How-To Geek
I finally found a reason to use the USB port on my smart TV
All modern TVs come with at least one USB port, but aside from powering a Roku stick, what is it any good for? One option—streaming media off a storage drive—is hardly a secret, but life finally gave me a reason to put this feature to use.
I put a moisture sensor in the "wrong" place and learned some awesome Home Assistant automations
Moisture sensors are usually intended for specific purposes, but there's nothing to stop you from using them however you want. I've tried placing moisture sensors in some unusual places, and the results have been excellent.
Zendaya & Sydney Sweeney's polarizing show finally streams today on HBO Max
After a four-year hiatus, Euphoria makes its triumphant return to television tonight. Season 3 of the polarizing TV show starring Zendaya and Sydney Sweeney premieres on April 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on HBO and HBO Max.
This immutable Linux solved my biggest technical frustrations
I installed Linux over the weekend, and not just any version of Linux—an immutable one by the name of Fedora Silverblue. Now that I don't have to worry about my underlying system, my switch back to Linux has been easier than it's ever been, and nearly all of my frustrations from the past are gone.
6 more fast home repairs you can 3D print with a few grams of filament
Having a 3D printer can change the way you think about outstanding home repairs. Sometimes, a fix is just a few minutes away, and it only costs a few cents in filament and a bit of spare time.
I tried 5 free Premiere Pro alternatives, and this is the one I’m sticking with
Adobe Premiere is one of the most popular video editors out there today, but as time has gone on, I've realized that I don't use it nearly enough to justify the cost of a subscription. I tried 5 alternative editors, but one stood out from the crowd.
Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights review: Bright, colorful, and Matter-compatible
The Govee Outdoor Chromatic String Lights are, as the name suggests, a more saturated take on outdoor string lights. They may be pricey, but their attractive design and durability join Matter-compatibility in making these lights a compelling addition to the exterior of a modern smart home.
5 ways I take my Home Assistant setup outside my home
Home Assistant may be smart home software, but that doesn't mean that you're limited to using it inside your home. There are plenty of ways that I use Home Assistant outside my home, and they're some of my most useful automations.
76% of drivers say luxury badges aren't worth it anymore—here's what they want instead
There was a time when the luxury car experience was inseparable from the badge on the hood. If you wanted rich leather upholstery and cutting-edge tech (like CD players and heated seats back in the day), you paid a prestige tax to a handful of legacy brands. In that landscape, the logo was a status symbol that told your friends, neighbors, and colleagues you’d arrived.
Disney+'s weird relationship with Blu-ray is hurting physical media
Despite the initial excitement, Disney has seemingly forgotten its streaming catalog's Blu-ray releases. Beginning in August 2023, the company began releasing content from Disney+ on physical media, allowing us physical media collectors to own the best that the platform has to offer on our shelves. The last of the currently released 12 titles was released in 2024, with no further waves having been announced since.
I switched from iPhone to Android, and CarPlay is the one thing I miss most
I will put it upfront that I do not like iPhones. Despite being a Mac and iPad devotee, my three-year dalliance with iPhones has come to an end and I could not be happier. Coming back to an Android phone (an S25 Ultra) feels like being unchained, but it's not all fireworks and celebration.
The Pixel 10a's rounded corners just ruined my $2,000 Galaxy Z Fold
I have loved my Galaxy Z Fold 6 for over a year, but something bad has happened—I reviewed the Google Pixel 10a. That phone fit so perfectly into my hand that I'm questioning if I really want to return to my boxy foldable.
How the 2026 Honda Passport quietly beats more expensive rivals
Americans have always had a soft spot for SUVs. It’s not hard to see why, since they’ve pretty much replaced the old station wagon for hauling kids, gear, and everything in between.
7 everyday devices that secretly run Linux
When Linus Torvalds released the Linux kernel all the way back in 1991, I wonder if he had the faintest inkling of how world-changing it would be. Not only because it's a robust clean-sheet approach to replicating UNIX, but also thanks to its open software license.
5 anime shows coming to Netflix in 2026 that will redefine your watchlist
2026 is an incredible year for movies and shows alike, with some highly awaited titles dropping in theaters and streaming platforms. And if you're an anime lover, there's something for you too, whether it's a returning hit show or a new adaptation that fans have been waiting for.
The streaming era killed the 26-episode season—and that's exactly what TV needed
I love the Apple TV adaptation of Foundation. These are some of my favorite books of all time, and the actual show is a top-tier prestige sci-fi epic that puts 90% of sci-fi movies to shame. However, it also has a two-year gap between seasons. It then only offers 10 episodes per season.
The best local AI model for Home Assistant isn't always the biggest one
Using a Large Language Model (LLM) with Home Assistant has a number of benefits. It can add natural language understanding, power your voice assistant, and even analyze images. A local LLM can help maintain privacy, but you don't always need to use the largest model.
8 killer Android apps you won't find on the Play Store
The Google Play Store has a treasure trove of apps, but it's not the only game in town. In fact, some of the most innovative and privacy-focused Android apps are hiding just beyond Google's official storefront.
Your 3D printer isn't broken—these 5 hidden problems are ruining your prints
Believe me, I know the pain of troubleshooting 3D prints to the point where I just feel like throwing my printer in the garbage and buying a new one.
I created the perfect streaming lineup for under $30
Another day in 2026 means it's time for a streaming service to raise its prices. This time, it's YouTube, which is raising subscription fees for YouTube Premium and YouTube Music. Netflix, Spotify, Paramount+, and Prime Video have all announced price hikes this year, and it's only April. When will it end?


