Category: Technologies

When it comes to comfort and sound quality, over-ear headphones tend to lead the pack. And while some high-end models can be pretty pricey, right now we’ve found a pretty amazing deal that scores you a great pair for nearly $300 off. Harman Audio, as well as Walmart and eBay, currently have these advanced AKG Y600NC headphones on sale for just $60, which saves you 83% compared with the usual price. Without a set expiration, we can’t guarantee how long this deal will last. But it you don’t want to miss out on these incredible savings, we’d recommend getting your order in soon.

These AKG headphones are packed full of high-end features, making them just about the best pair you’ll find in the under-$100 price range at the moment. They boast noise-canceling capabilities, plus an aware mode for when you need to be able to hear your surroundings. And with an ergonomic design and memory-foam ear cushions, they’re designed for premium comfort.

They also promise impressive audio quality, especially for Samsung users (AKG and Harman are Samsung brands), thanks to UHQ codec support. Plus, you can fine-tune your audio using the AKG companion app. Other features include an auto play/pause function that stops your music when you remove the headphones, multipoint Bluetooth connectivity and an impressive 25-hour battery life on a single charge.

This is definitely a great value, but if you’re in the market for a different pair, you can check out our roundup of all the best earbuds and headphones deals for even more bargains.

Unless you’re a professional programmer or a serious artist, chances are you don’t need to spend thousands on a high-end laptop. These days, affordable models, and even some Chromebooks, have all the hardware you need for browsing, streaming and other day-to-day tasks, and you don’t need to break the bank to get your hands on one. Right now, Woot is offering up to 46% off Lenovo IdeaPad and ThinkPad laptops, and you can get your hands on one for as little as $100. This sale runs through Thursday, March 23, but Woot generally has a limited supply available, so some models may sell out before then.

There’s a few different models available at this sale, so no matter your needs and your budget, you’ll find what you’re looking for at a discount. If you just need the most basic functions of web browsing, you can pick up this IdeaPad Chromebook for just $100, which is $50 off the usual price. It has a compact 11.6-inch HD display, 4GB of RAM, 32GB of built-in storage and uses Google’s user-friendly Chrome OS.

Or, for $70 more, you can upgrade to this IdeaPad S150. In addition to a larger 14-inch display and double the built-in storage, it operates using Windows 10 Home, so it’s compatible with a wider range of applications. And the most advanced laptop you’ll find at this sale is the ThinkPad X390, which typically lists for $850, but is currently on sale for just $600. It features a 13.3-inch full HD display, and comes equipped with an Intel Core i7 processor, 8GB of RAM and a 256GB solid-state drive. It also comes with some other helpful features like a built-in webcam and SD card reader. It operates using Windows 10 Pro, but also supports Windows 11 if you want to upgrade.

And if you don’t see what you’re looking for at this sale, you can check out our roundup of all the best laptop deals available now for even more bargains.

This story is part of 12 Days of Tips, helping you make the most of your tech, home and health during the holiday season.

Microsoft 365 is the most recent version of the Microsoft Office set of tools, and it includes programs that you already use at home, school or work. Some of the programs include Word, Outlook and Powerpoint, and buying a Microsoft 365 membership is still the most popular way to access these tools and more.

On Jan. 11, Microsoft announced the release of Microsoft 365 Basic which costs $2 a month, or $20 for a yearly subscription. However, you can snag Microsoft 365 at no cost under some circumstances.

Microsoft’s suite of productivity software consists of classics like Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook, as well as newer apps like Microsoft Teams, OneDrive and SharePoint.

The suite typically costs $20 to $100 a year for subscription access across devices and family members. Microsoft also has a standalone version of Microsoft Office for Windows and Mac, called Office Home and Student 2021, for a flat $150 — no subscription required.

Here are the versions of Office 365, Microsoft 365 and their apps that you can find online for free.

Get Microsoft Office 365 Education free if you’re a student or a teacher

If you’re a student, teacher or faculty member with an active school email address, you’re likely eligible to get access to Office 365 for free through Microsoft, with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote and Teams, plus other classroom tools.

All you have to do is enter your school email address on this page on Microsoft’s website: Office 365 Education. In many cases, you’ll be instantly granted access thanks to an automated verification process. If you attend an institution that needs to be verified, it might take up to a month to confirm your eligibility.

College students can also get Microsoft 365 Personal for $3 a month with a valid school email address.

How to get Microsoft Office suite free if you’re anyone else

Anyone can get a one-month free trial of Microsoft 365. However, it does require you to enter a credit card number. And if you don’t cancel before the month is up, you’ll be charged $100 for a one-year subscription to Microsoft 365 Family (formerly called Office 365 Home).

The good news is if you don’t need the full suite of Microsoft 365 tools, you can access a number of its apps online for free, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneDrive, Outlook, Calendar, My Content, Skype, Designer and Clipchamp. Here’s how to get them:

1. Go to Microsoft365.com.

2. Click Sign up for the free version of Office under the “Sign in” button.

3. Log in to your Microsoft account or create one for free. If you already have a Windows, Skype or Xbox Live login, you have an active Microsoft account.

4. Select the app you want to use and save your work in the cloud with OneDrive.

So what’s the catch for the free version?

You may be saying, “Wait a minute, if I can get all of those apps for free, why pay for Microsoft 365 in the first place?” Well, the functionality of the free apps is limited: They only run in your web browser and you can only use them while you’re actively connected to the internet. They also have fewer features than the full Microsoft 365 versions.

There are still a number of benefits, however, including the ability to share links to your work and collaborate in real time, similar to what the Google Workspace (formerly G Suite) productivity tools allow. If you’re looking for basic versions of each of these apps, the free version should work well for you.

For more productivity coverage, check out what Microsoft 365 Basic offers customers, all of the best features in Windows 11 and how to take screenshots in Windows 10 or 11. You can also take a look at CNET’s list of the best Windows laptops.

There are a lot of smartwatch options out there, and while the Apple Watch remains a top pick for a lot of people, if you’re a fan of Android, you can’t beat the Google Pixel Watch.

This solid Apple Watch alternative is our favorite Android smartwatch for 2023 — and right now you can get up to 15% off at Amazon. The sale brings the LTE version down to $350 and the Wi-Fi version to just $299. These are equal to the best Pixel Watch deals we’ve seen for both variants since the device launched last year, but the savings will likely expire. Other retailers like Walmart and Target are matching the deals, and you can go direct to the Google Store for $50 in savings too.

The Google Pixel Watch is sleek and stylish, with a 41mm OLED screen. But it’s packed with helpful features, too. From a range of health sensors including an ECG app and blood-oxygen tracking, to contactless payments through Google Wallet, on-wrist notifications, scratch- and water-resistance for durability and more, this watch is a powerhouse. It even won a CNET Editors’ Choice Award last year. And you don’t need a Pixel phone to use this smartwatch — it’s compatible with all current Android phones.

It’s worth noting that the battery life on this smartwatch isn’t as strong as other options out there, so expect to charge your Pixel Watch every day, especially if you use GPS features or sleep tracking. However, if that doesn’t deter you, it’s an excellent smartwatch. You’ll also get six months of Fitbit Premium included when you buy.

Read more: Pixel Watch vs. Galaxy Watch 5: Which Android Watch Is the Best Choice?

Ready for Succession to take over your Sundays? After winning the Emmy for best drama series last year (and in 2020), the HBO series is bringing the dysfunctional Roys back for another season — and it’s the last one.

Picking up after the season 3 finale, season 4 will see the sale of Waystar Royco move ever closer, according to HBO. It’ll consist of 10 episodes and star the usual talented crew — Brian Cox, Jeremy Strong, Sarah Snook, Kieran Culkin and 2022 Emmy winner Matthew Macfadyen among them.

Here’s how you can tune into the fourth and final season of Succession. Plus, learn how a virtual private network can come in handy while you stream.

Release dates for Succession season 4

The Succession season 4 premiere airs on HBO on Sunday, March 26, at 9 p.m. ET and PT. It’ll also be available to stream on HBO Max at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT. You can expect more Succession episodes to drop like this on Sunday evenings.

Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2023 | HBO Max Review: Expensive but Its Catalog Is Packed

Watch in Canada

Watch in the UK

Watch in Australia

How to watch Succession season 4 with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Succession while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to shows and movies from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming, too.

A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are legal in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose a country where Succession will be streaming on your platform of choice. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you’re connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream Succession on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to log into your streaming media provider.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.

It took some late heroics, but Team USA’s World Baseball Classic journey isn’t over just yet. After a monster grand slam by Trea Turner in the eighth inning Saturday night helped the Americans take down Venezuela, America’s baseball team will continue its quest for a WBC repeat on Sunday when it takes on Cuba.

First pitch for the USA-Cuba game is scheduled for Sunday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on Fox. The winner of USA-Cuba will play the victor of Monday’s Mexico-Japan semifinals contest in the WBC’s championship game on Tuesday night. Here’s everything you need to know to watch the WBC semifinals and finals, with or without cable.

How can I watch the World Baseball Classic?

You can watch the rest of the WBC on FS1 and Fox Deportes with a live TV streaming service, but keep in mind that not every service carries every network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries Fox in your area.

Games can also be streamed live online through FoxSports.com or the Fox Sports app, but you’ll need to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login.

How to use a VPN to watch the WBC from anywhere

If you’re traveling outside your home country and want to watch the WBC, or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming, there is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to WBC broadcasts, which comes in handy if you find yourself unable to view the games locally. A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

If you can’t find a convenient opportunity to watch the WBC where you live, using a VPN with a US-based server should provide access to some or all of the streaming options listed below. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, as long as you’ve got a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. See our list of best VPNs for more and check out other great VPN deals taking place right now.

Quick tips for streaming the WBC using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.

Your phone is essential, and losing access to it — whether it gets lost, stolen or broken — feels like quickly getting cut off from the rest of the world. I learned this the hard way when I lost my phone while riding a roller coaster and the staff let me know the chances of it being recovered were slim to none. At the time, I had a cell phone insurance plan through my wireless carrier. That plan allowed me to pay a deductible fee to replace the phone, saving me hundreds of dollars compared with having to buy a brand-new device.

Now, there are several options for insurance to protect your device from damage or loss. On top of that, Apple makes it very easy to set up the Find My app for free, which should allow you to track your phone down in most situations including when it is turned off. That said, for slightly more money you can opt for either an AppleCare Plus plan or a phone insurance plan through your wireless carrier that covers theft or loss incidents too.

But what’s the main difference between these phone insurance plans, and which one will save you the most money? For CNET’s We Do the Math, we took a closer look at both kinds of programs, comparing AppleCare Plus to Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T’s respective phone insurance plans to determine which one is best for you.

While AppleCare Plus is typically the cheapest option, another may better fit your needs and save you more money in the long run. (For more We Do the Math, check out if streaming is really cheaper than cable, and if Xbox Game Pass costs less than buying the games.)

AppleCare vs. wireless carrier insurance plans (iPhone 14 prices)

	Monthly/2-year cost	Screen repair cost	Accidental damage repair deductible	Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus	$8/$149	$29	$99	$149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss	$11.49/$219	$29	$99	$149
Verizon Mobile Protect (Single Line)	$17/$408	$29 ($0 after April 27)	$229 ($99 after April 27)	$229
AT&T Protect Advantage (Single Line)	$17/$408	$29	$0 when repairing battery, $275 when replacing device	$275
T-Mobile Protection 360	$18/$432	$29	$99	$249

And just a note: You should not sign up for both AppleCare Plus and your wireless carrier insurance. It can be easy to do so by accident. I was once erroneously signed up for T-Mobile’s Protection 360 plan for my Apple Watch SE when I added it as a new line to my account, resulting in a $13 charge that was initially placed on my bill.

That extra charge was eventually refunded after making it clear to customer service that I never signed up for the service. As a precaution, keep an eye out for any similar mistakes when signing up for service at any wireless carrier.

In this article:

• AppleCare Plus: When you want Apple to handle everything​
• Phone insurance from your wireless provider​
• Verizon Wireless protection plans are getting better in April​​
• AT&T Protect Advantage plans ​​​​​
• T-Mobile Protection 360 and Basic Device Protection​​
• AppleCare Plus is cheaper, but make sure it works for you​​​

AppleCare Plus: When you want Apple to handle everything

When you buy an iPhone, AppleCare Plus will be heavily advertised as a protection option. You can sign up directly from your phone’s settings menu for 60 days after you purchase the device.

The benefits of going with AppleCare Plus come down to whether you’d prefer to work with Apple over your carrier should anything happen to your iPhone. If you live near an Apple retail store, you can use that location or a provider authorized by Apple for local assistance. Otherwise, you’ll work with Apple’s customer support team to arrange mail-away repairs.

AppleCare Plus plans come in two varieties: A base plan that covers device repairs, and a slightly more expensive one that covers theft along with loss. The actual cost of your plan varies based on the type of iPhone you own and whether you decide to buy a two-year plan or go monthly.

Under the current AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss plans, a monthly plan for an iPhone 14 Pro or an iPhone 14 Pro Max costs $13.49 per month, or $269 over two years. For an iPhone 14 Plus, you’ll pay $12.49 a month or $249 for two years. The base iPhone 14, iPhone 13, iPhone 13 Mini and iPhone 12 are $11.49 per month, or $219 for two years. And the cheapest is the iPhone SE at $7.49 per month and $149 for two years.

If you don’t need Theft and Loss coverage and are only interested in phone repairs, AppleCare Plus prices are slightly cheaper. The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max plans are $10 per month or $199 for two years. The iPhone 14 Plus is $9 per month or $179 for two years. The base iPhone 14, 13, 12 and 13 Mini are $8 per month or $149 for two years. And the iPhone SE comes in at $4 per month or $79 for two years.

Both types of AppleCare Plus plans cover unlimited repairs for accidental damage to the iPhone itself, the battery inside of the iPhone and the included USB-C to Lightning cable. You should note that a repair will still incur a service fee or deductible. These costs range from $29 for screen or back glass repairs to $99 for most other accidental damage incidents or $149 to replace a stolen device.

The plans also include customer support for iOS issues, including assistance using iOS, help connecting to Wi-Fi and questions about other Apple services like FaceTime.

AppleCare Plus is also included with the iPhone Upgrade Program, Apple’s monthly payment program that allows for yearly trade-ins toward the next year’s device. Under that program, you’ll either pay for your phone over the course of 24 months or make 12 payments to upgrade early. This begins at $39.50 per month for the iPhone 14 and costs as much as $74.91 per month for the iPhone 14 Pro Max with 1TB of storage.

The most obvious downside to relying on AppleCare Plus is that Apple’s plans focus solely on the phone itself, with limited access to supporting you through changes to your wireless service. If you would prefer to work with your wireless provider on all things pertaining to your device, carriers themselves also offer a series of insurance options that provide comparable coverage for repairs, theft and loss.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss

	AppleCare Plus monthly/2-year prices	AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss monthly/2-year prices
Apple iPhone 14 Pro/Pro Max	$10/$199	$13.49/$269
Apple iPhone 14 Plus	$9/$179	$12.49/$249
Apple iPhone 12/13/13 Mini/14	$8/$149	$11.49/$219
Apple iPhone SE	$4/$79	$7.49/$149

Phone insurance from your wireless provider

Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T all offer phone insurance plans similar to AppleCare Plus — and sometimes will even process your repair through Apple. The wireless carriers also have multidevice insurance options, which allow you to bundle together coverage for other devices like a cellular-connected smartwatch or tablet.

Some carriers include additional benefits beyond just repair and replacement services. For instance, the program could include subscriptions to security software or a hardware upgrade option.

Verizon Wireless protection plans are getting better in April

Verizon includes an extensive list of device insurance and phone protection plans, but its best offerings aren’t arriving until April 27. Starting at that date, the carrier will reduce or eliminate some of the service fees associated with device repair and add data recovery services (more on that below). Existing plans and prices will remain the same.

The sheer number of paths you can take for device protection at Verizon will vary. The most basic is the Wireless Phone Protection plan, which covers lost, stolen or damaged devices. The step-up Total Equipment Coverage plan includes extended warranty coverage. And the most expensive insurance packages are Verizon’s Mobile Protect plans, which can be purchased for a single device or in a multidevice bundle for three to 10 devices.

The Mobile Protect plans include the carrier’s Mobile Secure apps for services like identity theft monitoring and blocking robocalls. Also included is access to Verizon’s Tech Coach support team, meant for help with device setup, optimization and ongoing support.

The monthly rates are roughly the same across most recent iPhone models, starting at $7.25 per month for Wireless Phone Protection. This goes up to $11.40 per month for the Total Equipment Coverage plan, $17 per month for Verizon Mobile Protect Single Device and $50 per month for Verizon Mobile Protect Multi-Device. For the latter, each additional line after the first three devices will cost another $11.40.

Deductibles however vary between models, with the iPhone SE costing $129 per incident and the iPhone 14 Pro Max reaching $249 per incident. Both deductibles are substantially cheaper than buying a new phone, but they are still fairly expensive. Starting April 27, Verizon’s Mobile Protect plan is reducing deductibles to $99 and removing the screen repair deductible. The cheaper Wireless Phone Protection plan will continue to offer higher deductible prices for loss and theft after April 27. But that plan will also offer the $99 deductible for damage, along with including cracked screen repair for no additional cost.

If you have a particular habit of breaking your screen regularly, Verizon’s plans could be appealing after April 27 when that service is essentially made free. The multidevice plans are also notable since they include coverage for smartwatches and tablets in addition to phones. However, if your primary concern is device recovery after accidental damage beyond a cracked screen or a theft, the AppleCare Plus plans appear to be cheaper on both the monthly fee price and the deductible price.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. Verizon Mobile protect single device (iPhone 14 prices)

	Monthly/2-year cost	Screen repair cost	Accidental damage repair deductible	Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus	$8/$149	$29	$99	$149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss	$11.49/$219	$29	$99	$149
Verizon Mobile Protect (Single Line)	$17/$408	$29 ($0 after April 27)	$229 ($99 after April 27)	$229

AT&T Protect Advantage plans

AT&T offers device insurance through its Protect Advantage plans, which include perks alongside device repairs and replacements. The carrier offers Protect Advantage as either a single-device plan or a multiple-device plan, with the former pricing at $14 or $17 per month depending on your device. The multiple-device plan supports up to four phones, tablets, smartwatches or connected laptops at $45 per month.

For each eligible device, the carrier will do repairs or replacements relating to the device itself, the battery, the charger and the SIM card. Services include next-day delivery and setup for replacement devices, unlimited screen repairs at $29 per occurrence, unlimited battery replacement and unlimited out-of-warranty malfunction claims. Battery replacements do not have an additional cost. Each approved repair claim will come with a service fee or replacement deductible, ranging from $25 to $275 depending on the device and if a replacement is necessary.

AT&T’s plans also include services that are being offered by Asurion Tech Repair and Solutions and uBreakiFix stores, promising that subscribers can use in-store services like device cleaning, data recovery and performance optimization. In-person support for data recovery and performance could be useful for those who don’t consider themselves tech-savvy, but I put less stock into the device sanitizing service. You can easily do that yourself with cleaning wipes or a microfiber cloth.

The Protect Advantage plans also include unlimited photo and video storage, which could be an alternative to subscribing to a different cloud service (though your photos would be stored with AT&T).

New York state residents get the option to purchase AT&T’s Protect Advantage services individually. For instance, a subscriber in that state could choose between device insurance starting at $2.25 per month, an extended service contract starting at $6 per month or the in-store ProTech services starting at $6 per month. This could be particularly useful for a New York-based subscriber who does not expect to ever handle these replacements by visiting a physical store, since you can choose to opt out of that ProTech cost.

Another wrinkle to AT&T’s Protect Advantage plans is that they work similarly to signing up for health insurance: You can enroll either within 30 days of activating a new device or during an open enrollment period — one’s currently running until March 15. After March 15, you’ll have to wait until the next open enrollment to register. An AT&T rep said the enrollment periods take place sporadically, with no set schedule.

Like Verizon’s Mobile Protect Plans, AT&T’s options could be useful for people who want their device insurance to encompass a wide variety of devices under the same plan. However, some of the perks offered might not be of immediate use or interest, which is worth considering if deciding between AT&T’s offering or an AppleCare Plus plan.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. AT&T Protect Advantage single device (iPhone 14 prices)

	Monthly/2-year cost	Screen repair cost	Accidental damage repair deductible	Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus	$8/$149	$29	$99	$149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss	$11.49/$219	$29	$99	$149
AT&T Protect Advantage (Single Line)	$17/$408	$29	$0 when repairing battery, $275 when replacing device	$275

T-Mobile Protection 360 and Basic Device Protection

T-Mobile offers two phone insurance plans that cover the device itself. The Basic Device Protection plan is exclusively focused on repairing a damaged phone or replacing it in the event of theft, while the Protection 360 plan throws in early device upgrades along with some security software. That latter Protection 360 plan even includes AppleCare Plus for two years, which might be an option if you like the idea of getting support from both your carrier and Apple.

The Basic Device Protection plan is available across the US except in New York state and provides coverage in the event of hardware failure, accidental damage and theft. However, the plan’s terms do not cover cosmetic damage like scratches and dents or damage caused by “normal wear and tear.” This is notable, as screen repair isn’t listed as a guaranteed benefit for this plan.

T-Mobile’s Protection 360 wraps together T-Mobile’s Jump program — where you can trade in an enrolled device for a new one after either 12 months of device payments or paying half of a device’s cost — alongside repair services provided by AppleCare Plus for two years. If AppleCare isn’t part of the repair, Protection 360 will provide device repairs handled through Assurant or replacements by T-Mobile.

Deductibles under Protection 360 are similar to Verizon and AT&T’s offerings. When calculated using an iPhone 14 Pro Max, there’s no charge for hardware service repairs such as defects or a battery holding less than 80% of its charge capacity. But there is a $5 processing fee if you exchange a device through T-Mobile. Most accidental and damage incidents will have a $99 deductible, while screen repair incidents will have a $29 deductible. A replacement will cost $249.

Basic Device Protection costs $14 per month when calculated on the iPhone 14 and iPhone 14 Pro Max. Like with AT&T, customers in New York have the option to purchase the individual benefits offered within Protection 360, which include the option to get device insurance only at a similar price.

Protection 360’s monthly pricing is between $7 and $25 per month, depending on your device. These prices can be found when buying a device on T-Mobile’s website and is $18 per month for the iPhone 14.

AppleCare Plus vs. AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss vs. T-Mobile Protection 360 single device (iPhone 14 prices)

	Monthly/2-year cost	Screen repair cost	Accidental damage repair deductible	Replacement deductible for theft and loss
AppleCare Plus	$8/$149	$29	$99	$149
AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss	$11.49/$219	$29	$99	$149
T-Mobile Protection 360	$18/$432	$29	$99	$249

AppleCare Plus is cheaper, but make sure it works for you

In nearly every price comparison, AppleCare Plus is the cheaper device protection plan, primarily due to the lower monthly rates in comparison to the carriers. However, when it comes to deductible costs per incident, most of the carriers match AppleCare Plus prices. This includes the $99 deductible for accidental damage and $29 for screen repair. Device replacement deductibles, however, cost more at the carriers compared to AppleCare Plus, with Verizon’s $229 per incident coming closest to Apple’s $149.

If you already subscribe to Verizon and are prone to breaking your screen, the carrier’s $0 screen repair policy is an appealing bonus. But the $17 per month cost of Verizon’s plan is higher than the $13.49 per month cost of AppleCare Plus with Theft and Loss for an iPhone 14 Pro Max.

While Verizon and AT&T’s device insurance plans are bundled with services, it’s unclear whether those perks are actually useful. In particular, AT&T’s bundled performance optimization and device sanitization services can be easily duplicated with a couple of quick guides to decluttering your phone and cleaning wipes, respectively.

T-Mobile’s offering, however, does at least include AppleCare itself, which could be a compelling option for someone who is already looking to upgrade their phone more often.

And despite Apple and the carriers offering various insurance programs for the iPhone and other devices, you should also be aware of protection programs that are included with your iPhone purchase. Apple includes a one-year warranty that covers many repairs with every new iPhone as well as for refurbished devices sold by Apple.

Plus, if you buy your phone using a credit card with an extended warranty benefit, you could get an additional year of coverage by filing a claim with your credit card company. Some cards also provide for cell phone protection — usually up to $800 per claim — as long as you pay your wireless carrier bill using that credit card.

Yet for some people, having direct access to repairs and customer service from either Apple or a wireless carrier could provide some peace of mind. In all cases, make sure that you know how to use these benefits and that an Apple or carrier store is nearby should you need them.

Wether you prefer Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo or PC, there are quite a few different subscription services out there for gamers. But if you’re looking for more than just bargains on games, a GameStop PowerUp Rewards Pro membership may be the best bang for your buck. It’s just $15 per year, and being a member entitles you to tons of savings on games, hardware, accessories, collectibles and much more. And if you’re not already a member, now’s a great time to get signed up during GameStop’s Pro Week sale. Now through March 25, Pro members can take advantage of tons of exclusive savings on everything from new games to next-gen consoles.

With so many great deals available, plus quite a few bonuses, it’s almost tough to justify not signing up for a Pro membership right now. Benefits include a $10 one-time welcome reward, plus a $5 monthly reward, which means you’re essentially getting a one-year membership for free. Members will also get an extra 10% in trade-in credit for games consoles and accessories year-round and will get an extra 20% during Pro Week.

There’s also tons of exclusive savings you can take advantage of, including a rare chance to save on a next-gen Xbox Series S. Right now, Pro members can snag the Gilded Hunter bundle, which includes the console, plus Fortnite, Rocket League, Fall Guys and exclusive skins and items, for just $270, saving you $30. Or, if you’re just looking to add a few more games to your collection, Pro members can save $10 when spending $100 or more on select new titles like Metroid: Prime, Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and God of War: Ragnarok.

And even if you’re not looking for any new games, this is a great chance to save on plenty of other accessories. Members can save an extra 40% (or 30% for non-members) on clearance items, which includes collectibles, apparel, toys and much more. You can even save on some sleek tech and PC accessories like this Razer Basilisk V2 gaming mouse or an Asus Tuf F15 gaming laptop.

March Madness is in full swing, and we’ve already seen one of the biggest upsets ever. No. 16 seed Fairleigh Dickinson University, knocked off top seed Purdue 63-58 Friday night, marking just the second time in tournament history that a 16 seed beat a No. 1. That game followed another huge upset, on Thursday: No. 15 Princeton taking down No. 2 Arizona.

Another No. 1 seed fell on Saturday when eighth-seeded Arkansas took down reigning champion Kansas.

Sunday has the potential to bring plenty of additional chaos with eight games to close out the weekend, including No. 16 Cinderella FDU. The first contest, Pitt versus Miami, tips off at 12:10 p.m. ET on CBS with games then continuing all day and well into the night on CBS, TNT, TBS and TruTV.

Here’s everything you need to know to get in on the March Madness, from the Sweet 16 to the Final Four and the national championship game.

What are my other streaming options?

You can use a live TV streaming service to watch March Madness. Three of the five live TV streaming services offer the four channels needed to watch every tournament game, but keep in mind that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries CBS in your area.

You can also use Paramount Plus to watch some, but not all, of March Madness. Only the games shown on CBS are available on Paramount Plus.

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

The iPhone 15 isn’t the only new device we’re expecting to see this year. The successor to the Apple Watch Series 8 is also likely to hit shelves in 2023. Apple is the king of smartwatches, and it’s been reigning supreme for years now despite a slow start. With 2023 underway, we’re looking forward to the next generation of the company’s iconic timepiece, the Apple Watch Series 9.

Over the years, Apple has made a steady stream of upgrades to the Apple Watch, adding an always-on display in 2019, blood oxygen monitoring in 2020, a bigger display in 2021 and temperature sensing in 2022.

This year, however, an incremental upgrade is more likely to materialize, considering Apple shook up its smartwatch lineup last year with the introduction of the luxurious Apple Watch Ultra and the second-gen Apple Watch SE. Currently, there are few rumors to run with for the Watch Series 9 (unlike for the iPhone 15 series), but we’ll be sure to update this article as we get a whiff of any credible buzz.

New sensors

The major new health feature expected to arrive on the Apple Watch is noninvasive and continuous blood glucose monitoring, according to a Bloomberg report published in February. Currently, testing for blood glucose requires pricking the skin for blood. To test glucose levels without blood, Apple is said to be investigating an approach that involves using a silicon photonics chip for a measurement process called optical absorption spectroscopy. This technique shines light from a laser under the skin to determine the amount of glucose in the body, the report says. While major progress has reportedly been made in bringing this feature to life, the technology needs to be miniaturized to fit in a wearable device. If Apple pulls this off, it has the potential to make the Apple Watch essential in millions of diabetic households.

MicroLED display?

The Apple Watch received an OLED screen years before the iPhone, and now the rumor mill suggests the Apple Watch could adopt another display upgrade before Apple’s smartphones. According to a Bloomberg report, MicroLED displays produced in house are set to appear on the next Apple Watch Ultra model, which could arrive in 2024 at the earliest. Previous rumors had pointed to 2023 as the year for a MicroLED Apple Watch. This represents yet another effort by Apple to reduce its reliance on external tech partners – in this case Samsung and LG – as it strives to build more components on its own.

Not to be confused with Mini-LED, MicroLED is touted as the next major leap forward for display tech from OLED. It gets its name from the millions of teeny tiny pixels that create the image directly. The main hurdle facing mass adoption is getting those pixels (and screens) small enough. MicroLED is brighter than OLED with similarly perfect black levels and no danger of burn-in.

Release date and price

Apple has released a new generation of the Apple Watch every year since its debut. This year, unless the company breaks tradition, the Apple Watch Series 9 will likely arrive in the fall of 2023 alongside the iPhone 15 series.

There are no leaks either on the starting price of the Apple Watch Series 9. However, the price has remained the same for several years now, at least in the US, and we expect prices to remain the same in 2023. The Apple Watch Series 8 starts at $399.

What we expect

We expect the Apple Watch Series 9 to have everything the Watch Series 8 has. Those features include an always-on display and various size options and finishes. We also expect the Watch Series 9 to receive an upgraded processor (probably the S9) and support for the next software version, WatchOS 10. Hopefully we’ll see an improvement in battery life too, which the Watch 8 didn’t receive.