How-To Geek
The Google Pixel Feature That the iPhone Still Can’t Match
Everyone knows the moment. You hear a song playing out in the world, and you either just can’t quite remember the name, or it’s your first time hearing it, and you want to know more. What if your phone automatically identified it all on its own? That's the magic of Pixel's "Now Playing," and Apple is still scrambling to catch up.
How to Use the VALUE Function in Microsoft Excel
Don't listen to anyone who tells you that the VALUE function in Microsoft Excel is obsolete. You'll probably seldom need to use it on its own, but when combined with other functions, it's still as powerful today as when it was first introduced in 2007.
I Installed These 5 Open-Source Apps When I Upgraded to Windows 11
Windows 10 recently reached its end of life and I finally upgraded the last PC I had running Windows 10 to Windows 11. Despite how long I've been using Windows 11 on another PC, I still found the change a bit jarring. These apps made the transition a bit easier.
Affinity Is Now a Free Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator Alternative
Affinity Photo and the other Affinity apps have a popular alternative to Adobe software, especially since they didn't require a subscription for access. Canva, the new owner of Affinity, has revealed a revamped version that is completely free to access.
Toyota's AE86 EV Conversion: Preserving Iconic Driving Experience
I think EVs are pretty darn cool, and I like ICE vehicles too! A controversial opinion for some perhaps, but cars are cool no matter what they run on. What I don't like are gimmicks and fakery.
Why Google Play Services Has More Access Than Any App on Your Phone
Every Android user has used the Google Play Store at some point, but what you might not know is that the Play Store app has a background service that is constantly running in the background. This background process is called “Google Play Services,” and it has access to everything on your phone.
Another Google App Got Pulled From Wear OS Smartwatches
The difference between Wear OS skins is not as evident as it is between Android skins, but it's there. Now, though, it's increasingly getting more marked, as Google is slowly but steadily removing its apps from third-party watches. The latest one is Google Clock.
Recertified Hard Drives: The Surprising Price Hike Explained
For a while, recertified hard drives were the secret weapons of anyone who wanted to do some self-hosting at home or run a large NAS, but recently the prices on these drives seem to climbing, making them much less of a good deal.
Google Maps Is Testing an Ultra Power Saving Mode
Google Maps is an extremely useful tool that millions rely on for driving and navigation instructions, but if your phone runs out of battery, you're in trouble. Smartphones have several battery-saving modes users can take advantage of, but now it sounds like Google's busy building its own ultra-low-power mode specifically for Maps.
Get More Out of Your Raspberry Pi With This $18 Humble Bundle Book Pack
A collection of 16 books centered around Raspberry Pi projects is available for only $18 dollars on Humble Bundle. The normal price for all 16 books would be $357. If you're looking to learn the ins and outs of developing a Raspberry Pi, this is a great place to get started.
Windows 11 Can Now Extend Your Desktop to a Meta Quest Headset
If you have a Meta Quest headset, you can now use it as a multi-monitor setup for a Windows PC without third-party software. The app Mixed Reality Link is now available for most Windows 11 PCs.
South African Father-Son Duo Smash Quadcopter Speed Record at 363MPH!
As a South African, and despite it practically being our national sport, I'm not much one for patriotism or national pride. Yet, sometimes a fellow countryman does something so undeniably cool that I can't help but feel a little undeserved secondhand smugness.
You Can Now Fix Your iPhone 17 Yourself
The iPhone 17 has been out for a little over a month now, and for some people, that's enough time to break their phones. If you already broke yours, the good part is that Apple is finally selling parts for these new phones. And in a pretty quick span, all things considered.
Why Aren't These Trendy Foldable Phones Sold in the United States?
OPPO Find N5, Huawei Mate XT Ultimate, Xiaomi Mix Fold 3, vivo X Fold5, Honor Magic V5 — these are some of the best foldable phones on the market, but you can't get them in the United States, at least not officially. How come?
8 Fixes for a Second Monitor Not Detected on Windows
A second monitor is one of the most potent productivity boosters for Windows users, but sometimes your computer fails to see the extra display.
T-Mobile Just Made Paying Your Bill More Difficult
T-Mobile is making a major change to how customers can manage their bills when they fall behind, and it's forcing everyone onto its app. Starting today, T-Mobile will no longer allow customers to set up a payment arrangement over the phone, in a retail store, or through the automated phone system.
The Galaxy Watch 8 Classic Is at Its Lowest Price Ever
The brand-new Samsung Galaxy Watch 8 Classic is currently available at a surprisingly low price. It’s on sale for just $320 at Woot, which is a massive 36% discount off the original price of $500. This is a chance to get a high-end smartwatch with a classic rotating bezel design.
If Microsoft Wants Its New Strategy to Work, It Has to Beat Steam
Microsoft is making big changes to how its Xbox business runs, and while much of that strategy is still assumed or rumor at this point, what's not in question is that the traditional Xbox console is dead. A tacit admission that Nintendo and Sony can't be moved from their dominant positions in the console market.
Here’s Every Smart Speaker That’s Getting Gemini
Google is finally starting the rollout of its all-new Gemini for Home voice assistant to its lineup of smart speakers and displays. The big promise here is that Gemini is far more conversational and capable than the current Assistant, and if you have a compatible speaker, you can use it.
Skip the Three-Row SUV: This Electric Minibus Does It All Better
Families looking for a spacious, family-friendly alternative to the typical three-row SUV now have an unexpected option; an all-electric minibus that blends retro charm with modern innovation. Designed to deliver practicality without sacrificing style, it reimagines the family hauler for a new era of clean mobility and high-tech convenience.


