAh battery pack is just what you need to keep your laptop running when out and about, whether photographers on a shoot or businesspeople on long airplane flights. It’s got four USB-C ports, two rated at 100 watts for laptops and two lower-power ports good for phones. An OLED status display is useful for tracking usage and remaining battery life, all in a rugged aluminum housing.
The combination of USB-C and GaN has been a godsend for car charging. This compact Anker charger has two relatively high power USB-C ports, enough to deliver 27 watts to my laptop. That’s enough for moderately fast charging. If you have an iPhone, make sure you get a USB-C-to-Lightning cable.
This clever design snaps into the two USB-C/Thunderbolt ports on the side of a MacBook. A narrow shim ensures a snug fit, although you can skip it and use the included short cable to plug into any USB-C port if you’re away from your MacBook. In addition to 5Gbps USB-A and USB-C ports, it’s got a full-on Thunderbolt/USB-C port that reaches 40Gbps, a pop-up Ethernet jack, an SD Card slot, an HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio jack.
If your laptop’s solid-state drive is running out of space, this hub has a compartment for M.2 SSDs for conveniently boosting storage space. It’s also got a pass-through USB-C charging port, two USB-A ports and an HDMI video port. The SSD isn’t included.
If you need to plug three 4K monitors into your computer — and some people do, for tasks like programming, monitoring finances and designing buildings — the VisionTek VT7000 will let you do that from a single USB-C port. It’s also got an Ethernet jack, a 3.5mm audio jack, and two USB-C and two USB-A ports for other peripherals. The cable to your laptop delivers power up to a healthy 100 watts with the included cable, making this a very versatile docking station. One of the monitor ports is HDMI only, but the other two let you plug in either HDMI or DisplayPort cables. Note that it comes with a beefy power adapter, and you have to install drivers for Synaptics’ DisplayLink technology to support all those monitors.
Long USB-C charging cables are common, but they’re usually just rated for slow data transfer speeds. Plugable offers the best of both worlds with its 6.6-foot (2 meter) USB-C cable. It’s rated for 40Gbps data transfer — enough for dual 4K monitors — and 100 watts of power delivery. You’ll pay a premium for those features at this length, but sometimes a 1-meter cable doesn’t reach where you need it to. It’s also certified for Intel’s Thunderbolt connection technology, on which newer USB data-transfer standards employ.
Monoprices’ AtlasFlex line are rugged and usefully pliable. Their 10Gbps data rate is good enough for most uses, though not up to 40Gbps speeds of top-end cables. But the price is a great value.
I had fraying problems with Satechi’s earlier cables, but they’ve beefed up the braided housing and connectors for their newer models. They look classy, feel supple, include a tie to tidy up the coils and are rated for 40Gbps data transfer and 100 watts of power.
Amazon’s cheap but sturdy cable gets the job done. It’s not as supple or durable as higher-end options, and it only supports USB 2’s slow, archaic 480Mbps data transfer speeds, but you might not always want to pay a premium if you’re just charging your Nintendo Switch controllers.
What can I say? This 6-foot braided cable is affordable and looks great in red. My test models worked reliably, charging iPhones for months over lots of car trips and office use. You can save a couple bucks if you only need 3 feet, but 6 feet is nice for reaching the outlet when you’re lying in bed scrolling through TikTok until 1 a.m.
A bit bigger than a 9-volt battery, the Chargerito is the smallest USB-C charger I’ve found. It even comes with a keychain loop. It plugs into the wall with flip-out power prongs and another flip-out USB-C connector, so you don’t need a cord. It’s sturdy enough, but don’t put it in the hallway where you or your dog might bang into it.
This hulking 512-Wh battery has a single USB-C port, three USB-A ports and four conventional power outlets. I’d rather have more USB-C ports and fewer USB-A, but this is still useful, with plenty of capacity to top up multiple devices. It’s a good idea for emergency power outages or working on the road, especially if you’re charging drone batteries or draining your phone battery using it as a Wi-Fi hot spot.
The USB-C port maxed out at a healthy 56-watt rate. But plugging my Mac power adapter into its power plug lets me reach 90 watts — an approach I’d use sparingly since it wastes energy converting power from DC to AC and back. A front status panel lets you monitor its capacity, and a carrying handle makes it more portable. It’s also got a handy built-in lighting bar.
To ensure the Power Station doesn’t drain while not in use, be sure to switch on power-saving mode. And turn that off to keep the system awake for intermittent jobs taking time-lapse photos or running CPAP medical equipment. I found it handy to power a digital telescope. If you’re car camping, you can charge it from your car’s 12-volt port.
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USB-C FAQs
Why use USB-C?
The USB-C standard emerged in 2015 to fix a variety of problems that cropped up as USB expanded past plugging in printers to becoming an all-purpose charging and data port. First, it’s a smaller connector than the older rectangular USB-A port, which means it fits on phones, tablets and other small devices. Second, it’s reversible, which means there’s no fiddling to make sure the connector is right side up. Third, it’s got a built-in “alt mode” that can extend a USB-C port’s abilities so it can handle HDMI and DisplayPort video or Intel’s Thunderbolt data and charging connections.
What are the pitfalls of USB-C?
The versatility of USB-C has brought some problems, because not all laptops, phones, cables and accessories support all possible USB-C abilities. Unfortunately, that means you often have to read the fine print to ensure USB-C can do what you need. It’s very common for USB-C charging cables to communicate only with slow USB 2 data-transfer speeds, and fast USB 3 or USB 4 cables are shorter and more expensive. Not all USB hubs can handle video signals, too. Last, check that USB-C cables can handle the power you need. Higher-end laptops can draw 100 watts of power, a top rating for USB-C cables, but USB-C is being expanded with 240-watt charging abilities for gaming laptops and other power-hungry devices.
Hogwarts Legacy officially launched last week, allowing wizarding fans the chance to enter their own magical fantasy. The open-world RPG is set in the Harry Potter universe, and it seems like the game that many fans of the books have long hoped for.
The new game from developer Avalanche Software lets playersexperience the famed school of witchcraft and wizardry as a student in the 1800s, before the events of the Harry Potter books. Here are some basic things to know about Hogwarts Legacy, including when you can snag a copy depending on your platform.
What’s the story?
Hogwarts Legacy players will “embark on a dangerous journey to uncover a hidden truth of the wizarding world,” according to the game’s website. You can explore Hogwarts Castle, where you attend classes. You can also go beyond it to new and familiar locations, per the website.
You can customize your character, choose a Hogwarts house and grow your magical abilities by brewing potions, mastering spells and taming beasts. Hogwarts Legacy sticks to the lore but doesn’t adapt the Harry Potter books and films.
What systems can I play Hogwarts Legacy on?
PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC versions of the game launched on Feb. 10. Those looking to play the PS4 and Xbox One versions will, unfortunately, need to wait until April 4.
Nintendo Switch users will have to hang on even longer, until July 25, to play Hogwarts Legacy.
The game was first announced in 2020, and its release dates have changed three times. It’s published by Warner Bros. Games under its Portkey Games label.
Is there early access?
The Deluxe Edition or Digital Deluxe Edition for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC included 72 hours of early access, starting Feb. 7.
The PS4 and Xbox One versions won’t have an early access period.
Where can I buy Hogwarts Legacy?
If you’re interested in the Standard Edition, you can buy the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions from stores, including GameStop, Amazon and Best Buy for $70 (about 57, AU$99). You can preorder the PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch versions from those stores for $60 (roughly 49, $AU85). The PC version is available for $60 at Steam and the Epic Games store.
You can view more ways to purchase Hogwarts Legacy (including how to buy the Deluxe Edition) on the game’s website. The Collector’s Edition has already sold out, but you may be able to find it online for a markup. The official site breaks down what comes with each edition.
What are critics saying?
The game has a Metacritic score of 85 on PS5. (The score is higher on Xbox Series X|S, and a bit lower on PC, but the PS5 score is based on the most reviews, 74.)
CNET critic Sean Keane played the PS5 version and writes in a positive review that “it captures the wonder of the early books, with an intriguing original narrative, engagingly varied gameplay and intricately designed world to explore.”
J.K. Rowling and Hogwarts Legacy
The game’s connection to Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling has led her critics to call for a boycott, according to The Week. Over the past few years, Rowling has repeatedly made comments that mocked transgender individuals and infuriated trans advocates.
The Hogwarts Legacy website notes that Rowling isn’t involved in the creation of Hogwarts Legacy. But her writing is the foundation for the project and she still makes money off of sales.
