A pilot program that let some political campaign emails bypass spam filters in Gmail is shutting down at the end of this month. Google confirmed the Jan. 31 end date in a legal filing Monday. The tech giant is asking a federal judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by the Republican National Committee that accuses it of disproportionately sending conservative political emails to spam.
Google launched the pilot program last year after conservatives leveled charges of political bias against the company, claiming that Republican fundraising emails were more likely to be sent to spam than fundraising emails from Democrats were.
Google has denied any political bias in how it sorts email.
“The RNC is wrong,” reads the motion filed Monday. “Gmail’s spam filtering policies apply equally to emails from all senders, whether they are politically affiliated or not.”
When reached for comment, Google spokesperson José Castañeda reiterated that the company doesn’t “filter emails for political purposes” and said the “suit is without merit.”
Last week, the Federal Election Committee, which approved Google’s campaign email test, said there was “no reason to believe” that the tech giant intentionally directed conservative emails to spam, reported The Wall Street Journal.
Apple now lets you protect your Apple ID and iCloud account with hardware security keys, a significant upgrade for those who want maximum protection from hackers, identity thieves, or snoops.
Hardware security keys are small physical devices that communicate with USB or Lightning ports or with NFC wireless data connections when you’re logging on to a device or in to an account. Because you must have keys in your possession to use them, they’re effective at thwarting hackers trying to reach your account remotely.
Support for the keys arrived Monday with iOS 16.3 and MacOS 13.2, and on Tuesday, Apple published details on how to use security keys with iPhones, iPads and Macs. The company requires you to set up at least two keys.
Apple has been working to tighten security in recent months, stung by iPhone breaches involving NSO Group’s Pegasus spyware. Apple’s Advanced Data Protection option arrived in December, giving a stronger encryption option to data stored and synced with iCloud. And in September, Apple added an iPhone Lockdown Mode that includes new guardrails on how your phone works to thwart outside attacks.
A big caveat, though: Although hardware security keys and the Advanced Data Protection program lock down your account better, they also mean Apple can’t help you recover access.
“This feature is designed for users who, often due to their public profile, face concerted threats to their online accounts, such as celebrities, journalists, and members of government,” Apple said in a statement. “This takes our two-factor authentication even further, preventing even an advanced attacker from obtaining a user’s second factor in a phishing scam.”
Hardware security keys have been around for years, but the Fast Identity Online, or FIDO, group has helped standardize the technology and integrate its use with websites and apps. One big advantage on the web is they’re linked to specific websites, for example Facebook or Twitter, so they thwart phishing attacks that try to get you to log in to fake websites. They’re the foundation for Google’s Advanced Protection Program, too, for those who want maximum security.
Apple added hardware security key support to iOS 16.2 and MacOS 13.2.
Screenshot by Stephen Shankland/CNET
You need to pick the right hardware security keys for your devices. To communicate with relatively new models of both Macs and iPhones, a key that supports USB-C and NFC is a good option. Apple requires you to have two keys, but it isn’t a bad idea to have more in case you lose them. A single key can be used to authenticate to many different devices and services, like your Apple, Google and Microsoft accounts.
Apple didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
Google, Microsoft, Apple and other allies are also working to support a different FIDO authentication technology called passkeys. Passkeys are designed to replace passwords altogether, and they don’t require hardware security keys.
Most people find a printer to be an essential part of the home office setup. If you’re ready to invest in a printer or upgrade your current model, there are several deals right now on devices from popular brands like Canon and Epson. You’ll even find some of our CNET staff printer picks as well as others from trusted brands that are highly rated.
Like any other tech product, you should consider your top priorities when shopping for a printer. As noted in CNET’s guide to the best printers, print speed and price are probably the two most important factors to consider if you’re just printing simple documents and concert tickets. But color accuracy and printing quality will be critical factors if you need to print professional photos.
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This affordable printer lacks some of the bells and whistles of pricer models, like a color touch screen, but can print from mobile devices and laptops. Like many printers, it can also make copies and scan documents, and it works over Wi-Fi.
One of our staff picks, Epson’s XP-4105 is cheap and reliable, which is exactly what you want from your printer. It’s a great printer if you don’t need to print tons of pages in a short period of time (because it’s a little slow) but still want something that won’t make you go broke when you need new color or black ink.
Canon’s Pixma inkjet printer can print from mobile devices as well as computers and can print 8.8 pages per minute in black and white and 4.4 color pages per minute. The paper tray holds up to 100 sheets.
Epson is touting speed first and foremost with this printer, claiming it can print 21 black and white or 11 color pages per minute. This printer also has a 2.7-inch touch screen and supports mobile printing. It has a 250-sheet paper tray.
This printer has a 4.3-inch LCD touch screen for managing operations, works with phones and computers, and can scan, fax and copy in addition to printing. There’s also a two-way paper feed, enabling it to hold regular and photo paper at the same time. There’s an SD card slot to make printing directly from your camera easier.
The big selling point of the EcoTank line is that it does away with cartridges so the extra cost upfront is offset down the line when you’re no longer buying expensive ink. This printer is actually a lower-end model in the line but it has all of the features you’d expect from a compact all-in-one for a home office, including wired or wireless connections, an auto-document feeder and automatic two-sided printing.
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PayPal is the latest company to report a data breach, but it’s certainly not the only one. With cyber threat actors targeting big corporations, software companies and even apps on your phone, your personal data could be at risk. If your private information has been compromised, you often won’t learn about it until a company notifies you about a data breach. By that time your birthday, Social Security number, credit card number or health records will have already been exposed or stolen. (Here’s what to do if you think your Social Security number was stolen in the PayPal breach.)
Any stolen information that leads data thieves to your identity can let hackers do everything, from making purchases and opening up credit accounts in your name, to filing for your tax refunds and making medical claims posing as you. Billions of these hacked login credentials are available on the dark web, neatly packaged for hackers to easily download for free.
You can’t stop sites from getting hacked, but after a cyberattack, monitoring tools can alert you to which of your stolen credentials are out on the dark web, giving you a running start at limiting the damage the thieves can do. Here’s how to use two free monitoring tools — Google’s Password Checkup and Mozilla’s Firefox Monitor — to see which of your email addresses and passwords are compromised so you can take action.
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Steps you can take before a data breach
First, use a password manager that creates unique passwords for each of your logins and make sure you are following password best practices. That way, if one site gets breached, your stolen password won’t give hackers access to your accounts on other sites. A good password manager can help you administer all your login information, making it easy to create and use unique passwords.
And once you find out a company or service with your credentials has been hacked, change that password, regardless if you are notified that your information was exposed in the data breach or not. You don’t want to wait days to act while the company works to uncover the extent of the hack.
How to use Google’s Password Checkup
As part of its password manager service,Google offers the free Password Checkup tool, which monitors usernames andpasswords you use to sign in to sites outside of Google’s domain andnotifies you if those login credentials have been exposed. (You mayremember Password Checkupwhen it was a Chrome extension you had to add separately to Google’sbrowser. This is the same tool folded into Google’s password manager.)
Google’s Password Checkup finds a few password problems.
Screenshot by Clifford Colby/CNET
1.If you use Google’s password service to keep track of your login credentials in Chrome or Android, head to Google’s password manager site and tap Go to Check passwords.
2.Tap Check Passwords and verify it’s you.
3. Enter the password for your Google account.
4.After thinking for a bit, Google will display any issues it’s found, including compromised, reused and weak passwords.
5.Next to each reused or weak password is a Change password button you can tap to pick a more secure one.
How to use Mozilla’s Firefox Monitor
Mozilla’s free Firefox Monitor service helps you track which of your email addresses have been part of known data breaches.
Mozilla’s Firefox Monitor identified four breaches for this email.
Screenshot by Clifford Colby/CNET
2.Enter an email address and tap Check for Breaches. If the email was part of a known breach since 2007, Monitor will show you which hack it was part of and what else may have been exposed.
3.Below a breach, tap More about this breach to see what was stolen and what steps Mozilla recommends, such as updating your password.
You can also sign up to have Monitor notify you if your email is involved in a future data breach. Monitor scans your email address against those found data breaches and alerts you if you were involved.
1.Near the bottom of the Firefox Monitor page, tap the Sign up for Alerts button.
2. If you need to, create a Firefox account.
3.Tap Sign in to see a breach summary for your email.
4.At the bottom of the page, you can add additional email addresses to monitor. Mozilla will then send you an email at each address you add with a subject line “Firefox Monitor found your info in these breaches” when it finds that email address involved in a breach, along with instructions about what to do about following the breach.
How else to watch for fraud
Besides using the tools from Mozilla and Google, you can take a few more steps to watch for fraud.
View your digital footprint. Bitdefender provides a dashboard with its Digital Identity Protection subscription that shows where your personal information has appeared online. It also pinpoints data breaches where your info has been leaked in the past, notifies you when your personal info appears in breaches going forward and provides recommended steps to secure your data. It also tells you whether your info is on the dark web and lets you know if someone appears to be impersonating you on social media.
Monitor your credit reports. To help you spot identity theft early, you can request one free credit report a year from each of the three major credit bureaus — Equifax, Experian and TransUnion — to check for unfamiliar activity, such as a new account you didn’t open. You should also check your credit card and bank statements for unexpected charges and payments. Unexpected charges can be a sign that someone has access to your account.
Sign up for a credit monitoring service. To take a more active hand in watching for fraud, sign up with a credit monitoring service that constantly monitors your credit report on major credit bureaus and alerts when it detects unusual activity. With a monitoring service, you can set fraud alerts that notify you if someone is trying to use your identity to create credit. A credit reporting service like LifeLock can cost $9 to $24 a month — or you could use a free service like the one from Credit Karma that will watch for credit fraud but not ID fraud, such as someone trying to use your Social Security number.
The year has barely begun, but there are already plenty of rumors, reports and leaks about new phones that are expected to debut throughout 2023.
Samsung and OnePlus will be among the first to release new devices. Samsung is expected to announce the Galaxy S23 on Feb. 1, while the OnePlus 11 5G will launch globally on Feb. 7.
Though it’s hard to predict exactly what’s in store for the smartphone industry in 2023, it’s possible to make some educated guesses, because many companies stick to the same launch routine each year. The iPhone 15 lineup, for example, is expected to arrive in September, possibly with USB-C charging for the first time. The Galaxy S23 Ultra could have Samsung’s new 200-megapixel camera sensor.
Such launches would come after smartphones took subtle but important steps forward in 2022. The iPhone 14, for example, gained satellite connectivity for emergencies and car crash detection, while Google found more ways to make use of its custom Tensor chip in the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro. Samsung, meanwhile, gave its flagship Galaxy S lineup a fresh look and an upgraded camera.
Here are the new phones we’re likely to see in 2023, based on previous launch cycles, rumors and reports.
Apple iPhone 15 lineup
The iPhone 14 lineup.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Apple’s new iPhone family usually launches in September, and we have no reason to believe 2023 will be any different. The adoption of USB-C charging is one of the biggest changes we’re expecting to see on Apple’s next-generation iPhones.
The European Union recently mandated that all new phones sold in the region must support USB-C charging by 2024. Apple said it would comply with these rules but did not specify whether that means we’ll see a shift to USB-C starting in 2023. It’s also not confirmed if a USB-C iPhone would get a global release, or if it would remain solely a European model.
Otherwise, we’re likely to see routine changes such as some camera upgrades and a new processor. TF International Securities Analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, who is known for making pretty accurate predictions about upcoming Apple products, tweeted that Apple may do more to distinguish the iPhone 15 Pro from the regular iPhone 15.
It already made a step in that direction with the iPhone 14 generation by keeping features like the Dynamic Island and new A16 Bionic processor exclusive to the Pro line. What’s more interesting, however, is the idea that Apple could further differentiate the larger iPhone 15 Pro Max from the smaller iPhone 15 Pro, according to Kuo.
The main difference between the regular Pro and Pro Max comes down to screen size. Giving the Pro Max some extra perks could further convince shoppers to splurge on Apple’s biggest (and most expensive) iPhone. Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman also believes Apple could change the name of the iPhone Pro Max to the iPhone Ultra in the future to better align with other products like the Apple Watch Ultra.
Why I’m excited about it: The iPhone’s long-anticipated transition to USB-C is arguably the biggest reason to get excited about Apple’s next smartphone. The switch means iPhone users will finally be able to charge their iPhone, iPad and Mac with the same type of charging cable, reducing friction and making the iPhone that much more convenient. I’m also looking forward to seeing whether Apple further distinguishes the iPhone 15 Pro Max from the iPhone 15 Pro. I’ve argued that Apple needs to give its supersized iPhones more functionality that takes advantage of their larger screens, similar to the iPad.
OnePlus 11 5G
The OnePlus website in China gives us a peek at what we might expect when the OnePlus 11 launches globally in February.
OnePlus
What we’re expecting: The OnePlus 11 5G is already available in China, but the new phone will be launching globally on Feb. 7. Based on what we’ve learned from OnePlus China’s website, the new phone will have a 6.7-inch OLED screen with a 120Hz refresh rate, Qualcomm’s Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor and 100-watt fast charging. That’s a step up from the 80W fast charging that OnePlus offered on last year’s device, although unfortunately those speeds were capped at 65W on the US model.
The OnePlus 11 5G will also have a 50-megapixel main camera, 48-megapixel ultrawide camera and 32-megapixel telephoto camera. That lines up with previous specifications from well-known leaker Steve Hemmerstoffer that were published on the blog GadgetGang.
Why I’m excited about it: For a company that made its name as the “flagship killer,” OnePlus’ prices have inched closer to those of the rivals it aims to undercut in recent years. That said, OnePlus still has a reputation for selling reasonably priced devices that pack a lot of high-end features such as superfast charging.
The OnePlus 10 Pro came really close to being a superb iPhone competitor, as my colleague Andrew Lanxon wrote when he reviewed the device. But a slightly disappointing camera and restrictions such as a lack of 80-watt charging in the US held it back from being as great as it could be. Hopefully OnePlus addresses these criticisms in its next-generation device.
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Samsung Galaxy S23 lineup
Samsung’s Galaxy S22 lineup.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: Based on the rumors, Samsung’s Galaxy S23 could bring some noteworthy upgrades to the camera and design — two areas that have traditionally been a big focus for the South Korean tech giant.
The rumored Galaxy S23 Ultra could include a 200-megapixel main camera. In mid-January, Samsung announced a new image sensor capable of taking 200-megapixel photos, fueling more speculation that it will arrive in the Galaxy S23 Ultra.That sounds like a huge jump from the Galaxy S22 Ultra’s 108-megapixel main sensor on paper.
Samsung may also give the regular Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus a tweaked design that more closely matches that of the Ultra model. Images from reliable leaker Hemmerstoffer suggest Samsung will eliminate the camera bump from the S23 and S23 Plus, replacing it with the protruding lenses found on the Galaxy S22 Ultra. Images were published on the tech blogs Digit and Smartprix in partnership with Hemmerstoffer.
Although we don’t know precisely what to expect in terms of performance, Samsung usually puts Qualcomm’s latest mobile chip in the new version of its phones that launch in the United States and certain other markets. That means we will likely see the Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 in Samsung’s next Galaxy phone. The new chip offers better power efficiency, ray tracing for improved aesthetics in mobile games and upgraded AI that can better separate you from your Zoom background, among other enhancements. The analyst Kuo even believes Samsung could ditch its own Exynos processors and rely solely on Qualcomm for the Galaxy S23.
Why I’m excited about it: Smartphone cameras have already gotten so sophisticated that I’m curious to see whether a 200-megapixel sensor actually makes a meaningful difference. Either way, it’ll be interesting to see how Samsung pushes the camera experience forward in the S23 lineup given the increased competition from Google’s Pixel series in recent years. I’m also in favor of the Galaxy S23 and S23 Plus’ rumored design change to more closely resemble the Galaxy S23 Ultra. Based on the renders, it looks cleaner and sleeker compared with the Galaxy S22’s camera bump.
Google Pixel 7A
The Google Pixel 6A.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: If Google maintains its tradition, we could see a cheaper version of the Pixel 7 known as the Pixel 7A launch in the spring or summer time frame. Rumors about the Pixel 7A are scarce right now. But developer Kuba Wojciechowski claims to have found details possibly pertaining to the Pixel 7A in the Android codebase, suggesting that some fairly significant upgrades are in store.
Wojciechowski’s findings indicate the Pixel 7A could have a screen with a higher refresh rate of 90Hz and wireless charging — two characteristics that are noticeably absent from the Pixel 6A. Leaked renders from Hemmerstoffer that were once again published on Smartprix also suggest the Pixel 7A will have a very similar design as its predecessor.
The Pixel 7A could also include the same Tensor G2 processor that powers the Pixel 7 and 7 Pro as well as a camera setup that includes wide and ultrawide sensors. That’s if the Pixel 7A follows in the same footsteps as the Pixel 6A, of course.
Why I’m excited about it: Google’s A-series Pixel phones are seriously impressive from a value standpoint. That’s why the Pixel 6A has received a CNET Editors’ Choice award and is our favorite Android phone under $500. If Google manages to address the Pixel 6A’s very few shortcomings while maintaining the same price of $449, it’ll be an even more formidable challenger to Samsung in the affordable phone market.
Google Pixel 8 lineup
The Pixel 7 Pro (left) and Pixel 7 (right).
Andrew Lanxon/CNET
What we’re expecting: Google’s Pixel 7 and 7 Pro have only been out since mid-October 2022, but rumors have already started to surface about the Pixel 8 family. German tech blog WinFuture claims to have found references to two unreleased Pixel smartphones in publicly available code. The findings indicate that these two devices are codenamed “Shiba” and “Husky” and that they’re powered by a new processor codenamed “Zuma.” The code also suggests these devices will run on Android 14 and include 12GB of RAM, according to WinFuture.
Why I’m excited about it: There haven’t been many rumors about the expected Pixel 8 and 8 Pro, which means there isn’t too much to get excited about yet. But what I’m most interested in is what new features Google’s next-generation chip will bring to its future phones. Google’s current Tensor chips have enabled features that seem practical and useful in everyday life, such as Magic Eraser and Face Unblur for improving photo quality and the ability to add speaker labels to transcripts in the Recorder app. That makes me excited about where Google could take things next.
Samsung Galaxy A54 5G
Samsung Galaxy A53 5G.
Lisa Eadicicco/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung may be best known for its Galaxy S devices, but its series of Galaxy A phones are worth your attention if you’re shopping on a tighter budget. The next phone in this series is expected to be called the Galaxy A54 5G, following the Galaxy A53 5G’s launch last spring.
Based on the few leaks that have surfaced so far, the Galaxy A54 5G will be a modest improvement over the A53 5G. It’s expected to have a 6.4-inch screen, which is slightly smaller than the A53’s 6.5-inch display, and a triple rear camera. That’s according to the leaker Hemmerstoffer, who shared renders claiming to show the Galaxy A54 5G’s design with the tech blog 91Mobiles. A report from the Dutch tech site Galaxy Club also suggests the A54 5G could have a slightly larger battery than its predecessor.
Why I’m excited about it: When I tested the Galaxy A53 5G around the time of its launch, I thought it felt much more expensive than it actually was. It’s not perfect, but Samsung provides a well-rounded package for the price with the Galaxy A53 5G. I’m hoping the success of Google’s Pixel A series motivates Samsung to up its budget phone game even further.
Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 5
Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold 4.
James Martin/CNET
What we’re expecting: Even though foldable phones are still new to most people, Samsung’s Galaxy Z Fold will be on its fifth generation in 2023. The next version of Samsung’s phone-tablet hybrid could have a slot for storing Samsung’s S Pen stylus, a lighter design and a less noticeable crease, according to Korean news outlet The Elec. The report didn’t definitively say the Z Fold 5 will have these improvements, but did say Samsung has cited them as barriers that must be overcome to make foldable phones more popular.
Otherwise, we can probably expect to see routine improvements to the camera and processor in the Galaxy Z Fold 5. Samsung also added some new multitasking features to the Z Fold 4 this year, such as the ability to use the bottom portion of the screen as a mini trackpad when the display is folded halfway. So there’s a chance we’ll see other software enhancements in the future, too.
Samsung typically releases its new foldable phones in August, meaning we’re likely to see the next Z Fold around that time.
Why I’m excited about it: The Galaxy Z Fold 5 needs a lot more than an included S Pen to bring foldables into the mainstream. But making the S Pen a bigger part of the experience could go a long way in further defining who the Z Fold is for and why it exists in the first place. Samsung is promoting the Z Fold 5 as a productivity-oriented device, so having an embedded S Pen seems like a natural move. The Galaxy Z Fold 4 and Z Fold 3 are both compatible with the S Pen, but they must be purchased separately.
Samsung Galaxy Z Flip 5
The new Galaxy Z Flip 4 looks nearly identical to last year’s Z Flip 3.
Patrick Holland/CNET
What we’re expecting: Samsung’s next flip phone may have a larger cover screen and a less noticeable crease, according to Ross Young, co-founder and CEO of Display Supply Chain Consultants. Ross recently tweeted that the Z Flip 5 will have a cover display measuring around 3 inches and a new hinge design that could make the crease more subtle. That would represent a sizable increase from the current Z Flip 4’s 1.9-inch cover screen. Like with the Z Fold 5, there’s a chance we’ll see general improvements to camera quality and software as well as a new processor.
Why I’m excited about it: Making the cover screen slightly larger would address one of the Z Flip’s biggest shortcomings. As my colleague Patrick Holland wrote in his review of the Z Flip 4, the cover screen is the biggest area where Samsung could be doing more. I’m also hoping to see longer battery life from the Z Flip 5 considering that’s another area where Samsung’s current flip phone could use some improvement.
Overall
It seems like some of the biggest improvements we’re expecting to see across the board on new smartphones in 2023 will have to do with battery and charging improvements, as well as camera and design upgrades. Of course, we’ll know more throughout the year as more reports and rumors arrive and as Samsung, OnePlus, Apple and Google actually debut their devices.
Tablets have grown in popularity thanks to their portability and convenience. And with so many models now available, you can get your hands on a solid model without paying an arm and a leg if you hold out for deals. If you’re in the market for a basic tablet that can stream your favorite media, play games and more, check out the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8. You can grab the 32GB version for $149 right now — that’s only $9 more than its all-time lowest price. This offer expires tonight, Jan. 24, so be sure to get your order in before then if you want to nab one at this price.
If you need to stay productive even from the comfort of your bed or couch, but don’t want to deal with the bulk of a laptop, the Galaxy Tab A8 is a decent option. This Wi-Fi-only tablet sports a 10.5-inch LCD display with 1,920×1,200-pixel resolution, along with 3GB RAM and 32GB of storage. And while 32GB of storage isn’t much room to store your photos, videos, games and apps, you can always invest in cloud storage options or expand your storage up to 1TB with a microSD card (sold separately). It also gets up to 13 hours of battery life per charge (depending on usage factors) and with a fast charging USB-C port, you can always get a boost when you need it.
If you already use other Galaxy products, getting a Galaxy tablet might be a good idea, because your devices can seamlessly communicate with each other. Your notes, like your to-do lists, automatically sync on your tablet, phone or watch whenever you make changes. Plus, if you ever change up your operating system, Smart Switch can make moving your favorite files a piece of cake. The tablet also comes with Samsung Kids, which is a library of safe and fun games, books and videos that parents can trust to be kid-friendly.
If the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 isn’t the right fit for you, be sure to check out other great tablet deals happening now.
Which tablets have the best price?
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YouTube is kicking off a series of online courses that can progress into earning official, transferable college credits, an initiative aimed at breaking down cost and accessibility barriers to higher education.
The program, called College Foundations, is an extension of YouTube’s existing partnership with Arizona State University and educational video company Crash Course, which was launched by internet creators Hank and John Green. The partners have been posting college-related videos for nearly a year on the YouTube channel Study Hall, with nearly 42,000 followers.
Starting Tuesday, people can sign up for up to four courses on the Study Hall channel, which will begin on March 7. Collectively called College Foundations, the first four courses are English Composition, College Math, US History and Human Communication, which the partners said were selected for being among the most common elements of a first-year, general-education college curriculum. The College Foundations series is planned to expand to 12 courses by January 2025.
The videos in these courses on Study Hall are free to watch. If learners are interested in pursuing college credits, they can pay $25 to participate in full online courses mapped to those subjects offered by ASU, including direct interaction with other students and faculty. These formal coursework programs last seven weeks, and if students are unsatisfied with their grade, they can retake the $25 course again without penalty until they’ve earned the grade they want.
The highest price comes if students wish to unlock college credits. A credit free is $400 per course, though people who sign up before March 7 qualify for a “scholarship” price of $350 each. The amount may give some people sticker shock, but YouTube and its partners said it represents less than one-third the average course cost at a public four-year university for in-state students and is nearly 90% lower than the average course cost of a private four-year university.
The credits can then be used at any institution that accepts ASU credits.
Ideally, the College Foundations program would also give learners confidence that they can handle college-level coursework — and start earning credit toward a degree — before committing to the greater expense and effort of applying for college, according to Katie Kurtz, the global head of learning at YouTube. As the series widens to 12 courses, students could accumulate “an entire full year of college credits before you’ve even had to apply,” she added.
This extension of their partnership into transferable college credits heightens YouTube’s ongoing interest in education. YouTube itself — with more 2 billion monthly users and a tight connection to the world’s most pervasive internet search engine — is one of the most impactful sources of online information on Earth. YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki, the daughter of a professor and a teacher, routinely touts YouTube as a educational resource.
“YouTube is where the world comes to learn,” Wojcicki said in a statement about new program. “By partnering with ASU and Crash Course, we are excited to use our platform to give learners the tools they need to pursue higher education while also making the path more accessible and affordable.”
Kurtz said none of the fees associated with the College Foundations credit-earning courses generate revenue for YouTube, and the Study Hall channel, which is a collaboration of ASU and Crash Course, doesn’t have advertising. (Crash Course has its own YouTube channel, which does have ads; some Study Hall videos coexist on the Crash Course channel.)
She characterized the project as a product of more than four years working to figure out ways the informal learning that people glean from YouTube can be part of a pathway to more formal learning experiences, one where learners’ acquired knowledge gets some external recognition. “This is one enhancement of many that you’ll be seeing,” she said.
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We’re all used to the typical names when it comes to headphones and earbuds: AirPods, Beats and Sony. But there are many other brands that you wouldn’t even think produce earbuds. That’s especially true for Marshall, the original amplifier company that specializes in musical equipment.
I remember jamming to my electric guitar on a small 20-watt Marshall amplifier. The amp lasted me years and its rugged case got through many tough situations. Fast forward to today: Marshall has produced quality earbuds that are just as sturdy and provide as good sound quality as their amps. The company has had decades to perfect its craft.
You can grab the Marshall Minor III true wireless in-ear headphones for just $100 (and save $30) today on Amazon. We’re not sure how long this deal will last, so act quickly before it goes back to full price.
These earbuds feature Marshall’s signature sound and have Bluetooth 5.2 capabilities. You get 25 hours of playtime: That’s 5 hours on the earbuds and an additional four charges in the carrying case. With powerful 12mm drivers, these buds deliver enhanced bass, smooth mids and clear highs.
The Marshall Minor III buds have a rugged design on the earbuds and the case, making it stand out from competitors like AirPods or Beats Studio which pride themselves on smooth and sleek designs. The part of the buds that goes into your ears are ergonomically designed, however, and have IPX4 waterproof rating.
Having enough space on your devices can be tricky. And if you’re a gamer, you know how difficult it is, especially if you want to maintain a large gaming library. Storage often comes at a premium, which makes finding great deals that much more important.
Whether you want to upgrade your current computer or need to snag a drive for a new build, you can get the SK Hynix Gold P31 PCIe NVMe SSD at a bargain today at Amazon. Drives are available with 500GB, 1TB and 2TB of storage, with prices discounted by up to 52%. These offers expire tonight, so make your purchase sooner rather than later if you want to cash in on these deals.
If you’re looking for solid performance and safe storage for your entire gaming library, the SK Hynix is a solid bet. It delivers read speeds up to 3,500 MB/s and write speeds of up to 3,200 MB/s, so it’s the perfect thing to speed up your computer. Plus, the Gold P31 has more thermal efficiency than comparable products, helping it to stay cool. And with SK Hynix edition Macrium cloning software for data transfers and OS migration, setup won’t take long. Your purchase also comes with a five-year protection plan, for added peace of mind.
If you need the extra space, getting the high-capacity 2TB version may be your best best. It’s discounted by $58 right now, bringing the price down to $150. But if you’re looking for the best deal of the day, check out the 1TB drive. It’s marked down by a whopping 52% right now. That’s an $87 savings, meaning you’ll pay just $80 if you buy it today. However, if you’re looking for bottom-dollar prices and just need a boost to your current storage, you can get the 500GB model for $46 right now (save $24).
Note that these solid-state drives are intended for gaming and are compatible with most modern laptops and desktops, but you will need to check your specific model to make sure you can use it. To be clear, these drives are not compatible with Sony’s PlayStation 5, so if you’re looking to expand space and speed on your PS5, you’ll want to check out these drives instead.
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Tablets are versatile tools that can be used for everything at school, work or home. Whether you’re checking email, managing finances, testing your art skills or casually browsing YouTube and watching videos, a tablet can do it all. Finding the best tablet isn’t hard, either, but knowing where to start can be overwhelming, and that’s where CNET’s testing and reviews can help.
Let’s start with Apple, which updated its entire iPad lineup in 2022. Along with faster processors across all of the latest models, Apple introduced the 10th-gen iPad with an entirely new design. However, the updated look and features come with a higher price, so Apple is still selling the ninth-gen iPad as its least expensive option.
Elsewhere in Best Tablet Land, Microsoft debuted a new Surface Pro 9 model in the fall of 2022. Meanwhile, Android tablets are available in a wide range of sizes and prices from the value-packed Amazon Fire tablets to Samsung’s top Galaxy Tab models that are strong competition for Apple’s iPad Pro.
In the value segment, Amazon’s Fire tablets remain the best tablet option for cheap and kid-friendly models. But if you’re looking for something that’s good for productivity and entertainment there’s an affordable Chromebook that blurs the line between laptop and tablet.
What’s the best tablet?
The ninth-gen iPad from 2021 is the best tablet that we continue to recommend, despite the availability of newer iPad models. That’s mainly for its features and reasonable price. If you’re definitely going with an iPad, though, we strongly recommend you check out the entire iPad lineup because there might be a better option for your needs.
Not interested in an iPad? Our other top picks for the best tablets 2023 has to offer right now are below. All offer ways to get popular apps, but you’ll want to check that your must-have apps are available on the device before buying (don’t look for Fortnite on the iPad through the App Store, for instance). We included budget tablet and premium tablet options, as well as laptop-replacement devices at prices in between, including Android tablet and Apple iPad options. We even threw in tablet PC and Chromebook options. All of these products (or previous versions thereof) have been fully reviewed or anecdotally tested by CNET editors.
We’ve always appreciated the entry-level iPad for its affordable price. Last year’s entry-level model is less expensive than the newer 10th-gen iPad, and is still very functional: Its older A13 chip and Lightning-charger-equipped, Touch ID home button design all feel somewhat out of date but work fine. This iPad’s screen size is perfect for everyday work and fun, there’s an auto-zooming front-facing Center Stage camera, and unlike the 10th-gen iPad, the first-gen Apple Pencil doesn’t need a dongle to work. It’s still compatible with a range of keyboard cases, too.
Apple’s 2022 iPad Pro refresh added a more powerful M2 chip, faster Wi-Fi 6E and optional 5G connectivity, and a new Pencil 2 “hover” feature that activates the display when the stylus is in close range. Not many apps take advantage of hover, though, and the rest of this iPad design is the same as the previous model. The iPad Pro lineup are still the only models with faster 120Hz variable refresh rate displays, a step-up Mini LED HDR display on the 12.9-inch model, Face ID and depth-sensing lidar cameras and a faster Thunderbolt 4 port. If you don’t mind that the front-facing camera isn’t landscape-oriented yet like the 10th-gen iPad’s — and you have the money to burn — this is the most advanced model, but it doesn’t get you any closer to being a Mac.
The Galaxy Tab S8 Plus is essentially the Android equivalent to Apple’s iPad Pro. Samsung’s DeX interface gives it an edge for productivity if you’re looking for a more laptop-like feel from the tablet. It’s built around a beautiful 12.4-inch, 2,800×1,752-pixel Super AMOLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate for smoother-looking visuals. Samsung also includes one of its great S Pens, so you’re ready to start sketching and taking notes right out of the box. The tablet can also double as a wireless display so you can extend your Windows laptop’s screen space on the go.
Apple refreshed the iPad Mini this year with an A15 processor, which is faster than the iPad Air’s A14. Now that the 10.2-inch model has caught up (almost) to it in terms of specs, it’s tough to swallow the fact that this smaller 8.3-inch model has a higher price — though it should be available at a discounted price during the holiday season. Some folks love this model as a smaller, lighter mobile device option that’s well-sized as an upscale ebook reader.
Amazon continues to make the best inexpensive tablets for media consumption. The Fire HD 8 is the middle of the lineup, hitting a sweet spot for price and performance. The 2022 model sports a thinner, lighter design, a faster processor and an hour more battery life (13 hours vs. 12) than its predecessor. It’s definitely a good low-cost option for streaming video, reading ebooks and web browsing, but we still recommend waiting to pick it up when it’s discounted, which Amazon regularly does. We also recommend spending an additional $20 for the Plus version, which adds 1GB of RAM, wireless charging and a 9-watt power adapter.
The 10-inchAmazon Fire HD tablet is faster and better than the 7- or 8-inch Fire tablet, and it’s still a pretty low $150 (or less). For the Amazon Fire HD 10, there are two storage options, 32 and 64GB. The Amazon Fire HD tablet also charges its battery via USB-C now. A Plus version of the tablet adds wireless charging, 4GB of RAM and a soft-touch finish.
While there are several imitators, the Surface Pro continues to offer the best detachable two-in-one PC experience. The 2022 version jumps from an 11th-gen Intel CPU to a newer 12th-gen one and moves to a slightly faster type of RAM. There’s also a 5G version that switches from Intel to a Microsoft/Qualcomm ARM-based chip for faster mobile wireless with long battery life. Unfortunately, unless you get a bundle, the keyboard and active pen are still separate purchases. Also, the Surface Pro 8 is still around and worth considering, especially because it’s at a better price.
The Lenovo Chromebook Duet 3 is an awesome little 11-inch ChromeOS tablet with a detachable keyboard and touchpad. It’s a good pick if you’re looking for an affordable ultraportable device to get some work done on the go, sketch or jot down notes in class, or do simple stuff like email, web browsing, gaming, reading and streaming video.
