Author: Admin

Apple’s USB-C AirPods Pro Are Almost $60 Off at Amazon Right Now

Whether you’re in need of a new pair of wireless earbuds to pair with your iPhone or you want to upgrade to the best AirPods to use with Apple’s Vision Pro headset, you can’t go wrong with the latest AirPods Pro 2. Not only are they the only earbuds that offer lossless audio support when using Apple’s brand-new mixed reality headset, but right now you can pick a pair up for a low price, too.

Amazon will now sell you a pair of USB-C AirPods Pro 2 earbuds for just $190, a price that saves you $60 without any of those pesky discount codes or on-screen coupons. But the price of these earbuds tends to fluctuate wildly, so make sure to take advantage of this deal now if new AirPods are on your radar.

The AirPods Pro 2 offer some of the best noise-canceling capabilities you’ll find on a pair of earbuds and they have a built-in transparency mode for when you need to be more aware of your surroundings. Plus, they’ll automatically optimize their volume based on your environment. If you use them with an iPhone you’ll get access to exclusive features including personalized spatial audio and hands-free Siri access. And the AirPods Pro 2 boast Qi wireless charging and promise an impressive battery life of up to 30 hours on a single charge (with the charging case). They also instantly pair and switch between Apple devices, making these wireless earbuds a joy to use.

For the Vision Pro specifically, the USB-C AirPods Pro 2 offer support for 20-bit/48 kHz Lossless Audio with “ultralow latency.” Exactly how that will affect your experience remains to be seen, but these are certainly the earbuds to have on hand if you plan on being an early Vision Pro adopter.

Not into Apple’s buds or looking for headphones instead? There are tons of headphone and earbud deals available right now.

14.02.2024
Best Senior Phone Plans of 2024
Updated Feb. 14, 20242:30 a.m. PT

Written by David Lumb

Our expert, award-winning staff selects the products we cover and rigorously researches and tests our top picks. If you buy through our links, we may get a commission.Reviews ethics statement

David Lumb Mobile Reporter

David Lumb is a mobile reporter covering how on-the-go gadgets like phones, tablets and smartwatches change our lives. Over the last decade, he’s reviewed phones for TechRadar as well as covered tech, gaming, and culture for Engadget, Popular Mechanics, NBC Asian America, Increment, Fast Company and others. As a true Californian, he lives for coffee, beaches and burritos.

Expertise smartphones, smartwatches, tablets, telecom industry, mobile semiconductors, mobile gaming

See full bio

Why You Can Trust CNET

16171819202122232425+

Years of Experience

14151617181920212223

Hands-on Product Reviewers

6,0007,0008,0009,00010,00011,00012,00013,00014,00015,000

Sq. Feet of Lab Space

CNET’s expert staff reviews and rates dozens of new products and services each month, building on more than a quarter century of expertise. Read how we test products and services.

What to consider

Check that you’re actually saving money

Are you getting a better deal than a carrier’s standard plans and offers? Most seniors-only plans don’t provide substantial differences, so make sure it’s worth pursuing.

Ensure availability

Some are restricted to certain states or limited in other ways, so it’s worth checking the fine print to determine whether you’re arbitrarily shut out from an otherwise appealing senior plan.

Check the coverage area

See if users around you are happy with their carrier and plan. Online forums, social media and even asking around the neighborhood can be helpful to determine whether you’re about to sign up for disappointing speeds and service. And if you’re converting to a senior plan with your existing carrier, check to see if competitors offer better service — here’s our guide to switching carriers.
Everyone with a phone needs to pick which carrier and options they want to go with, but not everyone’s needs are the same, including our older friends and family. When choosing the best phone plan for older adults, there’s plenty to consider.

A good place to start is our best phone plans page, which breaks down the best phone plans from big US carriers, smaller operators and other providers. While some plans might look the same, a deeper comparison will reveal different perks and conditions that may appeal to you. All standard 5G plans offer virtually the same speeds as others, though speed and coverage can vary between carriers and by location. But the plans themselves differ in their features. Some offer more data per month and others offer mobile hotspot data, as well as bundled extras like subscriptions to streaming services.

Carriers also offer plans that provide discounts to people aged 55 years old and older. These options can even be combined with other deals and can be helpful for those on fixed incomes. Such plans typically have some or all of the same features as other plans.

Below, we’ve pointed out how these plans differ from their standard counterparts. For the most part, subscribers shouldn’t expect much difference in service. But some of these plans may be missing fun perks like bundled streaming services.

What is the best phone plan for older adults?

T-Mobile’s Essentials 55 plan is a discounted version of the carrier’s Essentials plan suited for customers over 55 years old and is notably more affordable — a quality we’re prioritizing for readers on limited budgets. Despite the value, Essentials 55 still has 5G connectivity and 50GB of data, which is a generous allotment for a no-frills service without the extra bells and whistles of pricier plans.

Best senior phone plans of 2024

Show less

$40 at T-Mobile

Pros

The most affordable option among the three carriers

5G connectivity and 50GB of high-speed data in the US

An affordable plan for seniors who just want to use their phone for basic apps and tasks without watching much video

Cons

The plan only allows a maximum of 2 lines

The 480p video quality is very low

The 3G tethering rate is slow to use for much more than checking email

The plan lacks bundled extras like streaming service subscriptions

Price: $40 a month for one line, $55 per month for two lines

Network: T-Mobile

High-speed data: 50GB

$40 at T-Mobile

All the basics at an affordable price

T-Mobile Essentials 55

For one or two people who just want to stay connected at reasonable speeds but don’t need a lot of extra features (or don’t want to pay too much), T-Mobile offers a significantly cheaper plan for older adults than competitors with Essentials 55. This plan includes 5G access and is $40 per month for one line or $55 per month total for two lines when signed up for autopay. It’s the best value for one or two people, though they won’t be able to expand to three or four lines.

The tradeoff is in the fine print, with Essentials 55 customers getting lower speeds when they use over 50GB of data in a month or when T-Mobile’s network is congested from extensive customer activity, suggesting these customers are less prioritized than others. Video quality also “typically” streams at 480p, and tethering maxes out at 3G speeds (or 2G speeds in Mexico and Canada).

Photo Gallery 1/1

Show expert take Show less

Show less

$70 at T-Mobile

Pros

Cheaper than regular plans if not using autopay

Has the same bundled perks as the standard Go5G Plus and Go5G Next plans

New phone upgrade every two years (Go5G Plus 55) or every year (Go5G Next 55)

Able to add up to four lines

Cons

Same price as standard T-Mobile Go5G plans if using autopay

More expensive than the Essentials 55 plan

Price: Go5G Plus 55: $70 per month for one line, $100 per month for two lines (expandable up to four lines)Go5G Next 55: $80 per month for one line, $120 per month for two lines (expandable up to four lines)

Network: T-Mobile

High-speed data: 50GB

$70 at T-Mobile

For people with big data needs

T-Mobile Go5G Plus 55

T-Mobile also offers discounted versions of many of its regular plans for customers over 55 years old. For those who want a bit more functionality, data and some extras like getting a new phone every couple years, T-Mobile’s slightly discounted Go5G Plus 55 is worth checking out.

Its Go5G Plus 55 plan is $70 per month for one line or $100 per month for two lines (expandable to $150 per month for three lines or $200 per month for four lines) with autopay enabled. Note that current discounts make this plan cost the same as a standard Go5G Plus plan if using autopay, but it’s less than the regular plan if you don’t plan on using autopay. The plan includes the same perks as T-Mobile’s standard plans, like up to 4K streaming, 50GB of 4G LTE hotspot data and 15GB of high-speed data (depending on the area, it may only be 4G LTE rather than 5G speeds) in Mexico and Canada. Plus, it includes subscriptions to Apple TV Plus and Netflix.

This plan also allows subscribers to upgrade their phone every two years, the same marquee perk that the standard Go5G Plus plan launched with. The only caveat is that plan owners will need to pay off 50% of their existing phone by the time they upgrade, but that shouldn’t be too much of a problem for most subscribers. Subscribers can also get the same discounts on devices that T-Mobile offers new customers switching from other carriers.

The Go5G Next 55 plan is pricier at $80 per month for one line or $120 per month for two lines (also expandable up to four lines) and identical except for one thing: Subscribers can upgrade their phones using new customer device offers every year instead of every two years.

Note that T-Mobile also offers Go5G 55, Magenta 55 Plus and Magenta Max 55 Plus plans, which are cheaper than the above plans but offer less mobile hotspot data, fewer streaming services and don’t include two-year phone upgrades. If you can live without the phone upgrades and want to save a few bucks every month, opt for the Magenta Max 55 Plus plan, which is $65 per month for one line or $90 for two lines, has 40GB of hotspot data per month and offers 4K streaming video.

Also, only the customer who signed up for these plans needs to be 55 years old or older; anyone on additional lines needn’t fit that criteria.

Photo Gallery 1/1

Show expert take Show less

Show less

$15 at Mint Mobile

Pros

Very affordable

Ideal for limited budgets

Cons

Discount diminishes if not buying a year in advance

Data cap is limited (other carriers offer as much as 50GB)

No bundled extras

Hotspot usage counts against the main data cap

Price: $15 per month if signed up for 12 months

Network: T-Mobile

High-speed data: 5GB

$15 at Mint Mobile

Best prepaid plan for older people

Mint 55 Plus

Mint Mobile’s Mint 55 Plus plan is a modest but affordable plan that can be as cheap as $15 per month per line if signing up for 12 months in advance, $20 a month for six months or $25 per month for three months. New customers can try the network for three months at a rate of $15 a month.

The tradeoff is that the Mint 55 Plus plan only offers 5GB of data per month, and mobile hotspot usage draws from that cap. Mint runs on T-Mobile’s 5G network, providing similar 5G and 4G LTE service and availability as native T-Mobile customers. The plan doesn’t offer any bundled extras like streaming service subscriptions, but it does provide access to the “MINTech Advisor” for on-call tech support in getting started with the plan, transferring phone numbers to the service and troubleshooting issues.

Currently, you can’t sign up for Mint 55 Plus online — you’ll need to call Mint’s hotline on 833-655-1768 to sign up over a call.

Photo Gallery 1/1

Show expert take Show less

Show less

$62 at Verizon

Pros

Discounted plans for residents of Florida

Cons

Not available to US residents in the other states or territories

No bundled extra features

Price: $62 per month for one line or $84 for two when signed up for autopay

Network: Verizon

High-speed data: 50GB

$62 at Verizon

For people over 55 in Florida

Verizon 55 Plus

Verizon has discounted plans for people aged 55 years and older, but they come with a huge caveat: They’re only available to those living in Florida. If you meet this requirement, you can get discounted plans that are pretty similar to the standard Verizon plans.

Verizon offers its 55 Plus Unlimited plan with one line for $62 per month or $84 for two lines when signed up for autopay. New customers switching to Verizon may have an easier time signing up; if you’re already a Verizon customer, you’ll need to talk to customer support to get your plan changed to Unlimited 55. The plan includes 5G Ultra Wideband service with unlimited low-speed (600Kbps) mobile hotspot access, but lacks the bundled extras like streaming services you can add to conventional Verizon plans.

Photo Gallery 1/1

Show expert take Show less

Show less

$60 at AT&T

Pros

Discounted plans for residents of Florida

Cons

Not available to US residents in the other states or territories

No bundled extra features

Price: $60 for one line or $80 for two lines

Network: AT&T 

High-speed data: 50GB

$60 at AT&T

For seniors in Florida who don’t want Verizon

AT&T Unlimited 55 Plus

Verizon isn’t the only major US carrier with a special plan aimed at older adults living in Florida. AT&T has its Unlimited 55 Plus plan for slightly cheaper ($60 for one line or $80 for two lines). The plan includes 5G access as well as voice and data connectivity in Canada and Mexico. Current AT&T customers will need to visit an AT&T store to verify that they qualify for the plan. AT&T offers additional discounts for AARP members in Florida.

Photo Gallery 1/1

Show expert take Show less

How we test

Picking a wireless plan and carrier comes down to what matters most. What works for you or your older family member’s needs may be very different from those of your friends or neighbors.

We prioritize affordability and availability in our list, but those may not be the most important factors for you. If not, we recommend checking out our more general guides for plans, like our best cellphone plans and best family phone plans.

Value for older customers aside, every carrier differs in service. Even geographically, some areas have better AT&T coverage while others work better with Verizon or T-Mobile’s networks. Our recommendations are based on years of covering and evaluating the wireless carriers, their offerings and their performance.

Factors to consider when choosing a plan

Check that you’re actually saving money: Are you getting a better deal than a carrier’s standard plans and offers? Most seniors-only plans don’t provide substantial differences, so make sure it’s worth pursuing.

Ensure availability: Some are restricted to certain states or limited in other ways, so it’s worth checking the fine print to determine whether you’re arbitrarily shut out from an otherwise appealing plan.

Check the coverage area: See if users around you are happy with their carrier and plan. Online forums, social media and even asking around the neighborhood can be helpful to determine whether you’re about to sign up for disappointing speeds and service. And if you’re converting to a senior plan with your existing carrier, check to see if competitors offer better service — here’s our guide to switching carriers.

14.02.2024
I Used ChatGPT to Woo My Valentine. I Wasn’t Impressed.

It has all the trappings of a beach read turned Hollywood blockbuster: Smitten but shy boy meets girl and uses ChatGPT to supplement his romantic shortcomings. But just as she thinks he’s met The One, she realizes all is not as it seems and must choose between giving the man she thought she knew a second chance or fleeing his betrayal.

Working title: Knight in Shining AI-rmor.

We’ve seen this theme of insecurity-driven subterfuge repeatedly on page and screen, from Cyrano de Bergerac to Lady Glitter Sparkles. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t.

And yet a study from computer security company McAfee found nearly half of men are willing to take the risk: Nearly half (45%) are considering AI to write messages for Valentine’s Day 2024.

There’s an interesting dichotomy: While 69% of respondents said they’ve seen more and better responses from potential love interests when using AI-generated content, 64% distrust anyone who uses said content on their dating profiles—and 57% said they would be hurt or offended if they found out AI wrote their Valentine’s message.

As generative AI has expanded, we’ve used chatbots from OpenAI, Microsoft, Google and more to generate content ideas and to write blog posts, emails, poems and songs. But like using ChatGPT to write a college admissions essay, there are distinct risks to harnessing AI to play matchmaker. Namely: Your target will find out you didn’t really write anything and your efforts will backfire.

So, like Carrie Bradshaw, I couldn’t help but wonder: Is ChatGPT the virtual wingman we never knew we needed? Or are we better off flying solo?

I put the chatbot to the test with a series of Valentine’s Day queries to see if (hu)man or machine is better equipped to play Cupid.

First Query: Help me write a message to my valentine.

ChatGPT:

My Dearest [Valentine’s Name],

As Valentine’s Day dawns upon us, my heart swells with gratitude for the love we share. You are the light of my life, the melody to my soul’s song. In your presence, I find solace, laughter, and unwavering support.

Today, I want to celebrate not just the love we express on this occasion, but the love that permeates every moment we spend together. Your kindness, your understanding, and your affection are the greatest gifts I could ever receive.

Thank you for being my rock, my confidant, and my best friend. With you, every day feels like a journey filled with wonder and possibility. Here’s to many more adventures, to countless memories yet to be made, and to a love that knows no bounds.

Happy Valentine’s Day, my love. May our bond continue to grow stronger with each passing heartbeat.

With all my love,

[Your Name]

Verdict: It’s a little over the top. You may want to pare it down a bit—and point to some specific examples rather than paint such broad strokes, which could be applicable to anyone.

With that in mind…

Second query: Write a Valentine’s Day poem that rhymes. My partner likes Bigfoot, Tottenham Hotspur and tacos.

ChatGPT:

In the forest deep, where legends roam,

Bigfoot whispers secrets, making hearts home.

With Tottenham’s pride, our passions ignite,

In the field of dreams, love takes its flight.

Amidst the trees, where mysteries hide,

Our love like Bigfoot, steadfast, abide.

In the stadium’s roar, where dreams unfold,

Tottenham’s colors, a love story told.

Tacos in hand, we share laughter and cheer,

In each other’s arms, love draws near.

Bigfoot, Spurs, and tacos, our unique blend,

In love’s embrace, our hearts ascend.

So on Valentine’s Day, let’s celebrate,

Our love, like Bigfoot, cannot abate.

With Tottenham’s spirit, and tacos in tow,

Our journey together, continues to grow.

Verdict: Honestly, I love it. Don’t get me wrong—it’s absurd, so please don’t think you can get away with passing this off as your own. Still, I think the fact you made some effort to generate a personalized poem will go over well, provided you can think of three things your valentine really likes and you’re honest about its origins.

Third query: What gift should I give for Valentine’s Day? My partner likes pizza, the Kansas City Chiefs, karate and Panic at the Disco.

ChatGPT:

Considering your partner’s interests, here are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas:

Homemade Pizza Kit: Put together a DIY pizza-making kit with all the ingredients needed to create delicious homemade pizzas. You can include their favorite toppings, sauces, and even a pizza stone if they don’t already have one.

Kansas City Chiefs Merchandise: Look for official merchandise from the Kansas City Chiefs, such as a jersey, cap, or hoodie featuring their favorite players or the team logo. This can be a great way to show support for their favorite football team.

Karate Gear or Class: Consider gifting them high-quality karate gear such as a new gi (uniform), sparring gloves, or a punching bag for home practice. Alternatively, you could enroll them in a karate class if they’ve expressed interest in martial arts.

Panic at the Disco Vinyl or Merch: If they’re a fan of Panic at the Disco, consider getting them a vinyl record of one of their albums or some official band merchandise like a t-shirt or poster.

Customized Gift Basket: Combine their interests by creating a customized gift basket that includes items related to pizza, the Kansas City Chiefs, karate, and Panic at the Disco. You can include snacks, memorabilia, and other thoughtful items that cater to their passions.

Ultimately, the best gift is one that shows you’ve put thought into their interests and preferences. Choose something that resonates with them and reflects your appreciation for who they are.

Verdict: NFL merch for an NFL fan? Inspiring. You may be better off asking outright what your valentine wants—or falling back on old standbys like flowers, chocolate, etc.

Fourth query: Help me update my dating profile for Valentine’s Day. Write a 500-character dating app bio for a single mom who works as a journalist and likes swimming and golden retrievers.

ChatGPT:

Single mom and journalist, diving into life with passion. Love swimming laps and cuddling with golden retrievers. Seeking genuine connections beyond the screen. Let’s share stories, laughter, and sunsets together. Bonus points if you love dogs and enjoy deep conversations. Let’s make our own adventures!

Verdict: Meh. All that’s missing is I like to laugh and—shudder—my love language is physical touch. Granted, I’m a writer, but it wouldn’t take much to blow this out of the water.

And the rose goes to…

With all we hear about generative AI’s content generation skills, I for one was relieved to see the results in three out of four examples. The Valentine’s Day message is too long and flowery, the gift ideas are obvious and the dating profile is generic to a fault. Human creativity still has an edge!

If, however, you’re looking for some creative inspiration for Valentine’s Day, these examples may provide a foundation to build upon.

The poem is the single exception. Given enough time, I could probably write something comparable. But certainly not in three seconds. And so—for now at least—poetry seems ChatGPT’s strong suit.

If you find yourself staring at a blank page on Feb. 14 and simply can’t figure out how to express yourself, remember honesty is the best policy. Tell your valentine you struggled to put your feelings into words and sought out some help from AI. Better safe than sorry!

14.02.2024
Watch Champions League Soccer: Livestream RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid From Anywhere
Record 14-time European champions Real Madrid have a tricky encounter in store on Wednesday as they travel to RB Leipzig for the first leg of this last 16 Champions League tie.

Free-scoring Leipzig have hit the back of the net an impressive 13 times over the course of this season’s UCL, and ran defending champs Man City close in the battle to finish top of Group G.

Leipzig are strong at home, and Madrid’s hopes of taking all three points this evening in Germany have been hit by the loss of star midfielder Jude Bellingham, who sustained a sprained ankle in his side’s victory over Girona at the weekend.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services for watching every game wherever you are in the world.

RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid: When and where?

RB Leipzig play Real Madrid at the Red Bull Arena on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CET local time in Leipzig, making it a 8 p.m. GMT kickoff in the UK (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Thursday, Feb. 14, in Australia).

How to watch RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re unable to view Champions 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 can stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you want an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins while traveling and using various Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier assigns an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can fix 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. 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 suspects is circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

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

Livestream RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid in the US

American soccer fans can stream this season’s tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for UEFA Champions League matches.

Livestream RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid in the UK

TNT Sports (formerly known as BT Sport) has Champions League live broadcast rights in the UK.

Livestream RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid in Canada

If you want to stream UCL games live in Canada, subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the Champions League this season.

Livestream RB Leipzig vs. Real Madrid in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch UCL matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming UEFA Champions League matches using a VPN

With four variables at play (your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN), your experience and success when streaming Champions 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 in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs including 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 sites 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 recommend Brave.
13.02.2024
Watch Champions League Soccer: Livestream FC Copenhagen vs. Man City From Anywhere
Defending European champions Manchester City will look to continue their superb recent domestic form as they travel to Denmark to face FC Copenhagen in this round of 16, first leg tie.

After an uncharacteristic dip in form at the tail end of last year, Pep Guardiola’s men have regrouped to put together a run of 10 straight wins across all competitions, and have been boosted by the return of star striker Erling Haaland from injury.

Copenhagen are appearing in the knockout stage of the UEFA Champions League for the first time since the 2010-11 season, having finishing ahead of both Man United and Galatasaray in Group A. Despite that achievement, the odds of them overcoming a City side that appears to be once again firing on all cylinders over two legs appears unlikely.

Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services for watching every game wherever you are in the world.

FC Copenhagen vs. Manchester City: When and where?

FC Copenhagen play Manchester City at Parken Stadium on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Kickoff is set for 9 p.m. CET local time in Denmark, making it a 8 p.m. GMT kickoff in the UK (3 p.m. ET, 12 p.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 7 a.m. AEDT on Thursday, Feb. 14, in Australia).

How to watch FC Copenhagen vs. Man City online from anywhere using a VPN

If you’re unable to view Champions 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 can stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s also a great idea if you want an extra layer of privacy for your devices and log-ins while traveling and using various Wi-Fi networks.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to access the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier assigns an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can fix 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. 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 suspects is circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

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

Livestream FC Copenhagen vs. Man City in the US

American soccer fans can stream this season’s tournament via Paramount Plus, which has exclusive live English-language broadcast rights in the US for UEFA Champions League matches.

Livestream FC Copenhagen vs. Man City in the UK

TNT Sports (formerly known as BT Sport) has Champions League live broadcast rights in the UK.

Livestream FC Copenhagen vs. Man City

If you want to stream UCL games live in Canada, subscribe to DAZN Canada. The service has exclusive broadcast rights to the Champions League this season.

Livestream FC Copenhagen vs. Man City in Australia

Football fans Down Under can watch UCL matches on streaming service Stan Sport, which has exclusive rights to show the Champions League live in Australia this season.

Quick tips for streaming UEFA Champions League matches using a VPN

With four variables at play (your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN), your experience and success when streaming Champions 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 in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs including 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 sites 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 recommend Brave.
13.02.2024
New ‘Deadpool & Wolverine’ Movie Trailer Steals Spider-Man’s World Record

Move over Loki and Mobius, because there’s a new tag team in town. Deadpool is back, and the wise-cracking Merc with a Mouth is in peak form. Marvel dropped its first official trailer for Deadpool & Wolverine on Super Bowl Sunday, and it shows Ryan Reynold’s hero ready to dive into action with Hugh Jackman’s Wolverine. The ad broke Spider-Man’s record as the most-viewed movie trailer of all time, said Disney. Within 24 hours, it logged 365 million views, beating Spidey’s global tally of 355 million.

In true Wade Wilson fashion, the trailer winks and delivers a few burns. Deadpool tells the TVA that pegging isn’t new for him, “but it is for Disney.”

The plot? Time travel. Fans will recognize the TVA (Time Variance Authority) — managers of all timelines — from Loki’s Disney Plus series. The TVA recruits a version of Deadpool to be a hero, and demonstrates his importance by flashing a couple prominent avengers on the screen: Ironman and Captain America. But he finally gets to join forces with X-Men mutant Wolverine for on a mission. Will it involve Kang the Conqueror and a legion of variants? It seems so.

Deadpool 3 is set to hit theaters July 26. The film is directed by Shawn Levy, who also worked with Reynolds on Free Guy and The Adam Project. The cast is set to include Morena Baccarin, Emma Corrin, Matthew Macfadyen and Jennifer Garner as Elektra. Once part of 20th Century, the anti-hero franchise was purchased Disney, home of Marvel Studios.

13.02.2024
iOS 17.3.1: What the Latest Update Fixes on Your iPhone

Apple released iOS 17.3.1 on Thursday, more than two weeks after the release of iOS 17.3. While the previous update brought new features, like Stolen Device Protection, to your iPhone, iOS 17.3.1 is a minor update that patches an iPhone bug.

To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts.

Apple wrote in the update’s description that it fixes an issue where text might duplicate or overlap while you’re typing. The company didn’t post common vulnerabilities and exposures, aka CVEs, for the update, so it’s unclear if iOS 17.3.1 addresses any security issues.

Apple normally posts an update’s CVEs online when the download becomes available. But there have been some instances when the company hasn’t posted them, like with the release of iOS 17.2.1 and iOS 17.1.1.

For more iOS news, you can check out what could be included in iOS 17.4, what your iPhone got with iOS 17.3 and our iOS 17 cheat sheet.

13.02.2024
Save $299 on Apple’s Studio Display and Upgrade to a 5K Monitor Today

When you’re shopping for a new Mac monitor you probably want to go big and go sharp. If you’re a creative working with videos, photos or text, having the right display can make all the difference. At 27 inches big and with a 5K resolution Apple’s Studio Display hits the sweet spot and offers Retina display levels of resolution and pixel density the likes of which few match. But it isn’t the cheapest monitor on the market which is why it’s important to get a great deal. And this $299 Amazon discount is a good deal.

Amazon is offering the $299 discount across a range of models. It starts with the standard glass, tilt-adjustable model that now sells for just $1,300 rather than the $1,599 that you’d normally hand over. Looking to upgrade to the gorgeous Nano-texture finish? You’ll save the same amount of cash and now pay just $1,600. Best Buy has a similar offer with local collection available if you just can’t wait — prices also start from just $1,300.

Note that we don’t know how long either of these retailers will keep these deals around, so bear that in mind when you’re planning your purchase.

The Apple Studio Display has a 27-inch 5K Retina screen, an A13 chip, a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera with Center Stage and a high-fidelity, six-speaker sound system. The three-mic array makes for clear audio on calls and voice recordings. More than 14 million pixels and 1 billion colors at 600 nits of brightness make for a phenomenal display. And an antireflective coating also ensures better readability, while the nano-texture glass option further minimizes glare.

You can use your Studio Display with Mac notebooks and desktops, such as the MacBook Pro or Mac Mini, as well select iPad Pro and iPad Air models. It has one Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C) port with 96-watt charging capability to connect to the device driving the display, plus three standard USB-C ports for hooking up other peripherals.

If the Apple Studio Display doesn’t check all the boxes for you, don’t worry. We’ve built a list of the best monitor deals we can find and there is sure to be something there for everyone. We’ll be updating it with the latest prices regularly so you never miss a great deal, too.

13.02.2024
Valentine’s Day Streaming Guide: New Rom-Coms and Reality Dating Shows

Valentine’s Day is nearly here, and streaming services know it.

Streamers are packing this month with brand-new content fit for Feb. 14, from romantic comedies to reality TV premieres to Hallmark dramas. Netflix and Prime Video are leaning heavily into the lovefest, and you can find more to set your heart aflutter on Peacock and Hulu.

Because you deserve all the love this February, we’ve gathered up as many new romantic titles on streaming services as we could. Some big premieres include season 6 of Love Is Blind; the new rom-com Players, with Gina Rodriguez; and a fresh version of Mr. & Mrs. Smith. Whether you’re watching with a significant other or embarking on a solo Valentine’s Day-themed binge-a-thon, streaming services have plenty to offer in the love department.

13.02.2024
Honor’s Magic V2 Porsche Edition Has a Stylus Inside the Box

Honor teamed up with German carmaker Porsche to design a foldable phone that “harnesses distinct sportscar DNA.” The Magic V2 RSR is a limited-edition version of Honor’s flagship Magic V2, which lays claim to the title of world’s lightest and thinnest book-style foldable phone.

The Magic V2 RSR’s back cover is designed to resemble the “flyline” of a Porsche 911’s hood. The camera bump, which is framed by titanium, is a similar shape to the car’s rounded windshields. Apart from the design, the biggest difference between the regular Magic V2 and the Porche edition is that the Magic V2 RSR comes with a stylus inside the box. The stylus can be used on both the cover screen and the inner one.

There are other minor differences between the RSR edition and a regular Magic V2: The RSR model has more storage space (1TB vs. 512GB) and what Honor calls an anti-scratch nanocrystal shield display for the cover screen. The company says this screen is better protected against drops and scratches than regular nanocrystal glass, partially thanks to a layer of silicon nitride over the glass material. And at 234 grams, the Magic V2 RSR is 3 grams heavier than the Magic V2.

Those differences aside, the Magic V2 RSR is otherwise identical to the regular Magic V2. It has a still-peppy Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 chipset, a triple-camera module (complete with a telephoto lens) and a large battery that supports 66-watt fast charging. It also comes with four years of Android software upgrades and five years of security updates.

Honor is expected to release the Magic V2 RSR internationally for a higher price than the Magic V2, which starts at for 1,700 in the UK, and 1,999 euros in the EU.

Honor’s Magic V2 Foldable Is Lighter Than Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra

+7 more

See all photos

13.02.2024