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Gone are the days when televisions were just used for watching movies or TV shows. These days, most people purchasing new TVs will have several other factors to consider, including whether the new TV will be compatible with their gaming setup. In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the popularity of console gaming and many well-known TV brands have been producing high-quality televisions to meet the demand. These TVs usually boast a number of great gaming features, such as HDMI 2.1’s 120Hz and low-latency support. Any TV with an HDMI port will be compatible with a PS5, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Series S console, but it won’t be able to take advantage of the full potential of any of these modern consoles.

The best 4K TVs these days are equipped with HDMI 2.1 ports, which have the power to let you play at 4K with HDR and reach frame rates as high as 120 frames per second. On top of all that, the gameplay stays butter-smooth, with the consoles and TV playing nice via variable refresh rate, which reduces choppy movement and screen tearing for solid picture quality.

The good news is that you don’t have to spend a fortune on an 88-inch 8K behemoth to get these gaming console-friendly features. In fact, you can find most of the features necessary for an excellent gaming experience, including 4K 120Hz and VRR, in 50-inch TVs at $600 or less and 65-inch models for less than $1,000.

What is the best TV for PS5 and Xbox right now?

LG’s C2 may be on the expensive side, but it pairs high-end image quality with impressive gaming features on every input. All of the TV’s HDMI ports include the latest version of the HDMI standard: 2.1. That means its HDMI ports can handle 4K at 120 frames per second and variable refresh rate (including Nvidia G-Sync and AMD FreeSync), as well as enhanced audio return channel and automatic low latency mode (auto game mode). In other words, it can take advantage of the latest graphics features available from PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X and S consoles as well as high-end graphics cards. The C2 is rare among high-end TVs in that all four of its HDMI ports support 4K/120 — great for hard-core gamers with multiple next-gen devices. The TV also comes with a specialized Game Optimizer settings suite. It’s a great choice for gamers who want an excellent picture and aren’t afraid to splurge to get it.

Best TVs for PS5 and Xbox of 2023

Whether you’re looking for the best TV for PS5 gaming, Xbox Series X or S or another next-gen console, here are our current favorite gaming TV options. Unless otherwise noted all of the prices listed are for 65-inch sizes, but every series is available in other sizes, too.

How CNET tests TVs

Our TV reviews follow a rigorous, unbiased evaluation process honed over nearly two decades of TV reviews. Our primary TV test lab has specialized equipment for measuring light and color, including a Konica Minolta CS-2000 spectroradiometer, a Murideo Sig-G 4K HDR signal generator and an AVPro Connect 8×8 4K HDR distribution matrix. We use Portrait Displays CalMan Ultimate software to evaluate every TV we review. In every CNET TV review, three or more similar TVs are compared side by side in various lighting conditions playing different media, including movies, TV shows and games, across a variety of test categories, from color to video processing to gaming to HDR. Our reviews also account for design, features, smart TV performance, HDMI input and gaming compatibility, as well as other factors.

One important aspect of image quality we test is overall brightness. Here’s how it compares in nits across select TVs listed above.

Light output in nits

TV	Brightest mode (HDR)	Accurate mode (HDR)	Brightest mode (SDR)	Accurate mode (SDR)
Samsung QN65Q90B	3,316	1,981	2,625	974
Hisense U8H	1,867	1,867	1,605	1,605
TCL 65R655	1,387	1,194	1,292	624
Vizio M65QXM-K03	939	742	958	608
LG OLED65C2	812	759	413	389
Roku TV Plus (65-inch)	514	455	579	404

Check out How We Test TVs for more details.

How to choose a TV

With all of the TVs available today, and all of the technical terms and jargon associated with television technology, it can be tough to figure out what’s important. Here’s a quick guide to help cut through the confusion.

Price: TVs range in price from $100 to more than $2,000. Smaller screens are cheaper, well-known brands are more expensive and spending more money can also get you better image quality. Most entry-level TVs have a good enough picture for most people, but TVs last a long time, so it might be worth spending more to get a better picture. It’s also best to shop for a TV in the fall, when prices are lower.

Screen size: Bigger is better in our book. We recommend a size of at least 43 inches for a bedroom TV and at least 55 inches for a living room or main TV — and 65 inches or larger is best. More than any other “feature,” stepping up in TV screen size is the best use of your money. One of the most common post-TV-purchase complaints we’ve heard is from people who didn’t go big enough. And we almost never hear people complain that their TV is too large.

Capability: Among entry-level TVs the most important feature is what kind of smart TV system the TV uses. Among midrange models, look for a feature including full-array local dimming, mini-LED and 120Hz refresh rate, which (unlike some other extras) do help improve the picture in our experience. And among high-end TVs, OLED technology is your best bet.

For more TV buying advice check out How to Buy a TV.

Gaming TV FAQs

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The Apple Watch currently boasts customization features such as colorful watch straps and changeable watch faces. But the Apple Watch of the future could someday give personalisation a futuristic twist.

A patent from the tech giant, published Wednesday, proposes giving you more control over the design of your watch face by enabling it to match almost anything you want. In theory, this could mean holding an object of choice over the Apple Watch display (say your T-shirt), pushing a button to activate the sensor and then witnessing the watch face color change to match your hue of choice.

More specifically, a future Apple Watch could have a color sampling sensor behind the display, according to the Electronic Devices With Color Sampling Sensors patent. It could determine the color of an object by shining different lights on it and seeing how much light is reflected back, according to the document. The device then uses the “corresponding light reflectance data” to adjust the color of its display to match the object.

Currently, the Apple Watch lets you change the color of elements such as the hour and minutes hands, for example. But you can’t change every single element on the Watch face, nor do all faces have the ability to change color.

“The color may be … matched to the color of an external object such as a watch band, a piece of clothing, or any other suitable external object,” the patent filing says. “This color sampling process may allow the user to customize the appearance of [the Watch] display so that the color scheme on display … matches with the user’s watch band, clothing, or other item.”

The patent also suggests that the color sampling sensor could be used on other jewelry worn by the user, such as rings, necklaces, earrings or bracelets. As with any Apple patent, it doesn’t guarantee the tech giant will release such a feature, but it shows that the company is interested in exploring it.

This patent was filed with the US Patent and Trademark Office in August 2020, but just published on Wednesday. In a similar vein, Apple has previously been granted a patent for a color-changing Apple Watch band that could be controlled with an iPhone app.

Read more: Best Smartwatch for 2023

Fresh from winning the Leagues Cup earlier this month, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami are now eyeing up a second piece of silverware as they take on Cincinnati this evening in this US Open Cup semifinal tie.

The knockout tournament remains the oldest still-running annual sports tournament in the United States, having first been contested in 1914, with Orlando City SC last year’s champions.

While Miami have been in unstoppable form of late since the Argentine legend’s arrival, having notched up seven straight wins on their way to winning the Leagues Cup at the weekend, tonight’s match looks set to provide the Messi-powered Herons their toughest test yet.

Cincinnati have been the best team in the MLS this season, currently leading the Supporters’ Shield, and will fancy their chances of booking their place in the final against either Houston Dynamo or Real Salt Lake.

Kickoff for Wednesday’s match is set for 7 p.m. ET (4 p.m. PT) and will stream on CBS Sports Golazo Network. Here’s everything you need to know on how to watch.

Lionel Messi’s next game: Where and when is FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF?

This US Open Cup fixture is set to take place at TQL Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio, on Wednesday, Aug. 23. Kickoff is at 7 p.m. ET, 4 p.m. PT in the US and Canada. That makes it a 12 a.m. BST start in the UK and a 9 a.m. AEST kickoff in Australia on Thursday morning.

How can I watch US Open Cup games?

While Apple TV has a 10-year deal with Major League Soccer to be the exclusive broadcaster of every MLS and Leagues Cup games during the 2023 season, that’s not the case for US Open Cup fixtures.

This match is instead set to be streamed on CBS Sports Golazo Network, the free 24-hour soccer streaming channel that’s available through the CBS Sports App and Pluto TV, as well as on CBSSports.com and Paramount Plus.

Coverage begins with a one-hour prematch show on CBS Sports Golazo Network at 6 p.m. ET.

Spanish language coverage will also be available via Telemundo and Peacock.

Livestream the FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF game in the US

How to watch FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF online from anywhere using a VPN

If you find yourself in a country where you’re unable to view CBS Sports Golazo Network locally, you may need a different way to watch Messi play — that’s where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to encrypt your traffic to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day, and it’s a great idea if you’re traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.

With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors’ Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.

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

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

Quick tips for streaming FC Cincinnati vs. Inter Miami CF using a VPN

• With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — your experience and success when streaming this match live may vary.
• If you don’t see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the “search for city or country” option.
• If you’re having trouble getting the game after you’ve turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log in to your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs, like Roku, don’t have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you’ll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you’re using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.
• All 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 in to your services. We normally recommend Brave.

The 15-inch M2 MacBook Air is the biggest laptop to ever carry that famous marque, and it’s easily one of the best laptops for most people. But like most things sporting the Apple logo, it isn’t cheap. Thankfully, this Amazon deal brings the price down somewhat: Order now, and you’ll pay just $1,349 for this upgraded model with a 512GB SSD.

That SSD upgrade is an important one because it not only means you’ll get more storage, you’ll get faster storage as well. MacBook Airs with 256GB SSDs are slower because they use a single storage chip. Those with 512GB have two, making for speedier performance. That’s something worth keeping in mind, and it helps make the cost of the 512GB upgrade easier to stomach. The $150 discount on the original $1,499 asking price helps, too.

This deal is currently available on the Space Gray and Gold versions of the 15-inch MacBook Air, but not the Silver or Midnight ones. We’re big fans of the Space Gray anyway, but make sure to have your chosen color selected before you add your new laptop to your cart.

Beyond the storage, the 15-inch MacBook Air has even more going for it. The M2 chip is lightning fast, as is the 8GB of on-board RAM. The large 15.3-inch Liquid Retina display looks great, and with features like Touch ID and a FaceTime HD camera, you’ve got everything you’re likely to need. Throw in USB-C and MagSafe charging and it’s impossible to go wrong.

iOS 17 should be releasing to the general public next month after Apple’s September event, where the company is also expected to announce the iPhone 15 series. That’s still several weeks away, but if you’re interested in testing some of the new features in iOS 17, you can download and install the seventh iOS developer beta right now for free.

Beta 7 doesn’t bring too many new changes. They’re mostly minor updates, including a tweak to the end-call button (which Apple has moved twice now throughout the iOS 17 developer betas) and some bug fixes.

The company first announced iOS 17 at WWDC in June. Shortly after the keynote event, Apple released the first developer beta version of iOS 17. Typically, you have to pay $99 to officially download and install any Apple developer beta software, but this year the company is letting anyone get a crack at iOS 17, as long as they join the Apple Developer Program.

Read more: Apple Unveils iOS 17 for the iPhone at WWDC 2023

iOS 17 emphasizes communication, with several new features for the Phone, FaceTime and Messages applications, including personalized contact posters, video messages, a more intelligent autocorrect, improved AirDrop options and the Journal app.

Before you go on and install iOS 17, you should know that developer beta versions like this aren’t intended for general use, especially because they may have unfinished features and issues that can make the iPhone difficult to use. These early beta releases are, instead, for developers, to help them keep their apps up to date and get early access to the upcoming features.

In short, you probably shouldn’t install the developer beta on your primary iPhone. If you really want to get iOS 17 right now, try to find a spare iPhone that’s new enough (iPhone XS or later) to work with the latest software.

Read more: iOS 17 Is Coming This Year. Will It Work on Your iPhone?

For folks who still want to dive in, we’ll show you how to install the iOS 17 developer version on your iPhone, as well as what to do in case you want to revert to iOS 16.

Want to learn more about the stuff unveiled at WWDC? Here’s what you need to know about Vision Pro, Apple’s new augmented reality headset. And here’s all the dope on the new 15-inch MacBook Air and MacOS Sonoma.

What to know before you download the iOS 17 developer beta

Because the iOS 17 developer beta is an early prerelease version, the software could have bugs and other issues.

Again, if you’re thinking about downloading iOS 17, do it on a backup or secondary phone, if available. The iOS 17 developer beta’s issues could cripple your iPhone and make it difficult to use, disabling phone calls or text messages or making it extremely laggy. However, if you only have your main phone or tablet available, make sure to back up your iPhone on iOS 16.5 (the latest version of iOS 16) before updating to iOS 17. That way you have the option to return to iOS 16 if there are too many issues on the new OS.

Also, you must have an iPhone XS or later to run iOS 17. iOS 17 is not supported on the iPhone 8, iPhone 8 Plus and the iPhone X, all of which supported the iOS 16 developer beta last year.

And most importantly, to download the iOS 17 developer beta, you must be enrolled in the Apple Developer Program. The full membership is $99 a year, but as mentioned above, Apple is now offering a free membership option, with limited tools and resources, that allows pretty much anyone to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta for free.

You can also wait to join the Apple Beta Software program next month, which will provide a more stable iOS 17 upgrade than the developer version.

How to enroll in the Apple Developer Program, for free

If you’re only interested in testing out the iOS 17 developer beta for fun, you don’t need to pay for an Apple Developer Program membership. You can easily use your existing Apple ID to sign up for the developer program and download developer software onto your iPhone.

1. Go to Apple’s Developer website, tap the three-dash menu in the top-right and hit Account.

2. Sign in with your existing Apple ID.

3. Read through the Apple Developer Agreement, check the boxes at the bottom and then hit Submit.

You now have a free Apple Developer Program account. You can skip the next step to download and install the iOS 17 developer beta on your iPhone.

How to enroll in the paid Apple Developer Program

If you’re a developer, and want full access to development tools and the ability to distribute apps on the App Store, then you’ll want to pay for the Apple Developer Program. On your iPhone, here’s how you can enroll:

1. Download the Apple Developer app from the App Store, launch the app, go to Account and tap Enroll Now.

2. Sign in with your Apple ID credentials, read through the various benefits and instructions, enter your personal information and scan your ID to verify your identity.

3. Once this information is submitted, you must choose your entity (individual for most people) and agree to the program license agreement.

4. Finally, pay the Apple Developer membership fee (with Apple Pay), which is $99 (about 80 or AU$140) a year.

After you successfully make the payment, you’ll be redirected to your Account page in the Apple Developer app. Here you can verify that you’re now enrolled, and you can also check out the date of your membership’s expiration next year.

You can install iOS 17 with an over-the-air update on your iPhone

The easiest way to download the iOS 17 developer beta is with an over-the-air update — the way you would update to any other new software release on your device. Once you’re a member of the Apple Developer Program, free or paid, you’ll automatically have the option to install iOS 17 from your settings. Here’s how:

1. On your iPhone or iPad, go to the Settings > General > Software Update.

2. Next, go into Beta Updates and tap iOS 17 Developer Beta.

3. Go back and tap Download and Install under the new “iOS 17 Developer Beta option” that appears.

You’ll need to then enter your passcode, agree to the terms and conditions and wait for the update to be installed. The process can take over 20 minutes, depending on your internet connection. Once your phone reboots, you should have access to the iOS 17 developer beta.

Or download the iOS 17 developer beta using your Mac

Over-the-air updates require a certain amount of storage, and if you don’t have that available, your computer is really the only way to update to iOS 17 beta without manually clearing out space.

1. On your Mac, go to the Apple Developer Program download page, find “iOS 17 beta,” click Download Restore Images and download the iOS beta software restore image for your specific device.

2. Connect your device to your computer and enter your device passcode or hit Trust This Computer if prompted.

3. Next, open Finder, click your device in the sidebar under Locations.

4. Hold down the Option key, click Check for Update and choose the iOS 17 beta software restore image you just downloaded from the Apple Developer page.

The iOS 17 beta software will install on your device. Wait for a few minutes and when your phone reboots, you should have access.

While you’re here, check out the best iPhone model you can get in 2023. And if you’re looking for a new computer, check out these laptops you might be interested in.

Asus’ Zenfone 10 is now available for preorder in the US with a starting price of $700. The device previously launched in the UK and Europe on June 29, starting at 750 in the UK, and the phone began shipping in late July.

Featuring a Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, the Zenfone has a compact 5.9-inch design for those who prefer a phone that fits in one hand. Along with its small size, the phone comes with a 3.5mm headphone jack and five colors: midnight black, starry blue, aurora green, eclipse red and comet white.

While testing the phone out, CNET’s Andrew Lanxon said it possesses a powerful processor and performed well for ordinary tasks and more intense activities like gaming. He noted that while Asus is offering four years of security updates, the Zenfone only comes with two years of software support. According to the company’s press release, battery life has improved by 13% over the last model, and it’s equipped with Ozo audio-powered 3D surround sound.

The device runs on Android 13 and can be ordered via Asus or Amazon. If you order a Zenfone 10 directly from the company’s site from now until Sept. 30, you’ll also receive an added freebie: a pair of ROG Cetra True Wireless earbuds.

With its small display, the phone is something of a rarity in a market where standard screen sizes are larger, ranging from 6.1 to 6.3 inches. The phone competition is high, however, with releases from Samsung, Apple, Google and OnePlus this year. CNET’s top pick for small phones is Apple’s iPhone 13 Mini.

Read also: Best Cellphone Plans of 2023: Our Top Picks for August

Max subscribers — a new streaming option will be here in a… hurry.

The Flash, released in theaters in June, catches up with Warner Bros. Discovery’s service this week. The flick follows protagonist Barry Allen, who uses his powers to meddle with the past but inadvertently alters the future. Ezra Miller reprises their role as Allen after appearing in projects such as Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice, 2016’s Suicide Squad and 2017’s Justice League. The new movie is directed by It horror film helmer Andy Muschietti.

The Flash also stars Sasha Calle, Michael Shannon, Ron Livingston, Maribel Verdú, Kiersey Clemons, Antje Traue and Michael Keaton (along with some other notable cameos from actors such as Gal Gadot and Ben Affleck). The movie has a score of 56 on Metacritic. Here’s when you can stream it on Max, plus why a VPN might improve your experience.

When to watch The Flash on Max

The Flash sprints onto Max in the early morning hours on Aug. 25 (3:01 a.m. ET, to be exact).

Max, formerly HBO Max, unites the HBO Max and Discovery Plus libraries and is currently available in the US. There are three plans to choose from, and you’ll need to upgrade if you want to remove ads and gain the ability to download titles. If you don’t want to subscribe, you can also buy The Flash for $20 from services like Amazon and Vudu.

How to watch The Flash from anywhere with a VPN

Perhaps you’re traveling abroad and want to stream Max while away from home. With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the movie from anywhere in the world. There are other good reasons to use a VPN for streaming too.

A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds by encrypting your traffic. Using a VPN is also a great idea if 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. Streaming TV can be a bit smoother with a reliable, quality VPN that’s passed our tests and security standards.

You can use a VPN to stream content legally as long as VPNs are allowed in your country and you have a valid subscription to the streaming service you’re using. The US and Canada are among the countries where VPNs are legal, but we advise against streaming or downloading content on illegal torrent sites. We recommend ExpressVPN, but you may opt for another provider from our best list such as Surfshark or NordVPN.

Follow the VPN provider’s instructions for installation, and choose the United States, where The Flash will be streaming on Max. Before you open the streaming app, make sure you are connected to your VPN using your selected region. If you want to stream The Flash on more than one device, it’s possible you’ll need to configure each one to ensure you are signed in. Go to settings and check your network connections to verify you’re logged in and connected to your VPN account. Now you’re ready to open Max to stream.

If you run into issues with streaming, first make sure your VPN is up and running on its encrypted IP address. Double-check that you’ve followed installation instructions correctly and you’ve picked the right geographical area for viewing. If you still encounter connection problems, you may need to reboot your device. Close all apps and windows, restart your device and connect to your VPN first. Note that some streaming services have restrictions on VPN access.