Latest News

If you want the ultimate soundbar — to hell with the expense! — it’s the $2,500 Sennheiser Ambeo Max you should be looking at. The rest of us are perhaps looking for a bit more bang, buzz and boom for our buck, and the new Sennheiser Ambeo Mini is here to more readily fit the bill.

This is a $900 smart soundbar that offers the company’s Ambeo processing, though in a more compact size. At 27 inches wide by 4 inches deep and 2.5 inches high, the Ambeo Mini stacks like a Pringle on top of the Sonos Beam — though the Sonos is half the price.

The Sennheiser boasts 250 watts of Class D amplification, powering four full-range drivers and dual 4-inch subwoofers. Like the Beam, the Mini appears to lack dedicated height drivers and likely uses processing to make up the difference.

As a smart soundbar, the Ambeo has Amazon Alexa onboard, and its four integrated microphones can be used for both voice commands and room calibration.

The soundbar includes support for Dolby Atmos, DTS:X and Sony’s 360 Reality Audio formats via its HDMI-ARC input. In addition, this web-connected speaker includes support for Google Assistant and Siri.

The market is crowded in the sub-$1,000 category, with great soundbars from the likes of Vizio, Sonos and Bose all competing for your hard-earned. The best models also throw in a subwoofer, while the Ambeo offers an optional model for an extra $700.

Look out for a full review of the Sennheiser Ambeo Mini soon.

If you’re thinking of subscribing to the Starz streaming service — perhaps to catch up on hit romantic time-traveling drama Outlander — then paying annually might be the way to go. Starz is dropping its annual subscription price from $75 to $70, TechCrunch reports. Current Starz subscribers will see the new price on their next bill.

The annual price drop comes just two months after Starz raised its monthly subscription price from $9 to $10 per month on June 26. The June price hike was the first price increase for Starz since 2016, when it launched as a stand-alone digital service. The channel began as a premium cable offering.

Starz, an ad-free service, may be best known for such shows as Outlander, Power and The White Queen. As a Lionsgate-owned company, Starz also airs the studio’s movies and shows, such as John Wick and Saw.

Starz has a deal with Universal to broadcast its lineup too, including movies such as Jurassic World Dominion, Minions: The Rise of Gru and Oppenheimer. Check out CNET’s rundown of the Starz app.

Starz did not immediately respond to a request for comment. You can sign up for Starz here.

Read more: YouTube TV vs. Hulu Plus Live TV: The Top Streaming Services Compared

Google has sent out invites to an event on Oct. 4 where it’ll unveil the latest additions to its “Pixel portfolio of devices.” The in-person Made by Google event is set to take place in New York City at 10 a.m. ET, Google said Wednesday.

Though Google didn’t name any specific devices, it implied in a post on Threads that the event will include the reveal of the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro. Google has released a next-gen Pixel phone every fall since 2016.

“Big fall launches are stressful, but Pixel helps these Best Phones Forever stay cool as cucumbers. The w8 is almost over. Rest up for Made By Google on October 4th,” Google posted on Threads.

The Threads post included a video of an iPhone talking to a Pixel phone about everything it can’t do that Google’s phone can — like “unblurring old photos, answering unknown calls with AI and live translating messages.” The iPhone in Google’s video also suggests it’ll “finally” be getting USB-C charging during the iPhone 15 event next month.

There are already rumors swirling around the expected Pixel 8 lineup. The phones could have an improved ultrawide camera, and Google may add new AI-powered features to its camera system. The phones will also likely see some display and design tweaks, but the changes are expected to be subtle.

One of the more interesting rumors is that the Pixel 8 Pro might include a contactless thermometer feature that could be used to determine if you’re running a fever.

It’s also possible Google uses the event to unveil the Pixel Watch 2, the next generation of its smartwatch. The watch is rumored to feature better battery life and new health-tracking features.

Google’s Pixel 7 lineup was well received, with both the Pixel 7 Pro and more affordable Pixel 7A earning spots on CNET’s best phones list for 2023. Google also earlier this year launched its first foldable phone, the Pixel Fold. CNET phone expert Lisa Eadicicco says Google may need make some noticeable upgrades in order for the Pixel 8 to stand out from the company’s other phones.

Google’s invites came out just a day after Apple set the date for its iPhone 15 reveal, which is scheduled to take place on Sept. 12 at the company’s Apple Park headquarters in Cupertino, California.

While most people are waiting for Apple to release iOS 17 after Apple’s next event on Sept. 12, the tech giant still released iOS 16.6 on July 27. The update doesn’t bring many new features to your iPhone, but it includes a lot of bug fixes and security patches, with some for a few issues Apple said might be actively exploited.

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

Apple said the iPhone update patches two issues that might be actively exploited. One issue is in WebKit — the engine that powers Safari and other third-party browsers on iOS — and might lead to an arbitrary code execution. That means a third party could steal your data or hack your device for other nefarious purposes, according to the IT services company Okta. The second issue allowed an app to modify your iPhone’s core iOS code, called the kernel.

The update also fixes other issues, including one with the Find My app where an app might be able to read your sensitive location information. Apple doesn’t say this was actively exploited, but you should still download iOS 16.6 to fix this issue.

What else is new on iOS 16.6?

Other than patches and fixes, iOS 16.6 doesn’t bring many new features to your iPhone. An early beta version of iOS 16.6 appeared to have some of the framework for iMessage Contact Key Verification. But that framework isn’t included in the final version of iOS 16.6.

There are some new prompt messages in iOS 16.6 that you might see, like if you try to log into iCloud for Windows when your iPhone and Windows computer aren’t on the same Wi-Fi network.

The website Gadget Hacks also reports there are new alerts for Apple Card, Apple Card Family Sharing and Apple Card Savings. Some of those new alerts include a prompt asking you to verify a purchase with your Apple Card and a prompt asking you to complete your savings account information by including your employment status and source of income.

For more iOS news, check out when Apple might release iOS 17, features we’re most excited about in iOS 17 and five hidden iOS 17 features you should know about.

The days of losing access to your iPhone’s GPS due to a no-signal zone are about to be over. In just weeks, your iPhone is finally getting a new feature that Android users have had for years. With the iOS 17 update, Apple Maps users will be able to use the GPS offline (if they have a compatible iPhone).

This isn’t the only update coming with Apple’s newest software. Electric vehicle owners will also soon be able to see real-time charging availability via Apple Maps.

How do offline maps work?

The iPhone is getting offline maps for its Maps app this year. That means you’ll be able to access any map you’ve downloaded, even if you don’t have Wi-Fi or a cell signal. For instance, if you’re going on a trip, you can download the route and access it without using cellular data. This is helpful if you’re low on data or if your route takes you through an area with little to no signal that would cause the Maps app to stop navigating correctly, potentially causing you to veer off course.

What can you do with Apple Maps offline?

When iOS 17 becomes available, you’ll be able to download designated areas and access turn-by-turn navigation while using Maps offline. Also, you’ll be able to see your estimated time of arrival and find places in Maps, among other things.

When will iPhone’s offline maps be available?

Offline maps will be available on iPhone with the launch of iOS 17, which is coming this fall. (It usually arrives in late September with the new iPhone.) You’ll want to make sure your iPhone is compatible with Apple’s latest software. If it isn’t, you won’t have access to this new feature.

What else is changing with Apple Maps?

Maps will make it easier to find thousands of trails in parks across the US. The app will also support drivers of electric vehicles with real-time charging availability information. This can be filtered by charging network and plug type, among other things. EV owners with compatible vehicles will also be able to designate a preferred charging network.

What else did Apple announce at WWDC? The company unveiled MacOS Sonoma, as well as the new 15-inch MacBook Air and the Vision Pro VR headset. Apple showed off a feature that will let you turn your photos into stickers with its Messages app in iOS 17. Also, changes are coming to the autocorrect feature in iOS 17, and Apple unveiled iPadOS 17 and WatchOS 10.

Samsung’s Galaxy Watch 5 may no longer be Samsung’s flagship smartwatch model, but our review found that “the regular Galaxy Watch 6 is an incremental update to last year’s model.” That means that if you don’t necessarily need the latest and greatest model out there, the previous-gen Galaxy Watch 5 is still a great Android watch, especially when you can find a solid deal.

Right now Amazon has slashed prices on a number of models, with some marked down as much as 47%. Prices start at just $179. We don’t know how long this offer will last, so we recommend making your purchase sooner rather than later.

Our roundup of the best smartwatches for 2023 still touts the Samsung Galaxy Watch 5 as one of the best Android watches you can get, and Amazon has both regular and Bespoke edition 5th-gen smartwatch models available in its sale — including some models that sport LTE connectivity.

Each of these models sports either a 40mm or 44mm display, as well as a blood-oxygen sensor, an FDA-cleared ECG for Galaxy phone users and a sensor for measuring skin temperature. It also has plenty of fitness tracking features, along with a wide range of Google apps like YouTube Music, Google Assistant and Google Maps.

While the battery life on the 5th-gen Galaxy Watch is an improvement over the 4th edition, it does tend to drain faster with the always-on display activated, but a 90-minute charge is all it takes to fill that battery back to 100%, with a 30-minute boost getting you up to 45%.

Choosing the best soundbar or speakers for your home can be a difficult process, especially when you see the prices involved. But saving money on great hardware doesn’t have to be difficult, especially if you know where to look. Right now, you can save on JBL speakers and soundbars by taking advantage of a Woot sale that offers reconditioned units at great prices.

Woot has no fewer than nine different JBL products available in refurbished condition, while the amazing Harman Kardon SoundStick system is also available as well. You don’t need to do anything special to get these prices, either. No standing on one leg or offering a sacrifice to the deal gods here, not even a discount code. Just click through the link below and choose the best speakers for you before ordering.

We won’t go through all of the options because that takes all the fun out of you perusing for yourself, but we absolutely must highlight that SoundStick Bluetooth speaker system. It’s yours for just $180 right now, and desktop speakers don’t get more iconic than this.

On the JBL soundbar front, the JBL Bar 5.0 is available for just $190, while the cheaper option is the $90 JBL Bar 2.0 channel option. There are others as well, but we would suggest acting soon no matter the one that you’re interested in picking up. This collection of reconditioned products is only going to be available for a limited time; very limited, as it turns out. These prices are only here until 12 a.m. CT tonight, so act now before it’s too late.

WhatsApp, the messaging app owned by Facebook parent company Meta, has just launched an app for Mac computers.

In a continuing bid to compete with business video calling giant Zoom, the WhatsApp Mac app includes group audio and video calls for multiple people.

“Launching a new WhatsApp app for Mac. Group calls up to 8 people on video and 32 on audio,” Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg posted on his Instagram broadcast channel Tuesday morning.

WhatsApp had earlier launched a desktop app for Windows. Both desktop apps include end-to-end encryption of your calls and chats across your devices.

How to download WhatsApp for Mac

The app will be available on Apple’s App Store soon, but for now here’s how to download it onto your Mac:

1. Head to the WhatsApp website.
2. Hit the green download button in the top right corner.
3. There will be three options for download: Android, iOS and Mac. Hit the download button under Mac.
4. The download will begin. Once it’s done, click on the file.
5. Drag and drop the green WhatsApp file into your Applications folder.
6. You can then open the Applications folder to see the WhatsApp app, and click on it to run it.
7. Log in to your account or set up a new one to get started.

WhatsApp for Mac requires macOS 11 or later.

WhatsApp for Mac: new features

• You can select to receive incoming call notifications while your app is closed.
• You can now drag and drop files from your desktop into a chat to share them.

The new app follows WhatsApp this month introducing screen sharing during video calls.

Meta has been focused on bringing new features to expand the use of WhatsApp over the past few months, including instant video messages, channels to follow people and brands, locking your intimate chats, editing sent messages, Wear OS integration, and the ability to use WhatsApp across multiple phones and move your messages to a new phone.

Holidays are always a great time to snag a few deals at your favorite stores, and there’s one just around the corner. Labor Day sales are already popping up all over the internet, with most major retailers offering massive savings on everything from sofas to outdoor grills. If you’re ready to start saving now, here are a few great options to help you on your way.

Looking for more discounts? CNET has the best promo code offers from Ashley Furniture, Macy’s, Lumens, Lowe’s and more. All deals are 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.

If you’re someone who spends a lot of time in your car, having a good car phone mount can be incredibly convenient. These days, you can find a variety of car phone mounts depending on the use case. For instance, some might need a car phone mount (aka a phone car mount) for their dashboard, while others might need a cupholder mount or a car vent mount. Some mounts have a sensor that automatically opens the arms when you place your phone near the mount. Others clamp manually or have a magnetic surface that requires a phone or case with a magnetic element. And some magnetic mounts are fully compatible with Apple MagSafe wireless charging (up to 15 watts), which means they’ve been certified by Apple as a MagSafe accessory.

Note that just because a mount offers wireless charging, that doesn’t mean there are no wires involved — you’ll still need to connect the charger to your vehicle, but you don’t have to plug the charger in to your phone each time to charge it. To get the fastest wired and wireless charging speeds available for iPhones and Android smartphones, you’ll need a power adapter that offers fast charging (most fast chargers have a USB-C connection and can deliver at least 20 watts of power).

CNET experts have tested and reviewed all the products on this list in their own cars. We update this roundup periodically as new car phone mounts are released.

Read more: Best MagSafe Accessories for 2023

Read more: 8 Best Wireless Car Chargers for 2023

More car and accessory recommendations

• Best Battery Maintainers in 2023
• Best Portable Chargers and Power Banks for Android
• Best Garage Heaters in 2023
• Best Wireless Charging Pads Under $20
• Best iPhone Portable Chargers and Power Banks for 2023
• Best Samsung Galaxy S22, S22 Plus and S22 Ultra Cases
• Best iPhone 13 Fast Chargers for 2023
• Best Spark Plugs for 2023