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  • Wales vs. France: How to Watch 2024 Six Nations Rugby Live From Anywhere

    Wales vs. France: How to Watch 2024 Six Nations Rugby Live From Anywhere

    The penultimate round of the Six Nations sees rock-bottom Wales host a French side that has also struggled so far in this year’s tournament.

    The Welsh have lost 10 out of their last 11 Six Nations games, including three in this year’s tournament, and will be determined to claim a win in Cardiff as they look to avoid the dreaded wooden spoon.

    The French have so far failed to win a single game during this year’s tournament, and were lucky not to suffer a historic first Six Nations defeat to Italy last time out, with Paolo Garbisi’s last-gasp penalty kick for the Azzurri hitting the post to ensure the game ended in a draw.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch every match of the 2024 Six Nations, no matter where you are in the world.

    Wales rugby Head Coach Warren Gatland wearing a suit with a red tie and daffodil flower badge.

    Wales vs. France: When and where?

    Wales host France at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff on Sunday, March 10. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m. GMT local time, which is 10 a.m. ET or 7 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 2 a.m. AEDT on Monday, March 11, in Australia).

    How to watch Wales vs. France online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you can’t view the tournament locally, you may need a different way to watch this match, which is where 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 want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

    With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. 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 Australia, 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 Wales vs. France in the US

    Select Six Nations matches this season are being broadcast in the US on CNBC. The best option for watching the tournament is via the streaming service Peacock, which is showing every match live. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch games live.

    Watch Wales vs. France for free in the UK

    Rugby fans in the UK are among the luckiest in the world, as all matches of the 2024 Six Nations will be shown live on free-to-air networks BBC and ITV. This match is being shown on BBC1, which also means viewers in the UK will be able to stream for free on BBC iPlayer.

    Watch Wales vs. France for free in Ireland

    Live coverage is split between free-to-air terrestrial broadcasters RTÉ and Virgin Media in Ireland. This match is being shown on RTÉ1, which means you’ll be able to stream the game for free on its streaming platform RTÉ Player.

    Stream Wales vs. France in Australia

    Rugby fans Down Under can watch Six Nations matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show games live in Australia this season.

    Stream Wales vs. France in Canada

    If you want to stream Six Nations games live in Canada, subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the tournament this season.

    Stream Wales vs. France in New Zealand

    Pay TV broadcaster Sky Sport has broadcast rights to show every 2024 Six Nations game live in New Zealand.

    Quick tips for streaming the 2024 Six Nations using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming Six Nations Rugby action live 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.
  • Act Quickly to Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Just $36

    Act Quickly to Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 for Just $36

    There are a lot of coding tools out there, but one of the most popular and most used is Visual Studio. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty pricey option if you get it from Microsoft, costing you a substantial $45 per month. Luckily, there’s an alternative in the form of this deal from StackSocial, which will net you Visual Studio Pro 2022 on Windows for just $36. You can only get it that low if you use the coupon code ENJOY20, so be sure to do that when you’re checking out to get the lowest price.

    When you’re writing and editing code on a large scale, basic rich text editors probably aren’t going to cut it. Having an IDE, or integrated development environment, will allow you to not only write and edit, but also run your code so you can debug it all in one platform. Microsoft Visual Studio is a 64-bit IDE with advanced tools and built-in integrations that can make it much easier to handle a sizable workload or a particularly large project.

    Visual Studio Pro will allow you to build across languages and platforms, and with IntelliCode to help you complete lines or blocks of code, you should be able to increase your speed and accuracy on the whole. CodeLens is another great feature that allows you to see recent changes, tests, authors and more. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to collaborate in real time and make sure your team’s code stays consistent.

    There are a couple of caveats when it comes to choosing this deal over paying for the full subscription version. First, the code provided can only be used once, meaning you will have access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 on only one device and will not be able to install it on multiple machines or transfer it if your current device crashes. You also won’t get the Azure access and credit that the Microsoft subscription includes. The good news is that updates are included with your purchase, so this should serve you well for as long as you have your current device. Just be sure to check the system requirements to ensure your device is compatible with this program before checkout.

  • Where to Stream 2024’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Before the Ceremony

    Where to Stream 2024’s Oscar-Nominated Movies Before the Ceremony

    The 2024 Oscars are on Sunday, which could mean it’s crunch time if you want to watch more nominees before the ceremony. There are 10 flicks vying for best picture, and many are on popular streamers like Netflix and Paramount Plus. (If you went to back-to-back screenings of Oppenheimer and Barbie, that’s already two competing flicks you can tick off your list.)

    Read more: The best streaming services of 2024

    Below, you’ll see films up for awards — including all the best picture contenders — and where you can find them in the US. Note that if a film isn’t currently on a streaming service you subscribe to, that could change. Anatomy of a Fall, for example, costs $6 to rent right now, but it hits Hulu on March 22. Get your pre-show binge underway, because the 96th Academy Awards air on ABC on March 10.

    Note: These descriptions have been pulled straight from official websites for the films and from press websites and occasionally edited for style.

    On Max

    On Peacock

    On Netflix

    Available for purchase or rental

    On MGM Plus

    On Disney Plus

    On Hulu

    On Apple TV Plus

    On Paramount Plus

    On Hulu and Disney Plus

    Only in theaters

    Available to watch for free on YouTube

  • How to Watch ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Stream Season 20 Without Cable

    How to Watch ‘Grey’s Anatomy’: Stream Season 20 Without Cable

    Nearly 20 years since it first appeared on our screens, one of TV’s longest-running medical dramas, Grey’s Anatomy, is back for more high stakes hospital tension.

    Season 20 is set to ring some pretty big changes at Grey Sloan Memorial, with the season being the first without Ellen Pompeo’s Dr. Meredith Grey as the main character. Seemingly making up for that loss, we’re set to see the return of a couple of much-missed characters, with Jessica Capshaw reprising her role as pediatric surgeon Dr. Arizona Robbins, and actor Alex Landi also back, as Dr. Nico Kim, after a two-year absence from the show.

    Make sure you don’t miss a moment by following our guide to watching season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy without a cable subscription.

    Still from a scene from Grey's Anatomy Season 20 showing actors Kevin McKidd, Caterina Scorsone, Anthony Hill and Jake Borelli.

    When and where to watch Grey’s Anatomy, season 20

    Season 20 of Grey’s Anatomy premieres in the US on Thursday, March 14, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on ABC, with new episodes following at the same time each week from then on. Episodes will also be available to stream the following day after broadcast on Hulu.

    How to watch Grey’s Anatomy, season 20, 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’s 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 options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals.

    Watch Grey’s Anatomy, season 20, in the US

    Watch Grey’s Anatomy, season 20, in Canada

    How to watch Grey’s Anatomy, season 20, in the UK and Australia

    There’s a little bit of a wait in store for fans of this medical drama in the UK and Australia. Grey’s Anatomy will be available to watch exclusively via Disney Plus in both regions, but episodes will be released weekly on the streaming service from March 28 — that’s a full two weeks after they’ve been broadcast in the US.

    Tips for streaming Grey’s Anatomy, season 20, 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 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 in to your services. We normally recommend Brave.
  • Arsenal vs. Brentford Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    Arsenal vs. Brentford Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    In-form Arsenal host London rivals Brentford on Saturday, knowing that a win will send them top of the English Premier League.

    The Gunners will be aiming to extend an impressive streak of seven straight EPL victories, with Mikel Arteta’s men scoring an incredible 31 goals during that relentless run.

    Brentford look likely to be involved in a relegation battle for the reminder of the campaign. With just two wins from their last 10 games on the road, plus a leaky and injury-hit defense that has already conceded 50 goals so far this term, the omens don’t look great for the Bees ahead of this capital clash.

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

    Arsenal goalkeeper Aaron Ramsdale shouting and pointing with his right hand.

    Arsenal vs. Brentford: When and where?

    Arsenal host Brentford at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday, March 9. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. GMT, which is 12:30 p.m. ET or 9:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 4:30 a.m. AEDT on Sunday, March 10, in Australia.

    How to watch the Arsenal vs. Brentford 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, non-blackout 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 Arsenal vs. Brentford in the US

    Saturday’s Arsenal vs. Brentford match is streaming on Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.

    Livestream the Arsenal vs. Brentford game in the UK

    Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). Arsenal vs. Brentford 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 to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

    Livestream the Arsenal vs. Brentford game in Canada

    If you want to stream Arsenal vs. Brentford live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

    Livestream the Arsenal vs. Brentford 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.
  • Act Quickly to Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Proffesional 2022 for Just $36

    Act Quickly to Snag Microsoft Visual Studio Proffesional 2022 for Just $36

    There are a lot of coding tools and IDEs out there, but one of the most popular and most used is Visual Studio. Unfortunately, it’s a pretty pricey option if you get it from Microsoft, as it will cost you a substantial $45 per month, something many can’t afford. Luckily, there is an alternative in the form of this deal from StackSocial, which will net you Visual Studio Pro 2022 on Windows for just $36. You can only get it that low if you use the coupon ENJOY20, so be sure to use it when you’re checking out to get the lowest price possible.

    When you’re writing and editing code on a large scale, basic rich text editors probably aren’t going to cut it. Having an IDE, or integrated development environment, will allow you to not only write and edit, but also run your code so you can debug it all in one platform. Microsoft Visual Studio is a 64-bit IDE with advanced tools and built-in integrations that can make it much easier to handle a sizable workload or a particularly large project.

    Visual Studio Pro will allow you to build across languages and platforms, and with IntelliCode to help you complete lines or blocks of code, you should be able to increase your speed and accuracy on the whole. CodeLens is another great feature that allows you to see recent changes, tests, authors and more. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be able to collaborate in real time and make sure your team’s code stays consistent.

    There are a couple of caveats when it comes to choosing this deal over paying for the full subscription version. First, the code provided can only be used once, meaning you will have access to Microsoft Visual Studio Professional 2022 on only one device and will not be able to install it on multiple machines or transfer it if your current device crashes. You also won’t get the Azure access and credit that the Microsoft subscription includes. The good news is that updates are included with your purchase, so this should serve you well for as long as you have your current device. Just be sure to check the system requirements to ensure your device is compatible with this program before checkout.

  • How to Watch ‘Oppenheimer’ Ahead of the 2024 Oscars

    How to Watch ‘Oppenheimer’ Ahead of the 2024 Oscars

    Max subscribers danced the night away with Barbie, and now Peacock subscribers have their hands on the other inescapable movie of the summer: Christopher Nolan’s Oppenheimer.

    Oppenheimer is streaming exclusively on NBCUniversal’s streaming service. The three-hour thriller stars Cillian Murphy as J. Robert Oppenheimer, often referred to as the “father of the atomic bomb.” The flick won five Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture Drama, and it’s up for 13 Oscars.

    Oppenheimer initially hit theaters in July (on the same day as Greta Gerwig’s doll-themed comedy) and has grossed more than $950 million worldwide. The cast also includes Emily Blunt, Matt Damon, Robert Downey Jr. and Florence Pugh. Here’s more on the Peacock service, and how a VPN could potentially assist with streaming.

    A poster for Oppenheimer.

    When to watch Oppenheimer on Peacock

    Oppenheimer hit Peacock in the early morning hours on Feb 16, (5 a.m. ET/2 a.m. PT, to be exact) and is available to stream now.

    Don’t have Peacock? You can subscribe to ad-supported Peacock Premium for $6 a month or mostly ad-free Peacock Premium for $12 a month. You may be eligible to get Peacock for free or at a discount if you’re a student or a Spectrum, Xfinity internet or Instacart customer.

    Oppenheimer won’t be on the free tier of Peacock, so you’ll need to upgrade if that’s the version of Peacock you currently use. You can also rent the film for $6 from services like Amazon and Vudu.

    How to watch Oppenheimer from anywhere with a VPN

    Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Peacock while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

    A VPN is the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling, find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

    You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list, such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

    Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose a country where Oppenheimer will be streaming on Peacock. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Oppenheimer on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you’re signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Peacock to stream.

    If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

  • Man United vs. Everton Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    Man United vs. Everton Livestream: How to Watch English Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    After a demoralizing derby defeat to their local rivals last weekend, Man United will be determined to bounce back and get their push for European qualification on track as they host struggling Everton at Old Trafford on Saturday.

    United limped to a 3-1 defeat to Man City last Sunday, in a match that highlighted just how far Erik Ten Hag’s men are from challenging for the English Premier League title.

    Despite seeing their 10-point punishment for financial irregularities reduced to 4 points on appeal, Everton remain firmly mired in a relegation battle, with last weekend’s 3-1 home defeat to West Ham leaving them just 5 points off the drop zone.

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

    Everton striker Beto celebrating, pointing upwards with his left hand.

    Manchester United vs. Everton: When and where?

    Manchester United host Evertonat Old Trafford on Saturday, March 9. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. GMT local time, which is 7:30 a.m. ET or 4:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 11:30 p.m. AEDT in Australia.

    How to watch the Man United vs. Everton 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, non-blackout 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 Man United vs. Everton in the US

    Saturday’s Man United-Everton match is streaming on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login, and can be streamed via Sling TV and other more expensive streaming TV services.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton game in the UK

    Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, Amazon Prime Video and TNT Sports (previously known as BT Sport). The Man United vs. Everton game is exclusive to TNT Sports — showing on its TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sports Ultimate in 4K.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton game in Canada

    If you want to stream Man United vs. Everton live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to Fubo. The service has exclusive rights for this Premier League season.

    Livestream the Man United vs. Everton 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.
  • NameDrop on Apple Watch: What to Know About the Contact Sharing Feature

    NameDrop on Apple Watch: What to Know About the Contact Sharing Feature

    The Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2 hit shelves this past September, and the new additions to the Apple Watch family brought all sorts of exciting features. The company seems to have been focusing on connectivity with its updates from last year, bringing features designed to let you better connect with your health, better connect with your other Apple devices, and better connect with folks around you. NameDrop is designed for the latter, since it lets you share contact information almost instantly. Here’s what you need to know about NameDrop for the Apple Watch.

    For more, here’s how to download Watch OS 10 and how to download iOS 17.

    What is NameDrop?

    NameDrop is a new way for Apple Watch users to share contact information, with a simple and subtle movement of the wrist. NameDrop works much like AirDrop does to quickly share a file or send a photo. Gone are the days of typing phone numbers or handing over your phone so someone can put their number into your contacts.

    During its event, Apple showed two people placing their Apple Watches near each other to swap contact info. Apple says this is enabled by the brand-new S9 chip.

    How can I get NameDrop?

    Watch OS 10.1 dropped last fall, which gives those who have updated their watch a chance to make use of NameDrop on their Apple Watch. If you want to take advantage of NameDrop on your Apple Watch, all you’ll need to do is download Watch OS 10.1 onto your watch, and you should be good to go! You’ll just need to make sure you’re trying to share info with others who have also upgraded their watch or iPhone.

    Can I use NameDrop if I don’t have an Apple Watch?

    If you’re an iPhone user and you want to get in on all the NameDrop action, you’re in luck. Apple’s iOS 17, which has finally arrived, comes with NameDrop capabilities. If you’re an iPhone user running iOS 17, you’ll be able to use NameDrop to immediately swap contacts with another iPhone user running iOS 17, in addition to Apple Watch users running Watch OS 10.1.

    Screenshot of Apple's NameDrop feature on the iPhone

    How does NameDrop Work?

    Apple calls NameDrop a “new AirDrop experience” where “a user can hold their iPhone near another to share their contact information with only their intended recipient.” Apple also said that users will be able to pick and choose what information gets shared over NameDrop.

    According to MacRumors, all you need to do is navigate to the Contacts app, select your contact and then Share. After that, your watch should direct you to place your watch near another Apple Watch or iPhone to share your contact information.

    Apple has also said that watch users will be able to use NameDrop by tapping the My Card watch face complication and then bringing their Apple Watch face-to-face with someone else’s Apple Watch or iPhone. It’s important to note that NameDrop can only be used between two devices if they are either running Watch OS 10.1 or iOS 17.

    For more, here’s everything on the Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2. And here’s how to turn off NameDrop on your iPhone.

  • Apple Reverses Decision: Epic Games Can Offer Competing App Store After All

    Apple Reverses Decision: Epic Games Can Offer Competing App Store After All

    Well, that was fast. This past Wednesday, Fortnite maker Epic Games said Apple had prevented it from releasing its game and app store in the European Union by terminating Epic’s access to develop apps for iPhones and iPads. Now Apple has restored that access and Epic says it’ll proceed with its plans.

    “Apple has told us and committed to the European Commission that they will reinstate our developer account,” Epic said in a statement Friday. “This sends a strong signal to developers that the European Commission will act swiftly to enforce the Digital Markets Act and hold gatekeepers accountable. We are moving forward as planned to launch the Epic Games Store and bring Fortnite back to iOS in Europe.”

    Apple confirmed the change in a statement and offered its own take on events. “Following conversations with Epic, they have committed to follow the rules, including our DMA policies,” the company said. “As a result, Epic Sweden AB has been permitted to re-sign the developer agreement and accepted into the Apple Developer Program.”

    The news comes as Apple is releasing a new version of its iOS software for iPhones, designed to follow rules called the Digital Markets Act. That law, which is designed to force Big Tech companies to allow more competition, requires Apple to allow customers in the EU to install alternative app stores and separately downloaded apps onto their devices.

    Things blew up in the news Wednesday after Epic published what it says was a letter from Apple, ending its access to develop apps for devices running on Apple’s iOS mobile operating system.

    “Please be advised that Apple has, effective immediately, terminated the Developer Program membership of Epic Games Sweden AB,” Apple appeared to say in a March 2 letter from its lawyers posted by Epic. Apple described Epic’s plans to release software for EU customers as “part of a global effort to undermine or evade Apple’s rules.” Apple didn’t comment on whether the correspondence shared by Epic Games was authentic.

    Following Epic’s publication of the letter, Apple said it was acting on its rights by terminating Epic’s account.

    “Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion,’” the company said in a statement. “In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behavior, Apple chose to exercise that right.”

    Epic said Wednesday that Apple’s move to terminate its developer account undermined “our ability to be a viable competitor and they are showing other developers what happens when you try to compete with Apple or are critical of their unfair practices.” Epic also alleged that Apple’s moves violated EU antitrust laws and said it intended to “fight to get back on iOS.”

    Apple’s decision to terminate Epic’s developer account, followed quickly by the reversal, marks another twist in a now-four-year-long, high-profile court battle between the two tech giants over how much power Apple exerts over its iPhones, iPads and Mac computers.

    Epic had argued that Apple should allow customers to download apps and pay developers however they wish. Since launching its App Store more than 15 years ago, Apple has required that apps for its iPhones be downloaded from there. Apple also set rules that most developers must charge customers through its payment-processing service, which collects up to a 30% fee on every charge. Epic is battling Google in a similar suit over Google’s handling of the Play Store.

    Apple broadly has won the argument in court, where judges have declared the iPhone maker hasn’t violated antitrust laws by forcing app developers to use its in-app payment systems.

    CNET’s Gael Cooper contributed to this report.