Category: Technologies

Winter is in full swing, and you may be planning a fun ski trip or just huddled indoors dreaming about about next year’s adventures. If you want to capture every moment, you’ll want to invest in a compact and rugged action camera that you can take just about anywhere. Insta360’s cameras boast a stunning 360-degree field of view so you don’t miss any of the action, and right now you can snag one for as much as 30% off, with select deals being matched at other retailers. But this sale only runs through December 29, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

There are quite a few different Insta360 cameras and accessories that you can pick up for less right now. The Insta360 One X2 is a simple, compact 360-degree camera, and right now you can snag it on sale for $300, saving you a whopping $130 compared to the usual price. It captures 360-degree video in stunning 5.7K resolution, has built-in video stabilization and is waterproof up to 10 meters. Or, you can get the best of both worlds with the Twin Edition of the Insta360 One RS. It comes with interchangeable lenses so you can use it as a standard action camera with 4K video and 48-megapixel photos, or use the 360-degree lens to capture capture mind-blowing third-person video. It also features image stabilization, active HDR and a rugged design that’s waterproof down to 5 meters. Right now, it’s on sale for $395, saving you $155 compared with the usual price.

There are a few other cameras and bundles on sale, and Insta360 is also offering a free T-shirt and 20% off extended warranties with the purchase of select cameras. Plus, you can complete your kit with up to 50% off select accessories, including battery bases, selfie sticks, lens filters and more.

Whether it’s to gain access to PowerPoint or Word or one of the other programs offered in the Microsoft suite, a subscription to Microsoft 365 can get pricey, setting you back at least $7 per month. Even if you’re looking to cut out the subscription aspect and go for a lifetime license, the latest Microsoft Office Pro 2021will cost you a hefty $440 upfront from Microsoft. But if you’re willing to go a generation further back to Office 2019, right now at StackSocial you can nab it for just $40 for a lifetime subscription. That’s an 82% discount from the regular price of $229. There is currently no listed expiration date for this deal but we suggest getting it sooner rather than later because it could end at any time.

Mac users will get the basic Home and Business suite of apps, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams and OneNote, while Windows users will get the Professional version. This includes the same apps as the Mac version, but excludes Teams — however, it does add Publisher and Access to round out the suite.

This isn’t the latest version of Office, but compared to signing up for the Microsoft 365 subscription suite, which costs $7 a month or $70 a year for individuals, StackSocial’s offer is a great deal. There is a free online version of Microsoft Office out there that you can use, but it lacks several features, so this may be a better option. Also, Apple users should note that Outlook is now available as a free app for the Mac.

Some important things to note — you’ll get a one-time use code for a single computer, which means you won’t be able to download these apps on multiple devices. And that does mean that if you upgrade to a new computer or your current one dies, you likely won’t be able to transfer the suite. These licenses also lack some of the added conveniences you’ll get with a 365 subscription, including OneDrive cloud storage and cloud-based AI features, including Microsoft Copilot. Additionally, these apps should work for as long as your computer does, but the Mac license has reached the end of its lifecycle, which means Microsoft’s support for this version of Office has ended. Windows users will have extended support through Oct. 14, 2025. There is also a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license at any time, but we’ve been running other versions of Office from StackSocial since early 2022 and have yet to encounter a problem.

Be sure to check system requirements before you make your purchase to ensure these will work on your device. And if you’re looking to upgrade your operating system, there is a bundled deal available that includes both Office Pro 2019 and Windows 11 Pro for just $50. Both are great options if you’re grabbing a new laptop deal or desktop deal and need a software upgrade.

Apple stores will once again be able to sell the latest Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. On Wednesday, the US Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit paused an import ban that previously blocked Apple from selling its wearables in the US at its own stores.

“The motion for an interim stay is granted to the extent that the Remedial Orders are temporarily stayed,” the court wrote in a filing Wednesday, as spotted by CNBC.

The move comes amid an ongoing patent dispute between Apple and Masimo, a health tech company, over how the Apple Watch detects blood oxygen levels. The US International Trade Commission previously banned the latest watches, backing a judge’s ruling from January that found Apple had violated Masimo’s patents.

President Joe Biden had a chance to reverse the order as part of a presidential review, but that window closed on Dec. 25. The decision became final on Dec. 26 after US Trade Representative Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s ruling.

Apple appealed the case and has been working on a software update for US Customs to review. As noted by Bloomberg, the government is expected to decide Jan. 12 whether Apple’s changes are sufficient.

As a preemptive measure ahead of the ban, Apple halted sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 via its online stores Dec. 21 and at its physical stores Dec. 24. Consumers have still been able to buy the wearables, as well as the non-impacted Apple Watch SE, at third-party retailers including Best Buy, Amazon and Walmart, at least while supplies last.

As of this report, the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 were still not available at Apple’s online store. Apple did not immediately respond to a CNET request for comment.

Apple has stopped selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US because of an ongoing legal battle with health tech company Masimo over the blood oxygen detection feature in those watches.

The US International Trade Commission, the federal agency that handles trade-related mandates, previously issued an order that would prohibit Apple from importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The decision came after a US judge ruled in January that Apple infringed on Masimo patents related to the technology used in Apple’s blood oxygen sensing system. The order was under presidential review until Dec. 25 and became final on Dec. 26 after United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai decided not to reverse the ITC’s decision.

On Dec. 27 Apple received a temporary win as an Appeals Court paused the ban allowing Apple to resume selling the devices. According to Bloomberg, Apple has been working on software changes to the Apple Watch’s blood oxygen detection and the government is expected to decide on Jan. 12 whether those updates are sufficient.

As of press time, Apple has yet to resume selling the watches on its online store.

The Apple Watch is one of Apple’s most important products, helping push the company’s wearables, home and accessories business to be its second-largest product category behind the iPhone. Apple has previously said the size of its wearables unit alone equals that of a Fortune 150 company.

Apple began preemptively pausing online sales of the affected watches on Dec. 21 and halted in-store sales on Dec. 24 in anticipation of the order being finalized. The decision specifically applies to sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 through Apple in the US, and the watches are still for sale on Best Buy, Amazon, Walmart and Target’s websites at the time of writing. The Apple Watch SE is not affected.

Apple issued the following statement in response to the decision being finalized.

“At Apple, we work tirelessly to create products and services that meaningfully impact users’ lives. It’s what drives our teams — Clinical, Design and Engineering — to dedicate years to developing scientifically validated health, fitness and wellness features for Apple Watch, and we are inspired that millions of people around the world have benefited greatly from this product. We strongly disagree with the USITC decision and resulting exclusion order, and are taking all measures to return Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible.”

The company has appealed to the Federal Circuit and submitted a proposed redesign of the affected watches for US Customs approval.

The order comes during the critical holiday shopping season. Smartwatches were among the top products sold during the Black Friday period, according to holiday shopping data from Adobe.

When the judge’s ruling was made in January, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said the decision “should help restore fairness in the market.”

Here’s what to know about Apple’s pause in sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This story will be updated as we receive more information.

Can I still buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from other retailers?

The order affects US sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 through Apple, but 9to5Mac points out that the order prohibits Apple from importing these watches and selling them to resellers, which means they may only be available through other retailers for a limited time.

The order only applies to sales in the US, meaning you should still be able to purchase the Series 9 and Ultra 2 abroad.

Best Buy and Walmart have both confirmed to CNET that they will continue selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2. Amazon and Target have not yet responded to CNET’s question about whether the affected watches will continue to be sold. All four retailers are still offering both watches through their websites at the time of writing.

Which Apple Watch models are affected?

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the only models affected. Since the legal dispute involves the blood oxygen sensing tech used in the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold as usual. The Apple Watch SE is the lower-end model in Apple’s lineup, meaning it’s missing some health tracking features like blood oxygen sensing and the ability to take an ECG.

Current Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring, which includes any non-SE models starting with the Series 6, also won’t be affected. There is no impact for those who already own the Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2.

What is Masimo and why is Apple halting sales?

Masimo is a medical technology company that creates professional and consumer health products, including a smartwatch called the Masimo W1. The ITC order is the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, in which the latter accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximeter patents.

What happens next?

Apple said it’s pursuing a range of legal and technical options to resume Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 sales. The customs office will decide whether Apple’s proposed redesigns infringe Masimo’s patents on Jan. 12, according to Reuters, so we might hear an update after that date.

Apple didn’t provide details about what the proposed redesign entails. Ahead of the decision being finalized, Bloomberg reported that Apple was developing a software change that alters how the watches monitor and present blood oxygen levels as a workaround.

If I can’t buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, what are my alternatives?

Those with an iPhone who just want a smartwatch for tracking activity, workouts and sleep should consider the $249 Apple Watch SE. While that watch lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it can still provide notifications for high and low heart rates and irregular heart rhythms.

The Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who are most comfortable in Apple’s ecosystem, but other options work across iPhone and Android, like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Garmin Venu 3.

Those who are looking to monitor blood oxygen levels from home specifically should consider buying a standalone pulse oximeter, said Jennifer Schrack, professor in the Department of Epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.

“Consumer wearables are a great supplemental way for people to stay informed about their health, but they are subject to error,” Schrack said over email. “It is important to remember that they are measuring blood oxygen using PPG sensors, which can be affected by things like skin tone.”

If your heart is set on the Series 9 or Ultra 2, consider purchasing one through a third-party retailer while they’re still available.

If you’re like me, you likely have no less than ten tabs open at any given time. When you work from home on a laptop or desktop, it can be frustrating and time-consuming to try and toggle through each tab to find the one you’re looking for. Instead of doing this inefficient scan, you can split your screen to keep two windows open at the same time. Split-screen mode is great for looking at data for a report, keeping chat windows open while doing something else, or just having a video play on one side of your screen while you multitask.

Fortunately, Macs offer a split screen mode, which allows you to stick two apps (or two separate browser windows) on different sides of your display. That way, you can glance between windows without having to navigate with your mouse or pressing Command + Tab.

Here’s everything you need to know about setting up and navigating split-screen mode on Mac.

How to enter Split View on a Mac

1. Make sure neither window you want to use is in full-screen mode.

2. In one of the windows you want to use, place your cursor over the green button in the top left. Instead of clicking to maximize the window, hover until you see a drop-down menu.

3. Select Tile Window to Left of Screen or Tile Window to Right of Screen. Your Mac will automatically enter split-screen mode.

4. From there, other open windows will be displayed on the opposite side of the screen. Click the window you want on the rest of your screen, and it will fill the remaining half.

5. If you want to adjust the size of the windows, use the slider in the center of the screen.

In Split View, you’ll be able to look at both windows simultaneously. Multitask away!

Read more: This Is One Thing Every Mac Owner Should Know How to Do

How to exit split screen on Macs

If you’re done using the split screen layout, here’s how to get out of it:

1. Move your cursor to the top of the screen until you see the sizing buttons at the top left of each window.

2. Click the red button to close that window or the green button to exit split screen.

3. Don’t panic! Your other window is still open — it’s just hidden in full-screen mode. To access it again, press the Mission Control button (F3) on the top row of your keyboard.

4. You should see two options at the top of the screen: Desktop and whatever window you had in split-screen mode. Click the other window, and use the green sizing button in the top left if you want to exit full-screen mode.

If you’re the kind of person (like me) who might need more than two windows open, you can always manually resize windows to fit three or four on your screen at once. The experience just won’t be as visually clean as using tiled windows.

What is the keyboard shortcut for split screen on Mac?

Mac keyboard shortcuts are abundant and handy, including one for split screen. Start by using control + command + F to enter full-screen mode. From there you can hit F3 to pull up Mission Control, then drag and drop the second app you want in your split screen next to your original window. It should display a preview of what the split screen will look like, along with a “+” (plus sign) next to it. Click back into the newly tiled apps and you’ll be in Split View.

If you want to get into Split View even faster, you can create your own keyboard shortcut. Go to System Preferences > Keyboard > Keyboard Shortcuts > App Shortcuts. You can click the + button to add a command named “Tile Window to Left of Screen” using your desired shortcut. Once you’ve activated the shortcut, your active window will tile to the left side of the screen and you can simply select a second window to be added to your split screen.

Read More: The Keyboard Shortcut You’ll Use More Than Ctrl + Z

Why won’t my Mac do split screen?

First, make sure you’re not currently in fullscreen mode. The split screen only works from the normal window view. If that’s not the issue, go to System Preferences > Desktop & Dock and scroll to the bottom to see whether Displays have separate Spaces enabled. If not, enable it.

If you don’t see that option in the Mission Control menu, make sure you’ve updated to MacOS 10.11 or later. You can check your current OS version by clicking the Apple icon in the top left menu and then selecting About this Mac. If you’re using an earlier version, you’ll have to update by clicking the Software Update button on that screen.

Keep in mind that not all apps support split screens. If you’ve tried everything else and the app still won’t tile in split-screen mode, the app probably doesn’t offer split-screen mode.

How do you split screens on a Mac without full screen?

The official split-screen function on Macs (called “Split View”) automatically splits two windows in full screen. If you don’t want the full-screen view (perhaps because you want to be able to quickly navigate between browser tabs), you can manually drag your windows to fit the desired space. This option gives you a little more customization than Split View.

For more, check out what’s new in MacOS Sonoma and 10 MacOS tricks every Mac power user needs to know.

We’ve all been there. You flip open your AirPods and pop them in your ears, only to find that one isn’t working. Luckily, there’s a simple fix. The same steps apply to the original AirPods, the AirPods 2, the AirPods 3, the first-generation AirPods Pro and the AirPods Pro 2.

If you’re experiencing issues with your AirPods, it’s also a good idea to make sure your iPhone’s Bluetooth is turned on. To do this, swipe down from the top right corner of the screen to launch the Control Center. Then, make sure the circle with the Bluetooth symbol is blue. If it’s not, tap it to turn on Bluetooth.

Making sure your iPhone’s software is up to date can also mitigate any potential AirPods issues. Software updates usually include security fixes and sometimes add new features to your AirPods, so it’s a good idea to check regardless. Launch Settings, tap General and select Software Update.

How to fix one AirPod that isn’t working

1. Put both AirPods back in their case and make sure they’re charging. Let them charge for 30 seconds.

2. Open the case’s lid near your iPhone or iPad, and wait for the AirPods to pop up on screen.

3. Put both AirPods in your ears and play music or a video to make sure audio is working.

How to reset your AirPods

1. To get started, make sure your AirPods are in their charging case with the lid closed.

2. After 30 seconds, open the lid to connect your AirPods with your iPhone or iPad. Launch the Settings menu on your mobile device and tap Bluetooth.

3. Find your AirPods in the list of Bluetooth devices and tap the i symbol next to it.

4. Choose Forget this device. You may have to scroll down to find this option.

5. Once your AirPods are forgotten, open the charging case’s lid and hold down the button on the back for about 15 seconds. The light on the front should flash white.

6. Now, hold your AirPods in their charging case with the lid open near your iPhone or iPad. You should see on-screen instructions for pairing them, just like the first time you set them up.

Resetting your AirPods usually fixes this problem. But if you’re still experiencing issues with one or both AirPods, check to make sure there is no debris obstructing the speaker mesh. Check out our guide to cleaning your AirPods for instructions on how to safely sanitize your earbuds and their case.

Looking for more advice? Check out our iOS 17 cheat sheet and our list of Apple Watch tips.

If you’re having trouble understanding dialogue when watching movies or shows on TV, it might not be your hearing. It could be your TV settings or hardware that’s making it hard to hear speech. Either way, there are some quick and easy fixes.

The most likely culprit for poor sound is the TV’s tiny speakers. The latest TVs may be able to produce amazing images, but with such thin frames, they can also suffer from poor sound quality.

Read more: Best TVs of 2023

If you’re using a separate speaker or soundbar, perhaps errant settings are to blame. One quick fix is enabling subtitles on your TV, but if you want to have the set on in the background, then it’s sound quality we need to rectify. Let’s begin.

1. Check your TV’s sound settings

Television speakers sound terrible out of the box, but most TVs have settings you can use to improve their audio a little. For example, a while back some friends called me to fix their own TV sound — they said the dialogue was boomy and hard to understand. When I got there, I found the soundtrack was distorting at anything but the quietest levels. A look inside the settings uncovered why: Someone had created a weird custom mode that had the bass jacked all the way up.

Bass in particular is the enemy of understandable speech: It tends to hide the frequencies that help us decipher what people are saying. Rather than play with individual bass and treble controls, the easiest thing to do is to try the preset sound modes first.

1. Use your remote to access the TV’s Settings menu, then look for a section called Audio, Sound or something similar.

2. At the top of the menu, there should be a selection of presets such as Movie, User or Standard.

3. While watching a speech-heavy show or movie, cycle through the modes to see which ones sound best.

If you’re finding that the dialogue is mumbly, for example, try a Dialog, News or Speech Boost mode (or if you have an Amazon Fire TV, try this setting). If that’s not available, Movie or Standard is the next-best option.

Also, disabling audio enhancements like Bass Boost or Surround, which often harm dialogue, or Night Mode can help (or not). Every TV and every room sounds different, so it’s worthwhile to experiment.

If your TV has an individual bass control, you can also try reducing the individual level like I did in the example above. Also, a little boost to treble may help improve intelligibility. Once you’ve got the audio as good as you can, simply exit the menu. Press “save” if the TV asks you to, but otherwise, you’re all set.

2. Have a soundbar or speaker system? Try these tweaks

External speakers will sound better than what’s built into your TV, but they may need a little tweaking to help with dialogue, too. Your speakers might be too close to the wall, for instance, or stuffed inside a cabinet. There could be other causes — for example, if you find that people’s lips are moving but speech isn’t correlating, you may need help with a lip-sync issue.

Here are some common fixes for bad sound that don’t cost a cent. First, simply pick the kind of system that you have:

Soundbar

As with TVs in step 1, try setting the soundbar to a speech-enhancing mode, Movie or Standard.

If your system has a subwoofer, it could be too loud compared with the rest of the system. While explosions are fun, they shouldn’t be at the expense of a good story. If you have a separate bass or sub control, try turning it down. You can also try placing the sub in an optimal position with this guide.

AV or stereo system with speakers

If you have tower or bookshelf speakers, try moving them away from the walls and corners, and then point or “toe” them in toward the middle where you sit. Removing speaker grilles will also boost speech by a small amount. These little changes alone won’t be enough to transform Sly Stallone into Laurence Olivier, but they could be enough for you to discern what an actor is mumbling about.

The other thing to try is a calibration, whether via your receiver’s menu or app, or manual. I prefer to do a manual calibration by ear as automated routines almost always need manual tinkering anyway. See CNET’s guide to improving sound quality with your phone.

3. Buy a new soundbar

If the previous options aren’t cutting it, it may be time to invest in a soundbar designed to improve dialogue. Thankfully, excellent soundbars aren’t very expensive, and almost anything will sound better than a TV speaker. The Roku Streambar, for example, is affordable and offers HDMI connections and an onboard 4K streamer. Vizio also makes an excellent range of soundbars.

Read more: Best Soundbars to Enhance TV Dialogue

There are also soundbars specifically designed to make speech more intelligible. For instance, when Zvox branched out into hearing aid design, the company brought the tech to its range of AccuVoice soundbars. The company has models starting at $100 and it includes the flagship Zvox AV357.

Taking the next step and buying a surround system may be more expensive, but it also has added benefits — especially if the system has a dedicated center-channel speaker. In surround mixes, dialogue often comes primarily from the center channel, and being able to increase its volume independently can really help.

More sound system recommendations

• Best Soundbars Under $200 for 2023

• Best Home Theater Systems of 2023
• Best AV Receiver for 2023
• Best Speakers of 2023

Why use an ordinary cane when you can have one that also makes calls?

I found myself asking this question as I unboxed Can Go, a $400 smart cane with built-in cellular connectivity, GPS and activity tracking. The gold-and-black aluminum cane looks and feels almost like any other, but embedded in the handle are a call button, flashlight switch and small screen to show who’s calling or how many steps you’ve walked.

The idea is to give anyone who uses a cane, particularly senior citizens, emergency calling at their fingertips. Can Go has built-in speakers, a microphone and wireless connectivity through a partnership with AT&T announced in early December. The small screen on the handle shows the time, as well as your step count and active minutes. Can Go is an example of tech companies starting to cater to older consumers – but CEO Ahmad AlGhazi says existing efforts aren’t enough.

“This segment of the population is underserved,” AlGhazi said. “We need more innovators in this space.”

You can add an unlimited number of caregivers through an online portal, who will then have access to activity level reports. One caregiver can be assigned as the emergency contact, who you can reach by pressing the cane’s call button. GPS mapping enables contacts to find you in an emergency, while also helping you track down your cane if it’s misplaced. There’s also a fall detection feature, which is in beta, that’ll alert your emergency contact if you don’t take action after a fall. To prevent the call, push any of the control buttons. (For now at least, there isn’t a function for contacting emergency services.)

Around 7% of Americans struggle with walking or climbing stairs, according to the US Census Bureau’s 2021 American Community Survey. Adults over the age of 65 are most likely to report this kind of disability. While a growing number of companies, including major players like Apple and Google, are focused on making their platforms and products more accessible, there still isn’t much tech catering to older adults. In 2021, Amazon launched its Alexa Together service, which uses Echo devices to enable fall detection, activity alerts and emergency services. Safety and peace of mind have also become focus areas for Apple, with Apple Watch features like ECG, fall detection and Walking Steadiness, which tracks how even steps are and the timing of each step.

AlGhazi hopes Can Go will help people maintain independence as they age. Medical alert necklaces can be bulky, he says, and someone who uses a cane will most likely always have it within reach. Can Go’s simple interface is designed to be unintimidating, and despite the tech it’s loaded with, the cane weighs just over a pound.

“That actually was part of how we can make it familiar and make all the technology embedded in a very subtle, simple way,” AlGhazi said. “If you know how to use a normal cane, you could use this product.”

The cane comes with a charging cable and charging wall mount. The company says the battery lasts up to 48 hours, but recommends charging every night.

Can Go’s $400 price tag is obviously a significant hike over the $20 to $40 you’d pay for an average cane, but it’s around the price of an Apple Watch, which also includes fall detection. The argument could be made, however, that not all senior citizens would want something as techie as a smartwatch, and therefore a smart cane could be a more useful investment. Alternatively, medical alert bracelets and necklaces can cost anywhere from around $20 to $40, with monthly plans at around $30.

You can buy Can Go on the company’s website or at Best Buy. You’ll also have to pay a $20-per-month subscription, which is waived for the first 12 months.

Does Max take forever to load? Do the movies on Disney+ pause and stutter? Does the image quality of Netflix look blurry and pixelated? All these issues are often related to the same thing, which can also impact Zoom meetings, gaming online and other streaming-related activities. The issue is your internet speed, and while the best fix is to increase that speed through your provider, other options can help if you can’t get or afford the faster options from AT&T, Spectrum, Xfinity, Verizon or other ISPs.

The simple fixes listed below will help ensure your various internet-connected devices have the fastest possible connection in your home, so they get the most out of whatever speeds you have coming in from the world outside. These tips will work whether you’re streaming on an Xbox, PlayStation, iPad, Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV or the apps in your smart TV.

Beyond these tips, also check out various settings to change on your streaming device and how to strategically cancel streaming services to save money.

Upgrade your internet speed for better streaming

Yes, this is certainly the most obvious, but when was the last time you asked your provider how fast its offerings are now? If it’s been a few years, it likely has new services (maybe even fiber) that could greatly increase your download speeds. Recently I switched from 250Mbps cable to 1Gbps fiber for $10 less a month. When I canceled the cable internet they said “Oh, we can reduce your rate by $30 a month, or increase your speeds for the same money.” They, of course, never offered that without me saying I was canceling. Just something to keep in mind.

You need at least 15Mbps download speeds for 4K streaming, but really, you want a lot more than that. It’s also possible there are new providers or services from other companies in your area.

This is definitely the first place to start. If you stay with the same provider, usually it’ll be able to flip the proverbial switch without sending a tech to visit your home. Afterward, you’ll have faster internet. If you switch providers (from cable to fiber, for example), the new provider will probably have to send someone to your house to install it.

Read More: Best Internet Service Providers of 2023

Upgrade your Wi-Fi streaming hardware

The Wi-Fi router that you get for free from your internet provider is likely terrible. I upgraded my router the day before my new internet service was installed and I got a 20% boost in speed just from that. Many providers even charge for their basic routers, so if your provider allows it, you could save some money long-term by buying a good one outright and reducing your bill a bit each month.

You’ll also likely get better range and better signal throughout your home with an upgraded router. If you’ve always had a bad connection in the back of the house, a better router might help with that.

A new or different router might also give you the option to connect via the 5GHz range (“normal” Wi-Fi is 2.4GHz). 5GHz is generally faster and has less chance of interference from other devices. It doesn’t go through walls as effectively. Our favorite all-around budget option is the TP-Link Archer AX21.

Read More: Best Wi-Fi Routers for 2023

If your house is particularly large, or the walls seem to be particularly obstructing, it’s worth considering a mesh Wi-Fi system. These use multiple devices spread around your home instead of one single device. CNET’s favorite mesh system is TP-Link Deco W7200.

Read More: Best Mesh Routers for 2023

Switch to wired Ethernet

Although convenient, Wi-Fi can be quite slow on some networks, especially if multiple people are streaming at once. Wired internet, aka Ethernet, is a lot faster and doesn’t have issues with walls, interference or distance (well, not in a house, anyway). Though running wires can be annoying, it provides the most reliable connection and can be worth doing on your main TV at least.

If you want to use a wire, check your device. Most streamers lack the Ethernet port required for a wired connection, but cheap $15 USB adapters are available for the Chromecast with Google TV and Amazon’s Fire TV sticks. Most Roku devices don’t work with Ethernet, unfortunately. The exceptions are the Roku Ultra, which has a built-in Ethernet port, and the Roku Express 4K, Roku Express 4K Plus, Streambar and Smart Soundbar Pro, which all work with an optional Ethernet adapter.

Streamers with Ethernet built in, no adapter required, are generally more expensive, but they could be worthwhile if you want a simpler hookup or prefer Roku’s system. Our favorite streamers with built-in Ethernet are the Roku Ultra and the Apple TV 4K.

Move your router

Simply changing the location of your Wi-Fi router could help a lot. If it’s on or near the ground, in a closet or at the far end of your house, you could be limiting the signal and speed without even realizing it. Wi-Fi can go through walls, but being high up and with fewer walls between the router and streamer will make a difference. If the router has antennas, positioning them correctly can also help (one vertical and one horizontal).

The same is true on the other end. If you’ve got the streamer in a cabinet, that’s not helping either. In a perfect world, the streamer would have a direct line of sight with the router. This isn’t necessary, but everything you place between the two of them decreases the signal and potentially lowers the speed.

An alternate version of this would be to get a Wi-Fi booster or run Ethernet to a second Wi-Fi router (or the mesh option listed above). If your house is long or large, there are lots of options beyond the scope of this guide.

Limit the number of people on your Wi-Fi

Think of your internet connection as a pipe full of water. There’s only so much water to go around. If you’re trying to stream in the living room, but the rest of the family is also trying to stream in other rooms, there might not be enough “water” to go around. Everyone will have issues.

Who gets priority in that case is entirely up to your discretion.

That said, moving some devices to wired instead of wireless might help that aspect of your overall home network performance. You might also try downloading your favorite shows and movies to devices such as phones and tablets to watch around the house when a balky internet connection precludes streaming.

Test your streaming speed results

An internet speed tester like Speedtest or Netflix’s Fast.com can give you an idea of what you’re dealing with now. If you use the Android or iOS version, make sure to place the phone or tablet near the streaming device to get the most accurate result. With each change you make, test again and see how it affects the signal.

Many streaming problems can be solved with the steps I’ve described. The key is getting the device the fastest internet possible, by any means necessary.

For more, check out Roku tips and tricks to up your streaming game and how to get rid of your old TV.

Note: This article was first published in 2017 but has been updated with new info and links.

---

As well as covering TV and other display tech, Geoff does photo tours of things like cool museums and locations around the world, including nuclear submarines, massive aircraft carriers, medieval castles, epic 10,000-mile road trips, and more. Check out Tech Treks for all his tours and adventures.

He wrote a bestselling sci-fi novel about city-size submarines, and also Budget Travel for Dummies. You can follow him on Instagram and YouTube.