How-To Geek

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We explain technology. Learn more with our articles, reviews, tips, and the best answers to your most pressing tech questions.
Updated: 1 hour 19 min ago

Google home just got a huge upgrade for complex automations

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 17:39

Google Home is rolling out a substantial update that introduces new starters, conditions, and actions, which will make complex smart home automations easier. This is great for anyone who felt limited by the simple time-based or motion-based routines that Google Home previously offered.

Categories: IT General, Technology

You’ll love DeWALT's unstoppable new 12-inch Cut-off Saw

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 17:20

We recently highlighted some exciting new DeWALT tools coming in 2026, and this week, ahead of the annual World of Concrete Expo, the popular tool brand unveiled a few more impressive products. Sometimes you need a tool that's extra tough and powerful, and that's where the new DeWALT POWERSHIFT 12-inch Cut-Off Saw comes to save the day.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Apple's pro apps for Mac and iPad are now in one affordable package

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 17:16

Apple's professional applications for photo editing, audio production, and music editing are fantastic, but the Mac and iPad versions have historically been sold separately, with the Mac versions only offered through expensive one-time purchases. Now, there's another option for getting all of them: the Apple Creator Studio subscription.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 surprising ways the 2026 Infiniti QX80 may outshine its rivals

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 17:15

After a long stretch with only minor updates, Infiniti unveiled a complete redesign of its flagship SUV, the QX80, for the 2025 model year. While consumers looking for a large luxury SUV may already gravitate toward stalwarts like the Lincoln Navigator, Lexus LX, and Cadillac Escalade, Infiniti makes a compelling case with its redesigned QX80.

Categories: IT General, Technology

USB-C is a mess: Why your next laptop must have Thunderbolt

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 16:30

USB-C has become one of the most common and versatile ports on laptops, but not all USB-C ports are created equal. Many casual users don’t realize there’s a special kind of port that looks just like USB-C but is far more powerful—Thunderbolt. Having this special port in your next laptop matters more than you think.

Categories: IT General, Technology

DeWALT 12V, 20V, and 60V tools: Explained

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 16:15

The next time you're wandering through the hardware store looking for your next power tool, you'll see brands like Milwaukee, Ryobi, DeWALT, and several others. It's already overwhelming, but then you'll realize each brand has several iterations. DeWALT fans have likely seen various near-identical 12V or 20V yellow tools on shelves, and here's what you need to know.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Don’t pay for Gmail storage, do this instead

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 16:00

I'm approaching the limit of my free Google storage, and Gmail has started prompting me to pay for additional storage to keep using my account. While paying for more storage is a simple solution, it's not the only option.

Categories: IT General, Technology

After 30 years, the original Star Wars theatrical cut is finally returning

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 15:30

For almost fifty years, Star Wars has been a staple of pop culture. It is a franchise that has been able to reinvent itself and create new tales that several generations can enjoy. Despite this expansive, fully fleshed out galaxy that has allowed Star Wars to expand into television, however, the franchise has always returned to the three foundational movies that captured audiences throughout the 1970s and 1980s, now known as the original trilogy.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 everyday actions that Power Query does better than regular Excel tools

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 15:00

Standard Excel tools can usually get the job done, but they often lack the resilience and flexibility needed for complex data and transformation tasks. Power Query doesn't just perform these tasks faster—it does them better. Here are five actions where you should ditch Excel's ribbon tools for the Power Query Editor.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I found a way to remove Google Messages’ Remix button, but it’s not worth it

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 14:15

If you’ve been using Google Messages recently, you’ve likely noticed the blue button with a banana icon showing up on photos. This is the Nano Banana "Remix" button, and it might be the most annoying way Google is trying to force AI into your daily conversations.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Why I buy used server drives instead of new NVMe sticks

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 14:15

Typically, I discourage buying used drives. In fact, I normally extend that advice to "don't buy anything that's not a brand-new drive." You can't be sure of the conditions the drive is in, and unless you're working with completely disposable data, it's not a good idea in the long term.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 open source apps that get much better when you go premium

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 14:01

While most open-source apps rely on donations, some also offer paid tiers with meaningful extra benefits. This makes them ideal for folks who want to support great projects while unlocking powerful features. Here are five open-source apps where going premium is genuinely worth every penny.

Categories: IT General, Technology

5 ways Zorin OS makes switching from Windows feel effortless

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 13:30

Ever since Microsoft decided to pull the plug on Windows 10, a lot of people are left with fully functional PCs that don't meet Windows 11 requirements. A lot of these people have been flocking to ZorinOS, so I decided to give it a try. Turns out that popularity is well-earned because, in all my years of daily-driving Linux, I've never seen a better replacement for Windows.

Categories: IT General, Technology

3 Linux Mint power-user features nobody talks about

Tue, 01/13/2026 - 12:30

Ever dismissed Linux Mint as "too beginner-friendly" for your workflow? Wondered why so many users stick with it despite its "simple" reputation? I did the same thing until I discovered three features that completely changed my mind.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Your SSD isn't too small, you are just using it wrong

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 22:30

SSD prices have been rising sharply lately, in part due to global memory shortages and high demand. For many PC users, upgrading storage has become a pricey proposition, which makes now the perfect time to get creative and make the most of the space you already have.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Everyone’s ignoring this used luxury hybrid—but they shouldn’t

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 21:30

Scrolling through used luxury cars, the same names keep popping up. The loud ones, the obvious ones, the brands that’ve spent decades bragging about how premium they are.

Categories: IT General, Technology

The one YouTube Music feature that finally made me cancel Spotify

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 21:00

I’ve paid for Spotify. I’ve paid for Amazon Music. On top of that, I already pay for YouTube Premium, mostly to get rid of ads and keep YouTube usable. For a long time, YouTube Music was just part of the package. I didn’t really think of it as a serious competitor, and I definitely didn’t expect it to replace a service I’d been paying for on purpose.

Categories: IT General, Technology

Obsidian 1.11 is a massive update for desktop, iPhone, and Android

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 20:41

Obsidian, the excellent cross-platform notes app, is rolling out another helpful update. Obsidian 1.11 is now available for desktop and mobile platforms, with new widgets and design updates for mobile platforms, and some smaller changes for the desktop app.

Categories: IT General, Technology

I de-Googled my Android phone and actually liked it

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 20:00

It's no secret that Google is the heart and soul of every Android phone that has the Play Store. Even if you manage to delete all Google apps—which isn't easy—Google's background services remain active. I wanted to experience Android without any Google services or apps whatsoever, and it wasn't as bad as I thought.

Categories: IT General, Technology

These performance wagons are beating SUVs at their own game

Mon, 01/12/2026 - 19:30

SUVs have been the default family car for so long that most of us barely question it anymore. They promise space for people and gear, an upright driving position, and the idea that you’re ready for anything—even if most of that “anything” is just groceries and school runs.

Categories: IT General, Technology

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