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The Best Fantasy TV Shows on Netflix


The Best Fantasy TV Shows on Netflix

With House of the Dragon and The Rings of Power, fantasy is having a moment. 

Neither of those shows are on Netflix, but ffans of the genre are well served. There's obvious choices like The Sandman and The Witcher but, beyond that, what's worth your time?

Here's where we think you should start.

If you're after fantasy movies, head here.

Our favourite Netflix fantasy shows

Netflix

The Sandman

Based on the Neil Gaiman and DC's comic book, The Sandman has been well received by almost everyone! Fans of the comic book love it, people who'd previously never heard of it also love it. Basically, if you're looking for something new to watch in the fantasy realm, this show is it.

The Sandman has been in development hell for decades, so it's nice to finally see it hit the screen so effectively.

Netflix

Arcane (2021—)

Arcane is so good.

Based on the characters and lore of League of Legends, Arcane is just an absolutely beautifully animated show about family, trauma and the impact of poverty. Just an astonishingly good show to look at.

Netflix

The Witcher (2019—)

When I first heard that Henry Cavill had been cast as Geralt in The Witcher TV show, based a novel that became a very popular video game, I thought, "This can't be good."

Then I watched the first episode and thought, "This isn't good."

But then, eventually the show somehow was good? Then it became a phenomenon. Now it's one of the most popular shows on Netflix.  

Netflix

Shadow and Bone (2021—)

Shadow and Bone is based on a series of young adult fantasy novels written by Leigh Bardugo. There's a sense this show wasn't quite as good as some might have hoped, and didn't quite go as mainstream as some expected. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't check it out.

Emma McIntyre/Getty Images

Supernatural

Fine, I'll put Supernatural on the list. 

Follow the supernaturally good looking Winchester brothers as the hunt all manner of ghouls and goblins, demons, ghosts and monsters. 

Brace yourselves -- there's a ridiculous 15 seasons of this show available on Netflix.

Netflix

Outlander (2014—)

As a Scottish man, I am both thankful for Outlander and resentful of it.

It's made Scottish men sort of cool again, but also given people ridiculously outsized, unfair expectations of us. We cannot hope to compete with Sam Heughan, who plays main character Jamie Fraser. Ridiculous.

Outlander is a weird time travel show that has main character Claire transported back in time from World War II to 1743 Scotland. It's definitely romance novel nonsense, but it's self-aware romance novel nonsense. It's built for binging.

Nickelodeon

Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005-2008)

Avatar: The Last Airbender has gotta be one of the best animated shows ever. Aang is the titular last Airbender, a messiah type who can control the four major elements: air, fire, water and earth. 

But even trying to describe what makes Avatar so charming, smart and surprisingly weighty is pointless. Just do yourself a favor and watch it.

Netflix

The Umbrella Academy (2019—)

The Umbrella Academy is part of the a whole suite of more adult themed superhero shows that came out a few years back. It takes itself a bit more seriously than The Boys, which came out on Prime Video, but it's still a very compelling watch. 

It also has some of the best needle drop moments on any show on Netflix. Get on it.

Kevin Baker/Netflix

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (2019)

Based on the 1982 cult classic, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance was pretty good for an exercise in nostalgia bait. Sadly, the expense of the production caused Netflix to cancel it before we got a second season. Doesn't mean you can't check out the first.

Netflix

Castlevania (2017-2021)

OK, let's do this one more time...

I can't believe I have three TV shows based on video games on this list! But once again, Castlevania is very good. A dark fantasy show based on the video game of the same name, Castlevania is super popular, compelling and spectacularly well animated. Give it a chance, even if you've never heard of the game.

BBC

Merlin (2008-2012)

A BBC TV show based on Arthurian legends, Merlin adds a Doctor Who aesthetic to the fantasy genre.

It's a little dated, for sure, but Merlin has a cult following thanks to some fantastic performances. Just don't expect Game of Thrones-level production values.

Gonzalo Jiménez/CNET

The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina (2018-2020)

Based on the old kids sitcom Sabrina The Teenage Witch, The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina reinvents itself as a dark drama focused on the occult. Miraculously, it works.

Prepare yourself for a strange ending, but this show delivers.

Read more: Best Fantasy Movies on Prime Video

Netflix

Hellbound

Hellbound is a dark fantasy show about supernatural creatures who drag people to hell. If you just got done with Squid Game and have a hankering for more Korean television, look no further. This rules.

Netflix

Sweet Tooth (2021—)

Sweet Tooth is a fantasy drama based on the comic book of the same name. After a pandemic -- stay with me here -- hybrid babies are born that are half human, half animal.

As you might expect, a schism appears. Some people can't handle the emergence of this new hybrid and blame them for the pandemic. The show has been renewed for a second season, so now is a good time to play catch-up.

Netflix

The OA

We've officially called it the second best show on Netflix. Is it a fantasy show? Sort of. It's definitely got some strange fantastical elements and -- regardless -- is worth your time. The story centers on Prairie Johnson, a woman who returns home after being missing for years. The twist: Before she was blind, now she can see. 

Everything that comes from that strange twist gets increasingly bizarre. Definitely give it a shot.

Nickelodeon

The Legend of Korra (2012-2014)

I can't put Avatar on the list without adding The Legend of Korra.

Set in the same universe, years after the events of the original Avatar, The Legend of Korra is a far more adult version of the show, dealing with surprisingly mature themes. It's dramatically underrated. Watch it.

Weekly Shonen Jump

Demon Slayer (2019—)

Can I get away with adding anime to this list? Sorry, I'm doing it.

Chances are, if you're a fan of anime you're already watching Demon Slayer or, at the very least, are aware of its existence. Right now, it's probably the most popular anime on the planet. Demon Slayer is essentially a show about a guy who slays demons. The twist: His sister is also part demon, and they travel together. It's beautifully animated and the fight scenes are ballistic.

Funimation

Attack on Titan (2013-2022)

Since we're doing anime now, might as well do Attack on Titan.

Attack on Titan is an anime set in a vaguely medieval universe where human beings are constantly at risk from skyscraper-size humanoid "Titans" who eat humans.

It's absolutely bonkers. You should watch it.

Netflix

The Dragon Prince (2018—)

The Dragon Prince is often favorably compared to another legendary show on this list -- Avatar.

That's about as high praise as you can get for an animated fantasy show.


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Google Maps Adds Toll Road Price Estimates and Better Navigation


Google Maps Adds Toll Road Price Estimates and Better Navigation

Google said on Tuesday that new navigation features are coming to Google Maps, including toll road price estimates and more detailed maps for better navigation. iPhone users will also see some quality of life improvements with a new home screen widget, Apple Watch, Siri and Spotlight integrations. 

Before starting a route, Google will display toll pricing based on information from local toll authorities. Maps will look at the costs of using a toll pass versus other payment methods. It will also consider pricing based on what day of the week it is and how much a toll may cost at a specific time. Google will still let drivers know about available non-toll roads for those looking to save money, and there will be an "Avoid tolls" option in the settings menu. 

Toll road pricing should land for Android and iOS users for nearly 2,000 toll roads in the US, India, Japan and Indonesia sometime this month. Other counties will be coming soon. 

In the coming weeks, Google Maps will also begin showing more detail when driving, including upcoming traffic lights, stop signs, building outlines, width of roads, including medians and islands. The search giant says this will decrease the likelihood of last-minute lane changes or missed turns. 

screen-shot-2022-04-04-at-5-16-50-pm-max-1000x1000.png

Google Maps will soon show traffic lights and stop signs along your route, as well as other enhanced details.

Google

For iPhone and iPad users, Google is bringing a new widget that can display planned trips that have been pinned in a user's Go Tab. This widget will display arrival time and suggest routes for drivers. On Apple Watch, users will now be able to read directions when away from an iPhone.

Lastly, Google Maps is integrating into Spotlight, Siri and the Shortcuts app on iOS. Once shortcuts have been set up, users can say "Hey Siri, get directions" to access Google Maps instantly. Spotlight and Shortcuts integration will be coming in the next few months with Siri integration landing in the summer. 


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Big Screen Bargain: This 17-Inch Gaming Laptop Is Only $800 Today


Big Screen Bargain: This 17-Inch Gaming Laptop Is Only $800 Today

Are you ready to take your gaming to the next level? The Asus TUF Gaming laptop is ready to be your player two. It features an Intel Core i5 processor with machine intelligence that anticipates your needs and an enormous 17-inch FHD display with 1920x1080 screen resolution and a 144Hz refresh rate for the size and clarity you need for total game immersion. And it doesn't stop there. The GeForce RTX 3050 Ti graphics card from NVIDIA keeps things running fast. Why choose? Game, watch, create and save $200 doing it when you take advantage of this deal on the Asus TUF Gaming laptop during Best Buy's one-day sale.

This laptop packs a punch, offering more than powerful graphics, a backlit color-changing keyboard and a massive 17-inch screen. With a 512GB solid state drive, you can save files faster, store more data and experience gaming without the dreaded midsave crashes or ill-timed lag. Upstream and downstream audio is also improved by Two-Way AI Noise Cancellation, filtering out unwanted noise to give you the best in online gaming communications wherever you go. And while it does run on Windows 10, it upgrades to Windows 11 for free after purchase, so you don't have to worry about being left in the dust. Have a little fun and get back in the game while this sale lasts.


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Save $57 On the Already Budget-Friendly Motorola Moto G Play


Save $57 On the Already Budget-Friendly Motorola Moto G Play

There's no doubt that phones have come a long way in recent years, but not everyone necessarily wants to carry a tiny computer in their pocket all day. Fortunately, there are plenty of budget-friendly options out there for people only interested in the basics like the Motorola Moto G Play. This affordable 32GB smartphone prioritizes functionality over features, and right now you can snag it at a bargain: Amazon currently has it on sale for just $113, $57 off the usual price. There's no set expiration on this deal, so you may want to get your order in sooner rather than later if you're hoping to snag one at this price.

While you shouldn't expect this Motorola to keep up with the pricey models from Apple or Samsung, it still has plenty to offer for close to $100. It features a 6.5-inch HD Plus display, as well as a 13-megapixel dual camera. It's equipped with a Snapdragon octa-core processor and 3GB of RAM, and while it only has 32GB of storage, that's easily expanded thanks to the built-in microSD card reader. It also boasts an impressive battery life of up to three days, and it's water-repellent, so it's protected against splashes and spills. The phone comes unlocked and is compatible with all major U.S. carriers, as well as some prepaid carriers. 


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MacBook Air M1 review: Big changes from Apple silicon and Big Sur


MacBook Air M1 review: Big changes from Apple silicon and Big Sur

Going hands-on with the new M1-powered Apple MacBook Air feels very different from using any previous MacBook Air, even the early-2020 Intel version I tested alongside it. But that mostly comes from the new MacOS Big Sur experience, more than the hardware changes inside. Big Sur is a huge change for the Mac, with new visual flair, new controls and new ways of interfacing with your Mac. Once you account for the big OS update, the day-to-day experience will be familiar to anyone who has used a recent MacBook Air. That, by itself, is a big point in favor of the theory that switching Macs, especially the MacBook Air, from Intel CPUs to the new Apple-designed M1 system-on-chip will be overall a smooth transition. 

For such a popular laptop -- I often call the MacBook Air the most universally useful laptop you can buy -- continuity of experience is incredibly important. That's true for Air users, who are usually looking for a sleek, reasonably priced machine that just works, as well as for those who use MacBook Pro laptops, the iMac, the Mac Mini or the Mac Pro for professional design, editing, photography or music work. Right now, only part of the Mac line is switching to Apple silicon.  The rest, I'd expect to come sometime in the next year.

Like

  • Big boost to battery life
  • Performance in benchmark tests shows the M1 Air easily outperforming Intel versions
  • Fanless design runs cool and quiet

Don't Like

  • No external design or feature changes
  • App compatibility is an issue for early adopters
  • No mobile broadband options, 5G or otherwise


A familiar experience

There are a couple of things working in the M1's favor when it comes to continuity of experience. The first is that much of what we do on our computers, again especially for the typical MacBook Air buyer, is done online, through cloud-based and browser-based tools. 

Email, social media, shopping, video streaming, even workplace collaboration through Slack or other online tools -- it's all cloud- or browser-based, and for the most part highly platform-agnostic. The differences between the Mac and Windows capabilities of most laptops have narrowed significantly with this shift, and it's rare -- although not unheard of -- that a casual or mainstream user runs into the old problem of not having the right OS for the tool they need. 

Read more: Testing the entire new Apple Mac M1 lineup

In situations like the above, the new M1 MacBook Air feels very much like an Intel MacBook Air, which is a big selling point to anyone concerned about the wholesale platform change.

The Rosetta factor

Assisting in this is the Rosetta 2 emulation technology, which automatically installs itself the first time you attempt to install a non-native app (as in, an app not optimized for the M1 platform). So far, it's let me install things like Adobe apps, including Photoshop and Premiere Pro, Steam for gaming and Google's Chrome web browser. 

Adobe adds its own warning message, letting you know you're still installing and running the Intel versions of these programs while the M1-native versions are being worked on. A version of Lightroom is coming later in 2020, Photoshop and other apps are not coming until sometime in 2021. As Adobe apps and Macs really go hand in hand, it's a bit shocking to me that zero Adobe apps are ready in their native forms on Day 1 of the M1 era. I'd have suspected Apple would keep a team of Adobe engineers chained in the basement of 1 Apple Park Way to make sure at least Photoshop or Illustrator could be a Day 1 native app. 

That said, the emulated versions worked fine. Some of my colleagues would never deign to use Photoshop on a MacBook Air. I've used it for minor picture editing for years and the emulated version felt as robust as the native version on my Core i5 Air. 

img-1732

The new M1 Air next to the 2020 Intel Core i5 Air. 

Dan Ackerman/CNET

One disappointment was that Mac gaming remains, much as it ever was, an afterthought. After some big claims about cult favorite new RPG Baldur's Gate 3 running on M1 Macs, I could not get the Mac version to run via Steam -- I got an error message on each of the M1 Macs I tested. Larian, developer of BG3, tells me that it's working on a Rosetta-ready patch for the Steam version of the game right now. 

Emulating software, especially games, is always a roll of the dice, but at least that's the only app I tried that wouldn't even launch in Rosetta mode. That said, the Steam interface itself ran sluggishly. I hope there's a native version of that in the not-too-distant future as well. 

Testing several other MacOS-compatible games from my Steam and GOG.com libraries, I got two out of six to work, so at the moment, I'd consider this even less of a gaming-friendly machine than its predecessor, but hopefully that's an issue that can be patched or updated away soon. 

But I wouldn't call that a dealbreaker (unless you're specifically buying a new Mac to play Baldur's Gate 3 right now...). The truth is, the x86 app compatibility on the M1 is night and day different from my experience on Arm-based Windows PCs, including similarly high-end ones like the Surface Pro X. Those Arm-based PCs simply refuse to run all but a modest handful of software and while I like a lot about the Surface Pro X, it's a productivity stopper that got in my way a lot. It was impossible to ever really forget you were using a non-Intel computer, while with the M1 MacBook Air, it was (almost) never an issue. 

Call me a fan of fanless 

Of the three new M1 Macs, the MacBook Air is the most different from its predecessor. That's because the system is finally truly fanless, replacing the cooling fans with an aluminum heat spreader inside, as well as taking advantage of the highly efficient M1 chip, which Apple says will produce less heat, do more work per watt and generally outperform even high-end Intel Macs. 

If you've never thought of the MacBook Air as a particularly loud laptop, try letting your 9-year-old play Roblox on it for a while; the fan really kicks in. Having a fanless version -- something still rare even in ultrathin Windows laptops -- is a big internal change.

The M1 version inside the Air is nearly identical to the ones in the MacBook Pro and Mac Mini. On paper the only difference is that the base model has a seven-core GPU on the SOC versus eight GPU cores in the higher-end M1 machines (including in the higher-end M1 Air config). Previously, there was a lot more daylight between the MacBooks, with the default $999 MacBook Air using a relatively wimpy Intel Core i3 CPU. 

That's a huge vote in favor of the Air versus the Pro if you're looking for the most performance for the least money. Considering the entry-level $999 (£999, AU$1,599) M1 MacBook Air and $1,299 (£1,299, AU$1,999) M1 MacBook Pro are both machines with 8GB RAM and 256GB solid-state drives, I know which one I'd suggest as your starting point. For the extra $300 on the Pro, you're getting a slightly brighter screen; the Touch Bar (even as the Air retains the best Touch Bar feature, the Touch ID fingerprint sensor); a few more hours of battery life (according to Apple's claims); and a larger body with "active cooling," otherwise known as a fan, which can allow the M1 MacBook Pro to run at peak speeds for longer without throttling down. 

Considering the similar benchmark scores, there's a strong case to be made for sticking with the new MacBook Air and throwing in another $200 for either 16GB of RAM or a 512GB SSD. Also worth noting, the M1 versions of the MacBook Pro have the same set of two Thunderbolt/USB 4 ports. You'll need an upgraded Intel version of the Pro (starting at $1,799) to get back up to four ports. 

In my hands-on with all three new Macs, you can find more performance and testing details, and find out why the little Mac Mini may be my favorite Mac right now.

img-1725-2

Comparing the new M1 Macs with their Intel counterparts at the CNET Labs Brooklyn outpost. 

Dan Ackerman/CNET

That's probably the biggest letdown of the new Air -- it's new on the inside, not so much on the outside. Still just two ports. No edge-to-edge screen. No 5G. No touchscreen. Basically, all the things people prognosticate about in new-MacBook-Air prediction lists remain hypothetical. This is a transitional product. Once the new platform and software compatibility are well-established, design and feature changes may follow. 

M1 Macs vs. Intel Macs


Geekbench 5 single-core Geekbench 5 multicore Cinebench R23 multicore
M1 Mac Mini 1743 7704 7796
M1 MacBook Air 1731 7518 6822
M1 MacBook Pro 1723 7457 7772
Core i5 MacBook Pro (13-inch Spring 2020) 1184 4143 4703
Core i5 MacBook Air (Spring 2020) 1142 2912 2635
Dan Ackerman/CNET

I often call the MacBook Air the most universally useful laptop you can buy. The latest version swaps out Intel CPUs with Apple's own M1 chip, but it'll be a transparent transition for most. After all, MacBook Air users are usually looking for a sleek, reasonably priced machine that just works. The system is also finally truly fanless, replacing the cooling fans with an aluminum heat spreader inside, as well as taking advantage of the highly efficient M1 chip. For a base price of $999, and often on sale for at least $100 less, it's a great value, considering these tank-like laptops can last for years. 

Read our Apple MacBook Air M1 (Late 2020) review.


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Pixel Buds A-Series review: Excellent headphone value for Android users


Pixel Buds A-Series review: Excellent headphone value for Android users

Google's Pixel Buds A-Series are kind of unusual, in that they're new but not exactly an upgrade. They look and sound very similar to last year's Pixel Buds 2, which debuted at $179 but are now selling for less. However, instead of adding new features -- like active noise canceling -- they've actually lost a few. Why? They only cost $99: The "A" stands for affordability. That new lower price is the real story here and what makes these a bonafide true-wireless value, particularly for Android users. They're available for preorder now and ship June 17.  

Like

  • Lower price
  • Virtually the same likable design and sound as Pixel Buds 2 but weigh slightly less
  • Hands-free Google Assistant
  • Very good sound for the price
  • Excellent call quality
  • Compact charging case
  • IPX4 sweat-resistant (splashproof)

Don't Like

  • No swipe controls for volume up/down
  • No real feature upgrades vs. earlier model
  • Average battery life

As I said, lookwise, not much has changed. They feature the same likable design as the Pixel Buds 2, with the integrated sport fin and relatively discrete look. They don't stick out of your ears as much as many buds do and not only did they fit my ears securely but I found them comfortable to wear.

What's different? 

There are some small differences, however. The Pixel Buds 2 were already relatively lightweight, but these are even a tad lighter -- Google says the Pixel Buds A are "about 20% lighter across the earbuds and the case" compared to the Pixel Buds 2. Along with Clearly White, they come in a new Dark Olive color and incorporate slightly different materials and aren't two-tone. The inside of the buds have a glossy, as opposed to matte, finish and its color matches the color of the outside of the buds. Additionally, the inside of the case also has a glossy finish and its color matches the color of the buds.

On the surface, the Pixel Buds A look very similar to the Pixel Buds 2.

David Carnoy/CNET

The other thing you'll notice is that the nozzle that you attach the ear tip to is now made of plastic instead of metal, which presumably is more durable. Also, the Pixel Buds A have two charging pins as opposed to three and they're missing a sensor. I was worried that meant they had no ear-detection feature (that's the feature where your music pauses when you pull the earbuds out and resumes when you put the buds back in), but it turns out that Google's engineers were able to optimize in-ear detection in the Buds A with one IR sensor, according to a spokesperson. So no issue there. 

The case is the same -- it's nice and compact -- but unlike the Pixel Buds 2, the A-Series doesn't have wireless charging, just USB-C charging. These are also missing the swipe for volume control feature -- you can't run your finger across the bud to adjust volume, you now have to use the volume controls on the device you're streaming from or access Google Assistant by simply saying "Hey. Google," then tell it to raise or lower volume. For Android users Google Assistant is always-on, listening for your voice commands like Siri does with the AirPods, so you don't have to tap a button to access it (unless you turn off the feature). 

google-pixel-buds-a-6

But there are subtle differences, with the Pixel Buds 2 (left) having a metal nozzle, an extra sensor and three charging pins instead of two.

David Carnoy/CNET

Lastly, the A-Series doesn't have the Attention Alerts feature that detects certain ambient sounds, like a baby crying, dog barking or an emergency vehicle siren, and alerts you while you're wearing the buds. I have a feeling that not too many people bothered with that experimental feature, but a lot of people liked the swipe to control volume feature -- it's one of the Pixel Buds' signature features. Personally I can live without it for the price reduction. 

Similar performance

Like the Pixel Buds 2, the Pixel Buds A are equipped with Bluetooth 5.0, but they're powered by a new chipset. When the Pixel Buds 2 first came out, there were widespread complaints that the wireless connectivity wasn't rock solid -- people were getting some dropouts -- and while subsequent firmware upgrades improved performance, Google appears to have addressed any connectivity issues with the A-Series. I had almost no dropouts during my testing time, although like every other true-wireless earbud these aren't completely infallible. 

As far as I can tell, they sound the same as the Pixel Buds 2 -- or very close to them anyway. To get optimal sound, you do need a tight seal, but you should be able to get one with one of the three included eartips. These are comfortable earbuds and they do stay in your ears well and can be used for sporting activities, including running. They have an IPX4 water-resistance rating, which means they're splashproof, the same as the AirPods Pro.

google-pixel-buds-a-3

Like the Pixel Buds 2, the buds don't stick out of your ears as much as some other buds do.

David Carnoy/CNET

They sound quite good overall, with ample bass that's not loose or bloated and have decent clarity with a bit of sparkle in the treble. They don't have the more refined, richer, more open sound of higher end earbuds like the Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 2 or Sony's WF-1000X series, but their sound measures up well against other earbuds' sound at his price. There's a bass boost mode along with an adaptive sound mode that raises and lowers volume according to the amount of ambient noise around you, but the EQ options in the app are limited.

They support streaming using the AAC codec, which both Apple and Android devices use for audio streaming, but not AptX streaming.

They should work well for a variety of music genres, but I did notice they were a bit challenged when I hit them with some complicated rock tracks where a lot of instruments were playing. Again, they lacked the more refined and articulate traits of higher-end buds, but most people should be quite happy with their sound.

I did think these were really good for making calls. To test call quality, I hit the streets of New York and made calls while traffic was passing. The buds did a very good job reducing a lot of background noise during calls and callers said they could hear my voice clearly. For calling, they measured up well against the AirPods Pro, so they seem top-notch in that department.

Battery life remains slightly underwhelming for non-noise-canceling earbuds. They're rated at five hours at moderate volume levels and you can get an extra 19 hours from the charging case. 

Note that there's no multipoint Bluetooth pairing that gives you the option to pair the buds with two devices simultaneously -- such as computer and a smartphone -- so you can seamlessly switch between the two when a call comes in. That's a somewhat rare but useful headphone feature. However, you can pair these with multiple devices, just not two at the same time. 

google-pixel-buds-a-4

The Buds have are splashproof with an IPX4 water-resistance rating just like the AirPods Pro. 

David Carnoy/CNET

Pixel Buds A: Final thoughts

As I said, this is a little bit of an unusual product because it's next-gen but not really an upgrade for owners of the previous model. But I think it's a smart move by Google. As it tries to expand its audience for its true-wireless earbuds, this sub-$100 price is where it needs to play.

You've got Samsung's Galaxy Buds Plus selling for around $100 these days and, even though they've been out a while, they remain a good value at that price with very good sound (they have a little more bass than the Pixel Buds) and excellent battery life. The Anker Liberty Air 2 Pro and Amazon Echo Buds are priced around $130. Both those models feature active noise canceling and sporadically go on sale for $100, so they're also direct competitors that deliver comparable sound (I like the Anker Liberty 2 Pro's sound slightly better). None of those models have hands-free Google Assistant, however.  

So while I don't know if the Pixel Buds A are necessarily any better than those competitors, when you factor in their strong design and solid performance, they're a very good value at $99 and a top pick for Android users. True, they work with Apple devices, but they lack certain features like hands-free Google Assistant or an iOS companion to upgrade the firmware. So Apple users should take a pass unless they also have an Android device.  


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Xiaomi, again, says Apple's criticism of copying designs is overblown


Xiaomi, again, says Apple's criticism of copying designs is overblown

Chinese mobile devices maker Xiaomi is many things, says former Google executive Hugo Barra who this month celebrates his first anniversary as vice president of the Beijing-based company. But it's no copycat.

hugobarra.png
"I think it's great that Apple took existing ideas that were very good and added their design twist on top," said Xiaomi vice president Hugo Barra. "That's what they do. That's what we do." Wall Street Journal Live

Xiaomi is young, at four years old, and still working to expand beyond China into new markets such as India and Brazil, where its low-priced smartphones and tablets are intended to appeal to budget-conscious buyers. It's also trying to capitalize on a business model that revolves around selling more than 1,000 products at or near cost -- everything from mobile phones to accessories to television sets to stuffed animals -- in its quest to "make small amounts of money" on everything it offers.

But don't dismiss it as an imitator, riding on design innovations brought to market by Apple with the iPhone and iPad, said Barra, who Tuesday countered comments by Apple's design chief Jony Ive accusing Xiaomi of design "theft" and of "being lazy." That Barra, who already came to Xiaomi's defense over Ive's comments at a Vanity Fair conference on October 9, decided to speak out again shows the issue is far from being settled.

"Our designers, our engineers, are inspired by great products and great design out there. In today's world, who isn't? " Barra said at The Wall Street Journal's Live technology conference in Laguna Beach, Calif. "Point me to a product in our industry that has a completely unique design language? You're not going to be able to find one."

Barra said he was a "huge Apple fan" and called the iPhone 6, which went on sale in September, "the world's most beautiful smartphone ever designed." But while Apple is the "world's design mecca," it also gets its design inspiration from others. The iPhone 6 borrowed "design language" from smartphone maker HTC, Barra added, echoing comments he made to the Economic Times of India.

"I think it's great that Apple took existing ideas that were very good and added their design twist on top," Barra said today. "That's what they do. That's what we do."

Ive, who oversees Apple's hardware and software design and is credited with helping create iconic products including the iPhone, iPad, iMac and soon-to-be-released Apple Watch, shared a different view when asked about alleged copy-cat design by companies including Xiaomi.

"I don't see it as flattery," he said. "When you're doing something for the first time, you don't know it's going to work. You spend seven or eight years working on something, and then it's copied. I have to be honest, the first thing I can think, all those weekends that I could have at home with my family but didn't. I think it's theft, and it's lazy."

Ive's comments come after Apple spent the past few years in court around the world, defending its design and development work in its iOS mobile software in patent disputes with arch rival Samsung, the world's No. 1 maker of smartphones. The iPhone accounts for more than 50 percent of Apple's sales, and Apple CEO Tim Cook told WSJ conference attendees on Monday that the smartphone will continue to be the company's main sales and profit driver for the next three to five years.

Xiaomi, whose devices run Google's Android mobile OS, has become the world's fifth largest smartphone maker behind Samsung, Apple, Huawei and Lenovo, according to research firm Strategy Analytics. Its business model remains to sell devices, including the Redmi Note which retails at around $154 (£95 or AU$170), as close to cost as it can, and then turn a profit over time when manufacturing costs drop.

"We just fundamentally believe that when it costs you $200 to make something, you shouldn't sell it for $600...The business model is to make a little bit of money where we can," Barra said in a not-so-subtle dig at Apple. "Innovation is not a luxury item. Innovation is for everyone."

CNET's Aloysius Low contributed to this report.


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12 keyboard shortcuts every Chromebook owner needs to know


12 keyboard shortcuts every Chromebook owner needs to know

Chrome OS is a blissfully streamlined operating system that is easy to use. Keyboard shortcuts, however, can make navigating your Chromebook even easier. Here are the top dozen shortcuts.

1. Alt + Search

One of the first things you'll notice about a Chromebook's keyboard is the caps-lock key has a magnifying glass on it. Instead of locking caps, this key calls up Chrome OS's search window. You can still do caps lock, however, by hitting the search key while holding down the Alt key.

2. Shift + Escape

This is the Chrome OS equivalent of Windows' Ctrl-Alt-Delete. Shift-Esc calls up Chrome's Task Manager where you can see which apps are using the most system resources and force quit an unresponsive app. This keyboard shortcut only works when Chrome is your active window; it won't work if you have an app as its own window as your top-most, active window.

3. Search + L

Hit this combo when you get up from your Chromebook to lock it. You'll need to enter you password upon your return to unlock it.

4. Ctrl + Shift + Q(x2)

Hold down Ctrl and Shift and hit the Q key twice to log out of your Chromebook.

5. Alt + 1-9

If you have pinned your favorite apps to Chrome OS's shelf, then you can use these shortcuts to open them. Alt-1 opens the leftmost app pinned to the shelf, for example, while Alt-9 opens the rightmost app.

7. Alt + [ or ]

These two shortcuts are great for multitasking. The left bracket combo docks the active window to the left side of your screen, and the right bracket does the opposite, letting you quickly set up side-by-side windows.

8. Alt + -

Alt plus the minus-sign key minimizes your active window. With your desktop clear, this combo will the restore the last window you minimized.

9. Alt + =

Alt plus the equals key stretches your current active window across your desktop. It's not quite full-screen mode because it leaves the header at the top of the window. You can use the full-screen key (found in the F4 spot) to go full screen.

10. Alt + backspace

The backspace key deletes the character to the left of your cursor. Windows PCs, however, have a separate delete key that deletes characters to the right of the cursor. To get this Windows delete-key functionality on a Chromebook, just hold down the Alt key when you backspace.

11. Ctrl + 'switch window' key

The switch window key is usually found in the F5 spot on a Chromebook keyboard. Combined with the Ctrl key, it takes a screenshot of your entire desktop and saves it to your Downloads folder. To take a screenshot of only a portion of your desktop, use Ctrl + Shift + switch window key.

12. Ctrl + Alt + /

It's easier to think of this combo as using the ? symbol, which is the shifted version of the forward-slash. If you have a question about keyboard shortcuts, this combo calls up a keyboard overlay to show you the various keyboard shortcuts available for Chrome OS.


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Save Hundreds on Laptops, 2-in-1s and Chromebooks With These Best Buy Daily Deals


Save Hundreds on Laptops, 2-in-1s and Chromebooks With These Best Buy Daily Deals

Best Buy offers a rotating selection of new deals every day, and if you're in the market for a new laptop right now, you won't want to miss today's picks. Wednesday only, the tech retailer has big discounts on a select laptops, Chromebooks and two-in-ones. You'll find big discounts on everything from budget-friendly models starting at just $100 to gaming laptops with high-powered hardware. You can see the entire selection of daily deals here:

These deals are only available until 9:59 p.m. PT (12:59 a.m. ET) tonight, so be sure to get your order in before then if you're hoping to take advantage of these discounts.

Microsoft

This deal is on the step-up model of the Surface Pro X, which features the more advanced SQ2 processor, as well as 16GB of RAM and 256GB of storage. The laptop itself features a 13-inch touchscreen with a stunning 2,880x1,920-pixel resolution, as well as a front-facing camera with 1080p video. On a single charge, it boasts a battery life of up to 15 hours, and at just 1.7 pounds, it's perfect for getting some serious work done when you're on the go. 

Best Buy

This 14-inch Asus laptop comes equipped with 4GB of RAM, 64GB of on-board storage and runs Windows 11S. It's not a powerhouse machine, but at just $100 it's perfect for those who want to browse the web, create some documents, answer emails, check in on social media and other basic tasks.

Samsung

Another budget-friendly pick, this Samsung Galaxy Chromebook 2 packs a little more punch than the Asus above. It's slightly smaller, with a 12.4-inch touchscreen display, and it's equipped with 4GB of RAM, and 128GB of built-in storage. It also doubles as a tablet with a screen that folds completely flat, and with 10 hours of battery life and weighing just 2.8 pounds, it's perfect for taking on the go. 

Asus

This is a great bargain for those on the hunt for an entry-level gaming laptop. This Asus G14 comes equipped with a powerful AMD Ryzen 7 processor, as well as a NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650 GPU for stunning graphics. It also features 16GB of dual-channel system memory for juggling multiple high-strain applications with ease, and a 512GB SSD. Plus Wi-Fi 6 support, compatibility with multiple VR systems, a backlight keyboard, speakers with Dolby Atmos and much more. 


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2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review: Grow Up, Glow Up


2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid Review: Grow Up, Glow Up

The latest iteration of the Kia Sportage gets a major glow-up. Kia has been aggressively pushing the design of its vehicles to the point that this muscular 2023 Sportage Hybrid SX Prestige looks of a completely different lineage to the cute, small SUV it replaces. (Heck, it's barely recognizable as a Kia's.) And behind that wild styling is a sweet new hybrid powertrain, vastly improved cabin tech and the automaker's latest driver-assistance technology.

Head-turning new look

The new Sportage is larger than before at 183.5 inches from bumper to bumper -- 7.1 inches longer than the outgoing model -- and has an extra 3.4 inches between its axles, bringing the new wheelbase to 108.5 inches. Sharply creased shoulders, more muscular flanks and horizontal grille and rear bumper elements create the illusion of a much broader stance, despite the 73.4-inch wide SUV only being 0.4 inches wider than its forebear. Overall, the new look is more mature with a good balance of proportions familiar to modern SUVs in this class with thoughtful and challenging design details that turn heads wherever the Sportage goes.

The growth spurt makes room for a more spacious interior. The Sportage Hybrid now boasts more legroom than the Toyota RAV4 Hybrid, particularly on the second row where it's gained a 3.5-inch advantage (41.3 inches versus the RAV4's 37.8 inches). And even with the battery pack costing a bit of cargo capacity versus the non-hybrid model, the 39.5 cubic feet of cargo space behind the Sportage Hybrid's optional hands-free liftgate (73.7 cubes with the seats folded flat) is still very generous for this class, beating the RAV4 Hybrid's 37.5 cubic feet.

Despite being called Shadow Matte Gray, this example's optional $595 exterior finish is more satin than true matte and, frankly, more premium-looking for it. The top SX Prestige spec feels like it was designed with this finish in mind, complementing the paint with satin chrome accents on the grille and window surrounds and contrasting with glossy black trim around the body and wheel arches. And while the LX and EX trim levels come with machine-finish 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels, respectively, the SX Prestige features practically color-matched matte gray 18s with 235/60 all-season tires.

1.6-liter turbocharged hybrid

The Sportage Hybrid is powered by a 1.6-liter turbocharged inline-4 mated to a 44-kilowatt electric motor and a 1.5-kilowatt-hour lithium-polymer battery. Together, they make a total of 227 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque which is routed through a 6-speed automatic transmission to either the front wheels or an optional all-wheel-drive system with a locking center differential for light off-road use. This is essentially the same hybrid powertrain from the outstanding Hyundai Tucson Hybrid, but with one more pony, so if you don't love the Kia's look, maybe the Hyundai will tickle your fancy.

User-selectable drive modes (Normal, Eco and Sport) allow broad customization of the Sportage Hybrid's responsiveness. Meanwhile, standard paddle shifters grant more precise control over the transmission's behavior, but I almost never need them given the hybrid SUV's comfort-tuned suspension favoring a more relaxed driving style.

Front-wheel drive is more efficient, but EX and SX Prestige models come standard with all-wheel drive.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The hybrid is the most powerful Sportage variant (for now), being substantially more potent than the 187-hp 2.5-liter engine in the non-hybrid. I'm impressed with the smooth acceleration and solid passing power. The 1.6-liter engine doesn't deliver the most pleasant wide-open-throttle auditory experience, but it is a lot less drone-y than most CVT-equipped hybrids and, during light cruising and city driving, the Sportage Hybrid is satisfyingly quiet.

It's also fuel-efficient. The front-drive Sportage Hybrid averages 42 mpg in the city, 48 mpg highway and 43 mpg combined according to the EPA's estimates. Adding all-wheel drive knocks the numbers for my example down to a tidy 38 mpg across the board. Over a 149-mile mix of performance testing and relaxed cruising, I averaged 35.5 mpg -- not too far off the mark.

Wait for the PHEV?

Of course, if you're as impressed with the Sportage Hybrid's performance as I am, it may be worth waiting for the upcoming plug-in hybrid model expected to launch later this year. The PHEV swaps in a bigger 7.2-kWh battery pack that can be recharged at an outlet or charging station for up to 32 miles of electric range before reverting to gasoline hybrid operation, which should boost overall efficiency. It should also be a touch more powerful thanks to its 67-kW electric motor.

However, there are potential trade-offs to consider: Making room for more battery will cost the PHEV 1.8 inches of rear legroom and 2.1 cubic feet of cargo space -- though, it'll still finish ahead of the RAV4 by both metrics. There's also the higher expected price and potentially more limited availability to consider. Still, if it's anywhere near as good as the Hyundai Tucson PHEV -- which it almost certainly will be with the same powertrain and tech -- the Sportage PHEV will be worth the wait.

The hybrid is great, but I reckon the plug-in version coming later this year will be worth waiting for.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Dual-screen cabin tech

The Sportage's cockpit is home to Kia's now-familiar dual-display infotainment system that bonds two screens to a single curved glass panel stretching halfway across the dashboard. This is essentially the same infotainment setup we've seen previously in the Kia EV6, but with the EV-specific menus swapped out for hybrid screens.

The left display is home to the standard 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster and information display. The right is where you'll find the latest generation of Kia's UVO touchscreen infotainment. The base LX trim features an 8-inch touchscreen, while EX and SX Prestige step up to a 12.3-inch display with navigation. I'm a fan of this system's logical and familiar menu system, the user-customizable 'star' shortcut buttons on the steering wheel and dashboard and its unique, weird features like the ability to record audio memos or listen to nature sounds on the go. 

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are standard for all models with wireless connectivity on the base LX spec's 8-inch system, but not the big-screen EX or SX Prestige models. This is an odd omission that makes the wireless phone charger added at these trim levels feel slightly less useful, but not quite a deal breaker.

Inside, you'll find improved tech, but also much nicer cabin materials like the SX Prestige's perforated and quilted SynTex seats.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

Standard Drivewise driving aids

Regardless of trim, all 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrids come standard with the automaker's Drivewise driver aid suite. This rolls in lane-keeping assist, forward-collision avoidance with braking assist, blind-spot monitoring, auto-braking rear cross-traffic alert and rear park distance sensors. Other optional safety features that come online with the SX Prestige trim include adaptive cruise control with stop-and-go, Kia's blind spot view cameras and surround-view parking cameras, as well as 360-degree parking distance sensors with collision avoidance brake assist. 

The SX Prestige also adds Kia's Remote Smart Parking, a feature that allows the driver to move the Sportage straight forward or in reverse while standing curbside. For safety, the system uses the distance sensors to prevent collisions with obstructions or pedestrians and only operates when the driver is close to the vehicle. It's nowhere near as complex as, say, Tesla's Summon promises, but it's also extremely simple to operate. Just line the car up with a narrow parking spot, hop out and hold a button on the key fob to guide the Sportage home. As a person living with a garage that mostly goes unused because most cars won't fit while still being able to open their doors, I'd use this feature every day given the chance.

At the upper trim levels, opting for the hybrid system is almost a no-brainer.

Antuan Goodwin/CNET

The one to get

The 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid starts at $28,585 (including $1,295 destination) for the base Hybrid LX, a $1,300 premium over the same non-hybrid spec. Add $1,800 if you want all-wheel drive, but only if you think you'll really need it for your climate; the base Sportage Hybrid is potentially much more cost and fuel efficient without it. EX and SX Prestige models roll all-wheel drive into their respective $32,285 and $37,485 price tags, simplifying packaging somewhat and reducing the hybrid tax to as low as $900 for the top SX spec -- choosing the hybrid is almost a no-brainer at this grade.

Including paint and carpeted floor mats, my example comes in at $38,235 as tested -- over $4,000 less than RAV4 Hybrid Limited when comparably equipped. So not only is the 2023 Kia Sportage Hybrid one of the top picks in its class with excellent performance and outstanding design inside and out, it's one of the best values, too.


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CDC Recommends COVID Vaccines for Kids as Young as 6 Months Old


CDC Recommends COVID Vaccines for Kids as Young as 6 Months Old

For the most up-to-date news and information about the coronavirus pandemic, visit the

WHO

and

CDC

websites.

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on Saturday recommended Moderna's and Pfizer's COVID vaccines for all children 6 months through 5 years of age. 

Earlier in the day, science advisers to the CDC voted unanimously to recommend the shots, and CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky later approved the advisers' recommendation. The move expands eligibility for vaccination to nearly 20 million additional children, and parents could be able to start getting young kids their shots early next week.

"Together, with science leading the charge, we have taken another important step forward in our nation's fight against COVID-19," Walensky said in a statement. "We know millions of parents and caregivers are eager to get their young children vaccinated, and with today's decision, they can. I encourage parents and caregivers with questions to talk to their doctor, nurse, or local pharmacist to learn more about the benefits of vaccinations and the importance of protecting their children by getting them vaccinated."    

All children, including kids who've already had COVID-19, should get vaccinated, the CDC said in a release, adding that COVID vaccines have been subjected to the most intensive safety monitoring in US history and will continue to be closely monitored.

The vote and Walensky's approval come a day after the vaccines were approved for emergency use by the Food and Drug Administration, which said it expected them to protect younger kids from the most serious outcomes of COVID-19, including hospitalization and death.

Pfizer's vaccines had previously been approved for use in children at least 5 years old, while the Moderna vaccine had only been approved for use in people ages 18 and up.

For most small children, the Moderna vaccines will be administered in two shots one month apart, though some kids with certain kinds of immunocompromise could receive a third shot at least one month after they get their second, the FDA said.

With the Pfizer vaccine, all kids ages 6 months through 4 years will get three shots, the first two of them three weeks apart, followed by a third dose at least eight weeks later.

The White House has said the vaccinations could start as early as Tuesday, though vaccine availability could vary state to state.

CNET's Bree Fowler contributed to this report.

The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.


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Trend Micro says one of its employees stole and sold customer data


Trend Micro says one of its employees stole and sold customer data

Antivirus software company Trend Micro on Tuesday revealed a security incident in which an employee accessed customer data for criminal purposes. The personal data of an unknown number of customers who bought its PC security products was disclosed in the scheme, the company said. Trend Micro has already notified affected customers and looped in law enforcement.

Trend Micro called the attack, which it said took place in early August, "a malicious internal source that engaged in a premeditated infiltration scheme to bypass our sophisticated controls."

The company alleges criminals began scam-calling customers while impersonating staff members. At the end of October, it discovered the attack was coordinated by an employee who used a customer support database with names, phone numbers, email addresses and support ticket numbers and then allegedly sold the stolen information to a third party.

No financial or credit card payment information was accessed, Trend Micro said. Business and government customers were also unaffected.

"We took swift action to contain the situation, including immediately disabling the unauthorized account access and terminating the employee in question, and we are continuing to work with law enforcement on an ongoing investigation," Trend Micro said in a blog post.

The antivirus company advised that it never calls customers unexpectedly.


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