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Owlet releases Dream Duo monitor that tracks babies' sleep
Owlet releases Dream Duo monitor that tracks babies' sleep
Owlet has released a new baby sleep monitoring system that focuses on helping babies (and their parents) rest easier by tracking patterns in infants' sleep and offering tips and sleep plans.
The Dream Duo is a monitoring system that consists of the Dream Sock, a sock that wraps around a baby's foot and tracks wakings, movement and heart rate, along with a video camera and an app that provides information about room temperature, humidity and noise levels. Parents can read the data from the Dream app, which is free for iPhone and Android users, and is supposed to act as a "digital sleep coach," according to the company. The system will let parents know when their baby needs assistance to sleep soundly, Owlet said. The app comes with a sleep-learning program aimed to provide personalized insights into their infant's sleep.
The Dream Sock is intended for babies up to 18 months, or between 5 and 18 pounds.
In November, Owlet stopped selling its Smart Sock in the US after the Food and Drug Administration warned that the sock should be registered as a medical device because of its heart rate and oxygen notifications. According to a notice from Owlet, there were no safety concerns identified, and the Smart Sock doesn't need to be returned or exchanged. (The company has announced plans to submit those features to the FDA for marketing authorization in the US.)
Owlet informed the FDA of its plans to introduce the new Dream Sock, the company told CNET, which Owlet believes does not present the same concerns the FDA had about the Smart Sock's heart rate and oxygen notifications.
Electronic monitoring devices for infants have been controversial. For some parents, these devices offer peace of mind, but other parents claim it brings more anxiety than relief, and some experts say they aren't always reliable. The American Academy of Pediatrics and many researchers have warned against using smart baby monitors to try to detect sudden infant death syndrome, or SIDS, as such devices haven't been tested or proven to give such warning signals.
The Dream Duo system, which includes the Dream Sock and camera, costs $399. The sock alone is available now for $299 on Owlet's website, buybuy Baby and Walmart. The Owlet Cam can also be purchased alone for $149.
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as health or medical advice. Always consult a physician or other qualified health provider regarding any questions you may have about a medical condition or health objectives.
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3 Spotify Audio Settings That All 188 Million Subscribers Should Probably Change
3 Spotify Audio Settings That All 188 Million Subscribers Should Probably Change
With over 188 million subscribers worldwide as of this month, Spotify is arguably one of the most popular music streaming platforms in the world. CNET also ranks Spotify as one of the best music streaming services on the market.
Spotify lets you listen to music wherever you are, recommends new songs based on your activity and provides fun, personalized streaming data at the end of every year. Paid subscribers can also make and share playlists with friends on social media, or with the whole world through the app.
Read more: Best Soundbar Under $300
If you feel like something is missing from your listening experience though, Spotify lets you take control of various settings to make your music sound more superb. That way whether you're in a quiet library, your morning commute or pumping some iron in the gym, your music will always fit the mood.
Here's how to crank your Spotify listening experience up to 11 no matter what the situation.
Adjust your base volume to match your environment
Volume is pretty easy to figure out, but did you know Spotify lets premium users adjust the base volume of the app depending on their environment? You can select either Quiet, Normal or Loud, and each has its own benefit.
Quiet will make songs a little quieter and sound cleaner, making it a good choice if you're relaxing at home. Normal makes songs play at a medium base volume, and the sound is less crisp than Quiet. This is a good choice for most people and situations. Loud is -- you guessed it -- louder, but you might lose some audio quality because of the loudness. This option is good if you're at the gym or other similarly noisy environments.
Here's how to adjust the base volume on your iPhone:
1. Open the Spotify app. 2. Tap the gear icon in the top-right corner of your screen. 3. Tap the Playback option near the top of the menu. 4. Beneath Volume level there are three options: Loud, Normal and Quiet.
If you're using the Spotify app on a Mac, here's how to adjust the base volume:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Click the down arrow in the top-right corner. 3. Scroll down until you see Audio Quality. 4. Under Audio Quality, you should see Volume level. 5. Click the drop-down bar to the right of Volume level. 6. From here, you see the same Loud, Normal and Quiet options. Pick whichever one works for you.
Here's how to adjust the base volume if you're using the Spotify app on an Android device:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Tap the gear icon to access Settings. 3. Scroll down to Playback and you should see Volume Level. 4. Next to Volume Level you should see the Loud, Normal and Quiet options. Pick the one you want.
Finally, here's how to adjust the base volume in Spotify while on a Windows computer:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Click your account name in the top-right corner. 3. Click Settings. 4. Under Audio Quality, you should see Volume level. Click the drop-down bar to the right. 5. Select either Loud, Normal or Quiet.
Use the equalizer to customize your sound for your favorite genres.
Angela Lang/CNET
Use the Spotify Equalizer for more control
If you prefer being more hands-on with how your bass and treble come across in each song, you can adjust the in-app equalizer. Adjusting your bass affects lower frequency sounds, making your music sound deeper with increased bass or flat with less bass. Treble affects the higher sound frequencies, making your music sound brighter and more crisp with increased treble or duller and kind of muddied with less treble.
Here's how to access the equalizer on your iPhone:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Tap the gear in the top right corner to access Settings. 3. Tap the Playback option. 4. Scroll down the menu and tap Equalizer.
Here's how to access the equalizer on your Android device:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Tap the gear icon to access Settings. 3. Under the Audio quality heading -- not under Data Saver -- tap Equalizer.
This opens the equalizer page on both systems. Here you can find the manual equalizer slider and a handful of premade genre-based equalizers.
You should see the manual equalizer slider that looks like a line graph with six dots. When you first get to this page, the equalizer should be flat.
Each dot on the graph can be adjusted for more or less sound. The far left bar represents your bass, the far right bar controls your treble and the middle bars control -- you guessed it -- your midrange. You can tweak the bars as you see fit.
There are also genre-based equalizers on this page. You can pick which genre you're listening to and the app automatically adjusts the sliders to optimize for that style of music. After picking one, you can further adjust the sliders for the perfect listening experience.
If you want to reset the equalizer, there's a genre-based equalizer called Flat. This will reset the equalizer to its default.
The Mac and Windows versions of Spotify don't have an in-application equalizer. But you can search for an equalizer application to help you in your journey to find the best sound.
Adjusting these settings can really make your music pop
James Martin/CNET
Adjust the quality of your music for a clearer sound
You can also adjust the audio quality of your music. This is handy if you're using mobile data and don't want to bump up your phone bill. Reducing the audio quality will use less data.
Here's how to change the audio quality on mobile and tablet:
1. Open the Spotify app. 2. Tap the gear icon to access Settings. 3. Scroll down until you see the heading Audio Quality -- not under Data Saver. 4. Under WiFi streaming and Cellular streaming, you can select Low, Normal, High or Automatic. The Automatic option adjusts the audio quality to whatever your signal strength is. There is also a fifth option for paid subscribers called Very high.
How to change the audio quality on your desktop:
1. Open Spotify. 2. Click the down arrow in the top-right corner. 3. Click Settings. 4. Scroll down to Audio Quality. 5. Beneath Audio Quality you should see Streaming quality. Click the drop-down menu to the right. 6. Choose between Low, Normal, High or Automatic options, and the Very high option for paid subscribers.
For more information on Spotify, see which Spotify plan is best for you and how Spotify stacks up against Apple Music.
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Resetting Your Apple ID Password Is Easy. Here's How
Resetting Your Apple ID Password Is Easy. Here's How
Apple users know how important their Apple ID and password are. Without these two bits of information, you can't access Apple services like iCloud and iMessage. An Apple ID and password can also help set up a new iPhone or MacBook.
If you forgot your Apple ID password (and don't use a password manager) or your account has been compromised, you might not be able to access your device or any of Apple's services. Resetting your Apple ID password might be just the trick to gaining access again.
Here are some easy ways to change your Apple ID password.
Reset your Apple ID password with your iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch
iPhones accounted for about half of Apple's revenue in 2021, according to consumer data website Statista, so we'll start there. The instructions for resetting your Apple ID password on your iPhone will also work on your iPad and Apple Watch. Here's how.
1. Go to Settings.
2. Tap your name.
3. Tap Password & Security.
4. Tap Change Password.
Follow the onscreen instructions, and you're all set. Easy, right?
Resetting your Apple ID password from a Mac device
You can also reset your Apple ID password from your MacBook or iMac. Here's how.
1. Click the Apple logo in the top left corner of your screen and click System Preferences.
2. Click Apple ID.
3. Click Password and Security.
4. Click Change Password…
Follow the onscreen prompts to finish changing your password.
Reset your Apple ID password on a new device
While setting up a new Apple device, you'll be asked to sign into your Apple ID. If you can't remember your password, no worries. Here's how to reset your password during the setup process.
1. During device setup, select Forgot Apple ID or Password? whenever the option is available.
2. Finish the setup process.
3. Once setup is complete, select an app or another option that requires you to sign into your Apple ID. On iPhone, iPad or Apple Watch, you can select Messages. On your Mac computer, follow the instructions above.
Resetting your Apple ID password without an Apple device
If you've forsaken Apple devices after previously using them, but you still need to log into your Apple ID, you have a few options. You can either borrow a friend or family member's Apple device, or you can use one of the devices in an Apple store. You can't follow the same directions as above, though. Instead, here's how to change your Apple ID password from a borrowed or in-store device.
1. Open the Apple Support app. You can also download the Apple Support app from the App Store.
2. Select Passwords & Security.
3. Select Reset Apple ID Password.
4. Select Get Started.
5. Select A different Apple ID.
6. Enter your Apple ID and follow the onscreen prompts.
7. Once your password is reset, make sure to log out. You don't want someone else to have access to your profile.
Reset your Apple ID password from the web
If all else fails, Apple has a website you can visit to reset your Apple ID password. However, Apple warns this process might take longer than the other methods on this list. But if it's your only option, visit iforgot.apple.com, follow the instructions and your password will be reset.
It's important to remember that once you change your Apple ID password on one device, you'll have to log back in on your other devices with your new password. So instead of forgetting your new password in three days and repeating this cycle again, save yourself the headache now and log back into everything while your new password is fresh in your mind.
For more tech tips, check out how to clear your iPhone's cache, how to use Snapchat on your computer and how to get rid of photobombers in your Pixel 6 pictures.
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Cheaper Gas: Quick Tips to Save Money at the Pump
Cheaper Gas: Quick Tips to Save Money at the Pump
What's happening
Gas prices have dropped from record-high levels but are still much higher than last year.
Why it matters
With prices so high, using less gas and paying less for fuel can add up to sizable savings.
Gas prices have retreated from their record high of $5.02 a gallon on June 16, but they're still 9% higher on average than last year at this time -- that's about $11 more to fill up a 15-gallon tank.
Fluctuating oil production and the war in Ukraine are contributing to higher prices at the pump. And while there's not much that individual motorists can do about those factors, there are several ways to save money on gas.
Read on for details on price trackers, tips for improved fuel efficiency, club memberships and more.
Track local prices
GasBuddy is a well-known website for tracking gas prices in the US and Canada. It also provides data for the US Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy's gas tracker pages. The sites present the information in different ways -- try them both to see which you prefer. GasBuddy is available on the web or via mobile apps for Android and iOS, although critics have raised concerns about its data tracking and privacy policies.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images
Geico also provides a helpful local gas station tracker: Enter an address, city or ZIP code plus a maximum distance area, and Geico will return a detailed list and map with regular, midgrade and premium gas prices as well as directions to stations.
AAA provides a gas price tracker in its mobile app (Android, iOS), as does Gas Guru (Android, iOS), and you can check gas prices in your vicinity when using navigation apps like Waze and Google Maps.
Get money back from gas cards and fuel rewards programs
Major gas stations typically offer credit cards and reward programs that give you a percentage back. Speedy Rewards offers a $25 gift card when you reach 500 points, or 50 gallons of gas. At $5 a gallon, that's 10% back on your gas spending.
Shell and BP claim you'll save at least 5 cents per gallon with their respective reward programs, and ExxonMobil says you'll get at least 3 cents off. Be sure to review the terms of each program to see exactly what percentage of your gas spending you'll be getting back.
Supermarket chains also offer rewards programs: For every $100 you spend on groceries at Safeway or Kroger for example, you'll get 10 cents off gasoline the next time you fill up. Kroger works with Shell and Kroger Fuel Centers, while Safeway's program works at Chevron, Texaco and Safeway stations.
Pay for gas with cash
GasBuddy shows both credit and cash prices if there is a difference.
Screenshot by Peter Butler/CNET
The practice of charging less for gasoline for customers paying cash varies by region and individual gas station: In Los Angeles, several gas stations offer 20-cent discounts for cash, especially for premium gas.
That difference can quickly add up: You could save $3 every time you completely fill a 15-gallon tank, or $156 a year if you top off weekly. (Just watch those ATM fees: If you're paying $2 to $3 to get your cash each time, you could be losing money.)
Check your tire pressure
Making sure your tires are properly inflated can boost gas mileage by 3%, according to the US Department of Energy. At current prices, that could save you about 15 cents per gallon.
But 60% of car owners only check their tire pressure if an indicator light turns on, according to Jiffy Lube's Vehicle Maintenance Survey. A tire pressure gauge can monitor the health of your tires and only costs about $10 to $20.
When tires wear down to a depth of 1/16th of an inch, they're considered "bald" and should be replaced right away.
Google Maps will recommend routes designed to save gas.
Screenshot by Cliff Colby/CNET
Map your route
Google Maps can also boost your miles per gallon by recommending certain routes that avoid hills and traffic, resulting ideally in more constant driving speeds. Fuel-efficient routes are available on the mobile Android and iOS apps, though the feature hasn't been rolled out to all users yet.
To turn on fuel efficiency in Google Maps, tap the three dots on the directions screen, then tap "Route options" and toggle the "Prefer fuel-efficient routes" option on.
Other fuel-tracking mobile apps like Fuelio and JerryCan suggest methods of improving your fuel efficiency as well as tracking gas prices at stations. JerryCan claims that drivers using its app can improve their fuel efficiency by up to 20%.
Try a club membership for discounted gas prices
Costco, Sam's Club and Walmart Plus all offer discounted gas prices to members. Walmart Plus charges 5 cents less at its fueling centers, plus access to all Sam's Club locations. Memberships cost $13 a month or $98 a year, while Sam's Club memberships range between $45 and $100 per year.
Costco fuel prices are almost always significantly lower than at traditional gas stations, generally about five to 25 cents, according to Consumer Reports. Its June 10 review of gas prices found a 34-cent discount on Costco gas in Independence, Missouri, compared to the closest commercial gas station. Costco memberships cost between $60 and $120 per year.
Warning: Due to the record-high prices nationally, gas lines at Costco have become notoriously long.
Buy discounted gas cards through resellers
Gift cards are a popular choice for easy presents, but as you might expect, not all of those gift cards get used. A variety of resellers let consumers hock their unused gift cards or buy them on the cheap.
Raise and Gift Card Granny are two sites that let users buy and sell unused gift cards from Chevon, Texaco, Shell, BP and other gas providers. As you might guess, most discounted gas gift cards are sold out right now, but you can set up alerts for when new ones come in.
Be careful to check the actual price discount and other specifics of any card -- both sites also sell gift cards at retail rates, and Gift Card Granny also sells reward cards.
Become a master of fuel efficiency
You can ease gas consumption quite a bit by learning basic fuel-efficiency practices. Advice for saving gas while driving abounds on the internet, and AAA has compiled some great tips. Here are a few of the biggest savers:
Drive the speed limit, especially on the freeway. Fuel economy drops sharply once you start driving faster than 50 mph.
Ease up on the acceleration. "Jackrabbit starts" -- when a car lurches forward very quickly -- are a major gas waster. Accelerating smoothly will also let automatic transmissions shift to higher gears earlier, saving more fuel.
Avoid extended idling. You're going nowhere while burning up your gas. If it's going to be longer than 60 seconds, turn off your engine.
Minimize air conditioning. Even at high speeds, open windows hurt your fuel efficiency less than air conditioning. Park in the shade or use a windshield screen to keep your car as cool as possible in summer.
While driving in the city, time traffic lights so that you don't need to stop and start. Similarly, take your foot off the gas as soon as you see a red light or near a stop sign. The less braking and accelerating, the more gas you will save.
Go even further with hypermiling
Hypermiling is the practice of maximizing fuel efficiency to the ultimate degree, from choosing routes that require less braking and accelerating to cleaning out your trunk to lower your vehicle's weight.
Hypermilers might even park facing the sun when it's cold to conserve energy spent defrosting their windshield, and in the shade when it's cool to save on AC.
In the video below, CNET's Brian Cooley explains how drivers can adapt extreme hypermiling techniques to increase their own fuel efficiency.
Consider bicycles, public transit and electric vehicles
Soaring gas prices provide a timely opportunity to wean yourself off gasoline-based transportation. Riding a bike or using public transit more often will obviously help decrease your gasoline costs.
Similarly, if you can afford an electric vehicle it will certainly reduce your gas usage. It's not just Tesla -- Hyundai, Ford, Porsche, Audi and many other automakers sell electric cars. Bonus: You'll be fighting pollution and climate change at the same time as you're saving money.
Check out CNET Cars' list of the best electric vehicles to learn about the latest and greatest EV cars.
The editorial content on this page is based solely on objective, independent assessments by our writers and is not influenced by advertising or partnerships. It has not been provided or commissioned by any third party. However, we may receive compensation when you click on links to products or services offered by our partners.
This story is part of War in Ukraine, CNET's coverage of events there and of the wider effects on the world.
It's been over a month since Russia invaded Ukraine, and worries about cybersecurity continue to grow. Even before the invasion, US officials blamed Russia for cyberattacks against some Ukrainian websites, including Ukraine's Ministry of Defense and two banks.
While the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency said there are no specific or credible cyberthreats against the US, the agency also said potential cyberattacks are more likely to target infrastructure. CISA is recommending everyone be prepared just in case. And securing your mobile device is a good place to start when building a line of cyberdefense. Here are six steps Android users can take to protect their phone data.
Make sure your OS is up to date
Updating your operating system can patch known security vulnerabilities and fix bugs. Not updating to the latest version leaves you and your device open to flaws that could expose personal data to malicious actors. Some people might put off updating their OS so they don't have to deal with early bugs in the system, but waiting too long can harm your system. Here's what to know about the latest Android OS, Android 12.
Turn on two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication , or 2FA, adds a second layer of security to your Android account in case your password gets stolen. With 2FA, once you enter your password, a second message is sent to another device asking to verify that you are trying to login. It adds a bit more time to your login process, but the extra layer of security is well worth it. Here's how to turn on 2FA.
Use a password manager
If you're having trouble memorizing multiple passwords and coming up with unique passwords for every account, a password manager can help. These utilities can work hand-in-hand with 2FA and can securely store passwords and automatically fill login pages. They can also protect you against phishing scams that direct you to enter your password into a fraudulent website. For more information, check out CNET's reviews of password managers Bitwarden, LastPass and 1Password.
Encrypt your Android
Starting in 2015, Google required manufacturers to make Android devices encryptable out of the box. Once your device is encrypted, all data stored on the device is locked behind a PIN code, fingerprint, pattern or password known by the owner. Without that key, not even Google can unlock your device. Here you can find out how to encrypt your phone.
Remove your data from Google
Android is a Google product, so unencrypted device data could be stored on a Google server. You can check with Google to see what data of yours it has, and you can ask Google to delete that data. The process can take time, but it's worth the effort -- your data can't be stolen if it's not in the system to begin with. Here's where you can find how to request Google to delete your information, but note that Google does not guarantee that it will complete the request.
When all else fails, delete your phone
If you lose your phone or it's stolen, you can remotely wipe your phone. Our Android settings guide has a walkthrough in case you need to take this step. This gets rid of all data from your phone so if you have anything on it you want to keep, you should get in the habit of backing your phone up on a separate device.
For more information on securing your phone, check out these eight apps to protect your phone's privacy, what information digital security experts wish you knew and how to stop your phone from tracking you.
The Next Apple Watch SE Could Be the Most Exciting Apple Watch for 2022
The Next Apple Watch SE Could Be the Most Exciting Apple Watch for 2022
This story is part of Focal Point iPhone 2022, CNET's collection of news, tips and advice around Apple's most popular product.
With a blood oxygen monitor, the ability to record an ECG from your wrist and plenty of exercise-logging options, the Apple Watch Series 7 is already a capable health tracker. But Apple might expand its wellness ambitions by adding a temperature sensor to the Series 8, according to Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal. Apple might even be readying a Pro version of the Apple Watch Series 8 as well, with a possible debut at Apple's Sept. 7 event.
However, I'm much more excited about the idea of a new Apple Watch SE, which Bloomberg says could be coming in 2022. Apple's simpler and cheaper device has everything most people want in a smartwatch, from tracking workouts to enabling Apple Pay transactions and displaying iPhone alerts.
Apple's newer wellness features are a step forward for consumer health monitoring and show promise. There are also plenty of stories indicating the Apple Watch has helped save lives. But the Apple Watch Series 6 and Series 7 already provide more information than I personally know what to do with. A Series 8 with even more health metrics might be too complex for some people.
That's why I'm more interested in seeing what's next for Apple's more wallet-friendly option. The current Apple Watch SE debuted in 2020, and it's time for an update.
Read more: What Google's Pixel Watch Can Learn From Its Phones
Get ready for Apple's next event
The Apple Watch SE has most of the Series 7's best features
The $399 Apple Watch Series 7, compared with the $279 SE, is packed with extra health features and other refinements, such as blood oxygen readings, the ability to take an electrocardiogram (EKG or ECG) from your wrist, a larger screen and faster charging.
Those qualities make the Series 7 a more comprehensive health tracker, a better communication tool and a more useful sleep tracker. The Series 7's more spacious screen means it can fit a full QWERTY keyboard for responding to text messages, and the speedier charging makes it easier to top off your watch after a night of sleep tracking.
The Series 8 is expected to take a similar trajectory, and it could include a skin temperature sensor for fertility planning and potentially other applications, according to Bloomberg and The Wall Street Journal.
These perks may not be necessary for everyone, hence the SE's more focused appeal. Those who just want to close their Activity Rings and make sure they don't miss text messages while away from their phone can probably do without blood oxygen readings, a larger screen and faster charging. The Apple Watch Series 7 and its predecessor feel targeted toward those looking to keep a closer eye on their wellbeing, especially when it comes to cardiac health.
The Apple Watch SE has many of Apple's most important health and safety features even though it's not as advanced as its pricier siblings. Although you can't take an ECG from your wrist using the SE, Apple's cheaper watch can still deliver high and low heart rate notifications, notice irregular heart rhythms, detect hard falls and provide access to emergency services. If you're buying a watch for an elderly family member who may be prone to falling, that might be enough.
Newer metrics such as blood oxygen readings don't always feel helpful. Although Apple says measurements from the Apple Watch's blood oxygen app can provide you with "insights into your overall wellness," I'm not sure what to do with these readings. Since the Apple Watch isn't intended for medical purposes, it's unclear whether I should be alarmed if my readings are too low.
That's not to say there isn't potential. When the Series 6 was unveiled in 2020, Apple announced plans to work with researchers on three separate health studies to examine how blood oxygen readings and other metrics can help with managing asthma and heart rate failure in addition to detecting respiratory conditions like COVID-19. But for now, the blood oxygen reader on the Series 6 and 7 doesn't feel necessary. Similarly, other wearables such as those from Garmin, Fitbit and Samsung offer blood oxygen readings that rely on the wearer having to interpret them.
While I appreciate the SE's simpler approach to health tools, I'd like to see Apple add at least one feature that's currently exclusive to more expensive models: an always-on display. New Apple Watches starting with the Series 5 and later (except for the SE) can keep their screens on even when the watch is idle. This makes the Apple Watch better at its most basic job -- telling the time.
It might not seem like a huge deal, but I appreciate being able to glance down at the time and my activity progress on a Series 7 without needing to move my wrist or touch the watch the way you do on the SE. It's not as exciting or meaningful as health-related updates in the long term, but it's handy for everyday use, and I'm hoping to see it on the next Apple Watch SE.
Read more: Smartwatches Have Measured Blood Oxygen for Years. But Is This Useful?
The Apple Watch has matured, just like the iPhone
The Apple Watch has evolved to the point where annual upgrades aren't always a major step forward, much like the iPhone. The Apple Watch Series 7, for example, felt like a more refined version of the Series 6. Aside from blood oxygen measurements, the Series 6 also didn't feel that different from the Series 5.
That makes the case for cheaper models like the Apple Watch SE all the more compelling, especially as WatchOS updates bring new features to older models. WatchOS 9, which launches this fall, will bring more detailed sleep tracking, a new app for logging medications, fresh watch faces and other updates to the Apple Watch Series 4 and later.
The Apple Watch SE holds its own in terms of performance and feels just as responsive as the latest model when running the same software. You don't need the most expensive or newest version to get a full experience, which is why Apple has kept the Series 3 in its lineup for so long.
But the Apple Watch Series 3 won't support WatchOS 9 and has become difficult to update since it doesn't have much internal storage. With that in mind, it seems like the Apple Watch Series 3's days are numbered, a prediction analyst Ming-Chi Kuo made back in March. That also makes the Apple Watch SE much more important since it will likely replace the Series 3 as the most affordable Apple Watch option.
Overall, the current SE provides the right middle ground between the Series 3 and Series 7. As Apple's high-end watches have become more sophisticated health tracking devices, the SE has increasingly felt like the better option for everyday users with tighter budgets. Now that the Apple Watch SE is almost two years old, I'm ready for a new one.
When things go sideways with Windows, there's Ctrl-Alt-Delete to get you to the Task Manager where you can investigate what's causing the problem and end any unresponsive apps. When something goes wrong on a Mac, there's Command-Option-Escape to call up the Force Quit Applications window. But when an app freezes or starts acting sluggish on a Chromebook, where do you turn? Is there a keyboard shortcut that can put an end to your troubles?
I have good news for Chromebook users. There is such a keyboard shortcut, and it's quite simple. When something is amiss on your Chromebook and you need to force quit an app, hit Shift-Escape. This keyboard shortcut calls up Chrome's Task Manager. Since Chrome apps are the only kinds of apps that a Chromebook runs, Chrome's Task Manager is the only task manager you need on a Chromebook. Just click on the app that's giving you problems and hit the End Process button.
Screenshot by Matt Elliott/CNET
At the top of the Task Manager, you'll see Chrome listed. You can't select it and force quit it because Chrome OS isn't anything more than the Chrome browser with a bit of window dressing, which means that quitting Chrome would amount to shutting down your Chromebook. If you are experiencing an issue that force quitting an app can't solve, then shut down your Chromebook by clicking the system tray in the bottom-right corner of your display and then clicking the power button. Or if you're really stuck, hold down the power button for 3 seconds to power down your system.
For more tips, learn how to print from a Chromebook, run Windows programs on a Chromebook and the best way to use Dropbox on a Chromebook.
Love Hulu? Try These Tips To Make Your Streaming Experience Even Better
Love Hulu? Try These Tips To Make Your Streaming Experience Even Better
Hulu is home to a remarkable selection of originals, films, weekly episode drops from major TV networks and even a live TV option. With over 45 million subscribers, the service has held its spot as one of the major streaming giants alongside Netflix, HBO Max and Disney Plus.
Now, we know Netflix has a stack of obscure settings, but did you know Hulu comes with a few perks, too? Stream live news channels on any plan. Host a remote watch party with their built-in platform. Or take your subscription to the next level: In addition to Hulu's basic $7 tier, you can pay more to remove ads or step up to Hulu Plus Live TV, which comes with an unlimited DVR and access to Disney Plus and ESPN Plus.
Read more:The Best Movies to Watch on Hulu Now
But what about Hulu's features? Though the platform isn't as intuitive to use as I'd like, I found plenty of ways to enhance the viewing experience. I'm sorry to say that Hulu lacks secret codes that unlock genre menus and other categories of content like Netflix, but with these tricks, you can still add a little razzle dazzle to your streaming flow.
One thing before we dive in: I learned the hard way that Hulu's functions don't work the same across all devices. That inconsistency may be frustrating, but you can check which supported devices work best with these tips by visiting Hulu's help center.
Use widgets for your mobile phone
Are you accustomed to watching the Hulu app on your phone? Android and iPhone users can switch to a customized Hulu widget that offers a one-click ride to content you were already watching or suggestions for new titles.
iOS users can tap and hold an empty space on their screens and when the add sign pops up, type in Hulu. You'll be prompted to choose one of two widgets: "Jump Back In" or "Discover."
If you have an Android phone, tap an empty spot on your screen and then click the widgets icon. Search for Hulu in the search bar and then click which widget you want to use. You'll have the option to pick from "Keep Watching" or new content.
Add and remove channels in your lineup
This tip applies to live TV and Hulu basic subscribers. You know how you select your favorite networks when you first set up your Hulu profile? Well, that doesn't have to be set in stone. If you want to add a channel to your viewing lineup, you'll need to store your preferred networks in the "My Stuff" tab in Hulu.
From the main screen, find the TV tab and scroll down to find the "All TV Networks" row. Click on the channel that has a constant stream of content you want to watch. For example, if you like ABC's shows, select its icon and in the upper corner, click "Add to My Stuff." You'll now see ABC content in your Hulu main page rotation. Repeat the process for other networks. When you navigate to the My Stuff tab, and hit Networks, you'll see a list of all the channels you've added. Fast-track yourself to your favorite shows or movies by clicking on the channel's icon.
Add specific channels to your main Hulu lineup.
Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson/CNET
Live TV subscribers follow a different set of steps. Open up the Hulu app and click on Hubs. Scroll down to the A-Z section to select the network channels you want, and then tap Add to My Stuff, or choose them from one of the other rows for entertainment, sports, etc. To verify that they're part of your channel lineup, hit the Live tab and click on My Channels.
To remove any of these networks from your main Hulu page, simply find the network icon in My Stuff and click remove.
Customize your subtitles
Like Netflix, Hulu gives you the ability to tailor subtitles on the screen. You can alter the font, background and window appearance for your programming. Open the app on your TV and navigate to your profile icon. Click Settings and open the Subtitles and Captions menu. You can change the font color, opacity and shadowing, and make the same adjustments to your background and window.
This formatting process will only work on supported devices that run the latest version of Hulu. Certain models for Roku, Android TV, Samsung TVs and Apple TV (pre-fourth generation) may not have this function.
However, if you're watching from a web browser, you can toggle the subtitle font settings. While a video is streaming, click the gear icon. Choose Subtitles. In the subtitles menu, tap Settings, and a box will open that allows you to choose font type, color, size and opacity. Click Done after you've made your selections.
Save your eyes with Night Mode
For those who watch Hulu late at night on a laptop, there's a feature that will make your ophthalmologist happy: Night Mode. It changes your screen from a light, white background to a dark one to reduce blue light strain on the eyes.
To enable it, hover the cursor over your profile until you see the dropdown menu. Toggle Night Mode to the on or off position. Though this option is only available on computers, you can use the cast feature to stream Hulu from your laptop to Chromecast or your smart TV.
Lower blue light exposure with Hulu's night mode.
Screenshot by Kourtnee Jackson/CNET
Pause your subscription
Heading out on a trip? Need a break from one of your monthly bills? You can temporarily put Hulu on ice for up to 12 weeks. Go to your account page and find your subscription column. Click Pause on the Pause Your Subscription bar and choose how long you want to stop Hulu.
You won't be billed during this time but note that the freeze kicks in on the first day of your next billing cycle. Additionally, know that if you've bundled Disney Plus and/or ESPN Plus with your Hulu subscription, access to those apps will be on pause, too.
Unless you restart your subscription manually, your account will automatically be reactivated on the date your pause expires. That will become your new billing date.
Disable autoplay
If you use Netflix regularly, then you're probably accustomed to its autoplay feature that rolls into the next episode or preview. Hulu does the same thing, and you're able to turn it on or off.
For TV and mobile devices, click on your profile icon and then select Settings. Toggle Autoplay to off for videos or previews. If you're streaming Hulu on a web browser, click the gear icon during playback to open up Settings. Toggle Autoplay to off.
Clean up your watch history
Did you finish binge-watching your way through every season of a few shows? What about that horror movie spree from last Halloween? If you want to rewatch a piece of content from the beginning or have the urge to declutter your watch history, there's a way to remove what you've already seen.
On your TV, go to a series or movie's details page. Click the gear icon that says Manage Series. You'll be asked to confirm whether you want to remove the title from your watch history. Choosing Remove will not only delete it from your history and Keep Watching list, but it will also erase your viewing progress for an entire series or movie. This is handy if you want to watch something all over again.
Mobile and web users should start on the home page and find the Keep Watching section on Hulu. Locate the title's thumbnail to open up menu options. Click X or Remove from Watch History and verify your selection.
Lost remote? Let your phone guide you
If a gremlin hid your TV's remote control, fear not, you can still watch Hulu on your big screen by using your phone. How? If you have Chromecast or Airplay on your TV, install the Hulu app on your phone (or other mobile device) cast it.
Be sure your phone and TV are connected to the same Wi-Fi, and then open the app on your phone. Choose the content you want to watch and tap either the Airplay or Cast icon. Select Chromecast or your smart TV from the menu and enjoy streaming. You can control playback functions with your phone.
For more, check out CNET's review of Hulu and Hulu Plus Live TV. You can also take a look at our list of the best streaming services for 2022. Plus, here's how Netflix and Hulu compare.
