How-To Geek

Syndicate content
We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 1 hour 54 min ago

Some new IKEA Matter over Thread smart home devices have a hidden trick

11 hours 5 min ago

IKEA is in the midst of rolling out a new lineup of smart home devices, ditching Zigbee in favor of Matter over Thread. Though the full lineup isn’t available everywhere yet (virtually none of it is available in my local store here in Australia), some users have noticed that some devices aren’t locked to the new Thread protocol.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Please stop using your high refresh rate monitor on default settings

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 23:00

If you’ve recently upgraded to a high refresh rate monitor and are disappointed by blurry performance, you're not alone. Unfortunately, the cause behind the blur isn't always obvious.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your T-Mobile plan could be increasing in price

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:21

T-Mobile is raising prices on its mobile plans yet again, even for plans advertised with a "price guarantee." A higher fee will now apply to each line on certain plans.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop using your phone as a flashlight, buy this really good one instead for $22

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 22:00

I’m tired of using my iPhone 17 Pro’s flashlight just to be let down by how dim it always is. That’s why I keep an ultra-compact, low-cost, and rechargeable flashlight on me at all times—and you should too.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 safe ways to install Linux apps that aren’t in your repo (without breaking anything)

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 21:00

Linux package managers make it super simple to install and upgrade software. However, you will inevitably run into a 'target package not found' error. Here is what you can do when that happens.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This American sports car has Honda reliability and Porsche handling

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 20:30

Japanese cars have a reputation for just working, and Honda is a big reason why. Porsche, on the other hand, builds some of the most rewarding sports cars to drive, especially the 911.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Want a Home Assistant dashboard? You probably already own the hardware

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 20:00

Have you been looking at Home Assistant dashboards, thinking they’d be nice to have? Well, what if I told you that you very likely already own the hardware to build one with zero added cost? Here’s everything you need to know about building your own Home Assistant dashboard.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I combined a NAS and an SSD for the ultimate MacBook backup strategy

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 19:30

I store most of my documents in the cloud, but not everything is stored there. So, when I wanted to factory reset my MacBook, I turned to my homelab for backing up my Apple computer. Here’s how I did it, and why I think you should utilize your hardware in the same way.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Windows Media Player just lost one of its oldest features

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 19:00

Microsoft just quietly pulled the plug on one of Windows Media Player’s oldest and most loved features. If you still enjoy digitizing your compact discs into digital files, you may have recently noticed a major problem.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Now is the time to bring back this abandoned Android phone feature

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 19:00

Back in the day, every single Android phone had an SD card slot. Expandable storage was as common as 3.5mm jacks. Nowadays, though, only a select few, mostly budget, phones come with one. But now's the perfect time for phone brands to bring it back. Here's why.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These new super thin trackers have paper batteries and wireless charging

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 18:47

With the launch of Google's long-awaited Apple Find My competitor back in 2024, item trackers have become even more popular. Many of them have been pretty basic, but the most interesting trackers we’ve ever seen were just announced at CES.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The sleeper sports sedan nobody saw coming

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 18:15

The sports sedan world is full of loud personalities—big badges, aggressive styling, and constant reminders of why they matter. The Genesis G70 doesn’t play that game.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Raspberry Pi projects to try this weekend (January 9 - 11)

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 18:01

Are you ready for another round of Raspberry Pi projects to tackle after the first full week of the year? Here are three fun projects that will test your skills in soldering, configuring, and customizing.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Matt Damon and Ben Affleck reunite: 5 new movies on Netflix in January

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 17:30

The new year is here, which means you're one step closer to the films, shows, and documentaries that are scheduled for streaming. Netflix has a string of exciting titles slated to release in 2026, and is kicking off its run with a promising winter roster.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 apps I'm downloading to keep my New Year's resolutions for 2026

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 17:16

The new year brings new promises, and, as tradition dictates, new resolutions that we all hope to keep beyond the first week of January. But if you find it difficult to stick to your habits, all hope is not lost. Every year, I try out apps that can help me stick to my New Year's resolutions and build good habits—here are my top picks for 2026.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The Google Antigravity hype train: 5 reasons why I won't buy that ticket

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:30

Has Google's Antigravity left you feeling indifferent? You're not alone. I've also become tired of the AI hype train. Perhaps you recall the blockchain fad? While the idea was positive, the execution felt like non-stop solicitation. The hype can induce anxiety and a fear of missing out, but are we really missing out? Here are five reasons Antigravity doesn't do it for me.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Edifier debuts cross-scenario audio solutions for modern home entertainment at CES 2026

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:30

Founded in 1996, Edifier has established a strong reputation in the audio industry, consistently delivering high-quality technology designed for a diverse range of audiences. The company has earned multiple awards for its exceptional speakers and other audio products, including CES Innovation Awards, iF Design Awards, and more.

Categories: IT General, Technology

This Japanese SUV is the cheapest vehicle to insure in 2026

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:16

Insurance costs are one of the biggest, and most overlooked, expenses of vehicle ownership, and in 2026, one Japanese SUV stands out for offering the lowest average insurance rates of any new model. For budget-minded buyers, that can translate to hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars saved over the life of the vehicle, making it a remarkably affordable choice beyond its sticker price.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Stop losing files on ChromeOS: 8 Files app tricks to master storage

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:00

The ChromeOS Files app isn’t just a place to browse downloads. It’s the control center for everything your Chromebook stores, syncs, and touches. Local files, Google Drive, Android app data, and Linux files all funnel through here. If you don’t understand how Chromebook storage actually works, you’re already using it wrong.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I switched from Google Maps to Apple Maps

Fri, 01/09/2026 - 16:00

When it’s time to make your way through town during rush hour traffic or head off on a road trip, which mapping app do you use? Back in the day, I’d say Google Maps, but these days my first choice is Apple’s pack-in.

Categories: IT General, Technology

eXTReMe Tracker