How-To Geek

Starting today, Xbox Insiders who have an Xbox Game Pass Core or Standard subscription will get access to cloud gaming in a new beta test. Before this, the ability to stream games was exclusive to the more expensive Game Pass Ultimate tier.

Parallels Desktop is one of the best ways to virtualize Windows and Linux on modern Macs, and it just received its first major update of 2026. Parallels Desktop 26 is now available to download, with some much-needed fixes for macOS 26 Tahoe and a few minor enhancements.

After a series of setbacks, including a scrub due to weather and a problem with the launch pad, the 10th launch of Spacex's enormous rocket—Starship—went off without a hitch.

Not so long ago, running a Windows PC without some kind of special antivirus would have all but ensured that your PC got infected with malware. Now, however, the situation is different. Microsoft has made huge improvements to the operating system, and you probably don't need to pay up for antivirus.

Windows comes loaded with software to meet most of your needs out of the box, but if you like free and open-source projects, or if you just want alternatives, there are plenty of great options out there.

Google has a lot of different apps and services, but one that is often overlooked is Google Translate. However, that's about to change, as the company just unveiled a slew of new language learning tools coming to Google Translate, including conversational experiences to help you learn.

Web browsers have evolved into do-it-all devices, but they’re not always the fastest or most efficient tools for the job. The built-in macOS command line, on the other hand, is all about efficiency and speed.

Corsair has released the Xeneon Edge 14.5" LCD Touchscreen. This is a new kind of device that's a cross between a monitor, a peripheral, and a streaming tool. Even better, it can function as a giant version of the Stream Deck accessory with customizable touch buttons.

EchoStar, the parent company of Boost Mobile and Dish, is giving up on its grand plan to become the fourth major wireless carrier in the US. In a definitive agreement with AT&T, EchoStar is selling a massive chunk of its 5G spectrum licenses.

Samsung's smart appliances will soon work more like the company's phones, tablets, and watches. The One UI software is officially coming to Samsung's 2024 appliances, but the promised seven-year software update guarantee isn't great.

Showtime famously shut down its stand-alone streaming service in 2024, leaving many streamers in a panic. It didn’t last long, though, as the service was integrated into Paramount+ as a premium tier. While Paramount+ has rebranded that tier as Paramount+ Premium, it doesn’t mean your favorite Showtime content isn’t still available, because it most certainly is.

Tariffs. The buzz term on everyone's lips and one of the biggest disruptors in the auto industry since COVID-19. But why? Why the tariffs? A significant part of the reason is to stimulate growth in local manufacturing as part of protecting national economic interests. With the automotive industry forming a big part of that conversation, it has mainly been hit, and the trickle-down effect has significant impacts.

Whether you fondly remember owning an Apple II or have fallen down the retro gaming rabbit hole, some old games don’t technically need to be emulated to be enjoyed today. You can play many of them on your computer, using a console, or even for free, thanks to modern ports.

In a pretty surprising move, Google Photos is adding the popular tap-and-hold sticker-creation feature to its iOS app. This was a feature that was available on Apple's photo app and was pretty unique. Now, you can do the same thing within the Google Photos app on your iPhone.

Most hobbies come with some niche expenses, but audio equipment—and sound fidelity—are especially bad about upcharging for "audiophile" grade gear that probably won't improve your listening experience at all. Here's a quick list of some of the worst offenders, and what you should buy instead.

Archivists and retro PC enthusiasts can now upgrade to 86Box v5.0. The IBM PC emulator now features an integrated machine manager and improved shader support—two excellent quality-of-life features that greatly improve its user experience.

Google has just rolled out some pretty big improvements to the camera feed in the Google Home app, making it faster, more reliable, and much easier to navigate. Here's everything that's new.

Hybrids have come a long way in the past decade, and Toyota and Lexus are leading the charge. Today, their hybrids aren’t just efficient—they’re fun to drive, stylish, and packed with creature comforts.

Audiobookshelf has officially released version 2.29, and it brings a bunch of new features and fixes that make the self-hosted audiobook and podcast server even better. If you're using this to manage your own collection, you'll have a much easier time navigating your audiobooks.

Spotify has been pretty good about adding features that make sense for a music service, but the latest is pushing the boundaries a bit. The company is adding a new in-app messaging feature that's rolling out to users this week. This is much better than sharing a song on your Instagram story or dropping a link in a text message.