How-To Geek

Seeing the recent wave of layoffs impacting so many talented writers and editors across tech media is tough to see. My heart goes out to everyone currently navigating an unexpected job search. If you or someone in your network was affected and looking for your next opportunity, I want to share that we are actively hiring across Valnet's tech brands. We’re regularly bringing on talent for brands like How-To Geek, XDA, Android Police, MUO & Pocket-lint! Our current priority is Feature and News Writers on a 1099 freelance contract, but I’m always happy to connect with senior editorial talent looking for their next step as well. You can check out our active openings and apply directly using the links below: - How-to Geek: https://lnkd.in/gaA52wpN - XDA: https://lnkd.in/gagA8zxE - MakeUseOf: https://lnkd.in/gd6W3gHc - Android Police: https://lnkd.in/g-NZjWkd - Pocket-lint: https://lnkd.in/gPVhcyf7 Please feel free to share or tag anyone in your network who might be looking! We are always open to meeting passionate individuals. #TechMedia #JournalismJobs #Hiring #WritingCommunity #EditorialJobs #OpenToWork

As subscription fatigue mounts and console prices stay elevated, hardware makers are increasingly turning to free, ad-supported streaming to extract additional monetization from idle living room displays. Sony has officially launched Live TV on PS5, bringing a built-in free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service directly to PlayStation 5 consoles in the United States. Integrated seamlessly into the console’s Media tab without requiring subscription fees or separate app downloads, the platform debuts with over 100 live channels alongside on-demand movies, anime, and live sports backed by partners like NBCUniversal, AMC, Lionsgate, and Crunchyroll. By embedding ad-supported linear channels directly into the PS5 operating system, Sony is positioning its gaming hardware to compete directly with established FAST players like Roku, Pluto TV, and Tubi, effectively converting non-gaming console downtime into a high-value ad revenue stream. Will built-in free live TV keep your PlayStation 5 turned on between gaming sessions, or do you prefer keeping console hubs dedicated strictly to gaming?

As streaming services continually test subscriber price ceilings, optimizing billing cadences and bundling strategies is becoming essential for managing monthly media expenses. Apple is officially raising rates across its streaming lineup, pushing the standalone Apple TV subscription from $12.99 to $14.99 per month while bumping the Apple One Individual bundle to $21.95 per month. However, subscribers looking to hedge against the increase can mitigate the price hike by switching to the annual plan at $119 per year. While the annual rate increased by $20 upfront, it averages out to roughly $9.92 per month, saving nearly $60 annually compared to standard monthly billing and offering the smartest path forward for year-round viewers. Do you switch to annual billing to lock in lower rates against stream-flation, or do you prefer month-to-month flexibility to cancel anytime?

As rising component costs push flagship smartphone prices higher, balancing premium AI capabilities with accessible hardware pricing is becoming the defining strategy for mobile manufacturers. Samsung is officially launching the Galaxy S26 FE, bringing high-end software capabilities and flagship design to a $699 starting price. Powered by a 3-nanometer Exynos 2500 chip, the device pairs a 6.7-inch 120Hz display and 4,900mAh battery with full access to Samsung's latest One UI 9 suite and Galaxy AI features—including Circle to Search, Now Brief, and subject-tracking tools like My FanCam. Despite a $50 price bump over its predecessor, the device sits $200 below the standard Galaxy S26, demonstrating how mobile brands can trim secondary hardware specs without compromising core software performance or long-term OS support. Does prioritizing full software and AI feature parity outweigh minor hardware trade-offs when choosing modern mobile devices?

No peaking! Amazon’s Ring is rolling out a new default security architecture called TAKE (Throw Away the Key Encryption), designed to restrict corporate and third-party access to user video feeds. Built on rotating encryption keys stored inside isolated cloud enclaves, the system briefly unlocks footage to process intelligent features—like Smart Alerts—before permanently deleting its access keys. By scrambling stored recordings so only authorized account holders retain decryption rights, Ring aims to address long-standing surveillance concerns and law enforcement data requests without forcing users to turn off smart cloud features. Does defaulting to zero-retention cloud encryption strike the right balance between smart functionality and user privacy in connected security hardware?

Everyone loves a new toy! Microsoft has released PowerToys 0.101, introducing a major update highlighted by Window Hopper—a dedicated utility that allows users to cycle strictly between open windows of the active application (via Alt + ~) rather than scrolling through every open app in standard Alt+Tab. Alongside Window Hopper, the update brings a compact, macOS Spotlight-style layout for Command Palette, on-device AI processing via Phi Silica for Advanced Paste on Copilot+ PCs, and improved search capabilities within Shortcut Guide. By focusing on targeted window navigation and offline performance, the update gives power users and developers tighter control over multi-tasking environments. Does app-specific window switching solve Alt+Tab clutter for your daily multitasking setup?

At what point do we go back to cable boxes? Disney is raising prices across its Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN bundle tiers that include ESPN Select. Under the updated pricing breakdown, the basic ad-supported bundle increases from $20 to $22 per month, while the ad-free premium package jumps from $30 to $33 per month. With legacy bundles also climbing by $3 per month to $28, the adjustment highlights a broader media trend: bundling is no longer a permanent hedge against inflation as platforms push subscribers toward higher-margin tiers and ad-supported models. Does persistent price creep push you to reconsider your subscription stack?

🎉 Happy work anniversary to Jorge A. Aguilar! Jorge brings extensive writing and editing experience across the technology and gaming space, with a background that includes managing high-traffic digital publications and working as an editor and consultant. Beyond editorial work, Jorge also has hands-on experience in app development and has published two games. His expertise spans Windows, Linux, audio, video, and more, along with a genuine enthusiasm for learning and exploring new technology. Outside of work, Jorge enjoys working on computers and researching whatever catches his interest. Congratulations on your work anniversary, Jorge! 🎉 #Tech #Technology #Writing #WorkAnniversary

Everyone stay calm, it's finally happening... Walmart is officially ending its decade-long holdout against standard NFC contactless payments, announcing support for Apple Pay and Google Wallet starting August 24. The rollout begins at select locations with plans to expand across all U.S. Walmart and Sam's Club stores by the end of 2026, reaching fuel stations by 2027. By adopting native tap-to-pay alongside its existing Walmart Pay QR-code system, the retail giant effectively closes one of the longest standoffs in modern point-of-sale infrastructure—signaling a major shift toward consumer convenience over closed ecosystem control. Will Walmart’s pivot to native tap-to-pay force remaining enterprise holdouts to finally abandon proprietary checkout apps?

"Hold my coffee" says Android Community, August 2026 (probably) Following frustration over key feature omissions on Google's flagship Pixel 11, an independent developer has already created a dedicated third-party fix—restoring full functionality and customization for power users before official patches were even announced. This rapid turnaround highlights an ongoing advantage of open mobile platforms, where community-driven utilities routinely bridge the gap between initial hardware compromises and real-world user expectations. Do you rely on third-party developer tweaks to fix software limitations on your work devices, or do you prefer waiting for official OEM updates?