Category: Technologies

  • Snapchat Launches Its Own ChatGPT Powered AI Chatbot

    Snapchat Launches Its Own ChatGPT Powered AI Chatbot

    Snapchat on Monday said it is launching its own generative artificial intelligence chatbot, called My AI, powered by the latest version of OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Snapchat calls My AI an experimental feature, and it’ll start rolling out to Snapchat Plus subscribers this week.

    In a blog post, Snapchat wrote that My AI can help plan a weekend hiking trip, suggest a recipe to try for dinner and more. It can also write a haiku if you’re feeling poetic.

    “My AI was trained to have a unique tone and personality that plays into Snapchat’s core values around friendship, learning, and fun,” a Snapchat spokesperson said in an email to CNET. “It has been trained to adhere to our trust and safety guidelines.”

    While Snapchat wrote that My AI was designed to avoid biased, incorrect or harmful information, the company also noted that the AI feature “can be tricked into saying just about anything.” When an AI creates incorrect information that sounds plausible, that information is called a hallucination.

    Snapchat will store and potentially review conversations users have with My AI to help improve the feature. Users can also send feedback directly to Snapchat by long pressing on a My AI response and sharing it with Snapchat.

    It’s unclear if My AI will be available to Snapchat users who don’t subscribe to Snapchat Plus.

    Snapchat is the latest tech company to integrate AI into its platform. On Feb. 6, Google unveiled its own ChatGPT rival, called Bard. “Bard seeks to combine the breadth of the world’s knowledge with the power, intelligence, and creativity of our large language models,” Google Chief Executive Sundar Pichai tweeted at the time.

    Then on Feb. 7, Microsoft unveiled a new version of its Bing search that incorporates ChatGPT. Microsoft then said that longer chats can cause bizarre responses, and that it would try to fix errors in the tool. Not long after the announcement, Microsoft limited its Bing AI chat to a handful of responses so the conversations wouldn’t get too strange.

    For more, check out what you need to know about generative AI like ChatGPT, why people are interested in ChatGPT and why one of the founding fathers of the internet has called technology like ChatGPT “snake oil.”

    Editors’ note: CNET is using an AI engine to create some personal finance explainers that are edited and fact-checked by our editors. For more, see this post.

    Now playing:Watch this:Microsoft Downgrades Bing’s AI After It Unsettles Users

    10:10

  • Battery Battle: Here’s Who Wins Between Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22

    Battery Battle: Here’s Who Wins Between Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22

    This story is part of Samsung Event, CNET’s collection of news, tips and advice around Samsung’s most popular products.

    My biggest complaint about last year’s Galaxy S22 was that its battery didn’t last long enough on a single charge. Samsung addressed that shortcoming with the recently launched Galaxy S23, which has a larger battery and a more efficient processor.

    The Galaxy S23 doesn’t offer record-breaking battery life, but it’s enough of an improvement to make me feel comfortable using it on a busy day without carrying a charger. That’s more than I could say for the Galaxy S22, which left me with battery anxiety on long days spent away from a power outlet.

    Petite Android phones like the Galaxy S23 and Galaxy S22 can be hard to come by, which is why I’m glad Samsung made this fix to its 6.1-inch flagship phone.

    Galaxy S23’s bigger battery makes a difference

    A photo of the battery status screen on the Galaxy S23A photo of the battery status screen on the Galaxy S23

    The Galaxy S23 has a bigger battery than its predecessor.

    Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

    Samsung increased the Galaxy S23’s battery capacity by 200 mAh compared to the Galaxy S22. The new phone has a 3,900-mAh battery; last year’s device had 3,700 mAh. But that’s not the only factor influencing battery life.

    The Galaxy S23 family runs on a version of Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor that’s been optimized specifically for the Galaxy S23 series. Samsung says this new processor brings better power efficiency, contributing to the phone’s longer battery life.

    Even after spending a short time with the Galaxy S23, these changes are noticeable. The Galaxy S22’s battery would sometimes dip to the 30s or 40s by roughly 9 p.m. after a long day in the office. I even had to borrow a colleague’s charger once while attending an all-day work event because I was worried I wouldn’t make it to the evening. (I typically had the always-on display turned off and the refresh rate set to standard instead of adaptive.)

    My experience with the Galaxy S23 has been very different so far. I still had 64% of my battery left by 12:36 a.m. on a recent Sunday having taken the phone off its charger at 10 a.m. However, it’s important to note that I also wasn’t using my phone very frequently that afternoon. I was spending time with my family for a large chunk of the day, so I mostly kept my phone tucked away in my pocket, only retrieving it to occasionally check my texts or take a photo.

    Now playing:Watch this:Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus Review: Practical but Promising…

    12:13

    But even on a busy day, the Galaxy S23 still had more of its battery left than the Galaxy S22 likely would have. After a day of running benchmarks, taking lots of photos, recording videos and streaming YouTube videos as part of my review testing, I still had 46% of my battery left by 9:45 p.m. That’s not so bad when you consider the Galaxy S22 sometimes had 30% to 40% of its battery left by around 9 p.m. after using the phone heavily throughout the day. I also left the adaptive refresh rate setting turned on most of the time I spent with the Galaxy S23.

    To further test the battery, I put each phone through a 45-minute endurance test and a three-hour battery drain test. During the 45-minute test, I continuously streamed videos on YouTube, made a video call, played mobile games and scrolled through social media feeds to see how much of a dent these everyday tasks would make in each phone’s battery. For the three-hour test, I streamed YouTube with the display brightness set to 100% and checked the battery percentage once every hour to see how much it had drained.

    Unsurprisingly, the Galaxy S23 beat the Galaxy S22 in both tests, as you can see in the tables below.

    Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22 45-minute test

    Galaxy S23 91%
    Galaxy S22 89%

    Galaxy S23 vs. Galaxy S22 3-hour test

    1 hour 2 hours 3 hours
    Galaxy S23 95% 88% 81%
    Galaxy S22 91% 81% 71%

    It’s important to remember that battery life will always vary depending on how you use your device. Factors like screen brightness and the types of apps you’re using will impact battery life, so your experience may not directly mirror mine. For example, even though I sometimes struggled to get through a whole day using the Galaxy S22, I was able to preserve roughly 60 to 70% of my battery by 9 p.m. with the always-on display turned off on days mostly spent at home.

    How to get the most battery life out of your Galaxy S22

    Samsung Galaxy S22Samsung Galaxy S22

    The Galaxy S22.

    Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

    If you own a Galaxy S22 and are struggling with battery life, there are a few steps you can take to maximize your device’s longevity. First, try turning down the screen brightness by pulling down from the top of the display to access your phone’s quick settings menu.

    You’ll also want to make sure the adaptive brightness setting is disabled to prevent your phone from automatically boosting brightness when needed. While that can be a useful feature under normal circumstances, you might not want the brightness to increase when you’re trying to conserve battery life. Open your Galaxy S22’s settings menu, choose the display option and make sure the switch next to adaptive brightness is toggled off.

    It’s also a good idea to try turning off the adaptive refresh rate and always-on display settings if you’re trying to extend battery life, which you can toggle in the settings menu.

    Samsung devices have a power savings mode that disables certain settings to make the battery last longer. Open the settings menu, select the battery and device care option and then tap battery to access it. From this battery menu, you can also limit battery usage for apps that you don’t use very often.

    These tips will work on the Galaxy S23 too, which also has a light performance mode to prioritize battery life and cooling efficiency over high performance. To turn this on, open the Galaxy S23’s settings menu, tap battery and device care, and select battery. Scroll down to the bottom of the screen and choose the more battery settings option. From there, you should see a field called performance profile, which you can tap to switch between standard and light. (During my time with the Galaxy S23, I had it set to standard.)

    If that’s not enough, you can try purchasing a portable charger or power bank to power up your device on the go.

    With its new $700 price, the Galaxy S22 is a tempting choice alongside the $800 Galaxy S23. Just remember you’ll be sacrificing some battery life to save that money.

  • Get Visibly Crisper 3D With the Asus ProArt StudioBook, Now Down to $2,000 (Save $1,400)

    The race to produce 3D computers is on and we’ve seen quite a few come into the market over the past few years. This year at the CES, Asus announced its own 3D lineup but the company set itself apart from its competition by producing OLED displays.

    The high contrast and fast pixel response of these laptops offers visibly crisper 3D rendering than competition like Acer. Right now, you can grab the Asus 16-inch ProArt StudioBook OLED 16 Series Laptop for just $2,000 (save $1,400) at B&H Photo. This deal ends in the next few hours, so it’s better to hurry now and grab it while you can.

    This laptop comes with impressive specs: 32GB RAM, an Intel Core i7 12th-gen processor, NVIDIA GE Force RTX 3080 Ti graphics card, Wi-Fi 6, facial recognition and 2TB of storage space. It’s really designed for those who have intense creative workflows and those who take on demanding video, photography and 3D design projects.

    The most impressive feature of this computer is the glossy 16-inch Pantone-validated and Calman-verified Dolby Vision OLED display, which delivers exceptional color accuracy and covers 100% of the DCI-P3 gamut. A 3,840×2,400-pixel screen resolution has a 16:10 aspect ratio that provides more vertical viewing space than traditional 4K displays.

    Because of the intensity of the work this laptop is capable of handling, it’s equipped with an advanced IceCool Pro cooling system that keeps the computer and other critical components at optimal temperatures. You also get Thunderbolt 4 ports, USB-C ports, USB4 ports, a dual-bandwidth DisplayPort and a card reader.

  • Celebrate Pokemon Day With Deals on Trading Cards, Switch Games and More

    Celebrate Pokemon Day With Deals on Trading Cards, Switch Games and More

    Feb. 27 is Pokemon Day and, as well as a special Pokemon Presents offering news on the franchise, there are a bunch of Pokemon deals to shop at Best Buy today. The retailer is discounting the popular Pokemon trading cards, several games for the Nintendo Switch as well as related accessories to celebrate the series’ anniversary. The deals all expire tonight or when sold out, so don’t wait on grabbing anything you want this Pokemon Day.

    If you’ve been swept up by the Pokemon trading card game craze, either as a collector or as a serious player, today’s sale offers an unmissable chance to save 20% on the latest TCG sets. The sale includes various booster packs and boxes of Silver Tempest, Astral Radiance and the popular Pokemon Go TCG set, though we expect many of these to sell out fast.

    If your Pokemon fandom revolves more around the video games, you can use today’s sale to snag a few titles with as much as $15 off. The sale offers Pokemon Brilliant Diamond and Shining Pearl from $45 as well as the reimagined New Pokemon Snap game at that same low price. If you’re yet to add these to your library, now’s a great chance to get them for less. Other neat Switch accessories like the Squirtle Amiibo, a Pikachu Switch case and various Pokemon-themed controllers are also on sale.


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  • OnePlus 11 Concept Features Liquid Cooling and Bonkers Naming

    OnePlus 11 Concept Features Liquid Cooling and Bonkers Naming

    While we liked the OnePlus 11 for its high performance and fast charging, OnePlus has taken it further with the OnePlus 11 Concept, which sees the phone get a makeover that includes liquid cooling and fancy LEDs designed to make it even more of a powerhouse. We went hands on with the device at MWC in Barcelona, and it’s got a pretty awesome design, although its naming conventions sound like something straight out of Back to the Future.

    oneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryoflux-2oneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryoflux-2
    Andrew Lanxon/CNET

    “Active CryoFlux” is the name OnePlus has given to its new liquid cooling system, which employs coolant pumped around a series of tubes, along with heat-sync panels, and other bits and bobs to allow the phone to perform for longer at higher temperatures without melting.

    oneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryofluxoneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryoflux
    Andrew Lanxon/CNET

    But why hide such fancy tech away under the hood? Instead, OnePlus has used a clear glass back panel that allows you to literally see the coolant pumping through like veins. As a bit of additional flair, there’s a new blue LED ring around the camera unit and a new chamfered circular panel designed to emulate luxury watch faces.

    Concept cooling system on phoneConcept cooling system on phone
    Andrew Lanxon/CNET

    Liquid cooling is frequently used in high-end gaming PCs to allow the processors to run at higher speeds (called overclocking) and increase the power output. It generates more heat as a result, so sophisticated cooling is required. OnePlus reckons its cooling tech allows the phone to increase its overall power, gaining a few additional frames per second during gaming and increasing the fast charging time by a minute.

    oneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryoflux-9oneplus-11-concept-cooling-cryoflux-9
    Andrew Lanxon/CNET

    So, not exactly “game changing” technology, but it’s a fun idea, and I like the aesthetic of it, if nothing else. Despite multiple models being available to hold and photograph at the show, the phone is purely a concept and there are no plans to put it into production.

  • Logitech Blue Sona Review: All the Mic You Need

    Logitech Blue Sona Review: All the Mic You Need

    Logitech’s goal with the Blue Sona dynamic XLR microphone is straightforward: Give people an accessible option for pro-level audio no matter what it’s plugged into. Whether you’re an experienced producer or just starting out, you’ll get amazing sound with minimal effort.

    I fall into the “just starting out” user category, so I got testing help from former CNET podcast producer and audio engineer Bryan VanGelder to ensure the Sona lived up to Blue’s claims. Ultimately, we both arrived at the same conclusion: The Blue Sona makes it extremely easy to get clean, clear audio regardless of your experience level. It does come with a pro-gear price of $350 ( 299, AU$530 converted), but you get a top-quality mic in return.

    If you’re new to XLR microphones, they use an analog three-pin connector and are the standard for professional audio. Unlike a USB microphone, an XLR mic must be plugged into an audio interface with an XLR cable to convert the audio from analog to digital before connecting to a computer. You can get a USB mic that is as good as an XLR mic, but XLR is needed to connect to other pro audio gear, such as a mixer. It also lets you connect multiple mics simultaneously through a single audio interface into a computer.

    To test the claim that you’ll get pro sound regardless of what audio interface it’s plugged into, we went with the cheapest option we could find on Amazon, the $30 Xtuga Q-12. If you’re investing $350, you’ll probably want an interface that’s even just a little better. But the Xtuga proved the Sona can get you great results with the most basic audio interface. The interface you go with does need to support 24- or 48-volt phantom power.

    Blue Sona microphone with its foam screen removed.Blue Sona microphone with its foam screen removed.

    The mic capsule has two diaphragms, one to capture voice and another mounted in reverse to cancel vibration.

    Josh Goldman/CNET

    Best of both worlds

    The Sona is a dynamic microphone that handles loud voices and noises better than a more sensitive condenser mic might. That means it’s good for game streaming or anything where you might have audio spikes, as it will help with distortion and clipping.

    The mic also has a tight supercardioid pickup pattern that focuses on what’s in front of the mic while rejecting background noise. Combined with Blue’s ClearAmp technology that gives the mic an additional 25dB gain, the Sona has the greater sensitivity needed to boost quieter sources, functioning like a condenser mic. ClearAmp also means you don’t need to add a preamp gain like a Cloudlifter to your setup.

    Logitech Blue Sona microphone in front of a laptop screen.Logitech Blue Sona microphone in front of a laptop screen.

    Tone controls are hidden under a magnetic cover on the back.

    Josh Goldman/CNET

    Again, the sound from the Blue Sona is clean with excellent clarity. Even the din of an open office and the HVAC blower over my desk was kept quiet. Bryan noted its robust low end and that it took a fair amount of effort to overload it. He put the Sona on par with the popular Shure SM7b. He also said the built-in high-pass filter and presence toggles on the rear of the mic make a noticeable difference in clarity too. They’re definitely worth experimenting with to get the tone you want from the mic.

    Lastly, the Sona’s build quality is exceptional. The metal body gives it a professional look and feel. There’s an internal shock mount for the mic capsule. If you tend to get a bit animated when you talk or are concerned about bumps or vibration, the mount helps keep it all under control. Plus, the single-knob design allows it to rotatefreely to use sitting on a desk or mounted on a boom.

    Logitech Blue Sona microphone in an office.Logitech Blue Sona microphone in an office.

    Black and red foam windscreens are included.

    Josh Goldman/CNET

    In the box with the mic are two foam windscreens that magnetically click into place, making quick swaps simple. There’s also a 3/8-inch mic stand adapter. That’s all though, so if this is your first XLR mic, you’ll need an XLR cable and audio interface to connect to a computer.

    Though it requires more investment than a USB mic, the Logitech Blue Sona’s straightforward design and features make it a superb choice if you’re ready to graduate to an XLR mic. And the built-in gain also means you need one less piece of equipment to buy and clutter up your workstation. Something to remember if you’re launching your podcasting career from a tiny desk in your apartment or if you’re a pro in need of a simple, space-saving option.

  • Every New Emoji Coming to Your iPhone in iOS 16.4

    Every New Emoji Coming to Your iPhone in iOS 16.4

    Your iPhone already has thousands of emoji, but you’ll soon get even more. With the release of the first iOS 16.4 beta, 31 fresh emoji designs will drop on iOS.

    The new emoji include a shaking-head smiley, animals like a donkey, moose and a goose, and additional heart colors, including plain pink and light blue. The plain pink heart has been a long-sought emoji, according to Emojipedia, which named it one of the site’s top emoji requests in 2015. Last year’s significant emoji drop in iOS 15.4 included a melting face, a biting lip and a pregnant man, with 37 new designs in total.

    New emoji to come to iPhones with the first iOS 16.4 developer betaNew emoji to come to iPhones with the first iOS 16.4 developer beta

    A moose, donkey and goose are some of the new emoji iPhone users might see soon.

    Emojipedia

    Emojipedia said the new emoji came from Unicode’s September 2022 recommendation list, Emoji 15.0.

    There isn’t any word yet on when the new emoji will be available across iOS devices, and the designs of the new emoji might change between now and their final release on iOS.

    Apple issued a handful of bug fixes and patches with the release of iOS 16.3.1 on Feb. 13, a few weeks after the release of new features in iOS 16.3 in January.

    For more, check out how to decipher each emoji and take a look at the emoji you may have missed with the release of iOS 15.4.

    Here’s the complete list of new emoji in iOS 16.4 beta

    1. Shaking Face
    2. Pink Heart
    3. Light Blue Heart
    4. Grey Heart
    5. Donkey
    6. Moose
    7. Goose
    8. Wing
    9. Jellyfish
    10. Hyacinth
    11. Pea Pod
    12. Ginger
    13. Folding Hand Fan
    14. Hair Pick
    15. Flute
    16. Maracas
    17. Khanda
    18. Wireless
    19. Rightward Pushing Hand
    20. Leftward Pushing Hand
    21. Black Bird
    22. Rightward Pushing Hand: Light Skin Tone
    23. Rightward Pushing Hand: Medium-Light Skin Tone
    24. Rightward Pushing Hand: Medium Skin Tone
    25. Rightward Pushing Hand: Medium-Dark Skin Tone
    26. Rightward Pushing Hand: Dark Skin Tone
    27. Leftward Pushing Hand: Light Skin Tone
    28. Leftward Pushing Hand: Medium-Light Skin Tone
    29. Leftward Pushing Hand: Medium Skin Tone
    30. Leftward Pushing Hand: Medium-Dark Skin Tone
    31. Leftward Pushing Hand: Dark Skin Tone

  • Best Apple AirTag Accessories

    Best Apple AirTag Accessories

    You should buy an Apple AirTag if you’re notorious for losing wallets, phones and other personal belongings. AirTag accessories, like the best AirTag holder, key chain or collar, are must-haves for anyone who wants to make use of Apple’s nifty tracking devices. The leading Tile competitor, Apple’s AirTag helps you to track down important objects like bags, keys, wallets or whatever you attach your AirTag to. Just open up Apple’s Find My app. It’s a boon if you misplace things often. A single AirTag costs $29 ( 29, AU$45), though you can get a four-pack for $99 ( 99, AU$149).

    The main downside is, AirTag discs don’t come with any kind of holder. This means, depending on how you plan to use it, you’re going to need some sort of accessory for what’s also, basically, an accessory. (Apple has a tendency to spur its own cottage industries for add-ons, even though they’re accessories to begin with — AirPods are a perfect example of this.) However, you can find tons of AirTag accessories in multiple styles for any budget.

    In some cases you’ll be able to embed an AirTag into an object sans holder — just pop it in a purse or backpack, for instance — but some people like to keep an AirTag with their keys or attach it to a backpack or laptop bag. You may also want to stick your AirTag onto an object and plenty of AirTag mounts are available.

    Note that CNET editors have tried most but not all of these accessories. If we haven’t tried a product, we’ve tested other accessories from those companies so we feel comfortable recommending them. We’ll be adding more AirTags accessories to the list as we test new products.

    Read more: Apple AirTags Hands-On Evaluation

    Key chains and straps

    Belkin

    Belkin’s Secure Holder for AirTags comes in key-ring or strap versions in four color options. There’s nothing terribly fancy about them, but at $11, they both cost less than Apple-branded options shown below. You can also get a two-pack for $20.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Belkin Secure Holder

    David Carnoy/CNET

    While it launched a little later than some AirTags accessories, Otterbox’s key chain holder, which Otterbox calls a “Rugged Case,” is made of solid plastic and does indeed encase your AirTag (you unscrew the top piece, place your AirTag in the case, then screw the top piece back on to lock the AirTag in the holder). It’s available in black or white for $20 but is currently on sale for $15.

    Amazon

    While this faux leather key chain from Cyrill, a sub-brand of Korea-based Spigen, is nothing fancy, it’s currently available in stone and black color options.

    $18 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Cyrill AirTag Case Cover

    Patrick Holland/CNET

    The Apple-branded leather key ring costs $35 and comes in three colors: black, saddle brown and red.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Apple Leather Key Ring

    Amazon

    If you’re looking for a value option, your best bet may be to roll the dice on a no-name brand on Amazon. This Eusty key chain cover is available in a four-pack for just less than $15. Often, generic models like this are labeled as “leather” when in fact they are faux leather (sometimes referred to as PU leather or vegan leather). These look a lot like other basic faux leather AirTag key chains and come in a few color options.

    There are dozens if not hundreds of generic AirTag holders available. Most should be fine, but don’t expect them to wear as well over time as the true leather models.

    $13 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Eusty faux leather key chain (4-pack)

    David Carnoy/CNET

    Caseology’s AirTag Vault is another straightforward key chain option that’s affordable at $15 but could shave a few dollars off its price over time. (Caseology is also a sub-brand of Spigen.) It’s one of the few AirTag accessories that was available at launch and has been pretty popular as a result. It comes with a carabiner but you could attach a standard key chain if you wanted. It should be back in stock fairly soon.

    $14 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Caseology AirTag Vault

    Amazon

    Spigen is also selling an attractively simple key-chain AirTag holder, the Valentinus, for around $18. It’s made of faux leather. Alas, it’s temporarily out of stock but should be back in the next few weeks.

    $8 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Spigen Valentinus

    Amazon

    If you’re looking for a holder that sticks onto an object (like the underside of a bike seat or scooter), Pelican’s Stick-on AirTag Mount is designed to do just that. A single mount costs $16 while a pack of four sells for $30. It’s available in four different colors.

    $18 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Pelican Stick-On AirTag Mount

    Apple

    Apple’s Loop, made for attaching your AirTag to a bag, costs as much as an AirTag. But it’s Apple’s official loop option and this polyurethane option is cheaper than the leather $39 Leather Loop. (That doesn’t make it a good deal, but I’m just pointing it out.) It’s available in four different colors.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Apple AirTag Loop

    Nomad

    I like the design of Nomad’s leather AirTag key chain better than Apple’s, which leaves the AirTag partially exposed. This AirTag key chain hides it and looks more like a standard key chain. It’s designed to “weather” over time, getting darker (particularly the brown version). It’s available in brown or black for $30, which is pricey but it is nice.

    Nomad also makes a Leather Loop that’s also a key chain and lists for $20. I prefer the more expensive model pictured here.

    Spigen

    Spigen, known for its value iPhone cases, has its AirTag Case Rugged Armor ($16). It’s not quite as cheap as we hoped it would be, but maybe it will come down in price in time. It does have a rugged design with a nice carabiner and carbon-fiber elements.

    $14 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Spigen AirTag Case Rugged Armor

    David Carnoy/CNET

    Casetify has a wide variety of AirTag holders. They’re made of hard plastic and are fairly basic but have some eye-catching art on the backside. You can also customize them with your name or choose from several emojis and other graphics. They’re expensive at $38 but sometimes go on sale.

    Nomad

    If you’re looking to AirTag your pet, Nomad’s upcoming Rugged Pet ID Tag fits the bill (Nomad’s AirTag key chain is essentially identical). According to Nomad, it’s constructed with a TPU-overmolded polycarbonate shell and comes with two enclosure options: an IP67 waterproof back and a speaker-hole back. For an extra $20, you can buy a customizable stainless steel insert cover that you can get engraved with your pet’s name and a way to contact you. No pet collar is included.

    It’s worth bearing in mind that Apple says AirTags are not designed to track pets. Your pet would need to be within range of the Find My network for the AirTag to work, so if it runs off into the woods it won’t be much help.

    Other AirTag options

    Moment

    Moment, which makes and sells photo and video accessories for Apple products, including lens attachments, will have an enclosure accessory that allows you to mount your AirTag. “Made from a rugged aramid fiber shell and backed with a super strong adhesive, you can stick an AirTag to any flat surface,” Moment says.

    Moment also has to other mounts: The Curved Surface Mount for AirTags ($25) that’s made out of flexible silicone (rubber) and can adhere to surfaces that aren’t totally flat; and the Stretch Fabric Mount for AirTags ($25) that’s designed to stick to fabrics, such as the inside of a bag, and other flat surfaces.

    Amazon

    If you don’t want to spend $15-$20 for a mount, these Gorilla Mounting Tape Squares are a cheaper option at $6 and can be cut to size for AirTags. AirTags have an IPX67 water-resistance rating, which means it can be fully submerged in up to 1 meter of water for 30 minutes and is dust-proof. So it can withstand some punishment without a cover. After all, it doesn’t have a screen.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Gorilla mounting tape squares

    Amazon

    The AirTag uses a CR2032 coin battery, which should last about a year. You can find a 10-pack of those batteries on Amazon for less than $10. That’s the way to go, especially if you have multiple AirTags, and other devices that use CR2032 coin batteries.

    Always remember to keep coin batteries away from small children so they don’t accidentally swallow one. They can cause major injury if ingested.

    $9 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for Energizer CR2032 (10-pack)
    Now playing:Watch this:Apple AirTags made a good small impression

    6:55
  • Best iPhone VPN of 2023

    Best iPhone VPN of 2023

    Security is tantamount to a good user experience, and Apple is well aware of this. The company is known for the strong security of its devices, and you expect when purchasing an iPhone that there will be a high level of protection. That said, you can always improve that base protection if it just isn’t enough for you. Using a reliable and well-tested VPN can come in handy. Without a virtual private network, your internet service provider can track your browsing habits on both iOS and MacOS, and other sites can collect your IP address. By itself, an iPhone can’t prevent either of those things, but the best VPN for iPhone can.

    Luckily, your iPhone VPN options are better than ever before. While not every VPN service is going to pair seamlessly with iOS’ distinct controls, Apple-focused VPN apps are becoming increasingly popular among leading VPN providers.

    The mobile VPN market has been booming over the past few years, according to the most recent trend reports available. Over 480 million people downloaded a mobile VPN between 2019 and 2020, a report from research firm Top10VPN showed. That was a whopping 54% increase from the previous year. While 84% of those downloads were free VPN services, we strongly urge you to avoid using a free VPN, as not only are they limited in their usefulness, but they nearly always come with unforeseen risks. Instead, it’s best to stick with a tried-and-true paid VPN whenever possible. That’s what you’ll find here in our guide to the best iPhone VPN apps.

    One caveat worth noting is that there are currently some limits to the privacy VPN clients provide to iOS users. Recent independent research showed that iOS (and some MacOS) users’ browsing and internet data may be sent to Apple despite the protections offered by an encrypted VPN tunnel. We’ll continue to update our VPN recommendations as more information emerges about this issue.

    This list is essentially a subset of our main best VPN list, but specifically focuses on VPN clients for anyone looking for mobile browsing protection for their iPhone or other iOS device. If and when a service is ranked higher here than on our main VPN list, it’s because the mobile app experience was superior.(You can check out our recommendations for the best Android VPNs, too.) Keep in mind that this is an evolving list: We’re actively working on more research and hands-on testing, so check back regularly as we expect this list to change periodically. Here are the top VPN apps for iPhone that we’ve tested so far this year.

    Surfshark

    • Latest tests: Zero data leaks and 19% internet speed loss in fall 2022 tests
    • Network: 3,200-plus in 99 countries
    • Jurisdiction: Netherlands
    • Price: Unlimited connections for $48 for the first year (then $60 annually) or $13 per month. 2-year subscriptions available.

    Surfshark boasts an impressive suite of privacy and security features, unlimited simultaneous connections, easy-to-use interface and expansive global network. And it’s still significantly cheaper than most of its competitors. That’s what helped Surfshark earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value VPN.

    Along with standard VPN features such as a kill switch and DNS leak protection, some of the more notable Surfshark features include camouflage mode (which hides the fact you’re using a VPN), split-tunneling, NoBorders mode (which lets you use Surfshark in regions where VPNs are restricted) and multihop VPN connections. You’ll also get access to Surfshark’s CleanWeb technology, which blocks ads and malware and helps you avoid phishing attacks.

    One innovation we’re excited to see Surfshark roll out over the next year is its Nexus network, which connects the VPN’s entire network of servers together and allows you to choose multiple servers to route your connection through. The functionality is somewhat similar to Tor, but Surfshark says it’s faster. With its Dynamic MultiHop, IP Randomizer and IP Rotator functions, the Nexus network can give you a few extra layers of protection while you use the VPN — which can be particularly beneficial to users with critical privacy needs.

    Surfshark says it doesn’t log any user activity. And although no-logging claims are virtually impossible to prove with 100% certainty, German cybersecurity firm Cure53 declared Surfshark’s security to be “solid” in its 2021 security audit of the VPN. Surfshark says a new audit is forthcoming by the end of this year.

    Since February 2022, both Surfshark and NordVPN have had the same corporate parent (Tesonet), but Surfshark said it is legally bound not to share any information between the entities that would go against its privacy policy or terms of service. We didn’t find any language in either document that would indicate Surfshark has any obligation to share user data with its parent company or any sibling companies, which include NordVPN.

    Surfshark rates consistently as one of the fastest VPNs available. Which is why we were surprised that one of the only issues we had with Surfshark came in our speed test. While it still ranks as one of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested — with an internet speed loss of just 19% — we were disappointed with the inconsistent speed results we got to certain locations. Speeds to Europe and Singapore were erratic (dipping as low as 9Mbps to Singapore), while speeds to New York were slower than speeds to the UK and even Australia. Surfhark is in the process of significantly expanding its server network, now offering more than 3,200 servers in 99 countries. The continued expansion of its server network could potentially help bring some more consistency to the VPN’s speeds.

    In our tests, Surfshark had no problems unblocking Netflix and Amazon Prime Video content, but we did run into a fair bit of trouble accessing Disney Plus. After testing various servers in the US and other countries where Disney Plus is available, we were finally able to access the content when we connected to a server in Boston. You may need to test a few servers yourself before gaining access to Disney Plus content with Surfshark.

    Surfshark offers cheaper introductory prices that jump after the first billing cycle. Even so, Surfshark manages to keep its prices lower than most other VPNs — helping it earn CNET’s Editors’ Choice for Best Value. The yearly plan starts out at $48 for the first year, then jumps to $60 for any additional years of service. If you opt for the two-year plan, you’ll pay $60 up front for the initial two years combined, then $60 per year for any additional years. Surfshark’s monthly plan stays constant at $13 a month. If you’re not satisfied with the service for any reason, Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Read our Surfshark VPN review.

    Surfshark VPN
    • Best value VPN in 2022
    • Lots of unique security features
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • RAM-only server network
    84% off with 24-mo plan (+2 free months)

    Screenshot by David Gewirtz/CNET

    • Latest tests: No leaks detected, 2% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
    • Network: 3,000-plus servers in 160 locations across 94 countries
    • Jurisdiction: British Virgin Islands
    • Price: 5 simultaneous connections for $13 per month, $60 for six months or $100 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.

    ExpressVPN is currently the fastest VPN we’ve tested, causing us to lose less than 2% of our total internet speeds. Its apps for iOS and Android are designed with a streamlined approach aimed at connecting fast without a fuss. A single button on its landing screen directs you to connect quickly, with the only accompanying option a drop-down server location selector with your fastest nearby city selected by default.

    ExpressVPN’s other options — its security and privacy tools, account and setting iOS‘s options, and support page — are all kept neatly tucked away under a garden variety three-bar icon in the screen’s top left corner. And they’re worth checking into. ExpressVPN has included an on-board IP address checker, along with two leak testers and a password generator.

    In the past year, ExpressVPN increased its independent third-party audit count, published details about its TrustedServer deployment process, joined the i2Coalition to call for improved VPN industry ethics, and released an open source Lightway encryption protocol.

    All of our top-rated VPNs have wide compatibility across platforms and operating systems, but ExpressVPN’s collection of setup guides, detailed FAQs and troubleshooting articles give it a clear advantage for users. So does its 24/7 customer support, and its no-questions-asked, 30-day money back guarantee.

    The company has been in business since 2009, and ExpressVPN has a substantial network of more than 3,000 RAM-only servers spread across 160 locations in 94 countries. ExpressVPN’s best plan offers five simultaneous connections for $100 a year (which includes three extra months, for a limited-time deal totaling 15 months of service). You can also opt for a $13 per-month plan, or pay $60 for six months.

    Read our ExpressVPN review.

    ExpressVPN
    • Current fastest VPN we’ve tested
    • Unblocks Netflix, great for gaming and P2P
    • Solid security and transparency, zero leaks
    • Excellent customer support, easy refunds
    49% off with 12-mo plan (+3 free months)

    NordVPN

    • Latest tests: No leaks detected, 13% speed loss in summer 2022 tests

    • Network: 5,600-plus servers in 84 locations across 59 countries
    • Jurisdiction: Panama

    • Price: 6 simultaneous connections for $12 per month, or $60 for a year (current discount: 3 months free). 2-year subscriptions available.

    NordVPN is one of the most recognized brands in the VPN field. It offers a generous simultaneous connection count, with six simultaneous connections through its network, where nearly all other providers offer five or fewer. NordVPN also offers a dedicated IP option, for those looking for a different level of VPN connection, and the ability to VPN into Tor. More than half of Nord’s 5,000-plus server fleet is optimized for peer-to-peer sharing, though Nord has blocked torrenting in 14 countries.

    In our latest test rounds we noticed a few hiccups in Nord’s killswitch when using its iOS app, which could be a concern for torrenters. However, Nord has a sideloaded iOS available on its website that it recommends for users. In our most recent speed tests, NordVPN’s performance recovered from middling speed scores of 2021 and zoomed back into the ranks of the fastest VPNs we’ve tested, causing us to lose just 13% of base internet speeds.

    NordVPN doesn’t accept PayPal payments, but you can purchase a subscription with any major credit or debit card, AmazonPay, Google Pay or ACH transfer. If you’d rather pay anonymously, you can pay with a variety of cryptocurrencies including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether and Dogecoin. NordVPN has also partnered with a handful of retail stores like Staples, BestBuy and Walmart where you can even purchase your VPN with cash.

    Read our NordVPN review.

    NordVPN
    • Among the fastest VPNs
    • Tons of features
    • Diskless RAM-only server infrastructure
    • Solid encryption
    63% off with 24-mo plan (+extra months)

    Screenshot by David Gewirtz/CNET

    • Latest tests: DNS leaks detected, 58% speed loss in spring 2022 tests
    • Network: 2,000-plus servers in 75 locations across 52 countries
    • Jurisdiction: United States
    • Price: Unlimited connections for $11 per month, $16 for 3 months ($30 quarterly after the first 3 months), or $48 for a year ($90 annually after the first year).

    A big win for IPVanish is its fun, configurable interface, which makes it an ideal client for those who are interested in learning how to understand what a VPN does under the hood. With its iOS app, IPVanish manages to pack the same extensive suite of digital knobs and dials into a smaller screen to impressive effect.

    If you’re looking for the ability to do some precision-tuning to your VPN connection, IPVanish is a solid bet. From generating visual graphs of your internet activity to a bevy of switches controlling split-tunneling, LAN connection allowance and more — IPVanish is an iOS app for the methodical tech tweaker who enjoys having exact control over their mobile traffic.

    While IPVanish isn’t the fastest VPN, the 58% speed loss we measured in our most recent speed tests is about on par with most VPN providers. However, we noticed that IPVanish’s Quick Connect feature doesn’t always connect you to the best available server, so you may need to optimize your speeds by connecting manually to a server showing a lighter load. In IPVanish’s iOS app, you can check the current load of each server by tapping on Locations and tapping the number next to each city.

    IPVanish’s monthly plan costs $11 per month, but you can get a discount on its yearly plan now for $40 for the first year. However, that yearly plan jumps to $90 for any subsequent years of service. You can also opt for a quarterly plan that costs just over $13 for the first three months, then $30 for each three-month period thereafter. The provider offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, but only if you purchase the yearly plan — which could be a disappointment to anyone who purchased a monthly or quarterly subscription and decided they didn’t like the service. That said, the company gets kudos for allowing unlimited simultaneous connections. We also liked its connection kill switch feature, a must for anyone serious about protecting their privacy while surfing.

    Read our IPVanish review.

    IPVanish
    • Unlimited simultaneous connections
    • Simple, user-friendly interface
    • Competitive speeds
    • 24/7 customer support with live chat and phone support
    66% off with 12-mo plan

    What’s the best iPhone VPN right now?

    Thanks to its impressive performance and unlimited device support, Surfshark is our current top pick for the best iPhone VPN. ExpressVPN is a close second among our picks and offers a simple and effective iPhone VPN app. It isn’t the cheapest, but it’s among the fastest of all the VPN options. NordVPN, our third choice, is a die-hard heavy-hitter. It costs more than Surfshark but less than Express, has a network of servers that’s constantly getting faster and more secure, and is easily the most reliable service we’ve tested. No matter which VPN you choose, however, keep in mind that recent independent research has emerged suggesting iOS (and some MacOS) users’ browsing and internet data may still be sent to Apple despite the protections offered by an encrypted VPN tunnel. We will continue to update our recommendations as more information and research surface around this issue.

    What is a mobile VPN?

    Use a mobile-friendly VPN to avoid slower speeds and ensure greater data privacy for your whole device. Mobile VPNs generally have a smaller memory footprint, and require less processing power than desktop VPNs, so they run faster and save more battery. Our top three VPNs listed above all have excellent, easy-to-use mobile app options for their services. Some VPNs will only work with one type of platform — like Apple or Android — and some are universally compatible. To find the right mobile VPN for you, check out our other mobile-specific VPN guides below. We routinely update them with our retesting information so check back often.

    What’s the best free VPN?

    We don’t recommend opting for a free VPN because they can be risky to use unless they are the free tier of service provided by a premium VPN. Free VPNs usually make money by selling user data, and some have even been found to be riddled with malware — which is the exact opposite of what you want from a VPN. On top of that, free VPNs are often slow, impose restrictive usage and data limits, offer a minimal selection of servers and are generally less secure than paid VPNs. Most won’t work with streaming services, either. Check out CNET’s list of the best cheap VPNs if you want to find a premium, budget-friendly VPN.

    Can you get in trouble for using a VPN?

    You normally don’t have to worry about getting into any legal trouble just for using a VPN — unless you’re in a country like China or Iran where VPN use is banned or illegal. In most parts of the world, using a VPN is perfectly legal. If you’re in a country where VPN use is restricted in any way, you’ll need to connect to an obfuscated server. Doing so will disguise your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS internet traffic, so authorities won’t know you’re using a VPN in the first place.

    What does my ISP/mobile carrier see when I’m connected to my VPN?

    Your internet service provider or mobile carrier (depending on whether you’re connected to Wi-Fi or using mobile data) will see that you’re connected to a VPN, but it will not be able to see any of your internet activity like the websites you visit or browsing history since your traffic is encrypted. It will also see things like the IP address of the VPN server you’re connected to, the timestamps of when you’re connected and the amount of data you’ve transmitted. If you want to hide your VPN usage from your ISP or mobile carrier, you can connect to an obfuscated server, if offered by your VPN.

    More VPN advice

  • The Future of Phones Is DIY Repairability

    The Future of Phones Is DIY Repairability

    Performing a highly technical demonstration in front of a live audience of journalists is always a risky move on the part of a technology company. You can almost guarantee that tech will fail you at the very moment you need it to perform at its best.

    But not today, Satan. Today, Nokia Product Marketing Chief Adam Ferguson is replacing the battery on one of the company’s three new budget phones live on camera, all while providing onlooking press with a running commentary of exactly what he’s doing and why it’s so important.

    Ferguson promises it’ll take him less than five minutes to complete the battery transplant, and though we can quibble over a few seconds either way, he fundamentally proves to be a man of his word.

    “If someone like me — who isn’t particularly good with his hands, as you’ve probably seen from some of my shaky handling there — can do it while speaking to all of you, hopefully it demonstrates that absolutely anybody can,” he told us during the demo, which took place virtually, in the week preceding Mobile World Congress.

    The Nokia G22, now waking up from major surgery performed by an amateur in front of our eyes, is designed with repairability at its very core. Thanks to a partnership with tech repair company iFixit, owners of this phone, announced at MWC in Barcelona on Saturday, will be equipped with guides and support to fix their phones themselves when the time comes. All they’ll need is a guitar pick and a #00 screwdriver.

    It puts Nokia, which isn’t even in the top five global smartphone brands, ahead of the game this week at the world’s biggest mobile show, where sustainability is a major theme. In the context of the global climate crisis, the problem of electronic waste has become an increasingly pressing concern for tech companies and for consumers. Ensuring the products we use have a long life and aren’t easily disposed of as soon as our battery starts to flop is a key step in reducing the environmental impact of our tech use.

    “We’re seeing already that people are holding on to their phones for longer,” Steven Moore said in an interview during the lead-up to Mobile World Congress. Moore is head of climate action at mobile industry body GSMA, which hosts MWC. He said the average lifespan of a smartphone has already stretched from two to three years. Plus, he added, people are showing more interest in repairing their phones, and are open to purchasing refurbished models in the first place.

    Nokia isn’t the first to do this. Since 2013, Fairphone, a Dutch social enterprise, has been focused on trying to make modular phones that have a smaller environmental footprint. Since last April, Apple has also been supporting people who want to take care of DIY fixes on their iPhones, through its Self Service Repair program.

    But the difference right now is that DIY repairs are beginning to shift from being a niche perk to being an important headline feature of new phones. “As consumers increasingly demand more sustainable and longer-lasting devices, the ability to repair smartphones easily and affordably will become a key differentiator in the market,” said Ben Wood, chief analyst at CCS Insight, in a statement.

    Nokia might not be the pioneer of the repairability trend, but it’s adopting the practice at a key time. This year at MWC sustainability is front and center, as companies across the mobile landscape strive to reduce their environmental impact in line with the GSMA’s goal of the mobile industry reaching net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

    Any phone manufacturers who don’t come to the show this year with a well-rehearsed set of arguments for why they aren’t taking control of repairability options for their devices should be prepared to face criticism, Emma Mohr-McClune, chief analyst and practice lead at analysis firm Global Data, said in a statement.

    “At present, operators are staying out of this argument, but at one point even operators will start demanding more choice in this regard,” she added.

    With pressure mounting from consumers and from other areas of the mobile industry, it’ll be up to phone manufacturers to respond by making it easier to replace device parts such as batteries and screens, which often bear the brunt of long-term use. But it’s important that they don’t neglect software as part of this conversation either.

    When OnePlus released the OnePlus 11 earlier this month, it extended its support period for up to four years of Android updates and an additional fifth year of security updates. Without the promise of long-term security updates such as this, an otherwise decent phone can become unusable.

    Good future-proofing also doesn’t lessen the responsibility on phone makers to ensure devices are already as sustainable as possible before they even reach your hands.

    According to Moore, 80% of the environmental footprint of a mobile phone has already happened before you take it out the box. “That really means that we need to consider the actual embodied emissions and environmental impact within the device,” he said.

    The long-term vision for future phones, as laid out in a GSMA strategy paper released last November, is that one day our devices will be 100% recycled and recyclable, as well as made with 100% renewable energy.

    “There’s no device at the moment that fits that description, but we’re already seeing really promising signs from some of the manufacturers on this,” said Moore. “There’s a lot that the industry can do [and] I think we’re just at the beginning.”