Category: Technologies

  • Save 55% on This 2-Pack of 100W 6-in-1 Charging Cables

    Save 55% on This 2-Pack of 100W 6-in-1 Charging Cables

    Don’t carry around a tangled nest of cables in your bag to charge all your devices while you’re out and about. Instead, grab the InCharge X Max six-in-one charging cable. It’s equipped with USB-A, USB-C and Micro-USB adapters at both ends, and you can pick up a 2-pack for just $35 right now at StackSocial, saving you 55% on the original $78 price. But this deal is only available until Feb. 26, while supplies last, so be sure to get your order in soon if you don’t want to miss out on these savings.

    One thing that sets the InCharge X Max apart from other cables is the high-capacity 100-watt USB-C to USB-C charging, which is enough to handle certain types of laptops and is a great replacement if you need a new or longer cable. The high capacity also means your iPhone charges at an impressive 18 watts. Data transfers are also speedy at up to 480Mbps. As for the overall build, the 5-foot cable is sturdy with an outer fiber shell to keep it protected, and TPU cable guards to protect against severe bending damage.

    What makes the InCharge X Max so versatile, though, is the six-in-one key ring that lets you adapt the cable to most types of ports, including Micro-USB and Lightning. The latter makes it very useful, especially if you have a previous-gen iPhone in the house as well as a newer iPhone 15 model. The InCharge X Max’s key ring means you don’t have to buy a whole new cable.

    Given the high charging speeds, transfer rate and overall rugged build, the InCharge X Max is a pretty good cable upgrade for most folks, especially if you have a lot of different devices. The 55% discount also adds a lot of value, and since you’ll have two cables, you can keep one at the office or even give one to a friend.

  • This Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Is Just $59, but Not for Long

    This Waterproof Bluetooth Speaker Is Just $59, but Not for Long

    The world isn’t short of options when it comes to picking a great Bluetooth speaker, but some of these speakers do have a secret weapon: being waterproof. Such speakers are perfect for heading to the beach, lounging around the pool or just using outside when the weather isn’t great. And even if you don’t think you need your Bluetooth speaker to be waterproof, you never know when it might come in handy.

    The Treblab HD77 is one such Bluetooth speaker, and while it would normally retail for around $90, you can save big if you place an order today. There’s already a deal running on Amazon that slashes the price, but if you enter discount code HOT15NOW you’ll save an additional 15% and pay just $59. That’s for the black model, while the blue and gray models are also available if you’re happy to pay a little more.

    The IPX6 waterproof rating isn’t the only thing this Bluetooth speaker has to shout about, either. It features Bluetooth 5.0 for a nice and reliable connection and the built-in microphone means you can make and take calls in a pinch. The built-in battery is good for up to 20 hours between charges and there’s an ambient LED light to add a little flair to the proceedings as well. Worried about dropping your speaker while on the go? Don’t be — it’s shock and impact-resistant, so you won’t need to be too careful with it.

    Built with 30-watt stereo speakers and a 360-degree surround sound system, the Treblab has everything you need to take the party with you, no matter where you might be going.

  • Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: Which One Is Better, and for What?

    Meta Quest 3 vs. Apple Vision Pro: Which One Is Better, and for What?

    I spent 30 minutes in an intense boxing workout. My heart rate hit 150, and I could feel it. It was great. Coach Doc is serious. I followed through and did a cool-down exercise — and all of this happened inside the Meta Quest 3. Then I wiped down the headset and then got back to work… inside the Apple Vision Pro.

    That describes my life in mixed-reality headsets lately. Meta’s $500 Quest 3 and Apple’s $3,500 Vision Pro feel very different but also very much the same; it just depends on how you look at them.

    I’ve had VR and AR devices in my life for years, but for many people, the decision to put an immersive device on your face is still pretty new. Apple is the latest company entering a space where Meta, aka Facebook, has been for nearly a decade. The Meta Quest 2 was my favorite VR headset ever made, and it was affordable. But the Quest 3 and Vision Pro, both introduce ideas that will influence the landscape for years.

    The Vision Pro, which feels like an iOS device in mixed-reality headset form, seems like the beginning of an entirely new proposition. Its displays are fantastic, as is the way it multitasks apps. Its eye and hand tracking, while handling FaceTimes and more with virtual Persona avatars, can feel like a revelation.

    But if you want something affordable you can use to play with mixed reality and games and fitness right now (with a few work-related benefits, too), the choice should be the Quest 3 for nearly everyone. Here’s why.

    The Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 facing each other on a pink table

    Mixed reality: Virtual blends with the real, to different degrees

    The Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro are both standalone VR headsets with mixed-reality passthrough capabilities. These goggle-like headsets, which tighten over your face, have arrays of cameras on the outside that capture the real world and show it to you on displays inside. Virtual displays, games and even 3D objects can be layered over the real world. Each headset uses depth sensors to accurately mesh your real-world space with these virtual objects.

    The Quest 3’s color camera quality is much better than the Quest 2’s black-and-white cameras, but the view is still fuzzy and somewhat distorted. The 3D video feed is good enough to see things around you, and to check messages on a phone or watch — but you may have to squint a bit. I found it hard to see my laptop screen, though.

    The Vision Pro’s cameras are much sharper and are good enough to briefly use your phone through the headset. They’re still not as good as your own vision, though, and Apple’s micro-OLED displays have a bit of motion blur.

    Meta and Apple allow apps to float over the real world, but the Quest 3 can only run one app at a time, unless you’re using the browser and a 2D app. The Vision Pro can multitask with many apps simultaneously, making it feel more like a real office tool.

    But Apple’s headset doesn’t use the dimensions of your real-world much for immersive mixed reality experiences yet, even though it’s constantly pinging your space. It mostly floats 2D windows, although apps like Jigspace, DJay and 3D board games, show where things could go next. The Quest 3 has some mixed-reality games, fitness apps and creative tools that turn walls and floors into portals and playgrounds, but not a huge amount. Apple’s hardware is better, but no headset is making the most of mixed reality. Passthrough is mostly useful for helping you see the space around you without feeling as closed in.

    Apple Vision Pro and Meta Quest 3 sitting on a table side by side

    Work: Both can do it, but Apple is better

    Apple’s fancier Vision Pro has the edge when it comes to feeling like a crisp monitor on your face. Those bright micro-OLED displays make a projected MacBook screen, any 2D app or photos or videos look stellar. But the Vision Pro limits you to one virtual Mac monitor at a time — no matter how powerful your Mac is. The Quest 3, surprisingly, can do multiple monitors from a Mac (or Windows PC) with apps like Immersed, and Meta’s Horizons Workrooms can meet those needs, too. Both headsets support connecting Bluetooth keyboards and trackpads as well.

    Casting multiple monitors in Apple Vision Pro

    That’s just using your headset as a display for your computer, though. Where the Vision Pro has a longer-term edge is its access to thousands of iOS apps. These can be opened and multitasked all around you. Then there’s Siri and Apple’s other services, which run mostly like they do on iPads or iPhones. FaceTime call? Zoom? Slack? Microsoft Office? Apple Music? Yes to all of them.

    Meta also has a collection of 2D apps, including Microsoft Office apps, but the Quest’s OS isn’t part of Google’s ecosystem. You need to sign into apps one by one or find Facebook apps to hook in with. The process isn’t nearly as seamless. But Apple’s headset has tons of first-gen bugs, too.

    The multitasking capabilities of the Vision Pro are a huge advantage. Apps can be opened simultaneously all over, making the OS feel much more flexible than Quest’s.

    Playing a virtual racket game in an office in mixed reality

    Games: Quest is a VR game console, Vision Pro is not yet

    My kids use the Quest 2 for Gorilla Tag, Beat Saber and lots of other games. It’s a game console. Meta has invested in developing hundreds of games, and plenty of great ones exist. The Quest headsets can also connect to a Windows PC and play Steam VR games like Half-Life Alyx, too. The Quest 3 is better designed for this than its predecessor, with its improved displays and wireless connections. The Quest headsets are priced like game consoles, running $250 to $500 (with additional cost for more onboard storage).

    The Vision Pro has a handful of games so far, but none I’d call amazing. Some, like the active game Synth Riders (also on Quest) and the clever puzzle game BlackBox, show what games could be on the Vision Pro. But the headset only has eye and hand tracking as inputs. These work well for browsing and OS interaction, but less so for immersive games at the moment. Meta’s Quest 3 has both hand tracking and included controllers, which helps a ton when gaming. The controllers are excellent for high-speed action like Beat Saber, and have helpful vibration feedback. Hand tracking is the flip side of Vision Pro: It’s not great for browsing, but better in 3D games that use the inputs.

    The Vision Pro and Quest 3 can play 2D games on virtual big screens with paired controllers: the Quest 3 has Steam Link and Xbox cloud gaming, but Vision Pro is limited to Apple Arcade, iOS and whatever you might run from a MacBook.

    Don’t get a Vision Pro for games. Get a Quest 3.

    Playing a virtual pool game in Apple Vision Pro

    Fitness: My favorite VR activity is mostly Quest-only

    I’ve become a big VR fitness fan lately. Supernatural, a subscription-based dance and boxing program that uses holograms of real trainers and pairs with an Apple Watch for heart-rate readings, is a part of my daily routine. Many people use the Quest is a fitness device, mainly because these active exercise apps are widespread. The Quest can do some basic activity tracking, which hooks into iOS and Android.

    The Quest 3 has almost entirely become a fitness device for me. That’s a role the Vision Pro can’t fill right now because the apps and the fitness ecosystem support simply aren’t there.

    There are a few active apps for the Vision Pro: Synth Riders, for instance, is a dance and music game, but it’s also available on the Quest. Using only my hands means there’s no vibrating haptic feedback, which I get with Meta’s controllers and is key for letting me know when I hit targets. The Vision Pro’s weight and battery pack also make it feel less fitness-ready. There are a few meditation apps in the Vision Pro’s app store, so mindfulness is an area for growth. Still, the Quest 3 is much more fitness-forward.

    A 3D movies window in a virtual movie theater

    Video: Apple’s headset can’t be beat, except with immersive web VR video

    For playing movies, personal videos, or basically any video, Apple’s Vision Pro is a revelation. If you can find a comfortable fit for the headset, its displays create a cinema-like experience. The Quest 3 can also play videos, but the experience is night and day. The Quest 3 display is acceptable for video, but worse than my phone or iPad. The Vision Pro, meanwhile, is better than my TV. Movies feel special. My own videos look good. Apple also has many more streaming partners out of the gate: Apple TV, Amazon Prime Video, Paramount Plus, Max, Disney Plus as well as apps like Criterion and Mubi. Others, like Netflix or YouTube, can be viewed in the Safari browser.

    Meta has Prime Video and Netflix apps, and a Meta TV app for video discovery, plus apps like BigScreen VR that hook into streaming platforms. The Quest also has a browser. But for me, using Apple’s ecosystem, it’s far easier to log into apps on the browser on the Vision Pro using saved passwords and account settings.

    The Quest headsets can do one thing Vision Pro can’t, though: Play 360-degree and VR180 video content on YouTube and elsewhere on the web. There’s a lot out there (some of it on, ahem, apps you might use in your private time), and Apple for now is sitting out on compatibility with these older formats.

    Apple does have its own Immersive Video format it uses in a handful of shows on Apple TV Plus, and it looks markedly better than older VR180 videos. Apple seems set to roll out more in this format, but it’s unclear when.

    389-6980-main-00-01-05-18-still003

    Spatial videos: They can both do it

    Apple’s headset plays self-shot 3D videos recorded on either the Vision Pro or on the iPhone 15 Pro, and does a great job at it. They feel like snippets of relived memories. Not to be left out, the Quest 3 added spatial video playback recently, and it syncs Apple’s iPhone videos. They don’t play as high-res or as smoothly as on Vision Pro, based on initial tests, but they do play. Expect Meta to make its own 3D cameras (likely updated versions of its Ray-Ban glasses) to compete and offer a more affordable way to share memories with family.

    Apple Vision Pro next to Meta Quest 3, showing the undersides on a table

    Sharing: Quest is far, far easier

    Simply put, the Vision Pro is not meant to be shared with friends, family or anyone else… yet. The Vision Pro is customized to fit, with differently sized headbands, light seals and light seal cushions that are personalized with a head scan. It doesn’t work with glasses, either, so prescription lens inserts are necessary.

    There’s a Vision Pro guest mode that can share apps with others, but the guest needs to go through eye-tracking setups before use, and if they take the headset off, they have to do it all over again. Apple doesn’t have an app you can use to monitor and manage someone else’s headset experience; all there is is AirPlay, which can sometimes lose connection. And it has bizarre quirks. For example, if you’re sharing a movie for someone to see (a likely thing, on Vision Pro), the content will be blacked out for them, and you, if you’re using AirPlay to help guide and observe the person in the headset.

    The Quest 3 supports multiple user accounts and works with glasses. The headbands and face mask pieces are universal, so there’s no worry about fit (but the headset won’t always feel comfortable for everyone). Meta also has an iOS and Android app that allows you to remotely start and stop casting a view of what’s happening in the headset for the person trying it out. The app can launch experiences, and re-center the display for them. Apple needs an app like this for the Vision Pro.

    Meta Quest 3 and Apple Vision Pro on a pink table

    The future will look more like the Vision Pro

    Apple’s headset is stunning for videos and films, and it’s the best VR/AR headset I’ve used for laptop-style 2D work. However, the headset’s potential lies in the future. Apple’s room-tracking sensors should blend the real and virtual more, and Apple’s iOS framework should enable sharing and collaboration in virtual spaces better than any other device. But those things haven’t fully evolved yet. Also, why doesn’t the Vision Pro work with AR-capable iPhones and iPads yet? Why doesn’t the wearable, haptics-equipped Apple Watch offer feedback in virtual experiences? I don’t know, but they should be part of the picture.

    The Vision Pro is only a few weeks old, whereas the Quest platform is five years old. Meta had VR hardware for years before that, too. If you’re curious about VR and AR, the Quest 3 is still the best affordable headset to play with and try mixed reality. The Vision Pro has parts that totally outshine it, but it’s also something I’d very much wait on for its extremely high price. And don’t forget: Meta, in addition to Samsung and Google, have next-gen hardware in the works also. The Quest 3 is the easiest recommendation for now, but Apple’s hardware is going to be the shape of the where the landscape is heading in the years to come.

  • Samsung Galaxy Ring: All The Details We Have So Far

    Samsung Galaxy Ring: All The Details We Have So Far

    From smartwatches to wireless earbuds, Samsung is no stranger to the world of wearables. But this year, it’s expanding into an entirely new category: smart rings. The smartphone giant teased its new Galaxy Ring at an event in January, signaling a major expansion of its health tracking efforts.

    The problem, however, is that Samsung hasn’t revealed much about what to expect from the Galaxy Ring. The company showed the device in a vague video clip at the end of its presentation, but left out key details like how much it will cost, when it will arrive and most importantly, what exactly it will do.

    But Samsung’s comments suggest health tracking will be the ring’s main purpose, following the lead of the Oura, Evie and other tiny wellness devices designed to be worn around the finger.

    Here’s what we know about the Galaxy Ring so far. This story will be updated as we learn more details.

    Read more: Samsung’s Surprise Galaxy Ring: Who’s This Actually For?

    The Galaxy Ring’s features will be all about health

    The Galaxy Ring will undoubtedly be a health tracking device. Though Samsung didn’t say much about the product itself, Samsung Research America’s Matthew Wiggins introduced the ring during Samsung’s Unpacked keynote presentation by saying the company was “taking the possibilities of Samsung Health to the next level.” He also described the ring as a “powerful and accessible health and wellness device.”

    Samsung’s general approach to health tracking comes down to four areas of focus: activity, nutrition, sleep and stress. That’s according to Hon Pak, vice president and head of the digital health team for the mobile experience business at Samsung Electronics, who sat down with CNET following Samsung Unpacked last month.

    Those core categories could provide a clue about the health features we can expect on the Galaxy Ring. Samsung’s direction will also be reflected in some new features coming to the Samsung Health app that were announced at Unpacked, such as My Vitality Score and Booster Card. The former is similar to Oura’s Readiness Score and Garmin’s Body Battery, and it’s meant to gauge your physical and mental readiness by assessing things like sleep, activity, resting heart rate and heart rate variability. Booster Card, meanwhile, surfaces insights and tips throughout the day, such as providing observations that might explain why your sleep score was low last night.

    Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024

    Since the Galaxy Ring will support My Vitality Score, it seems plausible the ring will measure these types of metrics. Samsung’s new feature will also include an interactive cognitive alertness test that can help wearers understand if their score is accurate, which will be available on both the Galaxy Ring and Galaxy Watch, Pak said in our previous interview.

    Pak didn’t share additional details, but the Galaxy Ring wouldn’t be the first wearable device to offer cognitive tests. The Pison Ready wristband, which I tried at CES 2024, has an agility test that required me to quickly respond to flashing lights coming from the wristband by opening my hand.

    Samsung’s Galaxy S24 Ultra Now Has a Titanium Design

    See all photos

    Sleep in particular will also likely be a big area of focus for the Galaxy Ring, given that it’s smaller and less obtrusive to wear overnight compared to a smartwatch. Smart rings also typically offer longer battery life than smartwatches and fitness bands, thanks to their minimalist, screen-free designs.

    “Some people want a more simple form factor, and [the] ring represents that,” Pak said following Unpacked. “And then it’s got to be stylish, it’s got to be comfortable, it’s got to have long battery life. And those are the characteristics that we’re working on.”

    Even though Samsung hasn’t said much about which health features the ring will include, a report from Korean news outlet ETNews suggests it could have ECG monitoring and tools for measuring blood flow. And while health tracking is expected to be the ring’s main focus, ETNews also says it could include support for wireless payments and the ability to control other devices.

    Read more: The Biggest Questions to Ask Yourself Before Buying a Smartwatch

    Galaxy Ring colors: Likely 3 options to choose from

    Ring Samsung Galaxy Unpacked 2024

    If the final version of the Galaxy Ring is the same as the prototype I saw after Unpacked, it will come in three colors: silver, dark gray and gold. ETNews also reports that the ring could come in eight sizes.

    The design is simplistic and sleek, almost resembling a traditional groom’s wedding band. It looks similar to the Oura ring. And like the Oura ring, most people are likely to mistake it for a regular piece of jewelry. (Samsung wouldn’t allow me to take photos.)

    The Galaxy Ring will be Android only

    Samsung Galaxy S24

    Samsung’s smart ring will be compatible with Android devices, similar to the Galaxy Watch. But it’s unclear if that will always be the case. When asked if the Galaxy Ring would be Android only, Pak responded, “Right now, yes.” It’s too soon to know more about Samsung’s future plans for the Galaxy Ring, but opening it up to the iPhone would certainly allow it to be more competitive with Oura.

    The Galaxy Ring’s price and release date are unknown

    Samsung hasn’t said a word about how much the Galaxy Ring will cost or when it will launch. But other smart rings, like the Oura Ring, Evie Ring and Ultrahuman Ring Air typically cost between $269 and $350 depending on the model. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Galaxy Ring fall somewhere within that range.

    Samsung typically releases new Galaxy Watch models in the August time frame alongside its new Galaxy Z Fold and Z Flip foldable phones. That would be an ideal time to formally introduce the Galaxy Ring, since it shares similarities with the Galaxy Watch. According to ETNews, Samsung will introduce the device at an Unpacked event in July.

    We’ll have to wait to hear more details from Samsung. But if one thing seems certain, it’s that Samsung is doubling down on its health tracking ambitions with the Galaxy Ring.

  • Pick Up an Official Apple USB-C Power Adapter for Just $12 While You Can

    Pick Up an Official Apple USB-C Power Adapter for Just $12 While You Can

    You can never have too many power adapters on hand. And while you don’t necessarily need to use an Apple-branded charger to power your iPhone and other devices, going for a first-party option helps to assuage any quality or safety concerns. You can use Apple’s charger with other devices just fine, too. Right now, Apple’s 20-watt USB-C wall charger is yours for just $12 if you place your order with Woot before the deal comes to an end on Feb 29, or before it’s sold out. That’s 37% less than you’d pay directly at Apple.

    This power adapter has a single USB-C port and is compatible with iPhones, iPads, Apple Watches, AirPods and other mobile devices. And with 20-watt fast charging, it can recharge an iPhone 8 or newer up to 50% in about 30 minutes. It’s not a replacement for your USB-C laptop charger, but it’s worth picking one up to keep in your backpack or travel bag so you’re never short of a way to power your phone up quickly.

    Note that this power adapter doesn’t come with a charging cable, but you can pick up a USB-C cables inexpensively at Amazon if you need to stock up.

  • Save Big on Top Tech During Best Buy’s Member-Exclusive Weekend Sale

    Save Big on Top Tech During Best Buy’s Member-Exclusive Weekend Sale

    Best Buy promised exclusive savings for My Best Buy Plus or Total members, and the company is making good on that promise right now, launching a three-day weekend sale with plenty of good buys for bargain hunters. There are lots of popular brands marked down, including LG, Apple, HP and more. It’s a good chance to grab tech at a discount if you missed out on the Presidents Day savings. Not a member? Now may be the perfect time to join if you’ve been holding out.

    To save you some time, we’ve scoured the sale and have gathered the best deals and discounts for My Best Buy members on laptops, tablets, TVs, soundbars and much more. Our top picks are highlighted below, and we should note that many of these products are discounted for nonmembers too, just not by as much. The member-exclusive sale ends Sunday, Feb. 25, at 9:59 p.m. PT, so be sure to get your order in before then if you don’t want to miss out on the savings.

    More exclusive member deals at Best Buy:

  • File Your Taxes for Less With One of These Discounted Software Services

    File Your Taxes for Less With One of These Discounted Software Services

    No one enjoys filing taxes but it’s tax season and it has to be done. To help make your filing easier this year, consider using tax software from companies like H&R Block and TurboTax. This is a great way to make sure you’re doing it correctly and getting the maximum refund available. If you sign up now, you’ll get a pretty decent discount to get you started. So, take a second to browse, and be sure to file before the April 15 deadline.

    Looking for more discounts? CNET has the best deals from H&R Block, TurboTax and many others, along with promo code offers — all updated and verified daily.

    Welcome to CNET Coupons, the first stop before you shop, featuring a multitude of deals and discounts from top online retailers. Simply head over to our coupon page and type in your favorite store or brands to find all the deals available for the week.

  • iOS 17.3: All the New Features to Land on Your iPhone

    iOS 17.3: All the New Features to Land on Your iPhone

    Apple released iOS 17.3 to the general public in January, more than a month after the company released iOS 17.2 in December. The latest update brings some new features, like Stolen Device Protection, as well as some important bug fixes to your iPhone.

    To download the update, go to Settings > General > Software Update, tap Install Now and follow the onscreen prompts.

    CNET Tech Tips logo

    Here’s what iOS 17.3 brings to your iPhone.

    Read more: What iOS 17.3.1 Fixes on Your iPhone

    Stolen Device Protection

    Apple’s iOS 17.3 introduces Stolen Device Protection to your iPhone, which aims to help protect you and your data.

    According to CNET’s David Lumb, Stolen Device Protection requires you to enter your biometric authentication, like Face ID and Touch ID, multiple times to access some of your sensitive settings and information, like your Apple ID password. This feature uses a new mechanism, called Security Delay, when you try to change these settings.

    If you attempt to change these settings when you’re away from a familiar location, like your home, Stolen Device Protection will require you to enter your biometric info, like your facial scan or fingerprint, twice; once initially and then again after an hour. However, since Stolen Device Protection only protects a handful of settings, you still have to take steps to protect other information, like your social media accounts. This is an optional security feature, but Apple recommends everyone turn it on.

    Read more: How to Enable Stolen Device Protection on Your iPhone

    New Unity Bloom wallpaper

    A smartphone wallpaper showing flowers

    In honor of Black History Month, iOS 17.3 brings a new wallpaper, called Unity Bloom, to all iPhones. According to Apple, the wallpaper shows an outline of flowers that will fill with color once the display is active.

    Apple Music collaborative playlists are here at last

    With iOS 17.3, Apple brings collaborative playlists to Apple Music subscribers. The feature allows multiple people to edit and control shared playlists on the music streaming platform. You can also react with an emoji to a song in a collaborative playlist that someone else added. That way you can let someone know instantly if you like a song or not in the playlist.

    Apple announced collaborative playlists in Apple Music at WWDC 2023 in June. The feature was included in some beta versions of iOS 17.2, but wasn’t included in the final release of that update.

    Here are the full release notes for iOS 17.3:

    About This Update

    Stolen Device Protection

    Stolen Device Protection increases security of iPhone and Apple ID by requiring Face ID or Touch ID with no passcode fallback to perform certain actions.

    Security Delay requires Face ID or Touch ID, an hour wait, and then an additional successful biometric authentication before sensitive operations like changing device passcode or Apple ID password can be performed.

    Lock Screen

    New Unity wallpaper honors Black history and culture in celebration of Black History Month.

    Music

    Collaborate on playlists allows you to invite friends to join your playlist and everyone can add, reorder, and remove songs.

    Emoji reactions can be added to any track in a collaborative playlist.

    This update also includes the following improvements:

    AirPlay hotel support lets you stream content directly to the TV in your room in select hotels.

    AppleCare & Warranty in Settings shows your coverage for all devices signed in with your Apple ID.

    Crash detection optimizations (all iPhone 14 and iPhone 15 models).

    Some features may not be available for all regions or on all Apple devices. For information on the security content of Apple software updates, please visit this website:

    https://support.apple.com/kb/HT201222

    For more on iOS 17, check out what could be included in iOS 17.4 and what was included in iOS 17.2. You can also check out our iOS 17 cheat sheet.

  • First Android 15 Developer Preview Is Available. How You Can Get It on Your Phone Today

    First Android 15 Developer Preview Is Available. How You Can Get It on Your Phone Today

    Android 15, Google’s follow-up to Android 14, is now available to download for all you early testers.

    The latest major OS update, with a focus on beefing up privacy and security, also allows creators to take better advantage of camera hardware and gives developers more ways to manage heat and processing power for more efficient app performance.

    This early version of Android 15 is intended mostly for developers, to help them build apps tuned for the next release of the Android OS and for Google to get valuable feedback as it rolls out updates throughout 2024.

    Read more: Best Android Phone of 2024

    But just because the preview is meant for developers doesn’t mean you can’t or shouldn’t download Android 15 right now. As long as you understand the limitations of a developer preview (which can include bugs, missing features and app incompatibility) and how to install it with manual flash (adding the OS to your phone’s flash memory storage), you can check out Android 15 right now.

    If you don’t want to deal with software issues or installation, wait until April and May for Google to open enrollment for its Android beta program, or you could even wait until June and July for a more stable version to drop. The final version of Android 15, intended for all Android users, is expected to release sometime in the fall.

    Unsure about what to do next? Well here’s everything you need to know about Android 15. For more, here’s how Google built its Immersive View for Maps and how to clear your browser’s cache in Android.

    What’s new in the first Android 15 developer preview?

    With this first developer preview, Google said the focus is on enhancing user privacy and file security. It’s also focused on giving creators greater access to tools and hardware — including in-app camera controls — as well as on heat and power management for improved app and game performance. The latest release uses the confectionery-theming code name Vanilla Ice Cream.

    For privacy and security, Android 15 is using the latest version of Privacy Sandbox, which is a multiyear initiative to enhance user privacy on Android. Privacy Sandbox improves privacy around mobile advertising, by limiting what data third parties can access. Android 15 also allows users to screen share just part of their screen, rather than the entire screen.

    Google will give developers and creators more precise control of camera hardware to help them take advantage of premium hardware features, including the Pixel camera, GPUs and AI processing. These expanded controls can boost the brightness of the camera preview, adjust flash strength, connect MIDI 2.0 devices via USB and more.

    This first developer preview of Android 15 also includes heat and processing power management tools via an improved Android Dynamic Performance Framework to help developers optimize performance-heavy and graphic-intensive apps and games.

    As more developer previews and beta releases drop, Google will continue to add and refine features based on the feedback from everyone using Android 15.

    Which phones support the Android 15 developer preview?

    Google typically releases early developer previews just on its own devices, and it’s the same with Android 15. Right now, you can download Android 15 on the following Google Pixel phones and tablet:

    If your device isn’t on the list, don’t fret just yet. As the year progresses, Android 15 will become available on other phones and tablets. You also have the option to use the 64-bit system images with the Android Emulator in Android Studio.

    A Pixel Fold laid on a table, partially unfolded to watch a YouTube video

    Before you install Android 15, back up your phone

    Note that running prerelease software on your phone can make it unstable, and you may lose data. We recommend downloading and installing prerelease software on something other than your primary Pixel device, just in case Google’s new software causes issues.

    The first thing you should do before you download the first Android 15 developer preview is to back up your supported device. Why? Developer previews are software in its early days, and so you can expect bugs, app crashes and other issues that can make it difficult to use your phone or tablet on a daily basis.

    By default, your Pixel should back up automatically whenever you’re connected to Wi-Fi and your phone has been idle and charging for 2 hours, but you can also do it manually. Depending on the size of your phone backup and how much available space you have on Google Drive, you may need a Google One subscription for this to work.

    To back up your Pixel phone, go to Settings > Google > Backup and tap Back up now. Depending on the last backup and how many apps and files need to be backed up, this process can be instantaneous or take up to several minutes. Once you’re backed up, you’re ready to begin the process of downloading and installing Android 15.

    Android 14 backup settings

    Next, enable USB debugging and OEM unlocking

    To install Android 15 on your Pixel, connect the phone to your computer via USB. That requires that your Pixel be unlocked and have USB debugging enabled. Although unlocking your phone is easy enough, to enable USB debugging you’ll need to first unlock Developer options.

    Note: If you’ve flashed a developer preview before, you may be able to simply update OTA to Android 15. If not, skip to the next section.

    1. Unlock Developer options. In the Settings application, go to About phone and then tap Build number seven times. Enter your password when prompted, and a new Developer options menu will appear in your settings.
    2
    . Next, you’ll need to enable USB debugging so your phone and your computer can transfer data between each other. Go to Settings > System > Developer options and toggle on USB debugging. In the notification that appears, which briefly describes what USB debugging is meant for, tap OK.
    3. And finally, while you’re still in Developer options, toggle on OEM unlocking. This unlocks your device’s bootloader, which is what loads the operating system. Once unlocked, you’ll be able to choose a different operating system to boot up on your Pixel — in this case, Android 15.

    USB debugging and OEM unlocking on Android

    Finally, flash Android 15 on your device using Android Flash Tool in Chrome

    You have two ways to flash the Android 15 developer preview on your Pixel, but for the sake of simplicity, we’ll use the Android Flash Tool, which you can use directly from your web browser. It works best on Chrome or Edge. Also, your computer must have 10GB of available storage for this to work.

    If everything is good to go, connect your Pixel to your computer via USB, unlock your device, go to https://flash.android.com/ in Chrome and do the following:

    1. First, click Get Started and then hit Allow ADB access in the pop-up that appears (if there are any ad blockers, turn them off).
    2. Next, click Add new device, choose your device from the list and hit Connect.
    3. On your Pixel, check the box next to Always allow from this computer and then tap Allow to give Android Flash Tool access to your phone.
    4. Back on your computer, click DP 1 under Android 15 Preview Releases.
    5. Click Install build and then hit Confirm.

    Installing Android 15 via AFT

    Now, you’ll need to interact with both your computer and phone to flash Android 15, which begins with unlocking your phone’s bootloader.

    1. Click Start on your computer to begin the unlocking bootloader process.
    2. Over on your phone, hit any volume button to choose “Unlock the bootloader” and then hit the power button to unlock the bootloader.

    The Android 15 software will then begin to download from your computer to your phone. It’s nearly 2.5GB, so it may take a few minutes, depending on your internet speeds. Once the download is finished, you’ll need to lock your phone’s bootloader.

    1. Click Start on your computer.
    2. Go back to your phone, use the volume keys to choose “Lock the bootloader” and then hit the power button.

    Your phone will then restart and the Android 15 Developer Preview should now be installed. You can safely disconnect your Pixel from the computer.

    You can now use Android 15 on your Pixel

    Once your Pixel boots back up, you’ll see a notification that says you’re now running the Android 15 developer preview. Hit OK and then set up your phone just as you would a brand-new phone. That means connecting to Wi-Fi, copying over apps and data from your latest backup via Google, agreeing to terms and conditions, setting up a password and so on.

    Android 15 running on a Pixel phone

    How to remove Android 15 from your device

    Developer previews aren’t meant for your primary phone, the one that you use every day. Bugs and other issues will interfere with your daily routine, and so you might get tired of having an early version of Android 15. If so, there’s an easy way to roll back to a stable version of Android 14.

    Just like you installed Android 15, you can revert back to an older Android version. Connect your device to your computer and follow the first four steps in the flashing Android 15 section. You may need to unlock developer options and enable USB debugging once again.

    Now, instead of choosing DP 1 in the Android Flash Tool, choose the Back to Public option and install it just like you did the developer preview. When your phone boots back up, you should be running a stable version of Android 14.

    What’s the release schedule for Android 15?

    Google said it expects to release several developer previews — this one in February and another date in March — to shake out new features and check compatibility.

    Planned beta releases for early adopters in April and May should be more stable and will focus on quality and compatibility improvements. Finally, Platform Stability releases slated for June, July and August will center on Android 15 final testing before the first public release in the fall.

    android 15 vanilla ice cream timeline

    Have an older Android? Check out five tips to make your Android phone feel like new again.

    My Favorite Shots From the Galaxy S24 Ultra’s Camera

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  • Quitting Subscriptions to Netflix, Uber Eats and More? Try These Free Options Instead

    Quitting Subscriptions to Netflix, Uber Eats and More? Try These Free Options Instead

    Updated Feb. 22, 20247:00 p.m. PT

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    Whether its the cost of household staples going up, or the fact that you have a bunch of subscriptions you’re not using, cancelling subscriptions may be a good way to save some dollars. If your subscriptions for streaming, groceries and other services are on the chopping block, you may need replacements. And what’s better than f-r-e-e?

    A lot of subscription-based apps like Netflix are raising prices while offering new choices like a cheaper, ad-based tier. And Peloton raised its subscription prices back in June 2022 (while lowering the up-front cost of buying a bike). As this trend of increasing prices continues, it may be prudent to cut down on those services you may not be using to the maximum.

    The good thing is, many of the services you’re paying for — including Hulu, Apple Music, Grubhub and DoorDash — can be swapped for free alternatives. You might not get the exact same experience, but you can often get pretty close. And it might be worth trying if it allows you to stretch your budget further.

    There’s one downside, though — many of these free services are ad-supported, which is how they’re able to stay free. They also won’t let you download content to watch or listen to them offline. But some have deals and decent free trials that you can take advantage of now.

    Here’s how to replace many of the services you pay for with the best free subscription services we’ve found.

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