YouTube TV — a CNET Editor’s Choice award pick — announced on March 16 that it is raising its prices from $65 a month to $73 a month. New subscribers will be charged the higher price starting now, while existing subscribers will be charged the updated price starting April 18.
“As content costs have risen and we continue to invest in our quality of service, we’ll be adjusting our monthly cost … to bring you the best possible TV service,” YouTube TV wrote on Twitter, saying it’s the first increase in three years.
Though YouTube TV said new subscribers will be charged the higher price starting now, the service is offering those same subscribers $10 off their first three months of the base YouTube TV plan. That means new subscribers will effectively be charged $63 for their first three months before the price reverts back to $73 a month.
YouTube TV also said it was lowering the price of its 4K Plus add-on to $10 a month. This service cost $20 a month previously.
Brent Lawton, vice president of media strategy and business development at the NFL, said in December that Sunday Ticket would be an additional cost on top of YouTube TV. Peter King, from NBC Sports, said one source estimated the cost of Sunday Ticket would be around $300 for the season, but there’s no official figure attached to the subscription at this time.
Affordable phone manufacturer OnePlus has a new promotion for its flagship OnePlus 115G phone: Take 100 days to see if you like it.
OnePlus’ 100-day “No Regret” promo runs until April 30, letting buyers of the OnePlus 11 5G return the phone if they’re not satisfied with it. In order to be eligible for the promo, the OnePlus 11 5G must be purchased from the OnePlus store and registered within 15 days of delivery.
Those who do decide to use this promo to try out the OnePlus 11 5G phone can return the phone at any time during the 100 days. OnePlus will do a full refund as long as the device is returned complete with the original package and accessories in working condition and undamaged with the exception of wear and tear; the battery must last for a minimum of 15 minutes and the phone needs to be unlocked.
The OnePlus 11 5G starts at $699. In his review of the OnePlus 11, CNET’s Andrew Lanxon says it’s a powerful phone with a great 6.7-inch AMOLED screen and incredibly fast charging, but it is lacking a little in the camera department in comparison to other flagship phones.
Now playing:Watch this:OnePlus 11 Review: Powerful but Not Perfect
GoPro makes some of the best action cameras, especially its flagship Hero10 Black. It has excellent image quality and supersmooth stabilization and the whole thing is waterproof without a case. But all those features don’t come cheap — the Hero 10 Black costs around $449. If you can’t quite stretch the budget to get the best GoPro, you can get a cheaper GoPro or look for a budget alternative.
There’s no shortage of contenders looking to take on the GoPro. I’ve chosen two cameras to compare with the current top-tier GoPro, at different prices to suit all budgets. First is the Akaso EK7000 Pro, at $75. The second is the Yi 4K Plus Action Camera, which is $199. I’ve chosen the Yi because an earlier Yi model scored high marks from CNET camera guru Josh Goldman.
Thankfully, the GoPro method has almost become the default way to operate action cameras. All three have a touchscreen at the back, as well as physical buttons that turn the camera on and off, start and stop recording or change settings like the Wi-Fi connection.
Angela Lang/CNET
There are also companion apps on iOS or Android that let you view the live image, start recording, pull down footage to your phone or even livestream (GoPro and Yi only). I didn’t have any problems connecting, downloading footage or filming with any of the cameras when I tested on iOS.
Want mounts? Akaso has them all
Open the box that comes with the Akaso EK7000 Pro and you’ll be shocked at how much you get for your money. There are several mounts, a waterproof case, a remote control and a spare battery.
The Yi, on the other hand, comes with nothing but the camera, the battery and two cables. That’s it.
The GoPro falls in the middle, with a cage, buckle and some adhesive mounts.
Fortunately, all the cameras are compatible with the standard GoPro mounting system. It’s really easy to change them in and out as you need, as long as you have the right parts.
GoPro wins at image quality, but the Yi gets close
Hands down, the best image out of these cameras comes from the GoPro, which is our benchmark for all these comparisons. The other two cameras just can’t match it for dynamic range, especially underwater. But the Yi gets close and captures detail and color in bright, outdoor situations well. Motion at 60fps looks smooth and overall I think the image looks quite good.
The Akaso’s image, on the other hand, is far from perfect. There’s plenty of noise, even when filming in bright sunlight, as well as chromatic aberration (the technical term for purple fringing). The exposure also blew out some highlights and the colors didn’t look very accurate. I could tell that this was the cheapest camera of the bunch. But where this camera did perform well was underwater, thanks to a dedicated diving mode.
Angela Lang/CNET
I went to the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco to test out underwater image quality. Dive safety operator Chris Grace took all three cameras down to 16 feet in the Near Shore and Sharks of Alcatraz tunnels. Want to see sharks and fish up close? Watch the video at the top of the article.
Note that all the sample video and images were taken on default color settings, although you can use ProTune on the GoPro or a flat profile on the Yi so you have more flexibility to color correct footage.
Ready, steady, GoPro stabilization
Stabilization is so important on an action camera, otherwise that epic bike ride or skate trick will make you sick when watching the footage. GoPro has its own version of electronic image stabilization called HyperSmooth that makes everything look like it’s been filmed on a gimbal. And it works at most resolutions and frame rates, including 4K/60.
The Yi also offers its own electronic image stabilization but it’s nowhere near as nice as the GoPro and it’s only at 4K/30. And the Akaso … well, the less said about that the better. It’s only at 1080/60 and it doesn’t look particularly smooth at all, at least from the footage I took on a bike ride.
So which one is the best cheap GoPro alternative?
The Akaso EK7000 Pro is not my favorite when it comes to image quality. But it’s cheap for what it offers and if you don’t have any more wiggle room in the budget for mounts and accessories, it could fit the bill.
My pick is the Yi 4K Plus Action Cam because it does a lot more than the Akaso and offers comparable image quality to the GoPro — for half the price. That said, you get absolutely nothing apart from the camera in the box, so you’ll have to invest a little more in accessories to get the most out of it.
Don’t forget to watch the video at the top of the page for my full review, where I talk about battery life and audio quality and show you plenty of video samples!
Also, if you have your heart set on getting an actual GoPro but aren’t prepared to pay for the Hero 10 Black, then you’ll want to check out the Silver and White lines. Or look for discounts on earlier models like the Hero 9 or Hero 8.
Now playing:Watch this:GoPro Hero7 Black is its most stable-shooting camera…
Before Netflix’s password-sharing fees kick in for US subscribers, you may want to stream the latest (or classic) titles on the service. It’s true that Netflix’s list of recommendations for movies and TV shows can lead to some gems, but it’s not always the best way to find something new to watch. You could be passing up other niche genres that you’d enjoy.
But guess what? There’s a secret trick for filtering Netflix’s catalog by genre to find exactly what you’re searching for: Netflix codes. Learn how to use Netflix codes to choose your own next binge-watch instead of accepting the algorithm’s suggestions.
Read more: Annoyed When Netflix Trailers Play Automatically? Turn Them Off
What are Netflix codes?
Netflix codes are based on a number system that corresponds to a different genre or subgenre, which the algorithm uses to categorize and serve up recommendations. For example, instead of scrolling through Romance, search for movies using 8883, or 5475 (romantic comedies) for more specific results. You can also get into the hype surrounding code 9875, which will take you down a rabbit hole of true crime.
So far, Netflix has about 36,000 codes. Note that codes can only be used on Netflix’s website and not in its apps.
This is what you’ll see when you visit the Netflix codes website.
Screenshot by CNET
Where do I find Netflix’s secret menu?
Check out netflix-codes.com for a full list. There are about 20 categories like anime, foreign movies and classic movies. Those categories are broken down into more specific subgenres. For example, horror movies — coded 8711 — houses 12 more codes like deep-sea horror movies, zombie horror movies, teen screams and more.
The easiest way is by installing the Better Browse for Netflix extension for Chrome. Here’s how:
1. Go to the Chrome Web Store and search “Better Browse for Netflix.” 2. Click Add to Chrome. 3. Click Add Extension. 4. Log into your Netflix account in a new tab.
At the top of the Netflix home screen, you should see a new option — Browse All — next to My List. Click that to search manually or scroll through the subgenres available.
Use the code 5475 and you’ll unlock a trove of romantic comedies on Netflix.
Screenshot by CNET
Another way is through the Netflix codes website. Here’s how:
1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. Tap the code next to the genre or subgenre you want. 4. If you’re on a device that has the Netflix app installed, the app should open and take you directly to the genre or subgenre you chose. If you don’t have the app installed, it’ll open Netflix through the browser and you can view the specific movies and shows available. 5. Tap thetitle you want to watch.
You can also use the Netflix codes manually in your browser. Here’s how:
1. Visit netflix-codes.com in your PC or mobile browser. 2. Find the genre or subgenre you want to explore. 3. In another tab, type in <http://www.netflix.com/browse/genre/INSERTNUMBER>, but replace INSERTNUMBER with the specific genre or subgenre code. 4. You’ll be taken to Netflix to peruse the titles available in that section.
From there, you can either make a mental note of the movie you want to watch and go back to the app on your preferred device, or log in to watch in your browser.
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.
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:
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.
Use the browser-based version of the Microsoft Word app for free.
Screenshot by Alison DeNisco Rayome/CNET
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.
Google’s first-party Pixel Watch is the best smartwatch for Android users and right now it’s up to 15% off. Snag one for an all-time low price while you can.
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.
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.
Planning on catching the Roy family drama from the UK? You’ll be able to watch it on Sky Atlantic and Now on March 27. (A Now entertainment membership allows you to stream the show for 9.99 a month.)
If you’re looking for a secure and dependable VPN, our Editors’ Choice is ExpressVPN. It’s fast, works on multiple devices and provides stable streams. It’s normally $13 per month, but you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
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.
Trea Turner of Team USA celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning of a 2023 World Baseball Classic Quarterfinal game at loanDepot Park on March 18 in Miami.
Eric Espada/Getty Images
What is the schedule and format of the WBC?
Twenty teams started in the tournament and eight advanced out of pool play and into the quarterfinals, at which point it has become an eight-team, single-elimination tournament. With Japan sending home Italy in one quarterfinal game and Cuba eliminating Australia in another, six teams remain.
Here’s the remaining schedule:
Semifinals: Cuba vs. USA: Sunday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on FS1
Semifinals: Japan vs. Mexico: Monday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on FS1
Championship game: Tuesday at 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) on FS1
Where are the WBC games being played?
The quarterfinals, semifinals and final game will be played at LoanDepot Park in Miami, home of the Miami Marlins.
Who are the biggest MLB stars still playing in the WBC?
USA: Mike Trout, Mookie Betts, Trea Turner, Pete Alonso, Paul Goldschmidt, Nolan Arenado
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.
You can watch WBC games live at FoxSports.com or the Fox Sports app, but you need to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login. Fox Sports has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Xbox.
FuboTV’s basic plan costs $75 a month and includes FS1. To watch Spanish-language broadcasts on Fox Deportes, you will need to spring for FuboTV’s $86-a-month plan. Click here to see which local channels you get. Read our FuboTV review.
Hulu with Live TV costs $70 a month and includes Fox and FS1. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code. Read our Hulu with Live TV review.
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.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription. Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
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.
