After a week of disappointing results, tournament favorites Aston Villa will be hoping to keep their season on track as they host Ajax in this Europa Conference League last-16, second-leg tie.
The two sides played out a stalemate at the Johan Cruyff Arena last week, in an at times tempestuous affair which saw defender Ezri Konsa sent off for Villa, and Tristan Gooijer also given his marching orders for Ajax.
Full-back Devyne Rensch returns for the Dutch side after serving a suspension, while Jacob Ramsey is a major doubt for the home side.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.
Aston Villa vs. Ajax: When and where?
Aston Villa host Ajax at Villa Park on Thursday, March 14. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is 4 p.m. ET or 1 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Friday, March 15 in Australia.
How to watch Aston Villa vs. Ajax online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view Europa Conference League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action — 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. 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.
Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in the US
American soccer fans can stream this fixture via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the Europa Conference League.
Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in the UK
Europa League live broadcast rights in the UK are held by TNT Sports.
Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in Canada
If you want to stream Europa Conference League games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.
Livestream Aston Villa vs. Ajax in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch Europa Conference League matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the competition live in Australia this season.
Quick tips for streaming Europa Conference League matches using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Europa Conference League games 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.
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.
Ready to learn a new language? Finding the right resources on your own can be a challenge, and traditional classes can cost a significant sum of money. But thankfully there are language-learning apps like Babbel that can provide you with guided lessons you can access on your own schedule. A lifetime subscription to Babbel could run you as much as $599, but from now until March 18, StackSocial is offering a limited-time discount that knocks that down to just $150. And because your subscription won’t expire, you can make your way through as many of the 14 language selections as you want, all without pesky deadlines or costly recurring fees.
Babbel’s extensive language software includes Spanish, French, Italian, German, Russian, Swedish, Indonesian, Portuguese and more. The lessons are short and to the point, allowing you to practice in 10- to 15-minute intervals that can fit into any schedule. Real-life topics include travel, family, business, food and others. A variety of skill levels are available, ranging from beginner to advanced, so the program can grow with you as you improve.
The speech-recognition technology will give you immediate feedback on pronunciation, so you don’t just learn to read and write but how to listen and speak, as well. You’ll also get personalized review sessions to reinforce what you’ve learned. The program works across desktop and mobile devices. And though the internet is required most of the time, there is also an offline mode available where you can access courses, lessons and reviews without Wi-Fi, so long as you download them beforehand. Babbel also syncs your progress across your devices so that you can jump in from wherever is most convenient.
Becoming fluent in a new language is a great way to stay engaged in learning, and the transferable skills you gain can open a lot of doors for leisure, work and beyond. Note that while you can access this program on as many devices as you want, this subscription offer is available only for new users.
Babbel is a great value when compared with other online courses, especially with this current discount. So whether you’re a lifelong learner or just want to pick up some basics for your globetrotting adventures, this is a solid deal.
Read more:11 Items to Add to Your Travel Checklist for a Smooth Trip
Power Book II: Ghost will wrap up Tariq St. Patrick’s story arc, Starz announced on Thursday. The company released a new teaser trailer that shows Tariq appearing to be cornered and in over his head — again — with other characters caught up in the mix. Season 4 is set to debut on June 7, and will be the final installment in the crime drama.
Longtime Power fans may recall how Tariq’s father, James St. Patrick — aka Ghost — made arrangements in his will for his son to only receive his inheritance on the condition that he completes a four-year degree. That stipulation set up the story premise for the Power Book II spinoff, starting Tariq on a path of attending Stansfield University while juggling duties as a budding drug dealer. By the end of season 3, chaos broke out. Saxe was dead, Tommy took out Tasha, and Tariq kicked off an all-out war with former allies Effie and Monet Tejada’s family.
This sequel series received an early season 4 renewal in 2023 ahead of its season 3 premiere, and this final batch of episodes is set to air in two parts. Part one will debut on Friday, June 7 in celebration of the original Power series’ 10th anniversary, and part two will premiere on Sept. 6.
Season 4 will see Michael Ealy join the cast as Detective Don Carter, as well as returning cast members Michael Rainey (Tariq), Gianni Paolo as Brayden, Mary J. Blige as Monet Tejada, Method Man (Davis MacLean), Woody McClain as Cane Tejada and Alix Lapri as Effie.
Buying a new laptop or computer means that you might end up getting the Home edition of Windows 11, which locks a few good features that some might find useful. You could upgrade to a Pro license that unlocks these features, but that usually costs $200 direct from Microsoft, which is a lot of money to pay. On the other hand, you could grab this deal from StackSocial, which discounts the license down to just $30, a staggering difference from the full price.
This is a great price, but it’s important to note that not every computer out there can run Windows 11, so before you buy it, you’re going to want to ensure that your machine will meet the requirements for the operating system. Additionally, the listing says that if you have a PC that’s already running Windows 10, and Windows Update doesn’t let you install the free Windows 11 upgrade, your computer won’t be compatible with this version either.
After you’ve bought the license, you’ll get an activation key that you can use to install and activate Windows 11 Pro on one computer. To be clear, purchases like this are generally intended for advanced users — folks who are building a new computer or who want to dual-boot an existing computer with a second OS. If you’re doing that, you’ll need a secondary PC to access and download the files, so be sure you can access everything from another computer in your home, or that you have a friend’s machine you can use temporarily. Also, note that you’ll want to have a USB thumb drive available to transfer the file.
Whether you plan to travel or just like learning new languages, grabbing an easy-to-use language learning app is essential for keeping you engaged. Of course, they do tend to be expensive, and one of the best, Rosetta Stone, is currently having a big sale that’s worth grabbing. You get 25 languages to pick from, and you can learn at your own pace since it’s a lifetime subscription, so if pressure tends to put you off learning things, this deal is perfect.
Rosetta Stone is our favorite language learning app for auditory learners and this membership gives you access to 25 different languages, from Spanish to Korean, allowing you to better communicate with locals on your travels and increase your comfort level in international settings. Even if you don’t plan on traveling far from home, improving your language skills has plenty of benefits. Whether you want to speak with international neighbors or enjoy movies and TV shows from other places, hobbyists can also take advantage of this deal.
Every single lesson — no matter the language — is broken up into manageable chunks, both online and offline. You also have access to an immersive learning environment that will keep you interested throughout the course to keep your mind on perfecting your studies. Plus, you can even practice your accent using speech recognition technology.
West Ham must claw back a one-goal deficit if they are to progress into the Europa League quarterfinals, as they host Freiburg at the London Stadium on Thursday.
The Hammers have already beaten the German side twice in the group stage, but were left disappointed after last week’s knockout stage first leg clash at the Europa-Park Stadion, with Michael Gregoritsch’s second-half strike the difference between the two sides coming into today’s game.
The closing stages of that match were mired in controversy after West Ham were denied what appeared to be a clear penalty when Freiburg midfielder Noah Weisshaupt appeared to touch the ball with an outstretched arm deep into injury time — an incident that will likely place further scrutiny on referee Marco Guida’s handling of this decisive fixture.
Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every game live wherever you are in the world.
West Ham vs. Freiburg: When and where?
West Ham host Freiburg at the London Stadium on Thursday, March 14. Kickoff is set for 5:45 p.m. GMT local time in the UK, which is 1:45 p.m. ET or 10:45 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 4:45 a.m. AEDT on Friday, March 15 in Australia.
How to watch West Ham vs. Freiburg online from anywhere using a VPN
If you find yourself unable to view Europa League matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the action — 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.
Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in the US
American soccer fans can stream this fixture via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for the Europa League.
Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in the UK
Europa League live broadcast rights in the UK are held by TNT Sports.
Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in Canada
If you want to stream Europa League games live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.
Livestream West Ham vs. Freiburg in Australia
Football fans Down Under can watch Europa League matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the competition live in Australia this season.
Quick tips for streaming UEFA Europa League matches using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Europa League games 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 want versatile gaming you can take on the go, the Nintendo Switch remains a solid option. Nintendo has had plenty of popular gaming systems over the years, and variants like the Nintendo Switch Lite and the Nintendo Switch OLED continue to offer different gaming experiences. But right now, you can get a deal on the original Nintendo Switch at Amazon. Just use promo code NSWNEON25 at checkout and you’ll get a $25 digital Amazon credit to use towards a future purchase, essentially scoring you the device for $275. That’s $1 less than the lowest price we’ve seen.
The Nintendo Switch is a hybrid console that you can use as a handheld gaming device or in conjunction with your TV. Not only does it boast a ton of great games in its arsenal, but it also won an Editors’ Choice Award and remains our top pick for the best handheld game console on the market. While the OLED model does offer some upgrades worth considering if you primarily use it as a handheld, the credit on this model definitely makes it a solid deal — especially for users who typically play in docked mode.
If you’re looking for savings on other models or games and accessories for your Switch, be sure to check out our roundup of the best Nintendo Switch deals happening now.
The Pixel Watch 2 feels like everything I wanted the first version to be. It has more health sensors, a faster new processor and slightly longer battery life, making it feel like a more well-rounded watch than Google’s first attempt.
However, is the $350 Pixel Watch 2 worth upgrading from the original Pixel Watch? Having tested both, I can say the Pixel Watch 2’s changes are appreciated. But I wouldn’t recommend upgrading just yet. Some Pixel Watch 2 features, like the ability to start and stop workouts automatically and set pace goals, recently came to the first-generation watch through a software update.
Unless you’re particularly interested in the Pixel Watch 2’s passive stress monitoring and receiving irregular heart rate notifications, you’ll be fine waiting for the Pixel Watch 3.
Google also still sells the first Pixel Watch for $280 ( 279, AU$549), which is about $70 cheaper than the Pixel Watch 2. That makes the first Pixel Watch seem tempting, although I suggest splurging on the new one if you have room in your budget. The new processor and larger battery will help you get more longevity out of the second model compared to the first one if you’re deciding between the two.
Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch: Design
The Pixel Watch 2 and original Pixel Watch look almost identical, and that’s a good thing. Both watches are available in a 41-millimeter size in polished silver, matte black and champagne gold color options. Like the first Pixel Watch, the new version has a curved glass screen that gives it an elegant look compared to most smartwatches. The same watch bands are compatible with both Pixel Watch models.
The only major aesthetic difference is the Pixel Watch 2’s aluminum casing, which replaces the original’s stainless steel build. While stainless steel does look more premium, the aluminum design makes the Pixel Watch 2 lighter than the first model at 31 grams versus 36 grams. While you can feel the difference, the first Pixel Watch never felt particularly heavy to me.
The watch’s underside also looks slightly different now that Google has added more health sensors and a new charging mechanism, which you can read more about below.
My only complaint about the Pixel Watch’s design is that those black bezels framing the screen are still visible when using colorful watch faces and apps. There’s also no larger size option for people who prefer a bigger screen.
Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch: Fitness and health tracking
One of my criticisms of the first Pixel Watch was that it lacked some of the health sensors found on Fitbit’s Sense 2 (Fitbit is also owned by Google), like a skin temperature reader and a sensor for measuring continuous electrodermal activity, or EDA, which is used for detecting potential signs of stress. While these omissions weren’t deal-breakers, it felt like an odd choice considering the Pixel Watch’s higher price and otherwise Fitbit-centric experience.
That’s no longer the case with the Pixel Watch 2. Google’s new smartwatch gains both a skin temperature sensor and that EDA sensor, bringing it up to speed with Fitbit’s offerings. That means you’ll get notifications throughout the day when the Pixel Watch 2 detects possible signs of stress or excitement, which makes the second model a better choice than the first Pixel Watch for those looking to keep tabs on their stress levels.
The Pixel Watch 2’s other major health feature, and the more important one, is irregular heart rhythm detection. While the first Pixel Watch can take an ECG and alert you if your heart rate is too high or low, it can’t notify you if it detects an irregular heart rhythm. That could be critical for those interested in a smartwatch primarily for cardiac health, although it’s important to remember that smartwatches aren’t meant to replace medical devices.
When it comes to exercise tracking, the Pixel Watch 2 and original Pixel Watch have a lot in common. Previously, the biggest difference between the two watches was the newer model’s pace and heart zone training tools. But those features have since launched for the first watch through an update.
The case is the same with automatic workout detection. The original Pixel Watch recently gained Pixel Watch 2’s ability to automatically start and stop certain exercises, such as running, walking, rowing and spinning, after you’ve been working out for a certain amount of time.
Compared to last year’s model, the Pixel Watch 2 also has a new heart rate sensor with multiple points of contact, which I found to be impressively accurate when compared against a chest strap heart rate monitor. Otherwise, both watches offer many of the same health, fitness and wellness tracking features, such as sleep monitoring, high and low heart rate alerts, overnight blood oxygen levels, and a built-in GPS for tracking outdoor workouts.
Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch: Performance and battery
The Pixel Watch 2 has a few upgrades over the original that make it feel faster and last longer on a single charge. There’s a quad-core processor inside the Pixel Watch 2 compared to the first Pixel Watch’s dual-core chip, for example. But more importantly, the Pixel Watch 2 has a new crown that’s easier to twist, which makes scrolling through menus and apps feel smoother than on the first Pixel Watch.
Google’s second watch also has a slightly larger battery, meaning it can now last for 24 hours with the always-on display activated. The previous-generation Pixel Watch can also last for a day, according to Google, but without the always-on display. In my experience, the Pixel Watch 2 lasted for more than 24 hours on a light day without tracking outdoor workouts. But logging outdoor runs and walks drained the battery much faster.
But it’s not just about the battery life; the Pixel Watch 2 can also replenish its battery faster. In my testing, the Pixel Watch 2 went from flat to 97% in an hour, while the first Pixel Watch charged to 81% in the same time. It’s worth noting, however, that they both charged to around 50% in 30 minutes.
The Pixel Watch 2 also uses a different charging mechanism that replaces the first generation’s wireless charger. So if you do upgrade, you won’t be able to repurpose your old charger for the new watch.
Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch: Software and safety
Both watches run Wear OS 4, the newest version of Google’s operating system for smartwatches. Compared to Wear OS 3, the newer software brought improved notifications, better text-to-speech support and the ability to more easily transfer your watch to a new phone.
The Personal Safety app, which houses features such as emergency SOS and fall detection, is also present on both watches. The Safety Check tool for checking in with designated emergency contact during certain situations, was previously available only on the Pixel Watch 2. But the update to Wear OS 4 brought it to the first-generation model as well.
Safety Signal is new and exclusive to the Pixel Watch 2. It lets you use certain safety features like emergency location sharing without a data plan on the LTE version of the Pixel Watch 2. You do, however, need to subscribe to Fitbit Premium.
Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch: Final thoughts
The Pixel Watch 2 is a welcome improvement over the original. Its stress-tracking sensors, longer battery life, faster charging and smoother performance make for a better all-round experience. But these are mostly routine upgrades that help address criticisms of the first watch rather than meaningfully pushing the smartwatch experience forward. With that in mind, original Pixel Watch owners shouldn’t feel compelled to upgrade, especially since last year’s watch inherited some of the new model’s features through software updates.
Take a closer look at how the two watches stack up below.
Google Pixel Watch 2 vs. Pixel Watch
Pixel Watch 2
Pixel Watch
Shape
Round
Round
Watch size
41mm
41mm
Materials, finishes
Aluminum
Stainless steel
Display size, resolution
1.2-inch, 450 x 450 pixels (320 ppi)
1.2-inch, 450 x 450 pixels (320 ppi)
Dimensions
41mm x 12.3mm
41mm x 12.3mm
Weight
31g
36g
Colors
Matte black, polished silver, champagne gold
Matte black, polished silver, champagne gold
Always On
Yes
Yes
Interchangeable bands
Yes
Yes
GPS
Yes
Yes
Automatic workout detection
Yes
Yes
Compass
Yes
Yes
Altimeter
Yes
Yes
Water resistance
5ATM, IP68
5ATM
Calls
Yes
Yes
Microphone
Yes
Yes
Speaker
Yes
Yes
Voice assistant
Yes (Google Assistant)
Yes (Google Assistant)
Mobile Payments
Yes (Google Wallet)
Yes (Google Wallet)
Sleep tracking
Yes
Yes
Heart Health
ECG, irregular heart rhythm notifications, high and low heart rate alerts
ECG, high and low heart rate alerts
Period tracking
Yes
Yes
Sensors
SpO2, ECG, accelerometer, gyro, ambient light sensor, skin temperature sensor, electrical sensor for body response tracking, barometer, magnetometer
Before Mortal Kombat, there was Street Fighter, Capcom’s video game series that helped usher in a new era of fighting games. Now a cult favorite, Street Fighter has come a long way from its 8-bit origins to becoming a worldwide tournament event. This year’s Red Bull Kumite battle goes down in Brooklyn, New York.
A new Street Fighter 6 champion will be crowned from a pool of 16 players that includes last year’s victor, Adel “Big Bird” Anouche. Knockout rounds begin on Saturday, March 16 at 11 a.m. ET and last until 11:30 p.m. The final tournament matches kick off on Sunday, March 17 at 1:30 p.m. ET. Look out for the opening ceremony at 1 p.m. to see how players will be set up in the bracket — this is part of the main event and will not be seeded.
You can watch Red Bull Kumite live from anywhere by streaming it on Red Bull Gaming’s Twitch or YouTube channel. Eight players will be featured during Saturday’s seeded Play-In event, with the winner moving on to Sunday’s big face-off as the 16th addition. Tune in to see players from around the globe, such as Japan’s Gachikun, Menard from the Dominican Republic, France’s Valmaster, Oil King of Taiwan and Punk from the US.
Keep up with CNET’s other gaming coverage like Apple Arcade’s upcoming releases and a test drive of the playable documentary-style Llamasoft: The Jeff Minter Story.
