London-based tech firm Nothing has delighted us beforewith its light-up Android phones that provide some much-needed frivolity in a world full of plain, gray smartphones that take themselves too seriously. The Nothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro are cut from the same cloth as their predecessors, packing solid all-round specs, affordable price tags and an LED-infused design that stands out from the crowd.The Nothing Phone 3A is the base model in the new series, starting at $379 with 12GB RAM and 256GB storage. In the UK, you can pick up a pared-back model with 8GB RAM and 128GB of storage for only 329, or get the 12GB/256GB model for 379. The Phone 3A Pro has a more full-featured camera system than the base 3A, but shares the same processor, display and batteries. It costs $459 (449) for the 12GB/256GB model.I tested the Nothing Phone 3A Pro while on the ground in Barcelona for last week's Mobile World Congress. I'm quite keen on the phone's balance of price and performance and look forward to seeing how it stacks up against other affordable phones like the new Samsung Galaxy A series and the Google Pixel 8A-- as well as pricier budget phones like the iPhone 16E.Read more: MWC Barcelona 2025: What to Expect From Samsung, Xiaomi and MoreNothing Phone 3A's flashy design Flashy lights? Yes, please. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe design is the first thing that stands out about these phones. The glass back reveals screws and data ribbons, giving it an industrial look that I find appealing. The LED lights -- which Nothing calls the Glyph -- are strewn around the camera units on both phones and light up to alert you to incoming notifications. They're a fun addition to Nothing's phones that you won't find anywhere else.Both phones have 6.7-inch displays that looked bright and vibrant during my hands-on time, easily countering Barcelona's gray, overcast weather. Those under the bright midday California sun may have a different experience. With an IP68 water resistance rating, taking calls in the pouring rain (again, not you, California) won't be a problem.Read more:Samsung Shows Off Quirky Pincer Phone, Folding Console and Flexi Briefcase ConceptsNothing Phone 3A and 3A Pro performance The display is vibrant and sharp. Andrew Lanxon/CNETPowering the 3A series is the Qualcomm Snapdragon 7s Gen 3 processor, which provided decent scores on our benchmark tests, especially considering the price of the phones. While not topping today's flagship phones, the 3A Pro's results are more in line with the Pixel 8A and Galaxy A35 5G, both of which are great phones.In everyday use, the phone has plenty of power for essential tasks, while games like Alto's Odyssey and Vampire Survivors ran smoothly.Read more: Oppo Find N5 Review: A Remarkably Thin and Surprisingly Practical Foldable PhoneNothing Phone 3A and AIBoth phones run Android 15 at their core, but Nothing has heavily customized the interface with a stark, monochrome aesthetic. It looks sleek, but I sometimes struggle to distinguish app icons when they're reduced to minimalist black-and-white buttons. Still, you might be into the mono look, and if not, you can customize the layout to your liking. Nothing promises a total of six years of software and security support, which is good, especially considering the price.Gemini Advanced, Gemini Live and Circle to Search are all available to use on the phones, and while Nothing hasn't thrown in much of its own AI stuff (for which I'm grateful), it has launched one tool that I quite like. Called the Essential Space, it's designed as a central hub for storing your thoughts, notes, screenshots and ideas throughout the day. The Essential Space will fill up with all your thoughts and ideas. Maybe. Andrew Lanxon/CNETSee some shoes you like? Open the camera and use the dedicated Essential Space button on the side of the phone to save a shot -- along with your voice note about them -- to your Space. Need to buy brie, vodka, party hats and snake food on the way home? A long button press will let you dictate your shopping list to add it to your Space to check later.It's a nice idea in theory, though right now it seems limited in its functionality. Essential Space is essentially a hub for screenshots and voice notes, but I see its potential. It's refreshing to find a feature that's both unique and genuinely useful. Nothing emphasizes that Essential Space is still in beta, with more features on the way -- so keep an eye on this space.Read more:We've Found 6 MWC 2025 Products You Can Actually Start Ordering Right NowNothing Phone 3A Pro cameraBoth phones pack 50-megapixel main cameras and while Nothing says the Pro model has upgraded autofocus and dynamic range, I haven't yet been able to compare them, so my thoughts here are based on my use of the Phone 3A Pro. Enlarge Image Taken with the main camera, this shot is vibrant and sharp. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image Despite the challenging high-contrast scene, the Phone 3A Pro does a decent job balancing bright highlights and shadowy areas. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image There are various filters, but I particularly like the black-and-white one. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image The ultrawide camera delivers a well-balanced exposure in this shot. Andrew Lanxon/CNETWhile the base 3A packs a 50 megapixel telephoto camera capable of 2x optical zoom, the 3A Pro's 50-megapixel periscope camera offers 3x optical zoom, with 6x "in-sensor" zoom, which effectively crops the sensor out to achieve a longer zoom. Enlarge Image Taken at 6x zoom, this shot remains nice and sharp Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe base Phone 3A has a 32-megapixel front-facing camera and the 3A Pro has a 50-megapixel sensor that's larger to help take sharper shots. Enlarge Image Testing the Pro's front-facing camera was the perfect excuse to get a large beer. The image itself is fine, especially considering the relatively low-light environment. Andrew Lanxon/CNETNothing Phone 3A, 3A Pro or a rival phone? The Nothing 3A (left) and Nothing 3A Pro (right). Andrew Lanxon/CNETI'm surprised by how little difference there is between the two models. With the same processor, display, and 5,000mAh battery (with 50W fast charging), the main distinctions are the added periscope zoom and the higher-resolution front-facing camera. Is photography important to you? If so, maybe spring for the pro. Otherwise, save yourself a few bucks and go for the base model.Both phones seem to offer a solid overall experience at a genuinely reasonable price. At $379, it's a great deal for a phone that can handle almost anything -- especially when Apple considers $599 "affordable" for the iPhone 16E. However, unless you need a new phone right away, it may be worth waiting to see how Samsung's newly announced Galaxy A26 and A36 stack up, or if Google's Pixel 9A is just around the corner. Watch this: Unboxing the Nothing Phone 3a Pro Shot With a 3a Pro's Camera 00:37 Watch this: Nothing Phone 3A Unboxing 00:26

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.There's a thesaurus joke in today'sNYT Mini Crossword. But if you like word puzzles, you probably like jokes about books full of words, so you've got that going for you. Need some help with today's Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for March 11, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Format for many e-signed documentsAnswer: PDF4A clue: AspirationsAnswer: GOALS6A clue: "This thesaurus is awful. Not only is it awful, it's also ___!" (joke)Answer: AWFUL7A clue: Southpaw, by another nameAnswer: LEFTY8A clue: Deli bread varietyAnswer: RYEMini down clues and answers1D clue: Word after flower or fireAnswer: POWER2D clue: Looney Tunes character with the catchphrase "You're dethpicable!"Answer: DAFFY3D clue: What you might blow in, when you're blowin' in the wind?Answer: FLUTE4D clue: Actress GadotAnswer: GAL5D clue: Adjective for a foxAnswer: SLYHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

The TCL 60 series of phones is expanding, the company revealed Monday at Mobile World Congress 2025. TCL highlighted its plans internationally forlower-cost phone models that have a 108-megapixel main camera, more NxtPaper displays that mimic e-readers and big 5,200-mAh batteries with 18-watt wired charging.The TCL 60 series first debuted in January at CES 2025 with the $200 TCL 60 XE NxtPaper 5G that will head to the US market later this year. The TCL 60 XE will be joined by several variations of both TCL's NxtPaper devices and phones with traditional displays that are set for release in Asia, Europe and Latin American markets.Read more: MWC 2025: All the Phones, Wearables, Robots and AI Live From Barcelona The TCL 60 SE NxtPaper 5G. TCLTCL 60 series display and batteryThe TCL 60 SE NxtPaper 5G has a 6.7-inch display, 5,200-mAh battery, support for AI tools like a writing assistant, an IP54 rating for splash and dust resistance and 18GB of memory paired up with 256GB of storage. That phone will cost 189 euros, which roughly converts to $195.The TCL 60 NxtPaper -- without any additional letters in its name -- has a larger 6.8-inch display, a 108-megapixel main camera (which we rarely see in these price ranges) and up to 512GB of internal storage. Like the SE phone, it will also include 18GB of memory and a 5,200-mAh battery. That phone will cost 199 euros. TCL's NxtPaper phones change to an eReader-like mode by tapping a button. Tara Brown/CNETTCL 60 series priceTCL's non-NxtPaper devices range in price from 109 euros to 169 euros. On the low end of this price range is the TCL 605 which has 128GB of storage, a 50-megapixel main camera and a 5,200-mAh battery. While on the higher-end are the TCL 60 5G and TCL 60 SE. The 60 SE has a 6.67-inch display, a 50-megapixel main camera, 8GB of memory and 512GB of storage. The 60 5G -- without any additional letters -- gets a 6.8-inch display with a 120Hz refresh rate, runs on a MediaTek Dimensity 6300 processor and has 6GB of memory along with 256GB of storage. The entire TCL 60 series unveiled at MWC 2025. TCLWill the TCL 60 series come to the US?While most of these phones aren't coming to the US, this lineup does give a few hints about what could be coming to phones that cost $200 and less from TCL and other phone companies. For the last few years, phone batteries in these lower-cost phones have kept to 5,000 mAh -- which as it is often last a full day -- but companies like OnePlus are starting to push those capacities even higher in more expensive phones. Its promising to see that lower-cost devices can start bumping up the battery capacity.Read more: 5 MWC 2025 Products You Can Actually Buy Right Now

The Xiaomi 14 Ultra was one of thebest phonesof 2024, thanks in no small part to an awesome camera system that took some of the best photos I've ever seen from a camera phone. At the heart of this was its 1-inch type image sensor, which is physically larger than the sensors found in almost any other phone. The result? Great-looking images in a variety of conditions.But it's 2025 now and the Xiaomi 15 Ultra is here to try and tempt more photographers away from Apple's clutches.The phone has had a variety of updates, including the powerful Snapdragon 8 Elite processorand a host of new AI skills -- because apparently all phones need to have AI built in whether you like it or not. And while the camera hasn't seen many updates, there are a few tweaks to keep photographers interested.Read more: MWC 2025: All the Phones, Wearables, Robots and AI Live From Barcelona MWC 2025: Xiaomi's Photography-Focused 15 Ultra Is a Powerhouse See all photos The Xiaomi 15 Ultra global version was announced at Mobile World Congress in Barcelona. It goes on sale in the UK and wider Europe later this month for 1,299 with 512GB of storage or 1,499 if you want 1TB. As with other Xiaomi phones, the 15 Ultra will not be available to buy in the US but for reference that base UK price converts to $1,630 or AU$2,630.Here are the most important things to know about the Xiaomi 15 Ultra.Xiaomi 15 Ultra camera The Xiaomi 15 Ultra comes with four generations of OS updates along with six years of security support. Andrew Lanxon/CNETI was bowled over by the massive image sensor inside the 14 Ultra's main camera, so I suppose I should be pleased that the 15 Ultra has kept it. But I am a bit disappointed that it's literally the same model -- the Sony LYT-900. Sure, it's a great sensor and not that old, but I had hoped to see Xiaomi take its winning formula from last year and make it even better.Maybe the lens is better? On paper, I'd actually argue there's been a downgrade. The 14 Ultra had a rare variable aperture, which went from wide open at f/1.6 and could close down to f/4. It allowed for attractive star-burst effects when shooting points of light in the dark. The 15 Ultra has gotten rid of this and instead has a fixed f/1.6 aperture -- Xiaomi says it can achieve the same effects "through software optimization and algorithm updates." Sigh. MWC 2025: I Took Hundreds of Photos With the Xiaomi 15 Ultra. These Are My Faves See all photos Read more: Best Android Phone of 2025While you can adjust the depth of field strength (the amount of background blur behind your subject) in the portrait mode, I've found a couple of things wrong. First, the image with the blur doesn't save when you take it, so it looks the same no matter what fake aperture you set it as. This is probably just early software problems and I'm sure they'll be fixed. But the lack of real adjustable aperture also means you don't get the nice star bursts on street lights at night anymore.Those starbursts are probably a niche thing to be excited about, but they truly transformed the look of night photos and the effect was one of my favorite things about shooting with the 14 Ultra. To see this kind of innovation chucked out in favor of a software-based "solution" is frustrating. It's also exactly what I complained so much about last year, with AI being the only area where companies are innovating now. Ironically, in that article, I applauded Xiaomi for the 14 Ultra, but I won't be able to with this new model. Here's the Xiaomi 15 Ultra's camera app. Andrew Lanxon/CNETIt's also odd to see that the ultrawide camera's aperture has been dropped from f/1.8 to f/2.2. The only actual upgrade to the cameras I can see is that the telephoto zoom resolution is higher for better-looking zoomed-in shots.Photos taken with the Xiaomi 15 UltraIt's still a powerful camera setup though and I've taken some shots in my testing that I like. As with the 14 Ultra, the camera is certified by Leica, and there are some Leica-approved color styles to choose from, my favorite of which remains the high contrast black and white mode. It's great for punchy monochrome street photography.You can see a selection of my test images here, but also check out my longer gallery of examples if you're keen to see more of this camera in action. Enlarge Image Vibrant colors and great exposure and detail from this outdoor shot taken on the main camera. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image I loved using the Leica high contrast black and white mode for punchy street photography in Edinburgh. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image Taken in raw and edited in Lightroom, the camera's ability to capture beautiful light and shadow has resulted in a great-looking pic of my stunning ball of delightful furry wonder. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image This night time shot from the main camera looks awesome, though I'd like it even more with a subtle star burst on the street light. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image Using the telephoto zoom lens, I've been able to fill the frame with the awkwardness of this street performer forcing two strangers to hold hands for an extended period. Andrew Lanxon/CNET Enlarge Image And here the telephoto zoom has captured a nice natural bokeh around this couple. Andrew Lanxon/CNETXiaomi's Photography Kit is optional for the 15 UltraYes, you can buy the 15 Ultra with the same Photography Kit that was offered with last year's model. It includes a case, a powered grip with shutter button and an attachable ring that allows you to use regular 67mm photography filters. The grip is awesome. It clicks in neatly, adds some extra battery life to the phone and the shutter button and settings wheel allow you to shoot just like you were using a compact camera. It's much more comfortable than taking photos without it.It's been updated too, with a new thumb grip attachment to make it a bit easier to hold. There's also a soft-touch, screw-in shutter release button, which is bigger and easier to quickly find and hit than the original button it screws into. If you're keen on using your phone for street or travel photography, the Photography Kit is worth getting. Look at the Xiaomi 15 Ultra wearing its optional Photographer's Kit. Andrew Lanxon/CNETThe Snapdragon 8 Elite chip is a powerhouseThe Snapdragon 8 Elite chip found inside the Xiaomi 15 Ultra has already impressed us on phones like the OnePlus 13 and its power is noticeable here, too. It put in notable scores on our benchmark tests, while everyday operation is fast and lag-free.It's great for gamers, too, with demanding titles like Genshin Impact playing smoothly at max settings and at 60 frames per second. Qualcomm's 8 Elite chip isn't just designed for raw power though, it's built for better AI processing. Which brings me neatly on toNew AI skills with Gemini on the Xiaomi 15 UltraGoogle Gemini and Gemini advanced are built in as standard, including the conversational Gemini Live and Circle to Search. But Xiaomi has thrown in a few of its own features, too. There's a generative text tool to create blocks of text based on your prompts, along with a helpful tool that creates text transcriptions from voice recordings -- great for a busy tech journalist.There's also a variety of image-focused AI tools for expanding an image using generative AI, removing things in a scene or simply sharpening the picture. The AI tools all work as well as I'd hope, but it's worth keeping in mind that all of them require an internet connection in order to use -- including the voice transcript tool, for some reason. The Xiaomi 15 Ultra runs on Android 15. Andrew Lanxon/CNETAn acceptable software support periodThe 15 Ultra launches with Android 15 on board, and Xiaomi promises it'll receive four generations of Android updates along with six years of security support. It's less than what both Samsung and Google provide for their flagships (seven years of both software and security support) and I'd certainly have liked to see Xiaomi match, or even beat its rivals here, especially considering the high price of the phone.Still, a shelf life of six years is decent enough (a third of people keep their phones for three years or longer) and matches what OnePlus offers for its recent OnePlus 13 flagship.The rest of the phone is solid tooBattery life is good, but not outstanding. On our demanding video streaming test it held out better than the OnePlus 13 but didn't do quite as well as the Galaxy S25 Ultra. You can safely expect a day of use but as with all phones you'll probably want to give it a full charge overnight. The 6.7-inch display is bright, vibrant and pin sharp. Videos look great, as do colorful mobile games.The phone is IP68 rated to help keep it safe from spilled drinks, too. All in all, it's a phone that ticks pretty much every box you'd expect from one of today's flagships. I just wish I'd seen more innovation in the cameras for this year's model. Still, there's no question that it still takes superb images that rival any of today's flagships. If you're looking for a high-performance Android phone to use as your main camera on your travels, it's certainly worth considering.Xiaomi 15 Ultra specs vs. Xiaomi 14 Ultra, Samsung Galaxy S25 Ultra, OnePlus 13 Xiaomi 15 UltraXiaomi 14 UltraSamsung Galaxy S25 UltraOnePlus 13Display size, tech, resolution, refresh rate 6.73-inch AMOLED; 3,200x1,440 pixels; 1 - 120Hz adaptive refresh rate 6.73-inch AMOLED; 3,200x1,440 pixels, 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.8-inch AMOLED; 3,120x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh rate6.82-inch AMOLED; 3,168x1,440 pixels; 1-120Hz adaptive refresh ratePixel density 522ppi522 ppi501 ppi510ppiDimensions (inches) Black and white: 6.35 x 2.96 x 0.37 in.; Silver chrome: 16.35 x 2.96 x 0.37 in.6.35 x 2.96 x 0.36 in6.41 x 3.06 x 0.32 in.6.41x3.01x0.33 in. (arctic dawn/black eclipse); 6.41x3.01x0.35 in. (midnight ocean)Dimensions (millimeters) Black and white: 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.35 mm; Silver chrome: 161.3 x 75.3 x 9.48 mm 161.4 x 75.3 x 9.2mm162.8 x 77.6 x 8.2 mm162.9x76.5x8.5mm (arctic dawn/black eclipse); 162.9x76.5x8.9mm (midnight ocean)Weight (grams, ounces) Black and white: 226g (7.97 oz.); Silver chrome: 229g (8.08 oz.)220g (7.8 oz.)218g (7.69 oz.)213g (7.51 oz.) -- arctic dawn/black eclipse; 210g (7.4 oz.) -- midnight oceanMobile software Android 15Android 14Android 15Android 15Camera 50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 70-megapixel (3x telephoto), 200-megapixel (4x telephoto)50-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 50-megapixel (3.2x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)200-megapixel (wide), 50-megapixel (ultrawide), 10-megapixel (3x telephoto), 50-megapixel (5x telephoto)50 megapixel (wide), 50 megapixel (3x telephoto), 50 megapixel (ultrawide)Front-facing camera 32-megapixel32-megapixel12-megapixel 32 megapixelVideo capture 8K8K8K8KProcessor Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteQualcomm Snapdragon 8 Gen 3Qualcomm Snapdragon 8 Elite for GalaxyQualcomm Snapdragon 8 EliteRAM + storage 16GB + 512GB, 1TB16GB + 512GB12GB RAM + 256GB, 512GB, 1TB12GB + 256GB; 16GB + 512GBExpandable storage NoneNoneNoneNoneBattery 5,410mAh5,000 mAh5,000 mAh6,000 mAhFingerprint sensor Under displayUnder displayUnder displayUnder displayConnector USB-CUSB-CUSB-CUSB-CHeadphone jack NoneNoneNoneNoneSpecial features UFS 4.1 storage, NDR10+, Dolby Vision, 90W fast charging, 80W wireless charging, Xiaomi HyperAI, Google Gemini, Circle to Search, Ultrasonic in-screen fingerprint sensor, NFC, Dual SIM (nano or eSIM), Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 6.0, IP68 rating for water and dust resistance, Android 15/Xiaomi HyperOS 2IP68 rating, 3,000 nits peak brightness, Xiaomi Shield Glass Front, 4 Generations of Android support, 90W wired charging, 80W wireless charging, Wi-Fi 7, Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, 16-bit Ultra Raw photos, Titanium frame, 2,600-nit peak brightness; 7 years of OS and security updates; 5G (mmWave); IP68 water and dust resistance; wireless PowerShare to charge other devices; integrated S Pen; UWB for finding other devices; 45W wired charging (charger not included); Galaxy AI; Wi-Fi 7; Gorilla Glass Armor cover glass; ultrawideband80W SuperVooc wired charging, 50W AirVooc wireless charging, alert slider, Bluetooth 5.4, NFC, IP68 and IP69 certified, Ceramic Guard, Aqua Touch 2.0, 4 years of software updates, 6 years of security updates, LTPO 4.1 displayUS price starts at Converts to $1,630Converts to $1,646 (512GB)$1,300 (256GB)$900 (12GB + 256GB); $1,000 (16GB + 512GB)UK price starts at 1,299 (512GB)1,299 (512GB)1,249 (256GB)899 (12GB + 256GB); 999 (16GB + 512GB)Australia price starts at Converts to AU$2,630Converts to AU$2,509 (512GB)AU$2,149 (256GB)N/A

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Looking for the most recentregular Connections answers? Click here for today's Connections hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Mini Crossword, Wordle and Strands puzzles.One of our editors, Katie Collins, has commented about how much tougher the NYT puzzles are for Brits and Aussies, since the puzzles are written by Americans. Well, Connections: Sports Edition has a clue in it today that I have heard of, but not in the meaning it gets grouped with in the green group. I looked it up, and apparently it's British, so there you go, Katie. Read on for hints and the answers.Connections: Sports Edition is out of beta now, making its debut onSuper Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9. That's a sign that the game has earned enough loyal players that The Athletic, the subscription-based sports journalism site owned by the Times, will continue to publish it. It doesn't show up in the NYT Games app but now appears in The Athletic's own app. Or you can continue to play it free online. Read more:NYT Connections: Sports Edition Puzzle Comes Out of BetaHints for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsHere are four hints for the groupings in today's Connections: Sports Edition puzzle, ranked from the easiest yellow group to the tough (and sometimes bizarre) purple group.Yellow group hint: Keep trying.Green group hint: Runs the group.Blue group hint: Keystone State institutionsPurple group hint: Stop the game!Answers for today's Connections: Sports Edition groupsYellow group: Work at one's skills.Green group: Leader of a team.Blue group: Pennsylvania colleges.Purple group: Used during a timeout.Read more: Wordle Cheat Sheet: Here Are the Most Popular Letters Used in English WordsWhat are today's Connections: Sports Edition answers? The completed NYT Connections Sports Edition puzzle for March 10, 2025 ,#168. NYT/Screenshot by CNETThe yellow words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is work at one's skills. The four answers are drill, exercise, practice and train.The green words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is leader of a team. The four answers are coach, gaffer, manager and skipper. (Gaffer?)The blue words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is Pennsylvania colleges. The four answers are Drexel, Penn, Pitt and Temple.The purple words in today's ConnectionsThe theme is used during a timeout. The four answers are chair, towel, water bottle and whiteboard.

Battery-powered chainsaws make quick work of chopping up firewood and handling a variety of yard maintenance tasks. Here's why I switched over from using gas-powered models.

Start the week off with a scary flick.

For popular exclusive games like Astro Bot, the PS5 is the way to go (although many of these games eventually make it to PCs much later on). The PS5's big advantage is its modernized, redesigned controller, which gives better haptic feedback. The PS Plus subscription serviceoffers a big, Netflix-like catalog of monthly games, although mostly older ones.It's nearly impossible to find the older version of the console unless you buy refurbished; the current model usually has "slim" somewhere in the name; it's more compact than the original with a little more storage (1TB), but one reason it's smaller is because Sony removed the DVD drive, which is now an option.It's not cheap, and if you're willing to drop even more cash, the $700 PS5 Prolaunched in early November. It's not the next-gen model (we won't see that for a while). But it's the most powerful console on the market, running games faster and at higher resolutions.Read ourPS5 reviewand slim PS5 hands-on.

Our Tax Software Picks Don't stress about tax season. CNET Money editors have tested the top online tax software options to make your tax return easier so you can get your refund faster. See at TurboTax Best tax filing service for most filers TurboTax See at TurboTaxSee at H&R Block Best free tax filing service H&R Block See at H&R BlockSee at FreeTaxUSA A great free or low-cost filing option FreeTaxUSA See at FreeTaxUSASee at Cash App A free option that's great for confident filers Cash App Taxes See at Cash AppSee at TaxSlayer Best tax filing service for freelancers, gig workers and sole proprietors TaxSlayer See at TaxSlayerSee at TaxAct Best accuracy guarantee TaxAct See at TaxActSee at Jackson Hewitt Best for filing multiple state tax returns Jackson Hewitt See at Jackson HewittOne of the top perks of a certificate of deposit is guaranteed returns. When you open a CD, you know precisely how much interest you'll earn because your rate is fixed for the term. But not all of that interest is yours to keep.The government views any interest accrued on CDs, savings and other deposits as taxable income, which means you must report it and pay the government its share. If you have a CD that's earned interest over the tax year, here's what you need to know. TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK H&R Block Free Simple Tax Returns eFile: $0 (save $0) TurboTax Deluxe 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $56 (save $24) TurboTax Premier 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $83 (save $32) TaxSlayer Classic Plan: $28 (save $10) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article. This story is part of Taxes 2025, CNET's coverage of the best tax software, tax tips and everything else you need to file your return and track your refund. Read more: Best Tax Software of 2025How are CDs taxed?"Interest paid on your CDs will be taxed as ordinary income just like wages when you file your taxes," said Lisa Greene-Lewis, a certified public accountant with TurboTax.That means your CD interest is taxed at your ordinary federal income tax rate based on your tax bracket. Tax rates for the year 2024 range from 10% to 37% and depend on your income and filing status, Greene-Lewis said.When do you pay taxes on a CD?If you earn at least $10 in interest from a CD during a year, your financial institution must report that interest to the IRS. If you invest in a short-term CD that matures the same year it was purchased, you'll have to pay tax on it for that year. If you invest in a long-term CD that matures after 12 months or more, you'll have to pay taxes on whatever interest accrues annually along the way."The interest will be reported and claimed on your taxes for the year it was paid," Greene-Lewis said.For example, let's say you opened a two-year CD in January 2024 that matures in January 2026. When you file your 2024 tax return, you'll pay taxes on the interest you accumulated in the CD through the end of that year. When you file your 2025 return, you'll pay taxes on the interest earned that year. And in 2026, you'll owe taxes on the interest accumulated in January of that year.You should receive Form 1099-INT reporting how much interest you earned each tax year by Jan. 31, Greene-Lewis said. But "even if you don't receive a copy, you still should report the interest earned on your taxes," she said.Are CD earnings subject to federal and state taxes?The interest you earn on a CD is subject to federal, state and local taxation, with tax laws varying by jurisdiction. Unless you live in a state with no income tax, you should expect to owe both federal and state taxes on your CD interest.Since state-level tax brackets are a bit more complicated than federal tiers, you can use this breakdown from the Tax Foundation to get an estimate of the percentage of your CD earnings that will go to the state government. Note that state laws on interest income vary widely. New Hampshire, for example, just eliminated its state tax on interest and dividends.Fifth Third's CD Maturity Calculator is a helpful tool for estimating your federal and state tax bill (toggle the advanced feature to access it).How does withdrawal from a CD affect your taxes?You'll pay taxes on your CD interest regardless of whether you withdraw the money.For example, let's say you open a five-year CD right now and plan to leave it untouched until the term is up. You'll be paying taxes on interest until the CD reaches maturity, and you'll receive a 1099-INT form for every year the CD accrues interest.If you decide to take out your money before the CD matures, most banks and credit unions will hit you with an early withdrawal penalty. You can deduct the cost of the penalty on your taxes, reducing what you owe.So let's say you earned $70 in interest in a calendar year, but you paid a $45 early withdrawal penalty because you needed the funds before the term was over. You'll owe taxes only on $35 of interest.How do you report CD interest on your tax return?Your bank or credit union will likely mail you a copy of your 1099-INT form, or you can access it through your online account.The interest you've earned will be in Box 1 of the form. You'll need to enter that number in the "taxable interest" section of whatever tax return form you file with the IRS. If you earned more than $1,500 in interest and dividends between your CD and other investments, you'll need to file a Schedule B.Ready to file your return? Check out CNET's tax partners.Can you delay paying taxes on CD interest?You can't avoid reporting CD interest on your tax return, but you may be able to delay your payment obligation."You can potentially lower or avoid paying taxes on CD interest by purchasing a CD in a tax-advantaged account like an IRA or 401(k)," Greene-Lewis said. By putting your CD in one of these tax-deferred accounts, you won't pay taxes on the interest until you withdraw the funds during retirement, she said.The upside is that you may be in a significantly lower tax bracket when you retire. The downside is that your interest earnings from CDs will likely be much lower than you'd get from riskier investments in the stock market. So while you can shrink your tax bill with this approach, you might be limiting your overall retirement fund.The bottom lineA certificate of deposit can be a valuable part of your savings strategy, but when you're calculating your interest earnings, don't forget that the government will want its share.Tax reporting has many nuances: standard versus itemized deductions, charitable contributions, mortgage interest deductions and more. It might be worth it to hire a tax professionalto ensure you follow the appropriate guidelines and minimize your stress. More tax resources

Today's generative AI models, like those behind ChatGPT and Gemini, are trained on reams of real-world data, but even all the content on the internet is not enough to prepare a model for every possible situation.To continue to grow, these models need to be trained on simulated or synthetic data, which are scenarios that are plausible, but not real. AI developers need to do this responsibly, experts said on a panel at South by Southwest, or things could go haywire quickly.The use of simulated data in training artificial intelligence models has gained new attention this year since the launch of DeepSeek AI, a new model produced in China that was trained using more synthetic data than other models, saving money and processing power.But experts say it's about more than saving on the collection and processing of data. Synthetic data computer generated often by AI itself can teach a model about scenarios that don't exist in the real-world information it's been provided but that it could face in the future. That one-in-a-million possibility doesn't have to come as a surprise to an AI model if it's seen a simulation of it."With simulated data, you can get rid of the idea of edge cases, assuming you can trust it," said Oji Udezue, who has led product teams at Twitter, Atlassian, Microsoft and other companies. He and the other panelists were speaking on Sunday at the SXSW conference in Austin, Texas. "We can build a product that works for 8 billion people, in theory, as long as we can trust it."The hard part is ensuring you can trust it.The problem with simulated dataSimulated data has a lot of benefits. For one, it costs less to produce. You can crash test thousands of simulated cars using some software, but to get the same results in real life, you have to actually smash cars which costs a lot of money Udezue said.If you're training a self-driving car, for instance, you'd need to capture some less common scenarios that a vehicle might experience on the roads, even if they aren't in training data, said Tahir Ekin, a professor of business analytics at Texas State University. He used the case of the bats that make spectacular emergences from Austin's Congress Avenue Bridge. That may not show up in training data, but a self-driving car will need some sense of how to respond to a swarm of bats.The risks come from how a machine trained using synthetic data responds to real-world changes. It can't exist in an alternate reality, or it becomes less useful, or even dangerous, Ekin said. "How would you feel," he asked, "getting into a self-driving car that wasn't trained on the road, that was only trained on simulated data?" Any system using simulated data needs to "be grounded in the real world," he said, including feedback on how its simulated reasoning aligns with what's actually happening.Udezue compared the problem to the creation of social media, which began as a way to expand communication worldwide, a goal it achieved. But social media has also been misused, he said, noting that "now despots use it to control people, and people use it to tell jokes at the same time."As AI tools grow in scale and popularity, a scenario made easier by the use of synthetic training data, the potential real-world impacts of untrustworthy training and models becoming detached from reality grow more significant. "The burden is on us builders, scientists, to be double, triple sure that system is reliable," Udezue said. "It's not a fantasy."How to keep simulated data in checkOne way to ensure models are trustworthy is to make their training transparent, that users can choose what model to use based on their evaluation of that information. The panelists repeatedly used the analogy of a nutrition label, which is easy for a user to understand.Some transparency exists, such as model cards available through the developer platform Hugging Face that break down the details of the different systems. That information needs to be as clear and transparent as possible, said Mike Hollinger, director of product management for enterprise generative AI at chipmaker Nvidia. "Those types of things must be in place," he said.Hollinger said ultimately, it will be not just the AI developers but also the AI users who will define the industry's best practices.The industry also needs to keep ethics and risks in mind, Udezue said. "Synthetic data will make a lot of things easier to do," he said. "It will bring down the cost of building things. But some of those things will change society."Udezue said observability, transparency and trust must be built into models to ensure their reliability. That includes updating the training models so that they reflect accurate data and don't magnify the errors in synthetic data. One concern is model collapse, when an AI model trained on data produced by other AI models will get increasingly distant from reality, to the point of becoming useless."The more you shy away from capturing the real world diversity, the responses may be unhealthy," Udezue said. The solution is error correction, he said. "These don't feel like unsolvable problems if you combine the idea of trust, transparency and error correction into them."

If you bank with JPMorgan Chase and use Zelle to send or receive money, listen up. Starting March 23, 2025, Chase may restrict Zelle payments it believes originated from social media.Here's everything you need to know about the changes Chase is making to its Zelle payment policy and what they mean for you. TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK H&R Block Free Simple Tax Returns eFile: $0 (save $0) TurboTax Deluxe 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $56 (save $24) TurboTax Premier 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $83 (save $32) TaxSlayer Classic Plan: $28 (save $10) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.Read more: Steer Clear of These Common Venmo, Cash App and Zelle ScamsWhy Chase will be blocking Zelle social media chargesZelle and other digital payment apps, such as Venmo and Cash App, make it easy for scammers to get your money, and many scammers target people on social media. According to Chase, nearly 50% of fraud reports it received from June 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024, came from social media.A December 2024 lawsuit by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau alleged that customers at JPMorgan Chase, Bank of America and Wells Fargo lost more than $870 million through Zelle payments since the app launched in 2017. While the CFPB recently dropped the suit, it still raised alarms that customers are at risk using the digital payment app. And since Zelle offers no purchase protection, once you've sent your money on the app, you're unlikely to get it back.With its new policy, Chase hopes to stop fraud before it happens. Its updated Zelle Service Agreement will allow it to decline or block payments it believes originated on social media. The bank may also delay or hold payments so it can request information from you to authenticate the transaction, such as verifying your identity, the sender or recipient's identity and payment details.Other ways Chase customers can send money safelyIf you want to send or receive money through your Chase account, there are plenty of secure ways to do so. Chase partners with several other digital payment services, such as PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, Samsung Pay and Paze.You should never send money through a payment app to someone you don't know and trust. It also helps to know the signs of a scam so you can avoid falling into fraudsters' traps. More on avoiding scams

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Sharing a bank account with a partner or relative can make it easier to manage your money together. But it can also lead to some confusion during tax season.You must report and pay taxes on the interest you earn on a deposit account. How does this work when you co-own an account? Read on to find out. TAX SOFTWARE DEALS OF THE WEEK H&R Block Free Simple Tax Returns eFile: $0 (save $0) TurboTax Deluxe 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $56 (save $24) TurboTax Premier 2024 (Federal and State, PC/Mac Download): $83 (save $32) TaxSlayer Classic Plan: $28 (save $10) Deals are selected by the CNET Group commerce team, and may be unrelated to this article.Read more: Best Tax Software for 2025Who pays taxes on interest earned on a joint bank account?The interest you earn on most standard bank accounts is taxable. That includes checking and savings accounts, CDs, corporate bonds and deposited insurance dividends. When you earn interest on a joint bank account, all bank account owners must pay taxes on their portion of it."So if the joint account is owned by four owners equally, each would pay taxes on 25% of the interest earned in the account during the year," said Logan Allec, CPA and owner of tax relief company Choice Tax Relief.How to know how much interest you've earnedYour bank or credit union should send you a Form 1099-INT showing any interest your account earned over $10. But you must report any amount of interest you earn on a deposit account, even if it's less than $10. You can check your account statements to see how much the account has earned over the tax year.Not every account owner may receive this form. The bank will generally send a Form 1099-INT to the primary account holder for the entire amount of the interest earned during the year, Allec said.If you're the primary account holder and get this form, you're responsible for telling the other account holders how much interest the account earned over the year and what portion of this interest they should report.To do this, you'll fill out a Form 1099-INT for each joint owner detailing the interest earned and their percentage responsibility. You can find specific instructions on how to fill out a 1099-INT on the IRS website. Once you've filled out a 1099-INT for each joint account holder, you'll give this form to the account holder so they can use it to file their taxes.The process is different if you're married and filing jointly. (More on that below.)How to report interest earned on a joint accountPrimary account holders must do more work when reporting interest on a joint bank account but all joint owners follow a similar process."On their own tax return, the primary account holder should report the total amount reported on the Form 1099-INT and then subtract the other owners' proportionate shares of the interest as a 'nominee distribution,'" Allec said. This shows that not all the interest income from the joint account belongs to you, so you'll only pay taxes on your share.All account holders must note the nominee distributions when they file individual tax forms. If you make $1,500 or less in total interest or dividend income for 2025, you can write your interest income on the appropriate line of your Form 1040. If you earned more than $1,500, you'll need to fill out Schedule B and attach it to your 1040. Here's how:Write in the total interest earned on the account.Write in the nominee distribution.Subtract the taxable interest that doesn't belong to you.This process will differ if the joint account owners are also married spouses who file jointly."If you own a joint bank account only with your spouse, and you and your spouse file jointly, you don't have to worry about any of the nominee distribution issues since your and your spouse's income are all combined anyway on your joint tax return," Allec said. A tax pro can help If you need help, contact a CPA or tax attorney to guide you through complicated tax filing processes What's the tax rate for joint bank account interest?The amount of taxes you pay depends on your tax bracket."Interest in a taxable account is generally taxed as ordinary income, meaning that it's subject to the same tax rates that you pay on your wages," said Allec.Here's the tax rate you can expect to pay on your interest earnings for the 2024 tax year based on your income.If you're a single filer or married filing separately:$0 - $11,600: 10%$11,601 - $47,150: 12%$47,151 - $100,525: 22%$100,526 - $191,950: 24%$191,951 - $243,725: 32%$243,726 - $609,350: 35%$609,351 and up: 37%If you're married filing jointly:$0 - $23,200: 10%$23,201 - $94,300: 12%$94,301 - $201,050: 22%$201,051 - $383,900: 24%$383,901 - $487,450: 32%$487,451 - $731,200: 35%$731,201 and up:37% More tax resources

We're midway through the 2020s now, and the iPad still feels like the same proposition as always: A really great tablet that can aspire to be your laptop replacement, if you're OK with a slight software adjustment. And once again, the "iPad Air" remains a misnomer: it's not the thinnest iPad. It is, however, the budget "Pro" for most people.The iPad Air and iPad Pro were updated a year ago; the iPad Air got an M2 processor, while the iPad Pro got an M4 and a total makeover, including a fancy new OLED display. The iPad Pro hasn't been refreshed yet this year and remains extremely expensive at $999 and up. The Air, meanwhile, received a chip bump to the M3 processor, and a revamped and slightly cheaper Magic Keyboard. And it starts at $599, the same as before.These updates are not exciting. In fact, it's hard to think of a time I was less excited about an iPad update. That doesn't mean the bumped-up performance with no added cost isn't welcome, but it's just not introducing anything new at all.A year ago, I called the iPad Air "the iPad Pro you should buy." So, obviously, my feelings remain unchanged. As nice as the fancier M4 iPad Pro might be, spending an extra $400 for it now that it's also a year old seems like a lot to ask. The iPad Air may be a bit thicker, and lack Face ID and Lidar on the back and an M4 chip and an OLED display but what the Air does have is very good performance, and still works with the Pencil Pro. Are you OK with those compromises? 8.5 iPad Air (2025, M3) $599 at Apple Like Fast M3 processor Price hasn't increased New, less expensive Magic Keyboard option Don't like Lacks OLED display of Pro model Configs can get expensive fast Apple Intelligence still doesn't feel necessary Then again, for most people, there's another iPad to consider: the basic one. The new entry iPad, also arriving at the same time as this Air, sounds like more than enough. I haven't tested that one yet (Apple didn't send one for review at the same time as this Air), but with 128GB of storage and a better A16 processor (that can't run Apple Intelligence), it's a good option worth considering. If you'd like to use a Pencil Pro and plan to power-use either AI or graphics features on the iPad, then the Air is your budget pick.I reviewed a 13-inch iPad Air configuration Apple sent me to test, with 1TB of storage. That's an expensive iPad ($1299), and at that price I'd just consider an upgrade to a Pro. But the 11-inch model, with less onboard storage, would be the one I'd consider. (The 13-inch model's display aspect ratio heavily letterboxes films anyway, making it less ideal for video watching than you'd think). Once again, the Air, Pro and Mini models are your gateways to compatibility with Pencil Pro. Scott Stein/CNETAir vs iPad: $250 more gets you some upgradesThere are reasons to spend more on this Air than the entry-level $349 iPad, even if you're spending $250 more to get it. The two big ones are the M3 chip and Pencil Pro ($129, sold separately) compatibility.The M3 boost over the A16 chip remains to be seen (as I said, I haven't tested the new iPad yet), but the M3 is a big jump in graphics, AI capability and speed, and won't be outdated anytime soon. Most iPad owners don't need the horsepower, but since Apple once again cut off the standard iPad from Apple Intelligence compatibility, you might feel more peace of mind with the Air long-term.The same goes for working with Pencil Pro, Apple's better stylus. It's a more feature-packed tool than the regular Pencil that works with the iPad, and a reason for artists to make the Air a no-brainer.It feels like Apple deliberately cut Pencil Pro support and an Apple Intelligence-capable chip off the entry-level iPad just to make the temptation clearer, which is annoying, but that's the way it goes this year. Watch this: First Look at the iPad Air M3 and New iPad 04:29 Air vs Pro: The Pro's advantages diminishIt's harder to justify spending more for the iPad Pro right now. The M3 versus the M4 chip performance gap diminishes compared to last year's M2 versus M4 gap. The iPad Air also works with the same type of Magic Keyboard this year and with the Pencil Pro. The iPad Pro gets you a high-contrast HDR custom OLED display, a thinner design, a Face ID camera and Lidar on the back if you care about those things, but those features come at a price jump of $400. To me, it just doesn't make sense. Apple Intelligence needs more features to make it a must-have, but its set of tools are likely to grow. Scott Stein/CNETM3 chip? Sure, it's a nice upgradeApple's M series chips are fantastic performers, but I'd argue that their achievements on iPad are harder to appreciate unless you're a power user diving into AI, graphics or video or photo work. The M3 bump seems to offer another good step up: On Geekbench 6, the multicore score was 11,643, compared to the M4 iPad Pro's score of 14,672, and the M2 iPad Air's score last year of 9,894. That makes the iPad Air M3 about 18% percent faster than last year's M2 iPad Air. And the M4 iPad Pro roughly 26% faster than the M3 iPad Air in multitasking, on paper.But even Apple doesn't compare M chip gains year over year. Versus the M2, it's incremental. It'll feel like a big leap if it's your first time using an M-series iPad. Weird how the two revamped Magic Keyboards (Air M3, left, and iPad Pro M4, right) are still slightly different. Keyboards and function keys, but one's got a larger trackpad. Scott Stein/CNETMagic Keyboard: A better option now than it wasIf you already happen to have an M2 iPad Air Magic Keyboard from last year, which works on the M3 model, you don't need a new Magic Keyboard. But the slightly lower cost ($269 and up) and added row of function keys on the new Magic Keyboard make it a better pick (even though it still doesn't flip back to work in a folio-style mode). That said, it's my favorite option for laptopifying your iPad.The Magic Keyboard is heavy, though, and adds thickness to your iPad, too. I've gotten used to it, but on the 13-inch iPad Air it makes the whole thing heavier than a MacBook Air. Just a warning. But also, there are slight differences between the iPad Air and iPad Pro Magic Keyboards. For some reason, the trackpad area is larger on the Pro's, and the keyboard is more shifted up while staying the same size. I prefer the iPad Pro's keyboard layout, and don't know why the Air's couldn't have done the same.But there are more differences, too: the Air's keyboard lacks backlighting that the Pro version has. Also, the inner material isn't aluminum like the Pro. And the smaller trackpad uses a physical click mechanism instead of the haptic click of the Pro version. It has the passthrough USB-C port like the Pro one does, but corners have been cut here in several ways. Watch this: I'm Broken by iPad Choice, Chaos and Subscriptions -- but hey, Cool Dino Toys | Tech Therapy 26:26 The iPad, same as alwaysApple Intelligence has been the big software focus for Apple over the last year, and just like last year, the iPad Air can run all of the generative AI features Apple has put into iPadOS. Right now, those features just aren't all too amazing or useful. Summarizing messages and notifications can get annoying and even misleading. Image Playground and Genmoji image generation aren't as good as generative AI image tools you can get in other apps. And while ChatGPT is integrated into Siri, you can also just use ChatGPT in the ChatGPT app. And with reports that Apple's promised revamp of Siri has been delayed again, it seems that there's no rush to adopt Apple Intelligence into your life. It's still a set of features that feel like they're in beta.The iPad is, you know, versatile. It can run tons of apps. It can multitask (to a degree), something the M-series chips can do even with a connected monitor. It can feel like a laptop. It can be a full computer experience if you want it to be. It's not the same as a Mac, though, which drives me crazy. Once again, I'm writing this review on the iPad Air, but I'll be filing the review on my MacBook because working on our CMS isn't always easy on iPads. They're not the same as Macs. The split identity of Apple's computer lineup continues onward, and you once again have to decide if you're an iPad person or a Mac person, or both.You can be both, and I am. But in that case, you don't want to spend a lot on that iPad, do you? The entry iPad feels priced to be a casual accessory, while the iPad Air's price spans somewhat affordable ($599) to high-end laptop if you bump up storage (up to 1TB configs are on tap) or add accessories like the Apple Pencil Pro or Magic Keyboard. The iPad Air is nicely made, but it's not the thinnest iPad. Scott Stein/CNETNext time, don't call it Air, maybe?Apple removed the "iPad Air" from the back of this iPad Air. There's just an Apple logo now. Maybe it's a sign. Air doesn't mean anything right now in Apple's iPad universe. The Air is very good, and at the right config, this could very well be the futureproofed, more affordable iPad that's perfect for you -- especially if you're interested in pushing the iPad hard for tools that will need the M3 performance. Don't overspend, and you'll be happy.What do I really want here? Well, I've said it before, I'd like these lovely keyboarded, powerful iPads to become Macs at the touch of a button. That would help me. And, sure, an OLED display would be nice. But the Air covers all the rest of the bases I'd ever need. I just can't justify them being super expensive if they're not ready to make the leap into MacOS convertibles, too. Apple's focus on the low and midrange iPads this time around could mean, possibly, that they agree. Or, the M5 chip for the Pro just isn't ready yet.

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If you've been concerned that maybe you should increase your protein quota, you'd be relieved to know that you may be eating enough as is. According to experts, you're probably already getting all (or more than enough) the protein you need in your daily diet. But if that's the case, why is everyone on social media constantly showing different ways to sneak in protein into every meal?Similar to counting calories, the protein goals trend has gotten out of hand, causing people to buy expensive protein bars, shakes and slabs of meat all in the name of more protein. According to Dr. Andrew Freeman, a cardiologist at National Jewish Health in Denver, it's actually "extremely uncommon" if not "nearly impossible" to be deficient in protein, at least in the US, where there's an abundance of food.So what's the deal with this protein push by almost every wellness influencer you follow? You're likely getting enough protein without even tryingAs long as you're not heavily restricting yourself and getting enough calories to fuel your body, you're probably hitting your protein goals just by eating a typical American diet. While some people may need more to feel satisfied and strong or to maximize their muscle gains in the gym, the reality for many Americans might be that they meet their protein requirements through their daily diet. For some, that requirement may be well below 100 grams, which is one elusiveprotein goaloften touted, including by the wellness team here at CNET."People are absolutely obsessed with protein," Freeman said, pointing to the fact it's also likely you'll hit your "protein goals" even if you're eating a plant-based diet, so long as it's varied and full. One potentially influencing factor toward the protein goal trend is the rise in interest in the carnivore diet, which prioritizes meat consumption."What most people forget is some of earth's biggest and strongest mammals, they're all plant-based," Freeman said. "When was the last time you saw a protein-deficient gorilla or elephant?"Americans, in particular, have a complicated and sometimes disordered relationship with food when we're not obsessing over getting enough of something (#proteingoals), we're restricting something else (think the villainization of fats and carbs). Examples of some diets that oscillate between these extremes include the ketogenic diet, the carnivore diet, calorie-counting apps and taking extra time to make complicated drinks in the name of weight loss.This would be more defensible if we were reaping the health benefits of sticking to these diets, but instead, Americans are leaders in chronic diseases such as heart disease and diabetes (preventable and often reversible through diet). Many people also suffer a reduced quality of life from restricting themselves or following diets that may or may not meaningfully improve their health down the line, and may also inspire shame or eating disorders.Not to mention, most of us are actually deficient in fiber, and a good chunk of us are low in other very important nutrients, such as iron, vitamin D and more.In fact, all the focus on protein ends up causing people to overlook other nutrients their body needs that they can't get from protein. Fiber, for example, is a key carbohydrate that is found mainly in plants and should also be prioritized, especially with the rising rates in colorectal cancer among people younger than 50 years old.Of course, this is absolutely not to say that protein isn't important, or that some people need more than others based on their activity level or the muscle build they're going for. Here, we merely take a minute to plead the case that, when it comes to protein, you may be able to cool it a bit. InstagramHow much protein should you actually be eating?Look, the intro to this topic came on a little strong, so it is important to take a moment and stress how protein is an absolutely vital nutrient: protein containsamino acids, which build our bodies and help them function. If we didn't eat protein, we'd be dead.To get a baseline of how much we need to support our needs, there's fortunately a recommended daily amount, or RDA, of protein. This is 0.8-gram of protein per kilogram of body weight. (There are about 2.2 pounds in one kg.) This means a person who weighs 200 pounds needs about 73 grams of protein to meet their needs and not be deficient.Where it gets tricky is deciphering exactly how much protein you need not only to stay alive, but to thrive. Like every health "thing," what's best for you will depend on your body and your activity level, for example. But even taking this into account, you may not have to work as hard as you think to get adequate protein, even if you're hitting the gym regularly.In a 2023podcast hosted by Zoe, a nutrition science company and maker of at-home gut microbiome test kits, Stanford University professor and nutrition researcher Christopher Gardner explained why fears of falling short in the protein department are often overblown."When the US comes up with recommended daily allowances for protein, vitamins and minerals, the standard approach is to take two standard deviations above the average," Gardner explained in the podcast. For the 0.8-gram of protein per kilogram of weight, he said, "You've picked a number that should be adequate for 97.5% of the population."But what if you're above average? Chances are, you're not."To me, it's the American idea of 'that's what the RDA is, but I know I'm above average, so let me make sure I get some extra here,'" Gardner explained."It was built in to recognize that some people need more [protein]," he continued, going on to explain that when you're working out heavily, you're naturally going to feel hungrier, which will prompt you to eat more -- which means (for most people), naturally eating more protein.But what if you want to really gain muscle? To its credit, and in a refreshing turn of American-diet events, the protein goal trend is focused on adding rather than restricting. And if you're into intense weightlifting, or if you want to gain muscle, you will need more. But chances are that "more" is not as much more as you might think -- at least if you're considering consciously adding protein through shakes and other supplements.If you really want to build muscle or are seriously into weight lifting, estimates on how much "extra" protein you need varies, and the best (and safest) advice is always to talk to your doctor or nutritionist to take your whole health and lifestyle into account. But some estimatesland around 1.2 to 1.7 grams per kilogram of weight. Others areeven higher, at up to 2 grams per kilogram.This discussion assumes you enjoy counting your macros, though. If you eat when you're hungry, fuel up after a hard workout and choose foods that are rich in proteinand also part of a well-balanced diet, you should be good to go.In addition to weightlifting, Freeman said that people with medical concerns, such as undergoing surgery or recovering from burns, need more protein. Pregnancyand older adulthood are other instances when people's protein requirement goes up a bit in relation to their calorie intake. Yaorusheng/Moment via Getty ImagesCan you get too much protein? What about protein's benefits?High protein consumption makes the kidneys work harder, which may be a concern for some and is one reason parents should be wary of giving kids extra protein supplements, according to the Cleveland Clinic.However, hitting your high protein goals or even exceeding them shouldn't be harmful for most people, though keep in mind that after they're broken down into those vital amino acids and the energy is expended, excess protein is stored as fat if not used for energy.Now for a benefit: In addition to overall body function and muscle building, protein is very filling and satiating. This means a protein-rich meal may aid in weight loss (if that's your goal) because it keeps you full for longer when compared, for example, to a meal that's more carb-heavy and lacking in protein.Craving protein? You could be low in ironAbout 95% of Americans aren't eating enough fiber, according to research from 2016. Fiber is found in plant-based foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, seeds and more.Nearly one in three of us are also low in iron, which is where things get interesting in the protein discussion, because excellent sources of protein are often excellent sources of iron. (Steak and other red meat, for example.) However, there are plant-based foods like dark greens that are high in iron and also in fiber.Vitamin D, a nutrient we can get from the sun as well as from our food, is also one Americans tend to be lower in. This is especially notable during the cooler months.Unfortunately, the advice for how to best meet your nutritional needs isn't flashy and mimics previous guidance: Eat a full diet full of variety and color, prioritizing foods like vegetables, healthy fats and, yes, protein.You just don't need to obsess about it.

Daredevil: Born Again debuted its first two episodes on March 4, and theMarvel revivalwill continue its run in the month of March and into April.It's been roughly 10 years since Netflix launched its Daredevil TV show and about three years since Marvel announced it would bring Charlie Cox's Matt Murdock back to our screens. The series features Vincent D'Onofrio as Wilson Fisk/Kingpin, Jon Bernthal's Punisher and the original show's versions of Foggy Nelson (Elden Henson) and Karen Page (played by Deborah Ann Woll).Executive producer Sana Amanat and showrunner/executive producer Dario Scardapane shared that fans will see that the new series has a connective thread to the first iteration but is also its own story.Returning viewers to the streets of New York City, Daredevil: Born Again kicks off with Matt, Foggy and Karen in a good space, and Fisk pursuing the political ambitions he put into motion at the end of Echo. As crime levels increase, friction between Kingpin and Daredevil reignites but a new villain comes on the scene. It will be a battle of the dark sides, within and in the streets.According to production notes for the series, both men will have inner conflict. "We had to do parallel paths. Both tried so hard to be something else: 'I'm Matt Murdock. I'm just a lawyer. I'm not Daredevil anymore.' 'I'm Wilson Fisk, mayor of New York City. I'm doing good things for people,'" Scardapane said. "We wanted to bring that tension to a place where they literally can't sustain it and things start to unravel and explode."Keep reading to learn when and where to watch season 1 of Marvel's Daredevil: Born Again.Read more:The TV Shows We Can't Wait to See in 2025Episode release schedule for 'Daredevil: Born Again'The first two episodes of Daredevil: Born Again premiered on Disney Plus on March 4 and episode 3 will follow the same schedule, dropping on Tuesday, March 11 at 9 p.m. ET/6 p.m. PT.Season 1 has nine episodes, but we will have to wait for season 2's next batch of episodes as the story has been split into two installments. If you want to catch up with the three seasons of Marvel's Daredevil that originally streamed on Netflix, you can binge all of it on Disney Plus. Get a standalone subscription for the streaming service or sign up for one of theDisney Bundles. James Martin/CNET Disney Plus starts at $10 per month for a basic subscription with ads, with options to stream it ad-free or to save money through bundling. The Disney Bundle packages the service with Hulu and/or ESPN Plus, and there's also a newerbundle packthat includes Max, Hulu and Disney Plus starting at $17 per month. Read our Disney Plus review. See at Disney Plus

Looking forthe most recentMini Crossword answer?Click here for today's Mini Crossword hints, as well as our daily answers and hints for The New York Times Wordle, Strands, Connections and Connections: Sports Edition puzzles.Hamilton-lovers, cake-eaters, movie-goers and others, today'sNYT Mini Crosswordis calling to you. Need some help with today's Mini Crossword? Read on. And if you could use some hints and guidance for daily solving, check out our Mini Crossword tips.The Mini Crossword is just one of many games in the Times' games collection. If you're looking for today's Wordle, Connections, Connections: Sports Edition and Strands answers, you can visitCNET's NYT puzzle hints page.Read more: Tips and Tricks for Solving The New York Times Mini CrosswordLet's get at those Mini Crossword clues and answers. The completed NYT Mini Crossword puzzle for March 10, 2025. NYT/Screenshot by CNETMini across clues and answers1A clue: Like billionaires and chocolate cakeAnswer: RICH5A clue: Actress Fanning of "A Complete Unknown"Answer: ELLE6A clue: Stay above waterAnswer: FLOAT8A clue: "Hamilton" character who sings "The Room Where It Happens"Answer: BURR9A clue: Swirl of waterAnswer: EDDYMini down clues and answers1D clue: "Hey ___, check your voicemail, you've missed a few calls!" (heckle)Answer: REF2D clue: "Wow, would you look at that!"Answer: ILLBE3D clue: Stratocumulus, e.g.Answer: CLOUD4D clue: Got wind ofAnswer: HEARD7D clue: Not phone it inAnswer: TRYHow to play more Mini CrosswordsThe New York Times Games section offers a large number of online games, but only some of them are free for all to play. You can play the current day's Mini Crossword for free, but you'll need a subscription to the Times Games section to play older puzzles from the archives.

Daylight saving timeis the source of a lot of hot takes. Whether you're for or against the practices of springing forward and falling back, the changing of clocks has repercussions that go far beyond losing or gaining an hour of sleep.The spring DST change means we lose an hour of sleep but gain daylight at the end of the day. With it, according to research, comes a lowered risk of crime, including home break-ins and burglaries. Why do thieves back down? As our conversations with criminologists has shown, many burglarsprefer to strike homes in the middle of the day, when they're more confident the house will be empty. But plenty of burglars still like to wait for the cover of darkness to sneak around, and DST has a significant impact on their choices. Studies such as this research from Jennifer Doleac and Nicholas Sanders have shown (even with other factors accounted for) the extra hour of daylight leads to a decrease in crimes such as robberies, which fall by as much as 27% during the sunset hours to save around $246 million in social crime costs each year. That also applies to reported crimes such as murder and rape, which fall significantly as the evening brightens -- murder reports by as much 48% and rape by 56%.While researchers noted that "Individuals discover a burglary upon returning home, or a stolen car on the following morning, but have no idea what time during the day the burglary occurred," the trend appears to apply to all spur-of-the-moment crimes -- which most break-ins fall under.The reverse is even more noticeable for home crime. When home security company Vivint compared crime rates, it found that home burglaries and related crimes jumped 16% when daylight savings time ended in the fall. Blink offers a cheap option for a smart floodlight cam. BlinkSo while jumping our clocks backward and forward can be a pain, keep in mind that March's DST shift is helping to keep you and your home safer. There are also signs that bright streetlights can have a similar effect, helping to cut down on all kinds of theft. It turns out people prefer the dark when they get in a stealing mood and a brighter atmosphere makes them less likely to act out.Although we don't suggest trying to install your own personal street lamps on a public road, you should stop by our picks for the best security cameras with floodlights for a similar effect. Look up our full list of tips to deter burglars to learn even more.

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See at Disney Plus Carries the Moana films Disney Plus See at Disney Plus See more details How far will you go for more Moana? If the distance of a streaming app appeals more than a theater, we now know when the sequel to the 2016 animated movie debuts on Disney Plus.Originally planned as a TV series, Moana 2 follows its Polynesian heroine on a new adventure three years after the first film. Auli'i Cravalho and Dwayne Johnson reprise their voice roles as the titular chief's daughter and the demigod Maui, who reunite after Moana gets "an unexpected call from her wayfinding ancestors," according to asynopsis from Disney.Moana 2 premiered in theaters in November and hasone midcredits scene. Separately, a live-action remake of the first film, starring Johnson and newcomer Catherine Laga'aia, has a 2026 release date. To meet Moana's younger sister, Simea, and enjoy another family-friendly excursion, here are details on Moana 2's Disney Plus drop. Auli'i Cravalho voices Moana in the animated sequel. Disney/CNET When to watch Moana 2 on Disney Plus Viewers in the US can watchthe animated movie as early as 12:01 a.m. PT on Wednesday, March 12, according to Disney.If you're new to the streaming service, you can watch Moana 2 with the ad-supported Disney Plus Basic plan, which runs $10 a month. To remove most ads from your streaming experience and download titles for offline viewing, you can swing for Disney Plus Premium, which costs $16 a month or $160 a year. James Martin/CNET While you can sign up for Disney Plus as a standalone service, you can also opt for a bundle of a.) Disney Plus and Hulu, b.) Disney Plus, Hulu and ESPN Plus or c.) Disney Plus, Hulu and Max. The option with Max costs $17 or $30, depending on if you want to stream with ads. Disney's site has more details. See at Disney Plus

Our Picks Best overall cheap video doorbell Blink video doorbell with Sync Module 2 View details $70 at Best Buy View details Best cheap video doorbell for resolution TP-Link Kasa smart video doorbell KD110 View details $38 at Amazon View details Best cheap video doorbell for field of view Arlo Essential video doorbell (first gen) View details $80 at Arlo View details Best cheap video doorbell for local storage Reolink video doorbell Wi-Fi with chime View details $93 at Amazon (with on-page coupon) View details What is best cheap video doorbell of 2025?Adding a video doorbell is an excellent way to upgrade your home security. These helpful devices can alter you to package deliveries and most offer two-way audio so you can communicate with unexpected visitors without opening your door. Plus, installing a video doorbell doesn't have to be expensive. We've found several budget options that offer excellent video quality, motion alerts and more (some without a subscription). You can easily monitor your yard, porch and front door without splurging on a professionally installed security system. Our expert team spent over 150 hours testing budget doorbells from countless brands, and we've picked the Blink Video Doorbell as our top choice. This smart doorbell camera offers great video quality and comes bundled with a Sync Module 2 hub at no extra cost. You also get Amazon Blink's extra-easy setup and the option to choose local storage over a cloud storage subscription.Video doorbells have taken a leap in terms of quality in recent years, with excellent cameras available for cheap. We've included a range of affordable options, including an extra-affordable TP-Link Kasa model under $50 and a sturdy Arlo Essential doorbell. Take a look at our picks for the best video doorbell camera, see how we made our choices and read our answers to common questions about the best outdoor security cams for comprehensive outdoor protection.Best cheap video doorbells Photo Gallery 1/1 Pros Includes hub for video storage Long battery life Allows for wired installation Cons Person detection locked behind subscription Resolution 1080p/HDVideo storage Subscription or local storage with included Sync Module 2Object detection Person detection with subscription only (starting at $8)Smart home support Amazon Alexa 7.6 This Blink video doorbell is our favorite package for a couple of reasons. First, it comes with a Sync Module 2, a tiny plug-in hub device which allows you to use local video storage and helps with settings management. That means you dont have to get a subscription plan for video storage, allowing you to save more money over time if you prefer. Second, the Amazon cam uses Blinks excellent power management to help make its batteries last as long as two years before they'll need to be replaced. Of course, that depends on activations and use, but its still a particularly long time for a video doorbell.Blinks affordable doorbell also includes features we think a video doorbell really needs, such as two-way audio and Alexa support, though other smart home platforms have little to no compatibility. You also have an option to wire the doorbell if you dont want to worry about battery management. Its too bad that its person detection feature is locked behind a subscription, but thats our only major complaint for such an affordable option. CNET Score Breakdown 7.6 /10 SCORE CNET score (out of10) 7.6 If youre interested in savings more than anything, this Kasa video doorbell starts at $40, so its your best option for saving a lot of money. That makes the high 2K resolution even more impressive, especially since video doorbells dont often go so high for video quality. Kasa also has the welcome addition of subscription-based video storage and a local storage option (though youll need to buy a microSD card for the latter).The doorbell works with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant and comes with its own chime accessory to set up a separate, in-house chime noise. Since this doorbell is wired in, thats not always necessary but its a nice addition to have, especially if there are parts of your home where you can't hear the doorbell. The 160-degree diagonal field of view is also very good, making this a good option for large front yards. Person detection is free, but we do wish the model had package detection as well. $80 at Arlo Though its more expensive than some of our other picks, this Arlo Essential Doorbell still falls under $100 at full price. Were choosing a battery model for this pick because we like the versatility it offers, especially if your previous doorbell location wasnt a great place for a camera. However, there is a wired model available for much less. On the other side, if you dont mind paying around $20, you can upgrade to the second-gen model with more-advanced features, but we think the first-gen model is a good balance for a budget pick.In addition to two-way audio and night vision, this camera has an unusually large horizontal field of view at 180 degrees, so it can safely double as a front yard security camera in the right spot. While Arlo does offer person, package, vehicle and animal detection, those features are unfortunately locked behind a subscription, which starts at $8 per month.

Blue Origin, a space company founded by Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos, is making history by sending anall-female crewon its next spaceflight. The American spacecraft company said its 11th human mission will include Bezos' fianc and former journalist Lauren Snchez, CBS host Gayle King and pop singer Katy Perry. Also on-board the the NS-31 mission will be NASA rocket scientist Aisha Bowe, bioastronautics research scientist Amanda Nguyen and film producer Kerianne Flynn.The mission is part of Blue Origin's New Shepard program, which has flown 52 people above the Krmn line, the internationally recognized boundary of space about 62 miles above Earth. According to theBlue Origin website, the astronauts will ascend toward space at more than three times the speed of sound. Once they pass the line, the crew can unbuckle and float weightless, before returning to Earth.Read more:Every Major US Space Launch Scheduled in 2025The flight, which will launch sometime this spring, will mark the first all-female flight crew since Russian engineer Valentina Tereshkova's solo spaceflight in 1963.Blue Origin has taken many notable names up above the Earth before, including actor William Shatner, Good Morning America host and retired NFL player Michael Strahan and Bezos himself.Read more:New Glenn Rocket Launch Marks a Big Moment for Jeff Bezos' Blue Origin

According to the CDC, it is estimated that over 1 in 7 US adults has chronic kidney disease. This can cause excess waste and fluid to build up in the body, leading to health problems like heart disease, increased infections, depression, anemia and loss of appetite. The kidneys are essential for overall health. To give your kidneys some love, there are foods you can add to your diet in the name of kidney health. Below, we outline 13 superfoods to eat, many of which you may already have in your fridge or pantry.13 foods supporting kidney health1. Fatty fishFish delivers protein, and when you choose a fatty fish like tuna, salmon or trout, you're also getting omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fats may help reduce fat levels (triglycerides) in the blood and may also lower blood pressure, according to theNational Kidney Foundation.If you have CKD, you may need to keep an eye on the phosphorus and potassium levels of the fish you choose. The National Kidney Foundation has a chart you can use to determine levels in specific types of fish. Although, it's best to consult with your doctor.2. CabbageThis nutrient-dense vegetable is low in both potassium and sodium while packing in fiber, vitamins C and K and more.Plus, cabbage is versatile. You can use it in salads and slaws, but you can also use it as a wrap for tacos, sandwiches and more. Jacobs Stock Photography/Getty Images3. Bell peppersLike cabbage, bell peppers pack in lots of good nutrients with low levels of potassium. With them, you get vitamins B6, B9, C and K, plus fiber. They deliver antioxidants too.You can slice them and eat them with dips or roast them and add them to dinner.Read more:8 Things Your Body Is Telling You About Your Vitamin Intake4. CranberriesCranberries help to prevent urinary tract infections. These usually stay in your bladder, they can travel up to your kidney, making kidney problems worse. Fortunately, regularly consuming cranberries can help you avoid this unwelcome situation.Plus, cranberries have antioxidants that can help fight inflammation, and they can boost your heart and digestive health. It turns out, these tart berries aren't just for the Thanksgiving table.5. BlueberriesWe've talked about some of the best foods for kidneys, but you can take it a step further. The question is: What foods help repair kidneys? Blueberriesdeliver.With high levels of antioxidants and loads of vitamin C and fiber, blueberries are all-around healthy. They can also help to reduce inflammation and support bone health, reversing some of the issues that can come with CKD.6. Dark, leafy greensThere are plenty of reasons to turn to dark, leafy greens like spinach or kale. They deliver so many nutrients that they can help you get key vitamins and minerals, plus immunity-boosting benefits.Be advised that greens can come with a decent amount of potassium. If you have CKD, talk to your doctor before adding more of these to your diet.7. Olive oilRich in antioxidants and healthy fatty acids, olive oil can boost your overall wellness. A study from Harvard Universityfound that olive oil may lower cholesterol levels and the risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia and some types of cancer.Beyond all this, it can help you add flavor to dishes without turning to salt or butter. To get more antioxidants, choose unrefined or cold-pressed olive oil that's virgin or extra virgin.8. GarlicAnother antioxidant-rich, inflammation-fighting food, garlic also contains a specific compound called allicin. For people with CKD, allicin an active compound found in garlic worked just as effectively to help protect kidney health as a prescription drug. If you're looking for the best foods for your kidneys, garlic has to make the list.Plus, it's an excellent way to add flavor when you're skimping on salt.9. OnionsFrom the same family as garlic, onions give you another excellent and salt-free way to add flavor (bonus points if you saute them in olive oil). Onions also deliver important nutrients like vitamins B6 and C, manganese and copper.They also contain quercetin, a chemical that can help your body fight cancer, and organic sulfur compounds that can reduce your risk of high blood pressure, stroke and heart disease. Getty Images10. CauliflowerCauliflower brings the crunch, paired with plenty of vitamins C, B6, B9 and K, along with fiber. It also contains compounds your body can use to neutralize certain toxins, a big help when your kidneys aren't doing their best filtration work.Cauliflower does contain some potassium and phosphorus, though, so while it makes the list of foods good for kidneys, people with CKD may want to moderate their intake.11. Egg whitesEgg whites are specifically recommended for people with kidney problems. They give you a way to increase your protein levels -- which can be important with later-stage CKD, especially if you're on dialysis.12. ArugulaArugula is packed with nutrients your body needs like magnesium, iron, calcium and vitamins A, B9, C and K. Plus, it's antioxidant-rich and has glucosinolates, which can help your body protect itself against a range of cancer types.You can eat arugula raw (it's a great salad base), but you can also sprinkle it over whatever you're whipping up. It's great on pizzas, in omelets and with pasta, for example.13. ApplesApples deliver the cancer-fighting quercetin and fiber that can help to keep your cholesterol and blood sugar at healthy levels. They've got plenty of antioxidants. Better yet, they're easy to work into your diet. Leave a bowl of apples on your counter and you'll have a kidney-healthy, grab-and-go snack whenever you need one.

Ready to add a newMaxshow to your rotation?These days, it's Max -- not HBO Max -- that delivers HBO to the streaming masses. The service is home to popular shows like Succession, The White Lotus, Hacks and The Sex Lives of College Girls. There's no shortage of exceptional fare to explore.Max unites the HBO Max and Discovery Plus libraries. Here are the highly rated shows you shouldn't wait to watch, plus this month's new releases.Read more: Best Movies on Max What's new on Max in MarchNote:These descriptions are taken from press releases and lightly edited for style.March 7When No One Sees Us, season 1 premiere (2025- ): Spanish drama. The show explores a series of crimes in the political and cultural frontier of so-called "deep Spain," and one of the largest US military bases abroad, during the celebration of Holy Week in Morn de la Frontera.MarchThe Righteous Gemstones, season 4 premiere (2019- ):Comedy-drama. The show tells the story of a world-famous televangelist family with a long tradition of deviance, greed and charitable work.March 27Paul American, season 1 premiere (2025- ):Reality. The show peels back the curtain on the most raw, honest and intimate moments in Jake and Logan Paul's over-the-top, high-octane lives.Best HBO and Max original TV seriesThis list focuses on shows that have premiered a new season since 2023 (or are currently renewed for more seasons) and have a score of at least 70 on Metacritic.Crime Macall Polay/HBO The Penguin (2024- ) Set between Matt Reeves' 2022 film The Batman and the upcoming sequel The Batman Part II, The Penguin stars Colin Farrell as the underestimated and ambitious Gotham gangster (though you'll barely recognize the Oscar-nominated actor). The thrilling, eight-episode season chronicles Oz Cobb's rise and is enhanced by other complicated characters, such as Cristin Milioti's Sofia Falcone and Rhenzy Feliz's Victor Aguilar. Michele K. Short/HBO True Detective (2014-) True Detective may be best known for its first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, but the anthology series continues to release intriguing new stories. The latest, which premiered in 2024 after a five-year hiatus, follows Jodie Foster and Kali Reis' characters as they tackle a chilling mystery in the fictional town of Ennis, Alaska. It includes a new showrunner, Issa Lpez, who will helm an upcoming fifth edition. Kumiko Tsuchiya/Max Tokyo Vice (2022-24) Season 2 of Tokyo Vice, a crime drama based on a book by journalist Jake Adelstein, has slickly stepped on to Max. Set in Japan in the late 1990s, this noir follows an American journalist (Ansel Elgort) who nabs a job at a major Japanese newspaper. A world of grisly murders, neon nightclubs and powerful crime bosses awaits. Drama Warrick Page/Max The Pitt (2025- ) A lot can happen in one day on the job in a hospital's emergency department. This modern-day medical drama fills its 15-hour first season with what transpires during a single shift. Created by ER executive producer R. Scott Gemmill and starring ER's Noah Wyle as chief attendant Michael Rabinavitch, this compelling and realistic series is worth checking out. Liane Hentscher/HBO The Last of Us (2023- ) This TV adaptation of a popular video game follows hardened survivor Joel (The Mandalorian's Pedro Pascal) and spunky teen Ellie (Game of Thrones' Bella Ramsey) as they face human and not-quite-human dangers in a postapocalyptic world. Warner Media House of the Dragon (2022- ) Creating a show as beloved as Game of Thrones is tough to pull off, but HBO spin-off House of the Dragon soars to impressive heights. Set hundreds of years before fantasy series GoT, the prequel depicts how infighting and tragedy consume House Targaryen. Multiple players clamor for power, including Rhaenyra Targaryen (Emma D'Arcy) and Alicent Hightower (Olivia Cooke). Max The White Lotus (2021- ) What was initially a limited series was so good HBO renewed it for a second season. The satire about guests at a fancy resort gradually unveils the darker edges of its picture-perfect postcard. The White Lotus features an ensemble cast, including Jennifer Coolidge, Alexandra Daddario, Steve Zahn, Molly Shannon and more hilarious people, who make this series soar. If that wasn't enough, a murder mystery with the big reveal waiting till the very end will keep you thoroughly entertained. Amanda Searle/HBO Industry (2020- ) If you're missing the competition and drama on display in Succession, you should pay attention to this HBO series. The first season follows young graduates, including Harper Stern (Myha'la from Netflix's Leave the World Behind), as they step foot into London's Pierpoint & Co. The early 20-somethings hope for permanent jobs at the leading international bank. Eddy Chen/HBO Euphoria (2019- ) Euphoria's second installment is on Max now. This visually stunning series has garnered its fair share of fans, and it's not hard to see why -- the absorbing performances, cinematography and exploration of mature topics make this show shine. If nothing else, stick around to see Dune star Zendaya, who plays teenager Rue. Seacia Pavao/Max Julia (2022-23) Following the life of television chef and cookbook writer Julia Child, this drama doles out a generous serving of humor and charm (and delicious-looking food, of course). Sarah Lancashire is endlessly watchable as the famed American cook, who paved the way for future cooking shows with her long-running series The French Chef. Two seasons are available on the streamer now. Animation Max Creature Commandos (2024- ) This engaging DC series from James Gunn examines the backstories of a ragtag team of monsters put together for dangerous missions. From Frankenstein's bride to a Nazi-targeting robot to a creature resembling both a human and a furry animal, the Creature Commandos are a motley crew worth spending violent, unhinged time with. The series is the first in Gunn and Peter Safran's new DC Universe, and it's already renewed for season 2. Max Harley Quinn (2019- ) Harley Quinn is an adult-oriented animated series that centers on the baseball bat-wielding antihero. Kaley Cuoco voices the mayhem-prone Harley, who in the first episode breaks up with the Joker and tells him she's going to replace him as the top villain in Gotham. The hilarious, action-packed show also features characters like Poison Ivy, and four seasons are available to binge. It premiered on the DC Universe streaming service before moving to HBO Max. Max Scavengers Reign (2023) An unusual alien world and the humans stranded on it are the subject of this spectacular sci-fi series on Max. The story follows characters marooned on a peculiar planet that's home to fascinating creatures and landscapes. The world is beautiful but also poses dangers to the human guests, who seek out their ship and fellow crew members. An expansion of a 2016 animated short film, Scavengers Reign is a compelling, 12-episode saga you won't be able to quit watching. Documentary HBO Telemarketers (2023) This docuseries provides an intriguing look at the world of telemarketing, starting the story in the early 2000s, when Sam Lipman-Stern began working at a New Jersey call center. Over the course of three hour-long episodes, Lipman-Stern and office buddy Pat Pespas learn the murky truth about the work they were doing and set out to uncover more about the industry -- a quest that eventually leads them to the halls of Congress. It's worth tuning into these amateur sleuth's unhinged, thought-provoking 20-year journey. Comedy Atsushi Nishijima/HBO Fantasmas (2024- ) Viewers have former Saturday Night Live writer Julio Torres to thank for this quirky and captivating HBO comedy. In episode 1 of the surreal series, an Alf-like sitcom takes a turn for the awkward and the letter "Q" gets a life story. Torres, also known for the HBO show Los Espookys and A24 film Problemista, stars as a version of himself, and guest actors include Steve Buscemi, Julia Fox, Emma Stone, Aidy Bryant and Bowen Yang. HBO The Rehearsal (2022- ) Nathan Fielder, best known for his Comedy Central show, Nathan For You (and cringe comedy), writes, directs and stars in this new HBO series. In the show, the comedian goes to extraordinary lengths to let people rehearse moments before they happen. In the first episode, Fielder helps a man prepare for a confession to a friend, and builds an exact replica of the bar they're planning to meet at (the attention to detail is incredible). After planning for any outlandish thing that might happen, we see how the real exchange between the two friends plays out. Bizarre and truly fascinating, The Rehearsal should get some time on your screen. Max Peacemaker (2022- ) Following the events of 2021's The Suicide Squad, this DC spinoff catches up with Peacemaker (John Cena), our towering, costume-clad protagonist who's just been released from the hospital. Peacemaker believes he's a superhero, but with his oft-repeated phrase about attaining "peace, no matter how many people I have to kill to get it," the title doesn't really suit him. The show establishes Peacemaker's next steps -- he isn't returning to prison, but instead taking part in a black ops mission that will (again) get his hands dirty. The show often lands its jokes, and you'll especially enjoy its entertaining supporting cast. Max The Sex Lives of College Girls (2021- ) Mindy Kaling co-created this dramedy about four 18-year-old girls who start their freshman year of college together in Vermont. With distinct personalities, the college newcomers navigate love and sex in their own ways. The show is funny, easily bingeable and bolstered by the chemistry between its female leads. A contemporary teen comedy showcasing messy experiences, relatable characters and raunchy jokes. Max Hacks (2021- ) The great Jean Smart rightfully takes the spotlight in this acclaimed comedy-drama series. Throwing iPads into swimming pools and delivering withering looks, Smart plays Deborah Vance, a legendary Las Vegas comedy diva who must face the prospect of appealing to a younger audience or disappearing into obscurity. She's partnered with Ava (Hannah Einbinder), a young and equally snarky comedy writer, to freshen up her material. Perfectly balancing its biting insight into how the comedy business treats women, with the warmth of an odd couple buddy comedy, Hacks is one of the best original series to come out of HBO Max. Ryan Green/HBO The Righteous Gemstones (2019- ) This outrageous series highlights a highly dysfunctional family of famous televangelists called the Gemstones. In the show's first season, a member of the family is blackmailed and ridiculous antics ensue. John Goodman stars as the family patriarch, Eli, and Danny McBride, Edi Patterson and Adam Devine also commit to the bit, pulling off an absurd and addictive black comedy. The third season of the show is out now, and HBO has renewed the series for a fourth. HBO Somebody Somewhere (2022-24) Like feel-good shows? Somebody Somewhere is a great option you may have skipped over. In the first episode, 40-something Sam, living in her Kansas hometown and dealing with a recent loss, strikes up a friendship with a co-worker. Authentic, funny, with glowing performances, the half-hour series is the perfect thing to wind down to. Max Rap Sh!t (2022-23) A half-hour comedy series from Issa Rae (the star and creator of HBO's acclaimed series Insecure), Rap Sh!t introduces two former friends from high school. Shawna is an aspiring, socially conscious rapper, and Mia is a make-up artist and single mother who works multiple jobs. By the end of the first episode, the young women (now in their 20s) have reconnected and filmed a mesmerizing rap video that takes off on the internet. The show's protagonists are phone-obsessed, constantly checking up on social media and recording videos, and it impacts the viewing experience in interesting ways. Jake Giles Netter/Max Our Flag Means Death (2022-23) In this comedy set on the high seas, Rhys Darby plays Stede Bonnet, an aristocrat who abandons his cushy life and family to become the captain of a pirate ship. Spoiler: He hilariously bumbles through the gig. Game of Thrones fans may spot Hodor actor Kristian Nairn hanging out among the crew, and the series also stars Taika Waititi as Blackbeard. Max Starstruck (2021-23) Starstruck is a classic screwball comedy, starring the lovably goofy Rose Matafeo. She plays Jessie, a twentysomething Londoner who parties it up on New Year's Eve, then later discovers she had a one-night stand with Tom Kapoor, a celebrity played by Nikesh Patel. Follow Jessie as she juggles odd jobs, from cinema worker to nanny, and her blossoming relationship with a film star that involves no high jinks whatsoever. Watch out for scene-stealer Minnie Driver as Tom's agent in this witty, neatly crafted comedy package. Max The Other Two (2019-23) The sibling rivalry is strong and primed for hilarity in this comedy from a couple of Saturday Night Live writers. Chris Kelly and Sarah Schneider tell the story of Cary (Drew Tarver) and Brooke (Helne Yorker), siblings in their late 20s who struggle with the sudden rise to internet fame of their 13-year-old Justin Bieber-channeling brother. Molly Shannon is a treat as their mother, Pat, ushering her children through open doors to success. Once you get over the gimmicky premise, The Other Two's pop culture satire and surprisingly heartfelt storylines are a winning combination. Schitt's Creek fans should give this a look. HBO

See at Peacock Watch the EPL in the US from $8 a month Peacock See at Peacock See more details See at ExpressVPN Best VPN for streaming ExpressVPN See at ExpressVPN See more details See at Now Watch the Premier League in the UK from 15 with Now Now See at Now See more details See at Fubo Watch the Premier League in Canada from CA$30 per month Fubo Canada See at Fubo See more details See at Optus Watch the Premier League in Australia from AU$7 a month Optus Sport See at Optus See more details Two old rivals lock horns once more on Sunday as second-placed Arsenal take on Ruben Amorim's inconsistent Man United at Old Trafford.The Gunners come into this match after thrashing PSV Eindhoven 7-1 away in their midweek UEFA Champions League clash, despite having no recognized striker available.Man United, meanwhile, put their domestic woes to one side to earn a creditable 1-1 away draw with Real Sociedad in the first-leg of their UEFA Europa League Round of 16 tie on Thursday.Manchester United take on Arsenal on Sunday, March 9, at Old Trafford, with kickoff set for 4:30 p.m. GMTlocal time. That makes it a 12:30 p.m. ET or 9:30 a.m. PTstart in the US and Canada, and a3:30p.m. AEDTkickoff in Australia on Monday morning.Below, we'll outline the best live TV streaming services to use to watch the match as it happens, wherever you are in the world. Myles Lewis-Skelly is availablefor Arsenal today after the 18-year-old full back completed his suspension. Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC/Getty ImagesHow to watch Man United vs. Arsenal in the US without cableSunday's Man United vs. Arsenal game will be broadcast on NBC and can also be streamed viaPeacock. You'll need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to catch the game live. Peacock/CNET Peacock offers two Premium plans, and after the recent price increases, the ad-supported Premium plan costs $8 a month and the ad-free Premium Plus plan is $14 a month. See at Peacock How to watch the Premier League 2024-25 season from anywhere with a VPNIf you find yourself unable to view EPL matches locally, you may need a different way to watch the games -- that's where using a VPN can come in handy. A VPN is also the best way to stop your ISP from throttling your speeds on game day by encrypting your traffic, and it's also a great idea if you're traveling and find yourself connected to a Wi-Fi network, and you want to add an extra layer of privacy for your devices and logins.With a VPN, you're able to virtually change your location on your phone, tablet or laptop to get access to the game. Most VPNs, like our Editors' Choice, ExpressVPN, make it really easy to do this.Using a VPN to watch or stream sports is legal in any country where VPNs are legal, including the US, UK and Canada, as long as you have a legitimate subscription to the service you're streaming. You should be sure your VPN is set up correctly to prevent leaks: Even where VPNs are legal, the streaming service may terminate the account of anyone it deems to be circumventing correctly applied blackout restrictions. James Martin/CNET 2024 Price $13 per month, $100 for the first 15 months (then $117 per year) or $140 for the first 28 months (then $150 per year)Latest Tests DNS leaks detected, 35% speed loss in 2025 testsNetwork 3,000 plus servers in 105 countriesJurisdiction British Virgin Islands ExpressVPN isour current best VPN pickfor people who want a reliable and safe VPN, and it works on a variety of devices. It's normally $13 a month, but if you sign up for an annual subscription for $100 you'll get three months free and save 49%. That's the equivalent of $6.67 a month.Note that ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. See at ExpressVPN Livestream Man United vs. Arsenal in the UKToday's match at Old Trafford is exclusive to Sky Sports, showing on its Sky Sports Main Event, Premier League and UHD channels. If you already have Sky Sports as part of your TV package, you can stream the game via its Sky Go app, but cord-cutters will want to get set up with a Now account and a Now Sports membership to stream the game. Now TV Sky subsidiary Now offers streaming access to Sky Sports channels with a Now Sports membership. You can get a day of access for 15, or sign up to a monthly plan from 35 per month right now. See at Now Livestream Man United vs. Arsenal in CanadaIf you want to stream this EPL game live in Canada, you'll need to subscribe to Fubo Canada. The service has exclusive rights to every Premier League fixture once again this season. Fubo Fubo is the go-to destination for Canadians looking to watch the EPL this season, with exclusive streaming rights to every match. It costs CA$30 a month, though you can save some cash by paying quarterly or annually. See at Fubo Livestream Man United vs. Arsenal in AustraliaFootball fans down under can watch EPL matches live on streaming service Optus Sport, which is showing every Premier League game of the 2024-25 season live in Australia. Optus With exclusive rights to stream all EPL matches live this season, as well as German Bundesliga and Spanish La Liga games, streaming service Optus Sport is a particularly big draw for Aussie soccer fans.If you're already an Optus network customer, you can bag Optus Sport for a reduced price, with discounts bringing the price down to as low as AU$7 a month. If you're not, a standalone monthly subscription to the service starts at AU$25. See at Optus Quick tips for streaming the Premier League using a VPNWith four variables at play -- your ISP, browser, video streaming provider and VPN -- your experience and success when streaming EPL matches may vary.If you don't see your desired location as a default option for ExpressVPN, try using the "search for city or country" option.If you're having trouble getting the game after you've turned on your VPN and set it to the correct viewing area, there are two things you can try for a quick fix. First, log into your streaming service subscription account and make sure the address registered for the account is an address in the correct viewing area. If not, you may need to change the physical address on file with your account. Second, some smart TVs -- like Roku -- don't have VPN apps you can install directly on the device itself. Instead, you'll have to install the VPN on your router or the mobile hotspot you're using (like your phone) so that any device on its Wi-Fi network now appears in the correct viewing location.All of the VPN providers we recommend have helpful instructions on their main site for quickly installing the VPN on your router. In some cases with smart TV services, after you install a cable network's sports app, you'll be asked to verify a numeric code or click a link sent to your email address on file for your smart TV. This is where having a VPN on your router will also help, since both devices will appear to be in the correct location.And remember, browsers can often give away a location despite using a VPN, so be sure you're using a privacy-first browser to log into your services. We normally recommendBrave.

There are tons of new releases arriving to all the major streaming platforms this week, including one of the most anticipated movies of the year, The Electric State, which drops on Netflix this Friday. The sci-fi adventure, loosely based on the graphic novel by Simon Stlenhag, stars Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt and was directed by Joe and Anthony Russo. The platform is also debuting John Mulaney's new weekly talk show Everybody's Live with John Mulaney, and a reboot of Temptation Island, too.Meanwhile on Prime Video, the third season of The Wheel of Time is arriving this week, Max has the new star-studded horror comedy The Parenting, and you can (finally) stream the final half of Yellowstone season 5 on Peacock, too. There's plenty to keep you busy all week.These titles and many more are arriving on streaming soon. Here's all the info you need to tune in this week.Read more: Best Streaming Services of 2025Best new TV shows and movies to stream (March 10 to 16)NetflixSee at Netflix Netflix Everybody's Live with John Mulaney (March 12) When John Mulaney completed his six-episode run of John Mulaney Presents: Everybody's in LA, the experimental live talk show he hosted last year, it was clear that he had created something special. And weird. But special! Filled with an odd assortment of celebrity guests, LA personalities and a recurring bit featuring a delivery robot named Saymo, the show seemed intentionally haphazard, but it worked. And now, he's bringing that format back to Netflix as a live, weekly series called Everybody's Live with John Mulaney, with the premiere episode dropping Wednesday, March 12 at 7 p.m. PT/10 p.m. ET. Netflix Temptation Island (March 12) Temptation Island was a controversial hit when it first aired on Fox back in 2001 (it was a more innocent time back then!). The show featured couples whose relationships were on the rocks and agreed to live separately and see if they could stay faithful to their partners while living with other singles. In the new reboot on Netflix, four couples will test their commitment to one another to find out whether their foundation is solid or not. The premise is the same, but we're living in the Love Is Blind/Too Hot to Handle era of reality dating shows, so we expect this version to be a little more risqu and raucous. Paul Abell/Netflix The Electric State (March 14) Chris Pratt and Millie Bobby Brown star in a movie that's reported to be one of the most expensive films Netflix has ever made. The Electric State, directed by the Russo Brothers, takes place in a dystopian version of the 1990s, after a war between humans and robots has left the world in shambles. Brown stars as Michelle, a young woman traveling across what's left of the United States, joined by a smuggler (Pratt) and a robot to locate her missing brother. The film co-stars Ke Huy Quan, Stanley Tucci, Giancarlo Esposito and many others. It arrives on the platform March 14. Prime VideoSee at Prime Video Prime Video The Wheel of Time (March 13) Speaking of expensive productions, Prime Video's The Wheel of Time, which was reported to be one of the platform's most expensive shows to make, is returning for season 3 this week. Three new episodes will premiere on March 13, with the remaining five episodes arriving weekly after that. Joining the show's cast this season are Olivia Williams, Shohreh Agdashloo, Nuno Lopes, Callum Kerr and Luke Fetherston. HuluSee at Hulu Hulu Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna (March 11) Alec Baldwin's reality show, The Baldwins, is now airing on TLC and offering a look at his life in the aftermath of the fatal Rust shooting that killed cinematographer Halyna Hutchins. It's a small comfort that this week on Hulu, a documentary about Hutchins herself will be premiering to offer a glimpse into a meaningful life cut short. Last Take: Rust and the Story of Halyna features candid conversations with Rust director Joel Souza and several other crew members, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from the film set and information about the investigation into the shooting. The documentary lands on Hulu on March 11. Hulu Control Freak (March 13) It's the year of the brain worm, apparently. Control Freak is a Hulu original horror movie starring Kelly Marie Tran as a woman whose brain is infested by a demonic parasite. Miles Robbins and Toan Le co-star in the film that premieres exclusively on Hulu on March 13. PeacockSee at Peacock Peacock Long Bright River (March 13) Amanda Seyfried stars in the new Peacock series Long Bright River, based on the book by Liz Moore. In the show, Seyfried plays Mickey, a Philadelphia cop grappling with the disappearance of her younger sister. As she patrols a Philly neighborhood hard-hit by opioids and a series of murders, Mickey starts to realize that her sister's disappearance might actually be connected. The eight-episode series will drop all at once on March 13 so you can binge all weekend. Paramount Network Yellowstone (March 16) The final episodes of Yellowstone are arriving on Peacock! Season 5 Part 2 of the Taylor Sheridan series will drop on the streamer March 16, at which point fans can find the entirety of the series starring Kevin Costner, Wes Bentley and Kelly Reilly. MaxSee at Max Max The Parenting (March 13) Parents can be terrifying. That's the premise of the Max original horror comedy The Parenting, written by SNL co-head writer Kent Sublette. The Parenting follows a couple, Rohan (Nik Dodani) and Josh (Brandon Flynn), who have planned a weekend getaway in the country so their parents can meet. Parker Posey stars as Brenda, the oddball owner of their rental house that turns out to be haunted, and Edie Falco, Brian Cox, Lisa Kudrow and Dean Norris play the two sets of parents who can't seem to get along.

New videos from Alef Aeronautics show the company's flying car initially driving like a road vehicle, then taking off into a flight that takes it over another vehicle in a simulation of a blocked traffic scenario.The model shown in the demos is the Alef Model Zero Ultralight which, as the name suggests, is a lighter prototype used for research and development. It has some key differences from the company's first production vehicle, the Alef Model A. Alef's Model Zero Ultralight takes flight over a stopped car. Alef AeronauticsWhile the Model Zero Ultralight has a smaller battery to keep its weight down, the larger battery in Alef's Model A is expected to have a flight range of 110 miles or a driving range of 200 miles. Those numbers may increase if the company adopts new battery technology.Thinner and smaller wheels than a traditional car also help reduce the vehicle's weight while allowing it to drive in various conditions. The flying car can drive like a normal car on the ground, but the fun part is when it gets airborne. Alef AeronauticsWhile the Model Zero Ultralight requires an experienced test pilot right now, Alef CEO and co-founder Jim Dukhovny says the Model A will be much easier for an average person to fly.The optimal cruise speed in the air for the Model A is expected to be about 100mph, with the top speed predicted to be about 225mph. On the ground, the car is currently registered as a low-speed vehicle for research and development purposes, which means it is limited to about 25mph top speed. Dukhovny says higher ground speed is possible and the eventual goal; it just requires crash testing and regulatory approval. Until then, the company is not yet ready to crash its prototype. Alef flying over a stopped car on a road, simulating a traffic blockage Alef AeronauticsAlef is accepting preorders for its Model A, which is expected to cost around $300,000. Like most startups, the price will likely decrease as production scales up.To see this flying car in action, check out the video in this article.