It’s unclear which services contributed the most to the milestone, which Apple announced in a blog post Tuesday. The company didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. It’s also unclear if subscribers largely signed up for individual services or in bulk via an Apple One subscription, which, depending on the plan, can include Apple Music, Apple TV Plus, Apple Arcade, Apple Fitness Plus, Apple News Plus and iCloud Plus.
With an expansive services catalog and features like Apple Sing, it’s likely only a matter of time before the company reaches 1 billion paid subscriptions across its services.
The Galaxy S23 lineup will likely star in Samsung’s next Unpacked event, which the company just announced will take place Feb. 1. This year, a new lineup would compete directly with Apple’s iPhone 14 and Google’s Pixel 7.
Samsung didn’t provide details Tuesday about what to expect from the event. But the company typically releases new Galaxy S phones during the first quarter, including the Galaxy S22 last year. The announcement also follows leaks, such as this report from Korean newspaper JoongAng Daily that suggested an early February debut for the Galaxy S23.
If Samsung follows its previous pattern, we can expect to see three versions of its new phone: the Galaxy S23, Galaxy S23 Plus and Galaxy S23 Ultra. Samsung’s invitation includes an image of three spotlights ranging in size from small to medium to large, possibly hinting as much.
The Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
Rumors from well-known leakers Ice Universe and Steve Hemmerstoffer suggest the new phones will have circular cutouts on the back for the camera lenses. The Galaxy S22 Ultra already has a camera like this. But the leak from Hemmerstoffer suggests it could trickle down to the Plus model, replacing the camera module currently found on the Galaxy S22 Plus. The spotlights in the event invitation could be a subtle nod to that design change, if it turns out to be accurate.
Samsung opened up reservations on Tuesday in the US for its upcoming devices. The company will offer $50 in Samsung credit if you ask to reserve one device or $100 for two devices. The offer runs through Feb. 1, and no payment information is required.
The company is expected to announce its new Galaxy S lineup at a time when macroeconomic headwinds have impacted phone sales overall. December reports from market researchers Counterpoint Research and IDC both point to weaker-than-previously-expected growth in global shipments for 2023.
Other than a slightly updated camera cutout on the new phones, we expect to see Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor in the Galaxy S23 lineup and possibly Samsung’s 200-megapixel camera sensor in the S23 Ultra.
Now playing:Watch this:The Galaxy Z Fold 4 Could Be Your Laptop
It’s a wrap on CES for another year, and together we’ve seen our share of both weird and wonderful devices in 2023, but… mostly weird.
Flying cars and obscure robots are so old hat now, and so I wondered if CES could do anything less practical and even more completely bonkers. Turns out it can! Over the past 20-plus years, I’ve seen gadgets so stupefying that sometimes they exist purely because journalists like me will write about them. But it’s time to call out the really awful ones, the worst of the worst. Vacuum shoes, toilet paper robots, MP3 weapon holsters, it’s your time to shine!
The most interesting part about this rogues gallery is that some of these products — the Pepe pet dryer, the HapiFork and the Hushme, to name a few — are still being sold today. That’s right: You blew it up, you maniacs!
Dyson Zone Air-Purifying Headphones
Nothing unusual here.
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
Not technically a CES product, as this was announced during 2022, but Dyson was demonstrating the Zone headphones in Las Vegas during CES 2023. Though the Zone looks like it should be a COVID mask, that’s unfortunately not what it does. According to the Dyson site, development on the Zone began way back in 2016 as a personal air filter — for pollution, mainly — and as such, it was never designed to protect against COVID. Furthermore, one critic has claimed the gadget’s force-driven fans could even help maximize your chances of catching coronavirus. CNET’s Katie Collins, who tried it out at Dyson’s HQ in the UK, thought it was “too brilliant and bizarre to ignore.”
Computer peripherals manufacturer Razer is the king of creating “look at me” products specifically for CES, but toilet tissue brand Charmin became notorious for this 2020 entry. That’s right, in the year that saw the mass panic buying of toilet paper came a robot that could bring you even more! Coincidence? Yes… probably. The RollBot was never going to be a real product, but we loved/loathed it anyway.
Kolibree’s new connected toothbrush tracks users’ activity, helping them brush in the most effective way they can.
Kolibree
Remember when we had to wash our hands for 20 seconds by singing songs to ourselves? The same methodology also applies to brushing your teeth, but why should you use your own brain and lips like a sucker? There have been many smart toothbrushes over the years, but today I’m picking on the Kolibree. Everything was just fine until the arrival of “the world’s first connected electric toothbrush.” Happy birthday to you, happy birthday to you…
Back in the 2000s, the iPod became such a cultural phenomenon that every company rushed to create an MP3 player of its own. This culminated in what is one of the dumbest CES products in recent memory: the Tazer MP3 holster. Imagine trying to not only charge your holster but also connect it via USB to your computer to fill it up with 1GB of tunes.
Want to find a new way to make your small dog or cat hate you forever? Lock them in a cube prison for 25 minutes (!) and subject them to gusts of hot air. This combination torture device/dryer would have set you back $660, or you could just throw a towel over your wet dog like a normal human.
Throughout history, there have been so many gadgets designed to limit normal human behavior, but this one takes the (pan)cake. The HapiFork is yet another vibrating gadget that tells you to eat your meals slower (over 20 minutes), with the idea being that you are less likely to overeat. Personally, I wolf my own meals down like I’m in prison, so do your worst, HapiFork. I’ll eat with my hands if I have to! You’re not the boss of me!
The Hushme is literally a “dumb” product — it’s designed to make its user mute to other people in the immediate vicinity. It was pitched as being useful in workplaces, but… if a co-worker gave me one of these, they’d better be wearing vacuum shoes, in order to clean up the gleefully stomped-on bits.
Make room for Belty, a smart pant-holding device that slims or expands to adjust granular changes to your waistline. It is not a joke.
Nick Statt/CNET
The original Belty was a prototype smart belt with a motor in it that adjusted itself to whether you just ate or were sitting down. Impractical as hell, but kind of cool? While there is a newer model, also called Belty, this one is even weirder — there’s no auto-sizing, but it does have a power bank charger in the buckle. OK, two things. Not only do I not want a potentially volatile compound near my nethers, I don’t want to connect a series of devices there either.
Sean Captain, formerly of PC Advisor, models the Xybernaut Poma. Via seancaptain.com.
Sean Captain
First shown off at CES 1998, the Hitachi Xybernaut wearable computer was a terrible idea long before Google Glass was even a gleam in Babak Parviz’s eye. The Windows CE-based Xybernaut Poma offered a 128MHz RISC processor and 32MB of RAM for the low price of $1,499, plus it strapped to your arm and your face and your belt!
Shoes. You wear ’em. They wear out, you buy more. But that’s not exciting now, is it? They need things in them — phones, rockets, rollers and… vacuums? There are so many puns I could make about even just the name of the Denso Vacuum Shoes, but the fact that they existed at all was the biggest joke of all.
New year, new budget. Deciding between cable and streaming may be on your plate, especially with the current economic environment. If you give up regular cable and switch to a live TV streaming service, it can be less expensive each month. They offer a much vaster selection of channels than an antenna, and you can stream on your phone or computer, too.
DirecTV Stream, YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, Sling TV, FuboTV and Philo are the six primary services available today. Our comprehensive live-TV streaming guide has all the details about prices and features of the various services, but really, it’s all about the channels.
The Big Chart: Top 100 channels compared, updated January 2023
The main difference between the services is their channel lineups. All of them offer different slates of channels for various prices.
Below you’ll find a chart that shows the top 100 channels across all six services. There are actually seven listed because Sling TV has two different “base” tiers, Orange and Blue. And if you’re wondering, I chose which “top” channels made the cut. Sorry, AXS TV, Discovery Life, GSN and Universal HD.
Plenty of live TV streaming choices are available to anyone who wants to cut the cable. Hulu Plus Live TV now offers two price plans for service: $70 per month with ads and $83 without ads. Sling TV’s basic packages are $40. DirecTV Stream expanded its PBS channel availability, and YouTube TV and Hulu added the Hallmark network. FuboTV upped the price of its base bundle to $70. Those changes are reflected in the chart below where applicable.
Some more stuff to know about the chart:
Yes = The channel is available on the cheapest pricing tier. That price is listed next to the service’s name.
No = The channel isn’t available at all on that service.
$ = The channel is available for an extra fee, either a la carte or as part of a more expensive package or add-on.
Regional sports networks — local channels devoted to showing regular-season games of particular pro baseball, basketball and hockey teams — are not listed. DirecTV Stream’s $90 tier has the most RSNs by far, but a few are available on other services. See our NBA and NHL streaming guides for details.
Local ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, MyNetworkTV and The CW networks are not available in every city. Since availability of these channels varies, you’ll want to check the service’s website to make sure it carries your local network.
Local PBS stations are only currently available on YouTube TV and DirecTV Stream. Again you’ll want to check local availability.
Fubo subscribers may find that the ACC Network and SEC Network are included with their package at no extra cost. Check availability for your state.
The chart columns are arranged in order of price, so if you can’t see everything you want, try scrolling right.
With an excellent channel selection, easy-to-use interface and best-in-class cloud DVR, at $65 per month, YouTube TV is the best cable TV replacement. It offers a $20 4K upgrade, but the downside is there isn’t much to watch at present unless you watch select channels. If you don’t mind paying a bit more than the Sling TVs of the world, or want to watch live NBA games, YouTube TV offers the highest standard of live TV streaming. Read our YouTube TV review.
With a series of price hikes has come a number of additional channels, including access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus included in the $70 price. But despite all that, Hulu Plus Live TV is still second banana to our top live TV streaming premium pick, YouTube TV. Its channel selection still isn’t as robust as YouTube TV and FuboTV, yet it’s Hulu’s significant catalog of on-demand content which sets it apart. Exclusive titles such as The Handmaid’s Tale, The Orville and Only Murders in the Building give it a content advantage no other service can match.
Live TV subscribers also receive unlimited DVR that includes fast-forwarding and on-demand playback — at no additional cost. It’s a move that may align Hulu with its competitors in terms of features, but the channel lineup is still a deciding factor. In short YouTube TV is a better TV streaming service choice than Hulu Live TV and costs $5 less to boot. Read our Hulu Plus Live TV review.
If you want to save a little money, and don’t mind missing out on local channels, Sling TV is the best of the budget services. Its Orange and Blue packages go for $40 per month, and you can combine them for a monthly rate of $55. The Orange option nets you one stream, while Blue gives you three. Rather than run a free trial, Sling offers a 50% discount for your first month. It’s not as comprehensive or as easy to navigate as YouTube but with a bit of work, including adding an antenna or an AirTV 2 DVR, it’s an unbeatable value. Read our Sling TV review.
DirecTV Stream ties for the most expensive at $70 (the others are Hulu Plus Live TV and Fubo TV). The service does have its pluses, though — for example, it includes the flipper-friendly ability to swipe left and right to change channels. Additionally it includes some channels the other services can’t, including nearly 250 PBS stations nationwide. The $70 Entertainment package may suit your needs with its 75-plus channels. But for cord-cutters who want to follow their local NBA or MLB team, DirecTV Stream’s $90 Choice package is our live TV streaming pick because it has access to more regional sports networks than the competition. Although you’ll want to make sure your channel is included, and not available on one of our preferred picks, before you pony up. Read our DirecTV Stream review.
There’s a lot to like about FuboTV — it offers a wide selection of channels and its sports focus makes it especially attractive to soccer fans or NBA, NHL and MLB fans who live in an area served by one of FuboTV’s RSNs. It’s also a great choice for NFL fans since it’s one of three services, alongside YouTube TV and Hulu, with NFL Network and optional RedZone. In 2023, Fubo will offer 19 Bally Sports RSNs with a new package that includes the lineup. The biggest hole in Fubo’s lineup is the lack of Turner networks, including CNN, TNT and TBS — especially since the latter two carry a lot of sports content, in particular NBA, NHL and MLB. Those missing channels, and the same $70 price tag, makes it less attractive than YouTube TV for most viewers. Read our FuboTV review.
At $25 Philo is still a cheap live TV streaming service with a variety of channels, but it lacks sports channels, local stations and big-name news networks — although Cheddar and BBC news are available. Philo offers bread-and-butter cable staples like AMC, Comedy Channel, Nickelodeon and Magnolia Network, and specializes in lifestyle and reality programming. It’s also one of the cheapest live services that streams Paramount, home of Yellowstone, and it includes a cloud DVR and optional add-ons from Epix and Starz. We think most people are better off paying another $15 for Sling TV’s superior service, but if Philo has every channel you want, it’s a decent deal. Read our Philo review.
Bluetooth audio glasses are essentially a form of wireless open headphones that allow you to hear the outside world while listening to audio streamed from your smartphone and other Bluetooth-enabled devices. The category hasn’t taken off as fast as some people thought it might, but there are a growing number of audio glasses available and more on the way, with companies like Bose, a leader in the category, already on the second generation of its audio sunglasses. Amazon’s Echo Frames are also on their second generation.
A host of other companies, including several no-name Chinese manufacturers, have also released audio glasses. Some are geared toward everyday use, allowing you to stealthily listen to audio on the go, while others are designed for runners and bikers who want to leave their ears open to the world for safety reasons.
The truth is that most audio eyewear doesn’t sound great. In fact, many audio glasses and sunglasses sound downright mediocre or even bad, particularly those that use bone-conduction technology instead of traditional audio drivers. Bass performance can sometimes be an issue.
Now playing:Watch this:Checking out audio glasses
19:33
That said, if you listen to more spoken-word audio — whether that’s podcasts, audiobooks or talk radio — audio glasses are fine since they’re strongest in the midrange, where vocals live. And most of the audio glasses on this list work well for making phone calls. Some feature beam-forming microphones and bone-conduction technology.
Aside from audio quality, the other important factor is the glasses’ design. There’s a lot of variation there as well, with some models fitting better and looking more stylish than others.
It should be noted that you can add prescription lenses to most audio sunglasses, and it’s easy to send your glasses to an online replacement lens site. However, that adds to the overall cost, since replacement lenses generally cost around $100 to $200, depending on the type of lens you choose.
While I’m only recommending a few models at this point, I’ll update this list as new ones are released. More should be coming with improvements.
If you’re looking for the best-sounding pair of audio glasses with superior overall performance — that includes call quality and battery life — the Bose Frames Tempo are the one to get. Bose’s innovative eyewear is ostensibly a sports model designed for runners and bikers, and while they’re a little bulky, they stay on your head securely.
The Tempo offers slightly better sound and battery life than the more traditional-looking Tenor and Soprano (see below). The Tempo has better specs all-around, with USB-C charging and larger 22mm drivers. These Bluetooth sunglasses also deliver up to 8 hours of battery life, and have simple one-touch volume control so you can adjust your music on the fly. Bose sunglasses are made of the polarized lens and they are prescription, or Rx ready, meaning you can select Bose Frames with your prescription lens.
Their sound is definitely improved from the original Frames. Bose says the Tempo plays “deeper and louder — loud enough for cycling at 25 mph — while still able to hear traffic and your training partners.” According to Bose, they’re sweat-, weather-, scratch- and shatter-resistant, and they fit under most protective helmets. (I had no problem using them with a couple of bike helmets.) They also work well for making calls, thanks to a new dual-microphone system. Optional lenses are available for $39 and you can order prescription lenses through Lensabl.
Razer has made a surprise entry into the audio glasses arena and the result is surprisingly good. The Razer Anzu smart glass comes in round and square versions in two different size options and are available now for $200. In terms of sound, they’re arguably just a tad behind the Bose Tenor and Soprano shown below (like those models, the Anzu has 16mm drivers), but they’re pretty close. While they’re a little bass-shy, they have more bass than some of the other models on this list. The $50 lower price tag also gives them a value advantage over the Bose, and right now you can pick them up for as low as $60, a whopping $140 discount.
They’re also pretty light and comfortable to wear (as you can see from the photo, I tried the square version). The small version weighs 43 grams while the large weighs 48 grams. By comparison, the Echo Frames, the lightest audio glasses on this list, are 31 grams. The glasses include 35% blue light filtering lenses along with a set of polarized sunglass lenses (you can easily swap them in). This smart eyewear is touch-enabled, plus you can play or pause media, manage calls and pair easily to your PC device. The built-in Bluetooth speaker hidden on its frame provides stutter-free sound and does not skip or delay audio.
These wireless Bluetooth sunglasses are IPX4 water-resistant (meaning they’re splashproof) so you can use them for running. Audio glasses work well for running and biking, because they leave your ears open so you can hear traffic. Battery life is rated at up to 5 hours at moderate volume levels, and additional polarized lenses are available for $30.
Also worth noting: Since Razer is a “gaming lifestyle” company, it’s highlighting its low-latency Bluetooth technology. It says the “customized Bluetooth 5.1 connection brings industry-leading 60ms latency for smooth, stutter-free sound.”
The Razer Anzu companion app for iOS and Android enables firmware updates, lets you make EQ adjustments (default, enhanced clarity or treble boost), access latency settings and check battery status. You can make calls with them and access your virtual assistant with a button press.
Razer has partnered with Lensabl for prescription glasses lenses, although more online replacement lens sites, including replacerxlenses.com and overnightglasses.com, can fit them with Rx lenses. Lensabl is offering a 15% discount to Anzu owners, but you can compare its prices with other sites’ prices.
Like the Tempo, the Tenor and Soprano are part of Bose’s line of second-generation audio sunglasses. While the Tempo is more sports-oriented, these models are designed to look like regular glasses. (You can still run or bike with them but they’re not rated for water- or sweat-resistance.) They’re slicker-looking than the original Bose Alto and Rondo Frames, and they have a glossy finish. The Tenor fit my face better than the Soprano, which — as the name implies — Bose is aiming at women who like oversized sunglasses. Anecdotally, my daughter likes them.
Bose improved the sound in the Tenor and Soprano, and the battery life is better. It’s up to 5.5 hours instead of around 3.5 hours, charging with a pogo-pin cable rather than USB-C. Both pairs of sunglasses play a little louder than the original Frames, and the bass response is better, so music sounds fuller and richer. Don’t expect the big bass you get from a standard set of headphones, though, and they can distort at higher volumes. Still, the sound is significantly better than what you get from even the best bone-conduction headphones like those from AfterShokz, which developed a pair of audio sunglasses but never shipped them out.
Like the Tempo, Bose has also upgraded the voice-calling capabilities in these models, adding dual beam-forming microphones. These smart sunglasses allow you to take calls on the go, hands-free. Bose offers optional lenses for $39. Since these sunglasses have a more traditional design, more online replacement lens sites — including replacerxlenses.com, Lensabl and overnightglasses.com — can fit them with Rx lenses.
While the Avantree SG188 Bluetooth Smart Audio Sunglasses have a bit of generic quality to them and don’t have the greatest lenses (they are dark and polarized, however), they fit me well, look pretty good and deliver decent enough sound for their modest price. Also, Android uses should note that they have support for the AptX audio codec for what that’s worth (it’s not like these audio glasses are for critical listening).
Designed for sporting activities, they’re IPX5 splashproof and rated for 5 hours of battery life at moderate volume levels. They also work decently for making voice calls, though wind noise is still a factor. Keep your expectations low and you may be pleasantly surprised.
These also are available as a bundle with a clear lens for $10 more. A carrying pouch and two different size nose pieces are included.
The Soundcore by Anker Frames Bluetooth audio glasses are a little different from the competition in that their arms detach and you can swap in different frame styles (several styles are available). You initially purchase a base model with the style of frame you like or, for a little more money, you can opt for a bundle that includes two frames. The lenses seem pretty decent — they’re polarized — and online replacement lens sites such as replacerxlenses.com, Lensabl and overnightglasses.com can fit Echo Frames with Rx lenses.
Sound quality is above average for audio glasses but not up to the level of the Bose Frames’ sound quality (the Soundcore Frames are a little bass-shy like a lot of Bluetooth audio glasses). But I liked the fit and they’re also decent for voice calling with dual microphones and four speakers (two speakers in each arm). You can use voice commands or the integrated touch controls to control music playback, as well as answer and end calls.
They’re IPX4 water-resistant (splashproof) and deliver up to 5.5 hours of battery life on a single charge at moderate volume levels. They use a proprietary magnetic charger. It’s also worth noting that they have a companion app for iOS and Android that allows you to receive firmware updates.
Revo has a line of sunglasses called Revo Black. The Revo Sonic 1 is part of that line but adds an audio element courtesy of Solos, a maker of smart-audio glasses. So, as far as I can tell, these are essentially a Solos/Revo hybrid.
The long a short of it is they’re really good sunglasses with middle of the road sound (for audio glasses). So great optics — and an attractive design and comfortable fit — but audio quality is on the average side with so-so bass performance. On he plus side, battery life is very strong at up to 11 hours, and the glasses have some health-tracking features and come with a really nice case (they have a magnetic charger). You can also make calls with them.
While they’re expensive, the Sonic 1, which are available in three color options, sold out on Revo’s site (you can find them at a few few other online retailers) due to “overwhelming demand.” Revo says the expected in-stock date for its site is early 2023.
Needless to say, Amazon’s Echo Frames have Amazon’s Alexa voice assistant built into them so you can ask what the weather is, get news and sports scores, skip your music tracks and control your Alexa smart home products without touching your glasses. I like their design — they’re lightweight and fit my face comfortably and securely (they fit me better than all the Bose audio glasses). They also work well for making calls, with decent noise reduction outdoors.
Really, the only strike against them is that they sound pretty middle-of-the-road for audio glasses. They lack in the bass department and fall short of the Bose Frames in terms of sound. That said, they’re currently a decent option for audio glasses and if you try them and don’t like them, they’re easy to return to Amazon.
It’s worth noting that the base model ($250 list) comes with clear lenses. However, for $20 more, you can opt for tinted lenses (sunglasses) or blue-light filtering lenses, They do come in several different color options (the Horizon Blue version is pictured) and battery life is rated at a modest 4 hours for music playback. Like the Bose Frames (except for the Tempo), they charge with a proprietary pogo-pin cable. A nice carrying case is included.
Maybe you’ve had your eye on Bose’s second-gen Frames audio sunglasses (see above), but you looked at their high price tag and said no thanks. Well, JLab Audio has a much cheaper Bluetooth audio alternative: The JBuds Frames are essentially open-ear true-wireless earbuds that clip onto your existing glasses.
It’s an intriguing innovative eyewear concept that JLab describes as a bring-your-own-frame design, although it’s clearly a bit clunky looking and a bit disingenuous to call these earbuds “frames.” That said, I received a review sample and can tell you that these sound almost as good as the Bose Frames and are also decent enough for making calls. In fact, I’d say they’re the second-best-sounding “audio frames” on this list.
JLab says its JBuds Frames comprise “two independently operating Bluetooth true wireless audio devices, which can be affixed to the temples of sunglasses, eyeglasses, and similarly styled blue light blocking eyewear.” They have 16mm drivers, and JLab says your music can’t be “heard by those close by,” though from my tests that only applies when you’re listening to audio at more moderate volume levels.
Battery life is rated at 8 hours, and the clip-on devices have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, making them splash-resistant. They charge with a proprietary pogo-pin cable.
Whether you’re looking to start the new year with a new laptop for work, school or home, there are plenty of big discounts right now that can save you some money, from midrange models on sale at budget prices to higher-end laptops with even larger price breaks. Check out the best deals on Windows laptops and Apple MacBooks right now at Amazon, Best Buy and Newegg.
And be sure to check back; we keep this list updated regularly with the best deals as we spot them.
Acer knows how to put together good laptops at low prices. The Aspire 5 is one of our favorites for the home that’s also portable enough for the occasional trip. It’s a 15.6-inch laptop with a full HD resolution screen, powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 5825U CPU and 16GB of RAM. You also get a 512GB solid-state drive. (Most laptops at this price supply only 8GB of RAM and a 256GB SSD.) Plus, it has a large assortment of ports, including both USB-C and USB-A ports and an HDMI out.
The Aspire Vero is Acer’s first laptop made from postconsumer recycled plastics, and it ships in packaging made from recycled materials that are also 100% recyclable. You might think an eco-friendly laptop might look cheap or boring, but neither is the case with the Aspire Vero. This is one good-looking green laptop, with a sturdy, textured chassis highlighted with tiny yellow flecks. Inside, it supplies an efficient 12th-gen Core i7-1255U CPU, 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The 15.6-inch display has full HD resolution. It’s $150 off at Best Buy and selling for a very reasonable $650 that will leave more green in your wallet.
This discounted 15-inch model from HP boasts an ample 16GB RAM and 512GB solid-state storage capacity — double what you usually find at this price. The 15.6-inch display has full HD resolution. It’s powered by an 11th-gen Core i7 CPU, a generation behind Intel’s current crop, but should be plenty powerful for general Windows use. And speaking of Windows, the system comes with Windows 11 Home in S Mode, which is the “walled garden” version of Windows 11 geared toward students and lets you install software only from the official Windows app store. It also requires you to use Microsoft’s Edge browser. Lastly, the laptop features both USB-A and -C ports to avoid having to tote a dongle around.
Dell’s latest 14-inch convertible boasts a modern, all-metal design that blurs the line between the company’s premium XPS line and its mainstream Inspiron machines. And it’s available in a rainbow of colors; this discount model has what Dell calls a pebble green chassis. Inside, it supplies AMD’s octa-core Ryzen 7 5825U CPU along with 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD.
In addition to receiving the second-gen Apple silicon chip, the M2 MacBook Air boasts a larger 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display than the previous M1 model and is available in two new colors: starlight and midnight. It also ditches the Air’s tapered wedge shape and now looks more like the squared-off, slablike Pro models. The webcam has also been upgraded to a 1080p resolution for better video calls. At Apple, the M2 Air starts at $1,199, which is $200 more than the previous model. It features an M2 processor with an eight-core CPU and eight-core GPU, 8GB of memory and a 256GB SSD. The baseline 256GB model is selling at its lowest price yet at Best Buy — only $999. Want more storage? You can save $200 on the 512GB model at either Amazon or Best Buy.
This 15.6-inch ZenBook has a rugged, all-metal enclosure that’s less than 0.7 inch thick and weighs less than 3 pounds. It features AMD’s awesome, eight-core Ryzen 7 5800H CPU and RTX 3050 Ti graphics along with 16GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD. The laptop features a unique hinge that lifts the back edge of the laptop to provide good airflow and some tilt to the keyboard to create a comfortable typing position. The full-HD OLED touchscreen is rated for a bright 400 nits. It’s currently $400 off at Newegg.
The 13.5-inch Spectre x360 is one of CNET’s favorite two-in-one convertibles for its premium styling, light weight and long battery life. This model features an 11th-gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and a roomy 1TB SSD with 32GB of speedy Optane memory. In addition to Intel Evo goodness, the 13.5-inch display is the standout here. It’s an OLED touchscreen with what HP calls a 3K2K resolution — that is, 3,000×2,000 pixels. The display also has a boxy 3:2 aspect ratio, providing more vertical space than wider screens for less scrolling through web pages and documents.
Most 17-inch laptops are gaming monsters. The LG Gram 17 is neither a gaming laptop nor a monster. It lacks dedicated graphics to drive 3D games but is only 0.7 inch thick and weighs less than 3 pounds, making this 17.3-inch desktop replacement roughly the same weight as your typical 13.3-inch ultraportable. The spacious 2,560×1,600-pixel display is powered by an 11th-gen Core i7 CPU, 16GB of RAM and integrated Intel Iris Plus graphics. You also get a roomy 1TB SSD for storage and can save more than $500 on it right now.
The baseline model of the 14-inch MacBook Pro costs $1,999 and features an M1 Pro chip (8-core CPU, 14-core GPU), 16GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The $2,499 step-up model features a higher power version of the chip with 10 CPU cores and 16 GPU cores, 16GB of RAM and a 1TB SSD. The 14.2-inch Liquid Retina XDR display has a 3,024×1,964-pixel resolution. You can save a hefty $400 on the baseline model at Best Buy right now. That discount is only $99 less than the biggest price break we’ve seen for it and double the usual $200 discount. You can also save $400 on the 1TB model.
You’re receiving price alerts for 14-inch Apple MacBook Pro: $1,599
What should you look for in a laptop deal?
One of the biggest things to consider is which laptop configuration is on sale. Often, with the best laptop deals, only a specific version of the laptop is on sale and making any changes to it could affect the price. This means that sometimes you find the 512GB model is actually cheaper than the 256GB option, or a similar situation.
When are the best laptop deals available?
Generally, you’ll find the best laptop deals during back-to-school shopping time in late summer or early fall and a bit later in the year during annual Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales events. There are laptop deals available throughout the year, but if you’re looking for the best deal and can afford to wait a little, these are the best times of the year to buy one.
Which retailers usually offer the best laptop deals?
You can usually find deals across a variety of retailers when it comes to laptop sales. Best Buy, Amazon, Newegg and other retailers tend to offer sales on more specific models while manufacturers like HP, Lenovo and Dell usually host larger sales that cover more models and configurations. If you’re looking for a specific model, you’ll want to keep checking back weekly for the latest set of deals.
The last couple of years have been hard on the games industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted development, leading to several gamesbeing delayed. But the losses of 2021 and 2022 are the gains of 2023, because we a lot to look forward to this year. This list of release dates for notable 2023 titles is already packed, but for now we’ve only added games set for launch in the first half of the year. More will be added as the year progresses and we get more concrete dates.
2022 was a pretty solid year for games. We got an open-world Pokemon, the long-awaited sequel to God of War and, of course, the tour de force that was Elden Ring. Only time will determine if the games of 2023 reach those same heights, but the numbers are certainly in our favor. Let’s just hope Zelda doesn’t get delayed again.
Here are all the big PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch games to keep track of in 2023.
The first big video game of 2023 is a big one, and I do mean big. Fire Emblem games are massive: Engage is a follow up to 2019’s Three Houses, a chunky RPG that players could sink over 100 hours into without seeing everything. Three Houses was loaded with critical acclaim and Engage will hopefully recapture both the scale and the magic of its predecessor. Engage features characters from the series’ long history — which at least means newbies can get properly acquainted with Super Smash Bros. characters like Marth, Corrin and Blyeth.
Forspoken (PS5, PC)
Release date: Jan. 24.
Forspoken is a new AAA game from Square Enix.
Square Enix
Excitement for Forspoken should straight away come with the asterisk that feedback to the game’s demo was mixed with both compliments and criticisms. But it’s worth paying attention to, even rooting for, because of the simple fact that it’s a new IP from Square Enix. In an industry filled with sequels and spinoffs, that has to count for something.
Forspoken is a fish-out-of-water tale that follows New Yorker Frey Holland, who somehow manages to get plunged into the fantastical land of Athia. Classic stuff. It’s developed by many of the same people who created Final Fantasy 15, something that’s immediately obvious when you see its real-time action in motion. Good luck, Frey, I hope you pull through. Forspoken will launch on PC and PS5, where it’s a console exclusive for at least two years.
Third time’s the charm is the magic rule, so hopefully Hogwart’s Legacy doesn’t break it. Set in the Harry Potter universe, this RPG was first announced in 2020 with a release date set for 2021. It was then delayed to 2022. But that didn’t pan out, and last year Hogwart’s Legacy was delayed once more. Its latest release date is Feb. 10. Set about 100 years before The Boy Who Lived and He Who Shall Not Be Named, Hogwart’s Legacy is a tantalizing concept: A big open-world game set at the most famous school of witchcraft and wizardry.
Games based on blockbuster franchises can be hit or miss. Hopefully all the delays are a sign that this promising idea has been given the love and nurturing it needs to succeed.
Note: The PS4 and Xbox One versions of Hogwarts Legacy will be released on April 4, with a Switch port coming on July 25.
Sony hopes Horizon Call of the Mountain will be a killer app for PlayStation VR 2
Guerilla Games
One of Sony’s goals for 2023 is to make VR happen. To help do that, it’s enlisted Guerilla Games to make Horizon Call of the Mountain, a virtual reality spinoff to Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. You won’t be playing as Aloy, but will rather take up the hunter bow of Ryas, a member of the Shadow Carja tribe that featured prominently in Zero Dawn. Being a VR game, Call of the Mountain looks to feature less open-world roaming, but more exhilerating climbing, exploration and bow-based combat. It launches alongside the PlayStation VR2 headset on Feb. 22.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Release date: March 3.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a new IP with a pedigree: It’s developed by Team Ninja, the gang behind the acclaimed Ninja Gaiden and the even more acclaimed Nioh franchise. Wo Long is set during the Three Kingdoms era of Chinese history — roughly 220 AD — but features plenty of fantastical (and grotesque) beasts to slay. Like Nioh, this looks to be inspired by Dark Souls, meaning you should be prepared to die. A lot.
Resident Evil 4 Remake (PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Resident Evil 4 was originally launched in 2005 on the GameCube.
Capcom
After the roaring success of the Resident Evil 2 Remake, Capcom is at it again. Originally released in 2005 as a GameCube exclusive (imagine that) Resident Evil 4 is the most acclaimed title in the illustrious franchise. Because of its fanfare, Capcom has ported and remastered Resident Evil 4 over and over again. Hopefully you don’t have RE4 fatigue, because it’s now getting proper remake treatment.
If you’ve never played Resident Evil 4, and if Capcom can do for it what it did for Resident Evil 2, this is sure to be a must-play.
Crime Boss: Rockay City (PC, PS5, Xbox Series X|S)
Release date: March 28.
We know Rockstar is developing Grand Theft Auto 6, but it’s still yonks away. Crime Boss: Rockay City, by 505 Games, is clearly inspired by GTA, and may help fill the GTA-shaped hole in your heart while you wait for the next big open-world crime bonanza.
Crime Boss: Rockay City is a first-person game about 90’s Florida turf wars, and it’s designed to be played alone or with friends. The most attention-grabbing feature of the game is its celeb-heavy cast. Kill Bill’s Michael Madson stars as the protagonist, Travis Barker, and the supporting cast features Kim Basinger, Danny Trejo, Chuck Norris and Vanilla Ice.
The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom (Switch)
Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is a sequel to one of the greatest games of all time.
Nintendo
Not much needs to be said here. The Legend of Zelda is one of gaming’s most renowned franchises, and 2017’s Breath of the Wild is incontestably one of the greatest games ever. Nintendo has a habit of delaying Zelda games — Tears of the Kingdom has already been delayed once — so hopefully the May 12 date sticks.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League (PS5, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Though Gotham Knights was a sequel of sorts to Batman’s Arkham series, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League is its true spiritual successor. It’s developed by Rocksteady, the same studio that developed the Arkham trilogy. The game lets you play as four members of the Suicide Squad — Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark — and includes Kevin Conroy’s last recorded performance as Batman.
Street Fighter 6 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Street Fighter 6 is the franchise’s fifirst new mainline game since 2016.
Capcom
Street Fighter 6 is the first major new game in the franchise since 2016. As you can imagine, it’s expected to have dramatically improved visuals. There will also be five new characters, with more to potentially be announced. Other new additions include a single-player adventure mode and in-game commentary, a welcome feature for esports fans. But as nice as those extras are, the Street Fighter series is all about its rock-solid fighting system, which is simple enough for beginners to have fun but deep enough that dedicated fighters will spend years to mastering it. As long as that still works, this should be a banger.
Diablo 4 (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Last year we got an updated version of Overwatch, now it’s Diablo’s turn to get supercharged. Diablo 4, the latest major installation in Activision Blizzard’s long-running action RPG franchise, couldn’t come sooner. Fans have been awaiting Diablo 4’s arrival since its announcement in 2019, a whole pandemic ago.
Final Fantasy 16 is a timed PS5 exclusive until the end of the year.
Square Enix
I’m going to be honest with you, I’ve watched various Final Fantasy 16 trailers several times and I still have no clue what this game is about. There’s a fight going on between six different countries, and somehow giant summons like Ifrit are involved. I’m not super sure, but the fact that Final Fantasy is coming to a new console generation is reason enough for this game to turn into a massive cultural event. (It’ll be a PS5 exclusive until the end of the year.) It may also be the first of two big Final Fantasy releases this year, with Final Fantasy 7 Remake’s sequel potentially — but probably not — hitting during the holiday season.
Hollow Knight: Silksong (Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC)
Hollow Knight, launched in 2017, was praised for being one of the best Metroidvania games without the words “Metroid” or “Vania” in its title. In 2023, indie developer Team Cherry wants to do it all again. You’ll play as a different character — a boss you fought in the original game — but the core gameplay here is the same. Explore, fight a bunch of dudes, get lost, explore some more, repeat a few times and ultimately succeed. I, for one, am ready.
Redfall looks like a mix of Deathloop and The Last of Us. It takes place in Redfall, a fictional Massachusetts town that was flowing along swimmingly until a swarm of vampires took it over and cut it off from the outside world. Like in The Last of Us, you’ll explore a town brimming with remnants of the before times, but the game looks to have a less serious, more quirky attitude about it, similar to Deathloop. That makes sense, as Redfall is developed by Arkane Austin, a sister studio to Deathloop creators Arkane Lyon.
Forza Horizon brought the driving franchise’s open-world exploration to the Xbox Series X|S, but in 2023 we go back to Forza’s driving-sim roots. This game will be more similar to Gran Turismo 7, which hit the PS5 last year, trading open roads for closed tracks. A little more finesse, a little more professional. No matter their flavor, Forza games can be relied on to provide some delicious drives — and 2023’s Forza Motorsport should be the prettiest one yet.
If it weren’t for Tears of the Kingdom, Starfield would be 2023’s most anticipated game.
Bethesda
Like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Starfield was one of 2022’s great delays. Originally slated for a Nov. 11 release, it was pushed back to the “first half of 2023.” It’s for the best: Starfield is a game from the same Bethesda studio that made Skyrim and Fallout 4.
If done right, Starfield could be a game that people will be playing for years to come. There are apparently 1,000 planets to explore, so an extra few layers of polish will go a long way. If Tears of the Kingdom is most predicted to be 2023’s best game, Starfield may be its most ambitious.
Assassin’s Creed Mirage (PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Luna)
Ubisoft is making a more focused Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Ubisoft
Ubisoft is taking an unusual approach with Assassin’s Creed Mirage. After years of “bigger is better,” Ubisoft is now scaling down and trying the “less is more” approach. In announcing Assassin’s Creed Mirage, the company boasted it to be a “shorter, more narrative-driven game than recent entries in the series.” Sounds good to me. Mirage is set in 9th century Baghdad, a couple decades before Valhalla, and stars Basim, who played a supporting role in that game.
Lies of P (PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S)
Release date: 2023.
Lies of P sounds gnarly as hell: It’s the story of Pinocchio reimagined as a 2023 Dark Souls. Your goal is to find Mr. Geppetto, and a synopsis for the game talks about needing to lie your way through a rough city to do that. That’s all well and good, but from Lies of P’s trailer it looks like combat will be the real star of the show here.
Spider-Man 2 features both Peter Parker and Miles Morales.
Sony
I didn’t like 2018’s Spider-Man as much as I’d hoped to: It was good, but no Batman: Arkham City. Almost everyone else loved it, though: Spider-Man has an 8.7 rating on Metacritic, and beat out Arkham City to become the best-selling superhero game ever. Spider-Man 2 will launch in late 2023 exclusively for the PS5, and will feature both Peter Parker and Miles Morales, who starred in his own 2020 spin-off. The Spider-Men will need to combine their powers in this game, because there’s a wild Venom on the loose.
2023 is shaping up to be a great year for anime fans, and the right streaming service can offer all the shows and movies you don’t want to miss. With Attack on Titan’s finale and Jujutsu Kaisen season 2 among this year’s must-see picks, you likely want to know where to catch it all. That’s why we’ve compiled the top anime streaming platforms available for you to watch anytime.
Anime is an expanding genre with major players in the streaming game dedicated to meeting demand. It doesn’t matter if you’re a longtime fan with specific tastes, a casual viewer or a newcomer, look no further than these streaming services.
Because of its robust stable of content, Crunchyroll has become the global destination for anime streaming. The brand boasts over 100 million registered users and more than 5 million subscribers. Crunchyroll merged its vast lineup with fellow genre titan Funimation to deliver thousands of titles 24/7. All that anime is under one umbrella, which includes Demon Slayer, Jujutsu Kaisen and To Your Eternity.According to Crunchyroll, it’s now “the world’s largest anime library of more than 40,000 episodes and over 16,000 hours of content.”
The biggest selling points? New episodes land on the streamer one hour after they premiere in Japan. Viewers can also count on surprise releases like special OAD episodes when shows are on break.
Anime fans love the variety and appreciate that for some content, they can watch the uncut Japanese versions of their favorite series on this service. Additionally, there’s a carousel of original, in-house creations that spin alongside the freshest releases out of Japan.
You can sign up for a free account to stream ad-supported content on the service. Just note that not all titles are available with this version, and there is a wait for new releases. However, anime watchers who want immediate access to new episodes should opt for Crunchyroll’s basic $8 ad-free subscription. There’s a free 14-day trial for new subscribers.
If you’re on the fence about a Crunchyroll subscription, Hulu boasts more than 300 anime titles and is a prime stop to watch hits My Hero Academia, Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Attack on Titan, Soul Eater and more. Hulu is the exclusive streamer for Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Tokyo Revengers season 2 in the US. There are also simulcasts that stream each season, treating viewers to the newest releases from Japan. This is an area where Hulu one-ups Netflix. Fans will find Pokemon films and oldies but goodies like Sailor Moon and Akira, too.
Hulu also has partnerships with Crunchyroll and Funimation to carry some titles, but not their entire catalog. However, new subtitled episodes may arrive immediately on the streamer while dubbed versions take longer. Debut times vary depending on the series.
An added benefit is the dedicated Anime Hub, where you’ll find content organized into categories such as classic, A-Z or simulcasts. Hulu starts at $8 a month.
Netflix has grown its anime offerings though it lacks the fresh installments and simulcasts of Hulu. Currently, there are dozens of Japanese imports on the platform as well as Netflix originals Castlevania, Yasuke and Devilman Crybaby.
Though it’s not the go-to for more obscure titles, Netflix has a reliable selection of popular anime that includes Vinland Saga, Demon Slayer, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and nine glorious seasons of Naruto. Its 2023 releases include Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre, Aggretsuko, Ultraman and The Way of the Househusband.
Another major plus for the streamer is the option to watch without ads if you pay for a plan that’s $10 or more. But subscribers should be aware they’ll need to take the extra step of nixing the skip function when episodes end to see if there are post-credits scenes in their favorite show. Netflix starts at $7 a month.
A cheap option for viewers, Hidive streams content to fans around the globe, including simulcasts. Not only will you find curated anime from all subgenres, but there’s an assortment of live-action adaptations too. And though the service has family-friendly titles, it caters to the 18-and-older crowd.
Hidive prides itself on its customizable subtitle option, in-episode live chats, and exclusive catalog. You can even choose between censored and uncensored anime. An independent service, the company encourages fans to request their favorite titles if they can’t find them on the platform.
Hidive is supported on iOS, Android and smart TVs, and it runs content directly through its site. There’s no free subscription option, and the monthly rate is $5 after the 14-day free trial.
In the anime community, the terms dubbed and subbed are used to describe the difference between a piece of content that streams in Japanese with subtitles or an English-dubbed (or other language) version. It’s a matter of personal preference, but some fans like one type over the other. Among diehard fans, Funimation is known for its extensive dubbed collection.
Why can’t I find certain anime content on some streaming services?
Due to licensing agreements, some streaming providers’ anime lineups will change. This also depends on which country you live in, as various content may only be available in Japan, the US, or other regions.
Timing plays a role and can determine whether a series’ new season or movie hits a platform the same day, month or year of its original release. However, viewers will notice that some shows are streaming on multiple platforms at the same time.
What is the meaning of OAD and OVA in anime and does it matter?
From time to time, you may see streaming services refer to OAD or OVA as special promotions. Generally, OAD and OVA are extra episodes that did not air on television, but are part of the story and may or may not be canon. They can be prequel episodes or storylines that happen during or after what’s seen in a series and act as cool additions for anime lovers.
Which devices support these apps?
Each of these anime streaming providers are accessible via their standalone websites, smart TVs, Roku, iOS, Android, Chromecast, Amazon FireTV, Apple TV and Xbox One devices. You can watch it on your phone, tablet, PC or TV.
Between your laptop, phone, tablet, smartwatch, earbuds and other devices you use regularly, your desk or nightstand can quickly turn into a chaotic nest of charging cables. And if you’re tired of untangling cords every time you need to recharge, it may be time to upgrade your setup. Lamicall makes tons of stylish device stands to help you stay organized, and right now you can pick some up at a discount. Amazon is offering up to 47% off select Lamicall stands for phones, tablets and laptops, with prices starting at just $8 right now. There’s no set expiration for this sale, so get your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.
Whether you just need a phone holder for your nightstand, or you’re looking to reorganize your entire desk, you’ll find everything you need for less at this sale. For just $20, $10 off the usual price, you can pick up this padded phone and tablet holder that has a side pocket and four different viewing angles. Or you can snag this handy gooseneck phone holder, which clamps on to your desk or countertop and has a 38.6-inch bendable arm that can hold your phone at any angle. It’s on sale for $22, saving you $6 compared to the usual price. And if you’re tired of straining your neck to look down at your laptop, you can pick up this laptop riser stand for $30, saving you $20. It’s designed for laptops between 10 and 17 inches, can swivel a full 360 degrees and has adjustable height levels to help reduce the strain on your neck and back.
Shopping for a new phone case?
Compare pricing on your favorite cases with our CNET Shopping extension so you’re certain you’re getting the best deal.
Apple’s sleek and powerful MacBooks remain some of our favorite laptops out there, claiming multiple spots on our list of the best laptops for 2023. But because Apple almost never discounts its own products directly, it can be difficult to find one at a good price. But right now, Best Buy is offering a rare opportunity to snag one of these popular laptops for less, and is offering up to $400 off select MacBook models. There’s no set expiration date for this sale, but some models have already sold out, so we’d recommend you get your order in sooner rather than later if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.
There are a few different MacBook models and configurations, so you’ve got some options to choose from at this sale. The 2022 MacBook Air is the absolute latest laptop in Apple’s lineup, and it comes equipped with the cutting-edge M2 chip. It features a stunning 13.6-inch Liquid Retina display and is less than half an inch thick, making it easy to slip in your bag or backpack and take on the go. You can snag the base model with 256GB of storage for $200 off right now, dropping the starting price down to $999.
Or, if computing power is your number one priority, you’ll want to pick up a MacBook Pro. The 2021 model is the latest in this lineup, and it features an M1 Pro chip, a Liquid Retina XDR display, Wi-Fi 6 support for speedy web performance and it’s equipped with an HDMI port, built-in SD card reader and headphone jack for serious versatility. The base model comes with 512GB of storage and 16GB of RAM, and you can pick up the 14-inch model for $1,599, or the 16-inch model for $2,099, both saving you $400.
And you can check out our roundup of all the best laptop deals for even more bargains.
