Category: Technologies

The pressure is on Newcastle boss Eddie Howe as his side host Manchester City in Saturday’s late kick-off at St. James’ Park.

Having tumbled out of the Champions League, the Magpies’ hopes of European qualification for next season have taken a hit following a trio of successive EPL defeats to Luton Town, Nottingham Forest and Liverpool — a run that’s seen the team slip down to mid-table.

Things don’t get any easier for the hosts who now face a Manchester City side that will be determined to get their chase for a record fourth straight title in a row back on track after a blip in form during the Christmas period.

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

Newcastle United vs. Manchester City: When and where?

Newcastle United host Manchester City at St. James’ Park on Saturday, Jan. 13. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. GMT (12:30 a.m. ET, 9:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 4:30 a.m. AEDT in Australia on Sunday Jan. 14).

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

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

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, 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 Newcastle vs. Man City in the US

Saturday’s Newcastle-Man Citymatch is streaming on Peacock. You’ll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live.

Livestream the Newcastle vs. Man City 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 Newcastle-Man City game is exclusive to TNT Sports — showing on its TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sport Ultimate channels.

Livestream the Newcastle vs. Man City game in Canada

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

Livestream the Newcastle vs. Man City game in Australia

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

Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

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

If you’re buying yourself a new phone, one of the most important things you can do is make sure it’s protected from drops, scratches and other various wear and tear. Luckily, Rokform is having a special CNET deal on many of its rigged cases and screen protectors for various phones, such as the iPhone and Samsung. You can get 25% off anything on Rokform’s store by using the promo code CNET25 at checkout.

Rokform has rugged cases to fit current flagship lineups, from base models all the way to the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max and Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra. They usually go for $70 each, but this discount drops the cost to under $53. You can also save on cases that’ll fit older models as well as select iPads. You’ll find other discounts too. You can grab a MagSafe sport ring to serve as both a stand and a grip for $30 (a $10 savings), a magnetic windshield suction mount for $45 (a $15 savings) and even motorcycle and bike mounts, as well as plenty of other accessories.

Two west London rivals currently stuck in midtable go head to head at Stamford Bridge on Saturday as Chelsea take on Fulham in the English Premier League.

Both teams suffered Carabao Cup semifinal disappointment in midweek, with Chelsea crashing to a 1-0 defeat to Championship side Middlesbrough in their first leg, and Fulham losing to Liverpool after leading at Anfield on Wednesday.

Chelsea have won their last two EPL fixtures, while Marco Silva’s Cottagers will be looking to improve upon on their concerning away form, which has seen them fail to win on the road for two months.

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

Chelsea vs. Fulham: When and where?

Chelsea host Fulham at Stamford Bridge on Saturday, Jan. 13. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m. GMT (7:30 a.m. ET, 4:30 a.m. PT in the US and Canada, and 11:30 p.m. AEDT in Australia).

How to watch the Chelsea vs. Fulham 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 Chelsea vs. Fulham in the US

Saturday’s Chelsea-Fulhammatch 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 Chelsea vs. Fulham 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 Chelsea-Fulham game is exclusive to TNT Sports — showing on its TNT Sports 1, TNT Sports 1 HD and TNT Sport Ultimate channels.

Livestream the Chelsea vs. Fulham game in Canada

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

Livestream the Chelsea vs. Fulham 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.

Having a solid smart TV can feel vital these days, especially with how many of us catch the latest films and top TV shows through streaming services. If you’ve been hoping to revamp your entertainment hub in 2024 with a larger TV for a more cinematic experience without splashing out thousands of dollars, you won’t want to miss this deal. Right now, Walmart has slashed the price on this 70-inch LG UQ7070 ZUE series 4K smart TV by $150, which brings the cost down to just $498. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

LG has plenty of solid TV options out there, but not all of them are this affordable. This model runs on LG’s a5 Gen5 AI Processor 4K, which uses AI to enhance your picture and sound alongside the HDR10 Pro format. Access to all of the usual streaming services is built-in and it also includes over 300 free LG channels as well. If you’re a fan of sports, you’ll appreciate the real-time updates this TV offers on your favorite teams and matches. Plus, any gamers out there can make use of this TV’s game optimizer and dashboard to easily adjust game settings in one place. You can also create separate accounts for each family member so that you can get customized viewing recommendations. At under $500, this is a great option for those looking to upgrade to a bigger screen without breaking the bank.

Looking for other brands or screen sizes? Be sure to checkout our roundup of all the best TV deals happening now for more great options. And if you need help finding the right TV to meet your needs, be sure to take a look at our TV buying guide.

Asus is bringing new displays and the latest Intel and AMD silicon to its gaming laptops. New 16- and 18-inch Strix Scar models feature Mini-LED displays powered by Intel’s new 14th-gen HX series of mobile processors and Nvidia RTX 4090 graphics. The Strix Scar 18 is the first 18-inch model from the company to feature a Mini-LED panel.

In another first, the new Zephyrus G14 and G16 models are the first gaming laptops from Asus to feature OLED displays. The Zephyrus G14 offers up to an AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS CPU and RTX 4090 graphics, and the Zephyrus G16 is based on Intel’s new Meteor Lake chips with up to a Core Ultra 9 185H processor.

Mini-LED for Strix Scar

The new Strix Scar 16 and 18 models are based on either a 16- or 18-inch Mini-LED display with a 2.5K resolution and 240Hz refresh rate that’s rated for 1,100 nits of peak brightness with HDR. The Mini-LED panels have more than 2,000 dimming zones. In addition to the new display tech, the new Strix Scar models feature an updated chassis design that doesn’t look too different at first blush from past iterations.

The Strix Scar 16 (model G634JZR-XS96) starts at $2,900 for a configuration with a Core i9-14900HX CPU, RTX 4080 graphics, 32GB of 5,600MHz DDR5 RAM and a 1TB SSD. The step-up model (G634JYR-XS97) costs $3,700 and bumps you up to an RTX 4090 and a 2TB SSD.

The Strix Scar 18 (model G834JZR-XS96) starts at $3,000 for a configuration with a Core i9-14900HX CPU, RTX 4080 graphics, 32GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The step-up model (G834JYR-XS97) costs $3,900 and bumps you up to an RTX 4090 and a 2TB SSD.

Asus states the new models will start shipping in the first quarter of this year.

Read more: Best of Show: Our Tech Winners of CES 2024

OLED comes to Zephyrus

The Zephyrus G14 and G16 models also received a facelift and now offer a slimmer, all-aluminum unibody enclosure and OLED displays, making them the first ROG laptops with OLED panels, according to Asus. There’s also a new white chassis color option in addition to the standard black.

The 14-inch model is based on AMD Ryzen 8040-series processors, and the 16-inch model is based on 14th-gen Intel HX processors.

The Zephyrus G14 features up to a Ryzen 9 8945HS and RTX 4070 graphics powering a 14-inch OLED display with a 3K (2,880×1,800-pixel) resolution and 120Hz refresh rate.

The Zephyrus G16 features up to a Core Ultra 9 185H processor and RTX 4090 graphics powering a 16-inch OLED display with a 2.5K (2,560×1,600-pixel) resolution and 240Hz refresh rate. Yes, the larger display features a lower resolution than the 14-inch model’s.

You don’t get per-key or even multizone RGB lighting with either model. Nope, these mainstream gaming laptops offer keyboards with one-zone RGB lighting.

The new Zephyrus G16 and G18 models will be available later this quarter, according to Asus. Pricing information was not available at this time of this writing.

Asus has given its ROG gaming phone line a redesign that keeps its focus on games while also improving general phone function. Announced Monday at CES 2024, the Asus ROG Phone 8 and Phone 8 Pro are powered by the new Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 chip. They pack a 6.78-inch display with a refresh rate as high as 165Hz and — in the Pro edition — specs as high as 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage. In a first for Asus’ gaming phone line, the Phone 8 series includes wireless charging and IP68 resistance to water and dust.

The phones now adopt a punch-hole front-facing camera style, which eliminates the large top bezel that hid the front-facing camera in prior ROG phones. While this does mean games played at full screen will now have a small interruption of space around the punch-hole, Asus also gives you the option to slightly shrink the display area to avoid the front-facing camera. This differs from rival RedMagic’s strategy of including its selfie camera underneath the display for an uninterrupted full screen, but that approach often comes at the cost of image quality for photos.

The ROG Phone 8 takes advantage of its AI-focused Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 to enhance a number of features about the phone part of this gaming phone. The Semantic Search processes anything entered into the launcher, device settings or photo gallery search boxes on the device in order to return results. For voice and video calls, the ROG Phone 8 includes an AI noise-canceling feature that Asus says will work in both standard calls and in-game chat. You can use AI to generate a phone wallpaper from selected objects, tones and other backgrounds.

Read more: The Most Eye-Catching Mobile Tech at CES 2024

Asus has also revamped its cameras, primarily a 50-megapixel main camera that’s supported by a stabilizer — Asus calls it the 6-Axis Hybrid Gimbal Stabilizer 3.0 — for smoothing out videos along with photos. The main camera is joined by a 13-megapixel ultrawide camera and a 32-megapixel telephoto lens with a 3x optical zoom. On the front, a 32-megapixel selfie camera is now included within the device display.

While the ROG Phone 8 series now includes IP68 water resistance, that also means that the phone itself has had to change up its cooling system for heat exhaust. Asus says the Phone 8 now uses conduction cooling to send heat from the internals to the phone’s back cover. Asus is also releasing a new AeroActive Cooler X attachment for enhancing cooling, but it will no longer open a door in the back of the phone for that purpose as last year’s ROG Phone 7 Ultimate did.

The Pro model also changes the rear display on the back of the phone from a full-color screen into a mini-LED display, similar to the small rear screen on the Asus ROG Phone 6 Pro. Asus dubs this display as AniMe Vision, and it can be set to provide contextual animations. Instead of the mini-LED display, the standard Phone 8 models get an RGB-lit logo.

The Phone 8 series retains its predecessor’s 65-watt wired charging and now includes a slightly smaller capacity 5,500 mAh battery compared with the Phone 7’s 6,000 mAh battery. The 15-watt wireless charging is new, but it doesn’t include the new Qi2 standard. Wi-Fi 7 support is included, the phone still includes two USB-C ports, and the headphone jack still lives on Asus’ gaming phone line.

The Asus ROG Phone 8 starts at $1,100 for a model that includes 16GB of memory and 256GB of storage, while the Pro model starts at $1,200 for 16GB of memory and 512GB of storage. The highest-end Pro model that includes 24GB of memory and 1TB of storage goes for $1,500 and throws in the AeroActive Cooler X. Otherwise the cooler attachment costs $100. The phones will be released in the first quarter of 2024, and during an early bird period will be sold at a $100 discount.

Originally published Jan. 8, 2024 at 4 p.m. PT.

From power banks to charging stands and USB-C hubs, there are plenty of essential peripherals you need to pick up to complement your tech, but doing so can get expensive. Fortunately, accessory maker Hyper is currently runnign a winter sale offering 30% off a selection of its wares to help save you some cash. Just be sure to enter the discount code WINTER30 during the checkout process to score the savings.

Whether it’s a USB-C hub, a Thunderbolt dock, or a battery pack, there’s something for everyone with the Hyper logo on the side. And now you can take your pick of some of the very best accessories with a cool 30% discount.

Hyper makes a ton of accessories for Windows PCs, Mac laptops and phones of all shapes and sizes so we’re sure that you’ll be able to find the right accessory for you and your needs. We do have some favorites though, including the HyperJuice magnetic wireless battery pack, a product that can charge your iPhone 12 or newer just by attaching it to the back. There’s a large 5,000mAh battery and an LED level indicator while USB-C quick charging is also an option. That product normally sells for $50 but you can save 30% today.

Another great option is the HyperDrive Thunderbolt 4 Power Hub, a hub that not only has four Thunderbolt ports but also a GaN charger built in so you can power all of your stuff and connect more devices at the same time. That normally sells for $300, but you can again order today and save 30% thanks to the WINTER30 discount code, dropping it down to $210.

With tons of deals on phone accessories maybe it’s also time you treated yourself to a new phone, too. Be sure to check out our list of the best phone deals before you do with discounts available across a whole range of devices.

When it comes to in-car entertainment, you really can’t beat Apple CarPlay or Android Auto, depending on what phone you own. Both turn your in-car display into a big iPhone or Android phone of sorts, but not all cars support it — even hyper-modern electric vehicles like those from Tesla. Now, you can add CarPlay and Android Auto to those vehicles for just $96.

That’s all thanks to this deal that saves you 40% off the original $160 asking price for a new Mesay foldable touchscreen display that’s just waiting to upgrade your in-car entertainment experience. There are tons of CarPlay and Android Auto head units around, but this approach is much cheaper and easier to install.

This Mesay unit has a large 6.8-inch touchscreen and supports both Android Auto and CarPlay for ultimate compatibility. There are plenty of connectivity options as well, including Bluetooth and an aux jack, while a built-in FM transmitter is also offered.

Mounting the display is quick and easy, and support for Siri and Google Assistant for hands-free calling, navigation and music makes this a safer option than trying to stab away at your small phone screen while on the move. Keep in mind that this StackSocial deal might not be an option for long, so consider placing an order now if you want to add one of these to your vehicle in time for your next road trip.

Looking for a new phone to go with this display? Be sure to check out our collection of the best iPhone deals, while our list of the best phone deals also includes some of the big-name Android models, too.

For many of us, computers have become central to our work, which means it’s having access to the latest and most widely used software and applications is vital for success. Microsoft’s Windows OS and productivity tools like Word and Excel are acclaimed worldwide and used by schools and businesses across the globe. Getting your hands on that software for yourself can cost a pretty penny, but right now you can score lifetime access at a serious discount.

Woot has knocked hundreds off of essential Microsoft programs like Windows 11 Pro and Office Pro 2021 so you can upgrade for less right now. But these deals expire Jan. 17, so be sure to make your selections before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

Whether you have an older computer you’d like to upgrade or you aim to build your own and need to invest in an operating system, Woot has the latest Windows OS available at a discount. You can get a digital download of Windows 11 Home for just $20 — that’s an 86% savings over its list price. For $5 more, you can snag Windows 11 Pro. That saves you 88% and may be a better investment for anyone who works from home or relies heavily on their computer thanks to its enhanced security features and simplified user interface.

Windows 10 Pro is also available for just $25 right now, but remember that this OS was released in 2015 and will reach the end of its support in October 2025. We recommend going with one of the newer OS options. Also, note that Windows OS software is not compatible with iOS, Android or Chromebook devices and you will need an internet connection for online activation.

For those looking to add some of Microsoft’s most popular productivity apps, Woot has multiple versions available at a deep discount right now. Window users can snag Microsoft Office Professional 2021, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Publisher and Access for just $35, which saves you $405 compared to Microsoft’s price. If you’re a Mac user, you can pick up Microsoft Office Home and Business 2019 for $30, but note that it only includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook. Microsoft’s extended support for this older version will expire on Oct. 14, 2025.

A few other software deals are available, including lifetime AdGuard subscriptions for just $13 and Microsoft Visual Studio Pro 2022 for $45, along with some online course options to help you learn how to use some of the most in-demand software.

When making a software purchase from Woot, you’ll receive a redemption code via email within a few business days so that you can register your product. Woot also has a helpful installation guide that will walk you through the process if you need a little help getting started. It’s worth noting that each of these products is a one-time purchase that you can use for one device only. You cannot redeem your code on multiple devices, so be sure that you install it on the device you plan to use.

Earfun has consistently released decent-sounding noise-canceling earbuds in the $30-$70 price range that offer good bang for your buck. It also makes portable Bluetooth speakers but until now hasn’t offered over-ear noise-canceling headphones. That’s about to change in March, as we’ll see the new Wave Pro headphones hit Amazon, Earfun announced at CES 2024. They’ll list for $80 but could end up costing closer to $70 with discounts, based on how Earfun has priced its products in the past.

Read more: Best noise-canceling headphones under $100

Earfun is billing the Wave Pro as high-res headphones. They have 40mm “Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) composite film dynamic coil” drivers and feature LDAC audio codec support when paired with devices like Android smartphones that support LDAC streaming over Bluetooth (LDAC is capable of delivering audio at higher bit rates so you may see a slight bump in audio quality if you use a high-res streaming service such as Qobuz, Tidal or Amazon Music).

Earfun says the 268-gram Wave Pro is equipped with a “5-Microphone AI-powered algorithm” for voice calling, a low-latency (<55ms) game mode, multipoint Bluetooth pairing and an auxiliary port for wired listening (there’s no mention of USB-C audio). Battery life is rated at up to 80 hours with noise-canceling off and 55 hours with it on and a 10-minute charge gets you 10 hours of listening time.

While I haven’t tried the Wave Pro headphones yet, at first glance they seem to check a lot of boxes for what you might hope for in a pair of value headphones. If they manage to sound as good as Earfun says they do — or even 75% as good — and also be comfortable, they could make out a list of the best noise-canceling headphones under $100.

Wave Pro’s key specs, according to Earfun:

• Hybrid active noise cancellation up to 45dB and anti-wind noise reduction
• 268 grams
• Hi-Res audio certified with LDAC audio codec support
• Diamond-Like Carbon (DLC) composite 40mm dynamic drivers
• Frequency response range of up to 40kHz
• Hands-free calling with advanced ENC and 5-mic Al-powered algorithm
• Up to 80-hour battery life (55 hours with ANC on) with fast charging
• Multipoint connection allows you to switch between devices quickly
• Game mode with extremely <55ms low latency
• Aux wired connection mode (cable included)
• Price: $80
• Shipping: March 2024

At CES, Earfun also unveiled a new Bluetooth boom box speaker, the UBoom X ($180), which is due to ship in June and will compete with Tribit’s Stormbox Blast and Soundcore by Anker’s Motion Boom Plus speakers. I suspect its real price will be less than $150.

UBoom X’s key specs, according to Earfun:

• Bluetooth 5.3
• JumboBass technology
• 4-Driver design and 80 watts of power (2×4-inch mid-woofer + 2x20mm tweeter driver)
• IPX7 Waterproof
• Up to 30-hour battery life with quick charging
• Lightweight design with carry handle and strap
• Multi-color LED lighting
• Supports USB-C charging output and can also be used as a power bank to charge external mobile devices
• Customize the sound with EarFun Audio App
• Pair it with another UBoom X for stereo sound or link with up to 50 Earfun speakers via Party Connect mode
• Built-in microphone for hands-free calls
• Price: $180
• Shipping: June 2024

I’ll have hands-on reviews of both products when they’re released later this year.