Category: Technologies

  • Add Windows 11 Pro to Your Custom-Built PC for Just $60 Right Now

    Add Windows 11 Pro to Your Custom-Built PC for Just $60 Right Now

    StackSocial

    If you’re looking to install Windows 11 Pro on a custom PC that you’ve just built or want to dual-boot another computer you have, here’s an affordable way to do just that. This is the cheapest that’s currently available and beats Microsoft’s price by quite a bit.

    Building a new PC is a lot of fun, but one expense you may not be thinking of is the cost of Windows — the operating system — itself. It generally costs between $160 and $200 to add Windows to a new computer, but we have a way to help you reduce that expense. Windows 11 is Microsoft’s latest and greatest, and in many cases Microsoft is still offering the free upgrade for Windows 10 users as long as you meet certain requirements. Not everyone will meet those, and if you’re one who doesn’t, you’ll want this offer from StackSocial.

    Right now, you can save $140 on the license cost, making Windows 11 Pro just $60 for a limited time. This is best-of-web pricing right now, and very close to a one-off deal we saw at Woot earlier this year. However, not every single computer out there is able to run Windows 11, so before making the purchase you’re going to want to ensure that your computer will meet the requirements that Microsoft has set out for the OS. Additionally, the listing says that if you have a PC that’s already running Windows 10 and Windows Update does not 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.


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  • Best 3D Printer Deals: 9 Fantastic Printers at the Best Prices

    Best 3D Printer Deals: 9 Fantastic Printers at the Best Prices

    3D printing is more popular than ever, which means it’s never been easier to dive in and try out this technology for yourself. You may think you’ll have to drop $1,000 or more on a printer and materials to get started, but there’s a big market out there with plenty of entry level models that you can pick up for around $200 or less. And there are tons of deals you can take advantage of right now to start your setup for less.

    If you’re a first-time buyer or looking to buy a 3D printer as a gift for a beginner, getting a good deal is even more important. All the best 3D printers have advanced features that make your life easier, so if you can snag one for less than the normal price, that’s a big plus.


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    If you have a creative person in your life, then they should really own a 3D printer. The joy that comes with seeing your creations brought to life in the 3D can’t be overstated. Currently on sale for a little under $200, the Elegoo Neptune 2 is a great starting point for a hobby that produces excellent results with little effort.

    This is perfect for a high schooler interested in engineering or an adult looking to start 3D printing for the first time.

    We recently reviewed this new entry-level printer, which offers fancy features like a self-leveling bed at a reasonable price. This printer is normally priced at around $200, but some sales do drop it lower than that. It’s a simple kit, that is easy to assemble and works surprisingly well for such a budget price.

    Read more: Anycubic Kobra Go review.

    The Mono X is the perfect mid-size resin printer for making those larger pieces of jewelry or an entire army of miniatures. The build plate is almost twice as big as the standard resin printer, and it gives you a lot more scope on what projects you can do. This deal is nearly half price, so it’s well worth picking one up today.

    I’ve recently been working with the Finder 3 and I’m impressed with the quality it was able to produce straight from the box. It’s easy to set up and comes with a flexible build plate that you can replace the glass bed with. It makes it far easier to remove builds.

    This is the perfect printer for a teacher, as the enclosure makes it stable, and the slicer can control multiple printers at once via Wi-Fi.

    This is easily my favorite small resin 3D printer. It’s super-fast and prints beautiful models every time. Elegoo are old hats at resin printing, so every part you’ll ever need to replace is easily acquired at a reasonable price. The details that can be captured with the Mars 3 are stunning, and some of my favorite models have come from this little machine.

    Any time you can get the Mars 3 on a discount is a good day, so snag one now.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Elegoo Mars 3: $220

    The Kobra Plus is in that sweet spot between a printer that is overly large, and one that is too small to be useful. You can make full-size helmets and big cosplay items without needing an entire workbench dedicated to it. With $120 off the price, it’s a bargain.

    The Elegoo Saturn 2 is my favorite resin printer right now. It prints incredibly detailed models at a speed that is often astonishing. The bed size is much larger than the printers in the smaller category, while its footprint is much easier to deal with than other, larger printers. You can print finely detailed cosplay pieces or multiple tabletop miniatures with equal ease with the Saturn 2, making it perfect for a small business. Plus, this deal comes with a free $25 Newegg gift card.

    Read more: Elegoo Saturn 2 review

    The CR-30 is one of the first commercially available conveyor belt 3D printers, and it is fascinating to use. It isn’t for the beginner hobbyist as it takes a little bit of tweaking to get right, but once you do you can print long models like swords or lots of small models on a production line.

    If you make the same model over and again for your Etsy store, this is a great printer to try.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Creality CR-30: $899

    The Photon 4K is being replaced with the new M3 series, but it could still be worth your time. With a 4K monochrome screen, the printer is very fast without sacrificing any detail. In fact, the details on this machine are superb, especially on small models like miniatures.

    At $189, the Photon 4K offers an amazing entry into resin 3D printing, even if Anycubic is selling off the stock.

    Materials and accessories

    It’s not just the 3D printers themselves that are on sale. It’s often the accessories and materials too. While the savings aren’t as drastic — $5 to $10 savings, maybe — these add up over time when you have to buy a lot of materials for your projects.

    Quantum PLA takes the standard filament we all know and adds a new twist. The dual tones create a shimmering effect on your printed model and make it change color as you turn it. It’s gorgeous and you should get as many different colors as you can.


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  • Dstlry: Ex-Comixology Heads Launch New Equitable Comic Publisher

    Dstlry: Ex-Comixology Heads Launch New Equitable Comic Publisher

    Two former Comixology heads unveiled a new creator-owned comics and collectibles publisher Thursday called Dstlry. David Steinberger, co-founder and former CEO of Comixology, and Chip Mosher, former Comixology head of content, hope the new publisher shifts the industry around creator-owned comics and collectibles.

    Dstlry will offer a limited number of physical and digital items for sale online and in brick-and-mortar stores. Owners of digital items will then be able to sell their items in the Dstlry marketplace, and the original creators will get a percentage of what the item sells for.

    DSTLRY in greenDSTLRY in green

    DSTLRY’s logo.

    Dstlry

    Steinberger and Mosher told me in an interview they hope Dstlry can help alleviate pains some creators have felt in the comics industry when it comes to compensation. While some comic characters and stories make millions of dollars as a result of films, some creators have felt left out in the cold.

    Ed Brubaker and Steve Epting, for example, transformed Bucky Barnes into the Winter Soldier in 2005. However, Brubaker wrote in his newsletter in 2021 that he feels he and Epting haven’t been adequately compensated for their work given the character’s success in multiple Marvel Cinematic Universe films and shows.

    “For the most part all Steve Epting and I have gotten for creating the Winter Soldier and his storyline is a ‘thanks’ here or there,” Brubaker wrote. “I’ve even seen higher-ups on the publishing side try to take credit for my work a few times, which was pretty galling.”

    Steinberger and Mosher saw these issues and wanted to be part of the solution by making sure creators are treated well so they can produce their best work for readers.

    “We looked at all these problems creators had and we tried to fix that,” Mosher said. “We knew if we fix stuff for creators across the board, on a lot of different levels, then we’d be delivering the best thing for the customers.”

    Ed BrubakerEd Brubaker

    Ed Brubaker (pictured) and Steve Epting brought Bucky Barnes back to life as the Winter Soldier in 2005.

    Jeff Kravitz/Getty Images

    “Without [creators] there’s nothing, and they don’t always get treated that way when their material that they create becomes $100 million movies or billion dollar movies,” Steinberger said. Dstlry is about “honoring their contribution … there’s a joy in trying to correct what is currently out there.”

    Steinberger and Mosher also said they hope Dstlry will bring the fun of collecting print issues to the digital space. They said when new issues of a comic are released, digital copies of the comic will be sold online at dstlry.co for one week until the next issue comes out.

    “However many digital copies get sold between Wednesday and Tuesday, that’s it, never any more again,” Mosher said.

    But people will still be able to get their hands on digital issues through the Dstlry marketplace, and mass market digital trade collections will be available more broadly. Physical copies will be available in local comic shops, too. Some creators will also be given complimentary digital copies of comics they can give out to fans.

    Steinberger and Mosher said they hope this will help readers feel closer to all the creators that are publishing through Dstlry.

    The list of Dstlry founding creators includes well-known writers and artists like Eisner Award winners Scott Snyder, Becky Cloonan and James Tynion IV. Dstlry’s advisory board consists of film producer Lorenzo di Bonaventura, video game industry veteran John Schappert and tech strategist Mike Vorhaus.

    Comic creator Scott SnyderComic creator Scott Snyder

    Eisner Award winner Scott Snyder is one of the founding creators of Dstlry.

    Roy Rochlin/Getty Images

    “Artistic growth is spurred when its creators are nurtured and properly compensated for their achievements,” Bonaventura said in a news release. “This new system and its shared equity model will provide an invigorating environment which will foster great storytelling.”

    And understanding how to build that kind of environment is something Steinberger and Mosher said they developed in their tenures at Comixology.

    “Learning how to work with creators at a high level and do the best for them, which led to the best products, was one of the big things I learned,” Mosher said, referring to individual issues.

    “You want to have empathy for [creators],” Steinberger said. “You want to understand what they need, and try to deliver that every time.”

    More details about Dstlry’s plans will be revealed later this year.

    Comic books in a display rackComic books in a display rack

    Readers will still be able to get Dstlry comics at comic shops if they want physical copies.

    Getty Images

    How Dstlry could affect the comic industry

    The type of commodities market Dstlry is launching has a few advantages over other commodities markets.

    Namely, other commodities depreciate in value after they’re used. Sneakers, for example, depreciate in value the second you put them on your feet. Cars also depreciate in value by as much as 9% to 11% as soon as you drive one off the lot, according to financial counseling firm Ramsey Solutions.

    Detective Comics #27 featuring Batman on the coverDetective Comics #27 featuring Batman on the cover

    A copy of Detective Comics No. 27 sold at auction in 2022 for $1.74 million.

    Spencer Weiner/Getty Images

    With Dstlry’s model, people should be able to read a digital comic as many times as they want, then sell that comic on Dstlry’s digital marketplace for the price they bought the comic for, or higher. Looking to physical comics as an example, Detective Comics No. 27, which introduced Batman in 1939, sold at auction in May 2022 for $1.74 million. Granted, that’s an extreme example that most new comics won’t replicate anytime soon. But Dstlry wants to create a system where creators still make money from the sale — and resale — of their comics at any time.

    That also means if you get into a digital series a few months after it launches, you’ll likely have to pay a higher price for an early comic in that digital series. You’ll probably have to pay more for a physical copy of that comic, too, since those are also sold in limited quantities, but that’s also often true of traditional publishers.

    Admittedly, this could create a predatory resale market. That could happen if people buy as many digital copies of a comic as they can, then once the comic goes out of print, they ask for an absurd amount of money for the digital comics on the Dstlry marketplace. However, this kind of speculation led to a comics industry crash in the ’90s. People who hope to get rich from the resale of these digital comics will have to invest wisely and understand that some of the largest payoffs come after years of waiting.

    The resale of digital comics on Dstlry’s marketplace should have a benefit over physical copies of comics, though.

    With physical copies of comics you need plastic covers and storage space to help keep comics secure and safe, and you’ll have to be vigilant about how they’re stored if you plan on selling them after a certain amount of time.

    Digital copies of comics are limited only by the amount of space on your device. And if Dstlry offers cloud storage, people won’t even have to worry about that.

    An e-reader displaying a book shelfAn e-reader displaying a book shelf

    Maintaining and transporting your digital comics is easier than their physical counterparts.

    Getty Images

    Besides those advatages for readers, Dstlry’s benefits for creators seem obvious, and it addresses an issue some people in the sneaker community have pointed out.

    Nike made over $46 billion in revenue in 2022. Footwear made up about two-thirds of that revenue, at $29 billion. The sneaker resale market alone was estimated to be worth about $10 billion in 2021, according to Axios. It isn’t known how much estimated value Nike sneakers have on the resale market, but you can see there are huge profits in the resale market that companies like Nike are cut out of.

    With Dstlry’s model, each time a digital item is resold, a percentage of that sale goes back to the creators. That means creators will benefit from their work weeks, months or even years after their digital series ends. Though the percentage of an item’s resale value that creators will receive hasn’t been disclosed at this time, any percentage is better than none.

    I’m not expecting Dstlry to fix issues in the comics industry overnight, or even by the end of the year. Systemic changes take time and a lot of buy-in from others, like creators and readers.

    However, I believe creators should get the full benefit from their work. It’s ridiculous that someone can get rich off something a creator made while that creator gets little or nothing in return.

    I’m hopeful for Dstlry, and I plan on supporting the publisher and its creators in the future.

    For more on comics, check out the best comic to read if you’re sick of superheroes, Scott Snyder’s creator-owned comic Dark Spaces: Wildfire and a graphic novel that imagines what it would look like if Jan. 6 succeeded.

  • Woot Sale Saves You up to $450 on Previous-Gen Samsung Phones and Smartwatches

    Woot Sale Saves You up to $450 on Previous-Gen Samsung Phones and Smartwatches

    Samsung makes some of the very best Android devices you’ll find on the market right now, earning spots on our list of the overall best phones and best smartwatches available for 2023. We’ve been impressed by its latest models — the Galaxy S23 series and the Galaxy Watch 5 — but its previous-gen models still have a lot to offer, and right now, you can pick some up at a bargain. Woot is offering up to 58% off Galaxy S22 phones and the Galaxy Watch 4, saving you hundreds compared with the usual list price, along with deals on compatible cases and screen protectors. This sale runs through April 21, but Woot usually has a limited stock, so some items may sell out before then.

    The Galaxy S22 Ultra is the largest and most advanced phone you’ll find at this sale. It features a cutting-edge Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 processor, a 6.8-inch display and an upgraded 5,000-mAh battery and comes with an embedded S Pen stylus. The entry-level Ultra with 128GB of storage has just 8GB of RAM, but models with 256GB or 512GB of storage bump that up to 12GB for speedy performance. Prices start at $748, which saves you a whopping $452 compared to the usual price.

    If you don’t need the most advanced model, the Galaxy S22 and the step-up Galaxy S22 Plus are both on sale for $600, saving you $160 and $400, respectively. They feature similar specs, including an AMOLED display, 8GB of RAM and a 50MP rear camera. The main difference is that the S22 Plus has a slightly larger display — 6.6 inches compared the base model’s 6.1 inches — as well as a larger, 4,500 mAh battery. But note that the Galaxy S22 is only available with 256GB of storage.

    And phones aren’t the only thing you can pick up on sale right now. The Samsung Galaxy Watch 4 is also a generation old, but still boasts some impressive hardware and features, including fitness and workout tracking, support for apps like YouTube and Spotify, real-time notifications from your phone and more. There are two models on sale right now, and both are equipped with LTE support so you can activate it with a cellular service provider. You can grab the 40 mm model for $145, saving you $155, or upgrade a larger 46 mm display for $180, saving you $250.

    Woot also has tons of S22 series cases on sale so you can protect your new phone, with prices starting at just $6. And you can check out our full roundup of all the best phone deals for even more bargains.


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  • The Biggest Features I Want to See on Apple’s iPhone 15

    The Biggest Features I Want to See on Apple’s iPhone 15

    Apple gave us many of the features we’ve been waiting for with the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. These include an always-on display and better multitasking thanks to Apple’s Dynamic Island. But there are a few ways Apple could take things further with the iPhone 15, particularly when it comes to the cheaper, non-Pro models.

    Samsung frequently trickles high-end features down to cheaper phones over time, and I’d like to see Apple embrace this approach more fully, too. The Dynamic Island, for example, could become a more integral part of the iPhone experience if it arrives on Apple’s more affordable devices. It’s also about time that Apple’s regular iPhones got a refresh rate boost.

    Apple typically announces its new iPhones in September and releases them shortly thereafter. Here’s what I’m hoping to see from the iPhone 15 later this year.

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    13:45

    USB-C charging

    The iPhone 13, looking at its Lightning charging portThe iPhone 13, looking at its Lightning charging port

    The iPhone still needs a Lightning cable to charge, but that may not be the case for long.

    Sarah Tew/CNET

    The Lightning connector has been around for 10 years, and it’s time for a change. With so many Apple products making the switch to USB-C, there’s never been a bigger need for one charger that powers all devices. Apple currently has four different types of chargers on the market: Lightning (for iPhones, the 2021 iPad, AirPods and a few other accessories), USB-C (for most new iPads and MacBooks), MagSafe (the wireless magnetic charger for iPhones) and MagSafe 3 (the magnetic charger for the 2022 MacBook Air, 14-inch MacBook Pro and 2021 16-inch MacBook Pro).

    Making new iPhones compatible with USB-C instead of Lightning means you could use the same cable to charge your new phone, the Mac and new iPads. There’s a good chance most of your other electronics use USB-C too.

    The good news is that a USB-C iPhone may not be very far away. Greg Joswiak, Apple’s senior vice president of worldwide marketing, confirmed that the company would comply with the European Union’s mandate that all phones sold in the region would need to have a USB-C charging port. He made the comments during an interview at the Wall Street Journal Tech Live conference. Apple has also previously tested USB-C iPhones, according to Bloomberg.

    However, Apple has not revealed any specifics about its plans. We don’t know if Apple will begin making the switch to USB-C with the iPhone 15 or if it will wait until the following year, since the new rules require USB-C by the end of 2024. Apple also has not said whether USB-C will be coming to all iPhones or just European models, although analysts expect Apple to make a complete shift to USB-C.

    Higher refresh rates on the regular iPhone 15

    An iPhone 14 with a rainbow onscreen background against a blue backdropAn iPhone 14 with a rainbow onscreen background against a blue backdrop

    The iPhone 14 Pro (pictured) has ProMotion, but the regular iPhone 14 doesn’t.

    James Martin/CNET

    Starting with last year’s iPhone 13 Pro, Apple added higher refresh rates to the displays on its premium smartphones. The iPhone 13 Pro, iPhone 13 Pro Max, iPhone 14 Pro and iPhone 14 Pro Max have a feature Apple calls ProMotion, which can boost the screen’s refresh rate as high as 120Hz depending on what’s being shown. This results in more fluid scrolling and smoother animations.

    It’s a small touch, but one that makes the experience feel more pleasant — as my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the iPhone 13 Pro. While having a high refresh rate isn’t a deal breaker, it’s become standard on most smartphones. Google’s $599 Pixel 7 has a 90Hz refresh rate and Samsung’s $800 Galaxy S22 includes a 120Hz refresh rate, for instance. Even the $450 Galaxy A53 5G has a 120Hz display, making its absence on the $799 iPhone 14 feel even more noticeable.

    However, there’s a chance Apple may keep ProMotion exclusive to its high-end smartphones this year. Ross Young, a display industry analyst and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants, tweeted in September that he’s not expecting to see this feature on the standard iPhone 15.

    More features that use the Dynamic Island

    iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic IslandiPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island

    The iPhone 14 Pro Dynamic Island.

    James Martin/CNET

    The Dynamic Island, which is available only on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max, is essentially a second miniature screen. Instead of getting rid of the notch, Apple gave that space a new purpose by using it to display information from other apps.

    For example, you can see music that’s currently playing, timers, and directions in Maps at the top of the screen — eliminating the need to switch between apps. The Dynamic Island makes it easier to multitask on the iPhone 14 Pro, an area in which Apple has traditionally lagged behind Samsung and other Android phones that support split-screen apps.

    Now that the Dynamic Island has proven its value, I’d like to see Apple do even more with it next year. It would be interesting to see Apple use this space to make proactive suggestions, like apps that may be useful based on your activity, the time of day or your schedule. Part of the Dynamic Island’s usefulness also depends on what app developers decide to do with it, too. There are already a handful of apps that incorporate the Dynamic Island, such as Pixel Pals, which essentially looks like a Tamagotchi for your iPhone. But I’m hoping to see more practical use cases for the Dynamic Island that make it feel like a more critical part of your phone, similar to the iPhone’s home screen widgets.

    If Apple does expand the Dynamic Island’s functionality in the future, there’s a chance you may not need the iPhone 15 to take advantage of it. Instead, Apple could build new Dynamic Island features into its next major software update, which is likely to be called iOS 17.

    A smaller notch on the regular iPhone 15

    iPhone 14 PlusiPhone 14 Plus

    The iPhone 14 and 14 Plus (pictured) still have a notch.

    James Martin/CNET

    If Apple isn’t going to bring the Dynamic Island to the base iPhone 15, I hope it at least makes the notch less intrusive. The notch hasn’t changed all that much since its debut on the iPhone X in 2017, aside from the Dynamic Island on the iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max. Meanwhile, other smartphone makers like Samsung, Google and OnePlus have found ways to provide edge-to-edge screens on their devices without carving out a large notch for the front-facing camera. Reducing the notch’s size would likely result in more screen space and a more modern look for the iPhone 15.

    If Apple does move in this direction, we might have to wait until the iPhone 16 to see it. Ming-Chi Kuo, an analyst with TF International Securities known for his Apple predictions, estimates under-display Face ID and front-facing camera sensors will be coming in 2024.

    That said, there are good reasons why the iPhone still has a larger notch than many of its competitors. It mostly comes down to Face ID, which is more sophisticated than the facial recognition systems found on other phones like the Pixel 7, which Google cautions shouldn’t be used for authenticating sensitive data like payment information.

    However, if Bloomberg’s often-accurate Mark Gurman is to be believed, Apple will bring the Dynamic Island to all four new iPhone models in 2023.

    Reverse wireless charging

    A Samsung phone with a Samsung smartwatch resting on top of itA Samsung phone with a Samsung smartwatch resting on top of it

    Certain Samsung devices have Wireless PowerShare for charging other devices.

    Sarah Tew/CNET

    Many Android phones have reverse wireless charging, which is exactly what it sounds like. You can use the back of phones like the Galaxy S22 and Pixel 7 to charge other devices, like a smartwatch or earbuds. While it’s likely not a must-have for most people, I can imagine it being very useful for avid AirPods users.

    No one likes being stuck on their morning commute with a dead pair of AirPods. Having the option to get just enough juice to make it through my 30-minute train ride by placing my AirPods on the back of my phone for a few minutes could be a game changer. Yes, you’ll have to sacrifice some of your phone’s battery. But if you’re traveling to a destination where you’ll easily be able to charge your phone once you arrive — like the office — it might be worth that tradeoff.

    The return of Touch ID

    The Touch ID sensor on the iPad Air from 2020The Touch ID sensor on the iPad Air from 2020

    The iPad Air includes Touch ID in the power button.

    Scott Stein/CNET

    While Face ID is convenient in many situations, there are instances in which using your finger to unlock your phone is just more practical. That’s why I’m hoping Touch ID makes a comeback on the iPhone. Maybe you haven’t had time to set up Face ID so that it works with a mask yet, or perhaps you’re just not holding your iPhone at the right angle for Face ID.

    Apple clearly sees the value in fingerprint recognition, considering the top button on the latest standard iPad and iPad Air have Touch ID. Doing the same for the iPhone 15 would add more convenience, giving users the choice to use Face ID or Touch ID depending on the situation. Most Android phones have both a fingerprint reader and some form of facial recognition, so it would be great to see iPhone users get the same options.

    It’s unclear whether Apple will ever bring Touch ID back to the iPhone. While the analyst Kuo previously predicted that future iPhones would get an under-display fingerprint sensor, he changed his outlook in March 2022. With rumors from Kuo suggesting that Apple may cancel the iPhone SE it had previously planned for 2024, introducing a new iPhone with Touch ID could be more important than ever.

    The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max already address many of the previous shortcomings of Apple’s smartphones. The updates I’m hoping to see in the iPhone 15 may not seem revolutionary, but they’re bound to make everyday tasks like charging and unlocking your phone a bit easier.

  • iOS 16.5 Beta 2: What Your iPhone Could Be Getting Soon

    iOS 16.5 Beta 2: What Your iPhone Could Be Getting Soon

    Less than a week after Apple released an important security update with iOS 16.4.1, the company rolled out the second beta version of iOS 16.5, on Wednesday. Bug fixes, security updates and new features, like new emoji and Voice Isolation in calls, were released with iOS 16.4.

    CNET Tech Tips logoCNET Tech Tips logo

    New iOS features can be fun, but we recommend downloading a beta only on something other than your primary phone, just in case the new software causes issues. Apple also provides beta testers with an app called Feedback, which they can use to notify the company about any issues in the new software. That way, problems can be addressed before general release.

    Here are the new features beta testers can try now with iOS 16.5 beta 2.

    Apple News gets a Sports tab

    The Apple News app launched in 2015, and the first iOS 16.5 beta brought a Sports tab to the app for the first time. The tab can be found in the toolbar across the bottom of your screen when you open the app. Before, the toolbar displayed tabs for Today, News Plus, Audio, Following and Search. The iOS 16.5 beta 1 got rid of the Search tab to make room for the Sports tab.

    Ask Siri to start a screen recording

    With iOS 16.5 beta 1, you could ask Siri to start a screen recording for you. Prior to that beta, you had to go to add the screen recording tool to your Control Center, then turn on the tool manually. Now asking Siri could save you time, since you won’t have to edit out the beginning and end of your videos where you turn the recording on and off.

    There’s no word on when iOS 16.5 will be released to the general public. There’s also no guarantee these beta features will be released with iOS 16.5, or that these will be the only features to come out with the update.

    For more, check out the important security fixes in iOS 16.4.1, what you may have missed with iOS 16.4 and how to become an Apple beta tester so you can try out new iOS features before others.

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  • Best iPhone Deals 2023: Cheapest Ways to Get an Apple Phone

    Best iPhone Deals 2023: Cheapest Ways to Get an Apple Phone

    Apple’s phones are some of the best on the market right now, with several iPhone models claiming a spot on our list of the best phones overall for 2023. Their one major drawback is that they’re expensive, with some some high-end models starting north of $1,000. But that doesn’t mean you have to pay full price to get your hands on one. Both carriers and retailers are offering some great bargains right now, so you can get a sleek new iPhone in your pocket for less.

    The CNET team scours the web to bring you the very best carrier and retailer offers on all of Apple’s current iPhone models, whether you want the latest iPhone 14, the budget-friendly 2022 iPhone SE or an older model like the iPhone 13 or 12. We’ll continue to update this page as offers come and go, so be sure to check back often for the best prices available.

    An iPhone 14 Pro against a blue background.An iPhone 14 Pro against a blue background.
    James Martin/CNET

    Best iPhone deals available now

    Find the best deals for models across iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 12, iPhone SE 2022 and older iPhone models below grouped by generation.


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    iPhone 14 deals

    The iPhone 14 series is Apple’s current flagship line of phones and includes the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone 14 Pro and top-spec iPhone 14 Pro Max. Being Apple’s latest and greatest, these phones don’t come cheap, though there are iPhone deals out there to reduce the sticker shock.

    James Martin/CNET

    The iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro are available to buy directly from Apple, with delivery and in-store pickup options. You can trade in your old device for up to $600 off your new one and use an Apple Card to get 3% back on your purchase.

    James Martin/CNET

    Verizon is offering up to $800 off iPhone 14 purchases for both new and existing customers via bill credits when you trade in your old device. Applied over 36 months, the credits require you to take out a new line on Verizon’s One Unlimited for iPhone plan, or one of its 5G Do More, 5G Play More or 5G Get More plans, or be eligible for an upgrade if you already have a line on a qualifying plan. The One Unlimited for iPhone plan is particularly appealing for those all-in on the Apple ecosystem, as it saves you up to $480 per year with its inclusion of an Apple One family account. Those who switch their existing number over from another carrier will get an added bonus in the form of a $200 Verizon gift card.

    Verizon is also offering $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro and $460 off a ninth-gen iPad with the purchase if you’re looking to add even more Apple devices to your collection. Though you’ll need a new line for the tablet as well.

    James Martin/CNET

    Best Buy isn’t carrying any unlocked models at the moment, but you can save big on carrier models with a trade-in. Both AT&T and Verizon customers can save up to $800, or up to $1,000 for T-Mobile customers, with an eligible trade-in and qualified activation.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Apple iPhone 14 (256GB, Midnight)

    James Martin/CNET

    New and existing customers buying an iPhone 14 or 14 Pro at AT&T can save as much as $800 with trade-in. To get the discount, buy an iPhone 14 device on a qualifying installment agreement, activate or keep eligible unlimited voice and data wireless service, and hand over your old phone in good working condition. You’ll get $800 in bill credits for trade-ins valued at $130 or higher, and even older and damaged devices valued at just $35 or more will still net you $350 in trade-in credit.

    James Martin/CNET

    Snag an iPhone 14 and 14 Pro from $0 at T-Mobile with an eligible trade-in and a new line of service. The discount of up to $1,000 is applied via 24 monthly bill credits and requires you to activate a new line of service on a Magenta Max plan. If you don’t want or need a Magenta Max plan, you can still save up to $830 with a trade-in and new line on other qualifying plans. T-Mobile is also offering $700 off a second iPhone with the purchase of your first and activation on a new line of service on a qualifying plan.

    James Martin/CNET

    Visible isn’t offering any discounts on the new iPhone 14 series, but if you have a phone you want to trade in you can potentially get some value for your old device.

    iPhone 13 deals

    The iPhone 13 may not be Apple’s flagship series anymore, but these are still some super powerful phones worth considering. With the iPhone 14 taking top spot, there are some great iPhone 13 deals to be found right now.

    You can trade in your old iPhone and get as much as $600 off the iPhone 13 when you hand over an iPhone 12 or older. You can choose to finance your phone and Apple will apply the value as credit, or you can pay the full amount of the phone and they’ll credit your payment method after receiving the old phone. Also, you’ll get 3% back if you pay with an Apple card.

    AT&T is offering iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro devices from just $15 per month on qualifying installment plans without the need to trade in your old phone. The discount saves you up to $190 and is applied as bill credits over 36 months. And while it’s not required to get this deal, AT&T does offer discounts for trade-ins as well.

    T-Mobile offers up to $830 in bill credits when you trade in an older iPhone for a newer model, meaning the 128GB iPhone 13 is effectively free for those starting a new line. You can also save $700 on a second iPhone with the purchase of your first and a new line of service on a Magenta Max plan. T-Mobile also has its own trade-in program where existing customers can still save hundreds in exchange for their old phone without a new line of service.

    If you’re a new Verizon customer, you can pick up an iPhone 13 for free when adding a new line on any unlimited plan. And if you’re an existing customer who’s eligible for an upgrade, you can still save up to $600 when you trade in your old or damaged device. New customers will also get a free $200 Verizon gift card when switching their existing number over from another carrier. The company is also offering some other bonuses, like a free ninth-gen iPad and $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro with your purchase.

    iPhone 12 deals

    Though it’s no longer the latest model, Apple still sells the iPhone 12 and reduced its price when the iPhone 13 launched in 2021 making for some stellar iPhone deals. It’s a solid upgrade for anyone still using an older iPhone who doesn’t want to spend top dollar.

    Apple offers as much as $600 off iPhone purchases with trade-in, though the top discounts are for people trading in iPhone 13 series devices which you’re unlikely to be doing when buying an iPhone 12. That being said, older models like iPhone 11 Pro Max can still net you up to $280 off and select Android phones are also eligible for trade-in.

    Verizon is offering $600 off iPhone 12 with a new line on an unlimited plan meaning you can effectively get the 64GB device for free there without the need to hand over your old phone. Verizon is also offering some other bonuses like a free a 9th-gen iPad, $120 off select Apple Watches and $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro, though you’ll need to activate the new devices on a qualifying plan as well.

    T-Mobile has a few deals on iPhone 12 right now including as much as $830 off when you trade in your old phone and add a new line. If you don’t have a device to trade in, you can still save up to $215 with a new line on a qualifying plan.

    iPhone SE (2022) deals

    The budget option in Apple’s lineup, the iPhone SE was updated in 2022 but is still targeted squarely at people who want a no-frills iPhone experience. From $429, it’s the affordable device for anyone who wants to stick with a familiar experience.

    Best Buy isn’t offering any deals on unlocked models of the iPhone SE at the moment, but the tech retailer has partnered with AT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile, and is offering some ways to save on carrier models. AT&T customers can save $100 with a new line, while T-Mobile customers cans save up to $215 with a new line, and will get an extra $100 for trade-ins. At the moment, there aren’t any deals for Verizon customers, but Best Buy does have its own trade-in program, where you can save up to $650 in exchange for your old phone.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Apple iPhone SE (64GB, Starlight)

    If you prefer to buy your new iPhone right from the source, you can do that with the iPhone SE. Apple has all the carrier models along with the unlocked one. And if you’re already an iPhone owner looking to switch to the new SE, Apple is offering up to $600 when you trade-in an iPhone 7 or newer. With a base price of $429, that means that you could theoretically get the new SE totally free, though you’re probably going to be trading a phone that gets you $40 to $100 off. If your trade-in doesn’t cover the full cost, you can pay the remaining cost in full, or split it into 24 months of interest-free payments when you use an Apple Card during checkout.

    While Verizon deals on upgrading existing lines are pretty slim right now, there is a great offer available if you’re looking to add a new line of service. When you buy an iPhone SE on a new line with any unlimited plan, you can save $430, which gets you the 64GB model for free. Just note that the discount will be applied in the form of monthly credits over a 36-month period, even if you buy the phone outright.

    Verizon is also offering some other bonuses like a $70 off a pair of Beats Fit Pro, $120 off select Apple Watches and a free 9th-gen iPad, though you’ll need to activate the new devices on a qualifying plan as well.

    The iPhone SE deal direct at T-Mobile is the same as the one offered via Best Buy with $215 off via monthly bill credits with a new line.

    Spectrum is another carrier that has the 2022 iPhone SE available for purchase, though the deals are pretty slim. The only offer available is an extra $100 on top of the estimated value of your device with a qualifying trade-in and a new line of service.

    Metro has the best prepaid offer of any retailer or carrier out there at the moment. When you purchase an iPhone SE at full retail price and switch your existing number over to Metro’s $60-per-month unlimited data plan, you’ll get an instant $330 rebate. Meaning you’re getting the iPhone SE for a single $100 purchase, rather than discounted via monthly credits. Those who don’t have a number to switch over can still save $100 with the activation of a new line on a qualifying Metro plan. If you’re looking to purchase your phone outright, this is the best offer you’ll find, though you’ll have to actually go to the store in person to claim it.

    Note: Because Metro is owned by T-Mobile, this offer is not available to those switching their number from an existing T-Mobile plan.

    Visible isn’t offering any discounts on the iPhone SE, but if you have a phone you want to trade in you can potentially get some value for your old device.

    Which iPhone deal is the best?

    While it appears a simple question at first, the best iPhone deal for you might be different from the best iPhone deal for someone else. Apple currently sells eight different iPhone models, so choosing the right one for you means assessing your needs and preferences when it comes to things like design, features, cameras and price.

    The current iPhone 14 is going to be the best iPhone for most people as it balances top-tier features with a relatively affordable price (especially with the above deals). It has a bright and clear OLED display, 5G support and cameras that are more than good enough for day-to-day use, and the A15 Bionic chip powering it is a portable powerhouse.

    Take the step up to the iPhone 14 Pro line and you’ll get an additional camera lens for macro photography, a more powerful A16 Bionic chip, a brighter display with the new Dynamic Island feature plus a heftier feeling stainless steel construction. It’s the best iPhone for those that want the latest and greatest technology from Apple.

    iPhone 13 Pro Max compared to other iPhone modelsiPhone 13 Pro Max compared to other iPhone models
    Sarah Tew/CNET

    The outgoing iPhone 13 models are still stellar phones, though, and you can pick up the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini from Apple for a while longer. If value is your main decision driver, the iPhone 12 is also still available from Apple and from carriers with some significant markdowns. Just because these are previous-gen devices, that doesn’t mean they might not be the best iPhone for you with their great displays, cameras and speedy performance making them great value for money. Plus, Apple is great at supporting its older devices with software updates for many years after they are released.

    If you want the most affordable iPhone, you’re going to be looking at the iPhone SE (at least when it comes to brand new phones, that is). Updated in 2022, the third-generation iPhone SE maintains the overall design of the iPhone 8 which will be familiar to a lot of iPhone buyers. Don’t be fooled by its classic appearance, though, as inside it is powered by the beefy A15 Bionic chip found in the current flagship iPhone models. It also offers 5G connectivity and a 12-megapixel camera. For $429, it’s a lot of iPhone for not a lot of money.

    What is the cheapest iPhone deal?

    To buy outright in new condition, the iPhone SE is going to offer the cheapest iPhone deal. It starts at $429 contract-free and you can find carriers offering iPhone SE deals from as little as $11 per month making it a super affordable choice.

    Apple also still sells the iPhone 12 from $600 meaning you can get a more modern-looking device with an edge-to-edge display and dual camera system for not much more, though it’s powered by the slower and older A14 Bionic chip.

    When is the best time to snag an iPhone deal?

    There are a few points in the year that make the most sense to buy an iPhone. The first is when a new model launches, usually in September each year. If you’re an early adopter that wants the best device as soon as possible, that’s when you’ll get it. It’s also a great time of year to buy if you’re looking for an iPhone deal as prices on older models drop to make room for the new devices.

    Other times of year that make the most sense are during major sale seasons, including annual events like Labor Day sales, Black Friday and Amazon Prime Day. Apple tends not to participate in these events, at least not directly, but you can bet third-party retailers and carriers will be offering some of their best iPhone deals of the year at these times.


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