Category: Technologies

If you wear a smartwatch or fitness tracker daily, do you regularly sanitize the band? If not, this will convince you: a scientific study published in May examined 20 different smart wristbands and found 95% were contaminated with harmful bacteria that can cause infections.

The paper detailed how researchers tested smartwatch and fitness tracker bands worn by 20 random, anonymous people. The bands were rubber, plastic, cloth, metal and leather. As the paper pointed out, we wear our watches and fitness trackers while working out, swimming, holding pets, eating, using the bathroom, showering and sleeping, and yet we do not often sanitize them.

Of the 20 watch bands, researchers found that 85% had Staphylococcus aureus (Staph aureus), 60% had Escherichia coli (E. coli) and 30% had Pseudomonas aeruginosa (P. aeruginosa) bacteria present. Rubber and plastic bands had the highest rates of harmful bacteria on them, while metallic gold and silver bands had the lowest, as published earlier by 9to5Mac.

The researchers concluded that “wristbands, often worn daily without routine cleaning, may accumulate potentially pathogenic bacteria.” They labeled the issue as being “of public health significance,” adding that infections could be avoided if we sanitized our watch bands more often (or at all).

Luckily for us, they also researched how to clean the bacteria off.

How to sanitize your smartwatch band

Here’s how to clean your germ-ridden fitness tracker and smartwatch wristbands:

1. Take your watch off your wrist.
2. Grab either Lysol Disinfectant Spray or a 70% Ethanol cleaner, like those little alcohol wipes. The researchers also tested apple cider vinegar, but found it was not effective on Staph aureus, even after 5 minutes of cleaning.
3. Wipe your watch band. Then keep wiping. Lysol and 70% alcohol killed 99.99% of E. coli, Staph aureus and P. aeruginosa after 30 seconds of contact.
4. If you’ve got a plastic wristband, keep wiping for 2 minutes. The researchers found that 30 seconds of exposure to Lysol or 70% Ethanol wasn’t enough to kill harmful bacteria on plastic bands.

How often do you need to do this? The paper didn’t specify, beyond saying it should be “regular.”

Or you could just switch to a metal band, in particular one made of gold. And do not wear a plastic one if you’re germ conscious.

You’ll need more than advanced hardware to build a decent PC. The operating system is one of the most important components, and if you want to run Windows on your freshly-assembled desktop, then we’ve got a deal you won’t want to miss. Windows 11 Pro is Microsoft’s latest and greatest OS, and while it typically costs $200, you can pick it up for just $33 right now at StackSocial. However, this deal is only available through Aug. 31, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

This is, of course, a great price, but it’s important to note that not every computer out there is able to run Windows 11, so before you buy it, you’re going to want to ensure that your computer will meet the requirements that are required. Additionally, the listing says that if you have a PC that’s already running Windows 10 and Windows Update doesn’t let you install the free Windows 11 upgrade, your computer will not be compatible with this version either.

The activation key that is provided following your purchase can be used to install and activate Windows 11 Pro on three computers. To be clear, purchases like this are generally intended for advanced users — those who are building a new computer or who want to dual-boot an existing computer with a second OS. To that end, you will need a secondary PC to access and download the files following your purchase, so be sure you can access everything from another computer in your home, or you have a friend’s machine that you can use temporarily. (You’ll also want to have a USB thumb drive on hand to transfer the file.) Microsoft provides three ways to access Windows 11 Pro following your purchase, so you can pick the one that will work best for your situation.

Labor Day, which falls on Sept. 4 this year, is just around the corner, but the savings are already starting to roll in. Tons of brands and retailers have kicked off their end-of-summer sales a little early this year, and you can already shop tons of great bargains on mattresses, furniture, tech and more. Best Buy is one such retailer, and is currently offering plenty of early holiday savings on kitchen appliances, laptops, beauty products and much, much more.

To help you make the most of these early Labor Day savings, we’ve rounded up some of the best bargains available at Best Buy below. And the tech retailer will be adding another wave of deals on Friday, Sept. 1, so be sure to check back this weekend for even more offers you won’t want to miss.

More early Labor Day deals at Best Buy:

• Bose QuietComfort 45 headphones: $279 (save $50)
• Ring Indoor Cam (2nd gen): $35 (save $25)
• Ring Video Doorbell Pro 2: $175 (save $75)
• Google AC1200 mesh router: $70 (save $30)
• Instant Pot Solo single-serve coffee maker: $60 (save $40)
• Shokz OpenRun Pro: $140 (save $40)
• Philips Norelco Shaver 5000X: $60 (save $20)

• Soap On A Rope Tactical Scrubber: $16 (save $10)

• Dyson Supersonic Origin: $300 (save $100)
• Sennheiser Momentum 3 earbuds: $180 (save $100)

Booking a flight can be frustrating. Airfares vary wildly, and even if you know well in advance where you’re going, there’s no clear consensus as to when you should finally commit and buy that ticket. But on Monday, Google Flights released a new feature that offers updated insights on when to finally pull the trigger on tickets.

Google Flights already showed whether current prices for your flight search are low, typical or high compared to past averages for the same route. And now you can also see when prices have typically been lowest to your chosen dates and destination.

It works for searches that have reliable trend data.

“These insights could tell you that the cheapest time to book similar trips is usually two months before departure, and you’re currently in that sweet spot,” the Google blog post notes. “Or you might learn that prices have usually dropped closer to takeoff, so you decide to wait before booking. Either way, you can make that decision with a greater sense of confidence.”

Price tracking can help

If it’s not a good time to book, you can turn on price tracking on Google Flights to receive automatic notifications for when flight prices drop significantly. This can be set up for specific dates, or if you’ve got flexible plans, you can turn on “any dates” to receive emails about deals anytime in the next three to six months.

Get a price guarantee

You can now watch for a colorful price guarantee badge on certain flight results on Google Flights. According to the blog, this means the site is confident that the fare will not drop. If you book and it does end up dropping, Google will even pay you the difference.

“When you book one of these flights, we’ll monitor the price every day before takeoff, and if the price does go down, we’ll pay you back the difference via Google Pay,” the blog post notes. “These price guarantees are part of a pilot program available for select Book on Google itineraries departing from the US.”

General booking tips

If you’re not planning a specific trip now, you may still want to take note of these specific travel-booking trips. The blog post notes that the best time to book flights for the holiday season is in early October. That’s a big change from the site’s 2022 statistics, which found that average prices for mid-December trips were lowest just 22 days before departure.

And if you’re thinking of trip from the US to Europe, the site notes that those average prices have been lowest 72 days or more before departure. Once you’re about 10 weeks from a planned European departure, average airfares from the US to Europe tend to increase over time, the post says.

Your first introduction to AI might have been ChatGPT, the AI-chatbot from OpenAI that has an uncanny ability to answer any question. From writing poems, resumes and fusion recipes, the power of ChatGPT has been compared to autocomplete on steroids.

But AI chatbots are only one part of the AI landscape. Sure, having ChatGPT help do your homework or having Midjourney create fascinating images of mechs based on country of origin is cool, but its potential could completely reshape economies. That potential could be worth $4.4 trillion to the global economy annually, according to McKinsey Global Institute, which is why you should expect to hear more and more about artificial intelligence.

As people become more accustomed to a world intertwined with AI, new terms are popping up everywhere. So whether you’re trying to sound smart over drinks or impress in a job interview, here are some important AI terms you should know.

This glossary will continuously be updated.

—

Artificial general intelligence, or AGI: A concept that suggests a more advanced version of AI than we know today, one that can perform tasks much better than humans while also teaching and advancing its own capabilities.

AI ethics: Principles aimed at preventing AI from harming humans, achieved through means like determining how AI systems should collect data or deal with bias.

AI safety: An interdisciplinary field that’s concerned with the long-term impacts of AI and how it could progress suddenly to a super intelligence that could be hostile to humans.

Algorithm: A series of instructions that allows a computer program to learn and analyze data in a particular way, such as recognizing patterns, to then learn from it and accomplish tasks on its own.

Alignment: Tweaking an AI to better produce the desired outcome. This can refer to anything from moderating content to maintaining positive interactions toward humans.

Anthropomorphism: When humans tend to give nonhuman objects humanlike characteristics. In AI, this can include believing a chatbot is more humanlike and aware than it actually is, like believing it’s happy, sad or even sentient altogether.

Artificial intelligence, or AI: The use of technology to simulate human intelligence, either in computer programs or robotics. A field in computer science that aims to build systems that can perform human tasks.

Bias: In regards to large language models, errors resulting from the training data. This can result in falsely attributing certain characteristics to certain races or groups based on stereotypes.

Chatbot: A program that communicates with humans through text that simulates human language.

ChatGPT: An AI chatbot developed by OpenAI that uses large language model technology.

Cognitive computing: Another term for artificial intelligence.

Data augmentation: Remixing existing data or adding a more diverse set of data to train an AI.

Deep learning: A method of AI, and a subfield of machine learning, that uses multiple parameters to recognize complex patterns in pictures, sound and text. The process is inspired by the human brain and uses artificial neural networks to create patterns.

Diffusion: A method of machine learning that takes an existing piece of data, like a photo, and adds random noise. Diffusion models train their networks to re-engineer or recover that photo.

Emergent behavior: When an AI model exhibits unintended abilities.

End-to-end learning, or E2E: A deep learning process in which a model is instructed to perform a task from start to finish. It’s not trained to accomplish a task sequentially but instead learns from the inputs and solves it all at once.

Ethical considerations: An awareness of the ethical implications of AI and issues related to privacy, data usage, fairness, misuse and other safety issues.

Foom: Also known as fast takeoff or hard takeoff. The concept that if someone builds an AGI that it might already be too late to save humanity.

Generative adversarial networks, or GANs: A generative AI model composed of two neural networks to generate new data: a generator and a discriminator. The generator creates new content, and the discriminator checks to see if it’s authentic.

Generative AI: A content-generating technology that uses AI to create text, video, computer code or images. The AI is fed large amounts of training data, finds patterns to generate its own novel responses, which can sometimes be similar to the source material.

Google Bard: An AI chatbot by Google that functions similarly to ChatGPT but pulls information from the current web, whereas ChatGPT is limited to data until 2021 and isn’t connected to the internet.

Guardrails: Policies and restrictions placed on AI models to ensure data is handled responsibly and that the model doesn’t create disturbing content.

Hallucination: An incorrect response from AI. Can include generative AI producing answers that are incorrect but stated with confidence as if correct. The reasons for this aren’t entirely known. For example, when asking an AI chatbot, “When did Leonardo da Vinci paint the Mona Lisa?” it may respond with an incorrect statement saying, “Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa in 1815,” which is 300 years after it was actually painted.

Large language model, or LLM: An AI model trained on mass amounts of text data to understand language and generate novel content in human-like language.

Machine learning, or ML: A component in AI that allows computers to learn and make better predictive outcomes without explicit programming. Can be coupled with training sets to generate new content.

Microsoft Bing: A search engine by Microsoft that can now use the technology powering ChatGPT to give AI-powered search results. It’s similar to Google Bard in being connected to the internet.

Multimodal AI: A type of AI that can process multiple types of inputs, including text, images, videos and speech.

Natural language processing: A branch of AI that uses machine learning and deep learning to give computers the ability to understand human language, often using learning algorithms, statistical models and linguistic rules.

Neural network: A computational model that resembles the human brain’s structure and is meant to recognize patterns in data. Consists of interconnected nodes, or neurons, that can recognize patterns and learn over time.

Overfitting: Error in machine learning where it functions too closely to the training data and may only be able to identify specific examples in said data but not new data.

Parameters: Numerical values that give LLMs structure and behavior, enabling it to make predictions.

Prompt chaining: An ability of AI to use information from previous interactions to color future responses.

Stochastic parrot: An analogy of LLMs that illustrates that the software doesn’t have a larger understanding of meaning behind language or the world around it, regardless of how convincing the output sounds. The phrase refers to how a parrot can mimic human words without understanding the meaning behind them.

Style transfer: The ability to adapt the style of one image to the content of another, allowing an AI to interpret the visual attributes of one image and use it on another. For example, taking the self-portrait of Rembrandt and re-creating it in the style of Picasso.

Temperature: Parameters set to control how random a language model’s output is. A higher temperature means the model takes more risks.

Text-to-image generation: Creating images based on textual descriptions.

Training data: The datasets used to help AI models learn, including text, images, code or data.

Transformer model: A neural network architecture and deep learning model that learns context by tracking relationships in data, like in sentences or parts of images. So, instead of analyzing a sentence one word at a time, it can look at the whole sentence and understand the context.

Turing test: Named after famed mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing, it tests a machine’s ability to behave like a human. The machine passes if a human can’t distinguish the machine’s response from another human.

Weak AI, aka narrow AI: AI that’s focused on a particular task and can’t learn beyond its skill set. Most of today’s AI is weak AI.

Zero-shot learning: A test in which a model must complete a task without being given the requisite training data. An example would be recognizing a lion while only being trained on tigers.

The new Galaxy Watch 6 may be the latest and greatest smartwatch in Samsung’s lineup. But according to CNET’s resident wearable tech expert Lexy Savvides, it doesn’t offer too many major improvements over the last generation. The Galaxy Watch 5 is still a great option for most people, and right now you can snag one at a major discount. Amazon is currently offering $100 off all configurations of the Bespoke Edition, which drops the starting price down to just $180. There’s no set expiration for this deal, so we’d recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

The Galaxy Watch 5 is a pretty versatile piece of tech. It functions as a powerful fitness tracker with features like auto workout tracking, body composition analysis, sleep coaching and more. It’s equipped with 1.5GB of RAM for snappy performance, and is compatible with a wide variety of both Google and third-party smartwatch apps, including Spotify, Uber and more. It’s also waterproof up to 50 meters with an IPX8 resistance rating and has a battery life of around 24 hours on a single charge.

There are a couple different versions of this smartwatch that you can grab on sale. If you only want Bluetooth connectivity, you can grab the 40mm model for $180, or the 44mm model for $210. If you LTE connectivity, it’ll cost you $230 for the 40mm model or $260 for the 44mm model. All configurations are $100 off compared to their list price — just note that not all color and band options are available for each model.

You might be eyeballing the iPhone 14 lineup — especially the Pro, which introduces a sharper camera and an always-on display. But if you don’t absolutely need a new phone right now, you’re better off waiting.

Apple usually announces new iPhones in September, which means the rumored iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Pro could be right around the corner. Those phones are expected to come with USB-C charging for the first time among other notable changes, such as solid state buttons on the Pro models. Apple sometimes discounts older iPhones after introducing new ones, as it did with the iPhone 13 lineup last year and may do the same with the iPhone 14 this year. So whether you care about having the newest iPhone or not, it’s probably in your best interest to wait a little while longer.

Purchasing decisions will always vary depending on budget, how well your phone works right now and your personal needs, so there’s no simple answer that works for everyone. But if you’re in need of a new phone right away and can’t wait, here are the biggest differences between the iPhone 14 lineup and previous iPhone generations to help you make a decision.

What’s new in the iPhone 14

The $799 ( 849, AU$1,399) iPhone 14 brought modest improvements but not game-changing ones. Those changes include nitty-gritty camera improvements and the support for satellite-based emergency messaging.

The iPhone 14 also has a new internal design, with simpler access to internal components, making it easier to repair than previous models. iFixit, a website that disassembles tech products and assesses how easy they are to fix, called it “the most repairable iPhone in years.” And if you want these features in a larger size, the iPhone 14 Plus starts at $100 more, at $899.

Apple saved its most interesting new features for the Pro lineup, including the Dynamic Island that replaces the notch, the new A16 Bionic processor and a 48-megapixel main camera sensor.

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 13, 13 Pro, 13 Pro Max

The iPhone 14 lineup introduced new features such as car-crash detection, the removal of the physical SIM card for US phones, and enhanced cameras on the rear and front. Despite those changes, iPhone 14 isn’t different enough to justify upgrading from the iPhone 13. And even though Apple finally got rid of the infamous notch in the Pro models, the 14 and 14 Plus still have one — it’s the same smaller notch that debuted on the iPhone 13 series. In fact, the iPhone 14 represents “one of the most minimal year-over-year upgrades in Apple’s history,” according to CNET’s Patrick Holland, who reviewed Apple’s latest phones.

The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Plus have the A15 Bionic chip from iPhone 13 Pro and iPhone 13 Pro Max. The 14’s screen looks exactly like the one on the 13. Perhaps the most prominent change was the introduction of a larger version of the iPhone 14 called the iPhone 14 Plus, which has a 6.7-inch screen like the Pro Max. That means you no longer have to splurge on Apple’s most expensive iPhone if you want the largest screen possible.

Of course, the iPhone 14 is still highly rated, but we recommend skipping this upgrade. If you need a new iPhone and can’t wait for the iPhone 15, we suggest going for an iPhone 14 Pro or iPhone 14 Pro Max if you can afford it. These phones are expensive, but provide access to some salient changes — namely a high-refresh rate display, Apple’s new Dynamic Island multitasking bar, an always-on display as well as better cameras among other features.

The bottom line: If you have an iPhone 13 or 13 Pro, don’t upgrade to the iPhone 14. But if you are determined to get a new phone, go for the iPhone 14 Pro or 14 Pro Max, especially if you must have the Dynamic Island right now.

Read more: iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max Review

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 12, 12 Pro

Even though the iPhone 12 lineup was released in 2020, it still shares many similarities with Apple’s latest phones. Both the iPhone 12 and iPhone 14 support 5G, run on fast processors, offer great cameras and include MagSafe accessory compatibility.

Since the iPhone 14 is more of a refresh than a major upgrade, we recommend hanging onto your iPhone 12 if it’s still in good condition and waiting for the iPhone 15. You can still take advantage of the iPhone’s latest software when iOS 17 comes out in the fall, bringing new features like Standby mode for turning your phone into a mini smart display and improvements to the messaging app among other additions.

The iPhone 14 received a few notable camera upgrades, like a larger sensor, a new lens with a faster aperture, improved photo processing and Action Mode which makes the movements in videos look smoother when you record them.

But the iPhone 12’s cameras remain excellent even though they are almost 3 years old. The iPhone 12 has a 12-megapixel dual camera system, while the iPhone 12 Pro includes a third camera with a telephoto lens. Check out our iPhone 12 review to see how the cameras held up when CNET put them through the paces.

It’s worth remembering that you get more noticeable upgrades with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. These include everything that’s new in the 14, as well as an upgraded main camera with a larger 48-megapixel sensor, an ultrawide camera that allows you to take Macro photos and a third camera with a telephoto lens. If you can get a good trade-in deal that significantly knocks down the iPhone 14 Pro’s price, upgrading from the regular iPhone 12 is a decent step-up.

The bottom line: You should wait for the iPhone 15 since the iPhone 14 isn’t dramatically different. However, the iPhone 14 Pro and 14 Pro Max bring more significant changes that could be worthwhile if you can snag a good trade-in deal.

Read more: All The “New” iPhone Features That Have Been on Android For Years

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 11, 11 Pro

If you’re using an iPhone 11, we recommend upgrading. Since Apple’s new iPhones may be right around the corner, you should still wait a little longer if you can. But if you do need a new phone right now and can get the iPhone 14 at a solid trade-in discount, there are plenty of improvements to look forward to.

In the last three or so years, Apple has made enough changes to features including battery life, performance, screen quality, cameras and durability to merit buying a new iPhone.

Upgrading to the iPhone 14 will get you 5G support, more storage (128GB at the base level versus 64GB) a better main camera with a wider aperture lens, new video shooting options like Action mode and Cinematic mode, a better selfie camera with Night mode and Apple’s Photonic Engine processing, compatibility with Apple’s MagSafe accessories, longer battery life and faster performance. That’s in addition to car-crash detection and Apple’s new emergency satellite messaging feature.

Most of the photography and videography improvements are dramatic changes compared to the iPhone 11. And the longer battery life and additional storage space are welcomed upgrades that you’ll notice on a daily basis.

As previously mentioned, if you go for the 14 Pro instead, you get a new 48-megapixel main camera, a closer 3x optical zoom versus the 11 Pro Max’s 2x zoom, the Dynamic Island instead of the notch and numerous other upgrades like an always-on display.

The bottom line: The iPhone 14 lineup includes enough changes to justify upgrading from the iPhone 11. But if your phone is still in good condition and you’re satisfied with it, wait a little while longer for the iPhone 15 (or a newly discounted iPhone 14).

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone XS, XS Max, XR

If you bought the iPhone XS, XS Max or XR at launch, that means your phone is almost 5 years old and is probably starting to feel sluggish. That alone makes a strong case for upgrading, but you should probably still wait for the iPhone 15 if you can.

However, if you need a new phone right now, there’s plenty to gain from upgrading. Compared to the iPhone XS, the iPhone 14 provides six hours of additional battery life (according to Apple’s estimates). In addition to everything that’s new in the iPhone 14 specifically, you’ll also get other upgrades Apple has added to the iPhone over the past few years.

Those include 5G support, more storage (again, you get 128GB versus 64GB), faster performance and a better camera. The iPhone XS generation lacks Night mode for taking clearer pictures in the dark, and it also doesn’t have Deep Fusion, which is Apple’s name for its image processing technique that improves detail and clarity in darker environments. The XS’s front camera has a lower 7-megapixel resolution compared to the larger and newer 12-megapixel sensor on the iPhone 14. If you’re upgrading from an iPhone XR, you’ll also get an additional camera with an ultrawide lens for taking broader group shots for the first time.

The iPhone 14 also has a larger 6.1-inch screen compared to the iPhone XS’ 5.8-inch display (the iPhone XS Max has a 6.5-inch screen, while the XR’s screen is also 6.1 inches). The design has also changed quite a bit over the past four years; newer models have flat edges, a slightly smaller notch, different finishes and a new “squircle”-shaped camera module that replaces the pill-shaped rear camera cutout. So your phone will not only feel more modern, but it’ll look newer, too.

The bottom line: If you have an iPhone XS, XS Max or XR, it’s definitely worth upgrading. You get a noticeable boost in camera quality, battery life and performance among other areas. But again, remember that the iPhone 15 and a newly discounted iPhone 14 may be arriving in just a few weeks.

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone X

The iPhone X is almost 6 years old, which means it probably feels slow and its battery life isn’t what it used to be. With an iPhone 14, you’ll notice a major upgrade in both categories, as well as design, improved durability, connectivity and camera quality. But if you’re in a position to do so, you should wait and see what the expected iPhone 15 has to offer.

If you can’t wait until September, which is when Apple typically releases new iPhones, here’s what you’ll get by upgrading to the iPhone 14. The iPhone X runs on a much older A11 Bionic chip that’s now roughly 6 years old, while the iPhone 14 runs on Apple’s much more recent A15 Bionic processor. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max run on Apple’s newer A16 Bionic chip. Both new processors are way ahead of the A11 chip, which only has a two-core neural engine compared to the A15 Bionic’s 16-core neural engine.

The iPhone’s neural engine powers tasks that rely on machine learning and artificial intelligence, which are becoming a bigger part of the iPhone experience. Things like app suggestions in the App Library and Apple’s Translate app rely on machine learning to function, which indicates that the iPhone X may struggle to keep up with newer capabilities.

The iPhone X also has a dual-lens camera similar to that of the iPhone XS, meaning it’s missing the iPhone 14’s camera hardware improvements in addition to Night mode, Deep Fusion and the ability to control depth-of-field and blur levels in Portrait mode. Like the iPhone XS, you’re only getting a 7-megapixel front camera compared to a 12-megapixel selfie camera on Apple’s newer phones.

Apple’s more than five-year-old iPhone also has shorter battery life, with Apple estimating it should last for 13 hours when playing back video compared to 20 hours on the iPhone 14. The iPhone 14’s 6.1-inch screen is bigger than the 5.8-inch display on the iPhone X, and it should also be brighter since it can reach 800 nits of max brightness compared to the iPhone X’s 625-nit screen.

The iPhone 14 supports Dolby Atmos and spatial audio playback, while the iPhone X just has stereo playback. That’s probably not a deal-breaker, but might be crucial if you watch a lot of video on your phone without headphones.

And of course, there’s the benefit of getting car-crash detection, Apple’s new emergency SOS messaging via satellite option, better water resistance (up to 6 meters for 30 minutes versus 1 meter), 5G support, more storage space, Ceramic Shield for the display, a refreshed design and the option to use MagSafe accessories on the iPhone 14.

The bottom line: If you have the iPhone X, it’s time to upgrade. The iPhone 14 will feel new in just about every way, from the camera to performance, battery life and the way it looks and feels. And the iPhone X doesn’t support Apple’s upcoming software upgrade, iOS 17, so you’ll be missing out on new features. But if you’ve waited this long, it’s a good idea to hang in there just a little longer for the expected iPhone 15.

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 8, 8 Plus

The iPhone 8 generation has Apple’s legacy iPhone design, which is fitting for a phone that’s now almost 6 years old. If you have an iPhone 8 and are considering an upgrade, many of the reasons to do that are the same as the reasons to upgrade from the iPhone X. The processor is getting old, which could make it harder to use newer iPhone features that rely on machine learning. The cameras are outdated and lack features like Night mode (the smaller iPhone 8 doesn’t have Portrait mode either, since it only has one lens). And it doesn’t support iOS 17. By upgrading, you’ll get more storage, significantly longer battery life, new software, support for 5G connectivity and MagSafe accessories, too.

Again, remember that the iPhone 15 could debut next month, meaning it’s a good idea to wait if you can. But if you need a new phone immediately, the biggest difference you’ll notice by upgrading to the iPhone 14 comes down to design, which is much more than just an aesthetic upgrade. Phones with Apple’s more modern edge-to-edge screen trade Touch ID for Face ID, which lets you unlock your phone and authenticate payments just by looking at your device. If you prefer Touch ID over Face ID, especially since it’s difficult to use Face ID while wearing a mask, you might want to at least consider upgrading to the $429 iPhone SE, since it has the same processor as the iPhone 13, 5G compatibility and plenty of photography improvements inside a similar body to the iPhone 8.

Upgrading to the iPhone 14 has a noticeably large jump in display size and quality. Since newer phones like the iPhone 14 don’t have a home button, there’s more room for Apple to expand the screen without making the device feel cumbersome. The iPhone 14’s screen is even larger than the iPhone 8 Plus’ 5.5-inch screen despite the device itself feeling more compact. (And for more perspective, consider that the iPhone 13 Mini has a 5.4-inch display). If you go for the 14 Pro you get another big change: the Dynamic Island, which transforms the notch area into an area for viewing alerts, system notifications and apps running in the background like Spotify or Apple Music.

From personal experience, switching from an iPhone 8 (which has a 4.7-inch screen) to the iPhone 12’s 6.1-inch display makes reading, checking email and watching videos much more comfortable. The screen isn’t only larger, but it’s also more vibrant with better contrast since it uses an OLED display rather than LCD.

The bottom line: The iPhone 14 is a huge jump from the iPhone 8. Everything about this phone will feel fast and new: the much larger and bolder screen, Face ID, the speedier processor, its longer battery life and of course the substantially upgraded cameras. Of note however, if you really want to get a newer iPhone but keep the iPhone 8’s design, trade up to the current 2022 iPhone SE. And remember that the iPhone 15 and a newly discounted iPhone 14 could be arriving soon, so it’s wise to wait a little longer if possible.

iPhone 14 vs. iPhone 7, 7 Plus

If you have an iPhone 7, it’s time to upgrade. It’s almost 7 years old, and it shows in everything from the processor to the camera and storage space. The iPhone 7 doesn’t support iOS 17, providing another incentive for acquiring a newer device. If you can’t afford to wait for the iPhone 15, which is expected to debut in September, here’s what you’ll get by upgrading to the iPhone 14.

While we generally recommend choosing the iPhone 14 Pro over the iPhone 14 in most cases, coming from a phone this old, means you’ll find plenty that’s new in the iPhone 14.

The iPhone 7 runs on an aging A10 Fusion processor, which doesn’t even have a neural engine and is years behind Apple’s latest technology. It has a single-lens camera without Portrait mode, while the 7 Plus has two cameras. But those cameras lack many modern features like Night mode and Portrait Lighting, which adds specific lighting effects to your portraits.

Similar to the iPhone 8, the iPhone 7 series includes Touch ID and comes in either 4.7- or 5.5-inch screen sizes. But since the iPhone 7 is a year older than the iPhone 8, it’s also missing wireless charging, which means you must plug it in to charge.

If you’ve owned an iPhone 7 for several years, it’s probably bursting at the seams since it has substantially less storage space. The entry-level iPhone 7 only came with 32GB of space, which is a quarter of capacity available on the cheapest iPhone 14.

The iPhone 14 brings major gains in nearly every aspect. The standard model has a larger, bolder and brighter bezel-free 6.1-inch screen that still feels compact since it doesn’t have a home button. It runs on Apple’s A15 Bionic processor, which is better equipped to handle newer iOS features. And it has a drastically improved dual-lens camera with a larger main camera sensor and advanced features like the new Cinematic mode for video and Night mode. Plus, Apple’s estimates indicate it’ll offer seven hours of additional battery life during video playback, which is a huge bump.

The bottom line: If you’re still holding onto your iPhone 7, there’s no question that you’re due for an upgrade. A better screen, compatibility with iOS 17, longer battery life and more advanced cameras are just a few of the gains the iPhone 14 has to offer over the iPhone 7. And similar to my recommendation with the iPhone 8, if you really want to keep the home button and save some money, consider the iPhone SE. It gives you more recent performance upgrades while keeping a similar phone style. Just remember that the iPhone 15 is expected to arrive in just a few weeks, which also means the iPhone 14 might see a price cut soon. So it’s worth waiting just a bit longer if you can.

If you’re an aspiring filmmaker, there’s a good chance that you’re looking to save every dollar you can. But that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice the ability to create polished and professional-looking scripts. Arc Studio is our favorite screenwriting software for those on a budget, and right now you can get signed up for $30 off with this CNET-exclusive discount. Use the link below to get a one-year Essentials subscription for just $39, or a one-year Pro subscription for $69. There’s no set expiration for this offer, so you’ve got some time to decide if Arc Studio is for you.

With an Arc Studio subscription, you can create scripts and screenplays that look just as sleek and polished as the pros’ without breaking the bank. With an Essentials or Pro membership, you can access the program through your browser, or as an app on your desktop, iPhone or iPad. Plus, these subscriptions allow you to create unlimited scripts, automatically backup your work, allow you to leave comments and make it easy to export your final draft.

If you’re serious about your filmmaking, we’d recommend upgrading to the Pro subscription. The included outlining tools are some of our favorite features, and make it easy to plan out longer arcs and stories. A Pro membership also allows you to invite other collaborators without an Arc Studio subscription, create custom formats and layouts, access older versions of your script and stash away sections of your script without having to delete them entirely.

Apple reportedly plans to overhaul its iPad Pro lineup next year with OLED displays and a revamped Magic Keyboard.

The revamp — the first major makeover of the line of tablets in half a decade — is intended to reinvigorate consumer interest and clear up confusion in the lineup, Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reported Sunday. Gurman notes that the iPad generates the least amount of revenue among Apple’s major products.

The lineup will, for the first time, sport OLED screens instead of the Mini-LED display tech that’s also been used in Apple’s MacBook Pros, Gurman writes. The models are expected to come in 11- and 13-inch displays, slightly larger than the current 12.9 inches, he wrote.

The new lineup is also expected to be powered by Apple’s rumored M3 chip, Gurman writes. Apple launched its M chips to power the company’s line of MacBooks, Macs and iPads in 2020 after years of using Intel processors.

The tablets will also sport an updated Magic Keyboard that will help the iPad perform more like a laptop, along with the addition of a larger trackpad — addressing a complaint about the tablet, Gurman writes. The Magic Keyboard, which was announced in 2020, doubles as both a keyboard and an adjustable stand.

While Apple is expected to hold a launch event in the coming weeks that will likely focus on a new a iPhone and Watch, Gurman doesn’t expect the new iPads to be unveiled until the spring or early summer 2024.

Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

Many Chromebooks are small and plastic and low cost. The HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook isn’t like most Chromebooks. This 14-inch machine is among a rare breed of higher-end Chromebooks that also includes the Acer Chromebook Spin 714 and the Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2. It’s most similar to the HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook we reviewed a year ago, losing some of the enterprise features for a slightly lower price. And I mean slightly: The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is $1,000. It’s too spendy for most consumers looking to pick up a Chromebook as a cheap alternative to a Windows laptop or MacBook. It makes more sense for its target audience of always-connected freelancers and contract workers who’ll use it day in and day out.

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook boasts the same stellar chassis and awesome haptic touchpad as its enterprise predecessor, along with a slightly larger, 14-inch display with a finer 2,560×1,600-pixel resolution that’s rated for an incredibly bright 1,200 nits. HP also outfits the system with an 8-megapixel camera, which it says is a first for a Chromebook. It all adds up to one of the best Chromebooks we’ve ever reviewed and a fantastic ChromeOS experience. The HP Elite Dragonfly Chromebook won a CNET Innovation Award last year, and this year’s Dragonfly Pro Chromebook wins our Editors’ Choice Award.

HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook

Price as reviewed	$1,000
Display size/resolution	14-inch, 2,560×1,600 IPS, 1,200 nits
CPU	Intel Core i5-1235U
Memory	16GB LPDDR5 5,200MHz RAM
Storage	256GB PCIe NVMe SSD
Networking	Intel Wi-Fi 6E AX211 (2×2) and Bluetooth 5.3
Operating system	Android 11 Chrome OS 113.0.5672.134

The Acer Chromebook Spin 714 is still the best Chromebook for most buyers, but the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is worth the added cost if you want the best among Chromebooks and are willing to spend a premium to get it. After all, a $1,000 Chromebook is still relatively affordable in the larger laptop category, especially for a top-of-the-line model.

HP sells one, and only one, model of the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. It checks in at $1,000 and features an Intel Core i5-1235U processor, a generous-for-a-Chromebook 16GB of RAM and a spacious-for-a-Chromebook 256GB SSD. The Core i5-1235U chip is from Intel’s previous 12th-gen chip series, with two performance cores and eight efficiency cores. It’s a member of the U-series of 15-watt chips that prioritizes efficiency over power. The only choice you have when buying the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook is choosing the color: black or white. My review sample was black. The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook isn’t available in the UK or Australia. In both regions, you’ll find only Windows-based Dragonfly laptops.

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook performed well on our ChromeOS benchmarks. It finished tops among a group of premium Chromebooks based on Core i3 or Core i5 processors on our 3DMark test, while finishing behind only the gaming-focused Acer Chromebook 516 GE on Google Octane 2. It also lasted more than eight hours and 30 minutes on our demanding battery drain test, a span that trailed only the exceptionally long runtime of the Acer Chromebook 714.

In anecdotal testing, it felt peppy during a variety of multitasking scenarios. I wish it had a CPU from Intel’s current, 13th generation of Core chips. But the previous-gen Core i5 CPU, alongside an ample 16GB of RAM, gives the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook more than enough muscle to power Google’s lightweight ChromeOS and the gazillion Chrome browser tabs you’re likely to leave open.

Classy Chromebook

The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook looks more like a premium laptop than the typical Chromebook does, and for good reason. It features the same magnesium-and-aluminum enclosure as its Windows doppelgänger, the HP Dragonfly Pro. It’s a gorgeous, matte-black affair. The lid, keyboard deck and bottom panel all have a matte-black finish with a keyboard to match. It’s minimalist and beautiful. And it feels very sturdy — much more rigid than the typical Chromebook — and features a display hinge that feels both strong and smooth. I haven’t come across a Chromebook with a better fit and finish.

The design is unmatched, but the sturdy chassis requires you to tote around some extra weight. The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook weighs 3.4 pounds, which is heavier than the 14-inch Acer Chromebook Spin 714 at an even 3 pounds. Meanwhile, another high-style Chromebook, the slightly smaller 13.3-inch Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2, is a hair under 3 pounds.

Along with the premium design, the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook delivers a premium display that’s crisp, spacious and bright. It’s a 14-inch panel with a tall 16:10 aspect ratio that makes it feel roomier than a traditional widescreen 16:9 display. And with a 2,560×1,600-pixel resolution, text looks exceedingly crisp, and images look exceptionally sharp, with accurate color.

The display is also insanely bright. HP says it’s rated for a jaw-dropping 1,200 nits of brightness. That’s three or four times as bright as the usual 300- or 400-nit display of most Chromebooks or laptops. In my own testing with a lux meter, I measured a peak brightness of 950 nits, which falls short of HP’s estimate but is still an impressive figure. It was viewable in direct sunlight, and even the touchscreen’s glossy coating wasn’t too reflective, making outdoor computing a viable option. Despite offering pen support for the touch display, the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook doesn’t come with a pen.

The keyboard is marvelous. The flat keys offer a firm response with shallow-but-not-too-shallow travel and are quiet when pressed. A flimsy, clacky Chromebook keyboard it is not. The typing experience is aided by the rigid chassis, which didn’t offer even a hint of flex under the fingertips of a heavy typist like this reviewer.

I would’ve given the keyboard top marks without the surprising and fun inclusion of RGB lighting. It’s not per-key or even multiple-zone RGB lighting like you get with a gaming laptop, but the single-zone RGB lighting allows you to customize the look of the otherwise monochrome and matte black Dragonfly Pro Chromebook. And you can set the RGB lighting to match the color of the wallpaper you chose for the display, which really dials in the Chromebook’s look.

The touchpad is also best in class. It’s the haptic touchpad we first experienced on the Elite Dragonfly Chromebook, and it’s awesome. The haptic feedback creates the perfect click response no matter where you press on the touchpad. I hope haptic touchpads become a larger trend because I want all laptop and Chromebook touchpads to feel like this one.

The good times keep rolling with the webcam. It’s an 8-megapixel camera that produces a razor-sharp image that’s well balanced. I’ve not encountered a better webcam. If you spend a large chunk of your work week working remotely and on Zoom calls, then you’ll appreciate looking crisp and clear on videoconferences with your boss, co-workers or clients. It isn’t an IR camera, however, so you can’t use facial recognition for easy, secure logins. Still, there’s a fingerprint reader next to the power button at the top-right of the keyboard that allows you to log in without needing to key in a password.

HP found room for quad speakers on the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook, and they deliver rich, full sound. This is one of the few laptops and the first Chromebook on which I’ve been able to listen to music and not turn it off after half a song. The bass response won’t blow you away, but I could detect some bass, while the mid and high tones remained separate and clear.

The port selection is minimal. You get a quartet of Thunderbolt 4 ports — two on each side — and nothing more. You’ll need to carry an adapter with you for connecting to HDMI or Ethernet or an older USB Type-A device. The Dragonfly Pro Chromebook charges via one of the Thunderbolt 4 ports. The system’s luxurious design extends to the charger. It features a small, square power brick and a braided cable that resists getting twisted or knotted. And it weighs a scant 0.6 pounds, which helps mitigate the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook’s slightly heavy weight for a 14-inch laptop.

A $1,000 Chromebook defeats the purpose of buying a Chromebook for many people who view such a purchase as a way to obtain a low-cost laptop. If you spend the majority, if not the entirety, of your day working via Gmail and Google Drive inside the Chrome browser, however, then the HP Dragonfly Pro Chromebook will hold great appeal. Instead of working on an undersized, flimsy Chromebook, the Dragonfly Pro Chromebook lets you spend each day sitting at a meticulously designed system with a gorgeous display; a fantastic keyboard and touchpad; an unmatched webcam; and ample power and battery life. It’s pricey, but it’s worth every penny.

3DMark Wild Life Unlimited

HP DragonFly Pro Chromebook 9369Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip 8914Acer Chromebook 516 GE 8644Acer Chromebook 714 7692Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook 6436

Google Octane 2

Acer Chromebook 516 GE 83553HP DragonFly Pro Chromebook 83169Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook 83164Acer Chromebook 714 80286Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip 62227

Online streaming battery drain test

Acer Chromebook 714 818HP DragonFly Pro Chromebook 521Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip 494Acer Chromebook 516 GE 468Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook 321

System Configurations

HP DragonFly Pro Chromebook	ChromeOS; Intel Core i5-1235U; 16GB RAM; 256GB SSD
Lenovo IdeaPad 5i Chromebook	ChromeOS; Intel Core i3-1215U; 8GB RAM; 128SSD
Acer Chromebook 516 GE	ChromeOS; Intel Core i5-1240P; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD
Asus Chromebook Vibe CX55 Flip	ChromeOS; Intel Core i5-113G7; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD
Acer Chromebook 714	ChromeOS; Intel Core i5-1235U; 8GB RAM; 256GB SSD