How-To Geek

I’ve always been a Samsung fangirl, so it’s not like I needed convincing to love its phones. But One UI 9 has given me a few more reasons to appreciate them. I love exploring my Galaxy’s settings, and One UI 9 has a few new features that could save me an extra 10 minutes a day to enjoy my evening walk instead of fiddling with my phone. Here are five One UI 9 features that got me excited about Samsung phones all over again.

When smart speakers first burst onto the scene, it felt like this would be the way we would all be controlling our smart homes in the future. That future never really became a reality, as smart speakers haven't really improved much over the years. It's reached the point now where your old phone or a DIY smart speaker can do a better job.

Reboots and revivals have a bit of a reputation for being unnecessary cash grabs, but every now and then, a familiar series gets a second life that proves there's still plenty of value in revisiting an old favorite. Netflix has had its fair share of successful revivals, bringing back beloved franchises for the longtime fans and a new generation. From nostalgic sequels to fresh takes on classic shows, some of these reboots have managed to capture what made the originals so special.

Hippocrates once said "art is long, life is short." It's a neat old proverb that, like many ancient Latin and Greek isms, has been re-observed and re-proven over and over again throughout history. And although I may not be the first to compare computer engineering to an art, I'm probably the first to use a Hippocrates quote to describe the RS-232 serial port.

Google’s Antigravity is an AI-first coding environment built on the bones of VS Code. It gets less attention than Gemini, yet it may be the company’s most interesting AI product. The key word here is most interesting, though, not better. Here’s what it does, where it impresses, and where it still frustrates.

Remember when gaming meant blowing into cartridges, mastering tricky platforming levels, and staying up late to finish just one more stage? Some of the greatest games ever made came from the golden age of consoles like the Sega Genesis, original PlayStation, and Xbox.

For many Plex users, "transcoding" is a dirty word. Only the pristine, untouched original file will do. I was like that, trying to avoid transcoding as much as possible.

The Apple AirPods Max 2 are probably the best headphones for iPhone users, but they're not cheap. Don't worry, because you can now get them for $100 off with a rare Amazon deal.

Windows 11 looks considerably more modern than its predecessors, with a redesigned Start menu, rounded corners, and a Settings app that brings many controls together. But spend enough time using it, and the fresh coat of paint starts to give way to familiar bits of older Windows. From legacy Control Panel windows to context menus that feel like they belong to another era, the operating system doesn't always feel like one joined-up experience.

DeWalt makes hundreds of power tools, but you don't need to spend a ton of cash to get quality gear. While you probably already own several basics, if you're a new homeowner or simply on a budget, certain tools are must-buys. Here are a few affordable DeWalt tools worth buying.

Developers deserve to be compensated for their work, and "premium" apps usually offer a better experience. But sometimes, those same developers offer a way for loyal users to get their paid apps for free. No trial, no hidden paywall — just sideloading.

Touchscreen laptops don't come cheap, and quality models from reputable brands often cost thousands of dollars. However, savvy buyers never pay full price when they can get big discounts, like 40% off the Asus Vivobook S16 laptop, and save $1,000 to spend elsewhere.

I'm a PC builder with so much love for humongous desktops, but even my love gets tested at times. I recently tried a really high-quality GEEKOM mini PC, which made me re-evaluate the whole concept of owning those things, and how they can pretty much replace an actual desktop on many fronts.

I remember when I was a child, the TV in the kitchen sat on the counter, not on the wall. It was small, portable, and had a charm that made it feel like part of the room rather than an electronic device taking up space on an already too-crowded counter.

I’ve been dual-booting Linux and Windows for more than 10 years, and my current machine runs four different operating systems side by side. Over the years, I’ve made plenty of mistakes and seen newcomers and enthusiasts make many of the same ones. As such, to help you avoid these common pitfalls, here are three of the most common mistakes people make when setting up a Linux-Windows dual-boot PC.

Pixel phones built their reputation on photos that looked better than their hardware should allow. Five years after the Pixel 6 Pro, that edge feels thinner, so it’s worth asking whether Pixel cameras are actually slipping or the competition simply sprinted ahead.

For years, Windows 11 has handled camera and microphone access for desktop apps like a master key—flip the switch and every program gets in, or none do. Microsoft is finally working on a solution for the latest Windows 11 Insider build. The new privacy controls allow you to decide which desktop apps get to use your camera and microphone, one at a time. If you use an Android phone, you'll find the per-app permission settings feel familiar. This matters because camera and microphone access can reveal more than you might expect across varied software.

I'm the last person to defend Windows. There's no doubt in my mind that it's a bloated, slow, and unreliable mess of an operating system. The only thing I use Windows for anymore is as a dedicated gaming PC that never has a single mission-critical job.

Accessories are a big part of owning tools and using them regularly. I've been a big fan of Ryobi tools for a very long time. They're not only decent, budget-friendly tools, but they often do the job just as well as some higher-end ones. I'm mostly a hobbyist and maintainer of things, though, so I'm not necessarily using them for professional reasons. Either way, I found several accessories that make my Ryobi tools better. Here are a few cheap accessories that completely transformed my Ryobi tools and the way I use them.

Every time a new Wi-Fi standard comes out, there’s pressure from every side to upgrade. Wi-Fi 8 is on the horizon, and I feel that Wi-Fi 7 has barely had time to settle. But, do you really need to upgrade to Wi-Fi 7 or Wi-Fi 8? There’s a good chance your old Wi-Fi router is still perfectly fine.