How-To Geek - News

Google Meet Has New Effects and Lighting Features

Arol Wright — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:22:24 GMT

The COVID-19 pandemic led to a surge for better videoconferencing tools. Suddenly, there was a lot of competition in the segment, as more people had to use them with remote and hybrid work (and to socialize outside of work). Google Meet became one of the better options, for its versatility and customization options. Now, the app is getting even better with the addition of several new customization options.

Windows 11 Will Show New Photos From Your Phone

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 19:01:30 GMT

Windows PCs can link to an iPhone or Android device for notification mirroring, easy file transfers, texting, and other features. Microsoft is now testing another feature: automatic notifications for new photos and screenshots.

Wine 9.0 Significantly Improves Windows Apps and Games on Linux

Corbin Davenport — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 18:29:58 GMT

Wine is the compatibility layer for running Windows applications and games on non-Windows platforms, including Linux, Mac, and Android. Wine 9.0 has now been released after a year of development, improving compatibility and adding some great new features.

Samsung's Flashy Galaxy AI Tools Won't Be Free Forever

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 17:45:03 GMT

The Galaxy S24 launch event was chock-full of new AI features and tools. Some of these AI processes, like Generative Edit, are very impressive and may convince people to buy into the Galaxy ecosystem. Just be warned—Samsung says that Galaxy AI features won't be free forever.

Apple Removes Blood Oxygen Feature From Some Apple Watch Models

Arol Wright — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:32:25 GMT

Apple is currently involved in legal battles with the Apple Watch and its blood oxygen sensors, which allgedly violate patents owned by Masimo. Apple opted to temporarily stop selling the affected Apple Watch models instead of paying a settlement, but thanks to a recent court order, sales have resumed. That was a temporary fix, however, and to continue sales going forward, Apple would have to take actual measures and changes. It looks like the change being readied might see the removal of one specific feature off the watch.

Google TV Will Show Incoming Calls from Compatible Apps

Andrew Heinzman — Thu, 18 Jan 2024 16:12:57 GMT

Need a distraction from your favorite show or movie? Google TV will soon notify you of incoming calls from select apps, such as Google Meet. The feature is currently rolling out to streaming sticks and smart TVs, but it doesn't actually work yet.

The Galaxy Ring Is Samsung’s Next Health Tracker

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 20:00:57 GMT

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy S24 series at its Unpacked event today, but that wasn't all the company talked about. A new health tracker was also briefly shown off, called the "Galaxy Ring."

Some iOS Apps Will Now Link to External Websites for Purchases

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 19:32:42 GMT

Some iPhone apps will now include outgoing links for in-app purchases. When you open one of these links, you'll be met with a warning—Apple will tell you that it isn't responsible for the privacy or security of your purchases on the general web. This warning is perfectly reasonable, but it shouldn't dissuade you from purchasing items outside the App Store.

Google’s New ”Circle to Search” Is Coming to Android Phones

Corbin Davenport — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:20:18 GMT

There are many ways to start a Google web search, from a simple text question to a reverse image search. Google is now introducing another method, called Circle to Search, and it's coming to select Android smartphones.

Samsung Reveals the Galaxy S24 Lineup with 7 Years of OS Upgrades

Andrew Heinzman — Wed, 17 Jan 2024 18:00:13 GMT

After plenty of teasers, the Galaxy S24 lineup has finally been revealed. It's an iterative upgrade, but it's the first Galaxy release to include seven years of OS and security updates. That said, if you're a hardcore Samsung Galaxy fan hoping for massive hardware upgrades, you'd better hop into a time machine and skip to 2025.