Category: TECH AND INTERNET

Having a decent webcam only used to matter for long-distance partners, business travelers and other geographically challenged communicators. But these days, so many of us are socializing from afar, schooling remotely and working from home that this once second-string class of products have been thrust into the limelight. For most of 2020 you simply couldn’t get a decent external webcam, thanks to supply shortages and spiking demand due to the pandemic. Now the crunch has eased, making this a good time to make an upgrade to a better model you might not have been able to before.

It’s not that hard to choose an appropriate webcam: Market-leader Logitech makes most of the most popular name-brand models on the market, notably the $100 C920x and basic, education-focused $40 C270, and you probably won’t go wrong just picking one that falls within your budget. Once you venture beyond known brands you can get lost in a sea of commodity models, though. 

But you don’t need to worry about getting overcome by specifications. Frame rate (30 or 60 frames per second), resolution (720p, 1080p or 4K) and microphone (mono or stereo) are about it. That doesn’t mean they don’t really differ. Some are better than others in less tangible ways, such as how well the automatic exposure, white balance or focus works. Those tend to be what differentiate the just-OK cheap models from better, more expensive ones. 

How do you know what you need? Well, if you have nothing now, then anything’s a step up. Most laptops — even expensive ones like MacBooks — tend to still offer 720p webcams, while most of the standalone models on the market are 1080p. The latter usually has video quality that looks much better than the former, since the greater number of pixels makes your image look sharper for your video calls, video conferencing and live streaming. And because you can put a webcam on a tabletop tripod or perch it higher than the built-in webcam on a laptop, you can bring it closer to eye level which is much more flattering than the from-below-view most laptop webcams deliver. 

Read more: Best vlogging camera for 2021: Sony, GoPro, Panasonic, others compared for YouTube

If you need to zoom in to better frame yourself without looking soft, crunchy or blocky or to demonstrate physical objects, think about jumping to 4K. You can also use your phone or, if you have one, a DSLR camera as a makeshift webcam with an app or utility from the camera manufacturer. The software which allows you to use a digital camera as a webcam frequently caps the resolution at 1,920×1,080, but you may get better zoom results than from a webcam.

Furthermore, improving your environment with good lighting or a better angle can frequently improve the quality of your webcam video more than upgrading your camera. Keep in mind, however, that even the best camera won’t necessarily deliver great video and sound on the other end; that can depend upon the quality and consistency of your network connection.

We’ll update this list regularly with more advice and picks as we test webcams, so stay tuned.

More for people working from home

Microsoft announced its latest premier two-in-one, the Surface Pro 8, as part of a virtual event on Sept. 22. The Surface Pro hasn’t received a full update since Oct. 2019 when the Pro 7 was introduced, which seems like eons ago, and even then it didn’t change much from the Surface Pro 6. Earlier this year, Microsoft did introduce the Surface Pro 7 Plus for Business. However, it has the same design as the Pro 7 but with 11th-gen Intel processors and Windows 10 Pro. There’s also the 13-inch Surface Pro X that uses a custom Arm-based chipset from Microsoft instead of an Intel processor. With Windows 11 on its way in October, though, this is a good time to update it inside and out, and that’s what we got. 

While the Surface Pro 7 is no longer in the lineup, you’ll still be able to buy one — likely at a discount — until retailers sell through their stock. Microsoft is keeping the Surface Pro 7 Plus around and will have a consumer version of it with Windows 11 Home for those who want a “classic Surface Pro.” 

Bigger, better display

The Surface Pro 8 is essentially a mashup of the Pro 7 Plus and Pro X; it’s the same-ish body of the 13-inch Pro X with the processors of the Pro 7 Plus. The Pro 8 is thicker and heavier than the Pro X but not by much. Since the Pro 7 and Pro 7 Plus are built around a 12.3-inch display, the 13-inch Pro 8 is larger than that model, too. 

Although the Surface Pro 8 display is the same size and resolution as the Pro X, the Surface Pro 8’s screen has a refresh rate that goes up to 120Hz, which should make writing and drawing on the display a smoother experience. When the extra speed isn’t needed, it can drop to 60Hz to save battery life. 

Specs

	Surface Pro 8	Surface Pro 7 Plus (2021)	Surface Pro 7 (2019)	iPad Pro (12.9-inch, 2021)
Price	Starts at $1,100, £999, AU$1,649	Starts at $900, £909, AU$1,349	Starts at $650, £639, AU$1,149	Starts at $999, £199, AU$1,649
Optional keyboard	$180, £160, AU$260	$129, £125, AU$200	$129, £125, AU$200	$329, £329, AU$549
Optional stylus	$130, £120, AU$190	$99, £60, AU$140	$99, £60, AU$140	$119, £119, AU$199
Display	13-inch PixelSense display (120Hz), 2,880×1,920 (267 ppi)	12.3-inch PixelSense display, 2,736×1,824 resolution (267 ppi)	12.3-inch PixelSense display, 2,736×1,824 resolution (267 ppi)	12.9-inch Liquid Retina XDR True Tone with ProMotion display, 2,732×2,048 resolution (264 ppi)
Processor	11th-gen Intel Core i5, i7	11th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7	10th-gen Intel Core i3, i5, i7	M1
RAM	8GB / 16GB / 32GB	8GB / 16GB / 32GB	4GB / 8GB / 16GB	8GB / 16GB
Storage	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB	128GB / 256GB / 512GB / 1TB / 2TB
SIM card support for cellular model	None	Nano-SIM, eSIM	None	Nano-SIM; eSIM; 5G support (sub-6 GHz and mmWave)
Wireless	802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.1	802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.0	802.11ax (Wi-Fi 6), Bluetooth 5.0	802.11ax, Bluetooth 5.0
Ports	USB-C (2; USB 4.0/Thunderbolt 4), Surface Connect, Surface Type Cover port, 3.5mm headphone jack	USB-C, Surface Connect, Surface Type Cover port, MicroSDXC, USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack	USB-C, Surface Connect, Surface Type Cover port, MicroSDXC, USB-A, 3.5mm headphone jack	USB-C with Thunderbolt 4/USB 4 support
Cameras	Front: 5-megapixel with support for Windows Hello, rear: 10-megapixel	Front: 5-megapixel with support for Windows Hello, rear: 8-megapixel	Front: 5-megapixel with support for Windows Hello, rear: 8-megapixel	Front: 12-megapixel TrueDepth; 1080p video, rear: 12-megapixel f/1.8 wide, 10-megapixel f/2.4 ultrawide
OS	Windows 11 Home	Windows 10 Pro or Windows 11 Pro	Windows 10 Home	iPadOS
Dimensions (HWD)	11.3 x 8.2 x 0.37 inches	11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches	11.5 x 7.9 x 0.33 inches	11 x 8.5 x 0.25 inches
Weight	2 lb., 0.9 kg	1.7 lb., 0.77 kg	1.7 lb., 0.77 kg	1.5 lb., 0.68 kg
Battery life	Up to 16 hours	Up to 15 hours	Up to 10.5 hours	Up to 10 hours

Buh-bye USB-A, hello Thunderbolt 4

With the move to 11th-gen Intel processors, Microsoft added not one, but two Thunderbolt 4 USB-C ports. This makes it easier than ever to connect external displays directly to the Surface Pro, as well as giving you high-speed data transfers and more expansion options with a dock or hub. And even though Microsoft still uses its proprietary Surface Connector for the power adapter, you can charge the Pro 8 via the USB-C ports. 

Of course, with the addition of the USB-C ports, something had to go: There is no more good ol’ USB-A port on the Surface Pro 8. Microsoft also did away with the microSD card slot for expanding storage. The two-in-one does offer a removable SSD option, though it is a short M.2 2230 drive. Still, it’s an option down the road if you need more physical storage.

Read more: Here’s what the Surface Duo 2 needs to succeed. Plus, check out how the specs stack up between the Surface Duo 2 and Surface Duo, and some cool camera tricks the Surface Duo can do.

New keyboard, new pen; neither are included

As you might expect, the increased screen size of the Surface Pro 8 means the keyboard cover from the Pro 7 won’t fit. If you’re upgrading to the Pro 8, you’ll need a new keyboard cover, too. Microsoft did develop a new one for the Pro 8 that has a spot at the top to hold and charge the new Surface Slim Pen 2. 

Like past Surface Pro models, the keyboard cover isn’t included with the Surface Pro 8. Neither is the pen. They are not cheap. The keyboard alone is $180, the pen is $130 and bundled together they’re $280. At least the kickstand is built into the body of the Pro 8 so you don’t have to buy a separate cover for that function.

A lot more time to work, create and play

While the 11th-gen Intel Core processors will certainly boost performance over the Surface Pro 7’s 10th-gen chips, it’ll also give you much better battery life. True, it helps that the Surface Pro 8 also has a larger battery pack. But, according to Microsoft’s numbers, the Pro 7 Plus, using the same size battery as the regular Pro 7, gets up to 15 hours of battery life compared to the Pro 7’s 10.5 hours. The Pro 8 will run for up to 16 hours. 

Hiding personal shots on your Android cellular phone got much easier when Google released its Locked Folder attribute again in Could. Quickly a a great deal larger sized chunk of Android buyers will get the similar privilege.

Google introduced Thursday that its preferred Locked Folder function, which lets you disguise sensitive photos in a passcode- protected room on your mobile phone, will roll out “shortly” to Android telephones jogging Android 6. or afterwards. The attribute was released back in Could at the company’s yearly builders convention, after which it was unveiled solely to Google’s personal line of Pixel telephones.

The attribute operates however Google Pictures, which provides a locked folder where you can keep photographs you want to continue to keep private. The locked folder silos images so that they will not display up in other folders, shared folders or research outcomes. The notion is to preserve delicate pics off your digicam reel so you you should not have to fret about exhibiting them to another person you failed to indicate to when scrolling by other pics. 

When Google’s Jen Fitzpatrick, the company’s senior vice president of core techniques and activities, launched the feature at Google I/O, she gave the case in point of a image of your passport or a surprise present for someone in your lifestyle as delicate. But an evident application would be keeping pics that involve nudity or sexual intimacy locked away. 

If you’ve gotten in the routine of changing the names and locations of your Alexa-managed intelligent home equipment — good lights, clever plugs, and many others. — devoid of updating Alexa, you don’t will need me to explain to you what a mess that can make of things. Consider telling your Amazon Echo to transform on a clever gentle applying a system identify that Alexa isn’t going to realize and you may see what I necessarily mean. “Sorry,” Alexa will say, “I didn’t obtain a unit named [its new name].”

https://www.youtube.com/check out?v=8vooHXc_Gpk

Do this often plenty of, and your smart house will come to be practically unusable. Worse: Detangling these types of a mess can be a tall get and, before lengthy, you can obtain by yourself ignoring Alexa entirely, controlling your good home with myriad apps on your cellphone as a substitute. 

Nicely, you happen to be in luck, sort of. There’s option, but it truly is fast and dirty. If it appears dangerous it’s since, perfectly, it is: You may have to delete your full clever home and start more than, and you may get rid of any rooms or routines you’ve got established up. But usually the procedure is simple and should only just take a couple of minutes. When it truly is concluded (and you have rebuilt your rooms and routines in the application) you can go again to buying Alexa all-around. 

Here’s how to do it.

You can have to use Alexa’s desktop portal

Initial, put down your cell phone and decide on up your laptop computer — this has to be performed on the desktop edition of the Alexa web site. Upcoming, head above to Alexa’s web interface (of course, that’s a matter), then follow these methods:

1. On the menu on the still left, click Intelligent Property.

2. In the most important pane, click Units.

3. Scroll all the way to the bottom and simply click the box labeled Clear away All.

4. In the popup window, click Take away to affirm.

5. On the up coming site, simply click the box labeled Find.

Now, rejoice: Alexa has pinged all the several expert services you have joined (Philips Hue, Good Lifestyle, etc.) and updated them all with the existing names of all your devices.

There is, as talked about, a downside. Carrying out this will obliterate any teams — including rooms and speaker groups — as nicely as routines you’ve created. That said, odds are, if you might be having the sorts of complications that need a nuclear alternative this kind of as this, they both of those needed to be revamped in any case.

You may possibly require to nuke a person more point, as well

I lately found out a minimal quirk about Amazon Echos — they recall. As in, if you unplug an Echo unit and toss it in a drawer, only to retrieve it later on and reconnect it to your intelligent residence, it remembers the names of equipment on your community when it was final connected. This can wreak its very own form of havoc on your intelligent house. The only way I’ve observed to fix it is to nuke the gadget alone — reset it to manufacturing unit configurations (follow the hyperlink for in depth recommendations on older products). 

On 3rd- and fourth-technology Echo and Echo Dot devices, press and keep the Action Button for 25 seconds (the gentle ring will pulse orange then switch off). The light-weight will appear on once more, this time blue. Wait until finally it turns orange to show it has returned to setup mode.

To reset Echo Present devices to manufacturing facility settings, press and hold the Mute and Quantity Down buttons for 15 seconds or until an Amazon emblem appears. 

Apple’s iPhone 11 is two years old and now that the iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Pro have arrived, is it still a good idea to buy the older iPhone? It’s a fair question to consider, especially since the iPhone 11, which launched at $799, has since been discounted to $499 on Apple’s website. Beyond price and your personal budget, the decision could depend on what features you need in a smartphone. You may even consider buying an iPhone 12 or an iPhone SE instead.

For instance, do you mind using an iPhone that feels a bit dated? Or do you think saving several hundred dollars is more important than carrying the latest smartphone? What about 5G — how important is that to you? If you’re shopping on a budget, the iPhone 11 is still a great choice. Although you’ll be missing out on some newer features, the iPhone 11 gives you all the basics you’d want from an iPhone, including battery life that’s on par with the iPhone 12, a great dual-lens camera that includes night mode and a processor that’s still fast enough for everyday tasks.  

Read more: Here’s how the iPhone 11 compares to the iPhone 12 and how iPhone 13 compare to iPhone 12.

But if you have some wiggle room in your budget, here are some questions to ask yourself. (For the purposes of this article, I’m going to assume that you are currently using an iPhone.) And if you’re still mulling over your decision after that, here’s how iPhone 13 compares to the last five years of iPhones and here’s our list of the best iPhones. Plus, all the differences between the iPhone 11, 11 Pro and 11 Pro Max.

5G connectivity: iPhone 11 doesn’t have 5G. But do you really need it right now?

One of the iPhone 11’s biggest missing features compared to the iPhone 13 and iPhone 12 is 5G connectivity. The iPhone 11 is an LTE-only device, and if you don’t care for the next-gen wireless tech just yet (service is patchy in the US after all), then the iPhone 11 should suit you just fine. Remember that 5G debuted on the iPhone 12 lineup and getting access to faster bands of 5G depends on where you live, so going for the iPhone 12 makes your purchase more future-proof. 

Display quality: You won’t get a 120Hz refresh rate on an iPhone 11 (or iPhone 12)

The iPhone 11 uses a crisp LCD screen that refreshes at 60 frames per second, or 60Hz. Apple traded up in the iPhone 12, equipping it with an OLED screen, though it kept the display at 60Hz just like most phones. OLEDs are typically more vibrant than their LCD counterparts, with richer contrast and inkier blacks. If you watch a lot of videos on your iPhone and want a superior viewing experience, an OLED screen might make more sense for you. The iPhone 13 also boasts an OLED panel too, though Apple bumped up the refresh rate for the Pro models to 120Hz. The faster refresh rate will translate to smoother, snappier scrolling through apps and websites. 

Software support: How long will the iPhone 11 get iOS software updates? 

Apple’s latest operating system, iOS 15, is supported on many older iPhones, and the oldest is the 2015 iPhone 6S (Here’s how to download the new OS, but you may want to wait.) Based on that and some quick mental math, we can deduce that Apple plans to provide iPhone support for up to six years from launch. As a result, with the iPhone 11, unveiled in 2019, you can rest comfortably knowing that you can expect updates through 2025. 

Read more: iOS 15’s biggest new features: FaceTime, Apple Wallet and Notifications get new tricks

Durability and water resistance: How durable do you want your iPhone to be?

If you do opt for the iPhone 11, you will miss out on a few durability features that are available on the newer iPhone models. One of the iPhone 12’s big improvements is the material of its display. Apple calls it “ceramic shield” glass. Made by Corning, the ceramic shield glass covering the phone’s display is apparently harder than most metals. Indeed, we can confirm that the iPhone 12’s ceramic shield is tough. Our iPhone 12 drop tests show it protected the hardware from drops as high as 9 feet. (CNET’s iPhone 12 Mini drop tests yielded similar results.) The iPhone 13 also has the same ceramic shield glass on its display.

So if you’re a big klutz and are prone to slips and drops, springing for the iPhone 13 or iPhone 12 is a wise move (or just get a really nice iPhone case). Keep in mind, the iPhone 11 isn’t a delicate darling, either. It also survived CNET’s drop and water tests and earned a CNET Editors’ Choice Award. You can read our iPhone 11 review for more details. 

Read more: Farewell iPhone case: The case for the caseless phone

Price and budget: How much do you want to spend on an iPhone?

As I said earlier, Apple is selling the nearly two-year-old iPhone 11 for $300 less now than when it was first launched, making it a great choice for those shopping on a budget. The iPhone 11 is also just $100 more than the current iPhone SE and offers more features like a larger screen, longer battery life and a dual-camera with wide and ultra-wide lenses. If it fits your budget, the iPhone 11 may be your best option for an affordable iPhone. 

But, if you want the latest from Apple, phone carriers like Verizon, T-Mobile and AT&T offer the iPhone 13 Pro, standard 13 or 13 Mini for $0 with a trade-in. Just keep in mind that there are plenty of caveats to those deals. 

For 2022, the Ford Expedition full-size SUV is on the receiving end of a welcome refresh. Two new trim levels are coming, the automaker’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving aid will be offered, and you can get a massive infotainment screen inside (seriously, it’s huge). These changes, and many more, should help this rugged family-hauler better compete with the popular Chevy Tahoe and brand-new Jeep Wagoneer, serious threats from Ford’s crosstown rivals.

New for ’22

Making their debut Tuesday, two new trims are available for the 2022 Expedition, and they’re at opposite ends of the spectrum. The Expedition Timberline offers more rugged styling and substantially enhanced off-road capability, while the Stealth Performance Package has a blacked-out look and should feel sportier on the street, which, to be honest, is where large SUVs like this spend probably 98% of their time.

The Timberline model is the most off-road capable Expedition Ford’s ever offered from the factory. Naturally, a few visual cues speak to this enhanced performance, though they do not shout. All the optical upgrades here are all tastefully done. Up front, there’s a unique grille along with some spiffy orange accents, just like on the smaller Explorer Timberline. This Expedition gains a wider track and rolls on black 18-inch wheels wrapped in rugged all-terrain tires. Inside, you can get a Deep Cyprus Green cabin, which is offset by trim and stitching rendered in orange. But with the Timberline, the biggest upgrades here aren’t so obvious.

Thanks to an elevated ride height, this Expedition has 10.6 inches of ground clearance, more than a Jeep Wagoneer. This Expedition’s approach and departure angles are improved, there’s a juicy two-speed transfer case, and you can get the F-150 Raptor’s front skid plate, which not only looks cool, but should do a great job shielding delicate powertrain components from damage out on the trail. Other mechanical upgrades include a standard limited-slip rear differential, larger stabilizer bars and unique springs, plus a range of drive modes.

Just like the new Bronco, the Timberline model features Ford’s clever Trail Turn Assist. Basically, in certain situations this system can lock the inside rear wheel to significantly decrease the turning circle, which can be a godsend out on the trail. Not that you will, but thanks to these upgrades, the Expedition Timberline should be able to take you pretty far off the beaten path.

Of course, if you’re only making runs to Costco every other weekend rather than bombing down old logging trails, consider the other new-for-2022 Expedition trim. The street-focused Stealth Performance Package will be available on midrange Limited and extended-length Limited Max models. It offers more athletic looks and a sportier suspension. This Expedition builds on the Stealth Appearance Package that’s been around for a few years, though it’s curious that Ford didn’t just brand this an ST model like its other performance-enhanced models.

For a sinister look, this street-focused SUV’s grille, mirror caps, roof rails, running boards, liftgate applique and lamp housings are all blacked out, as are its swanky 22-inch wheels. Even the Ford emblems have received the same treatment. Providing a dash of color, the brake calipers are red.

Fancy Platinum models come standard with a continuously controlled damping suspension with road preview, a setup that should also be optional on the Limited trim and above. Expeditions fitted with the Stealth Performance Package have the adaptive dampers as well with firmer tuning, though how sporty a multi-ton SUV can feel remains to be seen.

High-output performance

Acceleration shouldn’t be an issue, at least. As with the current model, just one powertrain is offered in the 2022 Ford Expedition, though it’s available in two flavors. You get a 3.5-liter EcoBoost twin-turbo V6 that’s, predictably, matched to a 10-speed automatic transmission. In standard tune, this engine belts out 375 horsepower and 470 pound-feet of torque, impressive numbers to be sure. But the Timberline trim and examples fitted with the Stealth Performance Package get a high-output variant that’s good for 440 hp and 510 lb.-ft. of twist. That’s more of each than you get in either a Jeep Wagoneer or Chevy Tahoe.

When fitted with the heavy-duty towing package, you can drag up to 9,300 pounds behind the 2022 Expedition. That’s a good bit more than the Chevy, but less than the Jeep can manage.

Saving a few drops of fuel, this SUV can also be had with an active air dam. It deploys at speeds greater than 40 mph and supposedly improves aerodynamics by 4% at highway speeds. On its own, this add-on probably doesn’t make too much of a difference, but every little bit helps.

Big news inside

There’s plenty of important stuff to highlight inside the refreshed Expedition, even if its cockpit isn’t entirely new. Some small components carry over, but importantly, the dashboard was redesigned. It looks more flowing than before and features higher-quality materials and finer details. With extra pressure from the Wagoneer and Tahoe, Ford had to move the needle and it did.

A jumbo 12-inch landscape-oriented screen is standard equipment, running the automaker’s Sync 4 infotainment system. But as in the Mustang Mach-E all-electric SUV and upcoming F-150 Lightning pickup truck, you can also get a mammoth 15.5-inch portrait-oriented display running Ford’s Sync 4A multimedia array. Either way, both infotainment offerings support wireless smartphone mirroring via Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. Beyond all that, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster with Expedition-specific graphics is offered as well.

Making long highway trips less draining, Ford’s Blue Cruise hands-free driving aid will be standard equipment in the top-shelf Platinum model, courtesy of a new electrical system. That is the only trim level this advanced feature will be offered on, at least for now. It sounds like Ford may make Blue Cruise available on other models in the coming years, which would be super smart. Similar to GM’s pioneering Super Cruise system, this setup allows hands-free driving on more than 130,000 miles of approved highways in North America.

Every Expedition comes standard with automatic emergency braking and pedestrian detection. An improved 360-degree camera system is offered and Pro Trailer Backup Assist 2.0 provides a more seamless towing experience than before. Other fancy features include an available 22-speaker Bang & Olufsen sound system. This feature should be available on King Ranch, Platinum, Stealth Performance Package and Timberline models. Amazon Fire is now integrated into the rear-seat entertainment system, which includes HD touchscreens with 16 gigabytes of storage.

Available early next year

Unfortunately, pricing and fuel economy information is not available right now, but the redesigned 2022 Ford Expedition is expected to start arriving at dealerships in the first quarter of 2022. Once again, this SUV will be built in Louisville, Kentucky.

The updated Expedition looks better than ever, is more capable and the tech it offers is a huge leap forward. With strong competition from the Tahoe and Wagoneer, Ford had to step up, and it looks like it has.

This story is part of Apple Event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple.

Whether you’re getting Apple’s new iPhone 13 or holding onto a 6-year-old iPhone 6S, iOS 15 will be available to download to your phone starting Monday, Sept. 20. The new version of iOS has been in public beta for months undergoing a variety of tweaks leading to the final release. I’ve been testing iOS 15’s new features, and everything from bigger additions like FaceTime call web links for friends on Android and Windows to smaller changes like pinning conversations to the top of the Messages app has improved my iPhone without disrupting my daily status quo.

On the whole, iOS 15 feels like a continuation of iOS 14, which felt like a continuation of iOS 13. These three updates are like a movie trilogy, but unlike The Lord of the Rings there isn’t an ominous Eye of Sauron looming over your every move, just Siri. Following in the smart footsteps of iOS 13 and 14, iOS 15 lets you decide how much you want to change your iPhone experience. For instance, in Safari the tab bar can be moved to the bottom of your phone’s screen to make it easier to reach one-handed. If you want that tab bar back at the top where it’s been since 2007, you can tap the AA button and select Show Top Address Bar.

Visually, iOS 15 doesn’t alter the way your phone looks, or at least not in a big way. This isn’t like the drastic overhaul seen going to iOS 7 from iOS 6. Also, iOS 15 isn’t defined by a couple of giant flashy features. Instead, it’s made up of hundreds of small and medium additions that add up to something more significant. From more ways to personalize your Memoji to the larger visual improvements in Maps, iOS 15 is a vast overhaul of your phone. But instead of trumpeting its changes like a parade of elephants, Apple has quietly tip-toed in improvements to help make your phone better without inconveniencing your existing preferences and workflows.

Read more: iOS 15’s hidden tricks are its best features. Here’s what we’ve found so far

When it comes to device support, Apple’s iOS is simply unmatched. If you have an iPhone 6S or the original iPhone SE, iOS 15 will work on your phone. You just might not get all of the new additions. Compare that with Android phones. I can’t think of a 2015 phone from Google, Samsung or Huawei that will be able to run Android 12.

With all of that out of the way, let’s get into a few of my favorite features.

Focus mode in iOS 15 is transformative

Out of everything in iOS 15, Focus mode had the biggest impact on me. Several colleagues describe it as “Do Not Disturb mode on steroids.” Focus lets you filter notifications based on what you’re currently doing, and organize app and widget pages on your iPhone’s home screen to match your activity and state of mind.

With a Focus mode enabled, your status is automatically displayed in Messages for friends to see. It’s kind of like setting an Away status on Slack, but to remind others not to interrupt you. The difference is that a Focus status works system wide across your iPhone, Mac and other devices. You also have the ability to turn off your Focus status so it’s not shared.

Third-party app developers can incorporate Focus status in their messaging apps if they choose. This leads to the possibility that your Focus status could work with WhatsApp, Signal or others in the future. Slack will support Focus status when iOS 15 is released.

Setting up or editing a Focus is easily done in Settings. I set up a handful of Focuses including default ones for work and fitness. I made a couple of custom Focuses for cooking and cycling. You can name the Focus anything you like so please don’t judge my rather bland naming scheme for cooking and cycling. You can schedule a Focus to start and end at a certain time or be triggered when you arrive at a location, or you can use Control Center to toggle them on and off at will.

When you set up a Focus you can select who can notify you. For my work focus, I limit contact to my boss and co-workers. Like in Do Not Disturb mode, you’ll still receive all your messages and calls, but you’ll only be alerted to the ones from the contacts you specified. Contacts I didn’t specify who try to reach me when I’m using Focus are alerted above the text field in Messages that my notifications are silenced. There is an option for them to “Notify anyway” that will alert me.

You can customize which app pages from your home screen are displayed during a specific Focus. I made an app page that was just for apps I use during work. On it are apps like Slack, Filmic Pro, Voice Memos and a teleprompter app. I left off apps that I knew would distract me like Instagram and Twitter.

When I turn on my work focus, my normal four pages of home screen apps goes down to the one I selected. Since iOS lets you duplicate an app multiple times across different pages on your home screen, you have an infinite amount of possibilities for customization. If I want Slack to be on an app page with work apps, and another app page for commuting, I can do that. It’s also worth remembering that Focus doesn’t delete or disable the apps you’re not using. If I’m in my work Focus and need to hop onto Twitter, I can still access it along with every app on my iPhone via the App Library.

It took a while to get Focus set up and tweaked just right. And if you have a Mac running MacOS Monterey, you might have more finessing to do to make Focus work for you. Focus mode has improved how I use my phone. I feel more purposeful. 

Portrait mode for FaceTime calls looks great

Portrait mode is not just for your photos anymore. iOS 15 lets you turn on Portrait mode for your FaceTime calls, bringing with it the ability to place an artistic blurry background behind you. Zoom, Skype and other video chat apps allow you to place a blur around you, but Apple’s implementation looks so much better and more natural. Instead of being a wall of blur, Portrait mode mimics the natural out-of-focus falloff you get using a mirrorless camera and fast lens. FaceTime Portrait mode lacks the jagged cutout or a weird halo effect I often see on Zoom. When I tested the feature out, one friend asked if I’d gotten a new phone because the effect looked so good.

When you couple Portrait mode along with the spatial audio feature in FaceTime, video calls become even more immersive. Spatial audio grounds the location of the audio source relative to you. Obviously all of the callers are on your phone, but spatial audio spreads them out so they sound like they’re talking to you from your left and right as well as middle. It’s a really neat effect. I noticed it worked best on calls with four people or more.

Notification Summary removes the noise from your iPhone

Notification Summary is like your own personalized dossier filled with curated notifications that aren’t timely or urgent. App notifications can be overwhelming. Up to now managing your notifications has been in large part an all or nothing affair. But iOS 15 allows you to gather useful notifications in one place where you can view them at your own choosing.

For me, instead of constantly being interrupted or distracted even for a moment, Notification Summary collects notifications from apps that I’m interested in but that are not urgent. Then it delivers that collection of notifications to me when I want.

Notification Summary is great for handling those notifications you want but necessarily don’t need to see right away. A good example would be a notification from a game letting you know of an upgrade or, in my case, the New York Times Crossword app alerting me to a new puzzle (OK, that one could be considered urgent).

Notification Summary really changed my relationship with my iPhone. I found myself now allowing notifications from apps I previously opted out of because now I can better manage them.

Live Text is a fantastic way to input text, numbers and websites

When Live Text first came out, I was like, “Oh, it’s Apple’s version of Google Lens.” Yes, they live on the same spectrum but are different. Google Lens is more like Live Text and iOS Spotlight combined. You can use Live Text in real time with your camera or with photos to identify text. It automatically detects if text is present and contextualizes it. And it works with both printed text and handwriting.

If there’s a phone number, you can tap it to dial the number. If there is a Spanish word you can translate it to English. If you have a photo, just tap the Live Text icon on the bottom right to interact with any text in the frame. The interface looks clean and is easy to use. One of my favorite examples was when Live Text identified text on a wrinkled T-shirt I was wearing in a photo.

iOS 15 features not available at launch

There are several iOS 15 features that won’t be available at launch, but I want to highlight two. The first is the ability to add identification cards like your driver’s license to your iPhone’s wallet. When I first heard about this feature I was skeptical. But after losing my wallet, I wish I had my driver’s license in my iPhone’s Wallet app as a backup.

The other thing I’m excited about is SharePlay. When you’re on a FaceTime call, SharePlay lets you listen to music or watch a movie or TV show together and in sync with your friends. You can even share your screen. I tried the feature out in an early beta version of iOS 15 and was impressed with the potential. It’s a little bit like a number of group video-watching features added to apps like Hulu, Prime Video and Disney Plus over the course of the pandemic, mixed with screen sharing over a Zoom call. The difference is that SharePlay is better integrated across your phone and not limited to just a couple of app. You can use it for TikTok, sharing music and any other app that opts in to use SharePlay. It has a clean interface that even allows you to broadcast SharePlay media from your phone to a TV equipped with an AppleTV device.

Walk don’t run to iOS 15

Overall, these numerous additions and changes led to a positive experience with iOS 15. As with any software update, I’d recommend backing up your phone beforehand as a precaution. Those with older iPhones also might want to wait a few days to see if other people report problems they encounter.

This story is part of Apple Event, our full coverage of the latest news from Apple.

Apple announced its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday at its September event alongside the Apple Watch 7, iPad Mini 6 and updated entry-level iPad. The new lineup, named the iPhone 13, mirrors last year’s iPhone 12 collection with standard, Mini, Pro and Pro Max versions. The updated iPhone runs on iOS 15, which will be publicly available to install next week, and features a few camera upgrades, upped storage, a new A15 Bionic processor and more. (Here’s how and when you can preorder the iPhone 13.)

We were fairly certain there would be four iPhone 13 variants in advance of Apple’s big event, just like last year’s iPhone 12 lineup (though the future of the iPhone Mini is not so certain). The four-model lineup for the iPhone 13 was predicted by industry analyst Ming-Chi Kuo. The iPhone 13 lineup was also spotted in a filing with the Federal Communications Commission for a revised MagSafe charger. The filing referenced the four new iPhone models alongside the four “legacy” iPhone 12 models: the iPhone 12 Mini, iPhone 12, iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max ahead of Tuesday’s event. 

The iPhone 13 models vary in a number of key ways. First of all, storage size. Not only is the iPhone 13’s starting storage impressive — the standard and Mini model are offered in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB options — but the Pro and Pro Max storage is downright huge. You can get one of the Pro models with a whopping 1TB of storage. 

Although the iPhone 13 lineup mirrors the iPhone 12, Apple’s 2021 iPhones features a slightly new design, updated camera and feature upgrades for a similar price as 2020’s iPhone 12 models. 

Here’s everything we know about the iPhone 13 collection after Apple’s September event, and how each model differs from each other.

Price: iPhone 13 line (mostly) matches the cost of its predecessor

The iPhone 13 lineup mostly mimics the pricing for the iPhone 12. Although Apple has since done away with the 64GB storage option for its standard and Mini options, the pricing of the iPhone 13 have stayed the same. The iPhone 13 Mini starts at $699 for 128GB of storage. The standard iPhone 13 starts at $799, the Pro starts at $999 and Pro Max at $1,0999. 

The prices for the Pro versions are similar to other high-end smartphone models like the Galaxy S21 Plus and Galaxy S21 Ultra, which cost $1,000 and $1,200, respectively. 

The prices for the new iPhone increase as you go up in storage, especially since the iPhone features a 1TB storage option for the first time. The extra storage is only available on the Pro models and ups the price of an iPhone 13 Pro Max to $1,599. 

Here are US prices for each of the iPhone 13 models: 

IPHONE 13 SERIES US PRICES AND STORAGE

Phone	128GB of storage	256GB of storage	512GB of storage	1TB of storage
iPhone 13 Mini	$699	$799	$999	NA
iPhone 13	$799	$899	$1,099	NA
iPhone 13 Pro	$999	$1,099	$1,299	$1,499
iPhone 13 Pro Max	$1,099	$1,199	$1,399	$1,599

Storage: iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have 1TB options

Apple has ditched its 64GB storage option for its new iPhone. The standard iPhone 13 and Mini now come in 128GB, 256GB and 512GB storage options, while the Pro and Pro Max also come in a 1TB storage option. This is the first time you have the option to get 1TB of storage on an iPhone. 

The storage upgrade was previously spotted in an investor report from Kuo and reported by 9to5Mac.

Size and design: All iPhone 13 models have a 20% smaller notch

All four versions of the iPhone 13 are thicker and heavier than their counterpart in last year’s lineup, but with a smaller notch. Apple has included a notched display on every iPhone since the 2017 iPhone X, as a place for the selfie camera. In March Kuo predicted that the iPhone 13 will have a smaller notch than its predecessors. At the event, Apple confirmed that the iPhone 13’s notch is 20% smaller than it was on the iPhone 12. 

Before the event, some people thought we got a glimpse of a notchless iPhone during an episode of the popular Apple TV Plus series Ted Lasso. In two brief scenes of episode 6 in season 2, we see an iPhone without a notch running iOS. Some speculated that the phone in question could have been the iPhone 13. But, despite the buzz generated by shots of the phone, it now seems like it was a CGI imperfection in postproduction rather than a sneak peek of Apple’s new iPhone.

The design of the camera setup shifted for the iPhone 13 Mini. The camera lenses are now situated diagonally from each other, rather than one atop the other like on the iPhone 12 Mini. The change was previously rumored by leaker Sonny Dickson on Twitter in June. 

The iPhone 13 lineup ranges in screen size from 5.4 inches to 6.7 inches. The iPhone 13 Mini is 5.4 inches, the standard iPhone 13 and Pro models are both 6.1 inches and the Pro Max is 6.7 inches.

iPhone 13 sizes

iPhone 13 model	Size
iPhone 13 Mini	5.4 inches
iPhone 13 standard	6.1 inches
iPhone 13 Pro	6.1 inches
iPhone 13 Pro Max	6.7 inches

Display: Only iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have a 120 Hz refresh rate

The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max models both feature a 120Hz display, as predicted by Kuo in March. The number of hertz a phone screen is able to display refers to its number of frames per second, which determines how fast and smooth the screen feels when you’re scrolling through apps and web pages. The standard and Mini models, however, don’t feature the 120Hz display. 

Apple seems late to the game, since other high-end smartphones, including the Samsung Galaxy S21 and OnePlus 9 Pro, already have a 120Hz refresh rate. 

Camera: All the upgrades for each iPhone 13 model

The iPhone 13 lineup features a few new camera upgrades, including the addition of cinematic mode and macro photography.

But, similar to the iPhone 12 lineup, the lidar scanner is still only available on the Pro and Pro Max. This was previously rumored by leaker Dylan on Twitter and proven to be true. This is the second generation of iPhones to only feature a lidar scanner on its higher-end models. 

The scanner, which made its debut in the 2020 iPad Pro, can be seen on both the iPhone 12 Pro and iPhone 12 Pro Max. The scanner is used to help with autofocus and taking pictures in low lighting. (You can also use lidar to measure your friends’ heights at parties, which is kind of cool.) 

Read more: What does the iPhone’s lidar feature actually do?

Apple’s iPhone 13 and iPhone 13 Mini have two improved 12-megapixel cameras with a 12-megapixel wide and ultrawide lens. The iPhone 13 Pro and Pro Max have three new rear cameras with a 12-megapixel wide, ultrawide and telephoto lens. All of the iPhones in Apple’s 2021 lineup can also take Night Mode shots for the first time.

Apple also unveiled that the Pro models will get a more advanced version of ProRes video later this year. 

Battery: The iPhone 13 is said to have more battery life than before

The exact battery specs for each iPhone 13 model are undisclosed, but Apple says the new iPhones will sport longer battery life than the iPhone 12 lineup. The extended battery life results from a combination of a bigger battery, iOS 15 and the A15 Bionic chip, according to Apple.

Apple says the iPhone 13 and iPhone Mini hold a charge for 17 and 19 hours of video playback, respectively. The iPhone 13 Pro is said to live for 22 hours, and the iPhone Pro Max for 28 hours.

Rumors prior to the September event suggested each model would get a battery boost. According to leaker L0vetodream on Twitter, reported on by 9to5Mac, the iPhone 13 would house a 2,406-mAh battery, the standard and Pro models would have a 3,095-mAh battery and the Pro Max would have a 4,352-mAh battery. Since Apple hasn’t disclosed the battery specs for its latest iPhone lineup, we don’t know if this speculation turned out to be true. We may only find out when the new phones are subjected to teardowns. 

Regardless, just note that it’s possible that a boost in battery size will not directly translate to longer battery life, since battery life isn’t the same as battery capacity. 

If you’re itching for more about the iPhone 13, take a look at which color you should buy and how to preorder the new iPhone. You can also check out everything that was announced at Apple’s September event, including the Apple Watch 7, iPad Mini 6 and updated entry-level iPad. And, iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 are coming Sept. 20. Here’s how to get ready to download and install them on your iPhone and iPad.

iPhone 13, 13 Mini, 13 Pro and 13 Pro Max specs

	iPhone 13 Mini	iPhone 13	iPhone 13 Pro	iPhone 13 Pro Max
Display size, resolution	5.4-inch OLED; 2,340×1,080 pixels	6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels	6.1-inch OLED; 2,532×1,170 pixels	6.7-inch OLED; 2,778×1,284 pixels
Dimensions (Inches)	5.18 x 2.53 x 0.3 in	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in	5.78 x 2.82 x 0.3 in	6.33 x 3.07 x 0.3 in
Dimensions (Millimeters)	132 x 64 x 7.65 mm	147 x 72 x 7.65 mm	147 x 72 x 7.65 mm	161 x 78 x 7.65 mm
Weight (Ounces, Grams)	4.97 oz; 141g	6.14 oz; 174g	7.19 oz; 204g	8.48 oz; 240g
Mobile software	iOS 15	iOS 15	iOS 15	iOS 15
Camera	12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide)	12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)	12-megapixel (wide), 12-megapixel (ultrawide), 12-megapixel (telephoto)
Front-facing camera	12-megapixel	12-megapixel	12-megapixel	12-megapixel
Video capture	HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps	HDR video recording with Dolby Vision up to 4K at 60 fps	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)*	ProRes video recording up to 4K at 30 fps (1080p at 30 fps for 128GB storage)*
Processor	Apple A15 Bionic	Apple A15 Bionic	Apple A15 Bionic	Apple A15 Bionic
Storage	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB	128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB
Expandable storage	No	No	No	No
Battery	Undisclosed; Apple lists 17 hours of video playback	Undisclosed; Apple lists 19 hours of video playback	Undisclosed; Apple lists 22 hours of video playback	Undisclosed; Apple lists 28 hours of video playback
Fingerprint sensor	No (Face ID)	No (Face ID)	No (Face ID)	No (Face ID)
Connector	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning	Lightning
Headphone jack	No	No	No	No
Special features	5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)	5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)	ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)	ProMotion technology with adaptive refresh rates up to 120Hz; lidar scanner; 5G enabled; MagSafe; water resistant (IP68); wireless charging; dual-SIM capabilities (nano-SIM and e-SIM)
Price off-contract (USD)	$699 (128GB), $799 (256GB), $999 (512GB)	$799 (128GB), $899 (256GB), $1,099 (512GB)	$999 (128GB), $1,099 (256GB), $1,299 (512GB), $1,499 (1TB)	$1,099 (128GB), $1,199 (256GB), $1,399 (512GB), $1,599 (1TB)
Price (GBP)	£679 (128GB), £779 (256GB), £979 (512GB)	£779 (128GB), £879 (256GB), £1,079 (512GB)	£949 (128GB), £1,049 (256GB), £1,249 (512GB), £1,449 (1TB)	£1,049 (128GB), £1,149 (256GB), £1,349 (512GB), £1,549 (1TB)
Price (AUD)	AU$1,199 (128GB), AU$1,369 (256GB), AU$1,719 (512GB)	AU$1,349 (128GB), AU$1,519 (256GB), AU$1,869 (512GB)	AU$1,699 (128GB), AU$1,869 (256GB), AU$2,219 (512GB), AU$2,569 (1TB)	AU$1,849 (128GB), AU$2,019 (256GB), AU$2,369 (512GB), AU$2,719 (1TB)

Want to find the best AV receiver for the money? I’ve tested some of the most popular big-black-box options from the major brands in the $500 to $700 range, and the feature sets, connectivity and performance levels are impressively high. From Dolby Atmos to Wi-Fi music streaming to voice control — and high-quality audio — these modern home cinema receivers offer everything a home theater enthusiast needs. 

There’s one thing to take into consideration, though, especially if you’re a gamer. Until recently 8K-compatible receivers have had issues displaying video from certain types of PCs and gaming consoles. So, there’s one brand in particular you should be wary of in the short term. However, if you don’t care about using the Xbox Series X or simply can’t wait, these are the best models available right now.

Which receiver should I buy?

If you can live without the latest features — HDMI 2.1, 8K, VRR — then the 2019 Onkyo TX-NR696 is the receiver to get. The Onkyo is an excellent performer and offers easy setup, excellent usability, solid looks and useful features, including the best streaming suite. The TX-NR696 retails for more than $500, but it is regularly on sale for under that. Even at its regular price of $599 the TX-NR696 is a great deal. Be aware that it’s about to be replaced by a new model, but it will cost a whole $200 more.

Until the 4K/120Hz bug reared its head — more on that shortly — the Yamaha RX-V6A was my favorite receiver of the last 12 months. It offers striking looks and the performance chops to match. On the other hand, the Sony STR-DN1080 may be getting super old at this point but it still offers 4K HDR throughput, streaming capabilities and top-notch sound. (Note: It is currently marked as being discontinued on many shopping sites, but Sony has confirmed to CNET that it remains a current model.)

Why should I wait?

I would advise caution on buying a Yamaha receiver in particular right now, especially if future-proofing is something you’re interested in. You see, all of the newest, 8K-compatible receivers were susceptible to a bug preventing them from displaying variable refresh rate video, and from the Xbox Series X in particular. While Denon, Marantz and Yamaha announced fixes for existing models, if you buy a Yamaha RX-V6A right now it could mean sending your new receiver in to get a mainboard replaced. Yamaha says new compliant receivers won’t be available on shelves until fall.

Meanwhile Sound United, which produces Denon and Marantz receivers, says any models sold after April 2021 should be 4K/120Hz compliant. The spokesperson said that if customers are unsure whether their model is compliant or not they should contact their dealer or customer support. Older, noncompliant models are able to be rectified with a free adapter, but the company advises these dongles are now out of stock for the next five months. 

Competitor Onkyo released its $599 TX-NR5100 in mid-July 2021, and while I found it could pass 4K/120Hz I believe it’s not as recommendable as the older, more capable TX-NR696 for the same money.

But is 4K/120Hz support even a big deal? There are a small handful of games that you can put into this mode — Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and so on — but the advantages of 4K/120Hz over 60Hz are minimal as far as we’ve seen so far. Future games and even video sources may make the differences clearer, and that’s why you’d want a receiver that’s fully compatible.

If you do buy an older receiver, don’t care about the Xbox Series X, or don’t want to send your 8K model to the shop, you can always hook a fancy new console directly to the TV, then use eARC to get audio to the receiver. Despite the mess AV receiver manufacturers find themselves in right now, there is one thing the following models have in common: great performance.

What to look for in a $500-ish receiver

AV receivers are notoriously complex, with reams of features and confusing technical specifications. (For example, what’s “ultra HD”?) But what are the things that really matter when buying a new model? I’m going to sum up the most important ones right here.

4K HDR compatibility

You want to make sure your new receiver can keep up with the latest TVs and video gear. Standards do change all the time, but the bare minimum right now is support for HDR and Dolby Vision, at least HDMI version 2.0 or better. All of these models support 4K and HDR video. 8K is coming, slowly, but most recorded content is still going to be in 1080p or even SD for many, many years. If future-proofing is a concern for you, the Yamaha RX-V6A and Denon AVR-S960H offer 8K and HDMI 2.1 compatibility as well. 

As many HDMI inputs as you can afford

With most TVs and set-top boxes supporting HDMI, you should buy a receiver that has as many of these HDMI input ports and outputs as possible. Front-mounted HDMI ports are kind of like an appendix — unneeded, because most users don’t hot-plug HDMI devices — making the number of rear inputs what’s most important. (How else are you going to connect your Blu-ray player, Nintendo Switch, soundbar and all your other devices?) The Sony and Onkyo in this roundup both have six rear-mounted HDMI ports while the Denon and Yamaha go one better with seven. If you want to connect two different displays — a TV and a projector for example — all but the Yamaha offer a second HDMI output. You should also be sure you have an extra HDMI cable or two on hand — these things are like the second sock of a pair in that you can never find them when you need them.

You don’t really need Dolby Atmos ‘height’ speakers

Most receivers in the $500-and-above price range include Dolby Atmos capability and DTS:X, but the effect they have on your home theater movie-watching can be subtle, or in most movies nonexistent. In other words, don’t worry about missing out on these formats if you don’t install an extra height speaker or two. Mounting your rear surround speakers high on the wall will get you halfway there in terms of quality, immersive sound.

Wi-Fi music streaming

Most midrange receivers have onboard Wi-Fi network connectivity for wireless music streaming through your speaker system. There are plenty of standards for wireless streaming services, but the most universal are Spotify Connect, Apple AirPlay 1 and 2, and Google Chromecast built in. If you’re looking to build a multiroom system with a variety of AV systems and speakers with wireless connectivity, these are the three flavors to aim for. The Onkyo and Sony are the only two devices that support all three. The Denon receiver model lacks wireless streaming via Chromecast, but ups the ante to AirPlay 2 and the proprietary HEOS system. Yamaha has its own MusicCast in the meantime.

For more general information on what you should be looking for, check out this AV receiver buying guide from 2016.

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