Category: Technologies

  • Bournemouth vs. Man City Livestream: How to Watch Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    Bournemouth vs. Man City Livestream: How to Watch Premier League Soccer From Anywhere

    Having dropped points to lowly Nottingham Forest last weekend, title contenders Manchester City know they can’t afford another slip up against another relegation-threatened side as they travel to Bournemouth on Saturday.

    City surrendered top spot in the Premier league to rivals Arsenal last weekend, and they come into this clash off the back of an unconvincing midweek draw away to RB Leipzig in the Champions League.

    They now come up against a Bournemouth side which pulled itself out of the relegation zone last weekend after a big win over fellow strugglers Wolves, ending a wretched run of nine games without a victory.

    That win came at a price, with midfielder Marcus Tavernier picking up a hamstring injury that’s set to rule him out of this clash. Man City meanwhile have doubts over the availability of Kevin De Bruyne, after the Belgium international missed out his side’s draw with Leipzig through illness.

    Below, we’ll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the game live wherever you are in the world.

    Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne pointing with his right hand.Manchester City midfielder Kevin de Bruyne pointing with his right hand.

    Man City star Kevin De Bruyne faces a late fitness test for this match, after missing out on his side’s draw with RB Leipzig in midweek.

    Julian Finney/Getty Images

    Bournemouth vs. Man City: When and where?

    Bournemouth host Man City at the Vitality Stadium on Saturday, Feb. 25. Kickoff is set for 5.30 p.m. local time in the UK (12:30 p.m. ET, 9.30 a.m. PT in the US, and at 4:30 a.m. AEST on Sunday, Feb. 26 in Australia).

    How to watch the Bournemouth vs. Man City game online from anywhere using a VPN

    If you find yourself unable to view the game locally, you may need a different way to watch the game — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s 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.

    With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. So if your internet provider or mobile carrier has stuck you with an IP address that incorrectly shows your location in a blackout zone, a VPN can correct that problem by giving you an IP address in your correct, nonblackout area. 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, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have 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.

    Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals taking place right now.

    Sarah Tew/CNET

    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 a month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 a month — if you get an annual subscription.

    Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in the US

    This EPL match is on USA Network, which you can access as part of your cable package or at the NBC Sports website with a valid login. It can also be streamed on a live TV streaming service, most of which carry USA Network.

    Sling TV’s Blue plan includes USA Network, making it the most affordable live TV streaming service for those wanting to watch EPL action. Normally it costs $40 a month but currently it’s half-price for the first month.

    Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in the UK

    Premier League rights in the UK are split between Sky Sports, BT Sport and Amazon Prime Video. The Bournemouth vs. Man City game is exclusive to Sky Sports — showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and Ultra channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want a Now account, and a Now Sports membership to stream the game.

    Sky subsidiary Now (formerly Now TV) offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for 12, or sign up to a monthly plan from 25 a month right now.

    Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in Canada

    If you want to stream the Cherries against City live in Canada, you’ll need to subscribe to FuboTV Canada. The service has exclusive rights to this Premier League season.

    FuboTV is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the Premier League this season with exclusive streaming rights to every game. It costs CA$25 per month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually.

    Livestream the Bournemouth vs. Man City game in Australia

    Football fans Down Under can watch this EPL fixture on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every single Premier League game live in Australia this season.

    With exclusive rights to screen every EPL match live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.

    If you’re already an Optus network customer you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 per month. If you’re not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25.

    Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPN

    • With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming EPL matches 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.
  • The Best Games for PSVR 2

    The Best Games for PSVR 2

    If you have a PlayStation 5, the new PSVR 2 is a ticket to VR experiences that feel a significant step above what Sony’s original PSVR offered. It’s expensive, though, and it doesn’t include any free games (unless you bought the $600 Horizon: Call of the Mountain bundle).

    Sony already has dozens of VR games on tap for the PSVR 2, but here’s a short list of the best ones you should get at launch to make the most of your experience. These are all games we’ve actually played: we’ll update this list as we get more games in-hand.

    One problem with PSVR 2 games is that some of them are as expensive as regular console games. Odds are you won’t buy that many, unless you have free or lower-cost upgrades to games you already own. Some (Gran Turismo 7, Resident Evil Village and No Man’s Sky) are free VR add-on modes to the existing PS5 games, and they’re all must-haves.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment

    Sony’s premier flagship PSVR 2 exclusive is an immersive adventure set in the world of the futuristic post-post-apocalyptic Horizon Call of the Wild and Horizon Forbidden West games. Call of the Mountain is more linear, and focused on actions like climbing, using a bow and arrow, and exploring vast mountain ranges. The graphics are amazing. It’s a clear must-get to show off what the PSVR 2 can do. There are even some subtle uses of eye tracking and in-headset vibrations.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment

    Wow, this racing sim looks good in PSVR 2. Sony’s acclaimed game got a software update that adds VR support in-game, although keep in mind that GT7 doesn’t work with the Sense controllers, oddly: You need to use the DualSense controller (which has some pretty great haptics and force feedback anyway) or one of a number of supported steering wheels. Also, only the races are in VR; the rest is in 2D. But the races look so, so good — this is a must-have to show off how impressive PSVR 2 games could look.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Gran Turismo 7

    Capcom

    Getting scared in VR isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and it usually isn’t mine, either. I’ll make an exception for Resident Evil Village, which transforms its entire survival-horror gothic game experience into a first-person PSVR 2 standout with a free PS5 update. This game uses the Sense controllers well for shooting, grabbing items and opening doors and latches; everything looks shockingly vivid in the PSVR 2’s rich HDR OLED display. Next to Horizon: Call of the Mountain, this is the PSVR 2’s most cinematic experience at launch. And yeah, you’ll probably freak out a bit.

    Hello Games

    No Man’s Sky has been an ever-evolving infinite space exploration game that’s been a standout on PSVR before. The free PSVR 2 update for the PS5 version of the game feels much the same in spirit as how No Man’s Sky worked in VR previously — it’s pretty great. The whole game is VR-playable, including the latest Fractal 4.1 update, which offers an insane amount of game for the money. The Sense controllers feel well-adapted to the game, too. Getting inside a ship for the first time and flying into space is reason enough to try it.

    You’re receiving price alerts for No Man’s Sky

    ILMxLab

    One of our favorite Quest 2 games got a remastered update for the PSVR 2, and it sometimes feels like a whole new experience. Expect a first-person shooter that drops you into the wilderness of Batuu, the planet where Disney’s Star Wars theme parks are set. Weapons and tools reverberate realistically with the PSVR 2 haptics and force-feedback triggers, and the environments look great in higher-contrast HDR.

    Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

    These adorable and challenging puzzle platform games have been on our VR best list for years. You control a mouse hero as she adventures through dollhouse-sized worlds that unfold all around like dioramas. On the PSVR 2, these games play similarly, but look even sharper. The sit-down-and-play style is less physically demanding than other PSVR 2 launch games, and could be a great pick for kids to try out if they’re VR-curious — and you’re nearby to keep an eye on them. (The price below is for Moss Book 2, the newest game in the series.)

    Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

    Visit a cartoon island where the villagers are friendly, and you are… a giant tentacled sea beast. Devolver Digital’s wonderful game makes your arms feel like tentacles as you grab and throw things to solve puzzles. It’s funny and charming, and the PSVR 2’s stellar haptics make the tentacles feel even more real. It’s also fun to just toss things around.

    Screenshot by Scott Stein/CNET

    Yes, this is Tetris, in VR. Tetris Effect Connected has been around for years (including VR versions), and it long since won us with its hypnotic music and visuals. That’s the reason to try this on PSVR 2: The HDR display makes these ambient effects shine like never before. Worth a try for some immersive meditative Tetris, with some new bonus modes that have been added too. It’s a $10 upgrade for anyone who already owns the game.

    More on the PlayStation VR 2

  • How to Watch ‘Party Down’: Stream Season 3 From Anywhere

    How to Watch ‘Party Down’: Stream Season 3 From Anywhere

    A mere 12 years since it last appeared on our screens, cult workplace sitcom Party Down is back for a long-overdue third season.

    The show features Severance star Adam Scott as a “between roles” actor that’s forced to find part-time work alongside a group of other struggling thespians and writers at an LA catering company.

    Party Down provided Scott his big break before Parks and Rec, while co-stars Jane Lynch and Martin Starr appeared on the show before their respective appearances in Glee and Silicon Valley. More than a decade on from the show’s cancellation, Scott, Lynch and Starr are now all back for this revival, with Lizzy Caplan the only notable absentee from the original cast due to a schedule conflict.

    Replacing Caplan as frustrated comedian Casey Klein is Alias star Jennifer Garner, while there are promised guest appearances from the likes of Nick Offerman, James Marsden, Quinta Brunson and Fran Kranz.

    The new season kicks off with a reunion of the group to celebrate egotistical Kyle’s (Ryan Hansen) long-awaited big break as a movie star. The proceeding events of the fateful get-together however result in the former co-workers making an unexpected return to the world of catering.

    Don’t miss a moment by following our guide to watching Party Down Season 3 from anywhere in the world.

    The cast of Party Down season 3, sitting together in a line.The cast of Party Down season 3, sitting together in a line.

    Season 3 of Party Down sees the cult comedy’s characters make an unexpected return to the world of catering.

    Starz

    When does Party Down Season 3 start?

    The return of this much-loved comedy kicks off with the season 3 premiere on Friday, Feb. 24 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Starz in the US. New episodes will be broadcast at the same time from then on every Friday evening.

    How to watch Party Down Season 3 from anywhere on VPN

    So what if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the show or 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 the show. If you find yourself unable to watch locally, a VPN can come in handy. Plus it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

    Most VPNs, like CNET’s Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it easy to virtually change your location. Looking for other options? Be sure to check out some of the other great VPN deals.

    Sarah Tew/CNET

    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 a month. But you can save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 a month — if you get an annual subscription.

    Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

    Watch in the US

    As well as the much-anticipated return of Party Down, Starz is also the home of original shows such as the Power saga, BMF, P-Valley and Blindspotting.

    A Starz subscription costs $9 per month, but the network is currently offering a $15 per month for 3 months discount.

    Watch in Canada

    Crave

    Canadian comedy fans can watch the return of Party Down with Crave, with the first episode set to air at 10 p.m. ET on the Starz 1 channel.

    Crave boasts access to classic HBO series, on-demand movies, Showtime content, plus Crave originals. Members can watch shows including The Last of Us, The Gloaming, Yellowjackets and The White Lotus.

    A subscription currently costs CA$10 a month for the basic Crave Mobile tier or CA$20 per month for Crave Total, which includes downloads and four streams at a time. New subscribers can meanwhile get access to a seven-day free trial.

    Watch in the UK

    Lionsgate

    There’s great news for British fans of the show, with Party Down season 3 set to air on streaming service Lionsgate Plus from Friday, Feb. 24.

    Formerly known as Starzplay, the service is also the home of Outlander, Station Eleven, The Serpent Queen, The Great, Power Book, Gaslit and Dr. Death.

    A subscription currently costs 6 a month, and can be accessed via dedicated apps for Apple and Android devices, with widespread support for most smart TV and set top box platforms.

    Tips for streaming Party Down Season 3 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 viewing 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 in to 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 network’s 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.
  • Apple’s Official MagSafe Charger Is Back on Sale for Just $32

    Apple’s Official MagSafe Charger Is Back on Sale for Just $32

    if you’re looking for a new wireless charger for your iPhone, Woot is offering a deal on Apple’s first-party MagSafe Charger that’s worth considering. The magnetic charger is available for just $32 there, a near-20% saving compared with the Apple Store and the best price we’ve seen so far this year. Not only does this nifty charger conveniently snap on the back of your device, but it also provides faster wireless charging than most third-party options. This offer is available for four days or while supplies last, and we’ve seen it sell out quickly in the past at this sort of price.

    When I made the switch from Android to Apple in 2021, I opted for an iPhone 12 Pro Max and never looked back. Even when I lost my phone, I went and bought the iPhone 13 and continued to use it with my MagSafe charger. And I don’t regret the decision at all: The phone and charger have a perfect place in my at-home office setup. While there may be thousands of different iPhone chargers out there on the market, there’s nothing quite like the first-party Apple version that is designed to work seamlessly with your iPhone, and many iPhone cases are now built around this technology.

    You can attach this charger to iPhone 14, iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 models, and enjoy faster wireless charging up to 15 watts. It’s also compatible with regular Qi devices, meaning it can be used to wirelessly charge your iPhone 8 or later, as well as AirPods models with a wireless charging case. Note, however, that this charger doesn’t come with the block that you’ll need with the compatible USB-C input.


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  • Apple May Launch a Low-End VR Headset in 2025, Analyst Says

    Apple May Launch a Low-End VR Headset in 2025, Analyst Says

    Apple has yet to confirm plans for its first augmented and virtual reality headset, but there are already rumors brewing about a second generation of the device.

    Apple’s second generation AR/VR headset will include both a high-end and low-end headset that will “likely” launch in 2025, said Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo post on Friday.

    Apple’s first mixed-reality headset could be unveiled in June at the company’s annual Worldwide Developers Conference, according to Bloomberg. The long-rumored device is expected to be in the $3,000 range.

    Even if the rumored headset is introduced at WWDC, Apple tends to announce new products months before they’re available. Kuo seemed to back up that point on Friday, saying the “probability of the headset launch alongside iPhone 15 in 3Q23 is rising.”

    Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.

    More to come.

  • PlayStation’s State of Play Livestream to Reveal Suicide Squad Gameplay: How to Watch

    PlayStation is giving us a fresh look at upcoming PS5 title Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League on Thursday, Feb. 23, as part of its State of Play livestream. In addition to “more than 15 minutes” of gameplay and details about the DC Comics game, it’ll also preview other titles from third-party developers and five upcoming PlayStation VR2 games.

    It’s the first such livestream of 2023 for Sony’s gaming platform.

    When will the State of Play start?

    It’ll kick off Thursday, Feb. 23, at 1 p.m. PT, which converts to 4 p.m. ET, 9 p.m. GMT or 8 a.m. Friday AEST.

    How to watch the State of Play

    The event will be streaming from PlayStation’s YouTube channel. We’ve also embedded the YouTube link above, so you can watch right here.

    What’s the deal with Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League?

    The DC Comics antihero co-op action game is being developed by Batman: Arkham studio Rocksteady for PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, and is scheduled for release on May 26.

    The game is set in the same universe as the beloved Arkham games and will likely play similarly. It sees the titular group of villains tasked with saving Metropolis from alien supervillain Brainiac and his brainwashed Justice League. So Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark will be forced to take on Superman, the Flash and company.

    It’ll also feature the late actor Kevin Conroy‘s final performance as Batman.

  • Apple’s MacBook Air M2 Sees Price Slashed by $150 at Best Buy

    Apple’s popular MacBook Air received one of its biggest redesigns ever last year, and CNET quickly named it the best laptop for most people. Despite being among Apple’s newest Macs, we’ve already seen several solid MacBook Air M2 deals and Best Buy is giving you yet another opportunity to save on one with $150 off across the board. Both 256GB and 512GB configurations are seeing prices slashed, dropping the entry-level model down to $1,049.

    The MacBook Air M2 features a larger and brighter 13.6-inch Liquid Retina Display and thinner overall profile. Inside, it’s powered by Apple’s new M2 chip which allows for a performance bump of up to 40% and battery life as long as 18 hours, according to Apple. Other notable improvements include a 1080p FaceTime camera, a four-speaker sound system with support for Spatial Audio and support for Apple’s innovative MagSafe charging cable.

    The base model on sale at Best Buy features a 256GB SSD, M2 chip with an eight-core GPU and 8GB of RAM. Jump up to the 512GB configuration and you’ll get double the storage plus a more powerful M2 chip with a 10-core GPU. All colors are discounted by the same amount, so you can take your pick from silver, space gray, starlight and midnight.

  • Best PS4 Gaming Headset for 2022

    PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 are popular consoles that are widely used by gamers internationally. In order to enhance the gaming experience, Sony developed a range of headphones that are specifically designed to work with these consoles. The PlayStation 4 headphones are known for their high-quality sound, noise-cancellation technology, and comfortable design. They offer a great balance of sound and chat audio, making them perfect for online gaming.

    Gaming is a great way to take a break from the grind of daily life and escape to expansive, fantastic worlds, as well as a way to stay in touch with friends from around the globe. If gaming time is the way you and your friends keep in touch, then you’ll probably want to invest in a proper gaming headset with top-notch audio quality. A great headset offers high-caliber sound for an even more immersive gaming experience, and can be crucial when it comes to coordinating a raid, co-adventuring in a fantasy world or deciding which pal among you is more of an im-pal-ster. And no matter your needs or your budget, there’s a perfect headset out there for you.

    You don’t have to buy Sony headphones either. Most standard wired headphones with microphones technically work as headsets for the PS4 (you simply plug the headphone into the 3.5mm jack on your controller), but having a dedicated “gaming” headset, like the PS4 compatible headsets below, ensures an optimized sound experience. One of the best PS4 headset features is the noise isolation, which can block out background noise for a more immersive experience, and another great gaming headset feature is a good mic that ensures others can hear you clearly when you’re in the middle of a long gaming session. Seriously, when you’re going head-to-head with another squad, mic quality matters.

    Many people with a PlayStation 4 choose to go with a wired headset simply because it can be plugged into the already wireless controller. It’s also worth noting that many, if not most, wired PS4 headphones also work just fine with the PS5, Xbox Series X and S, Xbox One, Windows PCs, Macs and the Nintendo Switch.

    But what if you don’t want your headphones to be tied down by wires? If you want to eliminate the cord that goes from the controller to your headphones, some of the best PS4 headset options let you go completely wireless. Just be aware that these PS4 headsets all include — and require — a low-latency wireless dongle that plugs into the USB port on your PS4 (there should be no audio delay).

    Note: Almost no PS4 wireless gaming headsets will also work with the Xbox One. The Switch, meanwhile, requires a USB-C wireless dongle for wireless headset connectivity (though some of the USB dongles do work via the Switch’s dock).

    Some midrange and high-end PS4 gaming headset models feature 7.1 virtual surround sound. To be clear, this isn’t real surround sound but it can help with the sound quality to create a richer, more immersive audio experience. It also gives you a better sense of spatial awareness with certain games where that can be an advantage. When looking for the best PS4 headsets, we also took mic quality into consideration if you’re playing online, because that’s especially important if your gaming session requires group coordination. If you can’t be heard, you can’t strategize!

    With those basics established, let’s talk about the best PS4 headset. These are the results of our own home-based testing — we thought about everything from noise cancellation to the comfiness of the ear cushions. This list is updated periodically and includes some options suggested in GameSpot’s list of best gaming headsets.

    HyperX

    After I try a headset, I often hand it over to my 14-year-old son, who plays pretty much exclusively on PS4. I have several gaming headsets lying around and he always returns to the HyperX Cloud Alpha. It’s just very solidly built, has good sound with strong microphone performance and most importantly, it’s comfortable to wear for long gaming sessions.

    For about $30 more you can get the HyperX Cloud Alpha S 7.1, which has a nearly identical design but supports virtual surround sound audio — only for PCs, though. This PS4 headset is stereo-only for PS4.

    Read our HyperX Cloud Alpha preview.

    You’re receiving price alerts for HyperX Cloud Alpha

    Sennheiser

    Sennheiser’s GSP 370 is not only really well built, but it features excellent sound, comfort, microphone performance (there’s superb noise reduction) and monster battery life — up to 100 hours but expect to get a little less than that. An included USB dongle allows you to connect wirelessly to your PS4 and the microphone can be muted by flipping the boom up. The GSP 370 is also compatible with PCs.

    This wireless gaming headset is a relatively low-frills model for its midrange price, with few physical buttons (no chat volume control, no sound mode toggles) except for a power switch and a large volume wheel that operates very smoothly. I found it to be one of the most comfortable headsets and it also works well for listening to music.

    You’re receiving price alerts for Sennheiser GSP 370

    JBL

    The $200 Quantum 800 isn’t the top-of-the-line gaming headset from JBL, which is a newcomer to the gaming headset market, but has long been in the audio game.That would be the $300 Quantum One, but that’s a wired headset and also overkill for the PS4. The Quantum 800 is wireless and includes a dongle that works with your PS4 and Windows PC. It also features noise canceling and sounds excellent not just for games, but music and movies too. It’s slightly heavy, but is comfortable to wear.

    Its microphone performance is middle of the pack and probably not quite as good as it should be at this price. It’s also worth noting that the microphone isn’t detachable (it is on the Quantum One) but does flip up to mute. It’d be nice if it was detachable because its Bluetooth connectivity could be used on the go with your smartphone. Battery life is rated at up to 14 hours with the lights turned off, but expect to get a little less than that if you keep the volume fairly high.

    On the PC side, JBL needs to work out some kinks with the software but everything is more straightforward with the PS4. This is the headset to consider if you want a model that’s versatile, has good sound quality and works with multiple devices, including as a PS4 headset.

    $200 at Amazon

    You’re receiving price alerts for JBL Quantum 800

    SteelSeries

    Some say the Arctis Pro Wireless is the headset that provides the best all-around gaming experience for PS4 and PCs. It was designed for those two platforms and features high-end audio, a comfortable fit and loads of features, including a swappable battery. Two batteries are included and each provides enough juice to power the headset for 10 hours, according to SteelCase.

    With a wireless transmitter about the size of an Apple TV that connects to your PS4 (or your PC), it’s a little cumbersome to set up and operate (you access the settings on the transmitter). It’s one of the few wireless headphones beyond Sony models, however, that offers virtual surround. It also has Bluetooth wireless connectivity so you can connect it to smartphones.

    The Arctis Pro came out in early 2018, so it’s probably due for a refresh, but it remains a top PS4 (and PC) headset if you can afford it. See below for its sibling, the Arctis 1, which you can snag for a fraction of the price.

    SteelSeries

    As we mentioned above, the Arctis Pro Wireless is a monster — but it usually costs more than $400. If you want a much more affordable alternative, check out the Arctis 1, a well-designed (but less swanky) wireless model that sells for about $75. It’s a great value and is compatible (in wireless mode) with PS4 and PC, as well as the Nintendo Switch, thanks to an included USB-C dongle. The Discord-certified microphone is detachable and battery life is rated at up to 20 hours, which is pretty decent.

    David Carnoy/CNET

    The Quantum 100 is the entry-level model in JBL’s new line of Quantum gaming headsets, which run from $40 to $300. There’s nothing fancy about this model, but it’s pretty lightweight and comfortable with nicely padded ear cups, plus it has a detachable boom microphone. On the left ear cup there’s a volume control dial along with a microphone mute button. It also works with other game consoles and is pretty decent for music, though it’s a touch bright.

    While some of JBL’s higher-end models feature wireless connectivity and even noise canceling, the Quantum 100 is just a basic gaming headphone that will appeal to more casual gamers on a tight budget.

    You’re receiving price alerts for JBL Quantum 100 (Black)

    Josh Miller/CNET

    Sony’s PlayStation Gold Wireless Headset has been around for awhile and was last updated in 2018. It remains arguably the best budget gaming headset for PS4 gamers, particularly those looking for a cord-free PS4 headset model for VR games. You’ll have to use the included USB dongle to connect wirelessly. This wireless headset features 7.1 virtual surround sound for games that support that sound quality feature.

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  • FTC Reportedly Won’t Challenge Amazon’s Acquisition of One Medical

    Amazon will reportedly be allowed to complete its acquisition of 1Life Healthcare, parent of primary care provider One Medical, without opposition from the US Federal Trade Commission.

    Antitrust regulators at the agency won’t sue to block the takeover but still plan to probe the $3.49 billionmerger, an FTC spokesman told various media outlets. The acquisition of One Medical, which runs a chain of more than 150 primary care clinics in more than a dozen US cities and offers online and mobile services, will greatly expand the primary care services Amazon is already offering through its Amazon Care brand.

    “The FTC’s investigation of Amazon’s acquisition of One Medical continues,” FTC spokesperson Douglas Farrar said in a statement to the media. “The commission will continue to look at possible harms to competition created by this merger as well as possible harms to consumers that may result from Amazon’s control and use of sensitive consumer health information held by One Medical.”

    One Medical offers services to individual subscribers as well as to workers who receive its benefits from employers. It aims to speed up access to care with round-the-clock virtual care for patients and quick appointment booking. Amazon Care, which launched in 2019, currently provides medical care in eight cities, including Seattle and Arlington, Virginia, which are both homes to major Amazon offices. Amazon Care is slated to expand into New York, San Francisco and other major cities.

    The FTC didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. An Amazon spokesperson declined to comment.

  • Microsoft Tests New Bing AI Personalities as It Allows Longer Chats

    Microsoft said it’s expanding the lengths of chats people can have with the test version of its Bing AI, while the company’s also begun testing different “tone” personalities for more precise or more creative responses. The company’s moves follow efforts to restrict access to the technology after media coverage of the artificial intelligence chatting app going off the rails went viral last week.

    Bing Chat can now respond to up to six questions or statements in a row per conversation, after which people will need to start a new topic, the company said in a blog post Tuesday. Microsoft had previously imposed a conversation limit of five responses, with a maximum of 50 total interactions per day. Microsoft said it will now allow 60 total interactions per day and plans to increase that total to 100 “soon.”

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    Microsoft also said it’s testing options for people to choose the tone of their conversations, whether they prefer Bing to be more precise in its responses, more creative or somewhere between the two.

    Ultimately, the tech giant said it hopes to allow longer and more intricate conversations over time but wants to do so “responsibly.”

    “The very reason we are testing the new Bing in the open with a limitedset of preview testers is precisely to find these atypical use casesfrom which we can learn and improve the product,” the company said in a statement.

    Microsoft’s moves mark the latest twist for its Bing AI chatbot, which made a splash when it was announced earlier this month. The technology combines Microsoft’s less-popular Bing search engine with technology from startup OpenAI, whose ChatGPT responds to prompts for everything from being asked to write a poem to helping write code and even everyday math to figure out how many bags can fit in a car.

    Experts believe this new type of technology, called “generative AI,” has the potential to remake the way we interact with technology. Microsoft, for example, demonstrated how its Bing AI could help someone plan a vacation day by day with relative ease.

    Last week, though, critics raised concerns that Microsoft’s Bing AI may not be ready for prime time. People with early access began posting bizarre responses the system was giving them, including Bing telling a New York Times columnist to abandon his marriage, and the AI demanding an apology from a Reddit user over whether we’re in 2022 or 2023.

    Microsoft said that the “long and intricate” chat sessions that prompted many of the unusual responses were “not something we would typically find with internal testing.” But it hopes that improvements to the program, including its potential new choice of tone for responses, will help give people “more control on the type of chat behavior to best meet” their needs.

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