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Boost Infinite is only now adding the latest iPhones, nearly nine months after they launched. On Friday the Dish Network-owned carrier announced that it will begin selling Apple’s iPhone 14 line, giving it another device as it looks to compete with AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon.
Boost Infinite is Dish’s answer to the traditional three wireless carriers, offering postpaid service as opposed to the prepaid option its sister brand Boost Mobile is known for. With Friday’s news, Dish is also taking Boost Infinite out of beta and expanding its offerings from a single $25 per month unlimited plan to also include a $50 per month “Unlimited Plus” option.
The $50 per month Plus plan includes the same 30GB of high-speed data and unlimited talk and text, but also includes talk, text and data in Mexico and Canada, as well the ability to call or text “over 200 destinations” from the US.
Those with the Plus plan will also be able to get a free iPhone 14 on Boost Infinite with a trade-in of an old phone, so long as that older device turns on, is “working” and isn’t lost or stolen. Boost Infinite is not being sold at Boost Mobile’s stores, so the carrier you will send a trade-in kit to users.
Like Verizon and AT&T, Boost Infinite will require you to stay with the provider for 36 months, and those who switch out before that period is up will be on the hook for paying off whatever remaining balance is owed on the iPhones.
Similar to its Boost Mobile service, Boost Infinite runs on a combination of wireless networks that includes AT&T and T-Mobile as well as a new 5G network being built by Dish. The latter has pledged to build out a wireless network since it acquired a divested Boost Mobile from T-Mobile during its merger with Sprint in 2020.
While Boost offers service on all three networks, the actual list of devices that can tap into Dish’s 5G network remains extremely limited. The iPhone 14 line technically has support for Dish’s 5G spectrum (known as Band 70), but the band has yet to be activated inside Apple’s phones.
For now, Boost Infinite users will be connecting to AT&T or T-Mobile’s wireless service, with a Boost Infinite spokesperson telling CNET that the carrier “will continue to work with Apple to bring their great products to our network.”
The addition of the iPhone 14 to Boost’s postpaid lineup comes ahead of a potentially busy week for Dish. The satellite TV provider faces a June 14 deadline by the Federal Communications Commission to cover 70% of the US with its 5G network.
Adobe has brought its Firefly tools for generative AI to its Adobe Express app for making posters, videos, fliers and other graphical material. The first two new AI tools let you add images and text effects generated from a text prompt, Adobe said Thursday.
AdobeExpress, available in free or premium versions, is what the company calls an “all-in-one content creation app.” Adobe released thefeatures in a new beta version of the web version of Adobe Express andplans to match them with an updated mobile app in two to three months,said Govind Balakrishnan, senior vice president of Adobe’s CreativeCloud subscription service.
Generative AI has captured the public imagination with the ability to produce song lyrics, essay question answers and countless other tasks. AI is trained to spot patterns in enormous sets of training data, but it can spout plausible sounding but completely wrong information. So be warned if you’re looking for tax advice or medical help.
Adobe’s generative AI tools, like a beta version of Photoshop in testing now, are arguably a more natural fit since many people using it will be looking for flights of fancy like colorful flowers or letters that look like they’re overgrown with ivy.
The new version of Adobe Express also gets video editing abilities, potentially handy for the TikTok or Instagram Reels crowd, and the ability to import, edit, and export PDF files.
Adobe Express is free in basic form but costs $10 per month for people who want more templates, photos, videos and fonts. When the AI tools exit beta testing, they’ll come with a free level of generated images — the threshold hasn’t yet been determined — and some pricing tiers for more.
“We will obviously have to put some sort of a limit on the number of generations,” Balakrishnan said. “These are expensive.”
Expensive it may be, but it’s also potentially very interesting to the creative set that already spends a lot of time coming up with new imagery.
“We continue to view generative AI as a tailwind for Adobe,” RBC Capital Markets analyst Matthew Swanson said in a Wednesday report.
Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to help create some stories. For more, see this post.
Tennis fans are in for a treat on Friday with a generational matchup between the 36-year-old legend Novak Djokovic and 20-year-old phenom Carlos Alcaraz. Djokovic is looking for his 23rd Grand Slam title, which would move him ahead of Rafael Nadal for the most major championships of all time. Alcaraz won his first Grand Slam title last year at the US Open. The young Spaniard is already the top-ranked player in the world and looks to be the leader of the next generation of men’s tennis after the era of Djokovic, Nadal and the retired Roger Federer.
Alcaraz and Djokovic will meet in the first semifinal match on Friday at 8:45 a.m. ET (5:45 a.m. PT) on Tennis Channel. In the second semifinal, No. 4 Casper Ruud will face No. 22 Alexander Zverev. NBC’s and Peacock’s live coverage begins at 11 a.m. ET (8 a.m. PT) on Friday, which should be sometime in the middle or toward the end of the Alcaraz-Djokovic match.
Carlos Alcaraz will face Novak Djokovic on Friday in the semifinals of the French Open.
Alex Pantling/Getty Images
What is the TV schedule for the French Open?
After the men’s semifinal matches on Friday, the women’s final will take place on Saturday morning, and the men’s final will follow on Sunday morning.
Here’s the remaining schedule for the tournament (all times ET):
Friday, June 9: Men’s Semifinals
8 a.m.-4 p.m. on Tennis Channel
11 a.m.-3 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
Saturday, June 10: Women’s Final
9 a.m.-2 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
Sunday, June 11: Men’s Final
9 a.m.-2 p.m. on NBC and Peacock
How can I livestream the French Open?
The French Open is being shown on NBC, Tennis Channel and Peacock. If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch the French Open on NBC and Tennis Channel with a live-TV streaming service. For the big matches at the end of the tournament on NBC, however, you will need to make sure you can get a live feed of NBC in your area. In some markets, you can watch on-demand but not live content from NBC and the other local networks.
If you live in an area with good reception, you can watch matches on NBC for free just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.
Peacock offers two Premium plans: the ad-supported Premium plan costs $5 a month, and the ad-free Premium plan costs $10 a month. You can watch both the men’s and women’s French Open finals live with either plan. Peacock will also livestream the second men’s semifinal and probably the end of the first semifinal between Alcaraz and Djokovic.
NBC is included in Sling TV’s $40-a-month Blue package, and you can add Tennis Channel for an extra $11 a month. Enter your address here to see which local channels are available where you live.
YouTube TV costs $73 a month and includes NBC. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area. Tennis Channel returned to YouTube TV’s lineup starting June 1 as part of the $11-a-month Sports Plus add-on package.
Fubo costs $75 per month and includes NBC, and you can add Tennis Channel for an additional $11 a month. Click here to see which local channels you get.
DirecTV Stream’s basic $75-a-month package includes NBC, but you’ll need to spring for the $100-a-month plan if you also want Tennis Channel. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available where you live.
Hulu Plus Live TV costs $70 a month and includes NBC. Tennis Channel is not available. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code.
Most live TV streaming services offer a free trial or discounts during the first month and allow you to cancel anytime. All require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.
Microsoft’s Office suite of apps offers industry-standard productivity tools and an essential part of any computer user’s arsenal. It’s used by businesses, schools and individuals around the world, and for word processing, spreadsheets, mail and more, it’s probably an Office app you’re going to want to use. You’ve probably used Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook before, but Office apps aren’t always included with computer purchases, and getting access on your own can carry a hefty price tag.
There is a barebones freebie version of Office out there, but assuming that basic version of Office won’t work for you (see below), your options essentially come down to paying a rolling monthly or yearly fee for a Microsoft 365 subscription or opting instead for a one-time Office license with the full panoply of apps, which typically costs as much as $430. But for a limited time, StackSocial is offering a Microsoft Office 2021 license for just $40. That’s over 80% off its usual price. Better yet, this license, which is available for either Windows or Mac, is a one-time purchase that grants you unlimited access with no recurring charges.
Now, a deal this good comes with some caveats. First, this key is good only for a single computer, so you won’t be able to install it on various machines in your home, and if your current computer happens to die, you could run into a snag when trying to transfer it. Likewise, you’re passing up on other benefits you’d get as a 365 subscriber. You won’t get any OneDrive Cloud Storage, nor will you get the fancy new cloud-based AI features like Microsoft Copilot. And while the apps should continue to work as long as your computer does, Microsoft’s support for this version of Office ends on Oct. 13, 2026.
To that last point: Though this is listed as a “lifetime license” — that is, the lifetime of the computer you installed it on — it’s worth noting there’s always a risk that Microsoft could terminate the license. But versions of Stack’s deal have been running for more than a year — the one we bought in early 2022, for instance, still works fine. At this cost, it takes a little over four months for you to get a full return on the investment compared with buying the subscription, so the risk factor isn’t super high here.
WhatsApp is a messaging app with big plans. A new feature, WhatsApp Channels, is coming to the encrypted messaging service, Meta-owned WhatsApp announced Thursday.
Channels is a “one-way broadcast tool for admins to send text, photos, videos, stickers and polls,” the social media giant said in a statement. You’ll be able to use a searchable directory to select channels to follow and can choose to follow channels for your favorite sports teams, hobbies or updates from local officials.
How Channels will work on WhatsApp
Channels will appear on a new tab within WhatsApp labeled Updates, separate from regular chats. Admins won’t be able to add followers to their channels, so you can’t be forced into receiving updates from any groups.
“Channels will aspire to be the most private broadcast messaging product available and will come with the strong privacy protections people expect from WhatsApp,” Meta’s statement said, noting that Channel history will only be available for 30 days, after which it will disappear automatically.
Phone numbers and profile photos of channel admins also won’t be shared with followers, and following a channel won’t reveal your phone number to the admin or to other followers.
Who will be on WhatsApp Channels?
A promotional video calls Channels “a private way to follow all topics you care about,” displaying such topics as “carpentry tips,” “traffic” and “weather.”
Partners at launch will include the soccer teams FC Barcelona and Manchester City, as well as the International Rescue Committee and the World Health Organization.
“We also believe there is an opportunity to support admins with a way for them to build a business around their channel using our expanding payment services as well as the ability to promote certain channels in the directory to help increase awareness,” the statement said.
When will WhatsApp Channels arrive?
A representative for WhatsApp didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment on when exactly the new feature will arrive, but the Meta statement says that Channels will be first available in Colombia and Singapore before arriving in other countries.
This advertising widget is powered by Navi and contains advertisements that Navi may be paid for in different ways. You will not be charged for engaging with this advertisement. While we strive to provide a wide range of offers, this advertising widget does not include information about every product or service that may be available to you. We make reasonable efforts to ensure that information in the featured advertisements is up to date, each advertiser featured in this widget is responsible for the accuracy and availability of its offer details. It is possible that your actual offer terms from an advertiser may be different than the offer terms in this advertising widget and the advertised offers may be subject to additional terms and conditions of the advertiser which will be presented to you prior to making a purchase. All information is presented without any warranty or guarantee to you.
It’s already been a busy year for smartphone launches. Samsung kicked off 2023 with the Galaxy S23 lineup, and Google introduced the Pixel 7A and Pixel Fold at its developer conference in May. But as we approach the second half of 2023, there should be even more to look forward to, especially if you’re interested in foldable phones.
Though it’s hard to predict exactly what’s in store for the phone industry, it’s possible to make some educated guesses since many companies stick to the same launch routine. The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September, possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. Samsung is holding its next Unpacked event in late July, meaning we may see new Galaxy Z Flip and Z Fold devices soon. Google’s rumored Pixel 8 could launch in the fall, likely with a new Tensor processor.
Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 14 lineup.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Apple’s new iPhone family usually launches in September, and we have no reason to believe 2023 will be any different. The adoption of USB-C charging is one of the biggest changes we’re expecting to see on Apple’s next-generation iPhones.
The European Union recently mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024. Apple said it would comply with these rules but did not specify whether that means we’ll see a shift to USB-C starting in 2023. It’s also not confirmed if a USB-C iPhone would get a global release, or if it would remain solely a European model.
Otherwise, we’re likely to see routine changes such as some camera upgrades and a new processor. TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for making pretty accurate predictions about upcoming Apple products, tweeted that Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15.
It already made a step in that direction with the iPhone 14 generation by keeping features like the Dynamic Island and new A16 Bionic processor exclusive to the Pro line. What’s more interesting, however, is the idea that Apple could further differentiate the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, according to Kuo.
The main difference between the regular Pro and Pro Max comes down to screen size. Giving the Pro Max some extra perks could further convince shoppers to splurge on Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also believes Apple could change the name of the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in the future to better align with other products like the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.
Watch this: The Most Exciting Phones I Want to See in 2023
07:28
OnePlus Foldable Phone
OnePlus teased its first foldable phone, but hasn’t provided concrete details yet.
Eli Blumenthal/CNET
What we’re expecting: OnePlus plans to launch its first foldable phone in the second half of 2023, the company said before its event at Mobile World Congress in February. Unfortunately, we don’t know much else. The company has yet to announce any details about the device itself, precisely when it plans to launch the phone, or how much it could cost.
Why we’re excited about it: Like Google, OnePlus has a reputation for beating Samsung and Apple on price. That makes me hopeful that OnePlus’ foldable phone will be significantly less expensive than the $1,800 Galaxy Z Fold 4. The Oppo Find N2 from OnePlus’ sister brand has also been well received, with CNET’s Sareena Dayaram calling it the lightest foldable she’s ever carried, so there’s a chance OnePlus could follow in its sibling’s footsteps. Plus, it’ll be nice to see Samsung face more competition in this space.
Google Pixel 8 lineup
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: Rumors have already started to surface about what to expect from the Pixel 8 family, which is expected to arrive this fall. German tech blog WinFuture reports that it found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.
Prolific leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer also partnered with the tech blogs MySmartPrice and SmartPrix to publish what are said to be renderings of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Based on these images, both phones will have a similar design with softer edges compared to the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro.
Why I’m excited about it: There haven’t been many rumors about the expected Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means there isn’t too much to get excited about yet. But what I’m most interested in is what new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Even though foldable phones are still new to most people, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. The next version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid could have a slot for storing Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a lighter design and a less noticeable crease, according to Korean news outlet The Elec. The report didn’t definitively say the Z Fold 5 will have these improvements, but did say Samsung has cited them as barriers that must be overcome to make foldable phones more popular.
Other more recent reports from The Elec, ET News and well-known leaker Ice Universe suggest Samsung could implement a water drop-shaped hinge on the Galaxy Z Fold 5. That new hinge would likely help with minimizing the device’s crease and thickness.
Otherwise, we can probably expect to see routine improvements to the camera and processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also added some new multitasking features to the Z Fold 4 this year, such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the screen as a mini trackpad when the display is folded halfway. So there’s a chance we’ll see other software enhancements in the future, too.
Samsung’s next Unpacked event will take place in Seoul, South Korea in late July, and we’re expecting to see new foldables since the company typically releases Fold and Flip devices around that time.
Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs a lot more than an included S Pen to bring foldables into the mainstream. But making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience could go a long way in further defining who the Z Fold is for and why it exists in the first place. Samsung is promoting the Z Fold 5 as a productivity-oriented device, so having an embedded S Pen seems like a natural move. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are both compatible with the S Pen, but they must be purchased separately.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The new Galaxy Z Flip 4 looks nearly identical to last year’s Z Flip 3.
Patrick Holland/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung’s next flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less noticeable crease, according to Ross Young, cofounder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Ross recently tweeted that the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display measuring around 3 inches and a new hinge design that could make the crease more subtle. That would represent a sizable increase from the current Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. Like with the Z Fold 5, there’s a chance we’ll see general improvements to camera quality and software as well as a new processor.
Why I’m excited about it: Enlarging the cover screen would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings, while making it more competitive with the new Motorola Razr Plus. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the Z Flip 4, the cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.
Overall
It seems like some of the biggest improvements we’re expecting to see across the board on new smartphones in 2023 will have to do with battery and charging improvements, as well as camera and design upgrades. We’ll know more throughout the year as more reports and rumors arrive, and as Samsung, Apple and Google actually debut their devices.
If you’re trying to decide between Apple’s AirPods 3 and its AirPods Pro 2, the biggest questions are whether you want active noise cancellation in a noise-isolating design or open earbuds that don’t require you to jam silicone ear tips into your ears. Yes, there’s a price difference — the AirPods Pro 2 sell for about $200 online while the AirPods 3 cost about $150. But with only about $50 separating the two AirPods models, it’s probably more important to focus on those key differences rather than dwelling too much on their price.
Apple has bridged the gap between its Pro and regular AirPods by upgrading the AirPods 3’s design — it now looks more like the Pro’s design minus the silicone ear tips — and giving it the same IPX4 splash-proof water resistance rating. Additionally, the AirPods 3, like the AirPods Pro and Pro 2, also have Apple’s spatial audio with head-tracking feature.
But there are still certain benefits you can only get on the $249 AirPods Pro 2, the biggest being active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Multiple ear tip sizes, the ability to swipe up and down to control music volume and ultra wideband support are also exclusive to the Pro 2. But noise cancellation will likely make the biggest impact in everyday use, and it’s the most important factor to consider.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3
AirPods Pro 2
AirPods 3
Price (USD)
$249
$169 (Lightning case)
Price (UK)
249
179 (Lightning case)
Price (AU)
AU$399
AU$279 (Lightning case)
Weight (earbuds)
0.19 ounce
0.15 ounce
Audio features
Active noise cancellation, Adaptive transparency, spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Spatial audio with dynamic head tracking
Audio technology
Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier, vent system for pressure equalization
Adaptive EQ, custom high-excursion Apple driver, custom high dynamic range amplifier
The biggest difference in terms of design is that the $169 AirPods don’t have interchangeable silicone tips like the AirPods Pro 2, which include four sizes to choose from. The AirPods 3 are also lighter than the AirPods Pro 2 at 0.15 ounce (4.3 grams) versus 0.19 ounce (5.3 grams).
The AirPods 3 and new AirPods Pro share some similarities when it comes to design, although it’s very easy to tell them apart. The AirPods Pro 2’s stems, for example, are noticeably shorter than those on the AirPods 3. But both models are sweat and water resistant, which could make them more appealing than the $129 regular AirPods for those who want to wear them during exercise.
The third-generation AirPods.
David Carnoy/CNET
The case for the AirPods 3 sort of looks like a cross between the case for the standard AirPods and that of the AirPods Pro. It’s much shorter and wider than the entry-level AirPods case, but it’s not as wide as the holster for the AirPods Pro. You can also charge the case for the AirPods 3 or the AirPods Pro via Apple’s wireless MagSafe charger, or by plugging it in with a Lightning cable. But you’ll have to pay an extra $10 to get the MagSafe wireless charging case bundled with the AirPods 3. The MagSafe-compatible case for the AirPods Pro 2 also has a lanyard loop, unlike the AirPods 3’s case.
The second-generation AirPods Pro’s case also has another capability: ultra wideband support. That essentially means the case has a built-in AirTag for easier location tracking.
Watch this: AirPods Pro 2 Review: Hard to Beat for Apple Users
10:21
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Audio
The AirPods Pro 2 have active noise cancellation and transparency mode.
David Carnoy/CNET
You’ll still have to splurge on Apple’s top-of-the-line earbuds to get active noise cancellation and transparency mode. Since the second-generation AirPods Pro have Apple’s new H2 chip, they can cancel up to twice as much noise as the previous AirPods Pro, according to Apple’s claims. Transparency Mode has also gotten an upgrade on the second-generation model. The new chip can reduce loud noises from your surroundings when in Transparency Mode, which should make sounds like a passing vehicle seem less jarring.
That new H2 chip also brings improved audio to the AirPods Pro 2, further distinguishing them from the AirPods 3. As my colleague David Carnoy wrote in his review, the H2’s computational power helps the AirPods Pro process a broader range of frequencies.
You’ll also get swipe controls for managing volume levels on the AirPods Pro 2. The AirPods 3 just have Apple’s force sensors, which you can press to skip ahead, pause music or answer calls.
But both the AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 3 have dynamic spatial audio and adaptive EQ. The former is essentially virtual surround sound, while the latter adjusts the sound to your ears.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: Battery life
The AirPods 3 (pictured) and AirPods Pro 2 offer similar battery life.
David Carnoy/CNET
Battery life is similar for both models, although there are some slight differences. Both earbuds should provide up to 6 hours of listening time, according to Apple’s claims. But you’ll get 5.5 hours of battery life when using spatial audio and head tracking on the AirPods Pro 2, while the AirPods 3 offer slightly shorter 5-hour battery life with that surround sound feature enabled. Apple also claims the AirPods Pro 2 provides 4.5 hours of talk time, while the AirPods 3 offer up to 4 hours.
The case for both earbuds should provide up to 30 hours of listening time, says Apple. But when it comes to talk time, you can expect to get 24 hours from the AirPods Pro 2’s case and 20 hours from the AirPods 3’s case. Five minutes in each case is expected to replenish around one hour of listening time or roughly 1 hour of talk time.
AirPods Pro 2 vs. AirPods 3: How to choose
The AirPods Pro 2 are for those who want active noise cancellation, better audio and a more customizable fit. You’ll also get some other perks, like the ability to track them down more easily should they get lost, thanks to the U1 chip. The AirPods 3 are a more suitable choice if you don’t care about noise cancellation and prefer earbuds with an open design (and yes, they cost about $50 less, so they do offer some appeal to those on tighter budgets). At the same time, the AirPods 3 still have more to offer than the AirPods 2, which lack features like water resistance, adaptive EQ and spatial audio with head-tracking.
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling Yes (ANC)Multipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
The new AirPods Pro (2nd generation) are powered by Apple’s new H2 chip, which delivers more processing power while being more energy efficient, according to Apple. The new chip, combined with new low-distortion drivers, allows for improved sound that offers better clarity and depth. The noise canceling is also improved — Apple says the new AirPods have “double” the noise canceling of the original AirPods Pro. Additionally, the new AirPods add an extra hour of battery life, up from five to six hours with noise canceling on. Plus, a speaker in the case that emits a sound that helps locate your buds via Find My should they decide to hide from you.
Note that while Apple has discontinued the , they’ll remain on sale until supplies are exhausted. However, most people should get this newer model if they can afford it. The AirPods Pro 2 continue to see small discounts, dipping to as low as $223 during Amazon’ Early Access Prime event in October.
Battery Life Rated up to 6 hoursNoise Canceling NoMultipoint NoHeadphone Type Wireless earbudsWater-Resistant Yes (IPX4 — splash-proof)
Take one look at the new design of the third-gen AirPods, and the first thing you’ll probably think is: “Those look like the AirPods Pro without ear tips.” You wouldn’t be wrong. While they’re more fraternal than identical twins, the AirPods 3 are shaped like the AirPods Pro, with the same shorter stems and same pinch controls as those of the Pro. Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It’s much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.
Samsung plans to hold its next Galaxy Unpacked event in its home country for the first time next month, the Korean electronics giant announced late Tuesday.
Samsung’s 27th Unpacked launch event will take place in Seoul in late July, the company said in a statement that indicated it would unveil its next generation of foldable devices. This could include the expected Galaxy Z Flip 5 and Fold 5.
In the past, Samsung has usually chosen to unveil its new lineup of devices in cities such as New York and Barcelona. The company is rumored to have plans for separate launch events in the US and Canada, but Samsung hasn’t yet announced any additional Unpacked events.
Foldable phones have garnered a lot of attention in recent years, though they’ve yet to hit the breakout moment when they graduate from being a novelty device. But they do appear to be picking up steam: In just the last few weeks, Google announced its first foldable phone, called the Pixel Fold, and Motorola unveiled the new Razr Plus and Razr.
“The foldable category embodies Samsung’s philosophy of delivering breakthrough innovation that pushes boundaries to reshape the future of mobile experiences,” TM Roh, the head of the mobile experience business at Samsung, said in a statement.
With the release last year of the Galaxy Z Flip 4, Samsung’s current flagship foldable, the company took a step in the right direction in its quest to win over consumers’ interest and wallets, CNET’s Lisa Eadicicco wrote earlier this month.
She praised the device’s fine-tuned design, improved nighttime photography and longer battery life. But she still has a wish list of improvement suggestions she thinks will make Samsung’s foldable more attractive.
Eadicicco suggests the Galaxy Z Flip 5 needs a bigger cover screen and could add more functionality to Flex Mode, which taps into the phone’s ability to bend and fold in different ways.
Samsung didn’t announce a specific date for the event or tease specific products expected to be announced, but perhaps a new Galaxy Z Flip will be unveiled that taps these suggestions. You can expect CNET to be on hand for the event with all the details, commentary and expert insight.
Microsoft makes plenty of Windows laptops for those wanting to keep everything in one ecosystem. And right now, Best Buy is giving you the opportunity to save as much as $300 on Microsoft’s latest Surface Laptop 5, with discounts across a variety of configurations for a limited time. The entry-level model is down to $900, a $100 price cut, with higher-spec and larger screen variants seeing even greater savings.
In our Surface Laptop 5 review, CNET’s Lori Grunin found the machine to be a solid, if unremarkable, laptop for most folks. It provides a decent option for those not needing to spend over the odds on a flashy or super-powerful machine, while being able to handle all of the day-to-day computing needs of an average PC user.
The models on sale include both 13.5- and 15-inch variants to suit your size preference, as well as a mix of internal specifications. Cheaper models sport an Intel i5 processor, with better i7 processors available for a little more cash. RAM starts at 8GB and can be configured as high as 32GB on the larger model, with solid-state storage ranging from 256GB to 1TB.
Both sizes offer a touchscreen and support Dolby Vision IQ picture quality and Dolby Atmos audio, so it’s great for streaming shows and movies. The Surface Laptop 5 comes with Windows 11 installed and is designed to handle Xbox cloud gaming right out of the box, though an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription is sold separately. And you can expect battery life of up to 18 hours with mixed usage (we managed to get just under 10 hours out of it in our streaming video testing).
