Category: Technologies

Now that iOS 17 is available to download and the iPhone 15 series has hit shelves, Apple fans are getting their hands on all the new software these upgrades are bringing. While there are some features that are super helpful or fun to use, there are others that are, well… not.

A special new feature that has Apple fans split is NameDrop. While some fans enjoy the ease of being able to simply raise their phone to share their contact info, others are wary of the ease at which contact information can be shared — or worse, stolen.

Users on X (formerly Twitter) have brought up concerns about how the feature could jeopardize users’ safety. For instance, several women have raised concerns about being able to dodge creeps in public spaces. For instance, @ChanSteele tweeted, “How do you NameDrop a fake number? Asking for all women.”

These concerns about safety are absolutely valid, and if you find yourself concerned and wanting to disable NameDrop, read on to find out your options for NameDrop management.

For more, here’s how to fix the most annoying iOS 17 features and everything you should do before updating to iOS 17.

So is NameDrop dangerous?

The good news is, NameDrop isn’t necessarily dangerous. According to Apple, you’re able to select which pieces of information are shared when you NameDrop your contact to another person.

You also only have two options when two iPhones are placed together and the option for NameDrop is presented. You can either Receive Only, which means that you will only receive the other person’s contact information, or you can Share. When you select Share you will send your contact information and receive the other person’s contact information.

So if you somehow accidentally NameDrop with someone you don’t want to, you’ve got options. You can be ultraselective about what information you choose to share, or opt to receive only.

However, if you still don’t feel comfortable with NameDrop, you can disable the feature. It’s important to note that NameDrop is automatically enabled when you download iOS 17 or purchase an iPhone 15, so you will have to turn it off if you don’t want it active on your phone.

How do I disable NameDrop?

If you want NameDrop disabled for good, then you’re in luck. It’s pretty simple to turn it off.

All you need to do to disable NameDrop is:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Tap on General.

3. Navigate to the AirDrop tab.

4. Once you open the tab, simply toggle the Bring Devices Together option off. It’s as easy as that. And if you have a change of heart and decide you feel comfortable with NameDrop and want to enable it, all you need to do is toggle the Bring Devices Together option back on.

For more, here’s our review of the iPhone 15 and 15 Plus and the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max.

With fewer and fewer devices shipping with a charger in the box, buying a new one needs to be as cheap as possible. Right now, this Case-Mate 30-watt USB-C charger is a great option, and not just because it comes in some gorgeous colors. You can also pick one up at a hefty discount, too.

Woot was already selling this charger at a massive 67% discount, but if you enter the discount code TECH3 when checking out you’ll save an extra $3. That brings the original $30 price all the way down to just $7, which might make this the best price we’ve seen a USB-C charger from a reputable brand sell for yet.

Order now and you’ll be able to choose between vivid green, orange and frosted white when placing your order, but the charger underneath is the same no matter which color you pick. That means you’ll get charging speeds of up to 30 watts, which is more than enough to fast-charge some hugely popular devices, including the brand-new iPhone 15.

Unlike some chargers, this one won’t take up a ton of room, thanks to the use of GaN technology, making it perfect for throwing in a bag or even your pocket between charges. Case-Mate says this thing also features smart programmable power supply technology, so it automatically adjusts the voltage to suit what it’s connected to.

All of that makes this a great option or anyone who needs an extra USB-C charger — and at this price, it might be worth picking up a few of them, too.

iOS 17 is here, and it’s brought many new and exciting features to compatible iPhones, including the ability to create your own contact poster, the brand-new StandBy mode, the Journal app and more.

Among these new iOS 17 features, is the ability to automatically delete all the two-factor authentication codes that wind up in your iMessage or Mail inboxes.

Two-factor authentication is a simple way to protect your information. By having a service send a code to your device when logging in to your account, you can make it harder for your information to get stolen. But it can get a little messy when your messages app is constantly clogged up with all the codes that get sent directly to your messages or email inboxes.

With this new feature, all you’ll need to do is toggle one setting, and then the two-factor authentication codes will be deleted from your account, freeing up your inboxes.

Here’s how our take on the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max, and here’s a rundown of everything announced at Apple’s “Wonderlust” event.

How can I automatically delete two-factor authentication codes?

On iOS 17, if you want to turn on the option to automatically delete your two-factor authentication codes, you’ll first need to go into your Settings on your phone. After you’ve opened your settings, navigate to the Passwords tab. Then tap Passwords. (You may need to unlock your phone.) Now tap Password Options scroll down to the Verification Codes section and enable Clean Up Automatically.

After you turn that one, you should be set. And don’t worry: This won’t automatically delete any unused authentication codes — it only deletes codes that you’ve already used. This also works in the Mail app, so all of your inboxes will be squeaky clean.

For more, here are some hidden iOS 17 features you need to know and the most impressive features of iOS 17.

OnePlus, the maker of high-spec Android phones at sub-$1,000 prices, is already showing off its upcoming foldable phone to YouTube channel Unbox Therapy before it’s even ready, as per a video uploaded to the channel on Monday.

In the video, Unbox Therapy host Lewis Hilsenteger spoke to Pete Lau, the founder of OnePlus and now chief product officer of Oppo. The unnamed folding phone’s major selling point is how flat the device can fold. According to Lau, OnePlus has filed 35 patents related to the new folding phone’s hinge, all meant to reduce the weight and size while also increasing strength.

Compared with the Oppo Find N2, the OnePlus foldable has 31 fewer components in its hinge. It’s also 37% smaller. In demonstrations, the fold was tight enough to grasp a sheet of paper with the force strong enough to actually hold the weight of the phone as well.

While the iPhone continues to dominate major markets around the world, such as the US and Japan, foldables have been one area Apple hasn’t yet touched. This allows companies like Samsung and Google to differentiate and potentially court Apple users. Foldables remain a growing segment in the smartphone market, which is in contrast to the rest of the industry. Even though overall global smartphone shipments declined 9% in 2023, foldables shipments increased 10%, according to Counterpoint Research. Even with the encouraging numbers, Samsung recently cut its foldable production targets, with the company currently sitting on eight weeks of inventory, according to The Elec.

There’s been some criticism lobbed at OnePlus, accusing it of losing its core identity as the “never settle” phone company that also delivered great value. As OnePlus and Oppo have merged, critics have pointed to a sameness between the products from both companies and the gradual increase in prices.

“After the merging, the R&D capability of the company is getting stronger,” Lau said. “We have launched many industry-leading technologies and are bringing products that have created a good reputation among consumers. For example, we have launched two generations of foldables under the Oppo brand and have also launched OnePlus 11, which has also received wide acclaim.”

It does seem that this new foldable is harkening back to OnePlus’ original DNA. Back is the unlock slider. As for the camera, the unit sent to Unbox Therapy had the camera array covered. A release date hasn’t been set, but Indian actress Anushka Sharma was seen holding a folding phone that looked very similar to the OnePlus foldable.

At the Made by Google event this Wednesday, Oct. 4, we expect the company to officially launch the Pixel 8, 8 Pro and Pixel Watch 2. That’s no surprise to Pixel aficionados — Google hasn’t exactly been keeping the new phones and smartwatch under wraps.

In fact, we already know quite a lot of what will be announced — the names of the devices, what they look like and that there are likely some AI features. Who needs rumors, am I right? It feels like Google’s Pixel event on Wednesday will be less like an unveiling and more like a filling in of the blanks.

Here’s everything you can expect at the 2023 Made by Google event and how to watch the Pixel 8 launch live.

How to watch Google’s Pixel event

As has been the case for several years now, Google holds an annual event in October to launch the latest generation of Pixel devices. This year’s Made by Google event is set for Wednesday, Oct. 4, at 10 a.m. ET (7 a.m. PT, 3 p.m. BST, 1 a.m. AEST). It’s being held in New York for invited members of the press and will stream on Google’s YouTube channel. CNET will be at the event in person to cover the reveals of the new phones and wristwatch, along with anything else Google may show off.

The Google Pixel 8 and 8 Pro

“Meet the new Pixel phones, featuring the most advanced Pixel cameras yet, and Google AI to help you do more, even faster.”

That’s the tagline on Google’s site for the new Pixel 8 and 8 Pro. The Pixel phone has always embraced AI and machine learning to some extent, but this tease definitely suggests more. And that might be why Google’s bold previews focus mainly on what the new phones look like and avoid showing off what they can actually do.

In a purportedly leaked video on 91mobiles shared by Kamila Wojciechowska, there’s a walk-through showing off new camera features, which are apparently powered by “Google AI controlled by you.” An enhanced video stabilization feature called Video Boost gets showcased, as well as night mode photo processing under very dim lighting, and improved audio isolation for video recording. In what’s perhaps the wildest feature, the video shows a picture of people on a merry-go-round, and then someone swapping out their blurry heads for crisp in-focus versions, on a Pixel 8. If this is Google AI, count me as intrigued.

Aside from AI, the Pixel 8 will follow previous Google phones in being the smaller of the two, and only the Pixel 8 Pro will have a telephoto camera. In Google’s teaser video, the phones are shown off in a carnation pink and a white color. Both Pixels look like they’ve had nearly every right angle smoothed out. The edges appear more rounded, with both phones looking taller and slimmer than their predecessors.

Wojciechowska also shared leaked Pixel 8 and 8 Pro specs on 91mobiles (as did reliable tipster Evan Blass on X). Both phones apparently share the same main 48-megapixel camera but the rest are different. According to the specs, the Pixel 8 has a 12-megapixel ultrawide camera compared with the 50-megapixel one on the 8 Pro, which will include a new macro focus mode. Both have a 10.5-megapixel front-facing camera, but the 8 Pro’s selfie camera also has autofocus instead of the fixed focus on the Pixel 8. The 8 Pro, like recent pro models, has a third rear camera: a telephoto with 5x optical zoom.

In terms of the screens, the Pixel 8 looks to have a 6.2-inch display, which is smaller than the 6.3-inch one on the Pixel 7. The Pixel 8’s screen gets a boosted refresh rate, to 120Hz, up from the Pixel 7’s 90Hz. Both phones are expected to also feature Google’s Tensor G3 chip.

Perhaps the most curious rumor is that the Pixel 8 Pro will have a built-in thermometer. According to another video leak on 91mobiles (in partnership with Wojciechowski), you’ll be able to use the 8 Pro to measure your temperature. The video has been taken offline, but a contactless thermometer could open up more health features. If the leak is accurate, it won’t be the first smartphone to offer such functionality. The 2020 Honor 4 Play Pro used a sensor to do something similar.

As reported by 9to5Google, the eighth generation of Pixel phones could come with an increased price tag in the US, with the base Pixel 8 going for $699 and the base 8 Pro for $999, a $100 increase for both phones over last year.

The Google Pixel Watch 2

As with the phones, Google released a teaser video for the Pixel Watch 2. The new watch looks nearly identical to last year’s original Pixel Watch, aside from the crown, which appears more svelte.

In a close-up shot of the side, you can see the bottom of the watch, with IP68 listed on it. That would be a substantial upgrade considering the original version lacked any official dust or water resistance.

The Pixel Watch 2, along with the Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, will be available to preorder on Oct. 4, according to the fine print in Google’s videos. For everything else, we’ll have to wait for the Made by Google event.

Correction, Oct. 2: An earlier version of this story had the incorrect day of the week for Oct. 4. It’s a Wednesday.

Holiday lovers, rejoice: The season is here.

Today we launch 84 Days, an inspiration-packed collection of resources for the most festive time of the year, brought to you by the expert editors of CNET.

Why 84 days? The 12-week period before Christmas, which kicks off Oct. 2, is the start of the busiest shopping season of the year, based on our nearly 30-year history of guiding readers like you through the craze. This is the period when it all happens: end-of-year-planning, travel or hosting arrangements and, yes, buying things for yourself and others.

If 12 weeks sounds like a long time, we’d like to point out that starting early pays off. With a bit of strategy, you’re more likely to get better prices, budget more effectively and find awesome, memorable products. Pace yourself! We’re here to help.

The truth is that the holiday shopping season is about so much more than the moment of buying. At CNET, our mission is to help you through every stage of life’s big decisions: Researching the best products and services, understanding how they can make your life better or more productive and, once you have them, getting the most value and use out of them.

We invite you to use these next 12 weeks – and our dynamic, advice-driven hub of resources – to make the most of your season. Take a look around and explore the guides, stories, videos and tips we’ve curated here. Happy 84 days!

The 1-2 New York Giants host the 2-1 Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in a battle between NFC teams with playoff aspirations. This relatively early season game could loom large at the end of the year because the Giants and Seahawks are more likely to be fighting for a Wild Card playoff berth than a division title. The Eagles and 49ers have yet to lose this year and are the runaway favorites to win the NFC East and NFC West, respectively. That would leave the Giants and Seahawks looking to sneak into the playoffs as a Wild Card team, something each was able to do last season.

The Seahawks-Giants game kicks off tonight at 8:15 p.m. ET (5:15 p.m. PT) on ABC and ESPN. You can flip over to ESPN2 during the game to catch the ManningCast with brothers Peyton and Eli calling the game with guests popping on to chat with the former NFL greats.

Keep reading to see your viewing options for Monday Night Football. And with YouTube and YouTube TV now the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, along with games also streaming on Paramount Plus, Peacock and ESPN Plus, there’s lots for NFL fans to keep track of this season. Check out our picks for the best live TV streaming services for NFL fans in 2023.

How to watch MNF without cable

If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch Monday Night Football with a live TV service. The good news for football fans is that ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 are available on each of the five major streaming services.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.

We may have just gotten word that a new Samsung product will drop this week. Samsung India‘s official X (formerly Twitter) account is sporting a new header image, and it teases a launch this Wednesday, Oct. 4.

The image itself is minimalist — a pale green background highlights three camera circles, representing Samsung’s Galaxy smartphone camera setup. The text says simply: “The New Epic,” along with the launch date.

But what exactly will this “new epic” entail? We can’t be certain, but it may be the expected Samsung Galaxy S23 Fan Edition. Recent leaks about the Galaxy S23 FE suggest a new palette of brighter colors, including a pastel green color.

Samsung releases its flagship phones early in the year, then typically follows with a Fan Edition before the holiday season. These FE versions tend to trim away a few features but come at a lower price. Samsung launched the Galaxy S23 in February, so fans have been on the lookout for the Galaxy S23 FE.

There have also been rumors about the Samsung Galaxy S24, which may feature a new flat edge design, but that phone isn’t expected until early 2024.

Other Samsung social media accounts, such as those for the US, UK and Germany, do not feature the same image, which may imply this release is not for Western markets. For now, we’ll have to wait to see what exactly happens in the next two days before Oct. 4. Samsung didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Google is also planning to launch its new Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro smartphones on Oct. 4. The Pixel and possible Galaxy releases are just two of many tech-related launches that often happen in the fall, ahead of the holiday shopping season. Apple kicked off this year’s tech season with its Sept. 12 event, where it announced the new iPhone 15 models and the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2.

For more, check out CNET’s review of the best Samsung phones and everything we know about the Galaxy S24.

With air travel this year finally edging past 2019 levels, it seems vacationers are finally shaking off COVID fears once and for all. But many of us are still making do with pre-pandemic luggage and accessories — which makes new travel tech a great gift idea.

That’s where this handy guide comes in. We’ve pulled together a current list of the best travel tech gifts for this year, including the latest noise-canceling headphones, power accessories, action cameras and more. Whether you’re buying for yourself or searching for a gift for a returning road warrior, you’ll find plenty of good options below.

This story includes contributions from former CNET editor Claire Reilly.

Apple’s iOS 17 was released on Sept. 18, shortly after the company held its “Wonderlust” event, where the tech giant announced the new iPhone 15 lineup, the Apple Watch Series 9 and the Apple Watch Ultra 2. We put together this cheat sheet to help you learn about and use the new features in iOS 17, and to help you keep track of the subsequent iOS 17 updates.

Getting started with iOS 17

• iOS 17 Review: StandBy Mode Changed My Relationship With My iPhone

• Whether or Not Your iPhone Supports iOS 17
• Do This Before Downloading iOS 17
• How to Download iOS 17 to Your iPhone

Using iOS 17

• Three iPhone Settings to Change after Downloading iOS 17
• iOS 17’s Best New Features
• The iOS 17 Features We’re Excited About
• iOS 17 Is Filled With Delightful Features, Intuitive Improvements and More
• 17 Hidden iOS 17 Features You Shouldn’t Miss
• iOS 17 Upgrades Your iPhone’s Keyboard
• You Can Tag Your Pets In Your ‘People’ Album With iOS 17
• How to Create Live Stickers in iOS 17

• How to Set Up Contact Posters in iOS 17
• How to Automatically Delete Two-Factor Verification Codes in iOS 17
• What to Know About iOS 17’s Unreleased Journal App

• How Good Are Offline Maps in iOS 17?
• How to Use iOS 17’s Live Voicemail Feature
• You Can Change Your Private Browsing Browser in iOS 17

• Hidden iOS 17 Feature Makes It Easier to Send Photos and Videos

• You Can Clone Your Voice with iOS 17. Here’s How

• Are Audio Message Transcripts in iOS 17 Any Good?

• Sharing AirTags in iOS 17 is Easy. Here’s How

• How to Create Camera Shortcuts in iOS 17

• What You Need to Know About the Improved Autocorrect in iOS 17

iOS 17 updates

• What iOS 17.1 Could Bring to Your iPhone
• What to Know About iOS 17.0.1

• Apple Made an iPhone 15 Mistake, but iOS 17.0.2 Is Here to Fix It

Make sure to check back periodically for more iOS 17 tips and how to use new features as Apple releases more updates.