How-To Geek
Forget the RAV4—the Corolla Cross Hybrid makes more sense
The Toyota Corolla Cross has quietly become one of the brand’s bigger success stories, with sales jumping from 56,666 units in 2022 to nearly 100,000 in 2024. Oddly enough, most buyers are still skipping the hybrid model, even though it improves on the standard SUV in almost every meaningful way.
7 GPUs that are officially too old for gaming in 2026
Although I love new GPU releases just as much as the next PC enthusiast, I'm also not a proponent of the "upgrade every generation" mindset. It's not necessary. You might as well set your hard-earned dollars on fire, to be honest.
Lotus drops its pure EV strategy as it teases hybrid V8 supercar
Lotus is moving away from EV-centric plans, but it's still betting that electrification will help it stand out in the performance car space. The company has unveiled a new Focus 2030 roadmap that includes a teaser for a hybrid V8 supercar, the Type 135.
RIP Chromebooks: Googlebooks are coming with Android and deep Gemini integration
Chromebooks have been the go-to cheap, basic computers for over 15 years, but it’s no secret that Google has been preparing for something new. We finally have the details on what the next generation looks like: Meet the Googlebook.
Android Auto is finally getting a facelift, complete with widgets and bezel-less maps
Android Auto arrived over 10 years ago, but it hasn’t had many major changes in that time. Google’s new Material 3 Expressive design rolled out to phones last year, and now it’s coming to Android Auto. That might not be the most exciting update, though.
Android 17 isn't an operating system anymore—it's a digital assistant that controls your phone
The folks at Google said they no longer think of Android as an “operating system.” Instead, they see it as an “intelligence system.” That tells you everything you need to know about Google’s vision for Android 17 and beyond. Get ready to let your phone do a lot more for you—if you trust it.
Samsung releases One UI 9 beta for your Galaxy S26—here's what's new
Days after releasing an update for older phones, Samsung is releasing the first One UI 9 beta for Galaxy S26 owners. It will be available in the U.S., U.K., Germany, India, Poland, and South Korea this week if you've signed up through the Samsung Members app.
5 best superhero shows that aren't Marvel or DC
In today's age, it really feels like there are endless amounts of superhero content, but most of the time, it’s coming directly from Marvel or DC. Now, there is nothing wrong with that. There’s a reason those companies have been around for decades. Sometimes, we need a break from Batman, Superman, Spider-Man, and all these heroes that we know.
The one router setting I change every time I set up a new network
Most of the time when you set up a router, the process only involves setting up a Wi-Fi name and password. If you stop there, you're missing out.
The indie app exodus: Why developers are abandoning Google's Play Store
I prefer Android over the iPhone because it's an open platform. This is the same reason why many developers choose to create apps for Android. Now, a small but growing number are opting out of putting their apps onto the Play Store, and I can't say I blame them.
Korean scientists just proved AI can replace microphones in noisy environments
It’s no secret that AI technology has made leaps and bounds in recent years, and in the year 2026, AI systems have cemented themselves in everyday life for many of us, at least. But there might be a day on the horizon when AI tech has not just changed the way we use traditional microphones, but replaced them entirely.
5 little-known Milwaukee tools that’ll save you hours of work
Milwaukee fans know the company makes all sorts of M12 and M18 tools for a wide variety of uses, from drills and drivers to hand tools, lights, and even lawn mowers. And while most people own a drill, impact driver, or maybe a sawzall and other basics, there are several lesser-known Milwaukee tools that you'll absolutely want to add to your toolbox.
I tried 5 Home Assistant media integrations, but only 3 were worth the effort
Home Assistant has more integrations than you could shake a stick at. Some of them can be really useful, while others are less helpful. I tried five different media integrations for Home Assistant, and while all of them were useful, only three of them really hit the spot.
How to build an automated Gantt chart in Excel from scratch
You don't need expensive project management software to build a professional timeline. With a few formulas and conditional formatting rules, you can use Excel to create a dynamic, color-coded Gantt chart that updates automatically as your project changes.
Stop your PlayStation and Xbox from waking up with your TV
So, you turn on your TV, and then your PlayStation or Xbox turns on in sympathy. All you wanted to do was watch some Netflix, but now you have to switch over to the console first and shut it down. It's extra annoying if you have to get up to do it.
5 Samsung Wallet settings I change on every Galaxy phone
Samsung Wallet is extremely convenient, but if you only use it when tapping a payment terminal or never change the default settings, you aren't getting the most out of the app. On every Samsung Galaxy phone or watch I buy, I change a few Samsung Wallet settings to improve usability, speed, privacy, and more, and add a shortcut for easier access.
I've used rooftop solar for a decade—here are 4 things I'd do differently if I were installing it today
Over the past ten years, I've lived in two separate homes and have paid to install solar on both. It has been a great experience, but there are a few things I would do differently if I were starting over today.
Obsidian isn't actually open source—here's the markdown editor that is
Obsidian has long been the gold standard for markdown editors. However, recently, it lost its throne to a newcomer on the scene (at least for me). Tolaria is a fully open source markdown editor that has more functionality than Obsidian, and you should definitely consider using it.
I tried to revive a Logitech C7, the 41-year-old "blueprint" for every mouse you've ever owned
Here's one for the digital scrapbook: I found an ancient computer mouse (with a trackball!) while cleaning out my garage. Covered in a thick layer of 20th-Century dust but still in relatively good condition, the mouse immediately conjured one thought: I wonder if it still works?
Here's why it's (almost) impossible to recover deleted data from an SSD
When you delete a file, is it really gone? On a traditional hard drive, often not. But on a solid-state drive, the answer is far more complicated — and for most people, far more final.


