9 Great Reads From CNET This Week: iPhone Repair, Netflix Viewing and More

We’ve all had it happen: a cracked or shattered phone screen. But how many of us have tried to fix that on our own? It might not have been an option. But now Apple, which had long resisted it, is giving iPhone owners a way to repair their phones on their own.

CNET’s Chris Parker took them up on it. He ordered a repair kit from Apple’s Self Service Repair Program and put his DIY skills to the test, and he lays out the process step by step so you can see what’s involved. “The support manual was very helpful,” he reports, “even if I did bungle a couple of steps along the way.”

His article is among the many in-depth features and thought-provoking commentaries that appeared on CNET this week. So here you go. These are the stories you don’t want to miss.

I Fixed My Broken iPhone Screen Using Apple’s Self Service Repair Kit

Join me as I exercise my right to repair my shattered iPhone SE using the new DIY repair kit from Apple.   

An iPhone SE with a shattered screen leans up against a display press device for installing a new screen

Chris Parker/CNET

‘Stranger Things’ Will Be Netflix’s Biggest Hit Yet. How? Netflix Changed its Rules

Netflix quietly revised how it ranks popularity, letting a few shows — like Stranger Things — enjoy wildly inflated stats.  

Stranger Things character Robin holds a white board with "You Rule" and "You Suck" written on it, with six tick marks in the "You Suck" column.Stranger Things character Robin holds a white board with "You Rule" and "You Suck" written on it, with six tick marks in the "You Suck" column.

Netflix

This Stylish, Luxury Hybrid Watch (Almost) Made Me Ditch My Apple Watch

The Withings ScanWatch Horizon is a hybrid watch with plenty of health-tracking features. But it’s not as good at replacing my phone as the Apple Watch.

Withings ScanWatch HorizonWithings ScanWatch Horizon

Lisa Eadicicco/CNET

‘The Internet’s Best Friend’: TikTok Comedian Gets Laughs While Raising Mental Health Awareness  

Making people laugh isn’t the only thing Elyse Myers does. She’s also bringing large-scale awareness to mental health struggles.

Elyse Myers smiling and leaning against the back of couchElyse Myers smiling and leaning against the back of couch

Lauren Wade

These Drones Could Give You 5G Networking in the Next Hurricane 

AT&T already has sent its “flying COWs” aloft to provide network coverage during earlier disasters.

An AT&T Flying COW drone with 5G network equipment flies in a blue skyAn AT&T Flying COW drone with 5G network equipment flies in a blue sky

AT&T

Goblintown Is a $37M NFT Collection That No One Can Explain

After being given out for free 12 days ago, Goblintown NFTs are selling for $11,000. No one knows what it’s about.

Three Goblintown NFTsThree Goblintown NFTs

Goblintown.wtf

Wristcam’s Apple Watch Video Calling Is Proof-of-Concept for FaceTime-like Calls

Taking a video call on your wrist sounds like a futuristic dream. But it’s not quite ready to replace your phone just yet.  

Wristcam camera wristwatchWristcam camera wristwatch

Mike Sorrentino/CNET

Scientists Discover a Black Hole Illusion That Will Trick Your Brain and Your Eyes 

Your pupils might speak louder than words when it comes to this brain-melting artwork.  

Abstract golden curves wave patterns on a black background.Abstract golden curves wave patterns on a black background.

Getty Images

Why Johnny Depp vs. Amber Heard Dominated the Internet  

Social media feeds have been drowning in Heard vs. Depp content, in a high-profile case that just wrapped up its time in court.

Amber Heard and Johnny Depp, surrounded by emojisAmber Heard and Johnny Depp, surrounded by emojis

Robert Rodriguez/CNET

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