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While most laptops or PCs come with Windows pre-installed, that’s not always the case, and buying a Windows license from Microsoft is a huge extra expense for those building or upgrading a computer. The same goes for essential Microsoft Office applications. Thankfully, you don’t have to pay full price with a bundle deal at StackSocial going on right now that will snag you both Windows 11 Pro and Office Pro Plus 2019 for just $50. That’s an 87% discount on the $408 combined retail price, and both are lifetime licenses (for a single device). There’s no expiration listed for this sale, so we recommend getting your order in sooner rather than later.

Windows 11 Pro is the most advanced Microsoft OS out there at the moment, and includes some exclusive features that you don’t get with the base version. That includes Microsoft Remote Desktop, BitLocker device encryption, Windows Sandbox, Hyper-V, Azure Active Directory and more. This offer includes lifetime access for up to three devices, but not all PCs will be compatible, so be sure to check it yours meets the system requirements before you purchase.

And this bundle also includes lifetime access to Office Pro Plus apps, which are used by schools and businesses around the world. The 2019 version is now a generation old and doesn’t include Microsoft Teams, but will still allow you to access popular programs like Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and more. And this one-time purchase is a serious bargain compared with the usual subscription price for Microsoft 365, which starts at $7 per month or $70 for the year. Just note this deal includes lifetime access for only a single device, and Microsoft’s extended support for Office 2019 will end on Oct. 14, 2025.

Even so, this is a solid way to upgrade a laptop that doesn’t come with Windows 11 Pro or to gain access to Microsoft’s apps without signing up for a monthly payment. And if you’re in the market for new hardware too, be sure to check out our list of the best laptop deals available right now.

Christmas is just around the corner, but you’ve still got a little time left to wrap up your gift shopping. But just because you’re cutting it a little close doesn’t mean you mean you have to overpay. This week, Best Buy is having a huge Last-Minute sales event where you can find great deals on tons of top tech, including TVs, headphones, smartwatches, consoles and much more. Some of these items will ship in time for you to have them under the tree by Dec. 24, while others will require you to pick them up in-person.

These last-minute bargains will be available through Dec. 24, and to help you make the most of these offers while you’ve still got time, we’ve rounded up some of the best deals that you won’t want to miss here. Just remember that you’re not the only one doing some eleventh hour gift shopping this week, so some items may sell out before Sunday. We’d recommend getting your order in as soon as possible if you’re hoping to take advantage of these savings.

No matter who you’re shopping for, you’re sure to find some great gift ideas that you can snag for less at this sale. If they’re an avid gamer looking to upgrade to a next-gen console, you can pick up the Xbox Series X for $400, which is $100 off the list price. Or, if they’re headphones are looking a little worse for wear, you could grab them the Beats Studio Pro. They’re one of our overall favorite pairs of headphones for 2023, and you can snag them for just $180 right now, a whopping $170 off. And if they’re an avid home cook, this Bella Pro Series 8-quart air fryer makes a great gift, and you can pick it up for just $50, which is an $80 discount.

There are plenty of other excellent last-minute bargains to shop this week at Best Buy, and we’ve rounded up some of the best ones available:

• LG 48-inch A2 Series OLED 4K smart TV: $550 (save $750)
• Lenovo Slim 7 Pro X 14-inch laptop: $800 (save $600)
• Apple iPad (10th Gen): $349 (save $100)
• Dyson V8 cordless vacuum: $300 (save $170)
• Amazon Echo Show 8 (2nd Gen): $55 (save $75)
• Roku Express 4K Plus: $30 (save $10)
• Keurig K-Slim: $70 (save $60)
• Bose SoundLink Flex: $120 (save $30)
• Philips Norelco OneBlade 360: $60 (save $25)
• Sony LinkBuds S: $130 (save $70)
• Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5: $850 (save $150 + free $50 gift card)
• Anker MagGo power bank: $40 (save $20)

Apple will pause sales of its Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in the US this month as the result of an ongoing legal battle with health tech company Masimo.

The International Trade Commission, the federal agency that handles trade-related mandates, previously issued an order that would prohibit Apple from importing the Series 9 and Ultra 2. The decision came after a US judge ruled in January that Apple infringed on Masimo patents related to the technology used in Apple’s blood oxygen sensing system. The order is currently under presidential review, but Apple is preemptively pausing sales in case the decision is upheld, the company said. The move was first reported by 9to5Mac on Monday, and Apple has since confirmed its decision to CNET.

The Apple Watch is one of Apple’s most important products, helping push the company’s wearables, home and accessories business to be its second-largest product category behind the iPhone. Apple has previously said the size of its wearables unit alone equals that of a Fortune 150 company.

Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 through its website on Dec. 21, while Apple stores will stop selling the watches on Dec. 24.

“Apple’s teams work tirelessly to create products and services that empower users with industry-leading health, wellness, and safety features,” the company said in a statement to CNET. “Apple strongly disagrees with the order and is pursuing a range of legal and technical options to ensure that [the] Apple Watch is available to customers.”

The company added that it will “continue to take all measures to return [the] Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 to customers in the U.S. as soon as possible,” if the order stands.

Apple’s pause of Apple Watch sales comes during the critical holiday shopping season. Smartwatches were among the top products sold during the Black Friday period, according to holiday shopping data from Adobe.

When the ruling was made in January, Masimo CEO Joe Kiani said the decision “should help restore fairness in the market.”

Here’s what to know about Apple’s pause in sales of the Series 9 and Ultra 2. This story will be updated as we receive more information.

When will Apple stop selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2?

Apple will stop selling the Series 9 and Ultra 2 online at noon PT (3 p.m. ET) on Dec. 21, according to Apple. The company says the last day for the pickup and delivery of online orders, as well as in-store sales, will be end of day Dec. 24.

Can I still buy the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 from other retailers?

The order affects sales of the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 through Apple specifically. But 9to5Mac points out that the order prohibits Apple from importing these watches and selling them to resellers, which means they may only be available through other retailers for a limited time.

However, the order only applies to sales in the US, meaning you should still be able to purchase the Series 9 and Ultra 2 abroad.

Best Buy told CNET it will continue selling the Apple Watch Series 9 and Ultra 2 in the US, although it has not yet responded to a follow-up question clarifying whether that will still be the case after Dec. 25, which is when the presidential review period ends.

Which Apple Watch models are impacted?

The Apple Watch Series 9 and Apple Watch Ultra 2 are the only models affected. Since the legal dispute involves the blood oxygen sensing tech used in the Apple Watch, the Apple Watch SE will continue to be sold as usual. The Apple Watch SE is the lower-end model in Apple’s lineup, meaning it’s missing some health tracking features like blood oxygen sensing and the ability to take an ECG.

Current Apple Watches with blood oxygen monitoring, which includes any non-SE models starting with the Series 6, also won’t be affected.

What is Masimo and why is Apple pausing sales?

Masimo is a medical technology company that creates professional and consumer health products, including a smartwatch called the Masimo W1. The sales pause is the latest development in an ongoing legal dispute between Apple and Masimo, in which the latter accused Apple of infringing on its pulse oximeter patents.

What happens next?

The presidential review period ends on Dec. 25, so we’re expecting to learn more about whether the import ban will stand after that deadline. Apple also plans to appeal the ITC’s decision to the federal circuit, the company says.

It’s rare for an order like this to be vetoed, says Rochelle Dreyfuss, Professor of Law Emerita at the New York University School of Law. But it’s happened before, specifically in 2013 when the Obama administration vetoed a ban that would have blocked the sale of certain older iPhone and iPad models in the US after the ITC found that Apple had infringed on Samsung patents.

The Apple Watch is a health product, which could work in Apple’s favor when it comes to the presidential review process, says Dreyfuss. But there are also plenty of other products that offer blood oxygen monitoring, which is the specific function at the heart of the legal dispute.

“Are there other industries that provide exactly the same service? So can Americans actually get that product?,” she said. “That’s something that the industry has already decided against Apple…So this would be the president sort of interfering with that decision.”

If I can’t buy an Apple Watch Series 9 or Ultra 2, what are my alternatives?

It’s worth waiting to see what happens after the presidential review process before making any decisions. Those with an iPhone that just want a smartwatch for tracking activity, workouts and sleep should consider the $249 Apple Watch SE. While that watch lacks ECG and blood oxygen monitoring, it can still provide notifications for high and low heart rates and irregular heart rhythms.

The Apple Watch SE is the best choice for those who are most comfortable in Apple’s ecosystem, but there are also other options that work across iPhone and Android, like the Fitbit Versa 4 and Garmin Venu 3.

But again, if your heart is set on the Series 9 or Ultra 2 and you aren’t in a position to buy one right now, it’s worth waiting to see whether the ITC’s order stands before making a decision.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is easily one of the best smartwatches on the market — and it’s also one of the most costly. It might well be worth every penny, but that doesn’t mean that you have to actually pay all of them. Though the Apple Watch Ultra 2 has only been on the market for a few months, Amazon is already selling it at a deep, deep discount.

Right now, you can slap the Apple Watch Ultra 2 on your wrist — or a lucky loved one’s — for just $699 so long as you remember to clip the onscreen coupon before you add it to your cart. The only catch? This price is only available on select band style and size configurations, such as the small/medium Trail Loop in blue/black and the small Alpine Loop in olive, so keep an eye on the price and coupon discount as you click through the options for the biggest discount.

The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is the latest and greatest wearable the company offers. It has a huge 49mm display and high-precision GPS for use when you’re out in the wilderness, or when just want reliable data for your workouts. The extra-long battery life ensures you get multiple days from a single charge, and the rugged titanium case is strong yet light, perfect for your next adventure. You also get access to all the usual features, including fitness and activity tracking, heart rate monitoring and more.

Not sure whether an Apple Watch Ultra 2 is for you? Don’t worry if that big, rugged look doesn’t suit you: There are often plenty of Apple Watch Series 9 deals to be had, too.

More than 2.8 million people are expected to fly each day during the holidays this year, according to Airlines for America, the industry trade organization and lobbying group for popular US airlines. That’s a 16% increase from last year, and with so many people traveling, you can expect more traffic on the highways and longer lines at the airport.

And that’s not to mention delays and cancellations you might have to deal with.

Obviously, there’s no way to predict these things, but what you can do is better monitor your flight, or any flight really, as frequently as possible, to keep a close eye on delays, cancellations or gate changes.

Read more: What to Do if Your Flight Is Canceled or Delayed

Though you can get this flight information from airline apps on your phone or by looking at a flight information display at the airport, there’s an easier way, which doesn’t involve downloading anything or having to walk anywhere.

All the information you need to track your flight status can be found right on your iPhone — inside your text messages.

How to track your flight by text message on your iPhone

Before we start, there are a few prerequisites you must meet:

• Make sure iMessage is enabled (it doesn’t work with SMS/MMS).
• You’ll need your flight number somewhere in your text messages, whether you’ve sent that information to someone (even yourself) or it’s been sent to you.
• The flight number must be sent in this format: [Airline] [Flight number], for example, American Airlines 9707.

Launch the native Messages texting app on your iPhone and open the text message thread that contains your flight information. You’ll know the flight tracker feature works when the text with the flight information appears underlined, which means it’s actionable and you can tap on it.

However, if your flight is still several months away or it’s already passed, you might see a message that says, “Flight information unavailable.” You might also see another flight that’s not yours because airlines recycle flight numbers.

Access the hidden flight tracker using these codes

Although the airline name/flight number format highlighted above is the best way to go, there are other texting options that will lead you to the same result. So let’s say we stick with American Airlines 9707, other options that may bring up the flight tracker include:

• AmericanAirlines9707 (no spaces)
• AmericanAirlines 9707 (only one space)
• AA9707 (airline name is abbreviated and no space)
• AA 9707 (abbreviated and space)

I would suggest you keep the airline name spelled out completely and add a space between the two pieces of information — like in the previous section — because for some airlines these alternative options may not work.

Track your flight in real time: View flight status, delays and baggage claim

Once everything is set, tap on the flight information in your text messages. If the feature works correctly, you should see the following two options appear in a quick-action menu:

• Preview Flight: View the flight’s details. Tap this if you want to view more information about the flight.
• Copy Flight Code: Copy the flight code to your clipboard (in case you want to send your flight details to someone else via text or email).

If you select Preview Flight, at the top of the window, you’ll see the best part of this feature: a real-time flight tracker map. A line will connect the two destinations, and a tiny airplane will move between them, indicating where the flight is at that exact moment.

Underneath the map, you’ll see important flight information:

• Airline name and flight number
• Flight status (arriving on time, delayed, canceled, etc.)
• Terminal and gate numbers (for arrival and departure)
• Arrival and departure time
• Flight duration
• Baggage claim (the number of the baggage carousel)

If you swipe left on the bottom half of the flight tracker, you can switch between flights, but only if there’s a return flight.

Your iPhone comes with many hidden features, but don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Check out iOS 17 hidden features and tricks you didn’t know you needed and the hidden information in your iPhone photos that might be giving away your location.

I’ve loved handheld gaming for as long as I can remember, but things have rarely been as good for gaming-on-the-go as in 2023. Though my favorite handheld overall is still the Nintendo Switch, the OLED Steam Deck from Valve has won me over with its features and performance, and its expansive game library. Of all the gaming handheld devices that arrived this year, the Steam Deck OLED is my favorite by far.

Handheld gaming consoles have been back on the rise lately, not just with the Nintendo Switch, indie handhelds and the PlayStation Portal, but in PC gaming too, with Windows options like the Asus Rog Ally and the Lenovo Legion Go. The new OLED Steam Deck is a refreshed version of the year-plus-old Steam Deck, with a larger OLED display that looks great. It starts at $549, while the original LCD-based models remain on sale, starting at $349.

Although the OLED model isn’t much different in terms of graphics performance than the first Steam Deck, the continued improvements across the board — in new hardware and continued OS upgrades — have added up to a lot. Sure, it’s a handheld that feels like a mini-surfboard. But it’s so much fun to use. Valve also made the price more attractive, lowering the LCD Steam Deck prices and making the OLED model essentially the same price as the midrange LCD Steam Decks before.

Improvements everywhere

Comparing the new OLED Steam Deck to the original, I saw some clear advantages. The new Steam Deck has a 7.4-inch HDR OLED display that, while still sporting the same 1,200×800-pixel resolution, looks far more vivid and colorful. Playing games on the OLED Steam Deck gives me the same feeling I have playing on the Nintendo Switch OLED: I don’t want to go back to the original and its LCD screen. The larger display on a similarly sized chassis also means a sleeker, thinner frame bezel.

The new OLED Steam Deck also has a larger battery, which boasts up to 50% more battery life. I haven’t yet experienced what that actually adds up to in everyday use, but the news is welcome. Even more surprisingly, the handheld is a bit lighter. Storage configurations have been boosted too: There’s now a 1TB Steam Deck option, in addition to a 512GB model. The 512GB version is $549, while the 1TB version is $649 — which is pretty fantastic, since these were basically the prices of the Steam Deck higher-config models previously. $649 now nets you twice the storage, an OLED display, a better battery and a lot of other improvements.

Valve is selling previous LCD models at a discount going forward, with most of the savings on higher-end configurations. The 64GB version drops to $349 ($50 off), the 256GB model is now $399 ($130 off) and the 512GB model is $449 ($200 off).

There’s also a fancy limited-edition transparent 1TB OLED model, too, for $679, which looks nice, but it’s the same hardware as the $649 1TB OLED model.

Valve added a lot of other tune-ups to the Steam Deck in the new model: a surprising number, in fact. The laundry list is extensive:

• A 7.4-inch, HDR OLED display (1,200×800-pixel resolution); maximum 1,000-nit brightness in HDR; 90Hz max refresh.
• Faster-response touchscreen.
• Better haptics on the Steam Deck and touchpads.
• Analog sticks have improved grip.
• 50Whr battery (up from 40WHr).
• About an ounce lighter.
• Wi-Fi 6E.
• More power-efficient AMD APU processor (6nm instead of 7nm).
• Bluetooth 5.3 (controllers can wake up Steam Deck).
• Louder speakers.
• Microphone and headphones can be used at once.
• Longer charge cable, faster charging (45 minutes for 20% to 80% charge-up) and a charge LED on the Deck.
• Larger fans, promising better cooling.
• Changed inner design and screws for easier repairability.
• Included hard case now has smaller travel shell case inside for easier bag fits.

What I’ve noticed the most so far, apart from the display, are the touchscreen improvements. The original Steam Deck was fine, but the responsiveness now feels better, closer to that of a phone or tablet. The touchpad haptics are improved: The haptic “clicks” now feel a lot more like a normal everyday touchpad click, less obviously a vibrational effect.

The 1TB OLED model still has a matte-glass screen, which to my eyes makes games pop a little more. It’s a great display, and the Steam Deck OLED would’ve been a welcome upgrade just for that alone.

I love that the overall “console” feel of the Steam Deck just feels better now. And I appreciate the included hard case’s new inner soft case. You could pull the hard case off now and just travel with a lighter shell case instead.

The Steam Deck still supports microSD cards to expand storage further, and there’s still 16GB of RAM on board. This isn’t a “Steam Deck 2,” but in terms of its overall upgrades it feels like a Steam Deck 1.5.

Steam Deck OLED vs. the Windows handheld competition

The Steam Deck still feels big to hold and use, but it’s not as big as some competitors. The Lenovo Legion Go is massive in comparison, with an even bigger and higher-res 8.8-inch display, and removable controllers.

The advantages of Windows-based gaming handhelds is you can run all of Windows easily on them, including Microsoft’s Game Pass and streaming options, in addition to Steam. Steam Decks run their own Linux-based OS that’s optimized entirely to Steam gaming, although they’re hackable if you have the interest or patience. Out of the box, the Steam Deck feels much more like a complete console experience, though not all Steam games play on Steam Deck.

These new updates and the price not having increased is welcome news for anyone who’s shopping for one. I don’t know if you need to upgrade from an original Steam Deck just to get these changes, but the collective improvements look to make this a must-buy option over the LCD models, if you have the budget.

Falling in love with Steam Deck

Over the past few weeks since the new Steam Deck’s release, I’ve loved how fun it is to play PC games on the go as I do with the Switch. I was late to using the Steam Deck, but I did start with an LCD model earlier this year, so I’m used to the idea. If you’ve never gamed on one before, and you know you like the Nintendo Switch, consider it a similar proposition, but a little more funky and PC-like with its updates and deeper flexibility in software.

But, the Steam Deck’s software flexibility is a trade-off for what’s more of an inflexible hardware design than a Switch. For instance, the Switch can be docked (and the dock is included) and has detachable controllers and a kickstand. The Steam Deck is dock-compatible, but it’s sold separately, and its controllers are fixed, and it doesn’t have a kickstand. That handheld-only mode of playing is largely fine, but the Switch (not the Switch Lite, of course) is a TV-or-handheld proposition right out of the box.

Docking a Steam Deck offers all sorts of extras. You can use a mouse and a keyboard and connect to a monitor and use it like a regular PC. You can sideload stuff and tinker with betas, though honestly, I haven’t even gone there yet. I’m using it only with Valve’s Steam store and library, and that’s more than enough for me… for now.

I say this because, apart from the new OLED Steam Deck as a product, Steam Deck as a platform on its own is fantastic. You could save money and just get the LCD model, but I’d say go with the OLED one for its various upgrades, especially display and battery life. Current LCD Steam Deck owners don’t need the OLED upgrade, though I’m sure the temptation is strong.

I should emphasize that the Steam Deck is big. Big enough that it’s a little hard to travel with, although the thinner inner case that’s now included with the OLED Steam Deck does make it a more portable thing to tuck in a backpack.

Battery life: Pretty fine

I’ve played games throughout lazy afternoons and downloaded lots of games on the OLED Steam Deck, and battery life has never seemed like it was dipping too low. It feels shorter than that of the newer OLED Nintendo Switch, but probably better than that of the original Switch. I appreciate that the Steam Deck’s fan is pretty quiet, too, and charging up for a while via USB-C isn’t too much of a hassle. Compared to the Lenovo Legion Go, which burned through battery life extremely fast, it feels exactly where I’d want to be for a handheld with this size and power.

The future of handhelds

Nintendo is likely preparing a Switch successor for next year, companies like Sony are exploring streaming-based handheld accessories like the PlayStation Portal, and PC hardware manufacturers are dabbling in Windows-based handhelds like the Lenovo Legion Go and Asus ROG Ally. So, the future of handheld gaming has never looked brighter. In the center of that, for me right now, is the Steam Deck.

Valve’s commitment to making complex games work on the go, and making the handheld experience fun and nonthreatening, opens doorways for where Windows handhelds should aim their designs. This also points to where Nintendo needs to go; the Steam Deck’s processing power is enough to play Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077, which is what I want in a Switch 2. The same goes for the Steam Deck’s excellent controls, which have a no-compromise feel and the same performance you’d expect from any next-gen console controller. The OLED model’s haptics are even better, and I really like its trackpads.

The Steam Deck should get detachable controllers (please) and a kickstand, someday, and I’d like an even larger 1080p screen so I could see tiny text a bit more clearly up close. Still, for now, it’s one of my favorite gaming handhelds, though I don’t know how often I’ll really take it on the go beyond my house. For travel, I’m still into the Nintendo Switch (or, the Panic Playdate). It’s big, for sure, but I keep picking it up, browsing the Steam store for sales, and seeing what else I can discover. That’s the truest sign that this thing is good… and now, even better.

Valve has already made me a believer in PC handheld gaming, and the Steam Deck’s improvements elevate it at the right time, as PC gaming feels even more aware of the handheld landscape. Valve has previously suggested that a true Steam Deck 2 won’t be around for a while, so in the meantime this looks like your best bet.

There’s lots on the line tonight in this Week 15 battle of the birds, with the Eagles and Seahawks each entering Monday night’s game in desperate need of a win.

After winning 10 of their first 11 games and looking like the best team in football, the Eagles have dropped their last two contests. The Eagles have the luxury of falling back on a Wild Card berth to make the playoffs, but they suddenly find themselves in a dead heat for the NFC East crown with the Cowboys.

The situation is more dire for the Seahawks, who have lost four straight to fall to 6-7 on the year. The Hawks currently find themselves on the outside looking for the NFC playoffs, but a home win tonight would greatly aid their odds of nabbing a Wild Card spot.

The Eagles and Seahawks kick off in Seattle tonight at 5:15 p.m. PT (8:15 p.m. ET) on ABC and ESPN. You can flip over to ESPN2 during the game to catch the ManningCast with brothers Peyton and Eli calling the game, with guests popping on to chat with the former NFL greats.

Keep reading to see your viewing options for Monday Night Football. And with YouTube and YouTube TV now the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, along with games also streaming on Paramount Plus, Peacock and ESPN Plus, there’s lots for NFL fans to keep track of this season. Check out our picks for the best live TV streaming services for NFL fans in 2023.

How to watch MNF without cable

If you don’t have a cable or satellite TV subscription, you can watch Monday Night Football with a live TV service. The good news for football fans is that ABC, ESPN and ESPN2 are available on each of the five major streaming services.

All of the live TV streaming services above offer free trials, allow you to cancel anytime and require a solid internet connection. Looking for more information? Check out our live TV streaming services guide.

If you’re looking for flexibility on the go, now’s a great time to invest in a portable Bluetooth speaker. Our favorite mini Bluetooth speaker, the Bose SoundLink Flex, has a great sound for its size and offers up to 12 hours of playback. Plus, it’s fully waterproof and dust-proof, which means you can truly take this speaker anywhere. It usually lists for $149, but right now you can grab on for just $119 at Amazon. And if you’re looking to spend even less, another model worth considering is the Bose SoundLink Micro. It’s a top-notch micro speaker that’s compact and offers a waterproof design and solid sound quality, though it tops out at 6 hours of playback per charge. Right now it’s marked down to just $99.

And if you’re looking for a more substantial Bluetooth speaker for your home, the Bose Portable Home Speaker is our favorite portable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth speaker from Bose. The sound quality is stellar for its size and it can be paired with other speakers for multiroom audio. Plus, it has a built-in handle for added portability and is equipped with Alexa voice control. While this smart speaker typically lists for $399, it’s discounted by $50 right now, meaning you’ll pay just $349. You’ll also be able to score the 2nd-gen SoundLink Revolve with 360-degree omnidirectional sound for $159 right now, which is a $60 savings. And if you’re looking to upgrade your entertainment space, you can save $100 on the Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar and other accessories, including subwoofers, so be sure to shop the entire sale selection at Amazon. And take a look at our guide of top-rated gifts you can grab for the holidays.

Few teams in the NFL are as hot right now as the Dallas Cowboys. After an impressive win over the rival Eagles last Sunday, Dallas is now 10-3 and tied for not just the NFC East division title but also the top seed in the conference.

On Sunday they head up to Buffalo to take on a Bills team that had its own impressive Sunday performance, having outlasted the Chiefs in Kansas City. At 7-6, Buffalo is among the six teams tied for the final two AFC wild card spots.

Kickoff is called for 4:25 p.m. ET (1:25 p.m. ET) on Fox. We’ll show you how you can watch or stream.

The game will be shown on TV in the Dallas and Buffalo areas (according to 506 Sports) on live TV streaming services, but there may be cases where you’re blocked because of an internet location glitch or if you’ve elected to have an added layer of privacy for streaming.

There is an option that doesn’t require subscribing to something like NFL Sunday Ticket or NFL Plus, or searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a virtual private network, or VPN.

Here’s how you can watch the game from anywhere in the US with a VPN.

Read more: NFL 2023: How to Watch and Stream Games and RedZone With or Without Cable

Cowboys vs. Bills: When and where?

Week 15 of the NFL season sees the Bills host the Cowboys at 1:25 p.m. PT (4:25 p.m. ET) on Sunday. The game will take place at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York, home of the Bills.

How to watch the Cowboys vs. Bills game online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself unable to view the game locally due to incorrectly applied blackout restrictions, you may need a different way to watch; that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it’s a great idea for when you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you can virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. If your internet provider or mobile carrier has assigned you an IP address that incorrectly places you in a blackout zone, a VPN can solve for that by giving you an IP address in your correct, non-blackout area. Most VPNs — like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN — make it really easy to do this.

Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US and Canada, as long as you’ve got a legitimate subscription to the service you’re streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions.

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

Livestream the Cowboys vs. Bills game in the US

This week’s Cowboys-Bills game is on Fox, so in addition to a VPN set to an area carrying the game (see tips below) you’ll need a live TV streaming service that carries a local Fox affiliate that’s broadcasting the game. The least expensive such service is Sling TV Blue.

Numerous other live TV streaming services carry local Fox stations as well, namely YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, DirecTV Stream and Fubo. They all cost more than Sling TV, but they also carry more channels, including football-broadcasting channels like ESPN. Check out our live TV streaming services guide for details.

If you live in an area where the game is being broadcast, an over-the-air antenna connected to your TV provides another option for Fox. The best part about antennas is that no streaming or monthly fees are required, although you will need to make sure you have good reception.

Quick tips for streaming Cowboys vs. Bills using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success may vary.
• Sling Blue is only an option if and when the ability to get Fox local affiliates is active on your account. You may want to verify that your billing address is eligible for that option before committing your credit card.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs — like Roku — don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network’s sports app, you’ll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.
• And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you’re using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommend Brave.