Apple released iOS 16.3.1 on Monday, a few weeks after the release of iOS 16.3. While the previous release included new features like security keys for Apple ID and support for the second-generation HomePod, the latest update fixes some issues iPhone users might have run into recently.
Here’s what’s included in Apple’s iOS 16.3.1 update.
What’s in iOS 16.3.1
The latest iOS update includes bug fixes and security updates that address issues with iCloud, Siri, Find My and crash detection.
Some users on Reddit and Twitter have said they haven’t been able to backup to iCloud after the release of iOS 16.3. The latest update could provide a fix for this issue.
ChatGPT and other AI systems are propelling us faster toward the long-term technology dream of artificial general intelligence and the radical transformation called the “singularity,” a Silicon Valley chip luminary and former Stanford University professor John Hennessy believes.
“The AI revolution is upon us. It’s stunning,” Hennessy said Monday at the TechSurge conference. “It’s awakened in everybody a sense that maybe the singularity, …this turning point where computers really are more capable than humans, is closer than we thought.”
Hennessy won computing’s highest prize, the Turing Award with colleague Dave Patterson for developing the computing architecture that made energy-efficient smartphone chips possible and that now is the foundation for virtually all major processors. He’s also chairman of Google parent company Alphabet.
AI is indeed transforming computing, relying on neural network processing methods inspired by the human brain to tackle new problems in spotting patterns and more recently to generate new text and imagery. AI spread across the computing industry for years making speech recognition mainstream and letting us unlock our phones with our faces. But AI expectations surged with 2022’s debut of OpenAI’s ChatGPT, which can answer a huge range of questions, offer advice, pass medical exams, hold conversations and write programs and poetry.
What’s unclear is how well today’s AI, trained for relatively narrow tasks, will grow to match the versatility of human brains. Hennessy is optimistic
“Some of us thought that point at which we’d have a general artificial general intelligence was 40 or 50 years away. I think everybody’s horizon has moved in by probably 10 or 20 years,” Hennessy said. “These models keep getting bigger, and every time we make a jump up in the size of the model, we seem to be able to do new tasks. We don’t know where that’s going to plateau yet.”
Another problem with general intelligence, in particular with tools like ChatGPT that synthesize new material from vast swaths of training data, is misleading us. Today, it’s hard for AIs and people use them to distinguish between reality and “hallucinations,” digital flights of fancy that often sound plausible.
Hennessy sees AI today as an “amplifier,” a similar concept to Microsoft’s position of AI as a “co-pilot.”
“I may not get a video that’s perfect or a PowerPoint presentation or a paragraph that’s perfect. But maybe I get something I can really work with, then use some human intelligence to make it even better,” Hennessy said.
Google is concerned about the problems as well, which is why it didn’t race to release Bard until after ChatGPT stole so much attention.
“Google was hesitant to productize this because it didn’t think it was really ready for a product yet. But I think as a demonstration vehicle, it’s a great piece of technology,” Hennessy said. “You don’t want to put a system out that either says wrong things or sometimes says toxic things. Right. There’s a level of caution about this.”
The Razer Edge isn’t Razer’s first gaming handheld. That honor goes to the original Razer Edge, a large experimental gaming PC tablet that I reviewed a decade ago. Handheld gaming hardware has come a long way since then, and so has Razer, a company known for stellar laptops and gaming peripherals. I wish I could say the Razer Edge was as good as most serious gamers might hope it would be, but this first effort seems meager after being spoiled by Switch and Steam Deck.
I watched my 14-year-old son play Elden Ring on the Razer Edge one morning, and I asked him how it felt. He’s already beaten Elden Ring and keeps playing it on the Xbox Series X. He told me he wouldn’t go back to the Razer Edge to play for several reasons. First, the controller quality. He felt it was a big step back from playing on an Xbox controller, and he isn’t wrong.
The Razer Edge is an Android handheld, a 6.8-inch phone-type mini tablet that comes with a clip-on USB-C controller. Razer already has Kishi game controllers for phones, which are similar to the Backbone One and can turn phones into little gaming handhelds for around $100. The Edge is basically that same type of controller, bundled with its own mini tablet. At $400 for the Wi-Fi version, the price isn’t awful. You could think of this as paying $300 more for a 6.8-inch AMOLED-dedicated mini tablet, which is equipped with a brand-new Qualcomm Snapdragon G3X gaming-focused chipset.
I’m reviewing a Verizon version with 5G that costs more. It’s $600, or $360 if you sign up for a $10/month 5G wireless plan. I briefly tried the Razer Edge in Las Vegas earlier this year, but here are my thoughts after playing at home for longer.
Playing Elden Ring via local streaming to the Razer Edge. Note the large bezels because the aspect ratio is different from the Edge’s longer display.
Scott Stein/CNET
It’s not a Steam Deck
If you think you’re getting a Steam Deck-alike here, well… you’re not. The Edge is pure Android and runs apps off the Google Play store. You’ll have a standard selection of Android games that you’d also get on your phone, many of which work with the Edge controller scheme. You could use the Edge mini tablet to access other Android apps, like Gmail, Marvel Snap or Chrome.
You can run streaming games on the Edge, similar to your phone or tablet. I locally streamed Xbox games and played Xbox Game Pass games streaming from the cloud. There’s Steam Link local-game streaming (if you have a gaming PC) and Nvidia GeForce Now cloud-streaming game support, too. Verizon anticipates you’ll use the Edge to stream games on the go, via 5G.
The Razer Edge has a d-pad, dual analog sticks, triggers and bumpers. But the controls feel no different than the clip-on Kishi controllers for phones, and a step below dedicated Xbox game controllers.
Scott Stein/CNET
While the Edge can decently run the streaming games I’ve played on the Xbox so far, it doesn’t feel as impressive as I’d hoped for. The controller seems a step below normal game console controls. The triggers and buttons are fine, but shallower and more hollow-feeling. Also, although Razer supports haptics on these controllers, I have yet to play a game that can use them (and haptics are a big deal for me).
The Edge’s display, while beautifully vivid, is long like a phone. PC and console games end up pillar-boxed, shrinking the playable space and leaving extra-large bezels on the sides. It turns what seems like a big screen into one not quite so big — and for console games designed for big screens, it makes text and menus super small and hard to read.
The Razer Edge’s Kishi controller detaches, but you need it to be connected via USB-C directly to the Edge to play games, unlike the Switch Joy-Cons.
Scott Stein/CNET
It’s not a Switch
The Edge also lacks a few things that I’ve taken for granted on the 6-year-old Nintendo Switch. The Switch can easily dock with a TV to become a regular sofa console, or it can be a handheld. It also has detachable wireless controllers and a kickstand. The Edge, meanwhile, is designed to be purely a handheld. And its controller, which stretches and plugs into the tablet, doesn’t work wirelessly. There’s no kickstand, either.
I would love a more modular design — for instance, if I wanted to prop it up on a table with a kickstand or dock. The handheld design is OK, and after all, the Steam Deck does the same (though the Steam Deck has an optional dock like the Switch). But the Steam Deck’s controls feel more refined. The Edge has the limits of a handheld-only design with few perks.
The Razer Edge tablet could be used to play other Android games and apps: Marvel Snap, for instance. It’s got a touchscreen.
Scott Stein/CNET
It’s not a phone
Also, it’s good to remember that the Edge isn’t a phone, even if it resembles one. The 5G model can connect to cellular, and you could certainly try video chat or other calls with it. However, the Edge only has one camera (front-facing), and it lacks a fingerprint sensor.
It also has some pretty noisy fans in the back that purr while the system is on, meaning it definitely isn’t water-resistant. The fans kick in quite a bit, even when the system seems to be in sleep mode. I’ve found battery life on standby can disappear fast, but then again, this is with 5G on.
The back of the Razer Edge. Note the fan vents. The cooling fans kick in quite a bit and can be a bit noisy.
Scott Stein/CNET
Still, you could easily use the Edge as a small handheld tablet for reading, videos, mail, social media and whatever else. It’s a fully equipped smart device, although the 128GB onboard storage means you’ll probably want to add a microSD card. I haven’t felt the need to do so yet, mostly because all the games I’ve wanted to play are streaming.
For a future Razer Edge, I’d love a better controller and a screen that’s optimized to TV-like aspect ratios.
Scott Stein/CNET
A good idea, but an imperfect landing
I’m only harping on the downsides because Razer has excellent game controller products, and the company can clearly make fantastic hardware. I’d love to see more thought put into how a handheld could be not only serviceable, but designed perfectly, with more modularity and a display with a better aspect ratio.
There’s also a weird element with the target audience and software library. The Switch leans on Nintendo’s eShop, and the Steam Deck has Steam. The Razer Edge has a split focus on Android games, Steam Link, Xbox Game Pass and other streaming options like Nvidia GeForce Now. Much like the Logitech G Cloud, another Android device aimed at streamers, it feels a little redundant or superfluous.
While the Edge is functional enough, if you own a newer smartphone, you could simply buy a controller accessory instead. The Razer Edge doesn’t excel in any one area for me, and that’s why I’d like to see the overall idea pushed further. Whether Razer and Qualcomm will choose to do that remains to be seen.
Digital piracy is on the rise and it isn’t expected to slow down, according to a report from piracy-focused research firm MUSO.
In 2022, pirating films increased by about 39% while visits to piracy websites to watch TV shows rose by about 9% compared to 2021, the report said. MUSO’s report also predicts that piracy will continue to rise in 2023.
Google’s phones have given Samsung and iPhone a run for their money the last few years, often costing a fraction of the price and delivering smart design and super useful features. You can easily find a budget-friendly phone by Google for under $500, and when we saw the Pixel 6A arrive at this price range in July last year, we were excited.
Right now at Amazon, you can save $150 on this phone and get it at its lowest price, $299. The last time the price fell this low was at the end of last year, so this discount probably won’t last for too long. Grab it now and save some money while you can.
This phone has a 12-megapixel camera that takes crisp and colorful photos for a phone of its price. You get eye-catching design and Pixel-specific software features like Magic Eraser and Live Translate. The phone itself is one of the best-looking cameras for its price with a sleek, two-tone design and a black camera bar that stretches horizontally across the back of the phone. This discount is available on the sage, charcoal and chalk models.
Since the phone is unlocked, you can use it with the carrier of your choice: Google Fi, Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and others. The phone’s fast-charging all-day battery adapts to you and saves power for the apps that you use most often. In just a few minutes of charging, the Pixel 6A will add hours of battery life. This is one of the best Pixel deals available right now, so don’t miss out.
Get your next phone for the best price.
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We’re just under an hour and a half away from the kickoff of Super Bowl LVII. The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, along with the commercials, the movie trailers and Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime show, are probably destined for spot on your television. Did you know you can stream it all live for free, no matter where you live?
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the Super Bowl today for free online from anywhere.
What time is the Super Bowl?
In the United States, kickoff today is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 CT, 4:30 p.m. MT, 3:30 p.m. PT). Fox’s pregame show begins at 11 a.m. ET.
If you want to watch live from elsewhere in the world, kickoff time will vary. The Super Bowl start time is 1:30 p.m. in the UK, 9:30 a.m. in the United Arab Emirates and 2:30 a.m. Monday in Sydney. Click here to see what time kickoff is in your time zone.
What channel is the Super Bowl on?
Super Bowl LVII will be broadcast live on Fox in the US. The Fox channel is available on cable TV, as well as via live-TV streaming services.
If you live in an area with good reception in the US, you can watch the broadcast on Fox for free over the air just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.
Explore the Cameras, Trucks and Retractable Field at Super Bowl LVII
Yes, Fox will be making the game available for free to anyone in the US through its Fox Sports app without needing you to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login.
Fox Sports has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Xbox. The NFL app will also stream it for free on phones and tablets.
Can I watch the Super Bowl in 4K?
Yes! As spotted by The TV Answer Man, Fox will broadcast the Super Bowl in 4K, assuming you have the proper setup. To get the game in its highest resolution, you’ll need to have service from a company that offers 4K broadcasts (DirecTV, Dish, Comcast, Optimum and Verizon Fios are some traditional cable and satellite companies that offer 4K) or a 4K-capable plan on a streaming service like YouTube TV or FuboTV.
As mentioned, you also can watch in 4K for free using the Fox Sports app even without a cable, streaming or satellite login assuming you have a 4K TV that can download the Fox Sports app or a compatible 4K streaming device.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the AFC champions, and the Philadelphia Eagles are the champs of the NFC. They’ll face off in the Super Bowl for the NFL title. The Chiefs have won two Super Bowls, with the first coming way back in Super Bowl 4 in 1970 and the second half a century later in Super Bowl 54, during Mahomes’ second season as KC’s starting quarterback. The Eagles have a lone Super Bowl title, winning Super Bowl 52 in 2018 against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Now playing:Watch this:Apple’s Big Sports Play Goes Beyond the Super Bowl Halftime…
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Best options for streaming the Super Bowl
Below are our recommendations for the best ways to watch the Super Bowl without cable. All five of the US-based live TV streaming services carry Fox, but keep in mind that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries Fox in your area.
Given that Fox Sports is making the game available for free (and in 4K), that remains the best pick if you don’t already have an antenna or a cable, streaming or satellite TV provider.
Is there streaming lag when watching the Super Bowl?
Yes. When streaming the Super Bowl you should expect to lag behind the action on cable, Twitter and sports betting apps. Based on previous years, streaming services lag around 40 seconds behind what’s on the field. Compare that to cable, satellite or antenna TV, where the time gap from on-the-field action is significantly less. It’s usually a transmission delay of about 5 seconds, which allows for broadcasters to prevent unsavory content from appearing on TV.
What are my Super Bowl viewing options outside the US?
International viewers should check their local listings to determine the best local option to watch or stream the Super Bowl. In the UK, for example, the game will be broadcast on ITV. In Canada, you will be able to watch the broadcast on CTV or TSN, depending on your location, or the French-language broadcast on RDS. Canadians can also watch the game on the DAZN streaming service.
On Monday morning in Australia, the Super Bowl will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and the 7plus VOD service.
How to use a VPN to watch the Super Bowl from anywhere
What if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the big game, or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming? There is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game, which comes in handy if you find yourself unable to view the game locally. A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day 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 you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
If you can’t find a convenient opportunity to watch the game where you live, using a VPN with a US-based server should provide access to some or all of the streaming options listed below. 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, 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. See our list of best VPNs for more and check out other great VPN deals taking place right now.
Fox is making the Super Bowl available for free through its Fox Sports app without needing to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login. If you’re looking to stream the Big Game, it’s hard to beat this price.
Fox Sports has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Xbox.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
YouTube TV costs $65 a month and includes Fox. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area. To watch the game in 4K resolution, you’ll need the 4K Plus add-on. It costs $10 a month for the first 12 months and then $20 after that. There’s also a free, 14-day trial.
Fans of American football in the UK can watch the Super Bowl for free. ITV will be broadcasting the game and you can stream it on the company’s ITVX service (formerly ITV Hub) from anywhere.
Fans in Australia can watch the Super Bowl on Monday morning on Channel 7 and the 7plus VOD service. They’ll be able to watch the game live and see Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata in action. The former Australian rugby player turned American football offensive lineman followed an unusual path to the NFL.
Hulu with Live TV costs $70 a month and includes Fox. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code.
DirecTV Stream’s basic, $75-a-month Entertainment package includes Fox. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available where you live.
FuboTV’s basic plan costs $75 a month and includes Fox. Click here to see which local channels you get. To watch in 4K, you’ll need to upgrade to the $85-a-month Elite plan.
Quick tips for streaming Super Bowl 2023 using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success 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 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.
Who won last year’s Super Bowl?
Last year, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win Super Bowl 56. Eventual Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp caught a one-yard touchdown pass with a little more than a minute remaining to cap a 79-yard, game-winning drive. Hopefully this year’s game will follow a similarly dramatic script.
As students head back to school, a lot of them will be looking for a new set of cans or earbuds, whether it’s for chilling out to some tunes or watching movies — or for doing actual schoolwork. With that in mind, here are some top headphone picks for students, with several affordable value picks mixed with premium choices. If you’re looking for even more headphone or earbuds options, we have lists of the best noise-canceling headphones, best wireless earbuds, best headphones for working from homeand best workout headphones and earbuds.
When you have a product that a lot of people love, change can be risky. Such is the case for Sony’s WH-1000XM5, the fifth generation of the 1000X series headphones, which were first released in 2016 as the MDR-1000X Wireless and have become increasingly popular as they’ve improved with each generation. Over the years, Sony has made some tweaks to the design, but nothing as dramatic as what it’s done with the WH-1000XM5. Other than the higher $349 price tag most of those changes are good, and Sony’s made some dramatic improvements with voice-calling performance as well as even better noise canceling and more refined sound.
Yes (IPX5 — protection against low-pressure water streams)
In the past, we’ve recommended Earfun’s AirPro SV and Air Pro 2 as excellent budget noise-canceling earbuds choices (they’re still good values). But the new-for-2022 Earfun Air S may be the best of the trio, with multipoint Bluetooth pairing, the latest Qualcomm QCC3046 SoC (system on a chip) with the AptX audio codec for Android and other devices that support it. It has the same 10mm wool drivers as the AirPro SV and features surprisingly impressive sound for its modest price point. They also work well as a headset for making calls with decent background noise reduction.
The buds have an IPX5 water-resistance rating, which means they’re splashproof and can withstand a sustained spray of water. Note that through Sept. 11, 2002, you can get them for $49 when you click the 10% instant coupon on the product page and apply the code AIRSCNET at checkout at Amazon.
While the Beats Fit Pro ($200) technically aren’t AirPods, they’re built on the same tech platform as the AirPods Pro (yes, Apple owns Beats). Unlike Beats’ earlier and less expensive Studio Buds, the Beats Fit Pro include Apple’s H1 chip and have most of the AirPods Pro’s features, including active noise canceling, spatial audio and Adaptive EQ. I’d venture to call them the sports AirPods you’ve always wanted (they’re IPX4 splash-proof). And for some people, they might just be better than the AirPods Pro.
Yes (IPX5 — protection against low-pressure water streams)
Over the years, JBL has put out some decent true-wireless earbuds, but nothing that really got me too excited. That’s finally changed with the arrival of the Samsung-owned brand’s new Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 buds. Both sets of buds — the Live Pro 2 have stems while the Live Free 2 have a pill-shaped design — offer a comfortable fit along with strong noise canceling, very good sound quality and voice-calling performance, plus a robust set of features, including multipoint Bluetooth pairing, an IPX5 splash-proof rating and wireless charging.
The Live Pro 2 and Live Free 2 are equipped with the same 11mm drivers, six microphones, oval tubes and oval silicon tips. Aside from the design, the biggest difference between the two buds is battery life; the stemless Live Free 2 is rated for up to seven hours, while the Live Pro 2 is rated for 10 hours. The Live Pro 2 is available in four color options.
If you can’t afford Sony’s WH-1000XM5 or Bose QC45, the Soundcore by Anker Space Q45 (yes, there’s a bit of copying going on here) is a good alternative for $150, and we should see occasional discounts on it. While it may not fit some smaller heads, it’s comfortable to wear, with nicely padded ear cups and a dual-hinge folding design. Sound quality is very good and the headphones offer better noise canceling than the step-down Q35, as well as multipoint Bluetooth pairing (these are equipped with Bluetooth 5.3) and support for the LDAC audio codec for streaming high-resolution music tracks over Bluetooth, if you have a device that supports LDAC. Many Android phones do, although Samsung’s Galaxy phones don’t.
Battery life is very good at up to 50 hours with noise canceling on at moderate volume levels and the headphones come with a hard carrying case for travel.
The Galaxy Buds 2 Pro offer improved noise canceling along with very good sound and voice-calling performance, plus support for high-resolution wireless audio streaming if you’re a Galaxy device owner with the right setup. That said, their biggest upgrade may be their new design and smaller size, which make them a better fit for more ears. Aside from their somewhat high price tag, their only drawback is that some of their key features only work with Samsung Galaxy devices. They’re fully waterproof with an IPX7 rating.
The QuietComfort 45 has virtually the same design as its predecessor, the QuietComfort QC35 II, which many people considered one of the most comfortable over-ear headphones — if not the most comfortable. It has the same drivers, according to Bose, and the buttons are in the same place. However, there are small but notable changes. First off, these thankfully have USB-C instead of Micro-USB.
Secondly, the microphone configuration is different. Not only have the mics been shifted on the headphones, but there’s now an extra external microphone for voice pick-up, which means the QC45 has a total of six microphones, four of which are beamforming and used for voice. By contrast, the QC35 II has a total of four, two of which are used for voice. (The Bose Noise Canceling Headphones 700 also have six microphones total.)
These headphones are excellent for making calls. They’re similar to the Bose Headphones 700 in that regard. They also include top-notch noise canceling and multipoint Bluetooth pairing, so you can connect them with a PC and your phone simultaneously. Read our full review of the QuietComfort 45.
Take one look at the new design of the third-gen AirPods ($179), and the first thing you’ll probably think is: “Those look like the AirPods Pro without ear tips.” You wouldn’t be wrong. While they’re more fraternal than identical twins, the AirPods 3 are shaped like the AirPods Pro, with the same shorter stems and same pinch controls as those of the Pro. Aside from the design change, which should fit most ears better than the AirPods 2nd Generation (though not very small ears), the biggest change is to the sound quality: It’s much improved. Also, battery life is better, and the AirPods 3 are officially water-resistant.
They’re a good pick for students who prefer “open earbuds” and don’t like noise-isolating earbuds with tips they have to jam in their ears.
Unlike the “open” LinkBuds, the LinkBuds S are traditional noise-isolating earbuds with tips you jam in your ears. They’re more compact and lighter than Sony’s flagship WF-1000XM4 and also feature Sony’s V1 processor. While their sound and noise canceling don’t quite measure up to the XM4’s, they’re close and cost less. They’re the Sony buds for people who can deal with larger buds like the XM4 but want 80 to 85% of those buds’ features and performance for $80 less.
Tranya’s F1 earbuds are essentially AirPods knockoffs that cost a lot less. These have an open design like the AirPods 3 and produce pretty decent sound for open earbuds, particularly if you’re not in a noisy environment (open buds let ambient sound in). They also work well for voice calls with good noise reduction.
They have tiny physical buttons for controlling playback and adjusting volume, and their other distinguishing feature is they have a “LED digital power display” that’s integrated into their case that shows you the battery life levels of your buds. With an IPX5 rating, they’re splash-proof and battery life is rated at up to 7 hours at moderate volume levels, with an extra 25 hours of juice in the charging case, which does offer USB-C and wireless charging.
These are good for anyone who’s given to losing their earbuds often and doesn’t want to feel so bad if they disappear because they don’t cost much.
Playing Hogwarts Legacy instantly reminds me few fictional worlds are as bewitching as Harry Potter’s. In 1998, my mum handed me a copy of Philosopher’s Stone — published under the lesser name Sorcerer’s Stone in the US — and that opening chapter awakened a sense of wonder. I was hooked for life.
Most of that baggage fell away as soon as I started Hogwarts Legacy, which hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Series S and PC on Friday (it arrives on other consoles in the coming months). This open-world action RPG game, developed by Avalanche Software, is designed to let us live out our fantasies of enrolling at the iconic School of Witchcraft and Wizardry as a new student.
Having played the PS5 version for 12 hours, it captures the wonder of the early books, with an intriguing original narrative, engagingly varied gameplay and intricately designed world to explore.
Back to basics
The game sidesteps the narrative restrictions of Harry’s story by jumping way back in the timeline, to the 1890s. After creating your character, you’re whisked off on a brief opening adventure before reaching the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.
Even though you’re a new student, you’re starting your magical career a little late and enroll as a fifth year. That’s presumably because having a wide-eyed first year, just 11 years old, explore dangerous caves, learn dangerous spells and battle dark wizards would feel kinda weird.
The customization options are a key element in living out your wizarding world fantasy, and they’re a joy. You can choose your character’s gender and appearance. Then you’ll pick and alter your wand (don’t worry, the one you start the game with is a loaner) and broom.
You also get sorted into a Hogwarts house (Slytherin FTW), based on a series of questions you’ll answer shortly after arriving at the school, but you can have a do-over if the initial selection isn’t to your liking.
Choosing your wand is an awesome moment, and you can customize it throughout the game.
Warner Bros. Games
The house you end up in doesn’t seem to change much beyond the common room, your uniform and some throwaway lines. Though teachers mention house points in some classes, you won’t actually be competing for them in the game.
Your education is occasionally interrupted by the main story, which focuses on your connection to mysterious ancient magic and a sinister dark wizard in league with the intense leader of a goblin rebellion — these baddies sport the excellent names of Victor Rookwood and Ranrok, respectively. It’s an absorbing narrative that expands this universe’s lore nicely, especially when it hints at events further back in the timeline, but sometimes fades into the background amidst all the game’s other distractions.
Living in a wizarding world
The development team’s love for Harry Potter is apparent in every aspect of Hogwarts Legacy, but shines most brightly in the world and its characters. Every teacher, student and location feels distinct and real, with a peppering of familiar names like Weasley and Black to make fans feel comfortable.
Each character is richly written, cleverly voiced — Simon Pegg plays the unpleasant headmaster — and visually diverse, so talking to them and learning about their backgrounds is fascinating. (It’s frustrating that you can’t pause during cutscenes though.) This characterisation is woven through the main story and its side quests, which range from investigating one of the castle’s mysteries and sneakily grabbing potion ingredients to wandering into a dangerous cave.
Hogwarts is full of characters to meet and secrets to discover.
Warner Bros. Games
These are varied and fun in terms of gameplay, exploration and puzzle-solving, but feel even more worthwhile since they present opportunities to learn more about the quest-givers and world. And teenage tomfoolery, like sneaking into the library in the dead of night with the help of an invisibility charm, just feels like vintage Harry Potter.
Your customized avatar’s voice acting is solid, but occasionally a bit flat — like you’re overly polite or reserved. That’s preferable to listening to a realistic teenager, though. The character models are convincing enough, but the eyes sometimes move unnaturally and feel unnerving.
The world is sumptuously designed too, particularly in the beautifully gothic Hogwarts, with its moving paintings, chatty gargoyles and fascinating student banter. Every inch is begging to be explored, with heaps of collectibles and Easter eggs to discover — you hear a satisfying hint of the John Williams theme when you pick up certain items. The nearby village of Hogsmeade isn’t quite as big, but it’s still full of fun diversions.
There’s lots to explore outside the school as well, but it isn’t as densely packed.
Warner Bros. Games
The colorful rolling hills, plains and hamlets that make up the rest of the world can feel a little bland by comparison, despite their Elder Scrolls vibes.
The game’s technical limitations are occasionally evident as you dash around the environment too; sometimes assets will pop up at the edge of your screen and doors will appear to be stuck as the area beyond loads. It never felt game-breaking, but might briefly shake your sense of immersion. I fell through the scenery and died while wandering outside the castle once too — luckily the game had autosaved seconds beforehand and the glitch didn’t repeat.
Tricks of the magical trade
The multifaceted nature of your wizarding unfolds gradually through Hogwarts Legacy’s early hours. Your character starts out with the most basic dueling skills and spells, but the way you flick out spells with your wand gives combat a unique, kinetic flow.
You block incoming attacks with a magical shield and dodge bigger ones. The combat is similar to that seen in the Batman: Arkham and Spider-Man games, but with a sorcery aesthetic. It’s immediately gratifying, to the point where you’ll be hankering for magical battles.
Potions class opens up plenty of fun options, and has one of the coolest teachers.
Warner Bros. Games
Once you get to Hogwarts, you’ll learn new spells and skills in classes like Defense Against the Dark Arts, Potions and Herbology. Crucially, the flow of quests gives you time to get comfortable with each new ability before introducing another — you’ll attend a class and then use what you’ve learnt in a few story missions or side quests.
The game encourages you to use every tool in your arsenal, instead getting comfortable with a few basic combos and relying on them to get through every battle. You’ll be playing for a few hours before the skill trees are unlocked, but you’ll likely have a sense of your preferred combat style by then. Pretty much everything you do gives you experience points too, so you’ll level up at a steady clip.
You’ll have plenty of options for attack and defense when you take on dark wizards.
Warner Bros. Games
There’s also a constant flow of new gear that’ll enhance your attack and defense, in addition to changing your character’s look. You can also apply the appearance of any previous clothing to new ones, so you aren’t stuck looking ridiculous just because a certain item has higher stats.
Annoyingly, inventory limits add needless friction to exploration — you can find new gear but be unable to pick it up. It’s irritating to have to fast travel to Hogsmeade to sell off excess items while wandering around the castle. You can increase your inventory with certain side quests, at least.
A joyous school reunion
Thankfully, Hogwarts Legacy doesn’t lean too hard into its school setting — you won’t have to adhere to a rigid schedule. Instead, you attend class to advance the narrative and add new gameplay elements rather than going because you have to.
The world opens up in a big way once you finish your first flying lesson and get your own broom. There’s a bit of a learning curve to soaring above it all, but it’s exhilarating and highlights the scope of the playing area.
Hogwarts Legacy evokes the same magic as the first book’s opening chapter and simpler time for the franchise, letting you explore a beautifully realized world, meet a fascinating cast of characters and embark on your own wizarding career. It’s the Harry Potter game fans have been dreaming of for decades, if they’re willing to revisit this universe.
Harry Potter NYC in photos: A slice of Hogwarts tucked away in Manhattan
We’re just hours away from the kickoff of Super Bowl LVII. The game between the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles, along with the commercials, the movie trailers and Rihanna’s Super Bowl Halftime show, are probably destined for spot on your television. Did you know you can stream it all live for free, no matter where you live?
Here’s everything you need to know to watch the Super Bowl today for free from anywhere.
What time is the Super Bowl?
In the United States, kickoff today is scheduled for 6:30 p.m. ET (5:30 CT, 4:30 p.m. MT, 3:30 p.m. PT). Fox’s pregame show begins at 11 a.m. ET.
If you want to watch live from elsewhere in the world, kickoff time will vary. The Super Bowl start time is 1:30 p.m. in the UK, 9:30 a.m. in the United Arab Emirates and 2:30 a.m. Monday in Sydney. Click here to see what time kickoff is in your time zone.
What channel is the Super Bowl on?
Super Bowl LVII will be broadcast live on Fox in the US. The Fox channel is available on cable TV, as well as via live-TV streaming services.
If you live in an area with good reception in the US, you can watch the broadcast on Fox for free over the air just by attaching an affordable (under $30) indoor antenna to nearly any TV.
Explore the Cameras, Trucks and Retractable Field at Super Bowl LVII
Yes, Fox will be making the game available for free to anyone in the US through its Fox Sports app without needing you to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login.
Fox Sports has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Xbox. The NFL app will also stream it for free on phones and tablets.
Can I watch the Super Bowl in 4K?
Yes! As spotted by The TV Answer Man, Fox will broadcast the Super Bowl in 4K, assuming you have the proper setup. To get the game in its highest resolution, you’ll need to have service from a company that offers 4K broadcasts (DirecTV, Dish, Comcast, Optimum and Verizon Fios are some traditional cable and satellite companies that offer 4K) or a 4K-capable plan on a streaming service like YouTube TV or FuboTV.
As mentioned, you also can watch in 4K for free using the Fox Sports app even without a cable, streaming or satellite login assuming you have a 4K TV that can download the Fox Sports app or a compatible 4K streaming device.
The Kansas City Chiefs are the AFC champions, and the Philadelphia Eagles are the champs of the NFC. They’ll face off in the Super Bowl for the NFL title. The Chiefs have won two Super Bowls, with the first coming way back in Super Bowl 4 in 1970 and the second half a century later in Super Bowl 54, during Mahomes’ second season as KC’s starting quarterback. The Eagles have a lone Super Bowl title, winning Super Bowl 52 in 2018 against Tom Brady and the Patriots.
Who won last year’s Super Bowl?
Last year, the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals 23-20 to win Super Bowl 56. Eventual Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp caught a one-yard touchdown pass with a little more than a minute remaining to cap a 79-yard, game-winning drive. Hopefully this year’s game will follow a similarly dramatic script.
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Best options for streaming the Super Bowl
Below are our recommendations for the best ways to watch the Super Bowl without cable. All five of the US-based live TV streaming services carry Fox, but keep in mind that not every service carries every local network, so check each one using the links below to make sure it carries Fox in your area.
Given that Fox Sports is making the game available for free (and in 4K), that remains the best pick if you don’t already have an antenna or a cable, streaming or satellite TV provider.
Is there streaming lag when watching the Super Bowl?
Yes. When streaming the Super Bowl you should expect to lag behind the action on cable, Twitter and sports betting apps. Based on previous years, streaming services lag around 40 seconds behind what’s on the field. Compare that to cable, satellite or antenna TV, where the time gap from on-the-field action is significantly less. It’s usually a transmission delay of about 5 seconds, which allows for broadcasters to prevent unsavory content from appearing on TV.
What are my Super Bowl viewing options outside the US?
International viewers should check their local listings to determine the best local option to watch or stream the Super Bowl. In the UK, for example, the game will be broadcast on ITV. In Canada, you will be able to watch the broadcast on CTV or TSN, depending on your location, or the French-language broadcast on RDS. Canadians can also watch the game on the DAZN streaming service.
On Monday morning in Australia, the Super Bowl will be broadcast live on Channel 7 and the 7plus VOD service.
How to use a VPN to watch the Super Bowl from anywhere
What if you’re traveling outside your home country and want to enjoy the big game, or just want an added layer of privacy for streaming? There is an option that doesn’t require searching the internet for a sketchy website: You can use a VPN, or virtual private network.
With a VPN, you’re able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game, which comes in handy if you find yourself unable to view the game locally. A VPN is the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day 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 you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.
If you can’t find a convenient opportunity to watch the game where you live, using a VPN with a US-based server should provide access to some or all of the streaming options listed below. 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, 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. See our list of best VPNs for more and check out other great VPN deals taking place right now.
Fox is making the Super Bowl available for free through its Fox Sports app without needing to authenticate with a cable, streaming or satellite login. If you’re looking to stream the Big Game, it’s hard to beat this price.
Fox Sports has apps for iOS, Android, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Google TV and Xbox.
ExpressVPN is our current best VPN pick for people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It’s normally $13 per month, and you can sign up for ExpressVPN and save 49% plus get three months of access for free — the equivalent of $6.67 per month — if you get an annual subscription.
Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.
YouTube TV costs $65 a month and includes Fox. Plug in your ZIP code on its welcome page to see which local networks are available in your area. To watch the game in 4K resolution, you’ll need the 4K Plus add-on. It costs $10 a month for the first 12 months and then $20 after that. There’s also a free, 14-day trial.
Fans of American football in the UK can watch the Super Bowl for free. ITV will be broadcasting the game and you can stream it on the company’s ITVX service (formerly ITV Hub) from anywhere.
Fans in Australia can watch the Super Bowl on Monday morning on Channel 7 and the 7plus VOD service. They’ll be able to watch the game live and see Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata in action. The former Australian rugby player turned American football offensive lineman followed an unusual path to the NFL.
Hulu with Live TV costs $70 a month and includes Fox. Click the “View channels in your area” link on its welcome page to see which local channels are offered in your ZIP code.
DirecTV Stream’s basic, $75-a-month Entertainment package includes Fox. You can use its channel lookup tool to see which local channels are available where you live.
FuboTV’s basic plan costs $75 a month and includes Fox. Click here to see which local channels you get. To watch in 4K, you’ll need to upgrade to the $85-a-month Elite plan.
Quick tips for streaming Super Bowl 2023 using a VPN
With four variables at play — your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN — experience and success 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 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.
Full-size around-ear or over-ear headphones aren’t everyone’s thing, even though they tend to deliver the best sound. Not everyone wants to walk around wearing bulky headphones with giant, squishy ear pads. On-ear models with smaller earcups are more compact, travel-friendly and tend to cost less. These headphones have evolved to offer more models with active noise cancellation, noise isolation, a headphone amp and other advanced features that were once only found in larger over-ear models.
Here’s a look at our current top picks for the best on-ear headphones based on key factors such as how effective they are at noise cancellation and how good they sound. They’re all wireless headphone models except the Grado Prestige Series SR80e and Beats EP wired headphones. There isn’t a single earbud on this list, so if that’s something you’re looking for, check out our wireless earbud list to have music piped directly into your ear canal.
I was a fan of Creative’s original Sound Blaster Jam headphones that came out in 2015 and had a decidedly retro look and feel with good sound for the money. Now the headphone is available in a 2.0 version that has some key upgrades, including Bluetooth 5.0, USB-C charging, improved call quality and multipoint Bluetooth pairing that allows you to pair it to two devices simultaneously. Battery life is rated at up to 22 hours.
I was able to pair the headphones with a Mac Mini and an iPhone and then switch audio between them. Often when pairing Bluetooth headphones with Mac and Windows PCs, one can encounter some issues, but once I got the headphones paired with both my PC and phone, they made a good pair of work-from-home headphones. Also, the price is right for parents looking for a decent set of kids’ headphones for remote learning and everyday use.
Comfortable for on-ear headphones, the Jam V2 are lightweight and have nicely balanced sound with good detail and bass that’s ample but not overpowering. Call quality was good in my tests with callers saying they could hear me well even on the noisy streets of New York. No carry pouch is included, but you do get an extra set of foam ear pads, which is good because they will wear out over time.
The headphones have physical buttons for controlling volume and playback and there’s aptX support for devices that support the wireless streaming codec.
Released in mid-2020, the Jabra Elite 45h was essentially billed as the best on-ear headphone for the money. While there’s nothing terribly fancy about it is one of the best on-ear headphone values right now, with good sound quality, a sturdy design and comfortable fit (for on-ear headphones, anyway). Additionally, this Bluetooth on-ear headphone performs well as a headset for making calls and includes a sidetone feature that allows you to hear your voice in the headphones so you don’t talk too loudly. Battery life is also good. Available in multiple color options, it lists for $100 but frequently gets discounted to $80 or less.
The Solo Pro is the first Beats on-ear headphone to feature active noise cancellation and the first full-size Beats wireless headphone to charge via Lightning. It uses the company’s Pure Adaptive Noise Canceling (Pure ANC headphones), “derived from the over-ear Studio3 Wireless, with updated tuning to accommodate the on-ear form factor,” Beats says. With a tap of a button, you can turn off that noise cancellation to save battery life or hit the button a second time to enter an audio transparency mode that allows you to hear the outside world and ambient sound, not just the music you’re listening to.
Available in multiple color options, the noise-canceling headphone is equipped with six microphones, two of which are beamforming mics designed to hone in on your voice when you’re making calls or talking to your voice assistant (Apple’s H1 chip is on board for always-on Siri). The sound quality of these wireless earphones is smooth and well-balanced, with punchy bass that doesn’t make music sound boomy. It’s comfortable for an on-ear model and its more compact design travels better than some full-size models on this list. I just wish it cost a little less and came with a cable to plug in to in-flight entertainment systems. Alas, the Lightning-to-3.5mm is an optional Bluetooth headset accessory that costs $35, which is ridiculous.
The last few years I’ve written up a fair number of new Sennheiser headphones, most of which have had more premium price tags. But now the company has released a new $70 on-ear wireless model, the 250BT, that should appeal to those on a tighter budget. Equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, its features seem pretty basic, but it does have 25-hour battery life, as well as support for the AAC and aptX audio codecs, and it also taps into Sennheiser’s Smart Control app, allowing you to customize the sound a bit.
Sennheiser describes the 250BT as having club-like sound, and that’s a fairly apt take. There’s lots of energy in the bass and some sparkle in the treble. This is what I like to call an exciting headphone — dynamic, fun. I can’t say it’s got premium build quality (it looks and feels like a more of a budget model). But it’s lightweight and comfortable for an on-ear model, though it lacks any padding on the inside of the headband so I occasionally had to make adjustments to relieve a little pressure on the crown of my head.
You can use the 250BT as a headset for making calls — it works reasonably well for that — but Sennheiser doesn’t really talk up the call quality, mentioning only that the headphones have a built-in microphone. The noise-isolating ear pads cut the background noise, giving you a better listening experience. This headphone is more about the sound and it did grow on me over time.
Skullcandy’s Riff is the spiritual successor to the Grind Wireless, which I liked for the money. Available in multiple color options, it retails for around $50 and has puffy, pillowlike ear cups that make these comfortable headphones for an on-ear model. It also has great sound for its price, with open, detailed sound quality and plump bass that’s relatively well-defined. My only gripes about its ear cup design are that the top doesn’t feature a padded headband (at the crown of your head) and it feels a little cheap, with no metal parts. That said, it’s nice and light and has a dual-hinge that allows the headphone to fold up and fold flat. No carry pouch is included. Battery life is rated at only 12 hours, but a fast charge feature lets you get 2 hours of juice from a 10-minute charge (this has micro-USB charging not USB-C).
Beats makes plenty of Bluetooth headphones with high price tags, but its entry-level EP wired headphones are a surprisingly good listening experience value. The list price is $100, but you can find it online for closer to $90 and sometimes less. The EP is an on-ear model that isn’t as swanky as Beats’ somewhat forgotten on-ear Mixr, as well as the over-ear Executive and Pro models. But thanks to its reinforced metal frame, it reminds me of low-frills versions of those headphones. By low-frills, I mean it isn’t incredibly flashy and it doesn’t fold up or fold flat for travel (it has no hinges).
I liked the way they sounded and so did Steve Guttenberg, who once wrote CNET’s Audiophiliac blog. These open back headphones exhibit the traits of a good headphone: They’re clean and open-sounding, particularly for an on-ear headphone, and there’s enough treble detail to give them some sparkle. (In other words: They’re not incredibly dynamic.)
The bass is a little accentuated — this is Beats after all — but it’s not bloated or boomy. There’s enough bass here to satisfy a low-end audiophile headphone lover but not so much to turn off someone who’s looking for a more balanced, neutral-sound quality in a headphone.
AKG’s N60NC headphones have been out a while, but they’re still good on-ear Bluetooth headphones with active noise cancellation and great audio quality. Samsung now owns Harman, which owns AKG, and Samsung doesn’t really know how to market this venerable Austrian audio audiophile headphone brand (AKG earbuds have been included with Samsung phones). Originally, $300, you can find these wireless earphones for much less. They’re certainly more enticing at that price.
Toward the end of 2019, Bowers & Wilkins released its new noise-canceling headphones: The over-ear PX7 and on-ear PX5. Both are great Bluetooth headphones with slick designs, great sound and decent noise cancellation (it’s not as good as the Sony WH-1000XM4’s but it’s not far off). The PX7 has bigger drivers and bolder overall sound, but the PX5 is more compact, easier to travel with (it takes up less room in a bag) and can be had for much less than the PX7.
